Vehicle side section structure

Abstract

Vehicle side section structure (S1, S2), with: a lower opening edge portion (50, 70) forming a portion on a vehicle lower side of a door opening portion (12F) provided on a vehicle side portion; a side door (20F) configured to open and close the door opening portion (12F), and wherein a lower door space (300) is formed between the side door (20F) and the lower opening edge portion (50, 70) in a state in which the door opening portion (12F) is closed; and a sealing component (16) which seals the lower door space (300), wherein a vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400), which is a wall surface on one side of the lower opening edge portion (50, 70) of the lower door space (300), is formed to include: an upper surface (104, 404) having a normal direction directed substantially toward a vehicle top; a corner surface (105, 405) formed at an end portion on an outer side in a vehicle transverse direction of the upper surface (104, 404); and a vertical surface (106, 406) extending from the corner surface (105, 405) substantially in the direction of a vehicle underside, and wherein the lower door space (300) is designed to contain: an upper corner space (301) which is a space located on a vehicle upper side of the corner surface (105, 405); and a first space (302) which is adjacent to a vehicle outer side of the sealing member (16) and is a space between the sealing member (16) and the upper corner space (301), and wherein in the lower door space (300) no other sealing component is provided on the vehicle outer side of the sealing component (16), characterized in that according to the principle of the expansion damper, a width (H1) in a vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space (301) is less than a width (D) in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space (302) and is also less than a width (W1) in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space (302), and at least the upper surface (104, 404) and a vehicle outer side surface of the upper surface under the vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400) is formed as a part of a resin-made sill garnish (50), wherein the sill garnish (50) is formed to include a part hidden by the side door (20F) from the vehicle outer side in a state where the side door (20F) is closed and a part not hidden by the side door (20F) from the vehicle outer side even in a state where the side door (20F) is closed.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical FieldThe technology of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle side portion structure.Prior ArtIn a vehicle side portion structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-030631, a sealing member is provided at a lower end portion of a door to seal a gap between the door and a sill trim, thereby improving noise insulation.SUMMARYHowever, in the above technology, a reaction force generated when the door is closed is increased by the seal member provided at the lower end portion of the door, and there is a concern that closing of the door becomes more difficult. On the other hand, if the seal member provided at the door lower end portion is easily removed, the noise insulation deteriorates.JP H08-216 928 A discloses a vehicle side portion structure having a fender provided with a dirt deflector. Between a wall surface of a floor side plate formed continuously with a floor panel of a vehicle cabin and an inner panel of a side door, a door space sealed by a sealing member is formed. Other vehicle side portion structures are shown in JP 2005-41 333 A and JP H09-30 260 A.The object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle side portion structure that enables reducing noise entering a vehicle cabin interior through a lower door space (i.e., a space formed below a door) without making it difficult to close the door.The object is achieved with a vehicle side portion structure having the features of one of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.In the vehicle side portion structure according to the present invention, a door opening portion provided at a vehicle side portion and a side door are provided so as to allow opening and closing of this door opening portion. In a state in which this side door is closed, a door lower space is formed between the opening lower edge portion forming a vehicle lower side portion of the door opening portion and the side door. In addition, a sealing component is also provided, which seals the lower door space.A vehicle body side wall surface, which is a wall surface on a side of the lower opening edge portion of the lower door space, is formed to include an upper surface having a normal direction facing substantially toward the vehicle upper side, a corner surface formed at an end portion on an outer side in the vehicle transverse direction of the upper surface, and a vertical surface extending from the corner surface substantially toward the vehicle lower side. In addition, the lower door space is formed to include an upper corner space which is a space located at a vehicle upper side of the corner surface and a first space which is adjacent to the vehicle outer side of the sealing member and is a space between the sealing member and the upper corner space. Further, according to the principle of the expansion damper, a width in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space is smaller than a width in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space and also smaller than a width in the vehicle width direction of the first space.Since the above-described structure is adopted, the first space is formed in front of the seal member on a path through which noise from an outside of the vehicle enters the vehicle cabin interior through the lower door space, and the upper corner space whose vertical cross-sectional area with respect to the noise entry path is smaller than that of the first space is formed in front of the first space.Therefore, a part of the noise entering the lower door space from an outside of the vehicle is absorbed by the seal member and a part thereof is reflected. The reflected portion of the sound is reflected again between the first space and the upper corner space. In this manner, since a mechanism that reflects sound both in front of and behind the first space is provided, sound from an outside of the vehicle entering the vehicle cabin interior can be reduced by employing the same principle as used in an expansion damper.Moreover, as described above, the width in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space is smaller than both the width in the vehicle up-down direction and the width in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space.Here, because of the width in the vehicle width direction of the lower door space, the width thereof in the vehicle up-down direction can be designed without an overstop requirement of the side door (in other words, the width required to prevent contact of the side door with the vehicle body when the door is closed), which width can be designed as a comparatively narrow width.Therefore, it is easy to make a large cross-sectional area ratio of the first space with respect to the upper corner space (i.e., a ratio of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the noise entry path). Accordingly, the sound insulation effect can be effectively improved.In the vehicle side portion structure, a seal-contacting vertical surface is preferably provided, which extends from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the upper surface substantially toward the vehicle upper side. The seal member contacts the upper portion of this seal contacting vertical surface.As a result, since the first space is formed on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the lower portion of the seal contacting vertical surface that the seal member does not contact, a large first space can be formed. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved even more effectively.In the vehicle side portion structure, it is preferable to provide a second upper surface extending outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the vehicle lower side of the vertical surface, and provide a second vertical wall extending toward the vehicle lower side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction outer side of this second upper surface.Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the cross-sectional area of the lower door space that is perpendicular to the noise entry path. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.In the vehicle side portion structure, a recessed surface recessed more inward in the vehicle width direction than the vertical surface is preferably provided at the vehicle lower side of the vertical surface. In addition, the width of the lower door space measured from the recessed surface in the vehicle width direction is larger than the width of the lower door space measured from the vertical surface in the vehicle width direction.Therefore, a part of the noise entering from the vehicle outer side is reflected between the enlarged lower door space located on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the recessed surface and the lower door space located on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the vertical surface. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.In the vehicle side portion structure, a lower surface is preferably provided in the recessed surface, which extends inward in the vehicle transverse direction from an end portion on the vehicle lower side of the vertical surface. In addition, this lower surface is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction.Therefore, each water that runs along the vertical surface and drips onto the lower surface runs along this lower surface that slopes in the vehicle front-rear direction, and flows toward one side in the vehicle front-rear direction. Accordingly, drainage is excellent.In the vehicle side portion structure, preferably, the side door is a pivotable door provided with hinges on one side in the vehicle front-rear direction. In addition, the lower surface is inclined toward a vehicle front-rear direction side with respect to the vehicle downward direction.Therefore, each water flowing along the lower surface flows toward the vehicle front-rear direction side where the side door hinges are provided. Accordingly, it is difficult for water to drip onto the feet of a person getting into or out of a vehicle.As described above, an exemplary embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure has the superior effect of enabling reduction of noise entering a vehicle cabin interior through a lower door space without making closing of the door more difficult.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSExemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a view showing a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction (i.e., is a cross section taken along line 1- 1 in FIG. 3 ) showing a vehicle side portion structure of a first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing main portions of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a side view of a vehicle in which the vehicle side portion structure of the first exemplary embodiment has been employed; FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction (i.e., a cross section taken along a line 4- 4 in FIG. 7 ) showing a vehicle side portion structure of a second exemplary embodiment; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing main portions of FIG. 4 ; FIG. 6 is a view showing a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to a vehicle front-rear direction (i.e., a cross section taken along a line 6- 6 in FIG. 7 ) at a position different from the position shown in FIG. 5 (i.e., a position different in the vehicle front-rear direction); FIG. 7 is a side view of a vehicle in which the vehicle side portion structure of the second exemplary embodiment has been employed; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing test results in a case where sound insulation effects obtained from the vehicle side portion structures of the first exemplary embodiment, the second exemplary embodiment, and a comparative example were compared; FIG. 9 is a typical view showing a simplified expansion damper; and FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing main portions of a vehicle side portion structure of a comparative example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION[First Embodiment]

[0024] Next, a vehicle 10 to which a vehicle side portion structure S 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure has been applied will be described.

[0025] Note that an arrow FR, an arrow UP, and an arrow OUT shown in the drawings show a vehicle front side, a vehicle upper side, and an outer side in a vehicle transverse direction, respectively. Unless specifically stated otherwise, hereinafter, if front-rear, up-down, inside-outside, or left-right directions are simply used, these refer to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the up-down direction of the vehicle, the inside and the outside in the vehicle transverse direction, and the left side and the right side in the vehicle transverse direction, respectively, in a case where the vehicle is oriented in the direction of forward travel.

[0026] In FIG. 3, a left side portion of the vehicle 10 is shown. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, a front door 20F and a rear door 20R are provided at the side portion of the vehicle 10.The front door 20F is provided so as to be able to open and close a front door opening portion 12F provided in the vehicle side portion. The front side door opening portion 12F is a door opening portion used by a person to step in or out of a front seat (in the present exemplary embodiment, either a driver seat or a passenger seat). Note that the front side door opening portion 12F is an example of a 'door opening portion' according to the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, the front side door 20F is an example of a 'side door' according to the technology of the present disclosure.The rear door 20R is provided so as to be able to open and close a rear door opening portion 12R provided at the vehicle side portion. The rear side door opening portion 12R is a door opening portion used by a person to climb into or out of a rear seat. The rear-side door opening portion 12R is provided at the vehicle rear side of the front-side door opening portion 12F. A center pillar (i.e., a B pillar: not shown in the drawings) is provided between the front-side door opening portion 12F and the rear-side door opening portion 12R.The front door 20F and the rear door 20R are both pivotable doors supported on a vehicle body via hinges 14 provided on a vehicle front side portion of the respective side doors. The front door 20F and the rear door 20R are both capable of rotating about rotating shafts extending substantially in the vehicle up-down direction and located in the vehicle front side portion of the respective side door.

[0027] In FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view (i.e., a cross-sectional side view) taken along a line 1- 1 in FIG. 3 is shown. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, a rocker 80 having a closed cross-sectional structure extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided in a lower portion of the vehicle side portion. The rocker 80 is formed by assembling a hat-shaped rocker panel 81 open on the vehicle width direction outer side and a hat-shaped rocker outer panel 82 open on the vehicle width direction inner side via flange portions 81A and 82A of the respective rocker panels.

[0028] A side outer panel 70 is connected to the rocker 80. The side outer panel 70 is provided with an upper side connecting portion 71, and the upper side connecting portion 71 is connected to a surface on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the flange portion 82A on the upper side of the rocker outer panel 82. A top wall portion 72 is provided extending outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the lower side of the upper side connection portion 71. A side wall portion 73 is provided extending downward from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the highest wall portion 72. A step portion 74 disposed toward the vehicle width direction inner side is provided at the lower side of the side wall 73. A lower side connecting portion 75 provided at the lower side of the step portion 74 is connected to a side wall 82B of the rocker outer panel 82. Accordingly, the side outer panel 70 covers a portion of the rocker 80 (i.e., the portion thereof on the vehicle upper side and the vehicle transverse direction outer side).

[0029] A rocker panel 50 is provided on the vehicle width direction outer side of the rocker panel 80 to cover a portion of the rocker panel 80 from the vehicle width direction outer side. The rocker panel 50 is formed of resin and has a cross-sectional configuration that is open on the vehicle width direction inner side. An end portion on one side (i.e., on the vehicle upper side) of the cross-sectional configuration of the rocker panel 50 is disposed on the lower side of the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70, while an end portion on the other side (i.e., on the lower side) thereof is disposed on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the flange portion 82A on the lower side of the rocker outer panel 82. Note that both the rocker panel 50 and the side outer panel 70 are examples of a lower opening edge portion according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0030] Accordingly, the rocker outer panel 82 of the rocker 80 is covered from the vehicle width direction outer side by the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50. Hereinafter, the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50 may also be referred to as a "lower opening edge portion".

[0031] The front door 20F is formed to include a door outer panel 30 and a door inner panel 40. The door outer panel 30 forms an outermost portion in the vehicle width direction of the front side door 20F, and when the front side door 20F is folded, the door outer panel 30 also forms a portion of the design surface when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the side. The door inner panel 40 is provided on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the door outer panel 30.

[0032] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the front door 20F is closed, a space 300 (hereinafter, referred to as a "lower door space 300") is formed between the lower opening edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) and the front door 20F.

[0033] A door weather strip (hereinafter, abbreviated as "door WS") 16 is provided as a "sealing member" to seal the lower door space 300. The door WS 16 is fixed to the door inner panel 40 of the front side door 20F, and in a state where the front side door 20F is closed, the door WS 16 is pressed against an upper portion of the side wall portion 73 and an outer portion in the vehicle width direction of the highest wall portion 72 of the side outer panel 70. The door WS 16 is formed with a hollow tubular structure. The lower door space 300 is divided by the door WS 16 into a vehicle cabin interior 600 side and a vehicle exterior 500 side. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the door WS 16 is disposed in a toroidal shape as viewed in a vehicle side view, and the portion of the door WS 16 shown in FIG. 1 is a lower portion of this toroidal shape.

[0034] A folded portion 32 folded inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at a lower end portion of the door outer panel 30. In addition, a flange portion 47 provided at the lower end portion of the door inner panel 40 is sandwiched between a main body portion 31 and the folded portion 32 of the door outer panel 30. Accordingly, the door outer panel 30 and the door inner panel 40 are connected to each other in a so-called folded joint.

[0035] An outer side step portion 46 is provided which extends diagonally inward in the vehicle transverse direction and toward the vehicle upper side from a highest end of the flange portion 47 of the door inner panel 40. An outer side vertical wall portion 45 is provided extending from an upper end of the outer side step portion 46 toward the vehicle upper side, and an inner side step portion 44 is provided extending from a highest end of the outer side vertical wall portion 45 diagonally inward in the vehicle transverse direction and toward the vehicle upper side. In addition, an inner side vertical wall portion 43 is provided extending from an upper end of the inner side step portion 44 toward the vehicle upper side, and a bulge portion 42 is provided extending from an upper end of the inner side vertical wall portion 43 inward in the vehicle transverse direction. Moreover, a bulge base portion 41 is provided which extends toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the bulge portion 42.

[0036] The door WS 16 is provided in the vicinity of a boundary between the inner side vertical wall portion 43 and the bulge portion 42. Specifically, the door WS 16 is fixed to an upper portion of the inner side vertical wall portion 43 and an outer portion in the vehicle transverse direction of the bulge portion 42.

[0037] The rocker panel 50 is formed to include a portion (this portion is not shown in FIG. 3 ) hidden from the vehicle exterior by the front door 20F in a state in which the front door 20F is closed and a portion (this portion is shown in FIG. 3 ) not hidden by the front door 20F even in a state in which the front door 20F is closed.

[0038] This non-hidden portion is formed to include a side wall portion 57. The side wall portion 57 is a portion that is disposed below the door outer panel 30 in a state where the front-side closed door 20F is viewed from the vehicle side. As shown in FIG. 1, the side wall portion 57 is shaped to substantially conform to a virtual surface that would be formed if the main body portion 31 of the door outer panel 30 were extended downward in a state where the front door 20F is closed. A base wall portion 58 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from a lower end of the side wall portion 57.

[0039] Next, the above-mentioned hidden portion will be described.A lowermost base wall 56 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction is formed to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the side wall portion 57. A second vertical wall portion 55 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the lowermost base wall 56. A second upper wall portion 54 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction is formed to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the second vertical wall portion 55. A first vertical wall portion 53 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the second upper wall portion 54. A first upper wall portion 52 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction is formed to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the first vertical wall portion 53. An uppermost portion 51 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the first upper wall portion 52. The top portion 51 is disposed at the lower side of the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70.(Lower Door Room 300)

[0040] Next, using FIG. 2 which is an enlarged view of FIG. 1, the lower door space 300 will be described in detail.Specifically, after first describing a wall surface 200 on the door side of the lower door room 300 (hereinafter, referred to simply as a door-side wall surface 200) and a wall surface 100 on the vehicle body side of the lower door room 300 (hereinafter, referred to simply as a vehicle-body-side wall surface 100), a gap (i.e., a dimensional relationship) between the vehicle-body-side wall surface 100 and the door-side wall surface 200 will be described.(Door-side wall surface)

[0041] In the present exemplary embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 1, outer surfaces of the bulge portion 42, the inner side vertical wall portion 43, the inner side step portion 44, the outer side vertical wall portion 45, the outer side step portion 46, and the flange portion 47 of the door inner panel 40, and also the folded portion 32 of the door outer panel 30 form the door side wall surface 200.(Structure of Door-Side Wall Surface)

[0042] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the door-side wall surface 200 is formed by a bulge surface 201, an inner-side vertical surface 202, an inner-side step surface 203, an outer-side vertical surface 204, an outer-side step surface 205, an outermost vertical surface 206, and a lowermost surface 207.

[0043] The bulge surface 201 is an outer surface of the bulge portion 42 of the door inner panel 40, and forms an uppermost portion in the vehicle up-down direction of the door side wall surface 200. A normal direction of the bulge surface 201 is directed substantially downward. The door WS 16 is fixed to an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the bulge surface 201.

[0044] The inner side vertical surface 202 is provided to be continuous with an outer side in the vehicle transverse direction of the bulge surface 201. The inner side vertical surface 202 is an outer surface of the inner side vertical wall portion 43 of the door inner panel 40. The door WS 16 is fixed to a vehicle upper side of the inner side vertical surface 202.

[0045] The inner side step surface 203 is provided to be continuous with a lower side of the inner side vertical surface 202. The inner side step surface 203 is an outer surface of the inner side step portion 44 of the door inner panel 40 and slopes downward and toward the vehicle transverse direction outer side. Specifically, an upper portion of the inner side step surface 203 is formed as a curved surface that is convex with respect to the lower door space 300, while a lower portion thereof is formed as a curved surface that is concave with respect to the lower door space 300.

[0046] The outer side vertical surface 204 is provided to be continuous with a lower side of the inner side step surface 203. The outer side vertical surface 204 is an outer surface of the outer side vertical wall portion 45 of the door inner panel 40, and the normal direction thereof is directed inward in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0047] The outer side step surface 205 is provided to be continuous with a lower side of the outer side vertical surface 204. The outer side step surface 205 is an outer surface of the outer side step portion 46 of the door inner panel 40, and slopes downward and toward the vehicle transverse direction outer side. Specifically, the outer side step surface 205 is formed as a curved surface that is convex with respect to the lower door space 300.

[0048] The outermost vertical surface 206 is provided to be continuous with a lower side of the outer side step surface 205. An upper portion of the outermost vertical surface 206 is an outer surface of the flange portion 47 of the door inner panel 40, while a lower portion of the outermost vertical surface 206 is an outer surface of the folded portion 32 of the door outer panel 30. A normal direction of the outermost vertical surface 206 is directed substantially inward in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0049] The lowermost surface 207 is provided to be continuous with a lower end of the outermost vertical surface 206. The lowermost surface 207 is an outer surface of a lower end of the folded portion 32 of the door outer panel 30, and the normal direction thereof is directed substantially downward.(Vehicle Body Side Wall Surface)

[0050] On the other hand, as an example, as shown in FIG. 1, outer surfaces of the highest wall portion 72 and the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70 and also a portion (i.e., the portion hidden from the vehicle outer side by the front door 20F) of the rocker panel 50 form the vehicle body side wall surface 100.(Structure of Vehicle Body Side Wall Surface)

[0051] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle body side wall surface 100 is formed by a top surface 101, a seal-contacting corner surface 102, a seal-contacting vertical surface 103, a first upper surface 104, a first corner surface 105, a first vertical surface 106, a second upper surface 107, a second corner surface 108, a second vertical surface 109, and a lowermost base surface 110. Note that the first upper surface 104 is an example of an "upper surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the first corner surface 105 is an example of a "corner surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the first vertical surface 106 is an example of a "vertical surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0052] The highest surface 101 forms an uppermost portion in the vehicle up-down direction of the vehicle body side wall surface 100. The highest surface 101 is an outer surface of the highest wall portion 72 of the side outer panel 70, and the normal direction thereof is directed toward the vehicle upper side. The highest surface 101 faces the bulging surface 201 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction. The door WS 16 contacts a portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the highest surface 101.

[0053] The seal-contacting corner surface 102 is provided to be continuous with the vehicle width direction outer side of the highest surface 101. The seal-contacting corner surface 102 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the highest wall portion 72 and the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70. the door WS 16 contacts the seal-contacting corner surface 102.

[0054] The seal-contacting vertical surface 103 is provided at a lower side of the seal-contacting corner surface 102. A normal direction of the seal-contacting vertical surface 103 is directed outward in the vehicle transverse direction. An upper portion of the seal-contacting vertical surface 103 is an outer surface of the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70, while a lower portion of the seal-contacting vertical surface 103 is an outer surface of the uppermost portion 51 of the rocker panel 50. The door WS 16 contacts a portion on the vehicle upper side of the seal contacting vertical surface 103. The seal-contacting vertical surface 103 faces the inner side vertical surface 202 and the inner side step surface 203 of the door-side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] The first upper surface 104, which serves as an "upper surface", is provided to face outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the lower side of the seal-contacting vertical surface 103. The first upper surface 104 is an outer surface of the first upper wall portion 52 of the rocker panel 50, and the normal direction thereof is directed toward the vehicle upper side. Specifically, the first upper surface 104 slopes slightly downward and outward in the vehicle width direction. A portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the first upper surface 104 faces the door WS 16 in the vehicle up-down direction, and a portion on the vehicle width direction outer side of the first upper surface 104 faces a portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the first step portion 74 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0056] The first corner surface 105, which serves as a "corner surface", is provided on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the first upper surface 104. The first corner surface 105 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the first upper wall portion 52 and the first vertical wall portion 53 of the rocker panel 50, and the first corner surface 105 faces a portion of the inner side step surface 203 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0057] The first vertical surface 106, which serves as a "vertical surface", is provided to face downward from the first corner surface 105. The first vertical surface 106 is an outer surface of the first vertical wall portion 53 of the rocker panel 50, and the normal direction thereof is directed outward in the vehicle width direction. The first vertical surface 106 faces the outer side vertical surface 204, the outer side step surface 205, and the outermost vertical surface 206 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] The second upper surface 107 is provided to face outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the lower side of the first vertical surface 106. The second upper surface 107 is an outer surface of the second upper wall portion 54 of the rocker panel 50, and the normal direction thereof is directed toward the vehicle upper side. Specifically, the second upper surface 107 slopes downward and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The second corner surface 108 is provided at an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the second upper surface 107. The second corner surface 108 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the second upper wall portion 54 and the second vertical wall portion 55 of the rocker panel 50, and the second corner surface 108 faces a portion of the outer side step surface 205 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0060] The second vertical surface 109 is provided to face downward from the second corner surface 108. The second vertical surface 109 is an outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 55 of the rocker panel 50, and the normal direction thereof is directed outward in the vehicle width direction. The second vertical surface 109 faces a portion of the outermost vertical surface 206 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] The lowermost base surface 110 is provided to face outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the lower side of the second vertical surface 109. The lowermost base surface 110 is an outer surface of the lowermost base wall 56 of the rocker panel 50, and the normal direction thereof is directed substantially toward the vehicle upper side. Specifically, the lowermost base surface 110 slopes downward and outward in the vehicle width direction. The lowermost base surface 110 faces the outer side step surface 205 and the lowermost surface 207 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.(Width of Lower Door Room)

[0062] Next, the gap (i.e., dimensional relationship) between the vehicle body side wall surface 100 and the door side wall surface 200 will be described.

[0063] Note that, as an example, as shown in FIG. 2, a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the seal-contacting vertical surface 103 and the inner side vertical surface 202 is assumed to be a gap W 1, a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the first vertical surface 106 and the outer side vertical surface 204 is assumed to be a gap W 2, and a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the second vertical surface 109 and the outermost vertical surface 206 is assumed to be a gap W 3.Moreover, a gap in the vehicle up-down direction between the first corner surface 105 and the inner side step surface 203 is taken as H 1, a gap in the vehicle up-down direction between the second corner surface 108 and the inner side step surface 205 is taken as H 2, and a gap in the vehicle up-down direction between the lowermost base surface 110 and the lowermost surface 207 is taken as H 3. Note that the gap H 1 is an example of a 'width in the vehicle up-down direction of a lower corner space' according to the technology of the present disclosure.It is not essential, however, that the mutually facing surfaces defining the above-mentioned gaps are in a parallel relationship with each other. Therefore, the gaps in the vehicle width direction vary depending on the position in the vehicle up-down direction at which they are measured, and the gaps in the vehicle up-down direction vary depending on the position in the vehicle width direction at which they are measured. In this case, each of the gap W 1, the gap W 2, the gap W 3, the gap H 1, and the gap H 2 refers to the minimum value of the gap measured in a portion where the vehicle body side wall surface 100 and the door side wall surface 200 face each other.Moreover, of the lower door space 300, a space positioned at the vehicle upper side of the first corner surface 105 is referred to as an upper corner space 301, while a space between the upper corner space 301 and the door WS 16 is referred to as a first space 302.Note that the gap W 1 is an example of "a width in the vehicle width direction of a first space" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0064] The gap W 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 in the vehicle width direction are set after considering the overstop requirements of the side door (namely, the gap required to prevent the side door from colliding with the vehicle body when the side door is closed). Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the gap B 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 are all set as gaps of not less than 11 mm.In contrast, in setting the gap H 1 and the gap H 2 in the vehicle up-down direction, the door overstop request does not need to be considered. Accordingly, as compared with the gap W 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 in the vehicle width direction, the gap H 1 and the gap H 2 in the vehicle up-down direction can be set as narrow gaps. Specifically, the following relationships are established.

[0065] Namely, the gap H 1 is smaller than the gap B W 1 (H 1<W 1), specifically, the gap H 1 is a half or less of the size of the gap W 1. In other words, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302.Further, a gap D in the vehicle up-down direction between the first upper surface 104 and the door WS 16 is larger than the gap H 1. In other words, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.Accordingly, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302 and smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.Note that the gap D is an example of "a width in the vehicle up-down direction of a first space" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0066] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the gap H 1 is smaller than the gap W 2 (H 1<W 2) and also smaller than the gap W 3 (H 1<W 3). In addition, the gap H 3 is smaller than the gap W 2 (H 1<W 2) and also smaller than the gap W 3 (H 1<W 3).[Operational Effects]

[0067] Next, operational effects of the vehicle side portion structure according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0068] In the vehicle side portion structure S 1 of the first exemplary embodiment, the front door opening portion 12F is provided in a vehicle side portion, and the front door 20F is provided such that it is possible to open and close this front door opening portion 12F. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, in a state in which the front door 20F is closed, the lower door space 300 is formed between the lower opening edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) that forms the vehicle lower side portion of the front door opening portion 12F and the front door 20F. Furthermore, the door WS 16 is provided to seal the lower door space 300.

[0069] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle body side wall surface 100, which is the wall surface on the lower opening edge portion side of the door lower room 300, is formed to include the first upper surface 104 whose normal direction is directed substantially toward the vehicle upper side, the first corner surface 105 formed at an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the first upper surface 104, and the first vertical surface 106 extending substantially downward from the first corner surface 105. The lower door space 300 is formed to include the upper corner space 301, which is the space positioned at the vehicle upper side of the first corner surface 105, and the first space 302, which is adjacent to the vehicle outer side of the door WS 16 and is the space between the door WS 16 and the upper corner space 301. Further, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302 and also smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.

[0070] Since such a structure as described above is adopted, the first space 302 is formed in front of the door WS 16 on the path through which noise enters the vehicle cabin interior 600 from the vehicle exterior 500 through the door lower space 300, and the corner upper space 301 whose vertical cross-sectional area with respect to the noise entry path is smaller than that of the first space 302 is formed in front of the first space 302. In other words, a space having an increased cross-sectional area perpendicular to the noise entry path is formed in front of the door WS 16, and also a space having a reduced cross-sectional area perpendicular to the noise entry path is formed in front of the door WS 16.Therefore, a part of the noise entering the lower door room 300 from the vehicle exterior 500 is absorbed by the door WS 16, and a part thereof is reflected. The reflected part of the sound is reflected again between the first space 302 and the upper corner space 301. In this manner, since a mechanism that reflects sound both in front of and behind the first space is provided, sound from a vehicle exterior 500 entering the vehicle cabin interior 600 can be reduced by employing the same principle as used in an expansion damper.

[0071] Here, a supplementary description will be given of the principle inserted behind an expansion damper.FIG. 9 shows a simplified expansion damper. A1 is the inlet pipe cross-sectional area, while A2 is the expansion pipe cross-sectional area. L is the length of the expansion tube.At present, a transmission loss TL is expressed using the following formula 1. As can be seen from Formula 1, the larger a ratio of the expansion pipe cross-sectional area A 2 with respect to the inlet pipe cross-sectional area A 1 (i.e., the larger the cross-sectional area ratio), the larger the transmission loss TL (i.e., the larger the noise insulation effect). Moreover, the resonant frequency is determined by the length L of the expansion tube. Note that k is the wave number of the sound waves.

[0073] Moreover, as described above, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction and the width W 1 in the vehicle width direction of the first space 302.Here, since, unlike the width in the vehicle width direction, the width in the vehicle up-down direction of the lower door space 300 can be made without considering the door overstop requirements, this width can be made comparatively narrow.Therefore, it is easy to make a large ratio of the cross-sectional area of the noise entry path of the first space 302 with respect to the upper corner space 301. Accordingly, the sound insulation effect can be effectively improved.

[0074] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the seal-contacting vertical surface 103 is provided to extend substantially toward the vehicle upper side from the vehicle transverse direction inner side end portion of the first upper surface 104. In addition, the door WS 16 contacts a portion on the vehicle upper side of the seal contacting vertical surface 103.As a result, since the first space 302 is formed on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the portion of the seal contacting vertical surface 103 that does not contact the door WS 16, a large first space 302 can be formed. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.

[0075] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the second upper surface 107 is provided to extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the end portion on the lower side of the first vertical surface 106, and the second vertical surface 109 is provided to extend downward from the end portion (i.e., the second corner surface 108) on the vehicle width direction outer side of the second upper surface 107.Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the lower door space 300 perpendicular to the noise entry path can be effectively reduced. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.

[0076] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the lower end portion of the front door 20F faces a lower opening edge portion (specifically, the rocker panel 50) in the vehicle up-down direction to form a vehicle outer side gap portion 305. In addition, at least one of a portion of the front door 20F or a portion of the lower opening edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) is provided on a virtual straight line connecting the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 to the door WS 16 on a perpendicular cross section with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction.Therefore, it is difficult for water to enter through the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 to reach the door WS 16 immediately. Accordingly, it is difficult for water to enter the vehicle cabin interior 600.Note that the virtual straight line connecting the door WS 16 to the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 on a perpendicular cross section with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction is not limited to a single type. Regardless of the type of the straight line used to connect at least a portion of the door WS 16 and at least a portion of the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 to each other, the foregoing description refers to at least one of a portion of the front side door 20F and a portion of the lower opening edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) located on this virtual straight line.[Second Embodiment]

[0077] Hereinafter, a vehicle 11 in which a vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure has been used will be described.

[0078] In the vehicle 11 in which the vehicle side portion structure S 2 has been mounted, a rocker panel 60 having another structure is provided instead of the rocker panel 50 of the first exemplary embodiment. The remaining structure is the same as in the first exemplary embodiment. Note that the rocker panel 60 is an example of a "lower opening edge portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The structure of the rocker panel 60 of the second exemplary embodiment will be described below.

[0079] In the same manner as the rocker panel 50 of the first exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 1 ), the rocker panel 60 of the second exemplary embodiment is configured to include a portion (this portion is not shown in FIG. 7 ) hidden from the vehicle exterior side by the front door 20F when the front door 20F is closed and a portion (this portion is shown in FIG. 7 ) not hidden by the front door 20F even when the front door 20F is closed.

[0080] This portion, which is not hidden, is formed to include a side wall portion 67. The side wall portion 67 is a portion disposed below the door outer panel 30 in a state where the front-side closed door 20F is viewed from the vehicle side. The side wall portion 67 is shaped to substantially conform to a virtual surface that would be formed if the main body portion 31 of the door outer panel 30 were extended downward in a state where the front door 20F is closed. A base wall portion 68 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from a lower end of the side wall portion 67.Next, the above-mentioned hidden portion will be described.

[0081] A lowermost base wall 66 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction is formed to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the side wall portion 67. A second vertical wall portion 65 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the lowermost base wall 66. A lower wall portion 64 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction is formed to extend outward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the second vertical wall portion 65. A first vertical wall portion 63 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the lower wall portion 64. A first upper wall portion 62, the plate thickness direction of which is directed substantially in the vehicle up-down direction, is formed to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the first vertical wall portion 63. An uppermost portion 61 whose plate thickness direction is directed substantially in the vehicle width direction is formed to extend toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the first upper wall portion 62. The top portion 61 is disposed on the lower side of the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70.

[0082] As a result, a vehicle body side wall surface 400 of the second exemplary embodiment is formed in the following manner.Namely, as an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle body side wall surface 400 is formed by a top surface 401, a seal-contacting corner surface 402, a seal-contacting vertical surface 403, a first upper surface 404, a first corner surface 405, a first vertical surface 406, a second corner surface 407, a lower surface 408, a second vertical surface 409, and a lowermost base surface 410. Note that the first top surface 404 is an example of a "top surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the first corner surface 405 is an example of a "corner surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the first vertical surface 406 is an example of a "vertical surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0083] The highest surface 401 forms an uppermost portion in the vehicle up-down direction of the vehicle body side wall surface 100. The highest surface 401 is an outer surface of the highest wall portion 72 of the side outer panel 70, and the normal direction thereof is directed toward the vehicle upper side. The highest surface 401 faces the bulging surface 201 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction. The door WS 16 contacts a portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the highest surface 401.

[0084] The seal-contacting corner surface 402 is provided to be continuous with the vehicle width direction outer side of the highest surface 401. The seal-contacting corner surface 402 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the highest wall portion 72 and the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70. the door WS 16 contacts the seal-contacting corner surface 402.

[0085] The seal-contacting vertical surface 403 is provided on a lower side of the seal-contacting corner surface 402. A normal direction of the seal-contacting vertical surface 403 is directed outward in the vehicle transverse direction. An upper portion of the seal-contacting vertical surface 403 is an outer surface of the side wall portion 73 of the side outer panel 70, while a lower portion of the seal-contacting vertical surface 403 is an outer surface of the uppermost portion 61 of the rocker panel 60. The door WS 16 contacts a portion on the vehicle upper side of the seal contacting vertical surface 403. The seal-contacting vertical surface 403 faces the inner side vertical surface 202 and the inner side step surface 203 of the door-side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0086] The first upper surface 404 serving as an "upper surface" is provided so as to face outward in the vehicle width direction from a portion on the lower side of the seal-contacting vertical surface 403. The first upper surface 404 is an outer surface of the first upper wall portion 62 of the rocker panel 60, and the normal direction thereof is directed toward the vehicle upper side. Specifically, the first upper surface 404 slopes slightly downward and outward in the vehicle width direction. A portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the first upper surface 404 faces the door WS 16 in the vehicle up-down direction, and a portion on the vehicle width direction outer side of the first upper surface 404 faces a portion on the vehicle width direction inner side of the inner side step portion 203 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0087] The first corner surface 405 serving as a "corner surface" is provided on the vehicle width direction outer side of the first upper surface 404. The first corner surface 405 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the first upper wall portion 62 and the first vertical wall portion 63 of the rocker panel 60, and the first corner surface 405 faces a portion of the inner side step surface 203 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0088] The first vertical surface 406 serving as a "vertical surface" is provided to face downward from the first corner surface 405. The first vertical surface 406 is an outer surface of the first vertical wall portion 63 of the rocker panel 60, and the normal direction is directed outward in the vehicle width direction. The first vertical surface 406 faces the outer side vertical surface 204 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] The second corner surface 407 is provided at an end portion on the lower side of the first vertical surface 406. The second corner surface 407 is an outer surface of a boundary portion between the first vertical wall portion 63 and the lower wall portion 64 of the rocker panel 60.

[0090] The lower surface 408 is provided to face inward in the vehicle width direction from the second corner surface 407. The lower surface 408 is an outer surface of the lower wall portion 64 of the rocker panel 60, and the normal direction thereof is directed substantially downward.

[0091] The second vertical surface 409 is provided to face downward from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the lower surface 408. The second vertical surface 409 is an outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 65 of the rocker panel 60, and the normal direction thereof is outward in the vehicle width direction. The second vertical surface 409 faces the outer side step surface 205 and the outermost vertical surface 206 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle width direction.

[0092] The lowermost base surface 410 is provided to face outward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion on the lower side of the second vertical surface 409. The lowermost base surface 410 is an outer surface of the lowermost base wall 66 of the rocker panel 60, and the normal direction thereof is directed substantially toward the vehicle upper side. Specifically, the lowermost base surface 410 slopes downwardly and outwardly in the vehicle width direction. The lowermost base surface 410 faces the lower surface 408 of the vehicle body side wall portion 400, as well as the inner side step surface 203, the outer side step surface 205, and the lowermost surface 207 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction.(Width of Lower Door Room)

[0093] Next, the gap (i.e., dimensional relationship) between the vehicle body side wall surface 400 and the door side wall surface 200 will be described.

[0094] Note that, as an example, as shown in FIG. 5, a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the seal-contacting vertical surface 403 and the inner side vertical surface 202 is assumed to be a gap W 1, a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the first vertical surface 406 and the outer side vertical surface 204 is assumed to be a gap W 2, and a gap in the vehicle transverse direction between the second vertical surface 409 and the outermost vertical surface 206 is assumed to be a gap W 3.Moreover, a gap in the vehicle up-down direction between the first corner surface 405 and the inner side step surface 203 is assumed to be H 1, and a gap in the vehicle up-down direction between the lowermost base surface 410 and the lowermost surface 207 is assumed to be H 3. In addition, a dimension in the vehicle up-down direction of the second vertical surface 409 is assumed to be H 4.It is not essential, however, that the mutually facing surfaces defining the above-mentioned gaps are in a parallel relationship with each other. Therefore, the gaps in the vehicle width direction vary depending on the position in the vehicle up-down direction at which they are measured, and the gaps in the vehicle up-down direction vary depending on the position in the vehicle width direction at which they are measured. In this case, each of the gap W 1, the gap W 2, the gap W 3, and the gap H 1 refers to the minimum value of the gap measured in a portion where the vehicle body side wall surface 400 and the door side wall surface 200 face each other.Moreover, of the lower door space 300, a space positioned at the vehicle upper side of the first corner surface 405 is referred to as an upper corner space 301, while a space between the upper corner space 301 and the door WS 16 is referred to as a first space 302.

[0095] The gap W 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 in the vehicle width direction are set after considering the overstop requirements of the side door (namely, the gap required to prevent the side door from colliding with the vehicle body when the side doors are closed). Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the gap W 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 are all set as gaps of not less than 11 mm.In contrast, in setting the gap H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction, the door overstop requests need not be considered. Accordingly, as compared with the gap W 1, the gap W 2, and the gap W 3 in the vehicle width direction, the gap H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction can be set as a narrow gap. Specifically, the following relationships are established.

[0096] Namely, the gap H 1 is smaller than the gap W 1 (H 1<W 1), specifically, the gap H 1 is a half or less of the size of the gap W 1. In other words, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302.Further, a gap D in the vehicle up-down direction between the first upper surface 404 and the door WS 16 is larger than the gap H 1. In other words, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.Accordingly, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302 and also smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.

[0097] Moreover, the gap H 1 is also smaller than the gap W 2 (H 1<W 2).

[0098] A recessed surface 450 recessed further toward the vehicle width direction inner side than the first vertical surface 406 is formed at the lower side of the first vertical surface 406 by portions of the lower surface 408, the second vertical surface 409, and the lowermost base surface 410 of the vehicle body side wall surface 400. Consequently, the width W 3 of the door lower room 300 (i.e., the second room 303) measured from the recessed surface 450 in the vehicle transverse direction is made larger than the width W 2 of the door lower room 300 measured from the first vertical surface 406 in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (i.e., a cross-sectional side view) taken along a line 6- 6 in FIG. 7, FIG. 6, namely, shows a cross-section at the vehicle front side of the cross-section shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dimension H 4 in the vehicle up-down direction of the second vertical surface 409 changes depending on the position thereof in the vehicle front-rear direction. Specifically, a structure is employed in which the dimension H 4 gradually decreases from the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle front side. In conjunction with this, the lower surface 408 is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction. Specifically, the lower surface 408 is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction so as to be gradually displaced downward from the vehicle rear toward the vehicle front side.[Operational Effects]

[0100] Next, operational effects of the vehicle side portion structure according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0101] In the vehicle side portion structure S 2 of the second exemplary embodiment, the front side door opening portion 12F is provided in a vehicle side portion, and the front side door 20F is provided such that it is possible to open and close this front side door opening portion 12F. Further, as an example, as shown in FIG. 4, in a state in which the front side door 20F is closed, the door lower space 300 is formed between the opening lower edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) forming the vehicle lower side portion of the front side door opening portion 12F and the front side door 20F. The door WS 16 is provided to seal the lower door space 300.

[0102] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle body side wall surface 400, which is the wall surface on the lower opening edge portion side of the door lower room 300, is formed to include the first upper surface 404 whose normal direction is directed substantially toward the vehicle upper side, the first corner surface 405 formed at an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the first upper surface 404, and the first vertical surface 406 extending substantially downward from the first corner surface 405. The lower door space 300 is formed to include the upper corner space 301, which is the space positioned at the vehicle upper side of the first corner surface 405, and the first space 302, which is adjacent to the vehicle outer side of the door WS 16 and is the space between the door WS 16 and the upper corner space 301. Further, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302 and also smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302.

[0103] Since such a structure as described above is adopted, the first space 302 is formed in front of the door WS 16 on the path through which noise enters the vehicle cabin interior 600 from the vehicle exterior 500 through the door lower space 300, and the corner upper space 301 whose vertical cross-sectional area with respect to the noise entry path is smaller than that of the first space 302 is formed in front of the first space 302.Therefore, a part of the noise entering the lower door room 300 from the vehicle exterior 500 is absorbed by the door WS 16, and a part thereof is reflected. The reflected part of the sound is reflected again between the first space 302 and the upper corner space 301. In this manner, since a mechanism that reflects sound both in front of and behind the first space 302 is provided, sound from a vehicle exterior 500 entering the vehicle cabin interior 600 can be reduced by employing the same principle as used in an expansion damper.

[0104] Moreover, as described above, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is smaller than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction and the width W 1 in the vehicle width direction of the first space 302.Here, since, unlike the width in the vehicle width direction, the width in the vehicle up-down direction of the lower door space 300 can be made without considering the door overstop requirements, this width can be made comparatively narrow.Therefore, it is easy to make a large ratio for the cross-sectional area of the noise entry path of the first space 302 with respect to the upper corner space 301. Accordingly, the sound insulation effect can be effectively improved.

[0105] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the seal-contacting vertical surface 403 is provided to extend substantially toward the vehicle upper side from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the first upper surface 404. In addition, the door WS 16 contacts a vehicle upper side portion of the seal contacting vertical surface 403.As a result, since the first space 302 is formed on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the portion of the seal contacting vertical surface 403 that does not contact the door WS 16, a large first space 302 can be formed. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.

[0106] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the lower end portion of the front door 20F faces the opening lower edge portion (specifically, the rocker panel 50) in the vehicle up-down direction to form the vehicle outer side gap portion 305. In addition, at least one of a portion of the front door 20F or a portion of the lower opening edge portion (i.e., the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50) is provided on a virtual straight line connecting the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 to the door WS 16 on a perpendicular cross section with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction.Therefore, it is difficult for water to enter through the vehicle outer side gap portion 305 to reach the door WS 16 immediately. Accordingly, it is difficult for water to enter the vehicle cabin interior 600.

[0107] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the recessed surface 450 recessed further toward the vehicle transverse direction outer side than the first vertical surface 406 is provided at the lower side of the first vertical surface 406. In addition, the width W 3 of the door lower room 300 measured from the recessed surface 450 in the vehicle width direction is made larger than the width W 2 of the door lower room 300 measured from the first vertical surface 406 in the vehicle width direction.Therefore, a part of the noise entering from the vehicle outer side 500 is reflected between the second space 300 that is the enlarged door lower space located on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the recessed surface 450 and the door lower space 300 located on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the first vertical surface 406. Accordingly, the noise insulation effect can be improved more effectively.

[0108] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the recessed surface 450 is formed to include a lower surface 408 that extends toward the vehicle transverse direction inner side from an end portion (i.e., the second corner surface 407) on the vehicle lower side of the vertical surface 406. In addition, the lower surface 408 is inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction.Therefore, each water that runs along the first vertical surface 406 and drips onto the lower surface 408 runs along this lower surface 408 that slopes with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction, and flows toward one side in the vehicle front-rear direction (in the present exemplary embodiment, water runs toward the vehicle front). Accordingly, drainage is excellent.

[0109] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the front side door 20F is a pivotable door provided with the hinges 14 on the vehicle front side. In addition, the lower surface 408 of the vehicle body side wall surface 400 is inclined in a downward direction toward the vehicle front side.Therefore, each water flowing along the lower surface flows toward the vehicle front-rear direction side where the side door hinges are provided. Accordingly, it is difficult for water to drip onto the feet of a person getting into or out of a vehicle.

[0110] Moreover, in the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dimension H 4 in the vehicle up-down direction of the second vertical surface 409 changes depending on the position thereof in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, the dimension in the vehicle up-down direction of the recessed surface 450 changes depending on the position thereof in the vehicle front-rear direction. Consequently, the size in the vehicle up-down direction of the second space 302, which is the lower door space 300 on the vehicle transverse direction outer side of the second vertical surface 409, changes depending on the position thereof in the vehicle front-rear direction. Namely, the length of the second space 303 (i.e., the length measured on the noise entry path) changes depending on the position in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, a noise insulation effect against a noise over a wide frequency band can be demonstrated.(Experimental Examples)

[0111] Finally, results for experiments performed for the vehicle side portion structure S 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the vehicle side portion structure S 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment, and a vehicle side portion structure S 3 according to a comparative example are shown in FIG. 8.A vertical axis in FIG. 8 is a noise pressure level (dB) of transmission noise (i.e., a noise that has entered the space), and a smaller value indicates a larger noise insulation effect. A horizontal axis in FIG. 8 is a center frequency (Hz) of the noise.

[0112] Note that the comparative example uses the vehicle side portion structure S 3 shown in FIG. 10. As an example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the vehicle side portion structure S 3, the first corner surface 105 is not opposed to the inner side step portion 203 of the door side wall surface 200 in the vehicle up-down direction, but is opposed instead to the door WS 16 in the vehicle up-down direction. Consequently, the width H 1 in the vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space 301 is not less than the width W 1 in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space 302, but is instead greater than the width W 1. Further, the width H 1 is not less than the width D in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space 302, but is instead greater than the width D.

[0113] In the vehicle side portion structure S 3, the second upper surface 107, the second corner surface 108, and the second vertical surface 109 are not provided between the first vertical surface 106 and the lowermost base surface 110 as in the first exemplary embodiment, and instead, the first vertical surface 106 is connected to the lowermost base surface 110.

[0114] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, in a frequency band of 630 to 1000 Hz, as compared with the vehicle side portion structure S 3 of the comparative example, in the vehicle side portion structures S 1 and S 2 of the first and second exemplary embodiments, it was confirmed that noise pressure levels are greatly reduced and the noise insulation effect is greatly increased.[Supplementary Description to Embodiment Described Above]

[0115] Note that, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the lower opening edge portion forming the lower door space 300 between itself and the front side door 20F is formed by outer surfaces of the side outer panel 70 and the rocker panel 50, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lower opening edge portion may be formed exclusively by a rocker panel, or may be formed by other members in addition to a side outer panel and a rocker panel.

[0116] Moreover, in the second exemplary embodiment, an example in which the lower surface 408 is parallel to the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 5 ) is described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible for the lower surface 408 to be inclined with respect to the vehicle transverse direction and to slope obliquely downward and outward in the vehicle transverse direction. In this case, water passing over the first vertical surface 406 collects at the second corner surface 407, so that drainage is further improved.

[0117] Moreover, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the front side door 20F is described as a side door of the technology of the present disclosure, but the side door of the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may also be a rear side door. Moreover, the vehicle side portion structure of the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to both a front door and a rear door.

[0118] All references, patent applications, and technical descriptions cited in the present specification are incorporated by reference into the present specification to the same extent as if the individual references, patent applications, and technical descriptions were specifically and individually incorporated by reference.

Claims

A vehicle side portion structure (S1, S2), comprising: a lower opening edge portion (50, 70) forming a portion at a vehicle lower side of a door opening portion (12F) provided at a vehicle side portion; a side door (20F) configured to open and close the door opening portion (12F), and wherein a door lower space (300) is formed between the side door (20F) and the lower opening edge portion (50, 70) in a state where the door opening portion (12F) is closed; and a sealing member (16) that seals the door lower room (300), wherein a vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400) that is a wall surface on a side of the opening lower edge portion (50, 70) of the door lower room (300) is formed to include: an upper surface (104, 404) having a normal direction facing substantially toward a vehicle upper side; a corner surface (105, 405) formed at an end portion on an outer side in a vehicle transverse direction of the upper surface (104, 404); and a vertical surface (106, 406) extending from the corner surface (105, 405) substantially toward a vehicle lower side, and wherein the lower door space (300) is configured to include: an upper corner space (301) which is a space located at a vehicle upper side of the corner surface (105, 405); and a first space (302) which is adjacent to a vehicle outer side of the sealing member (16) and is a space between the sealing member (16) and the upper corner space (301), and wherein no other sealing member is provided in the lower door space (300) at the vehicle outer side of the sealing member (16), characterized in that, that according to the principle of the expansion damper, a width (H 1) in a vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space (301) is less than a width (D) in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space (302) and is also less than a width (W 1) in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space (302), and at least the upper surface (104, 404) and a surface of the vehicle outer side of the upper surface under the vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400) are formed as a part of a sill cover (50) made of resin, the sill cover (50) being formed to include a part hidden by the side door (20F) from the vehicle outer side in a state in which the side door (20F) is closed and a part, which is not hidden from the vehicle exterior side by the side door ( 20F) even in a state where the side door ( 20F) is closed.The vehicle side portion structure (S 1, S 2) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400) is formed to further include a seal-contacting vertical surface (103, 403) extending substantially from an end portion on the vehicle transverse direction inner side of the vehicle upper side upper surface (104, 404), and the seal member (16) contacts an upper portion of the seal-contacting vertical surface (103, 403).The vehicle side portion structure (S 1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle body side wall surface (100) is formed to further include: a second upper surface (107) extending from an end portion on a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface (106) outward in the vehicle width direction; and a second vertical wall (109) extending from an end portion on the vehicle width direction outer side of the second upper surface (107) toward the vehicle lower side.The vehicle side portion structure (S 2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle body side wall surface (400) is configured to further include a recessed surface (450) provided at a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface (406) and recessed further inward in the vehicle transverse direction than the vertical surface (406), and a width (W3) of the lower door space (300) measured from the recessed surface (450) in the vehicle transverse direction is larger than a width (W2) of the lower door space (300) measured from the vertical surface (406) in the vehicle transverse direction.The vehicle side portion structure (S 2) according to claim 4, wherein the recessed surface (450) is formed to include a lower surface (408) extending inward in the vehicle transverse direction from an end portion at a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface (406), and the lower surface is inclined with respect to a vehicle front-rear direction.The vehicle side portion structure (S 2) according to claim 4, wherein the recessed surface (450) is formed to include a lower surface (408) extending inward in the vehicle transverse direction from an end portion at a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface (406), and the lower surface (408) is inclined downward and outward with respect to the vehicle transverse direction.A vehicle side portion structure (S1, S2) comprising: a lower opening edge portion (50, 70) forming a portion at a vehicle lower side of a door opening portion (12F) provided at a vehicle side portion; a side door (20F) configured to open and close the door opening portion (12F), and wherein a lower door space (300) is formed between the side door (20F) and the lower opening edge portion (50, 70) in a state where the door opening portion (12F) is closed; and a sealing member (16) that seals the door lower room (300), wherein a vehicle body side wall surface (100, 400) that is a wall surface on a side of the opening lower edge portion (50, 70) of the door lower room (300) is formed to include: an upper surface (104, 404) having a normal direction facing substantially toward a vehicle upper side; a corner surface (105, 405) formed at an end portion on an outer side in a vehicle transverse direction of the upper surface (104, 404); and a vertical surface (106, 406) extending from the corner surface (105, 405) substantially toward a vehicle lower side, and wherein the lower door space (300) is configured to include: an upper corner space (301) which is a space located at a vehicle upper side of the corner surface (105, 405); and a first space (302) which is adjacent to a vehicle outer side of the sealing member (16) and is a space between the sealing member (16) and the upper corner space (301), characterized in that, that, according to the principle of the expansion damper, a width (H 1) in a vehicle up-down direction of the upper corner space (301) is less than a width (D) in the vehicle up-down direction of the first space (302) and is also less than a width (W 1) in the vehicle transverse direction of the first space (302), the vehicle body side wall surface (400) is configured to further include a recessed surface (450) provided at a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface (406) and recessed further inward in the vehicle transverse direction than the vertical surface (406), a width (W3) of the door lower space (300) measured from the recessed surface (450) in the vehicle width direction is larger than a width (W2) of the door lower space (300) measured from the vertical surface (406) in the vehicle width direction, the recessed surface (450) is formed to include a lower surface (408) extending inward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion at a vehicle lower side of the vertical surface, and the lower surface (408) is formed along an entire region extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and including a center of the vehicle front-rear direction of the door opening portion (12F) and inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction.The vehicle side portion structure (S 2) according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the side door (20F) is a pivotable door provided with hinges (14) on a side in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the lower surface (408) is inclined toward a side in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to a vehicle downward direction.

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