Outer panel structure for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an outer panel structure for a vehicle. A front door (100) is provided with: a door frame (10) which is a metal member; and a door outer panel (20) that is a resin member attached to the vehicle outer side of the door frame (10), the outer peripheral portion (35) of the door outer panel (20) being joined to the door frame (10).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-14123, filed on January 30, 2025, the entirety of which, including the description, claims, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a vehicle exterior panel structure consisting of a metal frame and a resin exterior panel. Background Technology

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-9799 discloses a structure in which a thermal expansion absorbing part is provided on the inner panel to absorb the thermal expansion difference between the inner and outer panels in a vehicle component made of an inner panel of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and an outer panel of aluminum, which has a larger coefficient of linear expansion than carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In recent years, vehicle exterior panel structures consisting of a metal frame and a resin outer panel have been used. Because the thermal expansion of the resin outer panel is greater than that of the metal frame, the panel edges tend to extend outwards due to thermal expansion. This necessitates increasing the gaps between adjacent components, sometimes resulting in a decrease in aesthetics.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the outward extension of the panel end of the outer panel due to thermal expansion in a vehicle outer panel structure consisting of a metal frame and a resin outer panel.

[0006] The vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a frame, which is a metal component; and an outer panel, which is a resin component mounted on the outer side of the vehicle of the frame, the outer periphery of the outer panel being joined to the frame.

[0007] Thus, since the outer periphery is joined to the frame, it is possible to suppress the outward extension of the panel end of the outer panel.

[0008] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the outer periphery of the outer panel may also include a portion adjacent to a component arranged side-by-side with the outer panel.

[0009] This reduces the gaps between components arranged side by side, thereby suppressing a decrease in aesthetics.

[0010] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the outer panel may also be configured such that the outer panel has an outer flat plate portion and an edge plate portion, the edge plate portion rising from the edge portion of the outer flat plate portion toward the inside of the vehicle, and the outer periphery portion being the area including the edge portion of the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion.

[0011] Therefore, since the rigidity of the outer periphery mounted on the frame is increased, deformation of the outer periphery can be suppressed.

[0012] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the outer panel may also be configured such that the outer panel includes a plate flange that rises from the edge plate portion toward the inner periphery of the outer panel, the outer periphery being a region that further includes the plate flange, and the plate flange is joined to the frame.

[0013] Thus, by setting the plate flange to increase the rigidity of the outer periphery mounted on the frame, deformation of the outer periphery can be suppressed.

[0014] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the outer panel may also be configured such that the outer panel includes a bracket disposed at the corner of the edge plate portion and the outer plate portion, the outer periphery portion being a region further including the bracket, and the bracket being joined to the frame.

[0015] Thus, by setting up brackets to increase the rigidity of the outer periphery mounted on the frame, deformation of the outer periphery can be suppressed.

[0016] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the bracket may also be configured such that it is connected to the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion, and together with the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion, forms a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0017] Thus, because the bracket forms a closed cross-sectional shape, the rigidity of the outer periphery mounted on the frame becomes higher, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer periphery.

[0018] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the outer panel may also be configured such that the outer panel has a raised strip portion that protrudes outward from the vehicle, and the portion of the outer periphery where the ridge line of the raised strip portion is located is joined to the frame.

[0019] Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the extension of the convex part with high surface rigidity from the end of the panel outward.

[0020] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the joint position between the outer panel and the frame may also be configured in an area within 20 mm of the panel end of the outer panel.

[0021] In this way, by shortening the distance from the joint to the panel end, the amount of thermal expansion between the joint and the panel end when the outdoor temperature rises can be reduced.

[0022] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the general portion other than the outer periphery of the outer panel may be configured such that the inner side of the vehicle is supported by the frame in a manner that allows it to be movable in the thickness direction.

[0023] This allows the general-purpose section to move in the thickness direction to absorb the thermal expansion of the outer panel.

[0024] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the frame may also include: an inner panel comprising an inner flat plate portion and an upright portion, the upright portion rising from the edge of the inner flat plate portion toward the outer side of the vehicle; and a strip member, which is at least one member connecting a pair of opposing upright portions, the outer periphery of the outer panel being joined to the upright portion, and the vehicle inner side of the general-purpose portion being supported by the strip member.

[0025] Therefore, when the outer panel undergoes thermal expansion, it can move outwards towards the vehicle. Furthermore, it can suppress the swaying of the outer panel.

[0026] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the vehicle inner side of the general part may also be joined to the elongated member via an elastic member.

[0027] Therefore, while enabling the outer panel to move in the thickness direction to absorb thermal expansion, it can also suppress the shaking of the outer panel.

[0028] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the frame and the outer panel may also be configured as an opening and closing component, which opens and closes the openings of the vehicle body, and the opening and closing component may include a side door, a rear tailgate, or an engine hood.

[0029] This reduces the gaps between the side doors, tailgate, or hood and the body openings, thus preventing a decrease in aesthetics.

[0030] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the opening and closing component may also be the side door, and a door handle may be provided on the rear of the outer panel. The portion of the outer panel that is rearward relative to the door handle and the portion near the decorative strip line that is above the door handle are joined to the frame.

[0031] Therefore, since the rearward extension of the side door due to thermal expansion can be suppressed, the gap between it and components arranged side-by-side at the rear can be reduced, thereby suppressing a decrease in aesthetics. Furthermore, since deformation of the area near the trim strip due to thermal expansion can be suppressed, a decrease in aesthetics can also be suppressed.

[0032] In the vehicle outer panel structure disclosed herein, the frame may also be the vehicle body, and the outer panel may be an appearance design panel installed on the outer side of the vehicle body and constituting the appearance design surface of the vehicle body.

[0033] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the extension of the panel end of the appearance design panel toward the components arranged side by side, and to reduce the gap between it and the components arranged side by side, thereby suppressing the reduction in aesthetics.

[0034] This disclosure provides a vehicle outer panel structure consisting of a metal frame and a resin outer panel, which can suppress the outward extension of the panel end of the outer panel due to thermal expansion. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a side view of a vehicle with the front door of the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the front door of the vehicle as described in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 To Figure 2 The image shown is an elevation view of the front door as seen from the inside of the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the front door, and is... Figure 3 The AA section is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the front door, and is... Figure 3 The BB section is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Detailed diagram of section C shown.

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Detailed diagram of part D shown.

[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Detailed diagram of part E shown.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the front joint of the front door in another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the front joint of the front door in another embodiment.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the front joint of the front door in another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the front joint of the front door in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The vehicle outer panel structure of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to... Figure 1 Simultaneously, a vehicle 300 with an outer panel structure for vehicles equipped with the embodiment will be described. Furthermore, FR, UP, and RH in the accompanying drawings represent the front, upper, and right sides of the vehicle 300, respectively. Additionally, the opposite directions of FR, UP, and RH represent the rear, lower, and left sides. Hereinafter, only the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions will be used in the description, unless otherwise specified beforehand, to represent the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle 300.

[0048] Vehicle 300 includes a body 310, a front door 100, and a rear door 200. The body 310 is constructed by mounting resin fenders 311 and resin rear side panels 312, among other body panels, on the outer side of a metal body frame (not shown). The front door 100 and rear door 200 are side doors that are hinged at the front and rotate freely on the body frame, opening and closing laterally towards the side of vehicle 300. The front door 100, rear door 200, body frame, fenders 311, and body frame and rear side panels 312 are examples of vehicle outer panel structures. The front door 100 will be described below.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the front door 100 includes a metal door frame 10, a resin door outer panel 20 installed on the outside of the door frame 10, and a lower trim piece 38.

[0050] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the door frame 10 includes an inner door panel 11, window frames 19A and 19B, an outer reinforcement 16, a recessed reinforcement 17, and a crash beam 18. The inner door panel 11, window frames 19A and 19B, outer reinforcement 16, recessed reinforcement 17, and crash beam 18 are all made of metal.

[0051] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the inner panel 11 of the car door includes an inner flat plate portion 11A, a front raised portion 12F, a rear raised portion 12R, a front flange 13F, a rear flange 13R, an upper raised portion 14, a lower raised portion 15, and a lower flange 15B. Figure 3 As shown, the inner flat plate portion 11A is a metal flat plate portion with a four-corner opening 11B at the center. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the front erector 12F is a plate-shaped portion that rises from the front edge of the inner flat plate 11A toward the outside of the vehicle (to the right). The front flange 13F is a plate-shaped portion that extends forward from the right end of the front erector 12F. Similarly, the rear erector 12R is a plate-shaped portion that rises from the rear edge of the inner flat plate 11A toward the outside of the vehicle (to the right), and the rear flange 13R is a plate-shaped portion that extends rearward from the right end of the rear erector 12R.

[0052] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the upper raised portion 14 is a plate-shaped portion that rises from the upper edge of the inner flat plate portion 11A toward the outer side (rightward direction) of the vehicle, and the lower raised portion 15 is a stepped, folded plate-shaped portion that rises from the lower part of the inner flat plate portion 11A toward the outer side (rightward direction) of the vehicle. The lower flange 15B is a plate-shaped portion that extends downward from the lower end of the lower raised portion 15.

[0053] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the outer reinforcing member 16 is a long strip connecting the upper part of the front upright portion 12F and the upper part of the rear upright portion 12R in the front-rear direction. The outer reinforcing member 16 has a closed cross-section structure and includes an upper arm 16A extending upward (see reference). Figure 7 The lower arm 16B extends downwards. The recessed reinforcement 17 is a long strip connecting the central portion of the front upright 12F and the central portion of the rear upright 12R in the vertical direction in the longitudinal direction. The recessed reinforcement 17 has a hat-shaped cross-section that is released on the outer side (right side) of the vehicle. The anti-collision beam 18 is a long strip connecting the front upright 12F and the rear upright 12R in the longitudinal direction at the lower side of the recessed reinforcement 17. The anti-collision beam 18 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape.

[0054] As explained later, the outer door panel 20 is joined to the front flange 13F, rear flange 13R, lower flange 15B, and upper arm 16A of the outer reinforcement 16 of the inner door panel 11 by bolts 81 or clamps 85. Therefore, bolt holes for the bolts 81 or clamps 85 are provided on the front flange 13F, rear flange 13R, lower flange 15B, and upper arm 16A of the outer reinforcement 16 of the inner door panel 11. The diameter of these bolt holes is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bolts 81 and clamps 85, in a manner that restricts the in-plane movement of the outer door panel 20.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the outer door panel 20 includes an outer flat plate portion 21, a front edge plate portion 23F, a rear edge plate portion 23R, a front plate flange 24F, a rear plate flange 24R, an upper edge plate portion 27, an upper plate flange 28, and a lower plate flange 31. Additionally, in Figures 4 to 8 In the diagram, the outer flat plate portion 21, indicated by the dashed line, represents the deformation of the outer flat plate portion 21 caused by thermal expansion.

[0056] The outer flat panel 21 is a panel-like portion that forms the exterior design surface of the front door 100 on the outer side of the vehicle. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the outer flat panel 21 includes a front edge portion 22F, a rear edge portion 22R, and an upper edge portion 26. The front edge plate portion 23F is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes from the front edge of the outer flat panel 21 toward the inward side (left side) of the vehicle. The front plate flange 24F is a plate-shaped portion that rises rearward from the front edge plate portion 23F toward the inner periphery of the door outer panel 20. Similarly, the rear edge plate portion 23R is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes from the rear edge of the outer flat panel 21 toward the inward side (left side) of the vehicle, and the rear plate flange 24R is a plate-shaped portion that rises forward from the rear edge plate portion 23R. Similarly, as Figure 7 As shown, the upper edge plate portion 27 is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes from the upper edge of the outer plate portion 21 toward the inner side (left side) of the vehicle, and the upper plate flange 28 is a plate-shaped portion that extends downward from the upper edge plate portion 27. Figure 8 As shown, the lower plate flange 31 is a plate-shaped portion that extends downward at the lower end of the outer plate portion 21.

[0057] Here, the front edge plate portion 23F, the rear edge plate portion 23R, the front plate flange 24F, the rear plate flange 24R, the upper edge plate portion 27, and the upper plate flange 28 are integrally formed from resin together with the outer plate portion 21.

[0058] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the upper and lower front ends of the outer door panel 20 are joined to the door frame 10 by bolts 81 and nuts 82, which connect the front flange 24F to the front flange 13F of the inner door panel 11. Furthermore, the middle portion between the upper and lower front ends of the outer door panel 20 is joined to the door frame 10 by clamps 85, which connect the front flange 24F to the front flange 13F of the inner door panel 11. Similarly, the upper and lower rear ends of the outer door panel 20 are joined to the door frame 10 by bolts 81 and nuts 82, which connect the rear flange 24R to the rear flange 13R. Additionally, the middle portion of the outer door panel 20 is joined to the door frame 10 by clamps 85, which connect the rear flange 24R to the rear flange 13R. Therefore, the positions of bolt 81 and clamp 85 become the engagement positions of front flange 24F and rear flange 24R with front flange 13F and rear flange 13R.

[0059] On the front flange 24F and the rear flange 24R, similar to the front flange 13F and the rear flange 13R, bolt holes are provided for the bolts 81 or clamps 85 to pass through. The diameter of these bolt holes is the same as that of the bolt holes on the front flange 13F and the rear flange 13R, and is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bolts 81 and clamps 85, in a way that restricts the in-plane movement of the outer door panel 20.

[0060] The vertical spacing between bolt 81 and clamp 85, and the vertical spacing between clamp 85, is approximately 100mm to 150mm. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the length between the center of bolt 81 and clamp 85 and the front panel end of the outer door panel 20 is L1. As explained earlier, the bolt 81 and clamp 85 are located at the engagement points of the front flange 24F and rear flange 24R with the front flange 13F and rear flange 13R; therefore, length L1 is the length between the panel end and the engagement point. In the front door 100, L1 is set to be less than 20mm. Alternatively, if the length between the center of bolt 81 and clamp 85 and the rear panel end of the outer door panel 20 is less than 20mm, it can be either L1 or a different length.

[0061] like Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the area including the front edge portion 22F, the front edge plate portion 23F, and the front plate flange 24F of the door outer panel 20 constitutes the front outer periphery 25F. Similarly, as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the area including the rear edge portion 22R, the rear edge plate portion 23R, and the rear plate flange 24R of the outer door panel 20 constitutes the rear outer periphery 25R. Figure 2As shown, the rear outer perimeter 25R is positioned at the rear of the vehicle compared to the door handle 50.

[0062] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the upper part of the outer door panel 20 is connected to the upper arm 16A of the outer reinforcement member 16 by means of a clamp 85 (see reference). Figure 7 They are combined and thus joined to the door frame 10. Bolt holes for the clamp 85 to pass through are provided on the upper flange 28. These bolt holes, like those on the upper arm 16A, have a diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the clamp 85.

[0063] The front-to-back spacing of clamp 85 is approximately 100mm to 150mm. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the length between the center of the clamp 85 and the upper panel end of the outer door panel 20 is L2. In the front door 100, L2, like L1, is set to be less than 20mm. Figures 2 to 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the area including the upper edge portion 26, the upper edge plate portion 27, and the upper plate flange 28 of the door outer panel 20 constitutes the upper outer periphery 29. Figure 2 As shown, the upper outer perimeter 29 is positioned above the decorative strip 70 compared to the door handle 50 (see reference). Figure 1 (near)

[0064] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, the lower front and rear portions of the outer door panel 20 are joined to the door frame 10 by means of bolts 81 and nuts 82, which connect the lower flange 31 to the lower flange 15B of the inner door panel 11. Furthermore, the central portion between the lower front and rear portions of the outer door panel 20 is joined to the door frame 10 by means of a clamp 85, which connects the lower flange 31 to the lower flange 15B of the inner door panel 11. A bolt hole is provided on the lower flange 31 for the bolt 81 or clamp 85 to pass through. This bolt hole, like the bolt hole on the lower flange 15B, has a diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bolt 81 or clamp 85.

[0065] The distance between bolt 81 and clamp 85 in the front-to-back direction, and the distance between clamp 85 in the front-to-back direction, are approximately 100mm to 150mm. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the length between the center of bolt 81 and clamp 85 and the lower end of the panel of the outer door panel 20 is L3. In the front door 100, L3, like L1 and L2, is set to be less than 20mm. Figure 3 , Figure 5, Figure 8 As shown, the area including the lower flange 31 of the outer door panel 20 constitutes the lower outer periphery 32.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower trim piece 38 is a U-shaped resin component that covers the lower end of the outer door panel 20 and the lower end of the inner door panel 11. The bolts 81 and clamps 85, which are located at the lower outer periphery 32, are covered by the lower trim piece 38.

[0067] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the front outer periphery 25F, rear outer periphery 25R, upper outer periphery 29, and lower outer periphery 32 of the door outer panel 20 constitute the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20. Therefore, the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20 is joined to the door frame 10 by bolts 81 and nuts 82, or clamps 85.

[0068] Here, as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the front outer perimeter 25F is the portion adjacent to the rear end of the fender 311, which is arranged side-by-side in front of the door outer panel 20. In addition, the rear outer perimeter 25R is the portion adjacent to the front end of the door outer panel 220 of the rear door 200, which is arranged side-by-side in front of the door outer panel 20.

[0069] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle interior side of the general-purpose section, excluding the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20, is supported in a movable manner in the plate thickness direction by the lower arm 16B of the outer reinforcing member 16, the arm 17A of the recessed reinforcing member 17, and the anti-collision beam 18. Specifically, the vehicle interior side of the general-purpose section is connected to the lower arm 16B, arm 17A, and anti-collision beam 18 via an elastic member 60. The elastic member 60 need only be a component that allows the general-purpose section to move and expand in the plate thickness direction; for example, it could be a putty adhesive.

[0070] Next, the deformation of each part of the front door 100 when the outdoor temperature rises will be explained. Since resin has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metal, the amount of thermal expansion of the resin door outer panel 20 when the outdoor temperature rises is greater than that of the metal door frame 10. As explained above, the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20 is joined to the door frame 10 by bolts 81 and nuts 82, or clamps 85. Furthermore, the bolt holes provided on the door outer panel 20 and the door frame 10 through which the bolts 81 or clamps 85 pass have a diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bolts 81 or clamps 85. Therefore, the in-plane movement of the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20 is restricted by the bolts 81 and clamps 85.

[0071] On the other hand, the general-purpose portion other than the outer perimeter 35 is connected to the lower arm 16B of the outer reinforcement 16, the arm 17A of the recessed reinforcement 17, and the anti-collision beam 18 via the elastic member 60 in a manner that allows the inner side of the vehicle to move in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, when the outdoor temperature rises, the outer door panel 20, as in Figures 3 to 8 As shown by the dotted line, the outer flat plate portion 21 deforms in a manner that causes it to bulge outwards towards the vehicle. At this time, the elastic member 60 extends in the thickness direction according to the deformation of the outer flat plate portion 21. Furthermore, the deformation of the outer flat plate portion 21 towards the outwards of the vehicle absorbs the difference in thermal expansion between the metal door frame 10 and the outer door panel 20. Additionally, when the outdoor temperature drops, the general-purpose portion of the outer flat plate portion 21 will deform and return to its original shape towards the inwards of the vehicle, causing the elastic member 60 to contract in the thickness direction and return to its original state.

[0072] Furthermore, the common portion of the outer door panel 20 is connected to the lower arm 16B of the outer reinforcement 16, the arm 17A of the recessed reinforcement 17, and the anti-collision beam 18 via the elastic member 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the swaying of the outer door panel 20 in the thickness direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the outer door panel 20 is attached to the door frame 10 at a position where the length L1 between the center of the bolt 81 or clamp 85 and the front panel end of the outer door panel 20 is less than 20mm. Therefore, the amount of movement of the front panel end toward the fender 311 is almost zero. This reduces the gap between the front panel end and the fender 311, thereby improving aesthetics. Similarly, the amount of movement of the rear panel end toward the outer door panel 220 of the rear door 200 is almost zero. Therefore, the gap between the rear panel end of the outer door panel 20 and the outer door panel 220 of the rear door 200 can be reduced, thereby improving aesthetics. Similarly, the amount of upward movement of the upper panel end is almost zero. Therefore, deformation near the trim strip 70 can be suppressed, improving aesthetics.

[0074] Furthermore, the front outer periphery 25F of the door outer panel 20 includes a front edge plate portion 23F and a front plate flange 24F provided on the front edge plate portion 23F, and the front plate flange 24F is joined to the door frame 10 by bolts 81 or clamps 85. Therefore, the rigidity of the joint between the door outer panel 20 and the door frame 10 is increased, thereby controlling the reaction force generated by the thermal expansion of the door outer panel 20. The rear outer periphery 25R and the upper outer periphery 29 also have the same structure, thereby controlling the reaction force generated by the thermal expansion of the door outer panel 20. This allows the outer flat plate portion 21 of the door outer panel 20 to undergo thermal deformation towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0075] Furthermore, since the distance between the bolt 81 and the clamp 85, and the distance between the clamps 85 are set to about 100mm to 150mm, the situation where the outer periphery 35 of the door outer panel 20 lifts off the door frame 10 can be suppressed when the outdoor temperature rises, so as to suppress the reduction of aesthetics.

[0076] Next, in reference Figures 9 to 12 Meanwhile, the structures of the front doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 in other embodiments will be described. First, regarding the reference... Figures 1 to 8 The same parts described are marked with the same symbols and the explanation is omitted.

[0077] exist Figure 9 In the front door 110 shown, reference will be made Figure 6 The front flange 24F of the front door 100 is configured as a bracket 44 consisting of transverse ribs 42 and longitudinal ribs 43. Holes are provided on the transverse ribs 42 for the clamp 86 to pass through. The outer door panel 20 is attached to the door frame 10 by means of the clamp 86, which connects the transverse ribs 42 to the front flange 13F. The length L4 between the front panel end of the outer door panel 20 and the center of the clamp 85 is less than 20 mm, similar to the lengths L1 to L3 described above.

[0078] In the front door 110, the bracket 44 is integrally formed with the front edge portion 22F and the front edge plate portion 23F of the outer flat plate portion 21 to create a closed cross-section structure. Therefore, the rigidity of the front outer peripheral portion 41 is increased, thereby controlling the reaction force generated by the thermal expansion of the door outer panel 20. As a result, the outer flat plate portion 21 of the door outer panel 20 can undergo thermal deformation toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0079] exist Figure 10 In the front door 120 shown, a separate bracket 46 with a closed cross-section and four corners is fixed to the corners of the front edge portion 22F and the front edge plate portion 23F of the outer flat plate portion 21 using adhesive 62. The bracket 46 has holes through which a clamp 86 passes. The door outer panel 20 is attached to the door frame 10 by using the clamp 86 to join the bracket 46 to the front flange 13F. The length L5 between the front panel end of the door outer panel 20 and the center of the clamp 85 is less than 20 mm, similar to the lengths L1 to L4 described above.

[0080] Similar to the front door 110, the rigidity of the front outer periphery 41 of the front door 120 is increased, thereby controlling the reaction force generated by the thermal expansion of the outer panel 20 of the door. As a result, the outer flat panel 21 can undergo thermal deformation toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0081] exist Figure 11In the front door 130 shown, the inner door panel 11 has a raised flange 13FA extending from the front end of the front flange 13F toward the outside of the vehicle, and the front edge plate portion 23F of the outer door panel 20 is attached to the raised flange 13FA by bolts 81 and nuts 82.

[0082] In the front door 130, since the length between the front panel end of the door outer panel 20 and the joint position is zero, the amount of movement of the front panel end toward the fender 311 can be zero. Therefore, the gap between the front panel end and the fender 311 can be further reduced, thereby further improving the aesthetics.

[0083] exist Figure 12 In the front door 140 shown, the inner side of the front edge 22F of the door outer panel 20 is bonded to the front flange 13F of the door frame 10 using adhesive 62. This allows for the suppression of thermal expansion of the door outer panel 20 from the panel outwards using a simple structure, by deforming the outer flat plate portion 21 outwards to absorb thermal expansion.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the outer panel 20 of the door has a raised slat 45 that protrudes outward toward the outside of the vehicle and extends in the longitudinal direction, bolts 81 or clamps 85 can be installed at the positions where the ridge lines of the raised slat 45 on the front outer perimeter 25F and the rear outer perimeter 25R are located. This effectively suppresses the possibility of the raised slat 45, which has higher surface rigidity, extending forward or backward from the front or rear panel end when the outdoor temperature rises.

[0085] The front door 100 of vehicle 300 has been described above as an example of an outer panel structure for a vehicle. However, the rear door 200, like the front door 100, includes a metal door frame (not shown), a resin door outer panel 220, and a lower trim piece 238. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the door outer panel 220 is joined to the door frame, and the inner side of the general-purpose part is movably supported by the door frame in the thickness direction. Additionally, a door handle 250 is provided on the rear door 200 behind the door outer panel 220. Like the front door 100, the outer periphery of the rear door 200 does not move in the in-plane direction, while the general-purpose part deforms towards the outer side of the vehicle to absorb thermal expansion. Furthermore, in the rear door 200, since the outer periphery does not move in the in-plane direction, the gap between the door outer panel 20 of the front door 100 and the rear side panel 312 arranged side by side can be reduced, thereby improving the aesthetics.

[0086] Alternatively, the opening and closing components of the vehicle 300, such as the rear tailgate (not shown) and engine hood (not shown), which open and close the openings to the body 310, can be designed with the same structure as the front door 100.

[0087] Alternatively, resin fenders 311 and resin rear side panels 312, which serve as exterior design panels for the body 310, can be mounted on the body frame with the same structure as the front door 100. For example, the outer periphery of the fender 311 can be joined to the body frame, and the inner side of the common portion of the fender 311 can be movably supported by the body frame in the thickness direction. This allows the fender 311 to deform outwards when the outside temperature rises, thus suppressing movement of the panel end towards the outer door panel 20 of the front door 100. This reduces the gap between the fender 311 and the outer door panel 20, improving aesthetics. The rear side panel 312 is similarly designed.

[0088] Furthermore, although the above description illustrates a method to restrict the in-plane movement of the outer door panel 20 by setting the diameter of the bolt holes provided on the outer door panel 20 and the door frame 10 to be approximately the same as the diameter of the bolt 81 and the clamp 85, this is not a limitation. For example, in addition to the structure described above, it is also possible to restrict the in-plane movement of the outer door panel 20 by providing a pin on the door frame 10, providing a pin hole at the outer periphery 35 of the outer door panel 20 through which the pin passes, and setting the diameter of the pin hole to be approximately the same as the diameter of the pin.

Claims

1. A vehicle outer panel structure, comprising: The frame, which is a metal component; The outer panel is a resin component that is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle within the frame. The characteristic of the vehicle outer panel structure is that... The outer periphery of the outer panel is joined to the frame.

2. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the outer panel includes a portion adjacent to components arranged side-by-side with the outer panel.

3. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer panel includes an outer flat plate portion and an edge plate portion, wherein the edge plate portion rises from the edge portion of the outer flat plate portion toward the inside of the vehicle. The outer peripheral portion is the region including the edge portion of the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion.

4. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer panel includes a flange that extends from the edge plate portion toward the inner periphery of the outer panel. The outer peripheral portion further includes the region of the plate flange. The plate flange is joined to the frame.

5. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer panel includes a bracket disposed at the corners of the edge plate portion and the outer flat plate portion. The outer periphery further includes the area of ​​the bracket. The bracket is attached to the frame.

6. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bracket is connected to the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion, and together with the outer flat plate portion and the edge plate portion, forms a closed cross-sectional shape.

7. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The outer panel has a raised section that protrudes outward from the vehicle. The portion of the raised section in the outer periphery where the ridge line is located is joined to the frame.

8. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The general portion of the outer panel, excluding the outer periphery, is such that the inner side of the vehicle is supported by the frame in a manner that it is movable in the thickness direction.

9. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The framework includes: The inner panel includes an inner flat plate portion and an upright portion, the upright portion rising from the edge of the inner flat plate portion toward the outside of the vehicle; A long strip component, which is at least one component connecting a pair of opposing upright portions. The outer periphery of the outer panel is joined to the raised portion. The inner side of the vehicle in the general-purpose section is supported by the elongated member.

10. The vehicle outer panel structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The inner side of the vehicle of the general part is joined to the long strip member via an elastic member.

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