Body structure

Abstract

The vehicle body structure (10) is formed with a first ridgeline (35), a second ridgeline (36), and a recess (33) on the upper inner plate (26) of the upper side beam (16). The first ridgeline extends continuously from the front end to the rear end of the upper side beam, and can transmit the load input from the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to the upper side beam. The second ridgeline has a bent portion (38) at a position consistent with the top arch connecting portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the bent portion (38) is recessed toward the first ridgeline to form a recess. The upper end of the center pillar (14) is joined to the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-183601 filed on October 4, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The vehicle body structure has an upper side rail extending along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body on the side of the upper part of the vehicle body, and a side rail extending along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body on the side of the lower part of the vehicle body, and a center pillar is connected to the side rail and the upper side rail (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0004] When a collision load is input to the center pillar due to a side collision, the input collision load is transmitted to the side rails via the lower end of the center pillar, and is transmitted to the upper side rails via the upper end of the center pillar.

[0005] The roof side rail is joined to the roof arch, and the roof arch extends in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the collision load transmitted to the roof side rail is transmitted to the roof arch via the roof side rail.

[0006] Prior Art Literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent document 1: German Patent Application Publication No. 102016118366 Summary of the invention

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] Here, the center pillar is bent toward the interior at a position above the waistline and is narrowed to widen the front and rear window glasses. The collision load input to the center pillar by a side collision is transmitted to the roof arch via the roof side rail, and the collision load is supported by the roof arch. However, it is desired to put into practical use a technology that efficiently transmits the collision load input to the center pillar to the roof arch via the roof side rail.

[0012] An aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle body structure capable of efficiently transmitting a collision load input to a center pillar due to a side collision to a roof arch.

[0013]

Solutions to Solve the Problem

[0014] (1) The vehicle body structure of the present invention comprises: an upper side rail, which is extended along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body on the side above the vehicle body and forms a hollow closed cross-section through the inner wall and the outer wall; a roof arch, which is connected to the roof arch connecting portion of the inner wall; a center pillar, which connects the upper end portion to the upper side rail and the lower end portion to the side rail. In the vehicle body structure, the outer wall has a first ridge line and a second ridge line arranged in the upper and lower parts, and a recessed portion arranged at the second ridge line. The first ridge line extends continuously from the front end to the rear end of the upper side rail and can transmit the load input from the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to the upper side rail. The second ridge line has a bent portion at a position consistent with the roof arch connecting portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the bent portion is recessed toward the first ridge line to form the recessed portion, and the upper end portion of the center pillar is connected to the recessed portion.

[0015] According to the scheme (1), the load input from the front and rear directions of the vehicle body can be transmitted to the upper side rail, and the first ridgeline is continuously extended from the front end of the upper side rail to the rear end without a bend. Thus, the collision load (load) generated by the front collision or the rear collision can be transmitted through the first ridgeline, and the collision load can be supported by the upper side rail.

[0016] Furthermore, a bent portion is formed at a position of the second ridgeline that coincides with the roof arch connecting portion, and a recess is formed on the outer wall. The upper end of the center pillar is joined to the recess. Thus, the upper end of the center pillar can be arranged at a position close to the roof arch. Thus, the collision load input to the center pillar due to a side collision can be efficiently transmitted from the upper end of the center pillar to the roof arch, and the transmission loss to the roof arch can be reduced.

[0017] (2) In the above-mentioned solution (1), at the cross-sectional center of the top side rail, the axis of the top arch and the axis of the center pillar may intersect.

[0018] Here, when the side impact load generated by the side impact is input to the center pillar, the bending moment with the cross-sectional center of the upper side beam as the axis acts on the upper end of the center pillar. Therefore, in the scheme (2), the axis of the top arch is made to intersect with the axis of the center pillar at the cross-sectional center of the upper side beam. Thus, the bending moment with the cross-sectional center of the upper side beam as the axis can be suppressed by the top arch. Thus, the impact load input to the center pillar due to the side impact can be efficiently transmitted from the upper end of the center pillar to the top arch.

[0019] (3) In the above-mentioned scheme (1) or (2), the top arch can be formed as a first top hat section opening upward, and the end portion is bent downward near the inner wall of the upper side beam, and the center column can have an inner plate formed as a second top hat section in a manner overlapping the first top hat section along the end portion.

[0020] According to the solution (3), the inner plate of the center pillar is formed into a second top-hat section. The second top-hat section is overlapped along the first top-hat section of the top arch. Thus, the side collision load input to the inner plate of the center pillar can be efficiently transmitted to the top arch.

[0021] Therefore, the depth of the outer panel formed into a top hat cross section can be reduced while ensuring the load transfer from the center pillar to the top arch. Thus, the door and window frames of the vehicle can be set thin and the surface of the vehicle can be made smooth.

[0022] The smooth surface refers to a surface structure in which the height difference of the vehicle surface is minimized in order to reduce the air resistance of the vehicle.

[0023] (4) In any of the above schemes (1) to (3), the center pillar can have a reinforcement member arranged inside and having a longitudinal wall extending in the vehicle width direction, and the reinforcement member can arrange the upper end of the longitudinal wall in the recessed portion, between the upper side beam and the waistline, and the longitudinal wall protrudes from the outer panel to the inner panel of the center pillar.

[0024] According to the scheme (4), the upper end of the longitudinal wall of the reinforcement is arranged in the recessed portion. In addition, the longitudinal wall of the reinforcement is made to protrude from the outer panel to the inner panel between the roof side rail and the waistline. Thus, the center pillar between the roof side rail and the waistline that is bent toward the interior can be reinforced by the reinforcement for the load in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] Thus, when, for example, a negative bending moment acts on the center pillar near the roof side sill which is the upper support point in a side collision, the reinforcement can suppress the cross section of the center pillar from being crushed and deformed in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] (5) In the above aspect (4), the center pillar may include a pillar bulkhead having a horizontally arranged partition wall at a position above the beltline.

[0027] According to the configuration (5), the partition wall of the pillar bulkhead is horizontally arranged at the center pillar above the waistline. Thus, the center pillar above the waistline can be reinforced by the pillar bulkhead against the load in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0028] Thus, when, for example, a positive bending moment acts on the center pillar above the beltline where the collision object interferes due to a side collision, the pillar bulkhead can suppress the cross section of the center pillar from being crushed and deformed in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0029] (6) In the above-mentioned configuration (4) or (5), the reinforcement may be formed into a U-shaped cross section along the top and a pair of side walls of the outer panel of the center pillar, and may extend in the vertical direction intersecting the waistline.

[0030] According to the scheme of (6), the reinforcement is formed into a U-shaped cross-section along the top and a pair of side walls of the outer plate of the center column. In addition, the reinforcement is extended in the vertical direction in a manner intersecting the waistline. Thus, the strength and rigidity of the center column in the range where the collision object interferes due to a side collision can be improved by the reinforcement. In other words, the collision load input to the center column due to a side collision can be dispersed to the upper side beam and the lower side beam. Thus, the collision load input to the center column due to a side collision can be supported by the upper side beam and the side beam.

[0031] (7) In any one of the above aspects (4) to (6), the reinforcement may have a maximum plate thickness portion between the beltline and the roof side rail.

[0032] According to the solution (7), the maximum plate thickness portion is formed between the waistline and the upper side rail in the reinforcement. Thus, the strength and rigidity of the portion where the maximum bending moment is generated during a side collision can be improved. Thus, the collision load input due to the side collision can be well distributed to the upper side rail on the upper side and the lower side rail.

[0033] (8) In any of the above schemes (4) to (6), the recessed portion may have a bottom portion connected to the lower flange of the upper side beam, and a top portion protruding from the bottom portion to the bent portion, and the outer panel of the center pillar has an upper end portion that surrounds the upper end portion of the reinforcement member arranged in the recessed portion and is joined to the bottom portion and the top portion.

[0034] According to the solution (8), the upper end of the reinforcement is surrounded by the upper end of the outer panel, and the upper end surrounding the upper end of the reinforcement is connected to the bottom and top of the recess. As a result, the upper end of the center pillar can be firmly connected to the roof side rail. As a result, the collision load input to the center pillar can be well transmitted to the roof arch via the roof side rail.

[0035] (9) In any one of the above schemes (1) to (8), the top side beam may have a beam bulkhead having a cross-sectional shielding portion of the side wall of at least one of the roof arch and the center pillar arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the beam bulkhead is connected to the outer wall or the inner wall.

[0036] According to the scheme (9), the top side rail is provided with a beam bulkhead. The cross-sectional shielding portion of the beam bulkhead is arranged on the side wall of at least one of the roof arch and the center pillar in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Thus, the collision load input to the center pillar can be well transmitted to the roof arch via the beam bulkhead.

[0037] (10) In the above-mentioned aspect (9), the beam spacer may be formed into any one of a top hat cross section, a crankshaft cross section, and a U-shaped cross section.

[0038] According to the aspect (10), the beam spacer is formed into any one of a top hat cross section, a crankshaft cross section, and a U-shaped cross section. This makes it easy to manufacture the beam spacer and to join the beam spacer to the roof rail.

[0039] (11) In any one of the above schemes (1) to (10), the upper side beam may include: the outer wall formed into a U-shaped cross-section opening toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and having a roof top to which the roof panel is connected; and the inner wall capable of being connected to the outer wall from the inside in the vehicle width direction to form an L-shaped cross-section.

[0040] According to the scheme of (11), the outer wall of the upper side beam is formed into a U-shaped cross section that opens toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the top of the roof is formed on the outer wall. The inner wall of the upper side beam can be joined to the outer wall to form an L-shaped cross section. As a result, the top of the roof can be made close to the closed cross section of the upper side beam in the vertical direction. As a result, the height of the vehicle interior space can be well ensured in a state where the vertical position of the roof panel (i.e., the vehicle height) is lowered.

[0041] (12) In the above-mentioned aspect (9) or (10), the roof side rail may include a reinforcing member facing the beam bulkhead.

[0042] According to the scheme (12), the top side beam is provided with a reinforcing member, and the reinforcing member is arranged opposite to the beam bulkhead. Thus, the collision load input to the center pillar can be well received by the reinforcing member, and the received collision load can be transferred from the reinforcing member to the beam bulkhead. Thus, the collision load input to the center pillar can be well transferred to the roof arch.

[0043] [Effects of the invention]

[0044] According to the solution of the present invention, a bent portion is formed at the second ridgeline to form a recessed portion on the outer wall. The upper end of the center pillar is joined to the recessed portion. Thus, the collision load input to the center pillar due to a side collision can be efficiently transmitted to the roof arch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a state where the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment is cut along the center pillar.

[0047] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a center pillar and a roof side sill of the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 It means from Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle body structure in which an outer panel is decomposed.

[0049] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing a roof side rail and a roof arch of the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment.

[0050] Figure 6 It means along Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the state cut along line VI-VI.

[0051] Figure 7 It means along Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the state cut along line VII-VII.

[0052] Figure 8 It is a side view of the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment as viewed from the vehicle cabin side.

[0053] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX.

[0054] Fig.10 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along line XX. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It should be noted that in the drawings of the embodiments, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle body structure 10 of the embodiment has a substantially bilaterally symmetrical structure. The left and right components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the structure of the left side will be mainly described in detail.

[0057] <Body structure>

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body structure 10 includes side rails 12 , a center pillar 14 , a roof side rail 16 , and a roof arch 18 .

[0059] The side beam 12 has a hollow closed cross section extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at the side of the lower part of the vehicle body. The center pillar 14 extends upward from the center part 12a of the side beam 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The top side beam 16 is fixed to the upper end part 14a of the center pillar 14. The top side beam 16 has a hollow closed cross section extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at the side of the upper part of the vehicle body (refer to Figure 4 ). A roof arch 18 is connected to the roof side rail 16. The roof arch 18 is mounted on the left and right roof side rails 16.

[0060] <Side beam>

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the side beam 12 includes a side beam outer plate 21 and a side beam inner plate 22 .

[0062] The side sill outer plate 21 is formed into a top hat cross section having an upper flange 21 a and a lower flange 21 b . The side sill inner plate 22 is formed into a top hat cross section having an upper flange 22 a and a lower flange 22 b .

[0063] The upper flanges 21a and 22a of the side beam outer plate 21 and the side beam inner plate 22 are joined to each other. The lower flanges 21b and 22b of the side beam outer plate 21 and the side beam inner plate 22 are joined to each other. Thus, the side beam 12 is formed into a hollow closed cross section by the side beam outer plate 21 and the side beam inner plate 22. In other words, the side beam 12 continuously forms a hollow structure along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The side beam 12 is a frame member with high strength and high rigidity, especially for the loads in the front and rear of the vehicle body.

[0064] <Upper side beam>

[0065] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the roof side rail 16 is provided on the side above the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The roof side rail 16 includes an upper side outer panel (outer wall) 25, an upper side inner panel (inner wall) 26, a beam reinforcement member (reinforcement member) 27, and a beam bulkhead 28.

[0066] The upper outer panel 25 is formed into a U-shaped cross section that opens toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The upper outer panel 25 has a roof bulge 30 , an outer upper flange (roof top) 31 , an outer lower flange (lower flange) 32 , and a recess 33 .

[0067] The roof bulge 30 bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. The roof bulge 30 has a first ridgeline 35 and a second ridgeline 36 spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first ridgeline 35 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in a V-shape, extending from the front end 16a to the rear end 16b of the roof rail 16 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) extends continuously in a roughly straight line without any bends in the shape of a ridge.

[0068] Thus, the first ridgeline 35 ensures strength and rigidity so as to transmit the load input from the vehicle body front-rear direction to the roof side rail 16. Thus, the load input from the front end 16a or the rear end 16b of the roof side rail 16 can be supported by the roof side rail 16.

[0069] The second ridgeline 36 is arranged below the first ridgeline 35. The second ridgeline 36, like the first ridgeline 35, protrudes in a V-shape toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The second ridgeline 36 has a bending portion 38 at a position opposite to the top arch connecting portion 45a described later. In other words, the bending portion 38 is arranged at a position consistent with the top arch connecting portion 45a in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The bending portion 38 is formed, for example, in a trapezoidal shape recessed toward the first ridgeline 35 side. By forming the bending portion 38 on the second ridgeline 36, a recessed portion 33 is formed below the bending portion 38 (i.e., the bending portion 38).

[0070] The recess 33 is formed to be recessed toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The recess 33 has a bottom 41 and a top 42. The bottom 41 is connected to the outer lower flange 32. The bottom 41 is formed flatly in a manner flush with the outer lower flange 32. The top 42 protrudes from the upper end 41a of the bottom 41 to the bent portion 38. The top 42 is formed in a trapezoidal shape along the bent portion 38, for example. The upper end 14a of the center pillar 14 (specifically, the upper end 55b of the outer panel 55 described later) is joined to the bottom 41 and top 42 of the recess 33 and the upper portion 43 of the recess 33.

[0071] It should be noted that, in addition to the first ridgeline 35 and the second ridgeline 36 , other ridgelines may be added to the upper outer panel 25 .

[0072] The outer upper flange 31 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper side of the roof bulge 30. The outer lower flange 32 protrudes downward from the lower side of the roof bulge 30 and gradually inclines outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] The upper side inner panel 26 can be joined to the upper side outer panel 25 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction to form an L-shaped cross section. The upper side inner panel 26 has a roof wall portion 45, an inner upper flange 46, and an inner lower flange 47. The roof wall portion 45 is configured to close the opening of the roof bulge portion 30 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The roof wall portion 45 has a roof arch connecting portion 45a to which the roof arch 18 described later is connected.

[0074] The inner upper flange 46 protrudes from the upper side of the roof bulge 30 along the outer upper flange 31 toward the vehicle width direction inner side. The inner lower flange 47 protrudes from the lower side of the roof bulge 30 along the outer lower flange 32 toward the lower side and gradually inclines toward the vehicle width direction outer side.

[0075] The inner upper flange 46 is joined to the outer upper flange 31 from below. The inner lower flange 47 is joined to the outer lower flange 32 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the upper side rail 16 is formed into a hollow closed cross section by the upper side outer panel 25 and the upper side inner panel 26. The upper side rail 16 is a high-rigidity member that forms a vehicle body frame on the side of the upper part of the vehicle body. The roof panel 48 is joined to the outer upper flange of the upper side rail 16 from above.

[0076] In this way, the upper side outer panel 25 is formed into a U-shaped cross section that opens toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The upper side outer panel 25 is formed with an outer upper flange 31 that protrudes toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0077] The inner upper flange 46 of the upper side inner panel 26 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction along the outer upper flange 31. Thus, the outer upper flange 31 and the inner upper flange 46 can be arranged below the upper side rail 16 in the vertical direction close to the hollow closed cross section. The roof panel 48 is joined to the outer upper flange 31 from above. Thus, the height of the vehicle interior space can be well ensured in a state where the upper and lower positions of the roof panel 48 (i.e., the vehicle height) are lowered.

[0078] Inside the hollow closed cross section of the roof side rail 16, a beam reinforcement member 27 is joined to the inner surface of the upper side outer panel 25. The beam reinforcement member 27 is formed along the inner surface of the roof bulge 30 and is a member for reinforcing the upper side outer panel 25. The beam reinforcement member 27 is joined to a position on the inner surface of the roof bulge 30 that is opposite to the arch connection portion 45a of the upper side inner panel 26 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The beam reinforcement member 27 is arranged at a position opposite to the beam bulkhead 28 described later.

[0079] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a beam spacer 28 is provided in the hollow closed cross section of the roof rail 16. The beam spacer 28 has a cross section shielding portion 51 and a joining piece 52. The cross section shielding portion 51 and the joining piece 52 form the beam spacer 28 into a U-shaped cross section.

[0080] The cross-sectional shielding portion 51 is, for example, arranged on an outer front side wall 65 of a center pillar 14 (see Figure 3 ) and the arch front side wall 122 of the roof arch 18 described later are arranged in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the cross-section shielding portion 51 is arranged, for example, on the outer rear side wall 66 of the center pillar described later in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body (see Figure 3 ) and the arch rear side wall 123 of the roof arch 18 described later are arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0081] The outer front side wall 65 (side wall) and the outer rear side wall 66 (side wall) are a pair of side walls, one of which is the outer front side wall 65, and the other of which is the outer rear side wall 66. The arch front side wall 122 and the arch rear side wall 123 are a pair of side walls, one of which is the arch front side wall 122, and the other of which is the arch rear side wall 123.

[0082] The cross-section shielding portion 51, for example, has a joining piece 52 protruding from the periphery of the cross-section shielding portion 51 along the inner surface of the roof bulge 30 and the inner surface of the roof wall 45. The joining piece 52 is joined to the inner surface selected from the roof bulge 30, the roof wall 45, and the beam reinforcement member 27. In other words, the beam spacer 28 is joined to the upper side outer panel 25 or the upper side inner panel 26.

[0083] It should be noted that the cross-sectional shielding portion 51 may be arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at either the outer front side wall 65 of the center pillar 14 or the arch front side wall 122 of the roof arch 18. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shielding portion 51 may be arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at either the outer rear side wall 66 of the center pillar 14 or the arch rear side wall 123 of the roof arch 18.

[0084] The beam spacer 28 is not limited to a U-shaped cross section, and can be formed into a top hat cross section or a crankshaft cross section. In this way, the beam spacer 28 is formed into any one of a U-shaped cross section, a top hat cross section, and a crankshaft cross section. Thus, the beam spacer 28 can be easily manufactured, and the beam spacer 28 can be easily joined to the roof rail 16.

[0085] <Middle Column>

[0086] like Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown, the center pillar 14 is joined to the side rail 12 and the roof side rail 16. The lower end 14b of the center pillar 14 is joined to the side rail 12. The upper end 14a of the center pillar 14 is joined to the roof side rail 16. The center pillar 14 includes an outer panel 55, an inner panel 56, a reinforcement 57, and a pillar bulkhead 58.

[0087] The center pillar 14 is formed into a hollow closed cross section by joining the outer panel 55 and the inner panel 56. The formed hollow closed cross section extends in the vertical direction. The center pillar 14 is bent toward the interior between the roof side rail 16 and a beltline portion 78 described later.

[0088] (outer panel)

[0089] The outer panel 55 includes an outer bulge 61, an outer front flange 62, and an outer rear flange 63. The outer bulge 61 bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. The outer front flange 62 protrudes from the outer bulge 61 toward the front of the vehicle body. The outer rear flange 63 protrudes from the outer bulge 61 toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0090] The outer bulge 61 has an outer top (top) 64, an outer front side wall 65, and an outer rear side wall 66. The outer top 64 is arranged toward the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The outer front side wall 65 extends from the front side of the outer top 64 to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The outer rear side wall 66 extends from the rear side of the outer top 64 to the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0091] The outer bulging portion 61 is formed into a U-shaped cross section opened toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction by the outer top portion 64 , the outer front side wall 65 , and the outer rear side wall 66 .

[0092] The outer front flange 62 protrudes from the front opening edge of the outer bulge 61 (ie, the outer front side wall 65) toward the front of the vehicle body. The outer rear flange 63 protrudes from the rear opening edge of the outer bulge 61 (ie, the outer rear side wall 66) toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0093] The outer panel 55 is formed into a top-hat cross-section opened toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction by the outer bulging portion 61 , the outer front flange portion 62 , and the outer rear flange portion 63 .

[0094] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the outer plate 55 has its lower end 55a joined to the outer surface 21c of the side beam outer plate 21. The outer plate 55 has its upper end 55b joined to the recess 33 (specifically, the bottom 41 and the top 42) and the upper portion 43 of the recess 33 in the outer surface 25a of the upper side outer plate 25.

[0095] The upper end 55b of the outer plate 55 has, for example, a portion 61a that bulges upward. The bulged portion 61a forms the upper end of the outer bulged portion 61. The bulged portion 61a is formed to surround the upper end 71a (described later) of the first reinforcement (reinforcement) 71 disposed in the recess 33 from above.

[0096] (Reinforcement)

[0097] return Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , a reinforcement 57 is arranged inside the outer bulge 61. The reinforcement 57 includes a first reinforcement 71 and a second reinforcement 72. The first reinforcement 71 is joined to the inner surface of the outer bulge 61 in an overlapping state. The first reinforcement 71 is formed into a U-shaped cross section along the outer top 64, the outer front side wall 65 and the outer rear side wall 66 of the outer bulge 61. The first reinforcement 71 has a first top 74, a first front longitudinal wall (longitudinal wall) 75, and a first rear longitudinal wall (longitudinal wall) 76. The first top 74 is along the outer top 64. The first front longitudinal wall 75 is along the outer front side wall 65. The first rear longitudinal wall (longitudinal wall) 76 is along the outer rear side wall 66.

[0098] The first reinforcement 71 extends in the up-down direction so as to intersect the beltline portion (beltline) 78 .

[0099] The beltline portion 78 is a line extending in the lateral direction at the lower end of the side window glass of the vehicle body.

[0100] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 As shown, the first reinforcement 71 has its upper end 71a disposed and joined to the bottom 41 of the recess 33. Specifically, the first reinforcement 71 has its upper end 71a (the upper end 75a of the first front vertical wall 75 and the upper end 76a of the first rear vertical wall 76) disposed and joined to the bottom 41 of the recess 33.

[0101] The first front longitudinal wall 75 protrudes inwardly in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 55 to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14 between the roof side rail 16 (specifically, the upper end portion 75a of the first front longitudinal wall 75) and the waistline portion 78. The first rear longitudinal wall 76 protrudes inwardly in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 55 to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14 between the roof side rail 16 (specifically, the upper end portion 76a of the first rear longitudinal wall 76) and the waistline portion 78.

[0102] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9As shown, the second reinforcement 72 is joined to the inner surface of the first reinforcement 71 in an overlapping state. The second reinforcement 72 has a second top 81, a second front vertical wall 82, and a second rear vertical wall 83. The second reinforcement 72 is formed into a U-shaped cross section along the inner surface of the first reinforcement 71 by the second top 81, the second front vertical wall 82, and the second rear vertical wall 83.

[0103] The second reinforcement 72 is formed to have a smaller height dimension in the up-down direction than the first reinforcement 71 , and extends upward from the beltline portion 78 to a beltline upper position 79 , for example.

[0104] In this way, the second reinforcement 72 overlaps the first reinforcement 71 to form the maximum plate thickness portion 73 of the reinforcement 57 between the waistline portion 78 and the roof side rail 16. In other words, the reinforcement 57 has the maximum plate thickness portion 73 between the waistline portion 78 and the roof side rail 16. Thus, the strength and rigidity of the maximum plate thickness portion 73 can be improved. It should be noted that the maximum plate thickness portion 73 can also be formed by thickening the plate thickness of a single reinforcement.

[0105] A portion of the center pillar 14 that is curved toward the interior side between the roof side 16 and the beltline portion 78 is reinforced with a reinforcement 57 against a load in the vehicle width direction.

[0106] (Inner panel)

[0107] like Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown, the inner panel 56 includes an inner bulge 85, an inner front flange 86, and an inner rear flange 87. The inner bulge 85 bulges inward in the vehicle width direction. The inner front flange 86 protrudes from the inner bulge 85 toward the front of the vehicle body. The inner rear flange 87 protrudes from the inner bulge 85 toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0108] The inner bulge 85 includes an inner top 91, an inner front wall 92, and an inner rear wall 93. The inner top 91 is disposed toward the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The inner front wall 92 extends from the front side of the inner top 91 to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The inner rear wall 93 extends from the rear side of the inner top 91 to the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0109] The inner bulged portion 85 is formed into a U-shaped cross section opened toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction by the inner top portion 91 , the inner front wall 92 , and the inner rear wall 93 .

[0110] The inner front flange 86 protrudes from the front opening edge of the inner bulge 85 (ie, the inner front wall 92) toward the front of the vehicle body. The inner rear flange 87 protrudes from the rear opening edge of the inner bulge 85 (ie, the inner rear wall 93) toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0111] The inner panel 56 is formed into a top-hat cross-section (second top-hat cross-section) opened toward the outside in the vehicle width direction by the inner bulged portion 85 , the inner front flange portion 86 , and the inner rear flange portion 87 .

[0112] The inner front flange portion 86 is joined to the outer front flange portion 62 of the outer panel 55 . The inner rear flange portion 87 is joined to the outer rear flange portion 63 of the outer panel 55 .

[0113] Thus, the inner panel 56 is joined to the outer panel 55, and the center pillar 14 is formed into a hollow closed cross section by the inner panel 56 and the outer panel 55. The center pillar 14 is a highly rigid member extending in the vertical direction between the side rails 12 and the roof side rails 16 and forming a vehicle body frame.

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower end portion 56a of the inner panel 56 is joined so as to penetrate the side beam 12 in the up-down direction. That is, the lower end portion 56a of the inner panel 56 is joined in a state of being sandwiched by the upper flange 21a of the side beam outer panel 21 and the upper flange 22a of the side beam inner panel 22. In addition, the lower end portion 56a of the inner panel 56 is joined in a state of being sandwiched by the lower flange 21b of the side beam outer panel 21 and the lower flange 22b of the side beam inner panel 22.

[0115] The outer plate 55 has a lower end portion 55a joined to the outer surface 21c of the side member outer plate 21. Thus, the center pillar 14 has a lower end portion 14b firmly joined to the side member 12.

[0116] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the upper end 56b of the inner panel 56 is joined to the inner surface (the surface on the vehicle compartment side) 26a of the upper inner panel 26. The upper end 55b of the outer panel 55 is joined to the recess 33 (specifically, the bottom 41 and the top 42) and the upper part 43 of the recess 33 in the outer surface 25a of the upper outer panel 25. In addition, the upper end 71a of the first reinforcement 71 (that is, the upper end 75a of the first front longitudinal wall 75 and the upper end 76a of the first rear longitudinal wall 76) is arranged and joined to the bottom 41 of the recess 33.

[0117] That is, the center pillar 14 has an upper end portion 14 a firmly joined to the roof side rail 16 .

[0118] (Partition)

[0119] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the center pillar 14 includes a pillar bulkhead 58 at a position above the beltline portion 78. The pillar bulkhead 58 includes a first pillar bulkhead (pillar bulkhead) 96 and a second pillar bulkhead (pillar bulkhead) 97.

[0120] The first pillar bulkhead 96 is provided inside the first reinforcement 71 at a position above the beltline portion 78. The first pillar bulkhead 96 includes a first partition wall (partition wall) 101, a first folded-back flange 102, and a second folded-back flange 103.

[0121] The first partition wall 101 is horizontally arranged so as to intersect the length direction of the first reinforcement member 71. The first partition wall 101 has a first outer side 101a, a first front side 101b, a first rear side 101c, and a first inner side 101d. The first partition wall 101 forms an outer contour along the U-shaped cross section of the first reinforcement member 71 through the first outer side 101a, the first front side 101b, and the first rear side 101c.

[0122] The first inner side 101 d is disposed on the opening side (the inner bulging portion 85 side) of the first reinforcement member 71 .

[0123] The first folded flange 102 is provided on the first outer side 101a, the first front side 101b and the first rear side 101c. Specifically, the first folded flange 102 is bent downward from the center of the first outer side 101a in the vehicle body front-rear direction along the first top 74 of the first reinforcement 71 and joined to the first top 74.

[0124] The first folded-back flange 102 is bent downward from the first front side 101b along the first front longitudinal wall 75 of the first reinforcement 71, and is joined to the first front longitudinal wall 75. Furthermore, the first folded-back flange 102 is bent downward from the first rear side 101c along the first rear longitudinal wall 76 of the first reinforcement 71, and is joined to the first rear leg portion 67. That is, the first partition wall 101 is joined to the inside of the U-shaped cross section of the first reinforcement 71 via the first folded-back flange 102.

[0125] The first inner side 101d is provided with a second folded-back flange 103. Specifically, the second folded-back flange 103 is bent upward from the center of the first inner side 101d in the vehicle body front-rear direction along the inner bulge 85 of the inner panel 56, and is coupled to the inner bulge 85 by a fastening member (e.g., a bolt 105, a nut).

[0126] In this way, the first folded flange 102 is joined to the wall portions of the U-shaped cross section of the first top portion 74, the first front vertical wall 75, and the first rear vertical wall 76 of the first reinforcement 71. The second folded flange 103 is joined to the inner bulge 85. Thus, all four wall portions of the rectangular cross section formed by the first reinforcement 71 and the inner panel 56 can be restrained by the first pillar bulkhead 96, and the strength and rigidity of the center pillar 14 can be improved.

[0127] A second pillar bulkhead 97 is provided inside the second reinforcement 72 of the center pillar 14. The second pillar bulkhead 97 is formed substantially symmetrically with the first pillar bulkhead 96 in the up-down direction.

[0128] The second column bulkhead 97 is provided inside the second reinforcement 72 at a position above the beltline 78. The second partition wall (partition wall) 111 of the second column bulkhead 97 is joined to the inside of the U-shaped cross section of the second reinforcement 72 via the first folded flange 112. The second partition wall 111 is horizontally arranged to intersect the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcement 72.

[0129] The second folded flange 113 of the second partition wall 111 is coupled to the inner bulging portion 85 of the inner panel 56 by a fastening member (for example, a bolt 115 or a nut). Thus, the second partition wall 111 is coupled to the inner bulging portion 85 by the second folded flange 113.

[0130] Thus, all four wall portions of the rectangular cross section formed by the second reinforcement member 72 and the inner panel 56 can be restrained by the second pillar bulkhead 97 , and the strength and rigidity of the center pillar 14 can be improved.

[0131] The first pillar bulkhead 96 is provided on the first reinforcement 71. The second pillar bulkhead 97 is provided on the second reinforcement 72. Thus, the outer front side wall 65 and the outer rear side wall 66 of the center pillar 14 (outer panel 55) are reinforced by the first pillar bulkhead 96 and the second pillar bulkhead 97.

[0132] Thus, for example, when a load caused by a side collision or the like is inputted from the outside in the vehicle width direction to the center pillar 14, the outer front side wall 65 and the outer rear side wall 66 can be prevented from bending in the vehicle body front-rear direction due to the inputted load. In other words, the center pillar 14 can be prevented from being crushed and deformed inward in the vehicle width direction due to the inputted load.

[0133] <Top Arch>

[0134] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the roof arch 18 is joined to the roof arch connecting portion 45a of the roof side rail 16 (specifically, the upper side inner panel 26). The roof arch 18 includes an arch bulging portion 117, an arch front flange portion 118, and an arch rear flange portion 119. The arch bulging portion 117 bulges downward. The arch front flange portion 118 protrudes from the arch bulging portion 117 toward the front of the vehicle body. The arch rear flange portion 119 protrudes from the arch bulging portion 117 toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0135] The arch bulge 117 includes an arch top portion 121, an arch front side wall 122, and an arch rear side wall 123. The arch top portion 121 is arranged substantially horizontally. The arch front side wall 122 extends upward from the front side of the arch top portion 121. The arch rear side wall 123 extends upward from the rear side of the arch top portion 121.

[0136] The arch bulged portion 117 is formed into a U-shaped cross section opened upward by the arch top portion 121 , the arch front side wall 122 , and the arch rear side wall 123 .

[0137] The arch front flange 118 protrudes from the front opening edge of the arch bulge 117 (ie, the arch front side wall 122) toward the front of the vehicle body. The arch rear flange 119 protrudes from the rear opening edge of the arch bulge 117 (ie, the arch rear side wall 123) toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0138] The top arch 18 is formed into a top hat cross section (first top hat cross section) that is open upward by the arch bulged portion 117 , the arch front flange portion 118 , and the arch rear flange portion 119 .

[0139] The arch 18 is bent downward along the arch connecting portion 45a at the arch end portion (end portion) 18a near the top side rail 16 (specifically, the arch connecting portion 45a). Here, the upper end portion 56b of the inner plate 56 is formed into a second top hat cross section. Hereinafter, the upper end portion 56b of the inner plate 56 is sometimes also referred to as "inner upper end portion 56b".

[0140] The first top hat section of the arch end portion 18a is joined to the second top hat section of the inner upper end portion 56b in an overlapping state from the inside in the vehicle width direction. The axis G1 of the roof arch 18 is formed to intersect the axis G3 of the center pillar 14 at the cross-sectional center G2 of the roof side rail 16 .

[0141] As described above, if Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, according to the vehicle body structure 10, the first ridgeline 35 of the upper outer panel 25 is continuous from the front end 16a to the rear end 16b of the roof rail 16. Thus, the collision load (load) generated by the front collision or the rear collision is transmitted through the first ridgeline 35, and the collision load can be supported by the roof rail 16.

[0142] A bent portion 38 is formed at a position in the second ridgeline 36 that coincides with the arch connecting portion 45a, and a recess 33 is formed in the upper outer panel 25. The upper end 14a of the center pillar 14 is joined to the bottom 41 of the recess 33. In particular, the upper end 71a of the first reinforcement 71 (the upper end 75a of the first front longitudinal wall 75 and the upper end 76a of the first rear longitudinal wall 76) is arranged and joined to the bottom 41 of the recess 33.

[0143] Thus, the upper end portion 14a of the center pillar 14 can be disposed at a position close to the roof arch 18 in the vertical direction. Thus, when a collision load F1 is input to the center pillar 14 due to a side collision, the load F2 can be efficiently transmitted from the upper end portion 14a of the center pillar 14 to the roof arch 18. Thus, when the collision load F1 is input to the center pillar 14, the transmission loss (transmission loss) of the collision load from the center pillar 14 to the roof arch 18 can be reduced.

[0144] The axis G1 of the roof arch 18 is disposed at a position where the cross-sectional center 2 of the roof side rail 16 intersects with the axis G3 of the center pillar 14 .

[0145] Here, when the side collision load F1 generated by the side collision is input to the center pillar 14, the bending moment M1 with the cross-sectional center G2 of the top side beam 16 as the axis acts on the upper end 14a of the center pillar 14. Therefore, the axis G1 of the top arch 18 and the axis G3 of the center pillar 14 are intersected at the cross-sectional center G2 of the top side beam 16. Thus, the bending moment M1 with the cross-sectional center G2 of the top side beam 16 as the axis can be suppressed by the top arch 18. Thus, when the collision load F1 is input to the center pillar 14 due to the side collision, the collision load F2 can be efficiently transmitted from the upper end 14a of the center pillar 14 to the top arch 18.

[0146] In addition, the arch end 18a of the top arch 18 is formed into a first top hat section. The first top hat section of the arch end 18a is joined to the second top hat section of the inner upper end 56b of the inner panel 56 in an overlapping state from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Thus, when the side collision load F1 is input to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14, the collision load F2 can be efficiently transmitted from the inner panel 56 to the top arch 18.

[0147] Therefore, the depth of the top hat section of the outer panel 55 can be reduced while ensuring the load transmission from the center pillar 14 to the roof arch 18. As a result, the door window frame of the vehicle can be set thin and the surface of the vehicle can be made into a smooth surface (flush surface).

[0148] The smooth surface refers to a surface structure in which the height difference of the vehicle surface is minimized in order to reduce the air resistance of the vehicle.

[0149] The beam bulkhead 28 is provided inside the hollow closed cross section of the roof side rail 16. The cross-section shielding portion 51 of the beam bulkhead 28 is arranged in the vehicle width direction so as to be aligned with the outer front side wall 65 of the center pillar 14 and the arch front side wall 122 of the roof arch 18 in the vehicle front-back direction. Alternatively, the cross-section shielding portion 51 is arranged in the vehicle width direction so as to be aligned with the outer rear side wall 66 of the center pillar 14 and the arch rear side wall 123 of the roof arch 18 in the vehicle front-back direction.

[0150] Thus, when a side collision load F1 is input to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14 , the collision load F2 can be well transmitted to the roof arch 18 via the diaphragm 28 (particularly, the cross-sectional shielding portion 51 of the diaphragm 28 ).

[0151] Furthermore, the roof side rail 16 is provided with a beam reinforcement member 27, and the beam reinforcement member 27 is opposed to the beam bulkhead 28. Thus, when a side collision load F1 is input to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14, the collision load F2 can be well received by the beam reinforcement member 27, and the received collision load F2 can be transmitted from the beam reinforcement member 27 to the beam bulkhead 28. Thus, the collision load F2 can be well transmitted to the roof arch 18 via the beam reinforcement member 27 and the beam bulkhead 28.

[0152] The upper end portion 71a of the first reinforcement 71 (the upper end portion 75a of the first front longitudinal wall 75 and the upper end portion 76a of the first rear longitudinal wall 76) is arranged and joined to the bottom portion 41 of the recessed portion 33. In addition, the first front longitudinal wall 75 of the first reinforcement 71 protrudes inwardly in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 55 to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14 between the roof side rail 16 (the upper end portion 75a of the first front longitudinal wall 75) and the waistline portion 78. Similarly, the first rear longitudinal wall 76 of the first reinforcement 71 protrudes inwardly in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 55 to the inner panel 56 of the center pillar 14 between the roof side rail 16 (the upper end portion 76a of the first rear longitudinal wall 76) and the waistline portion 78.

[0153] Thus, the center pillar 14 between the roof side rail 16 and the waistline portion 78, which is bent toward the interior side, can be reinforced by the reinforcement member 57 with respect to the side collision load F1 in the vehicle width direction. Thus, when, for example, a negative bending moment M1 acts on the center pillar 14 near the roof side rail 16, which is the upper support point of the side collision, the reinforcement member 57 can suppress the cross section of the center pillar 14 from being crushed and deformed in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the collision load F2 can be efficiently transmitted from the inner panel 56 to the roof arch 18.

[0154] Furthermore, the first reinforcement 71 is formed into a U-shaped cross section along the outer top 64, the outer front side wall 65 and the outer rear side wall 66 of the outer bulge 61. The first reinforcement 71 extends in the up-down direction so as to intersect the waistline 78. Thus, in the center pillar 14, the reinforcement 57 can improve the strength and rigidity of the range of interference with the collision object due to the side collision.

[0155] That is, the collision load F1 input to the center pillar 14 due to the side collision can be well dispersed as the collision load F2 to the upper roof side rail 16, and well dispersed as the collision load F3 to the lower side rail 12. Thus, the collision load F1 input to the center pillar 14 due to the side collision can be supported by the roof side rail 16 and the side rail 12.

[0156] The second reinforcement 72 overlaps the first reinforcement 71 to form the maximum plate thickness portion 73 of the reinforcement 57 between the waistline portion 78 and the roof side rail 16. As a result, the strength and rigidity of the portion where the maximum bending moment is generated during a side collision can be improved. As a result, the collision load F1 input due to the side collision can be well dispersed as the collision load F2 to the upper roof side rail 16, and can be well dispersed as the collision load F3 to the lower side rail 12.

[0157] Furthermore, the first column bulkhead 96 and the second column bulkhead 97 are disposed above the beltline 78. The first partition wall 101 of the first column bulkhead 96 is horizontally arranged so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the first reinforcement 71. Furthermore, the second partition wall 111 of the second column bulkhead 97 is horizontally arranged so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcement 72.

[0158] Thus, in the center pillar 14, the range above the waistline 78 can be reinforced by the first pillar bulkhead 96 and the second pillar bulkhead 97 for the load in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Thus, in the center pillar 14, a positive bending moment, for example, acts in the range above the waistline 78 where the collision object interferes due to the side collision. In this case, the first pillar bulkhead 96 and the second pillar bulkhead 97 can suppress the cross-section of the center pillar 14 from being crushed and deformed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, the collision load F1 input due to the side collision can be well dispersed as the collision load F2 to the upper side rail 16, and can be well dispersed as the collision load F3 to the lower side rail 12.

[0159] The outer panel 55 has its upper end 55b joined to the bottom 41 and top 42 of the recess 33 and the upper portion 43 of the recess 33 in the outer surface 25a of the upper outer panel 25. Thus, the center pillar 14 has its upper end 14a firmly joined to the roof side rail 16. Thus, when a side collision load F1 is input to the center pillar 14, the collision load F2 can be efficiently transmitted to the roof arch 18 via the roof side rail 16.

[0160] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions and other changes of the structure can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the attached claims.

[0161] Explanation of symbols

[0162] 10 Body structure

[0163] 12 side beam

[0164] 14 Middle Column

[0165] 14a Upper end of center column

[0166] 14b Lower end of center column

[0167] 16 Upper side beam

[0168] 16a Front end of upper side rail

[0169] 16b Rear end of upper side rail

[0170] 18 Top Arch

[0171] 18a Arch end (end)

[0172] 25 Upper outer plate (outer wall)

[0173] 26 Upper inner plate (inner wall)

[0174] 27 Beam reinforcement member (reinforcement member)

[0175] 28 Beam diaphragm

[0176] 31 Outer upper flange (top of roof)

[0177] 32 Outer lower flange (lower flange)

[0178] 33 recess

[0179] 35 First Ridge

[0180] 36 Second Ridge

[0181] 38 Bending section

[0182] 41 bottom

[0183] 42 Top

[0184] 45a Top arch connection

[0185] 48 Roof Panel

[0186] 51 Section shielding

[0187] 55 outer panel

[0188] 55b Upper end of outer panel

[0189] 56 Inner plate

[0190] 57 Reinforcement

[0191] 58 Column spacer

[0192] 64 outer top (top)

[0193] 65 Outer front side wall (one of a pair of side walls)

[0194] 66 Outer rear side wall (the other of a pair of side walls)

[0195] 71 first reinforcement member (reinforcement member)

[0196] 71a Upper end portion of the first reinforcement member

[0197] 72 Second reinforcement

[0198] 73 Maximum plate thickness

[0199] 75 First front longitudinal wall (longitudinal wall)

[0200] 75a Upper end portion of the first front longitudinal wall

[0201] 76 First rear longitudinal wall (longitudinal wall)

[0202] 76a Upper end portion of the first rear longitudinal wall

[0203] 78 Waistline (waistline)

[0204] 96 First column partition (column partition)

[0205] 97 Second column partition (column partition)

[0206] 101 First partition wall (partition wall)

[0207] 111 Second partition wall (partition wall)

[0208] 122 Arch front side wall (one of a pair of side walls)

[0209] 123 Arch rear side wall (the other of a pair of side walls)

[0210] G1 Axis of the top arch

[0211] G2 Cross-sectional center of top beam

[0212] G3 Axis of the center column

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure, comprising: The upper side beam is arranged on the side above the vehicle body and extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and forms a hollow closed section through the inner wall and the outer wall; a crown connected to the crown connection portion of the inner wall; and a center pillar, the upper end of which is connected to the upper side beam, and the lower end of which is connected to the side beam, In the vehicle body structure, The outer wall has a first ridgeline and a second ridgeline disposed vertically, and a concave portion disposed on the second ridgeline. The first ridgeline extends continuously from the front end to the rear end of the roof side rail, and can transmit the load input from the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to the roof side rail. The second ridgeline has a bent portion at a position that coincides with the roof arch connecting portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the bent portion is recessed toward the first ridgeline to form the recessed portion. The recess engages the upper end of the center column, The center pillar includes a reinforcement member disposed inside and having a vertical wall extending in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement has a maximum plate thickness portion between the beltline and the roof side rail.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: At the cross-sectional center of the upper side beam, the axis of the top arch intersects with the axis of the center column.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The top arch is formed into a first top hat cross section that opens upward, and the end portion is bent downward near the inner wall of the top side rail. The center column has an inner plate formed into a second top-hat cross-section in a manner overlapping the first top-hat cross-section along the end portion.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The reinforcement member arranges the upper end of the vertical wall in the recessed portion, and the vertical wall protrudes from the outer panel to the inner panel of the center pillar between the roof side rail and the beltline.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein: The center pillar includes a pillar bulkhead at a position above the beltline, and the pillar bulkhead has a horizontally arranged partition wall.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein: The reinforcement is formed into a U-shaped cross section along the top portion and the pair of side walls of the outer panel of the center pillar, and extends in the up-down direction so as to intersect the beltline.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein: The recessed portion has a bottom portion connected to the lower flange of the roof rail and a top portion protruding from the bottom portion to the bent portion. The outer panel of the center pillar has an upper end portion that surrounds an upper end portion of the reinforcement member disposed in the recessed portion and is joined to the bottom portion and the top portion.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The roof side rail includes a beam bulkhead having a cross-sectional shielding portion arranged on a side wall of at least one of the roof arch and the center pillar in a vehicle body front-rear direction, and the beam bulkhead is joined to the outer wall or the inner wall.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 8, wherein: The beam spacer is formed into any one of a top hat cross section, a crankshaft cross section, and a U-shaped cross section.

10. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The upper side beam has: The outer wall is formed into a U-shaped cross section opening toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction and has a roof top to which the roof panel is joined; and The inner wall formed into an L-shaped cross section can be joined to the outer wall from the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

11. The vehicle body structure according to claim 8, wherein: The roof side rail includes a reinforcing member facing the beam bulkhead.

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