A rear side panel reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV and the vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive technology and discloses a rear side panel reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV and the vehicle itself. The structure includes a rear wheel arch outer panel, a C-pillar structure connecting the rear wheel arch outer panel, and a D-pillar structure. The C-pillar structure comprises an upper C-pillar outer panel and a lower C-pillar reinforcing plate connected sequentially. A rear sill block is provided between the outer side of the lower C-pillar reinforcing plate and the outer side of the rear wheel arch outer panel and the outer skin. The rear side of the upper C-pillar outer panel is connected to the rear wheel arch outer panel via an outer panel reinforcing plate, which is supported by a sound-insulating block. A fan-shaped rear wheel arch connecting plate connects the rear end of the rear wheel arch outer panel to the D-pillar. A C-ring structure is provided on the inner side of the outer panel reinforcing plate, and the opening of the C-ring structure is connected as a single unit via the upper C-pillar connecting plate. The rear wheel arch connecting plate and the upper C-pillar connecting plate of this invention significantly improve the strength of the rear side panel structure. The rubber blocks effectively reduce vibration and enhance the overall vehicle continuity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a rear side panel reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV and the vehicle thereof. Background Technology

[0002] As automotive styling and comfort receive increasing attention, the variety of car models on the market has proliferated, with fastback SUVs becoming increasingly popular, especially among domestic brands. These SUVs feature a pronounced sloping rear, sleek and sporty lines, and an overall design that is quite appealing to consumers. However, the fastback SUV design sacrifices some of the original space advantages, resulting in reduced rear passenger and cargo space, and placing greater demands on the vehicle's structural design. Considering space, cost, and weight, the fastback SUV's design also presents a significant challenge to the vehicle's NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance.

[0003] The inventors discovered that while fastback SUVs boast an attractive appearance, their sloping roofline results in insufficient support from the long cantilever structure and poor rigidity at the rear. Simultaneously, during driving, road impacts and vibrations are transmitted through the tires to the suspension system, then through the shock absorber towers, springs, and the subframe's connection points to the body, ultimately reaching the vehicle body. This transmitted vibration causes the body panels to vibrate, radiating noise into the cabin. Therefore, the structure near these connection points is extremely important. Insufficient rigidity in this area leads to an excessively high transfer function from the chassis suspension mounting points to the interior, negatively impacting the vehicle's NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a rear side panel reinforcement structure and vehicle for a fastback SUV, in order to solve the problems of insufficient support of the long cantilever structure, poor stiffness of the rear end structure, and poor overall vehicle road noise performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a rear side reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV includes a rear wheel arch outer panel, a C-pillar structure connecting the rear wheel arch outer panel, and a D-pillar structure. The C-pillar structure comprises an upper C-pillar outer panel and a lower C-pillar reinforcing plate connected sequentially. A rear sill structural rubber block is provided between the outer side of the lower C-pillar reinforcing plate and the outer side of the rear wheel arch outer panel and the outer skin. The rear side of the upper C-pillar outer panel is connected to the rear wheel arch outer panel via an outer panel reinforcing plate, and the outer panel reinforcing plate is supported by a sound-insulating rubber block. A fan-shaped rear wheel arch connecting plate is connected between the rear end of the rear wheel arch outer panel and the D-pillar. A C-ring structure is provided on the inner side of the outer panel reinforcing plate, and the opening of the C-ring structure is connected as a single unit via the upper C-pillar connecting plate.

[0007] As a further implementation, the lower reinforcing plate of the C-pillar is welded to the end away from the upper outer plate of the C-pillar, and the rear connecting plate reinforcing plate is welded to the outer plate of the rear wheel arch. The rear sill structural rubber block extends to the outer surface of the rear connecting plate reinforcing plate.

[0008] As a further implementation, the bottom end of the outer panel of the C-pillar is welded to the outer panel of the rear wheel arch, and the rear side of the middle position is welded to the outer panel of the rear wheel arch through an L-shaped outer panel reinforcement plate to form a closed structure.

[0009] As a further implementation, the bottom side of the rear wheel cover connecting plate overlaps with the rear end of the rear wheel cover outer plate, and the inner and outer sides of the rear wheel cover connecting plate are provided with first bolt holes for connecting the rear wheel cover outer plate and the D-pillar, respectively; the rear wheel cover connecting plate body is provided with first mounting holes.

[0010] As a further implementation, the D-column structure includes an outer D-column reinforcing plate, the front end of which is sequentially connected to a connecting plate on the rear top crossbeam, a D-column upper reinforcing plate, and a side beam reinforcing plate; the side beam reinforcing plate is connected to the top of the outer plate on the C-column, and the connecting plate on the rear top crossbeam is connected to the top of the outer plate reinforcing plate.

[0011] As a further implementation, the D-column structure includes an inner plate of the side beam, a rear top beam connecting plate, and a lower connecting plate of the D-column connected in sequence on the inner side; the inner plate of the side beam is correspondingly arranged with the side beam reinforcing plate; the rear top beam connecting plate is correspondingly arranged with the upper reinforcing plate of the D-column, and the lower connecting plate of the D-column is correspondingly arranged with the upper connecting plate of the rear top beam and the reinforcing plate of the D-column.

[0012] As a further implementation, the C-ring structure includes an upper inner plate of the C-pillar, a C-pillar connecting plate, and a lower C-pillar connecting plate connected in sequence, with the upper connecting plate of the C-pillar connected to the upper inner plate of the C-pillar and the C-pillar connecting plate at both ends.

[0013] As a further implementation, the C-pillar connecting plate is connected to the C-pillar inner plate and the C-pillar connecting plate through the second bolt hole; the C-pillar connecting plate body is provided with a second mounting hole for mounting electronic components.

[0014] As a further implementation, the main body of the sound insulation rubber block and the rear sill structural rubber block includes a rubber block skeleton, and the rubber block skeleton is filled with an expanding rubber layer.

[0015] In a second aspect, an automobile is characterized in that it is a fastback SUV model, which includes a rear side panel reinforcement structure as described above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. This invention, by setting up a connecting plate on the C-pillar and a connecting plate on the rear wheel arch, connects the opening of the C-ring structure into one piece through the connecting plate on the C-pillar, making the C-ring structure continuous, effectively improving structural rigidity, and thus improving the NVH performance of the whole vehicle; the connecting plate on the rear wheel arch is set as a fan-shaped structure, thereby improving the support strength between the outer plate of the rear wheel arch and the D-pillar, solving the problems of insufficient support of the long cantilever structure and poor rigidity of the rear end structure.

[0018] 2. The present invention uses sound-insulating rubber blocks to support the second outer panel reinforcement plate and the outer skin, which can play a sound insulation role, reduce the vibration of the body sheet metal parts, reduce the transmission of noise to the vehicle interior, and improve the NVH performance of the whole vehicle.

[0019] 3. The rear sill structural rubber block of this invention is arranged between the C-pillar lower reinforcing plate, the sill rear connecting plate reinforcing plate, the outer surface of the rear wheel arch outer plate, and the outer skin. This enhances the structural continuity, satisfies the door frame shape, and improves the torsional rigidity of the rear of the vehicle body; it also compensates for discontinuities in the sheet metal structure. The inner skeleton of the structural rubber block has a high elastic modulus and good resistance to deformation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of the rear side panel reinforcement structure of the fastback SUV model in this embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inner side of the rear side reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV model in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an outer view of the main body of the rear side reinforcement structure of the coupe-style SUV in this embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an inner side view of the main body of the rear side reinforcement structure of the coupe-style SUV in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the side sound insulation rubber block in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear sill block in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting plate on the C-pillar in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear wheel arch connecting plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] The components include: 1. Sound insulation rubber block; 2. Rear sill structural rubber block; 9. Rear wheel arch connecting plate; 10. C-pillar upper outer panel; 11. First outer panel reinforcing plate; 12. Second outer panel reinforcing plate; 13. C-pillar lower reinforcing plate; 14. Sill rear connecting plate reinforcing plate; 15. Rear wheel arch outer panel; 3. C-pillar inner panel; 4. C-pillar upper inner panel; 5. C-pillar upper connecting plate; 6. First C-pillar connecting plate; 7. Second C-pillar connecting plate; 8. C-pillar lower connecting plate; 21. Side beam reinforcing plate; 22. D-pillar upper reinforcing plate; 23. Rear top crossbeam upper connecting plate; 24. D-pillar reinforcing plate; 31. Side beam inner panel; 32. Rear top crossbeam connecting plate; 33. D-pillar lower connecting plate; 34. Rear wheel arch longitudinal beam assembly; 51. Second bolt hole; 52. Second mounting hole; 91. First bolt hole; 92. Second mounting hole. 16. Glue block skeleton, 17. Expanding glue layer, 18. Glue block skeleton, 19. Expanding glue layer. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-8 As shown, a rear side reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV includes a rear wheel arch outer panel 15, a C-pillar structure and a D-pillar structure connected to the top of the rear wheel arch outer panel 15.

[0034] The rear side panel reinforcement structure of this embodiment includes an outer layer structure and an inner layer structure. The outer layer structure includes a sound insulation rubber block 1, a rear sill structural rubber block 2, a rear wheel arch connecting plate 9, an upper outer plate of the C-pillar 10, an outer plate reinforcing plate 11, an outer plate reinforcing plate 12, a lower C-pillar reinforcing plate 13, a sill rear connecting plate reinforcing plate 14, and a rear wheel arch outer plate 15.

[0035] The inner structure includes the C-pillar inner panel 3, the upper C-pillar inner panel 4, the upper C-pillar connecting plate 5, the C-pillar connecting plate 6, the second C-pillar connecting plate 7, and the lower C-pillar connecting plate 8.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the outer layer of the C-pillar structure includes, from top to bottom, the upper outer plate 10 of the C-pillar, the lower reinforcing plate 13 of the C-pillar, and the reinforcing plate 14 of the rear door sill connecting plate, which are continuously lap-welded together. The bottom end of the upper outer plate 10 of the C-pillar is lap-welded to the outer plate 15 of the rear wheel arch, and the lower reinforcing plate 13 of the C-pillar and the reinforcing plate 14 of the rear door sill connecting plate are both lap-welded to the outer plate 15 of the rear wheel arch.

[0037] The rear side of the outer panel 10 on the C-pillar is connected to the rear wheel arch outer panel 15 via an outer panel reinforcement plate. The rear side of the middle position of the outer panel 10 on the C-pillar is welded to the rear wheel arch outer panel 15 via an L-shaped outer panel reinforcement plate to form a closed structure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the outer panel reinforcement plate includes a first outer panel reinforcement plate 11 arranged horizontally and a second outer panel reinforcement plate 12 arranged vertically. The bottom rear end of the first outer panel reinforcement plate 11 is welded to the top end of the second outer panel reinforcement plate 12 to form an L-shape. The front end of the first outer panel reinforcement plate 11 is welded to the outer panel 10 on the C-pillar. The bottom end of the second outer panel reinforcement plate 12 is overlapped and welded to the outer panel 15 of the rear wheel arch.

[0038] The outer panel of the C-pillar, the first outer panel reinforcement plate 11, the second outer panel reinforcement plate 12, and the rear wheel arch outer panel 15 form a closed structure with continuous structure.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in the inner structure, the inner C-pillar panel 3 is located on the inner side of the outer C-pillar panel 10, and the two are welded together. The inner C-pillar panel 4 is welded to the inner side of the first outer panel reinforcing plate 11. The second C-pillar connecting plate 7 is welded to the inner side of the second outer panel reinforcing plate 12. The bottom end of the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 is also connected to the lower C-pillar connecting plate 8, which is existing technology.

[0040] The upper inner C-pillar panel 4, the second C-pillar connecting plate 7, and the lower C-pillar connecting plate 8 are sequentially overlapped and welded to form a continuous C-ring structure supporting the entire rear enclosure. The inner C-pillar panel 3, the upper inner C-pillar panel 4, and the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 are sequentially overlapped and welded to form an inverted U-shaped structure. The bottom ends of the inner C-pillar panel 3 and the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 are also overlapped and welded to the outer rear wheel arch panel 15.

[0041] The bottom ends of the inner C-pillar panel 3 and the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 are also lapped and welded to the outer rear wheel arch panel 15, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first C-pillar connecting plate 6 overlaps with the inner C-pillar plate 3, the upper inner C-pillar plate 4, and the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 around its perimeter, and extends to the outer rear wheel arch plate 15 at its lower edge. The first C-pillar connecting plate 6 connects the outer rear wheel arch plate 15, the inner C-pillar plate 3, the upper inner C-pillar plate 4, and the second C-pillar connecting plate 7 into a whole, enhancing the continuity of the structure.

[0042] To improve the strength of the rear side structure, the opening of the C-ring structure is connected to the C-pillar as a single unit via a connecting plate. Figure 7As shown, the C-pillar connecting plate 5 has second bolt holes 51 at both ends. The C-pillar connecting plate is connected to the inner C-pillar plate and the C-pillar connecting plate through the second bolt holes. Reinforcing ribs are arranged along the length of the C-pillar connecting plate 5, with localized protrusions, serving to support the sidewalls. In the event of a collision, this effectively supports the sidewalls and prevents them from collapsing inward. The C-pillar connecting plate 5 makes the C-ring structure continuous, effectively improving structural rigidity and thus enhancing the overall vehicle NVH performance. The C-pillar connecting plate body has second mounting holes 52 for mounting electronic components.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the D-column structure includes an outer D-column reinforcing plate 24. The front end of the D-column reinforcing plate 24 is sequentially connected to the rear top crossbeam connecting plate 23, the D-column upper reinforcing plate 22, and the side beam reinforcing plate 21. The side beam reinforcing plate 21 is connected to the top of the outer plate 10 of the C-column, and the rear top crossbeam connecting plate 23 is connected to the top of the first outer plate reinforcing plate 11.

[0044] The D-column structure also includes an inner side beam plate 31, a rear top crossbeam connecting plate 32, and a lower D-column connecting plate 33 connected sequentially on the inner side; the inner side beam plate 31 is welded to the side beam reinforcing plate 31; the rear top crossbeam connecting plate 32 is welded to the upper D-column reinforcing plate 22; and the lower D-column connecting plate 33 is welded to the upper rear top crossbeam connecting plate 23 and the D-column reinforcing plate 24.

[0045] To address the issue that while fastback SUVs have an excellent appearance, their large fastback structure results in insufficient support from the long cantilever structure and poor rigidity at the rear end, a fan-shaped rear wheel arch connecting plate is installed between the rear end of the rear wheel arch outer panel and the D-pillar.

[0046] The bottom side of the rear wheel cover connecting plate 9 overlaps with the rear end of the rear wheel cover outer plate 15. The inner and outer sides of the rear wheel cover connecting plate are provided with first bolt holes 91, which are used to connect the rear wheel cover outer plate 15 and the D-pillar reinforcing plate 24 and the lower connecting plate 33 of the D-pillar, respectively, to connect the wheel cover and the D-ring, so that the force transmission path is continuous. The rear wheel cover connecting plate 9 is provided with first mounting holes 92 for the installation of the rear area controller system, making full use of the structural and layout space.

[0047] By setting the rear wheel arch connecting plate 9 as a fan-shaped structure, the number of mounting points on the inner and outer sides of the rear wheel arch connecting plate 9 that cooperate with the corresponding structure is increased, thereby improving the support strength between the D-pillar structure and the outer plate 15 of the rear wheel arch.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, a rear sill structural rubber block 2 is provided between the outer side of the C-pillar lower reinforcing plate and the rear wheel arch outer plate 15 and the outer skin. The rear sill structural rubber block 2 extends to the outer surface of the sill rear connecting plate reinforcing plate 14. By arranging the rear sill structural rubber block 2 between the C-pillar lower reinforcing plate 13, the sill rear connecting plate reinforcing plate 14, the outer surface of the rear wheel arch outer plate 15 and the outer skin, the structural continuity can be enhanced, satisfying the door frame shape while improving the torsional rigidity of the rear of the vehicle body.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the rear sill structural rubber block 2 consists of a rubber block skeleton 18 and an expanding rubber layer 19. After the expanding rubber layer 19 expands and cures, it bonds to the C-pillar lower reinforcement plate 13, the outer skin, and the rear wheel arch outer plate 15. The entire rubber block is embedded between the C-pillar lower reinforcement plate 13 and the sill rear connecting plate reinforcement plate 14, which serves to compensate for the discontinuity of the sheet metal structure. The inner skeleton of the structural rubber block has a high elastic modulus and good resistance to deformation.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the second outer panel reinforcement plate 12 is supported to the outer skin by sound-insulating rubber blocks 1. The side panel sound-insulating rubber blocks 1 consist of a rubber block skeleton 16 and an expanding rubber layer 17. After the expanding rubber layer 17 expands and solidifies, it supports the side panel outer skin and the second outer panel reinforcement plate 12 within the cavity. Furthermore, the sound-insulating rubber layer is relatively soft and will not cause deformation of the outer skin. The sound-insulating rubber blocks 1 serve to insulate sound, reduce vibrations in the body sheet metal parts, reduce the transmission of noise into the vehicle interior, and improve the overall NVH performance of the vehicle.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-8 As shown, a car, specifically a fastback SUV, employs the rear side panel reinforcement structure described in Embodiment 1. Addressing the shortcomings of fastback structures, such as insufficient cantilever support and poor rear-end structural rigidity, resulting in poor overall vehicle road noise performance, the rear side panel reinforcement structure used in this embodiment provides a continuous force transmission path and structural integrity, significantly improving overall vehicle road noise performance. This structure satisfies both space requirements and achieves performance requirements with lower weight and cost.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rear side panel reinforcement structure for a fastback SUV, comprising a rear wheel arch outer panel, a C-pillar structure connecting the rear wheel arch outer panel, and a D-pillar structure, characterized in that, The rear side reinforcement structure includes an outer layer structure and an inner layer structure. The inner layer structure includes an upper inner panel of the C-pillar, an upper connecting plate of the C-pillar, a second connecting plate of the C-pillar, and a lower connecting plate of the C-pillar. The C-pillar structure includes an upper outer panel of the C-pillar and a lower reinforcing plate of the C-pillar connected in sequence. A rear sill structural rubber block is provided between the outer side of the lower reinforcing plate of the C-pillar and the outer skin. The rear side of the upper outer panel of the C-pillar is connected to the outer skin of the rear wheel arch through an outer panel reinforcing plate. The outer panel reinforcing plate and the outer skin are supported by a sound-insulating rubber block. A fan-shaped rear wheel arch connecting plate is connected between the rear end of the outer wheel arch and the D-pillar. The inner side of the outer panel reinforcement plate is provided with a C-ring structure. The C-ring structure includes the upper inner plate of the C-pillar, the second C-pillar connecting plate and the lower C-pillar connecting plate connected in sequence. The opening of the C-ring structure is connected as a whole by the upper C-pillar connecting plate. The two ends of the upper C-pillar connecting plate are connected to the upper inner plate of the C-pillar and the second C-pillar connecting plate. The C-pillar connecting plate is connected to the C-pillar inner plate and the second C-pillar connecting plate through the second bolt hole; the C-pillar connecting plate body is provided with a second mounting hole for installing electronic components.

2. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower reinforcing plate of the C-pillar is welded to the end of the outer plate of the C-pillar away from the upper outer plate of the C-pillar. The rear connecting plate of the sill is welded to the outer plate of the rear wheel arch. The rear sill structural rubber block extends to the outer surface of the rear connecting plate of the sill.

3. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the outer panel of the C-pillar is welded to the outer panel of the rear wheel arch, and the rear side of the middle position is welded to the outer panel of the rear wheel arch through an L-shaped outer panel reinforcement plate to form a closed structure.

4. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom side of the rear wheel cover connecting plate overlaps with the rear end of the rear wheel cover outer plate. The inner and outer sides of the rear wheel cover connecting plate are provided with first bolt holes for connecting the rear wheel cover outer plate and the D-pillar, respectively. The rear wheel cover connecting plate body is provided with first mounting holes.

5. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 4, characterized in that, The D-column structure includes an outer D-column reinforcing plate, the front end of which is sequentially connected to a connecting plate on the rear top crossbeam, a D-column upper reinforcing plate, and a side beam reinforcing plate; the side beam reinforcing plate is connected to the top of the outer plate on the C-column, and the connecting plate on the rear top crossbeam is connected to the top of the outer plate reinforcing plate.

6. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 5, characterized in that, The D-column structure includes an inner plate of the side beam, a rear top beam connecting plate, and a lower D-column connecting plate connected sequentially on the inner side; the inner plate of the side beam is correspondingly arranged with the side beam reinforcing plate; the rear top beam connecting plate is correspondingly arranged with the upper D-column reinforcing plate, and the lower D-column connecting plate is correspondingly arranged with the upper rear top beam connecting plate and the D-column reinforcing plate.

7. The rear side panel reinforcement structure of a fastback SUV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the sound insulation rubber block and the rear door sill structural rubber block includes a rubber block skeleton, and the rubber block skeleton is filled with an expanding rubber layer.

8. A car, characterized in that, The vehicle is a fastback SUV model, which includes a rear side panel reinforcement structure as described in any one of claims 1-7.

Images