Side structure for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a side structure for a vehicle, in which the side structure is provided on both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction and connected to a roof structure, the side structure comprising: a side outer assembly; a side inner assembly coupled with the side outer assembly to define a roof side having a first closed cross-section; and a roof rail support structure coupled with the side inner assembly to define a second closed cross-section of a roof panel coupled to the roof structure.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0138935, filed on October 17, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle body. Background Art

[0004] Recently, the automotive industry has been introducing new concepts for future mobility visions to realize people-centric and vibrant future cities. One of the future mobility solutions is purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), which are purpose-based mobility.

[0005] One example of a PBV is an environmentally friendly mobility vehicle based on an electric vehicle (EV). These PBVs can provide users with various customized services during travel from a departure point to a destination through unmanned or manned autonomous driving.

[0006] For this reason, PBV is manufactured as a single box design with a large interior space. In one example, a large area of ​​a roof panel is applied to the roof structure of the PBV, providing a large interior space for the user.

[0007] In addition, PBV is equipped with double doors on both sides of the body (such as double swing doors, plug-in doors and revolving doors), providing users with a wide and convenient space for getting on and off the vehicle.

[0008] In order to provide various services and conveniences to users, it is necessary to design a body structure that strengthens the body connection of PBV and minimizes deformation caused by vehicle collision.

[0009] The matters described in this background section are intended to enhance understanding of the background of the embodiments of the invention and may contain matters not known in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a vehicle body, and a specific embodiment thereof relates to a side structure of a PBV.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a side structure for a vehicle that can ensure connection stability to a vehicle body and has improved performance in distributing collision load from the side of the vehicle body during a collision.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a side structure for a vehicle is provided at both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction and connected to a roof structure, the side structure comprising: a side outer component; a side inner component connected to the side outer component to define a roof side having a first closed cross-section; and a roof beam supporting structure connected to the side inner component to define a second closed cross-section of a roof panel connected to the roof structure.

[0013] The first closed cross section and the second closed cross section are disposed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion connecting the side outer component and the side inner component is disposed therebetween.

[0014] A side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is arranged on both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction, connected to a roof structure, and formed with a door opening, and the side structure includes: a side outer component, including a side outer panel and a roof side reinforcement connected to an upper portion of the side outer panel; a side inner component, including a side inner panel and a roof side inner member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and connected to the roof side reinforcement to form a first closed cross-section; and a roof beam supporting structure connected to the side inner component to form a second closed cross-section of the roof panel connected to the roof structure.

[0015] The roof rail support structure includes an upper support member connected to an upper portion of a side inner panel and a roof side inner member and connected to a roof panel; and a lower support member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and connected to a lower portion of the upper support member.

[0016] The roof rail support structure further includes a roof rail side extension connected to the upper support and the lower support to support the roof rail of the roof structure.

[0017] The side outer panel and the upper support are connected to the roof panel; and the roof panel and the upper support connected to each other form a second closed cross-section in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The upper support member and the lower support member connected to each other define an open mounting portion for mounting the door operating module on the door opening portion.

[0019] The roof panel, the side outer panel, and the roof side inner member are connected by a first connection portion; and the roof side reinforcement, the roof side inner member, and the upper support member are connected by a second connection portion.

[0020] The roof side reinforcement includes a plurality of notches spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0021] The roof side inner member includes a plurality of formed portions spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and disposed in the recess.

[0022] The first connection portion includes a first welding point at which the roof panel, the side outer panel, and the formed portion are welded into three layers through the notch.

[0023] The second connection portion includes a second welding point where the roof side reinforcement, the roof side inner member, and the upper support are welded in three layers between the recesses.

[0024] The upper support includes a first connection flange connected to the roof side inner member and a second connection flange connected to the roof panel.

[0025] The lower support member includes a third connection flange connected to the side inner panel and a fourth connection flange connected to a lower portion of the second connection flange.

[0026] The roof rail support structure further includes: at least one first door mounting bracket connected to the lower side of the upper support; and at least one second door mounting bracket connected to the upper side of the upper support.

[0027] A door operating module is arranged between the upper supporting member and the lower supporting member.

[0028] The upper support and the lower support are engaged with the at least one first door mounting bracket, the at least one second door mounting bracket and the door operating module by fasteners.

[0029] According to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to ensure connection stability of a vehicle body, to ensure mounting strength of a double-door type door assembly, and to effectively distribute collision loads during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0030] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or predicted from the exemplary embodiments will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects expected according to the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Since these drawings are intended to be used to explain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the technical ideas of the embodiments of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings, and wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an upper vehicle body applied to a vehicle body structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an upper vehicle body applied to a vehicle body structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0037] Figure 6 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0038] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a side outer assembly applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a side inner component applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a roof side applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a roof rail supporting structure applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Fig.12 is a side view showing a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a perspective view showing an upper support member applied to a roof rail support structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door assembly mounting structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] The following reference numerals are used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to describe various features of embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0046] 1: Upper body 10: Roof structure

[0047] 11: Roof beam 13: Roof panel

[0048] 20: Door assembly 21: Door body

[0049] 23: Door operation module 31: Front pillar

[0050] 33: First door support column 35: Second door support column

[0051] 37: Rear pillar 41: Door opening

[0052] 100: Side structure 110: Side outer assembly

[0053] 111: Side outer panel 113: Roof side reinforcement

[0054] 115: Notch 116: Rib

[0055] 120: Side inner component 121: Side inner panel

[0056] 123: Roof side inner member 125: Forming part

[0057] 127: First closed cross section 129: Roof side

[0058] 131: Door opening flange 133: First connecting portion

[0059] 135: First welding point 160: Roof beam support structure

[0060] 161: Upper support 163: Lower support

[0061] 165: Roof beam side extension 167: First connecting flange

[0062] 169: Second connecting flange 171: Third connecting flange

[0063] 173: Fourth connecting flange 175: Open mounting portion

[0064] 177: Second connection portion 179: Second welding point

[0065] 181: Second closed cross section 191: First door mounting bracket

[0066] 193: Second door mounting bracket 195: Welding nut

[0067] 197: Fasteners 199: Joint bolts

[0068] The above drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and should be understood to present a rather simplified representation of various preferred features, illustrating the basic principles of embodiments of the present invention. The specific design features of embodiments of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by specific intended applications and use environments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0070] The terms used in this specification are used to describe specific exemplary disclosures and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0071] The terms "include" and / or "comprising" used in this specification indicate the presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but there may be at least one other feature, integer, step, operation, element and / or component. It should also be understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of steps, operations, components and / or groups thereof.

[0072] The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any one or all combinations of at least one of the associated listed items.

[0073] In this specification, the term "bonded" or "connected" means that parts are directly connected to each other by welding, self-tapping rivets (SPR), flow drill screws (FDS), structural adhesives, etc., or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate part, and indicates the physical relationship between two parts.

[0074] The terms "vehicle," "vehicle-based," or other similar terms used in this specification are generally applied to passenger vehicles, including passenger cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, and also include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels from resources other than petroleum).

[0075] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an upper vehicle body applied to a vehicle body structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an upper vehicle body applied to a vehicle body structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0077] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the side structure 100 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment may be applied to, for example, a purpose-based mobile vehicle (Purpose Built Vehicle: hereinafter referred to as “PBV”).

[0078] PBV can be used as a living module vehicle based on electric vehicles. During the travel time from the departure point to the destination, the vehicle provides users with various customized services through unmanned or manned autonomous driving.

[0079] The above-mentioned life module vehicles are also commonly referred to as "robot taxis", "robot shuttles" or "hailing vehicles" by ordinary technicians in this field.

[0080] In one example, the PBV can be manufactured in a single-box design with a large interior space. In addition, the PBV can also apply face-to-face seats to the interior space.

[0081] This PBV body is suitable for small-batch production of various models, has a small number of parts, and can be made into various shapes and sizes.

[0082] Furthermore, the body of the PBV includes a skateboard-type lower body (not shown; generally referred to as a "rolling chassis" or a "chassis frame" by those skilled in the art), and an upper body 1 assembled to the lower body.

[0083] The lower vehicle body may be equipped with a battery assembly (not shown) and a driving motor (not shown). Also, the upper vehicle body 1 is a body-in-white (BIW) connected to the lower vehicle body, and may include a passenger cabin having a large interior space.

[0084] In this specification, “vehicle front-rear direction” may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, “vehicle width direction” may be defined as the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and “up-down direction” may be defined as the height direction of the vehicle body.

[0085] In addition, in this specification, the "upper end", "upper part" or "upper surface" of a component means a relatively higher end, part or surface of the component in the figure, and the "lower end", "lower part" or "lower surface" of a component means a relatively lower end, part or surface in the figure.

[0086] In addition, in this specification, an end of a component (e.g., one end or the other end, etc.) means one end of the component in any one direction, and an end of a component (e.g., one end or the other end, etc.) means a part of the component including the end.

[0087] The upper vehicle body 1 includes side structures 100 provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a roof structure 10 connected to the upper portion of the side structures 100 .

[0088] The roof structure 10 includes a plurality of roof rails 11 connected to an upper portion of the side structure 100 , and a roof panel 13 connected to the roof rails 11 .

[0089] The roof beam 11 is provided in the vehicle width direction and may be connected at both ends to the upper portion of the side structure 100. The roof panel 13 is connected to the upper portion of the side structure 100 and may be connected to the upper portion of the roof beam 11. In one example, the roof panel 13 may be provided as a large-area panel assembly to provide a wide interior space for a user.

[0090] In addition, the roof structure 10 may include a roof module (not shown) of various operating systems and functional components of the PBV, such as a roof glass (or sunroof glass).

[0091] On the other hand, the side structure 100 may include fixed glass.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the side structure 100 may include a double-door type door assembly 20 to provide a wide and convenient space for users to get in and out of the vehicle.

[0093] The double door type door assembly 20 may include, for example, a double swing door, an insert door, or a revolving door. The double door type door assembly 20 includes a double door type door body 21 and a door operating module 23 for operating the double door type door body 21.

[0094] Since the double-door type vehicle door assembly 20 is obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description of its components and functions will be omitted.

[0095] On the other hand, the side structure 100 may include a front pillar 31 , a first door support pillar 33 , a second door support pillar 35 , and a rear pillar 37 .

[0096] Here, the first door support pillar 33 and the second door support pillar 35 may form a door opening portion 41 between the upper portion and the lower portion of the side structure 100. The above-described double door type door assembly 20 may be mounted on the door opening portion 41.

[0097] The side structure 100 according to the exemplary embodiment as described above includes a structure capable of ensuring the connection stability of the vehicle body and having an improved performance in distributing the collision load during a side collision of the vehicle body.

[0098] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Cross-section diagram of line AA, Figure 6 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of midline BB.

[0099] For ease of understanding, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Omitted Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The roof panel 13 shown in FIG.

[0100] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , a side structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a side outer component 110 , a side inner component 120 , and a roof rail supporting structure 160 .

[0101] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a side outer assembly applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] refer to Figures 3 to 7 The side outer assembly 110 includes a side outer panel 111 and a roof side reinforcement 113 .

[0103] The side outer panel 111 may be formed into a predetermined shape by press molding. The roof side reinforcement 113 is configured to reinforce the upper strength of the side outer panel 111 .

[0104] The roof side reinforcement 113 is connected to an upper portion of the side outer panel 111 between the first door support pillar 33 and the second door support pillar 35. The roof side reinforcement 113 may be connected to an inner surface of an upper portion of the side outer panel 111 by welding.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the roof side reinforcement 113 includes a plurality of notches 115 formed to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. A plurality of ribs 116 are formed between the notches 115. Therefore, one edge portion of the roof side reinforcement 113 may be formed of a protrusion and a recess in which the notches 115 and the ribs 116 are continuously formed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0106] The side inner component 120 is coupled to the side outer component 110 in the vehicle width direction.

[0107] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a side inner component applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] refer to Figures 3 to 8 The side inner assembly 120 may include a side inner panel 121 and a roof side inner member 123 .

[0109] The side inner panel 121 may be formed into a predetermined shape by press molding. The side inner panel 121 is connected to the side outer panel 111 by welding in the vehicle width direction. The roof side inner member 123 is configured to reinforce the upper strength of the side inner panel 121.

[0110] The roof side inner member 123 is connected to the upper portion of the side inner panel 121 between the first door support pillar 33 and the second door support pillar 35 by welding.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a roof side applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] like Fig. 9 As shown, the roof side inner member 123 is connected to the roof side reinforcement 113 by welding.

[0113] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the roof side inner member 123 includes a plurality of formed portions 125 spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0114] The formed portions 125 may be formed in a convexly formed shape from the bottom to the top. These formed portions 125 are provided in the recesses 115 of the roof side reinforcement 113. Furthermore, the formed portions 125 may be connected to the side outer panel 111 by welding.

[0115] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the roof side reinforcement 113 and the roof side inner member 123 connected to each other may form a first closed cross-section 127 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0116] In addition, the roof side inner member 123 and the side outer panel 111 may be connected by welding through the formed portion 125. The side outer panel 111, the roof side reinforcement 113, and the roof side inner member 123 connected to each other may form a roof side portion 129 having a first closed cross section 127 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0117] The roof side portion 129 may include a door opening flange 131 formed in the door opening portion 41 .

[0118] The side outer panel 111 is connected to the roof panel 13. In addition, the side outer member 110 and the side inner member 120 may be connected by a first connection portion 133.

[0119] The first connection portion 133 is configured to connect the roof panel 13 , the side outer panel 111 , and the roof side inner member 123 in the vertical direction.

[0120] The first connection portion 133 may include a first welding point 135 at which the roof panel 13 , the side outer panel 111 , and the roof side inner member 123 are welded into three layers.

[0121] refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 9The first welding point 135 may connect the roof panel 13 , the side outer panel 111 , and the formed portion 125 of the roof side inner member 123 through the notch 115 of the roof side reinforcement 113 .

[0122] refer to Figures 2 to 6 In one exemplary embodiment, the roof beam support structure 160 is configured to support the roof beam 11 of the roof structure 10. The roof beam support structure 160 is connected to the side inner assembly 120.

[0123] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a roof rail supporting structure applied to a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0124] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the roof rail supporting structure 160 according to the exemplary embodiment includes an upper support member 161 , a lower support member 163 , and a roof rail side extension member 165 .

[0125] In one example, the upper support 161 may be provided in a "U" cross-sectional shape, the upper portion of which is open. The upper support 161 is connected to the upper portion of the side inner panel 121 and the roof side inner member 123. Also, the upper support 161 may be connected to the roof panel 13.

[0126] The upper support 161 includes a first connection flange 167 connected to the roof side inner member 123 and a second connection flange 169 connected to the roof panel 13 .

[0127] In one example, the lower support member 163 may be provided in an “L” shaped cross-sectional shape. The lower support member 163 is connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel 121 and to a lower portion of the upper support member 161 .

[0128] The lower support 163 includes a third connection flange 171 connected to the side inner panel 121 , and a fourth connection flange 173 connected to a lower portion of the second connection flange 169 of the upper support 161 .

[0129] Fig.12 is a side view showing a side structure for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0130] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.12 The upper support member 161 and the lower support member 163 of the roof beam support structure 160 are connected to each other and can form an open mounting portion 175 for placing the roof beam support structure 160 on the vehicle. Figure 2 The door operating module 23 of the door assembly 20 is shown mounted to the door opening 41 .

[0131] The open mounting portion 175 is formed between the upper support 161 and the lower support 163 , and is provided between the door opening flange 131 of the roof side portion 129 and the lower support 163 .

[0132] like Figure 6 As shown, the side inner assembly 120 and the roof rail support structure 160 may be connected via a second connection portion 177 .

[0133] The second connection portion 177 is configured to connect the roof side reinforcement 113 , the roof side inner member 123 , and the upper support 161 in the vertical direction.

[0134] The second connection portion 177 may include a second welding point 179 at which the roof side reinforcement 113 , the roof side inner member 123 , and the upper support 161 are welded into three layers.

[0135] The second welding point 179 may connect the rib 116 of the roof side reinforcement 113, the roof side inner member 123, and the first connecting flange 167 of the upper support member 161 at Fig. 9 The roof side reinforcement 113 is shown between the recesses 115 .

[0136] On the other hand, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the roof panel 13 and the upper support member 161 connected to each other may form a second closed cross-section 181 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0137] The second closed cross section 181 is disposed above the open mounting portion 175 .

[0138] The first closed cross section 127 and the second closed cross section 181 are formed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and are provided to be spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle with the first connection portion 133 therebetween.

[0139] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the roof beam support structure 160 according to an exemplary embodiment, the roof beam side extension 165 is configured to support the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 The roof rail 11 is shown.

[0140] The roof rail side extension 165 is connected to the upper portion of the side inner panel 121, the upper support 161, and the lower support 163. The roof rail side extension 165 is provided in the vehicle width direction and may be connected to both ends of the roof rail 11. Also, the roof rail side extension 165 and the roof rail 11 may be connected to the roof panel 13.

[0141] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a perspective view showing an upper support member applied to a roof rail supporting structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0142] refer to Figures 10 to 14 The roof rail support structure 160 according to an exemplary embodiment further includes at least one first door mounting bracket 191 and at least one second door mounting bracket 193 .

[0143] The first door mounting bracket 191 and the second door mounting bracket 193 are configured to Figure 2 The door operating module 23 of the door assembly 20 is shown mounted to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.12 An open mounting portion 175 is shown.

[0144] The first door mounting bracket 191 is connected to the lower side of the upper support 161 , and the second door mounting bracket 193 is connected to the upper side of the upper support 161 .

[0145] A plurality of welding nuts 195 are installed on the first door mounting bracket 191 and the second door mounting bracket 193. And, on the upper side of the upper supporter 161, welding nuts 195 connected to the first door mounting bracket 191 are installed.

[0146] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door assembly mounting structure for a side structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0147] refer to Fig.15 The door operating module 23 of the door assembly 20 is installed on the inner side of the opened installation portion 175 .

[0148] The door operating module 23 may be engaged with the upper support 161 , the lower support 163 , at least one first door mounting bracket 191 and a second door mounting bracket 193 by fasteners 197 .

[0149] The fastener 197 may include a combination of a bolt and a nut. In one example, the fastener 197 may include a joint bolt 199 and a weld nut 195 .

[0150] The engaging bolt 199 may be engaged with the welding nut 195 through the lower support 163 , the door operating module 23 , the first door mounting bracket 191 , the upper support 161 , and the second door mounting bracket 193 .

[0151] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 15 The operation of the side structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is described in detail.

[0152] The side outer member 110 and the side inner member 120 are connected to form a roof side portion 129 , and a first closed cross-section 127 is formed on the roof side portion 129 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0153] The side inner member 120 and the roof rail support structure 160 are connected to form a second closed cross-section 181 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0154] An open mounting portion 175 connected to the door opening portion 41 is formed between the upper support 161 and the lower support 163 of the roof rail supporting structure 160 .

[0155] The first closed cross section 127 and the second closed cross section 181 are provided to be spaced apart in the vehicle width direction with the first connecting portion 133 therebetween, and are connected by the first connecting portion 133 and the second connecting portion 177 .

[0156] The door operating module 23 of the door assembly 20 is mounted inside the open mounting portion 175 below the second closed cross section 181. The door operating module 23 is coupled to the upper support 161, the lower support 163, the first door mounting bracket 191 and the second door mounting bracket 193 by fasteners 197.

[0157] According to the side structure 100 of one exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional modulus of the vehicle body is increased by the connection shape of the first closed cross-section 127 and the second closed cross-section 181 , and the side strength of the vehicle body may be increased.

[0158] According to the side structure 100 of an exemplary embodiment, the first closed cross section 127 and the second closed cross section 181 connected via the first connection portion 133 and the second connection portion 177 can ensure connection stability of the vehicle body and ensure mounting strength of the double door assembly 20 .

[0159] According to the side structure 100 of an exemplary embodiment, when a collision occurs at the side of the vehicle, the first closed cross-section 127 and the second closed cross-section 181 can easily transmit the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0160] Therefore, by forming a load path passing through the first closed cross section 127 and the second closed cross section 181 in the vehicle width direction, the collision load can be effectively distributed, and deformation of the vehicle body can be minimized.

[0161] While embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A side structure for a vehicle, wherein: The side structure is disposed on both sides of the vehicle along the vehicle width direction and connected to the roof structure, and the side structure includes: Side outer assembly; a side inner member connected to the side outer member to define a roof side having a first closed cross-section; and A roof rail support structure is connected to the side inner assembly to define a second closed cross-section of a roof panel connected to the roof structure.

2. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first closed cross section and the second closed cross section are disposed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion connecting the side outer component and the side inner component is disposed therebetween.

3. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein: The side outer assembly includes a side outer panel and a roof side reinforcement connected to an upper portion of the side outer panel; and The side inner assembly includes a side inner panel and a roof side inner member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and connected to the roof side reinforcement.

4. The side structure according to claim 3, wherein: The roof beam support structure comprises: an upper support member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and the roof side inner member, and connected to the roof panel; and A lower support member is connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and to a lower portion of the upper support member.

5. The side structure according to claim 4, wherein: The roof beam support structure further includes a roof beam side extension that is connected to the upper support and the lower support and supports a roof beam of the roof structure.

6. The side structure according to claim 4, wherein: The roof panel, the side outer panel and the roof side inner member are connected by a first connecting portion; and The roof side reinforcement, the roof side inner member, and the upper support are connected by a second connecting portion.

7. The side structure according to claim 3, wherein: The roof side reinforcement includes a plurality of notches spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; and The roof side inner member includes a plurality of formed portions spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and disposed in the recess.

8. A side structure for a vehicle, wherein: The side structure is provided on both sides of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, connected to the roof structure, and includes a door opening, and the side structure includes: a side outer assembly including a side outer panel and a roof side reinforcement connected to an upper portion of the side outer panel; a side inner assembly including a side inner panel and a roof side inner member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and connected to the roof side reinforcement to define a first closed cross-section; and A roof rail support structure is connected to the side inner assembly to define a second closed cross-section of a roof panel connected to the roof structure.

9. The side structure according to claim 8, wherein: The roof beam support structure comprises: an upper support member connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and the roof side inner member, and connected to the roof panel; and A lower support member is connected to an upper portion of the side inner panel and to a lower portion of the upper support member.

10. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The roof beam support structure further includes a roof beam side extension that is connected to the upper support and the lower support and supports a roof beam of the roof structure.

11. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The side outer panels and the upper support are connected to the roof panel; and The roof panel and the upper support member connected to each other define the second closed cross section in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

12. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The upper support and the lower support connected to each other define an open mounting portion configured to mount a door operating module on the door opening.

13. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The roof panel, the side outer panel and the roof side inner member are connected by a first connecting portion; and The roof side reinforcement, the roof side inner member, and the upper support are connected by a second connecting portion.

14. The side structure according to claim 13, wherein: The roof side reinforcement includes a plurality of notches spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

15. The side structure according to claim 14, wherein: The roof side inner member includes a plurality of formed portions spaced apart in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and disposed in the recess.

16. The side structure according to claim 15, wherein: The first connection portion includes a first welding point at which the roof panel, the side outer panel, and the shaped portion are connected into three layers through the notch by first welding.

17. The side structure according to claim 16, wherein: The second connection portion includes a second welding point at which the roof side reinforcement, the roof side inner member, and the upper support are connected in three layers between the recesses by second welding.

18. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The upper support member includes a first connection flange connected to the roof side inner member and a second connection flange connected to the roof panel; and The lower support member includes a third connection flange connected to the side inner panel and a fourth connection flange connected to a lower portion of the second connection flange.

19. The side structure according to claim 9, wherein: The roof beam support structure further comprises: a first door mounting bracket connected to a lower side of the upper support member; and A second door mounting bracket is connected to an upper side of the upper support member.

20. The side structure according to claim 19, wherein: The upper support member and the lower support member connected to each other define an open mounting portion, and the mounting portion is configured to mount a door operating module on the door opening; The door operating module is disposed between the upper support and the lower support; and The upper support and the lower support are engaged with the first door mounting bracket, the second door mounting bracket and the door operating module by fasteners.

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