JP4251569B2 - Vehicle body structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure capable of minimizing an impact applied to a fuel tank when a side collision occurs in the vehicle.

As a vehicle body structure, a structure in which left and right side frames are extended in front of and behind a vehicle body and a fuel tank is disposed inside these side frames is put into practical use.
The vehicle body structure of a practical vehicle is practically sufficient if the fuel tank can be protected from the predetermined impact of the vehicle when the vehicle has a side collision as described above.

As such a vehicle body structure, there is known a vehicle body structure in which a fuel tank is disposed in a space surrounded by a side frame and a cross member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-25980 (page 12, FIG. 1)

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a conventional basic configuration. A vehicle body structure 230 includes a pair of left and right side frames 231 and 231 extending in front and rear and parallel to the vehicle body. The fuel tank 234 and the silencer 235 are arranged in a space surrounded by the side frames 231 and 231 and the front and rear cross members 232 and 233.

  By the way, a vehicle such as a passenger car has a side collision performance (hereinafter referred to as “side collision performance”) defined by safety standards such as FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehcle Safety Standards), and includes a side frame and a cross member. A predetermined rigidity is required for the vehicle body.

However, in the vehicle body structure 230, the front and rear cross members 232 and 233 need to have a predetermined rigidity in order to satisfy the safety standards such as FMVSS. For example, the width of the cross members 232 and 233 is increased. In some cases, the height of the cross members 232 and 233 must be increased.
That is, if the width of the cross members 232 and 233 is increased in order to ensure the rigidity of the cross members 232 and 233, there is a problem that the weight of the vehicle body is increased. In addition, if the height of the cross members 232 and 233 is increased, there is a drawback in that lowering the floor of the vehicle (floor panel) is hindered in order to ensure the minimum ground clearance.

  That is, there is a demand for a vehicle body structure that can clear the side impact performance while minimizing an increase in the weight of the vehicle body and can promote a reduction in the floor of the vehicle (floor panel).

The present invention solves the problem that the weight of the vehicle body increases in order to clear the side collision performance, and provides a vehicle body structure capable of clearing the side collision performance while minimizing the increase in the vehicle body weight. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body structure for a vehicle that can solve the problem of hindering flooring and promote the lowering of the floor of the vehicle.

A vehicle body structure invention according to claim 1 includes a pair of left and right side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills provided outside the vehicle width of these side frames, and the pair of left and right side frames. and side sills connecting member configured to cross member and also the right and left side sills and a outriggers connecting the vehicle width direction connecting the cross member is constructed side frame connection that is spaced to the vehicle forward or backward from the side sills connecting member a body structure of a vehicle equipped with a member, the side sill connecting member is formed in a substantially same depth outrigger left and right side sills of the connecting portion to the left and right side sills, cross members of the side sills connecting member It is formed in an arch shape that shallows the center, and the side frame connecting member is a pair of left and right side frames It is connected only to, and is to the left and right side sills are members that are not connected, are formed in the same depth at the right side of the vehicle body section is a connecting portion of the depth of the body center to the right side frame, the side sills connecting member in the vicinity, characterized in that the fuel tank is disposed in a space surrounded on substantially U-shaped on the connected side frame connecting member are not, and a pair of left and right side frame portion to outriggers.

  For example, if it is possible to minimize the increase in the weight of the vehicle body in order to clear the side collision performance, it is preferable because the increase in fuel consumption can be suppressed. In addition, if the vehicle floor can be lowered, it is advantageous because the convenience of the vehicle can be improved.

Therefore, a vehicle body structure of the vehicle, a pair of left and right side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills provided outside the vehicle width of these side frames , a cross member connecting these pair of left and right side frames , and Further, a side sill connecting member configured by an outrigger that connects the left and right side sills in the vehicle width direction, and a side frame connecting member configured by a cross member disposed away from the side sill connecting member forward or backward of the vehicle body. The side sill coupling member is formed in an arch shape in which the outriggers of the connection portions to the left and right side sills are formed at substantially the same depth on the left and right side sills, and the center portion of the cross member of the side sill coupling member is shallow. The side frame connecting members are connected only to the pair of left and right side frames. Is to sill a member that is not connected, is formed a depth of the body center to the same depth at the right side of the vehicle body section is a connecting portion to the right side frame, not connected in the vicinity of the side sill coupling member, the outrigger side frame coupling member, and the fuel tank is disposed in the right and left pair of side frames subspace surrounded in substantially U-shape.

Generally, when there is a side collision with the side sill connecting member (side frame), the side sill connection outside the U-shaped space (the space surrounded by the side frame connecting member and the pair of left and right side frames in a substantially U shape). The member is deformed to absorb the energy of the side collision.
In other words, it is a member that is connected only to a pair of left and right side frames and not to the left and right side sills, and the depth of the center of the vehicle body is the same as the depth at the right side of the vehicle body that is the connection part to the right side frame. is formed in the vicinity of the side sill coupling member, by arranging the fuel tank in a space surrounded on substantially U-shaped on the connected side frame connecting member are not, and a pair of left and right side frame portion to outriggers, for example, defined like in FMVSS In order to clear the safety standard side collision performance, it is not necessary to increase the rigidity of the side sill connecting member beyond a predetermined rigidity, and the increase in the weight of the vehicle body can be minimized.

In addition, in order to connect the pair of left and right side frames and the left and right side sills in the vehicle width direction, the connecting portions to the left and right side sills are formed at substantially the same depth in the left and right side sills, and By providing a side sill connecting member formed in an arch shape that shallows the center part, and a side frame connecting member that separates the side sill connecting member from the side sill front or rear of the vehicle body and connects a pair of left and right side frames, respectively, The rigidity in the vehicle body width direction can be dispersed in the side sill connecting member and the side frame connecting member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the side sill connecting member includes a plurality of reinforcing beads formed at the bottom along the side wall of the side sill connecting member.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the right side of the vehicle body is connected to only the pair of left and right side frames and is not connected to the left and right side sills, and the depth of the center of the vehicle body is the connecting portion to the right side frame. is formed the same as the depth, in the vicinity of the side sill coupling member, the side frame connecting member is not connected to the outrigger, and a pair of left and right side frame portion so disposed a fuel tank disposed in the space surrounded the substantially U-shaped For example, in order to clear the safety standard side impact performance defined by FMVSS etc., it is not necessary to increase the rigidity of the side sill connecting member beyond a predetermined rigidity, and the increase in the weight of the vehicle body can be minimized. As a result, there is an advantage that an increase in fuel consumption can be suppressed.

In addition, in order to connect the pair of left and right side frames and the left and right side sills in the vehicle width direction, the connecting portions to the left and right side sills are formed at substantially the same depth in the left and right side sills, and Since the side sill connecting member formed in the arch shape that shallows the center part and the side frame connecting member that separates the side sill connecting member from the side sill connecting member to the front or rear of the vehicle body and connects the pair of left and right side frames are provided. The rigidity in the vehicle body width direction can be dispersed in the side sill connecting member and the side frame connecting member. As a result, the height dimension of the side sill connecting member and the side frame connecting member can be reduced, and the floor reduction of the vehicle can be promoted.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the side sill coupling member includes a plurality of reinforcing beads formed at the bottom along the side wall of the side sill coupling member.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle adopting a vehicle body structure according to the present invention. 10 is a vehicle, 12 is a vehicle body frame, 13 is a passenger compartment, 14 is a front bumper, 15 is a front fender, 16 is a front wheel, and 17 is a rear wheel. A wheel, 18 is a front door, 19 is a rear door, 21 is a tailgate, 22 is a rear bumper, 23 is a hood, and 24 is a roof.
A vehicle body structure 50 according to the present invention has a structure in which a fuel tank 35 disposed in a substantially U-shaped space is disposed by a lateral coupling member 53 as a side frame coupling member and a pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. is there.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle body structure according to the present invention. The vehicle body structure 50 includes a vehicle body frame 12, a floor panel 31 attached to the vehicle body frame 12, and a front portion of the floor panel 31. And a fuel tank 35 disposed below the floor panel 31.

The floor panel 31 is a member that is mounted substantially flat on the vehicle body frame 12.
The dashboard (dash panel) 32 is a member formed continuously on the floor panel 31 together with a partition wall that partitions the engine room 33 and the vehicle compartment 13 (see FIG. 1). In the figure, 34 is a front subframe that supports a power plant (not shown), and 38 is the vicinity of the footrest.

The vehicle body frame 12 includes left and right front side frames 41 and 41, left and right side frames (floor frames) 42L and 42R extending to the rear of the vehicle body on the front side frames 41 and 41, and side frames 42L and 42R, respectively. Left and right rear frames (rear side frames) 43, 43 extending from the rear of the vehicle body, a first cross member 44 connecting the front portions of the left and right side frames 42L, 42R, and a middle connecting the left and right side frames 42L, 42R. Two cross members 45, a third cross member 46 connecting the rear portions of the left and right side frames 42L and 42R, and left and right first frames extending outward from the connection positions of the first cross members 44 of the left and right side frames 42L and 42R. 1 Outriggers (overhang members) 47, 47 and left and right side frames Left and right second outriggers (extension members) 48 and 48 extending outward from the connection position of the second cross member 45 of 42L and 42R, and the third cross member 46 connection position of the left and right side frames 42L and 42R, respectively. Left and right third outriggers (extension members) 49, 49, left front side sills 52L connected to the tips of the left first to third outriggers 47 to 49, and right first to third outriggers, respectively. 47 to 49, the right front side sill 52R connected to the front end, the horizontal connecting member 53 connecting the left and right side frames 42L and 42R behind the third cross member 46, and the left and right rear frames 43 and 43. 1 and the rear cross member 54, and a side sill extending portion 58L of the left extended from the front side sills 52L of the rear end of the left, right front side support idosyl 52 A side sill extending portion 58R of the right extended from the rear end of the consist.

  The side frames 42L and 42R are formed in a substantially C shape that is widened in plan view toward the rear of the vehicle body, and includes a widened portion 62 that is formed in the substantially C shape. In addition, 38 shows the footrest vicinity of the floor panel 31, and 39L, 39R shows each bottom face of the side frames 42L, 42R.

  The left side sill 51L includes a left front side sill 52L and a left side sill extension 58L. Further, the right side sill 51R includes a right front side sill 52R and a right side sill extension 58R.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and shows a vertical cross section of the right side of the vehicle body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
In FIG. 3, the depths of the first to third cross members 44 to 46 at the right side of the vehicle body having a substantially U-shaped cross section are substantially the same as the depth of the side frame 42R. 4 shows that the depth of the first to third cross members 44 to 46 at the vehicle body center portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed to be shallower than the depth of the side frame 42R.

  FIG. 3 shows that the depth of the lateral connecting member 53 at the right side of the vehicle body having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed shallower than the depth of the side frame 42R. Further, in FIG. 4, the depth of the lateral connecting member 53 at the vehicle body center portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section is substantially the same as the depth at the vehicle body right side portion shown in FIG. 8.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle body frame employed in the vehicle body structure according to the present invention. The first cross member 44 is a substantially U-shaped cross-section member having an upper opening, and includes a bottom portion 71, And a side wall portion 72a, 72b raised from both sides of the bottom portion 71. The bottom portion 71 has a U-shaped cross-section depth of the center portion 71a larger than a U-shaped cross-section depth of both end portions 71b, 71b. It has a shallow arch shape. The second cross member 45 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The third cross member 46 is a member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section with an upper opening, and includes a bottom portion 73 and side wall portions 74 and 74 raised from both sides of the bottom portion 73. The bottom 73 has an arch shape in which the depth of the U-shaped cross section of the central portion 73a is shallower than the depth of the U-shaped cross sections of both end portions 73b, 73b, and the bottom 73 is along the side walls 74, 74. The reinforcing beads 75 shown in FIG. 3 are formed (... indicates a plurality, the same applies hereinafter).

  The lateral connection member 53 is a member having an approximately U-shaped cross section with an upper opening, and a member including a bottom portion 77 (see FIG. 3) and side wall portions 78 and 78 raised from the bottom portion 77 on both sides. It is.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cross member employed in the vehicle body structure of the vehicle according to the present invention, and shows a second cross member 45.
The second cross member 45 is a member having an approximately U-shaped cross-section with an upper opening, and includes a bottom portion 81, side wall portions 82 and 82 raised from the bottom portion 81, and the side wall portions 82 and 82. Front and rear flanges 83, 83 formed outward, side flanges 84... Bent at the left and right ends of the side walls 82, 82, and a plurality of reinforcements formed on the bottom 81 along the side walls 82, 82. And bead 85... And left and right attachment portions 86 and 86 attached to the side frames 42L and 42R (see FIG. 3) by extending from the left and right of the bottom portion 81, respectively.

  The bottom portion 81 has an arch shape in which the depth of the U-shaped cross section of the center portion 81a is shallower than the depth of the U-shaped cross sections of both end portions 81b and 81b.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a vehicle body frame employed in the vehicle body structure according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle body frame employed in the vehicle body structure according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 61 denotes a member member as a side sill connecting member constituted by a cross member (third cross member) 46 and left and right outriggers (third outriggers) 49, 49.

  The vehicle body structure 50 includes a pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills 51L and 51R provided outside the vehicle width of the side frames 42L and 42R, and a pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. Member members (side sill connecting members) 61 (comprising a third cross member 46 and left and right third outriggers 49, 49) for connecting the side frames 42L, 42R and the left and right side sills 51L, 51R in the vehicle width direction, and this member member 61, a lateral coupling member 53 that connects the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R to each other and the space between the lateral coupling member 53 and the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. It can be said that the fuel tank 35 to be arranged is configured.

  In the figure, 55 is a second rear cross member passed to the rear of the left and right rear frames 43, 43, 56 is a third rear cross member passed to the rear of the left and right rear frames 43, 43, and 57, 57 are first rear cross members. Left and right rear outriggers 59, 59 extending outward from the connection position of the first rear cross member 54 are a pair of vertical members that are passed from the third rear cross member 56 to the second rear cross member 55.

  For example, if it is possible to minimize the increase in the weight of the vehicle body in order to clear the side collision performance, it is preferable because the increase in fuel consumption can be suppressed. In addition, if the vehicle floor can be lowered, it is advantageous because the convenience of the vehicle can be improved.

  Therefore, the vehicle body structure 50 includes a pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills 51L and 51R provided outside the vehicle width of these side frames 42L and 42R, and these A member member (side sill connecting member) 61 (consisting of a third cross member 46 and left and right third outriggers 49, 49) that connects the pair of left and right side frames 42L, 42R and the left and right side sills 51L, 51R in the vehicle width direction, A space that is spaced apart from the member member 61 toward the rear of the vehicle body and that connects the pair of left and right side frames, and is enclosed in a substantially U shape by the side connection member 53 and the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. The fuel tank 35 to be disposed at is disposed.

  That is, in order to clear the safety standard side impact performance defined by, for example, FMVSS, by arranging the fuel tank 35 in a space surrounded by a substantially U-shape by the lateral connecting member 53 and the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. In addition, it is not necessary to increase the rigidity of the member member 61 beyond a predetermined rigidity, and an increase in the weight of the vehicle body can be minimized. As a result, an increase in fuel consumption can be suppressed.

  Further, a member member (side sill connecting member) 61 (consisting of a third cross member 46 and left and right third outriggers 49, 49) that connects the pair of left and right side frames 42L, 42R and the left and right side sills 51L, 51R in the vehicle width direction; Further, by providing a lateral coupling member 53 that is spaced apart from the member member 61 toward the rear of the vehicle body and connects the pair of left and right side frames, the rigidity in the vehicle body width direction is distributed to each member member 61 and the lateral coupling member 53. be able to. As a result, the height dimension of the member member 61 and the horizontal connecting member 53 can be reduced, and the floor reduction of the vehicle 10 can be promoted.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are comparative explanatory views of the vehicle body structure of the vehicle according to the present invention. FIG. 9A shows the vehicle body structure 140 of the vehicle of the comparative example, and FIG. 9B shows the vehicle body structure of the vehicle of the example. Structure 50 is shown.
In (a), the vehicle body structure 140 includes a vehicle body frame 141 that extends from the left and right side frames 142L and 142R, the cross member 143 that connects the left and right side frames 142L and 142R, and the left and right side frames 142L and 142R. It is composed of left and right outriggers 144, 144 extending outward and left and right side sills 145L, 145R supported by the left and right outriggers 144, 144, respectively, and a fuel tank 146 is provided at the rear of the cross member 143. is there. Reference numeral 147 denotes a member member (side sill connecting member) constituted by the cross member 143 and the left and right outriggers 144 and 144.

  In (b), in the vehicle body structure 140 of the vehicle, in order to clear the “side impact performance” defined in the safety standard such as FMVSS described above, it is necessary to give the cross member a predetermined rigidity. It is necessary to increase the width A1 of the member 143 and the outrigger 144, or to increase the height of the cross member 143 and the outrigger 144. P represents a test piece.

  In (c), a pair of left and right side frames 42L, 42R extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills 51L, 51R provided outside the vehicle width of these side frames 42L, 42R, and a pair of these left and right sides A member member (side sill connecting member) 61 for connecting the frames 42L, 42R and the left and right side sills 51L, 51R in the vehicle width direction; a lateral connecting member 53 for separating the member members 61 rearward from the vehicle body and connecting the pair of left and right side frames; The fuel tank 35 is disposed in a space surrounded by a horizontal connection member 53 and a pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R in a substantially U-shape.

  In (d), it is shown that the width A2 (or height) of the cross member 46 and the outrigger 49 can be set narrower than the width A1 (or height) of the cross member 143 and the outrigger 144 shown in (b).

  That is, by disposing the fuel tank 35 in a space surrounded by a substantially U-shape by the horizontal connecting member 53 and the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R, for example, the safety standard side impact performance defined by FMVSS or the like is cleared. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the rigidity of the member member (side sill connecting member) 61 beyond a predetermined rigidity, and an increase in the weight of the vehicle body can be minimized. As a result, an increase in fuel consumption can be suppressed. Furthermore, the floor can be lowered.

  In the vehicle body structure according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the fuel tank 35 is disposed in a space surrounded in a substantially U shape by the lateral connecting member 53 and the pair of left and right side frames 42L and 42R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the provision of the cross member behind the fuel tank 35 is not prevented.

  In the vehicle body structure according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal connecting member 53 is separated from the member member 61 toward the rear of the vehicle body, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be spaced from the vehicle body forward.

  The vehicle body structure according to the present invention is suitable for use in vehicles such as minivans and wagons.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that employs a vehicle body structure according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle body structure of a vehicle according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body frame employed in a vehicle body structure according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the cross member employ | adopted as the vehicle body structure of the vehicle which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of the vehicle body frame employ | adopted as the vehicle body structure of the vehicle which concerns on this invention. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle body frame employed in the vehicle body structure according to the present invention. It is comparison explanatory drawing of the vehicle body structure of the vehicle which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the conventional basic composition.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle, 12 ... Body frame, 35 ... Fuel tank, 42L, 42R ... Left and right side frames, 46 ... Cross member (third cross member), 49 ... Outrigger (third outrigger), 50 ... Vehicle body structure 51L, 51R ... left and right side sills, 53 ... side frame connecting members (lateral connecting members), 61 ... side sill connecting members (member members).

Claims (2)

A pair of left and right side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, left and right side sills provided outside the vehicle width of these side frames , a cross member connecting these pair of left and right side frames , and further left and right side sills are arranged in the vehicle width direction. A vehicle body structure of a vehicle comprising a side sill coupling member constituted by an outrigger connected to the vehicle, and a side frame coupling member constituted by a cross member arranged away from the side sill coupling member forward or backward of the vehicle body,
The side sill coupling member is formed in an arch shape in which the outriggers of the connection portions to the left and right side sills are formed to have substantially the same depth as the left and right side sills, and the center portion of the cross member of the side sill coupling member is shallow. And
The side frame connecting member is a member that is connected only to the pair of left and right side frames and is not connected to the left and right side sills, and has a vehicle body whose depth at the center of the vehicle body is a connecting portion to the right side frame. Formed to the same depth as the right side,
In the vicinity of the side sill connection member, of the vehicle, wherein the outrigger connected to not the side frame connecting member, and said pair of left and right side frame portion in the fuel tank in a space surrounded on substantially U-shaped is arranged Body structure.   2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the side sill connecting member includes a plurality of reinforcing beads formed at a bottom portion along a side wall portion of the side sill connecting member.

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