Rear vehicle body structure of a motor vehicle with a storage-type roof and method for absorbing a rear-end impact

Abstract

Rear vehicle body structure for a motor vehicle with an openable roof (1) of the storage type for covering an upper side of a cabin (7) of the motor vehicle, the rear vehicle body structure comprising: a rear opening body (10) which is provided in an opening position on a rear section of the vehicle body which is positioned behind the cabin (7); and an upward displacement section provided at the rear section of the vehicle body, wherein the upward displacement section is configured to be displaced essentially upwards relative to a rear end section of the vehicle body by a vehicle body deformation caused by a rear-end impact, characterized by that the rear opening body (10) is supported at a position of the rear section of the vehicle body which is substantially vertical above and / or in front of the upward displacement section, such that the rear opening body (10) is raised in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs a rear impact load, more comprehensively: a storage compartment (2) for storing the openable roof (1), wherein the storage compartment (2) is provided at the rear section of the vehicle body, which is positioned behind the cabin (7), wherein the rear opening body (10) is provided for opening the cover of the storage compartment (2), wherein the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section (130) of a wheel arch (13), and wherein the rear opening body (10) has a support structure (70) attached to the rear section of the vehicle body, which is located vertically above and / or in front of the upper section (130) of the wheel arch (13), so that the rear section of the rear opening body (10) can be displaced upwards relative to the rear section of the vehicle body when the rear section of the vehicle body is subjected to a rear impact load.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear vehicle body structure of a motor vehicle with a storage-type roof, in which a rear openable body, such as a convertible top or rear cover for opening or closing an upper side of a roof storage compartment or a rear roof for opening or closing an upper side of a cabin or interior, is provided at a rear section of the vehicle body. The invention further relates to a method for absorbing a rear-end impact.

[0002] A structure in which an opening / closing device for opening and moving a lid or flap element as the rear cover is provided on the rear section of the vehicle body is known as the rear vehicle body structure of a motor vehicle with a storage-type roof as described above, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese patent publication JP 2003 - 11 674 A.

[0003] The opening / closing device of the patent document described above comprises a drive mechanism, a drive arm which is set into oscillation by the drive mechanism, and a link element which is connected to a lower section of the cover element and a free end of the drive arm.

[0004] When an object impacts a vehicle from behind in a rear-end collision, a body component, such as a rear wheel arch, provided at the rear of the vehicle body, is deformed upwards relative to a rear end section of the body, such as a rear bumper, by being compressed by the object. That is, the rear of many vehicles incorporates an upward displacement section configured to displace upwards when the rear of the body is deformed in a rear-end collision, such as the upper section (top end) of the rear wheel arch.For example, a section positioned behind the upper section of the rear wheel arch is displaced upwards in such a way that a rear side of it lowers relative to a front side of it in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section of the upper section during the rear-end collision.

[0005] The drive mechanism provided on the opening / closing device of the patent document described above is provided behind the upper section (the upward displacement section) of the rear wheel arch, and the cover member is supported or carried on the opening / closing device (see Fig. 2 of the patent document).

[0006] If the upper section of the rear wheel arch is displaced upwards, for example, as the rear wheel arch deforms in a comb or wave-like shape during a rear-end collision, the cover element, which is supported or carried by the opening / closing mechanism at a position behind the upper section, tends to assume a specified position where its rear side dips relative to its front side. This means there is a risk that the cover element may be displaced in such a way that it directly impacts the object entering the vehicle from the rear during a rear-end collision.

[0007] If the cover link collides with the impact object during a rear-end collision, it can break or detach from the vehicle body. In cases where the cover link is enlarged, either by extending its rear portion or by positioning it close to the rear of the vehicle body, certain countermeasures are necessary.

[0008] While a support structure in which the rear opening section is supported or carried at a higher level can be considered a countermeasure to prevent the lid link from colliding with the impact object in a rear-end collision, there is a risk that the rear opening section could become unstable due to its higher center of gravity. While components of the rear opening section, such as the lid link, must be reinforced to ensure sufficient support stiffness for the higher level, there is also the concern that the opening / closing mechanism could become excessively heavy and / or large.

[0009] In a certain type of vehicle with a storage-type roof, where high sportiness or preference is desired through reduced aerodynamic drag or vehicle weight, the large, opening rear section can improperly increase the risk of direct contact with the impact object in a rear-end collision. However, if the opening rear section is supported at a higher level by the linkage element to prevent the aforementioned contact with the impact object in a rear-end collision, the supporting load on the linkage element increases, thus necessitating further countermeasures to address the problem described above.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have taken into account a deformation mode of the rear section of the vehicle body during the vehicle impact and have implemented the lifting of the rear openable body by utilizing the upward displacement section provided on the rear section of the vehicle body to be displaced upwards.

[0011] In the case of the opening / closing device of the patent document described above, however, the cover member is supported by the link element, which itself extends upwards in its closed position, so that it is to be feared that the cover member could be improperly rotated downwards in its rotation range due to the deformation of the rear wheel arch during the rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[0012] Since the uplift energy absorbed by the opening / closing mechanism from the rear wheel arch is dissipated by the rotation of the link element described above, there is a risk that the cover link might not be lifted sufficiently in a rear-end collision, potentially causing it to collide with the impacting object approaching from the rear of the vehicle. Consequently, despite reinforcing the link element or similar measures, the vehicle body may become heavy and / or large, necessitating further countermeasures.

[0013] Furthermore, DE 100 28 405 A1 describes a folding soft top for a vehicle with a frame and a soft top guide track for moving the hardtop from a closed position to a stowed position. During the movement of the folding hardtop between the closed and stowed positions, the trunk is raised by movement along a track to which the trunk frame is connected. The frame of the folding hardtop includes a pivot bracket that can move within the soft top guide track to limit the clearance required for folding the hardtop into a stowed position. A passenger compartment cover is provided to cover the storage space for the folding hardtop in both the closed and stowed positions.Rear side windows are moved from a closed position, in which they function as windows, to a stowed position, in which the windows are pushed outside the retractable hardtop and rotated into a stowed position. The retractable hardtop, trunk lid, rear side window, passenger compartment, and roll bar can be assembled as a single, unitized module with the linkages that coordinate the operation of the retractable hardtop, trunk lid, rear side window, and passenger compartment to facilitate installation on a vehicle.

[0014] DE 10 2014 110 828 A1 also describes an arrangement of a cover for a convertible top compartment in a vehicle designed as a convertible, wherein the cover is pivotable via links between a position covering the convertible top compartment and a position not covering the convertible top compartment. According to the invention, in such an arrangement, the cover has at least one first guide element at a distance from its pivot point, and at least one second guide element is provided on the body side, wherein the two guide elements interact and guide the cover as it is moved into its closed position until the closed position is reached.

[0015] Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide the rear vehicle body structure of the motor vehicle with the storage-type roof which can prevent the direct collision of the rear openable body with the impact object with a simpler structure.

[0016] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] The present invention is a rear vehicle body structure of a motor vehicle with a storage-type roof, comprising a rear opening body provided openably on a rear section of the vehicle body positioned behind a cabin or interior, and an upward displacement section provided on the rear section of the vehicle body, wherein the upward displacement section is configured to be displaced substantially upwards relative to a rear end section of the vehicle body by a vehicle body deformation caused by a rear-end impact, wherein the rear opening body is supported or carried at a position of the rear section of the vehicle body whichwhich is located substantially vertically above and / or substantially in front of the upward displacement section, such that the rear opening body is lifted in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs a rear impact load.

[0018] According to the present invention, the direct collision of the rear openable body with the impact object can be prevented by a simple structure.

[0019] The upward displacement section described above is a section of the rear section of the vehicle body that is substantially deformed upwards as a result of the rear-end collision. For example, this upward displacement section may be determined based on the results of a simulation or a collision test to verify the deformation mode of the rear section of the vehicle body. Alternatively, other determination methods may be used, such as a method in which a support or beam section of the rear opening body itself is designed to be easily displaced substantially upwards when it absorbs the rear-end collision load. For example, the beam section may be formed in a curved or trapezoidal shape in a side view, or the beam section may incorporate an upward-bending facilitating section, such as an upwardly recessed bead.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section of a slightly upward-curving section, and the rear opening body is supported or carried on a section located in front of the upper section of the slightly upward-curving section.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the rear opening body is designed to be beveled or inclined in such a way that its rear end is raised relative to its front end, making it easier to avoid the impact object.

[0022] In the present invention, the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section of a wheel housing.

[0023] According to this aspect, the rear opening body is simply raised by utilizing the wheel arch, which is an existing vehicle body structure, so that the impact object can be more easily avoided.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, a link mechanism for openingly supporting or carrying the rear opening body is provided on the rear section of the vehicle body and / or the link mechanism has a bending conveying section to promote the upward displacement of the upward displacement section on a base section thereof.

[0025] According to this embodiment, the bending conveying section that the link mechanism has at its base becomes a bending start point of the link mechanism when the rear section of the vehicle body is deformed due to the rear-end collision, so that the upward displacement of the upward displacement section can be further conveyed. This allows the load for raising or lifting the rear opening body by means of the link mechanism to be further increased.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present invention, a link mechanism is provided for opening and supporting or carrying the rear opening body on the rear section of the vehicle body and / or the link mechanism has a slightly bending deformation section to promote bending deformation for a longitudinal load.

[0027] According to this embodiment, forward displacement of the rear opening body or a link breakage caused by the collision with the impact object can be prevented, so that the rear opening body can be lifted easily or smoothly.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, a link mechanism for openingly supporting or carrying the rear opening body is provided on the rear section of the vehicle body and / or the link mechanism is configured to support or carry the rear opening body, which in a closed state is positioned at or near a lower limit position in a structural-operative area of ​​the link mechanism.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the rear opening body can be safely lifted, regardless of the load-bearing stiffness of the rear opening body, at a central position in the operating range of the link mechanism, so that the impact object can be properly avoided.

[0030] It is preferred that the rear opening body described above is provided in such a way that it is lifted as a whole when opened. This ensures that the effect of the present invention, namely preventing direct contact between the rear opening body and the impact object, is properly achieved.

[0031] According to another aspect, a method for absorbing a rear-end impact of a vehicle with a storage-type roof is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a rear opening body at a rear section of the vehicle body behind a cabin or interior space, Providing an upward displacement section at the rear section of the vehicle body, wherein the upward displacement section is formed to be displaced substantially upwards relative to a rear end section of the vehicle body by a vehicle body deformation caused by a rear-end impact, and Supporting or carrying the rear opening body at a position of the rear section of the vehicle body which is substantially vertically above and / or substantially in front of the upward displacement section, so that the rear opening body is raised in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs a rear impact load.

[0032] Preferably, the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section of a slightly upward-curving section, and the rear opening body is supported or carried on a section located in front of the upper section of the slightly upward-curving section.

[0033] It is further preferred that the upward displacement section is formed as an upper section of a wheel housing.

[0034] The rear opening body is preferably designed as a convertible top or rear cover.

[0035] Other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows side views of two states of a motor vehicle equipped with a rear vehicle body structure of the present invention, wherein an openable roof is positioned in a closed state and in an open state, respectively. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view showing a support or carrier structure of a convertible top or rear cover. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view showing the support structure of the rear cover for a vehicle body. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing the rear body structure of the motor vehicle. Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view of a main part of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged top view of a main part of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view showing a condition during a rear-end collision. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view showing the condition at the time of the vehicle's rear-end collision.

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention is described with particular reference to the drawings. In the figures, an arrow F indicates a vehicle front, an arrow IN indicates an inward or inner side in a vehicle width direction, an arrow OUT indicates an outward or outer side in the vehicle width direction, and an arrow U indicates an upward or upper side of the vehicle.

[0037] The drawings show a vehicle body structure of an open car V of the present embodiment, and Fig. 1A is a side view in a state where an opening roof is positioned in a closed state, and Fig. 1B is a side view in a state where the opening roof is positioned in an open position.

[0038] The open car V of the present embodiment comprises, as shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a vehicle body 11, which is divided into a cabin or interior 7, equipped with a driver's seat and a passenger seat (not shown), where passengers sit. The open car V is configured to optionally have a closed roof (see Figure 1B). Fig. 1A), where an opening roof 1 is closed to cover an upper side and a lower side of the cabin 7, and an open state of the roof (see Fig. 1B) to take place where the opening roof 1 is folded and open.

[0039] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, a trunk 4 is provided at a rear section of the vehicle body 11, and an opening formed above the trunk 4 is covered by a trunk lid 5. A storage compartment 2, where the exposed roof 1 is stored, is provided between the cabin 7 and the trunk 4, which is configured to open upwards.

[0040] A convertible top or rear cover for opening and covering an upper end opening (see Fig. 1A), which is formed at one upper end of storage compartment 2, is arranged above storage compartment 2. As shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the rear cover 10 is configured in two ways: a closed position (regular position) where it covers the top opening 2a of the storage compartment 2 when the opening roof 1 is in the closed or open position, and also an open position (see the rear cover 10, which is defined by an imaginary line in Figure 1B). Fig. 2 is shown), where it rises backwards and upwards relative to the storage compartment 2, independently of the opening roof 1, in order to open (not cover) the top opening 2a of the storage compartment 2 when the opening roof 1 is changed between the closed state and the open state.

[0041] As further explained in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, a B-pillar 4 (center pillar 4) is provided slightly behind a rear end of a door glass 3a of a side door 3, extending substantially upwards from the main body of the vehicle 11 beyond an upper side section 134a of a rear fender 134. The B-pillar 4 is configured to contact a front end on each side, in the vehicle width direction, of the rear cover 10, which has the closed position from the inward side in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] As it is in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the opening roof 1 is configured to extend continuously from a front headpiece 8, which is a structural member extending in the width direction of the vehicle and supporting the upper side of a front window glass 5 (front window member) provided at a front position of the cabin 7, and forming the upper and rear sides of the cabin 7. More precisely, the opening roof 1 comprises intermediate roofs 1A, 1B, which form a ceiling of the cabin 7, and a rear roof 1C provided at a rear side of the cabin 7, arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction. These roofs 1A, 1B, 1C each consist of a rigid roof member.

[0043] The central roofs 1A, 1B comprise the central roof body section 1A and the central roof rear section 1B, which is arranged behind the central roof body section 1A, which are pivotably connected to each other via their respective facing parts.

[0044] The opening roof 1 is configured to operate between the closed state and the open state by means of a drive unit 12 and a linkage mechanism that transmits a drive from the drive unit 12 to the opening roof 1 (see Fig. 4).

[0045] The linkage mechanism for the opening roof 1 consists of several links which are pivotably connected to each other at their end sections in order to operate in conjunction with each other, and is provided to connect a bracket 29, which is provided on a side of the vehicle body, and brackets (not shown) which are provided on respective lower sections of the center roof body section 1A, the center roof rear section 1B and the rear roof 1C (see Fig. 4). In Fig. 4 denote the reference symbols R1, F1 links which are provided on the side of the bracket 29.

[0046] Thus, the opening roof 1 is configured such that three divided sections of the central roof body section 1A, the central roof rear section 1B and the rear roof 1C are foldable and can be stored in the storage compartment 2 (see Fig. 1B).

[0047] As further explained in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the rear cover 10 described above provides a vehicle body member that is provided between the cabin 7 and the trunk 4, wherein a front section of it is configured to project upwards to form an exterior appearance surface of a rear side of the vehicle body main body 11 when the rear cover is closed, and which includes projection sections 22, 22, which are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a convertible top or rear cover head section 23, which is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction between the projection sections 22, 22.

[0048] The projecting section 22 extends upwards in such a way that its front end reaches essentially the same plane (height) as the rear cover head section 23 and also extends obliquely downwards and rearwards to a front section of the trunk 4, so that its rear end reaches essentially the same plane (height) as an upper surface of the trunk lid 5.

[0049] The rear cover 10 is formed by the pair of projecting sections 22, 22 and the rear cover head section 23 described above, such that a rear section of the cabin 7 of the vehicle body main body 11 is formed in a gate-like shape in a top view. As shown in Fig. As shown in 1A, a rear roof arrangement opening section 24 is formed on a rear side section of the rear cover 10, which opens to the rear in an approximately rectangular shape in plan view, so that an inside of the cabin 7 and an outside of the cabin 7 are connected by this, where the rear roof 1C is provided removable.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 is a side view showing the support structure of the rear cover as a rear opening body when viewed from the inside. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the support structure of the rear cover for the vehicle body of the rear cover when viewed from the inside side, Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing the left side of the rear body structure of the motor vehicle. Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view of a main part of Fig. 3, and Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged top view of a main part of Fig. 4. In Fig. Reference numeral 3 designates a rear bumper extending in the width direction of the vehicle as a damper for the rear section of the vehicle body, reference numeral 133 designates a rear end plate representing a rear end of the trunk 4, and these two elements are positioned on a rear end section of the vehicle body.

[0051] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the rear cover 10 comprises an upper plate 10b and a lower plate 10c, which together form a frame for the rear cover 10. The rear cover 10 is provided with a rear cover support bracket 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the bracket 50) on its lower section.

[0052] As further explained in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a lower bracket 14 and an upper bracket 61 are attached to an upper section of a rear wheel arch 13. This upper bracket 61 is provided with two base axles 51, 52, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and links 53, 54, which form a parallel connection or link, are each attached to the base axles 51, 52.

[0053] A front end section of the lower side member 53 of the drive side is pivotably or rotatably connected to the bracket 50 via a pin 55 directly below the bracket 50, and a front end section of an upper side member 54 of a driven side is pivotably or rotatably connected to a lower section of a middle section, in the longitudinal direction, of the bracket 50 via a pin 56. The base end axis 51 described above is driven forward / reverse by a special drive motor for the rear cover 10, which is different from a drive motor on the drive unit 12 (see Fig. 4) is provided for the openable roof 1.

[0054] When the drive motor rotates forward, the two links 53, 54 of the parallel connection or parallel link are driven upwards (clockwise). Fig. 2), so that the rear cover 10 is lifted upwards and backwards over the bracket 50, as indicated by an imaginary line β in Fig. 2 is shown. In this case, the rear cover 10 is opened into a non-interference position, where the rear cover 10 does not intersect the center roofs 1A, 1B and the rear roof 1C when these roofs 1A, 1B, 1C are opened or closed.

[0055] This means that the rear cover 10, as the rear opening body, is provided as a support structure 70 for carrying the rear cover 10, with the bracket 50, the lower bracket 14 (mounting bracket), the upper bracket 61 (base bracket), and a four-bar linkage mechanism 60 (containing the links 53, 54). The rear wheel arch 13 is formed in a side view in an arc shape, such that a central section projects upwards in the longitudinal direction to cover a rotatable rear wheel, and an upper section 130 (upper end section) of the rear wheel arch 13 is configured as an upward displacement section that is to be displaced (deformed) upwards relative to the rear bumper 131 when the rear section of the vehicle body containing the rear wheel arch 13 is deformed in a rear-end collision.

[0056] The support structure 70 of the rear cover 10 described above is configured such that the rear cover 10 is thereby supported in front of the upper section 130 (upward displacement section) of the rear wheel arch 13.

[0057] Furthermore, each of the links 53, 54 described above is configured to support the rear cover 10, which is in the closed position, at or near a lower limit position (a rotation limit position in one counterclockwise direction), where the support 50 does not lower further in any operating range of the links 53, 54 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0058] When the rear cover 10 is pushed upwards by the support structure 70, caused by the deformation of the rear section of the vehicle body during a rear-end collision, this upward pushing energy is not absorbed by the counterclockwise rotation of the links 53, 54. The proximity of a lower limit position described above, for example, means a region within approximately 10% of the lower limit position relative to any rotation angle of the links 53, 54.

[0059] As it is in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the lower bracket 14 is a base of the upper bracket 61 and comprises a base plate 81, which extends substantially horizontally to support or carry a mounting seat 61a of the upper bracket 61, and mounting sections 82, which include mounting holes 82a formed at a periphery of the base plate 81 and at respective positions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and in the vehicle width direction. The base plate 81 and the mounting sections 82 are integrally formed.

[0060] As it is in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a plate-shaped reinforcement 132 is provided at a position on the rear wheel arch 13 that corresponds to the lower bracket 14 along an upper surface of the rear wheel arch 13. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the mounting section 82 described above, containing the mounting holes 82a, the rear wheel arch 13, and the reinforcement 132 are firmly connected to one another by fastening elements 91, such as bolts or screws and nuts. The representation of the fastening elements 91 is shown in Figure 3. Fig. 4, Fig. Numbers 6 and 7 were omitted.

[0061] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figures 3-6, the mounting section 82, which is provided at the rear end of the lower bracket 14 and on the inward or inner side in the vehicle width direction, is formed as a rear mounting leg section 82R extending to the upper surface of the rear wheel arch 13. This rear mounting leg section 82R comprises, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an extension section 85 extending obliquely backward and downward from a rear end of the base plate 81, and a flange section 86 extending from a rear lower end of the extension section 85 to contact an attachment position of the reinforcement 132, and has the attachment hole 82a, which are integrally formed.

[0062] A rear, curved section 14c is provided at a base end section of the extension section 85, formed by the base plate 81 and the extension section 85. This curved section 14c is configured to be bent in a bridge shape (inverted V-shape) in the side view.

[0063] The rear mounting leg section 82R is attached to the upper surface of the rear wheel arch 13 to be positioned on the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) More precisely, in the present embodiment, the rear mounting leg section 82R is attached at a specified position such that the rear curved section 14c is located directly above the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, i.e., the longitudinal position of the rear curved section 14c coincides with the longitudinal position of the upper section 130 (see a line γ formed by an imaginary line in Fig. 3 is shown).

[0064] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figures 3-6, the upper bracket 61 further comprises a mounting seat 61a, which is positioned on a lower section of the upper bracket 61, and a vertical wall 61b, which rises from the mounting seat 61a, which are integrally formed, and the links 53, 54 are attached to an inner surface, in the vehicle width direction, of the vertical wall 61b via the base axles 51, 52. Meanwhile, a drive unit 62 is attached to an outer surface, in the vehicle width direction, of the vertical wall 61b, which comprises a motor and gears that drive the drive-side base axles 51 forward / reverse.

[0065] Furthermore, an engagement hook 63 for temporarily positioning the upper support 61 relative to the vehicle body side is formed at a central position in the vertical direction, at a rear end of the vertical wall 61b (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) This engagement hook 63 is formed in a slot shape, such that it extends substantially forward from the rear end of the vertical wall 61b in a cutout shape and further extends forward and upward along the rear end. Meanwhile, a pin 64 is formed on a section of an inner wall of a side surface of the vehicle body, corresponding to the central position described above, which projects substantially inwards in the vehicle width direction from the section described above in order to engage with an edge section of the engagement hook 63.

[0066] A design direction of a groove shape of the engagement hook 63 is defined as a direction that can allow the upper bracket 61 to have a forward tilt position after the engagement of the pin 64 with the engagement hook 63 is released from a state where the pin 64 is engaged with the engagement hook 63 during the rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[0067] If the rear wheel arch is deformed in a comb or wave-like fold pattern during a rear-end collision, the engagement of the pin 64 with the engagement hook 63 can be released, causing the upper bracket 61 to tilt forward and not remain in its temporarily fixed position relative to the side of the vehicle body. Consequently, the deformation of the rear wheel arch 13 in a comb or wave-like fold pattern can be promoted.

[0068] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bracket 50, which supports the rear cover 10, comprises an approximately horizontal rear cover mounting section 50a, an extension section 50b that extends obliquely forward and downward from a front end of the mounting section 50a, and a through-opening 50c (a so-called hole section) formed at the front end of the mounting section 50a. Both the opening section 50 and the extension section 50b described above constitute a bending conveying section 50d. As shown in Figure 3, the following applies: Fig. Figure 3 shows a reinforcement 10d provided along an upper surface of the lower plate 10c at a specified position of the rear cover 10, corresponding to the mounting section 50a of the bracket 50, and the rear cover mounting section 50a, the lower plate 10c and the reinforcement 10d are connected to each other by fasteners 15, such as bolts or screws and nuts.

[0069] The bending-promoting section 50d described above is a weak section under longitudinal load, which is intentionally configured to be weak in the longitudinal direction compared with its surrounding section, so that bending of the support 50 in the outward and upward direction can be promoted when the rear section of the vehicle body is deformed in the rear-end collision.

[0070] As it is in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, bending sections 53a, 53b are formed on a front section of the lower link 53 of the link mechanism 60, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, a bent section 53c, which is bent obliquely outwards and forwards from the rear bending section 53a to the front bending section 53b, is integrally formed, and this bent section 53c is a bending-promoting section which promotes the outward bending of the link 53 when the rear section of the vehicle body is deformed in the rear-end impact of the vehicle.

[0071] As it is in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, bending sections 54a and 54b are formed on a front section of the upper link 54 of the link mechanism 60, spaced apart from each other longitudinally. A bent section 54c, which is bent obliquely outwards and forwards from the rear bending section 54a to the front bending section 54b, is integrally formed, and this bent section 54c is a bending-promoting section that promotes the outward bending of the link 54 when the rear section of the vehicle body is deformed in the rear-end collision. The bent sections 53c and 54c described above allow longitudinal relative displacement between the rear cover 10 of the rear opening body and the upper bracket 61 of the vehicle body mounting body.

[0072] Furthermore, the support structure 70 of the rear cover 10 achieves in a compatible manner a reinforcement of the environments of an attachment section of the rear wheel arch 13, where the support structure 70 is attached, a load-bearing capability and feasibility of attaching the support structure 70 to the rear wheel arch 13 by attaching the upper bracket 61 to the reinforcement 132 via the lower bracket 14, not directly to the reinforcement, which is attached directly to the upper surface of the rear wheel arch 13.

[0073] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first link F1 and the vertical link R1, the other links being links 53, 54, and a backrest cross element 16 (cross member) as a vehicle body stiffness element are provided at the front of the link mechanism 6, which includes the links 53, 54.

[0074] The backrest cross member 16 described above is a cross member positioned behind a seat backrest (not shown) and comprises a cross member body 17 having a substantially closed cross-section extending in the vehicle width direction, and connecting elements 18 that connect both, right and left, end sections (in Fig. (Figure 4 shows only a left-hand end section) of the transverse member body 17 connects to the vehicle body. Both right and left sections of the transverse member body 17 are connected to a rear floor via column members, which are not shown.

[0075] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the link mechanism 60 of the rear cover 10 is positioned behind the backrest cross member 16 and is arranged such that it overlaps the connecting elements 18 of the backrest cross member 16 in the vehicle width direction. Meanwhile, the first link F1 and the vertical link R1 are positioned on the outside, in the vehicle width direction, of the connecting element 18, thus fulfilling a requirement of the vehicle design.

[0076] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a limb retraction space S1 for the rear-end collision of the vehicle is created between a rear section of the bracket 29, which pivotally supports the limbs F1, R1, and the body side section 28, and between a front section of the limb mechanism 60, which includes the limbs 53, 54, and the body side section 28.

[0077] The following describes the operation of the rear body structure of the open car V described above. If the rear section of the body deforms from a normal state due to a rear-end collision, as described in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rear wheel arch 13 is deformed in the comb or wave fold shape, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 8 is shown, so that the rear wheel arch 13 is compressed in the longitudinal direction.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the rear cover 10 is configured to be supported by the support structure 70, which is attached to the section of the rear wheel arch 13 that is located in front of the upper section 130.

[0079] If the rear wheel arch 13 is deformed during the rear-end collision, a force is consequently applied to the rear cover 10 to displace it upwards, and in addition, a moment to tilt the rear cover 10 forwards, i.e., a moment to tilt the rear cover 10 such that its rear end is raised, is applied to the rear cover 10 by means of the support structure 70, so that the impact object entering in the direction of the rear section of the vehicle body can be avoided or circumvented immediately.

[0080] Additionally, the rear curved section 14c, which is provided at the rear end of the lower bracket 14, is located near the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, so that this rear curved section 14c becomes a bending starting point in the rear impact of the vehicle, thereby further promoting the upward deformation of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13.

[0081] This allows the rear cover 10 to absorb a greater moment for displacement of the rear cover 10, so that its rear end is lifted from the rear wheel arch 13 by means of the support structure 70, thereby allowing the impact object to be avoided or circumvented more quickly.

[0082] Even when the rear cover 10 is pressed from behind over the support structure 70 in a state where the upper bracket 61 leans forward, its forward movement is limited by the opening roof 1, the B-pillars 4, 4 provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and others, so that the rear cover 10 is displaced upwards or outwards relative to the cabin 7 without entering the cabin 7.

[0083] The support structure 70 is configured such that it allows the rear cover 10 to be displaced relative to the rear wheel arch 13, which is deformed in the comb or wave fold shape during the rear-end collision of the vehicle, by the outward bending of the curved sections 53c, 54c and the bending deformation of the bending conveying section 50d, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0084] Consequently, the lower links 53 and the upper link 54 of the support structure 70 do not break, and the connection of the bracket 50 to the upper bracket 61 by the pins 55, 56 and the base axes 51, 52 can be maintained. This prevents the rear cover 10, which has a relatively heavy weight, from being displaced too far forward toward the cabin 7 and also prevents it from separating from the support structure 70, so that the rear cover 10 can be held in its properly supported state on the support structure 70. Even if the links 53, 54 exhibit forward and outward bending deformation, the front sections of the links 53, 54 retract into the link retraction space S1 without colliding with the backrest transverse element 16, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0085] Since the front end sections of the links 53, 54 are connected to the bending conveying section 50d via the pins 55, 56, the load absorption can be further enhanced by bending the bending conveying section 50d. Fig. 8 is the state where the rear cover 10 has been moved upwards, shown by a solid line, and the state of the rear cover 10 before the rear impact is shown by an imaginary line α.

[0086] The bending conveying section 50d of the bracket 50 extends forward and downward, thus increasing the amount of permissible relative displacement. Furthermore, the opening 50c is formed as a service hole in the base section of the bending conveying section 50d within a rear region to ensure the necessary stiffness for normal conditions, so that the impact load can be concentrated on this service hole 50c, thereby controlling the deformation. This section of the bracket 50 can be configured to be thinner to provide a section of lower stiffness in place of the service hole 50c.

[0087] While the other links and the backrest cross element 16 are provided as the vehicle body stiffness member in front of the link mechanism 60, the link retraction space S1 described above is formed on the outside, in the vehicle width direction, of these links, so that any collision of the front section of the link mechanism 60 with the other links or the backrest cross element 16 can be avoided.

[0088] It is preferred that the rear cover 10 described above is mounted on the vehicle body and that the rear link 10 is supported or carried on the vehicle body by means of the positioning force provided by the links 53, 54 and the dead weight of the rear cover 10. This allows the rear cover 10 to yield gently upwards, thereby increasing the permissible longitudinal relative displacement.

[0089] The rear body structure of the open car V described above comprises the rear cover 10 as the rear opening body, which is provided openably on the rear section of the body, which is positioned behind the cabin 7, and the upper section 130 as the upward displacement section, which is provided on the rear section of the body, wherein the upper section 130 is configured to be displaced upwards relative to the rear bumper 131 and the rear end plate 133 as the rear end section of the body, by the deformation of the body caused by the rear impact of the vehicle, wherein the rear cover 10 is supported at the position of the rear section of the body.is carried, which is located vertically above (right above) the upper section 130 or in front of the upper section 130, so that the rear cover 10 is raised according to an upward displacement of the upper section 130 when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs the rear impact load (see . Fig. 3).

[0090] According to the structure described above, the simple structure prevents the rear cover 10 from coming into direct contact with the impact object.

[0091] As described above, more precisely, the rear body structure of the open car V of the present embodiment is configured such that the rear cover 10 is supported by the support structure 70, which is attached to the section of the rear wheel arch 13 located in front of the upper section 130 provided on the rear section of the vehicle body. That is, the rear cover 10 is supported by the support structure 70, which is attached at the specified position, such that the support structure 70 tilts forward in accordance with the upward displacement of the upper section 130 due to the deformation of the rear section of the vehicle body during a rear-end collision.

[0092] The rear cover 10 can be repositioned so that its rear section is raised without being repositioned so that its rear section is lowered, i.e., so that its rear section is repositioned towards the impact object that enters the vehicle body from the rear.

[0093] Consequently, direct contact between the rear cover 10 and the impact object can be prevented.

[0094] Since, according to the rear body structure of the open car V of the present embodiment, direct contact between the rear cover 10 and the impact object entering the rear section of the vehicle body during a rear-end collision can be avoided, it is also unnecessary to reinforce the linkage mechanism 60 that supports the rear cover 10, unlike in a case where the rear cover 10 is, for example, arranged on a higher plane so that the rear cover 10 can be supported in a stable manner. Since it is not necessary to increase the weight of the vehicle body or to enlarge the installation space, direct contact between the rear cover 10 and the impact object can be avoided with the simple structure.

[0095] Since the rear section of the rear cover 10 is displaced upwards by utilizing the deformation of the rear section of the vehicle body due to the rear impact, without using the drive of the motor of the drive unit 12 to quickly raise the rear cover 10 to a higher position to avoid collision with the impact object, the collision of the rear cover 10 with the impact object can be avoided with the simple structure, which does not necessarily include the large and expensive drive unit 12.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present invention, the upward displacement section is configured as the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, and the rear cover 10 is supported or carried on the section located in front of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13 (see Fig. 3).

[0097] The section of the rear wheel arch 13 described above, located in front of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, is the section that is caused to tilt forward due to the upward displacement of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13 during a rear-end collision. According to the structure described above, the rear cover 10 is supported by the support structure 70 on the section of the rear wheel arch 13 located in front of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13. This allows the moment to cause the rear cover 10 to tilt forward, i.e.,The movement to lift the rear end of the rear cover 10 by the support structure 70 according to the upward displacement of the upper section of the rear wheel arch 13 during the rear-end collision is applied to the rear cover 10, thereby safely preventing the rear cover 10 from colliding with the impact object entering from behind during the rear-end collision.

[0098] In the embodiment of the present invention, the link mechanism 60 for openingly supporting or carrying the rear cover 10 on the rear section of the vehicle body is further provided on the support structure 70 in order to support the rear cover 10, and the support structure 70 has the rear curved section 14c as the bending conveying section to promote the upward displacement of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13 on a base section thereof (see Fig. 3 - 8).

[0099] According to the structure described above, the support structure 70, which absorbs the upward load from the rear wheel arch 13, which is deformed in the comb or wave folding shape during the rear impact of the vehicle, remains in its position so as not to block the upward displacement of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, since the rear curved section 14c, which is provided on the lower bracket 14, which has the support structure 70 as its base section, becomes the bending point, so that the lifting load of the rear cover 10, which is absorbed by the rear wheel arch 13, which is deformed in the comb or wave folding shape during the rear impact of the vehicle, can be increased.

[0100] Since the rear curved section 14c is located vertically above the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, the upward displacement of the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13 can be further caused in the rear-end collision.

[0101] In the embodiment of the present invention, the link mechanism 60 for openingly supporting or carrying the rear cover 10 is further provided on the support structure 70 at the rear section of the vehicle body in order to support the rear cover 10, and the support structure 70 has the curved sections 53c, 54c as the easily bending deformation section and the bending conveying section 50d (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

[0102] According to this structure, the forward displacement of the rear cover 10 or any breaking (unpredictable bending, tearing, shearing or the like) of the links 53, 54 caused by the collision with the impact object can be prevented, so that the rear cover 10 can be gently lifted.

[0103] Since the rear curved section 14c is bent and deformed during the rear-end collision, more precisely the support structure 70 absorbs the load applied to the rear cover 10, so that the support structure 70 can allow the relative displacement of the rear cover 10 relative to the rear wheel arch 13, which is deformed in the comb or wave fold shape.

[0104] This prevents the rear cover 10 from being shifted too far forward, and the rear cover 10 can be gently lifted without separating the rear cover 10 from the support structure 70 in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present invention, the link mechanism 60 is further provided for openingly supporting or carrying the rear cover 10 on the rear section of the vehicle body, and the link mechanism 60 is configured to carry the rear cover 10, which in the closed state is positioned at or near the lower limit position in the structural-operative area of ​​the link mechanism 60 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0106] According to this structure, the rear cover 10 can be safely raised, regardless of the load-bearing stiffness of the rear cover 10 at a central position in the operating range of the link mechanism 60, so that the impact object can be properly avoided or bypassed.

[0107] In accordance with the present invention and the embodiment described above, the storage-type motor vehicle of the present invention corresponds to the open car V of the embodiment. Likewise, the rear opening body corresponds to the rear cover 10, the slightly upward-curving section or wheel arch corresponds to the rear wheel arch 13, the rear end section of the vehicle body corresponds to the rear bumper 131 or the rear end plate 133, the base section of the linkage mechanism corresponds to the lower support 14, the bending conveying section corresponds to the rear curved section 14c, and the slightly bending deformation section corresponds to the curved sections 53c, 54c. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the structure of the embodiment described above.

[0108] For example, while the rear cover 10 of the present embodiment is configured to be supported by the support structure 70 attached to the section of the rear wheel arch 13 provided on the rear section of the vehicle body which is located in front of the upper section 130 as the upward displacement section, the rear cover 10 can be supported by the support structure 70 which is attached to a position which is located directly above the upper section 130 of the rear wheel arch 13, as long as the rear cover 10 is supported by the support structure 70 which is attached to a section of the rear wheel arch 13 which is not located behind the upper section 130.

[0109] Furthermore, the upward displacement section described above is not limited to the upper section 130 of the wheel arch 13, and any section configured to be displaced upwards due to the rear-end impact of the vehicle, such as a link that is pushed upwards when it contacts a link positioned in front of it when it absorbs the impact load, is applicable.

[0110] In a case, for example, where a reinforcement extends substantially longitudinally along a rear vehicle body sidewall, and a linkage mechanism is attached to that reinforcement, a means of promoting the upward displacement caused by the rear-end impact may be used, such as configuring the reinforcement in a curved shape in the side view or forming a bead on a lower surface of the reinforcement as the slightly upward-curving section.

[0111] Furthermore, an attachment section of the linkage mechanism can be configured to be shifted upwards in a trapezoidal shape by forming two upwardly curved upper sections located in front of and behind the linkage mechanism, instead of forming the single upper section described above.

[0112] While the rear cover 10 is illustrated as the rear opening body in the embodiment described above, a rear roof can also be used. Furthermore, a bulkhead separating the cabin from a luggage compartment can also be used as the rigid member of the vehicle body located in front of the body sections, instead of the backrest cross member 16.

Claims

[1] Rear body structure for a motor vehicle with an opening roof (1) of the storage type for covering an upper side of a cabin (7) of the motor vehicle, the rear body structure comprising: a rear opening body (10) which is provided in an opening position on a rear section of the vehicle body which is positioned behind the cabin (7); and an upward displacement section provided at the rear section of the vehicle body, wherein the upward displacement section is configured to be displaced essentially upwards relative to a rear end section of the vehicle body by a vehicle body deformation caused by a rear-end impact, characterized by , that the rear opening body (10) is supported at a position of the rear section of the vehicle body which is substantially vertical above and / or in front of the upward displacement section, such that the rear opening body (10) is raised in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs a rear impact load, more comprehensively: a storage compartment (2) for storing the openable roof (1), wherein the storage compartment (2) is provided at the rear section of the vehicle body, which is positioned behind the cabin (7), wherein the rear opening body (10) is provided for opening the cover of the storage compartment (2), wherein the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section (130) of a wheel arch (13), and wherein the rear opening body (10) has a support structure (70) attached to the rear section of the vehicle body, which is located vertically above and / or in front of the upper section (130) of the wheel arch (13), so that the rear section of the rear opening body (10) can be displaced upwards relative to the rear section of the vehicle body when the rear section of the vehicle body is subjected to a rear impact load. [2] Rear vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized by , that the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section of a slightly upward-curving section, and the rear opening body (10) is supported on a section located in front of the upper section of the slightly upward-curving section. [3] Rear vehicle body structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a link mechanism (60) is provided for the openable support of the rear openable body (10) on the rear section of the vehicle body and / or the link mechanism (60) has a bending conveying section (14c) to promote the upward displacement of the upward displacement section on a base section thereof, and / or the link mechanism (60) has a slightly bending section (53c, 54c) to promote a bending deformation for a longitudinal load. [4] Rear vehicle body structure according to claim 3, characterized by , that the limb mechanism (60) is configured to support the rear opening body (10) which, in a closed state, is positioned at or near a lower limiting position in a structural-operative area of ​​the limb mechanism (60). [5] Rear vehicle body structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rear opening body (10) is provided in such a way that it is lifted as a whole when opened. [6] Rear vehicle body structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rear opening body (10) is formed as a rear cover. [7] Method for absorbing a rear-end impact of a vehicle with an opening roof (1) of the storage type for covering an upper side of a cabin (7) of the motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps: Providing a rear opening body (10) at a rear section of the vehicle body behind the cabin (7), Providing an upward displacement section at the rear section of the vehicle body, wherein the upward displacement section is formed to be displaced substantially upwards relative to a rear end section of the vehicle body by a vehicle body deformation caused by the rear-end impact, and characterized by : Supporting the rear opening body (10) at a position of the rear section of the vehicle body that is substantially vertically above and / or in front of the upward displacement section, such that the rear opening body (10) is raised in accordance with the upward displacement of the upward displacement section when the rear section of the vehicle body absorbs a rear impact load, further provide a storage compartment (2) for storing the openable roof (1), wherein the storage compartment (2) is provided at the rear section of the vehicle body, which is positioned behind the cabin (7), wherein the rear opening body (10) is provided for opening the cover of the storage compartment (2), wherein the upward displacement section is configured as an upper section (130) of a wheel arch (13), and wherein the rear opening body (10) has a support structure (70) attached to the rear section of the vehicle body, which is located vertically above and / or in front of the upper section (130) of the wheel arch (13), so that the rear section of the rear opening body (10) can be displaced upwards relative to the rear section of the vehicle body when the rear section of the vehicle body is subjected to a rear impact load. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that the upward displacement section is formed as an upper section of a slightly upward-curving section, and the rear opening body (10) is supported on a section located in front of the upper section of the slightly upward-curving section. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the upward displacement section is formed as the upper section (130) of the wheel housing (13). [10] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the rear opening body (10) is formed as a rear cover.

Images