Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

To improve workability for putting a spare tire in and out of a tire storage portion.SOLUTION: A vehicle rear structure has, in a floor portion, a tire storage portion 12 for storing a spare tire. The tire storage portion 12 is provided with a tire installation member 20 protruding upward from a bottom part of the storage portion and to / from which the spare tire is attachable / detachable, and is provided with a support bracket 30 having a joint surface portion 32 joined to the bottom part located on a rear side of the tire installation member. Both outer side parts of the joint surface portion 32 are located above an intermediate part 32c. The spare tire is installed on the tire installation member 20 while the outer peripheral surface of the spare tire is kept abutting on both the outer side parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle rear structure. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a vehicle that is provided with a tire storage compartment in the rear of the vehicle that can store a spare tire. The tire storage compartment is provided on the floor of the rear of the vehicle. The spare tire is stored in the tire storage compartment while being held by a bracket provided in the tire storage compartment.

[0003] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the spare tire can land on the periphery of a recess formed in the tire storage compartment. That is, the sidewalls of the spare tire abut against the floor surface on the rear and front sides of the recess. Furthermore, the periphery located on the front side is formed higher than the periphery located on the rear side in the vehicle vertical direction. When the spare tire lands on the periphery, it is positioned in an inclined state following the inclination angle of the upper wall of the bracket. By storing the spare tire in an inclined state, it is possible to shorten the dimension of the tire storage compartment in the vehicle longitudinal direction compared to when the spare tire is positioned horizontally. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-189032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a worker stores a spare tire in a tire storage section, the worker typically inserts the spare tire through the opening of the tire storage section, temporarily places the spare tire in an upright position at, for example, the rear of the tire storage section, and then tilts the spare tire forward to prepare it for storage. Therefore, when the spare tire is temporarily placed, the load due to its own weight acts on the rear of the tire storage section.

[0006] In the above example structure, when the spare tire is temporarily placed, a load acts locally on the peripheral area located behind the recess. This may cause deformation of the peripheral area. To reduce the load acting on the peripheral area, the worker must temporarily place the spare tire while supporting part of the downward load from the spare tire. In this case, the worker may need to exert strong physical strength to place the spare tire.

[0007] In particular, when the spare tire is temporarily placed in an upright position and then tilted forward to maintain a predetermined tilt, as in the above example, it is necessary to attach the spare tire to the bracket while maintaining its posture. In this case, the worker may need to exert more strength than when storing the spare tire in a horizontal position. Therefore, the structure of the above example leaves room for improvement in terms of reducing the strength required of the worker when installing or removing the spare tire from the tire storage area.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle rear structure that can improve the ease of putting a spare tire in and out of a tire storage section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle rear structure including a floor portion located at the rear of the vehicle, the floor portion being provided with a storage portion for storing a spare tire, the storage portion being provided with a tire installation portion that protrudes upward from the bottom of the storage portion and to which the spare tire can be attached and detached, the storage portion being provided with a bracket having a mating surface portion that is joined to the bottom portion located rearward of the tire installation portion, at least a portion of both outer side portions of the mating surface portion in the vehicle width direction being located higher than a middle portion in the vehicle width direction, and the spare tire being installed in the tire installation portion with an outer peripheral surface of the spare tire abutting against both outer side portions of the mating surface portion or between both outer side portions of the mating surface portion in the vehicle width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of putting a spare tire into and taking it out of a tire storage section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a vehicle rear structure according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the support bracket and the like in FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a spare tire is placed in the tire storage unit of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a side view, partly in section, showing a state in which a spare tire is temporarily placed before being installed in the tire storage unit of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the support bracket of FIG. 1 alone. [Figure 8] 5 is a perspective view of the cross section taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 4, as viewed from the side and above the vehicle. [Figure 9] 2 is a top view of the tire storage unit of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the tire installation member and the support bracket have been removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a vehicle rear structure according to the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the support bracket of FIG. 10 alone. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support bracket according to another embodiment of the vehicle rear structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a vehicle rear structure according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9). In the drawings, the direction of the arrow Fr indicates the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the description of the embodiment, the "front (front end) and rear (rear end)" correspond to the front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides when an occupant looks forward of the vehicle. Furthermore, the arrow U indicates the upward direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0013] In the vehicle rear structure of this embodiment, a tire storage section 12 for storing a spare tire 5 is provided in a floor section located at the rear of the vehicle. The tire storage section 12 is provided with a tire installation member 20 (tire installation section) that protrudes upward from the bottom of the tire storage section 12 and to which the spare tire 5 can be attached and detached, and a bracket 30 having a joint surface section 32 that is joined to the bottom section located on the rear side of the tire installation member 20. Both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface section 32 are located above a middle portion 32c in the vehicle width direction, and the spare tire 5 is configured to be installed in the tire installation section with the outer peripheral surface of the spare tire 5 abutting against both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface section 32.

[0014] The spare tire 5 of this embodiment is held by the tire installation member 20 in a state in which it is inclined downward toward the rear of the vehicle. The rear structure will be described in detail below.

[0015] The vehicle of this embodiment is a type in which a passenger compartment in which passengers ride and a luggage compartment located behind the passenger compartment constitute a single vehicle compartment. The vehicle rear structure of this embodiment is provided with a tire storage section 12 capable of storing a spare tire 5 on the floor of the luggage compartment. The rear structure of this embodiment has rear side members 2, a back panel 3, a rear floor panel 10, a tire installation member 20, and a bracket 30. The members will be described below.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the rear side members 2 are disposed on both outer sides in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the vehicle and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. The rear side members 2 are highly rigid members that constitute the vehicle body frame and are made of a metal material. For example, the outer portions of the rear floor panel 10 in the vehicle width direction are joined to the upper portions of the rear side members 2 by spot welding or the like. It is preferable that the upper portions of the rear side members 2 and the outer portions of the rear floor panel 10 in the vehicle width direction are disposed so as to be continuous.

[0017] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the back panel 3 is disposed at the rear end of the vehicle body and has a front surface 3a facing the front of the vehicle and a rear surface 3b facing the rear of the vehicle. In this example, the rear ends of the rear side members 2 are joined to the outer portions of the front surface 3a of the back panel 3 in the vehicle width direction, and the rear end of the rear floor panel 10 is joined to the middle portion of the back panel 3 in the vehicle width direction. The upper portion of the back panel 3 forms, for example, the lower portion of the back door opening. In addition, a plastic rear bumper (not shown) or the like is attached to the rear side of the back panel 3.

[0018] As shown in Figs. 1 and 4 to 6, the rear floor panel 10 is one of the components constituting the floor portion located at the rear of the vehicle, and is disposed, for example, behind a rear seat (not shown). The rear floor panel 10 of this embodiment is disposed on the floor portion of a luggage compartment within the vehicle cabin. The rear floor panel 10 has an outer peripheral surface portion 11 and a tire storage portion 12. Each portion will be described below.

[0019] 1 and 9, the outer peripheral surface portion 11 of this embodiment is a portion located at the front and outer sides of the rear floor panel 10 in the vehicle width direction, and has a U-shape with an open rear when viewed from above. The outer peripheral surface portion 11 of this example has a front outer peripheral surface portion 11a located at the front of the rear floor panel 10, and outer outer peripheral surface portions 11b, 11c located at the outer sides of the rear floor panel 10 in the vehicle width direction. The front outer peripheral surface portion 11a and the left and right outer outer peripheral surface portions 11b, 11c form the U-shape as described above.

[0020] The front outer peripheral surface portion 11a extends in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a may be joined to, for example, the rear portion of the front floor panel. The outer portion of the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a in the vehicle width direction is joined to the inner end of the rear side member 2 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, a metal cross member 4 that forms the body frame and extends in the vehicle width direction may be joined to the underside of the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a. The outer portion of the cross member 4 in the vehicle width direction may be joined to the inner portion of the rear side member 2 in the vehicle width direction by spot welding.

[0021] The outer outer peripheral surface portions 11b, 11c extend rearward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a and are joined to the front surface 3a of the back panel 3. The outer end portions in the vehicle width direction of the outer outer peripheral surface portions 11b, 11c are joined to the inner end of the rear side member 2. The inner end portion in the vehicle width direction of the outer outer peripheral surface portion 11b has a curved shape that is recessed toward the outside of the vehicle. This curved shape corresponds to the curved shapes of the upper ends of a left side wall portion 18 and a right side wall portion 19 of the tire storage portion 12, which will be described later.

[0022] Next, we will explain the tire storage section 12. As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 9, the tire storage section 12 is located in the middle of the rear floor panel 10 in the vehicle width direction, and is a portion that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface section 11. The tire storage section 12 is located rearward of the front outer peripheral surface section 11a and between the left and right outer outer peripheral surface sections 11b, 11c.

[0023] 5, when the spare tire 5 is stored in the tire storage section 12, the front portion of the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5 is inclined so as to be positioned higher than the rear portion. That is, the spare tire 5 is disposed so as to be inclined downward toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The tire storage section 12 of this embodiment has bottom sections 14, 17, a left side wall section 18, and a right side wall section 19. Each section will be described below.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the bottom portions 14, 17 of the tire storage compartment 12 have an inclined portion 14 and a flat portion 17. The inclined portion 14 is a portion that extends from the rear end of the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a toward the rear of the vehicle, sloping downwardly on the vehicle. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inclined portion 14 is provided with a left convex portion 15 and a right convex portion 16. The left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16 will be described later.

[0026] The flat portion 17 is a substantially flat portion extending horizontally from the rear end of the inclined portion 14 toward the rear of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the rear end of the flat portion 17 is provided with a flange 17a that protrudes upward from the rear end. The flange 17a is joined to the lower part of the front surface 3a of the back panel 3 by spot welding or the like. A tire mounting member 20 for holding the spare tire 5 is joined to the inclined portion 14 at the bottom. Details of the tire mounting member 20 will be described later.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 9, the left side wall 18 is a wall extending downward from the inner end of the left outer peripheral surface 11b in the vehicle width direction toward the bottom. The left side wall 18 has a left curved portion 18a and a left vertical wall portion 18b. The inner wall of the left curved portion 18a is curved so as to be recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the left curved portion 18a corresponds to the curved shape of the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5. In other words, when the spare tire 5 is stored in the tire storage portion 12, the left curved portion 18a is configured to cover the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5 from the radially outer side of the spare tire 5.

[0028] The left vertical wall portion 18b extends rearward from the rear end of the left curved portion 18a. The rear end of the left vertical wall portion 18b is joined to the back panel 3. For example, the rear end of the left vertical wall portion 18b extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and as shown in Fig. 6, a flange 18c is formed at the rear end so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction, and the flange 18c is joined to the front surface 3a of the back panel 3 by spot welding or the like.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 9, the right side wall portion 19 is a wall portion extending downward from the inner end of the right outer peripheral surface portion 11c in the vehicle width direction toward the bottom. Similar to the left side wall portion 18, the right side wall portion 19 has a right curved portion 19a and a right vertical wall portion 19b. The right curved portion 19a is a wall portion formed to be bilaterally symmetrical with the left curved portion 18a. That is, the inner wall of the right curved portion 19a is curved so as to be recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. The right curved portion 19a corresponds to the curved shape of the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5. When the spare tire 5 is stored in the tire storage portion 12, the right curved portion 19a is configured to cover the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5 from the radially outer side of the spare tire 5.

[0030] The right vertical wall portion 19b extends rearward from the rear end of the right curved portion 19a. Similar to the left vertical wall portion 18b, the rear end of the right vertical wall portion 19b is joined to the back panel 3. The rear end of the right vertical wall portion 19b extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a flange 19c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the rear end, and the flange 19c is joined to the front surface 3a of the back panel 3 by spot welding or the like.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the tire installation member 20. The tire installation member 20 is a member for holding the inclined spare tire 5 as described above, and is a highly rigid member made of a metal material.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the tire mounting member 20 is joined to the inclined portion 14 at the bottom of the tire storage section 12, and has a holding portion 21 and an outer peripheral wall portion 22. The tire mounting member 20 of this embodiment has a substantially semiconical shape with the holding portion 21 as its apex, and has a substantially semicircular outline when viewed from above. In other words, the tire mounting member 20 has a shape like a cone with the rear portion cut off. It is preferable that the rear end of the tire mounting member 20 extends substantially vertically.

[0033] The holding portion 21 is disposed above the floor portion at a distance, and holds the radial center of the spare tire 5. The outer peripheral wall portion 22 extends from the holding portion 21 toward the front side of the vehicle and both sides in the vehicle width direction, and the ends of the outer peripheral wall portion 22 are joined to the inclined portion 14.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining portion 21 is a plate-shaped portion that is spaced apart from the vehicle upper side relative to the vehicle front-rear direction intermediate portion of the inclined portion 14 at the bottom of the tire storage portion 12. In this example, the retaining portion 21 is plate-shaped and parallel to the inclined portion 14. A rear wall portion 21b that faces the rear of the vehicle is provided at the rear of the retaining portion 21. The rear wall portion 21b is joined to, for example, a rear joint portion 22a that is provided at the upper rear portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 22. Furthermore, an upper portion of an extension portion 31 of a support bracket 30 (described later) is joined to the rear wall portion 21b and the rear joint portion 22a.

[0035] Furthermore, a convex portion that protrudes upward is provided at the rear portion of the central portion in the vehicle width direction of the holding portion 21, and a flat surface that is parallel to the inclined portion 14 is formed at the tip of the convex portion. As shown in FIG. 5, a through hole 21a is formed in the center of the convex portion, and a cylindrical metal holding member 29 is detachably attached to the through hole 21a. The holding member 29 is attached to the convex portion so that the longitudinal direction of the holding member 29 is perpendicular to the flat surface of the convex portion. The center of the wheel 5d of the spare tire 5 is detachably attached to the holding member 29.

[0036] 1, 2, and 8, a front bead portion 23 is formed on the front portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 22, extending from the front portion of the retaining portion 21 toward the inclined portion 14 of the tire storage portion 12. A front weld portion 25 is provided on the front end portion of the front bead portion 23, and the front weld portion 25 is spot welded to the inclined portion 14 of the tire storage portion 12.

[0037] In this embodiment, sub-bead portions 24 are formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 22 located on both sides of the front bead portion 23 in the vehicle width direction. The sub-bead portions 24 are shorter beads than the front bead portion 23, and the front ends of the sub-bead portions 24 are located on both sides of the front end of the front bead portion 23 in the vehicle width direction. Front weld portions 25 are provided on the front end portions of the sub-bead portions 24, similar to the front end portions of the front bead portion 23. In this example, three front weld portions 25 are arranged at intervals from one another in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] An outer bead portion 26 is formed on the outer side of the outer peripheral wall portion 22 in the vehicle width direction, extending from the outer side of the retaining portion 21 toward the outer side of the inclined portion 14 of the tire storage portion 12. An outer weld portion 27 is provided on the outer end of the outer bead portion 26, and the outer weld portion 27 is spot welded to the outer side of the inclined portion 14 of the tire storage portion 12.

[0039] In this embodiment, an intermediate weld 28 is provided in the front portion of outer peripheral wall 22, which is located between front weld 25 and outer weld 27 in the vehicle width direction. Similar to front weld 25, intermediate weld 28 is spot welded to inclined portion 14.

[0040] Here, the left convex portion 15, the right convex portion 16, and the bulge portion 17d provided at the bottom of the tire storage portion 12 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16 each protrude upward from the main surface of the inclined portion 14 and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16 are arranged at an interval from each other in the vehicle width direction. The left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16 are arranged at the rear of the vehicle width direction intermediate portion of the inclined portion 14. The front end of the left convex portion 15 and the front end of the right convex portion 16 are arranged below the rear end of the holding portion 21 of the tire installation member 20. The front end of the left convex portion 15 and the rear end of the right convex portion 16 are arranged at the rear end of the inclined portion 14.

[0041] 8 and 9, floor welds 15a, 15b, 16a, and 16b, to which a joining surface 32 of a support bracket 30 (described later) is welded, are provided at the front and rear of the upper surface of the left-side convex portion 15. In this example, the front floor welds 15a and 16a and the rear floor welds 15b and 16b are spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0042] In this example, a left front floor weld 15a is provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the left convex portion 15, and a right front floor weld 16a is provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the right convex portion 16. In addition, a left rear floor weld 15b is provided on the rear portion of the upper surface of the left convex portion 15, and a right rear floor weld 16b is provided on the rear portion of the upper surface of the right convex portion 16. These floor welds are formed in a roughly circular shape and protrude upward from the upper surfaces of the left and right convex portions 15, 16.

[0043] Left front floor weld 15a and right front floor weld 16a are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and left rear floor weld 15b and right rear floor weld 16b are also spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. In this example, connecting the four floor welds on the left and right convex portions 15, 16 with imaginary lines forms a rectangle extending in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bulging portion 17d is located approximately in the center of the flat portion 17 in the vehicle width direction and bulges upward from the main surface of the flat portion 17. The bulging portion 17d extends rearward from the rear ends of the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16, and the front portions of the upper surface of the bulging portion 17d are continuous with the upper surfaces of the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16. A raised portion is provided in the middle portion of the upper surface of the bulging portion 17d in the vehicle front-rear direction, protruding slightly upward from the upper surface and extending in the vehicle width direction. The rear end of a joint surface portion 32 of a support bracket 30 (described later) is located in the front portion of the raised portion. The left outer wall of the bulging portion 17d is continuous with the left wall of the left convex portion 15, and the right outer wall of the bulging portion 17d is continuous with the right wall of the right convex portion 16.

[0045] When the spare tire 5 is stored in the tire storage section 12, the holding member 29 is inserted into the center of the wheel 5d of the spare tire 5. In addition, in the stored spare tire 5, the lower end of the tread portion 5a located at the front is positioned slightly above the front outer peripheral surface portion 11a, and the lower end of the tread portion 5a located at the rear is positioned above the flat portion 17 at the bottom of the tire storage section 12 with a gap therebetween.

[0046] The spare tire 5 has corners (shoulders 5c) connecting the tread 5a and the side surfaces (sidewalls 5b). The shoulders 5c, which are located at the rear of the spare tire 5, are placed on the rear end of the inclined portions 14 of the tire storage compartment 12. This allows the spare tire 5 to be stored in the tire storage compartment 12 while maintaining an inclined posture.

[0047] Next, the support bracket 30 will be described. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the support bracket 30 has a joint surface portion 32 that is joined to a bottom portion of the tire storage section 12 that is located on the rear side of the tire installation member 20, and both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface portion 32 are located higher than a middle portion 32c in the vehicle width direction, so that the spare tire 5 is installed on the tire installation member 20 with the tread portion 5a (outer peripheral surface) of the spare tire 5 abutting against both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface portion 32.

[0048] The support bracket 30 will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 7, the support bracket 30 is a bracket that is placed at the rear of the tire installation member 20, and has the above-mentioned joint surface portion 32 and extension portion 31. The joint surface portion 32 is a plate-shaped portion that extends along the inclination direction of the inclined portion 14, and is inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle. The joint surface portion 32 has bracket welds that are spot-welded to welds provided on the upper surfaces of the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16.

[0049] In this example, left front bracket weld 34a is provided on the left side of the front portion of joint surface 32, and right front bracket weld 35a is provided on the right side of the front portion. Furthermore, left rear bracket weld 34b is provided on the left side of the rear portion of joint surface 32, and right rear bracket weld 35b is provided on the right side of the rear portion. These bracket welds 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b are formed in a generally circular shape and are recessed downward relative to the upper surface of joint surface 32. Although not shown in the figure, the lower surface of joint surface 32 of support bracket 30 is generally rectangular, with bracket welds located at the four corners that protrude downward.

[0050] Left front bracket weld 34a is joined by spot welding to left front floor weld 15a of left convex portion 15, and right front bracket weld 35a is joined by spot welding to right front floor weld 16a of right convex portion 16. Similarly, left rear bracket weld 34b is joined by spot welding to left rear floor weld 15b of left convex portion 15, and right rear bracket weld 35b is joined by spot welding to right rear floor weld 16b of right convex portion 16.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7 , the left front bracket weld 34a and the like protrude downward from the underside of the joint surface 32, and are therefore spaced apart from the inclined portion 14 in areas other than the welded portion of the support bracket 30. For example, the upper surfaces of the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16 other than the welded portions are spaced apart (first distance) in the vertical direction from the lower surface of the joint surface 32. Furthermore, the vicinity of the center of the lower surface of the joint surface 32 is located between the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16, and is spaced apart (second distance) upward from the inclined portion 14. The vertical distance of the second distance is greater than the vertical distance of the first distance.

[0052] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, a left protruding portion 33a and a right protruding portion 33b that protrude upward from both sides of the joint surface portion 32 in the vehicle width direction are provided. The upper portions of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b are located higher than the vehicle width direction intermediate portion 32c of the joint surface portion 32. The left protruding portion 33a is located on the left side of the upper surface of the joint surface portion 32 in the vehicle width direction, protrudes upward from the main surface of the joint surface portion 32, and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0053] In this example, left protrusion 33a extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between left front bracket weld 34a and left rear bracket weld 34b. The upper portion of the cross section of left protrusion 33a preferably has an upwardly convex arc shape, as shown in Fig. 3. Here, the main surface of joint surface 32 refers to the flat portion of joint surface 32 around bracket welds 34a, 34b, 35a, and 35b, for example.

[0054] The right protrusion 33b is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction on the upper surface of the joint surface 32, protrudes upward from the main surface of the joint surface 32, and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this example, the right protrusion 33b extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the right front bracket weld 35a and the right rear bracket weld 35b. The cross section of the right protrusion 33b is formed similarly to that of the left protrusion 33a. In this embodiment, the left protrusion 33a and the right protrusion 33b are preferably formed symmetrically. In this embodiment, the vehicle width direction intermediate portion 32a of the joint surface 32, located between the left protrusion 33a and the right protrusion 33b, is preferably a flat surface. The left protrusion 33a and the right protrusion 33b are portions on which the spare tire 5, for example, the tread portion 5a or the shoulder portion 5c, can be temporarily placed so as to abut against them.

[0055] 5 and 6, the spare tire 5 has corners (shoulders 5c) connecting the tread 5a and the sidewalls 5b. When the worker stores the spare tire 5 in the tire storage section 12, the worker first temporarily places the tread 5a or the shoulders 5c of the spare tire 5 on the upper parts of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b, and then tilts the spare tire 5 forward and attaches the wheel portion 5d of the spare tire 5 to the holding portion 21 of the tire installation member 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, the joint surface portion 32 of the support bracket 30 is welded (joined) to the left and right convex portions 15, 16 provided on the inclined portion 14, thereby improving the rigidity of the inclined portion 14. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress deformation of the inclined portion 14 caused by the weight of the spare tire 5 when storing the spare tire 5.

[0057] Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, by providing the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b on both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface portion 32 of the support bracket 30, the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b serve as markers when the worker temporarily places the spare tire 5, allowing the installation work of the spare tire 5 to be performed efficiently.

[0058] Furthermore, when the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed, the curved surfaces of, for example, the tread portion 5a and the shoulder portion 5c of the spare tire 5 are placed on two locations, the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b, so the posture of the spare tire 5 during temporary placement can be stabilized. Therefore, after temporary placement, it is easy to move the wheel portion 5d of the spare tire 5 to a position where it can be attached to the holder 21. In other words, the worker can easily tilt the spare tire 5 forward. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the arm strength required of the worker when installing the spare tire 5, and the installation work of the spare tire 5 can be performed efficiently.

[0059] Furthermore, when the spare tire 5 is carried out to the outside of the vehicle, the posture of the spare tire 5 is stabilized when the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed on the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b in an upright state. Therefore, the spare tire 5 in an upright position can be re-held at a position closer to the body of the worker, making it easier to carry out the spare tire 5.

[0060] According to the vehicle rear structure of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of putting the spare tire 5 into and taking it out of the tire storage section 12.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the support bracket 30 has the extension portion 31 that extends from the front of the joint surface portion 32 toward the top of the vehicle to the upper part of the tire installation member 20, and the extension portion 31 is joined to the holding portion 21. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the joint surface portion 32 even when a load is input to the joint surface portion 32 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, this makes it easier to temporarily place the spare tire 5. After the spare tire 5 has been temporarily placed, it becomes easier to imagine tipping the spare tire 5 forward along the extension portion 31, making it possible to accurately store the spare tire 5. Furthermore, because the extension portion 31 supports the holding portion 21, the rigidity of the holding portion 21 is improved.

[0062] Preferably, bead portions are provided on the joint surface portion 32 and the extension portion 31 of the support bracket 30. The bead portions include a longitudinal bead portion 32a provided on the joint surface portion 32 and a vertical bead portion 31a provided on the extension portion 31, and the front portion of the longitudinal bead portion 32a and the lower portion of the vertical bead portion 31a are formed so as to be continuous with each other.

[0063] 2, 4, and 7, the vertical bead portion 31a extends from the upper end to the lower end of the extension portion 31 and is located at the center of the extension portion 31 in the vehicle width direction, with the center of the rear surface of the extension portion 31 recessed toward the front of the vehicle. The longitudinal bead portion 32a extends from the lower end of the vertical bead portion 31a toward the rear of the vehicle, with the rear end of the longitudinal bead portion 32a being located slightly forward of the longitudinal center between the left and right front bracket weld portions 34a, 35a and the left and right rear bracket weld portions 34b, 35b.

[0064] Additionally, the longitudinal bead portion 32a is recessed downward relative to the upper surface of the joint surface 32. The lower end of the longitudinal bead portion 32a is joined to the inclined portion 14 of the tire storage area 12. In this example, the lower end is spot-welded to the inclined portion 14 located between the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16, and is located between the left front floor weld portion 15a and the right front floor weld portion 16a shown in FIG.

[0065] It is easy for an operator to visually identify the positional relationship between the vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a and the retaining portion 21. That is, the vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a function as a positioning aid when the spare tire 5 is installed in the retaining portion 21.

[0066] Providing the vertical bead portion 31a and the front-rear bead portion 32a improves the rigidity of the extension portion 31 and the joint surface portion 32. This also improves the rigidity for holding the spare tire 5. For example, providing the vertical bead portion 31a improves the rigidity against a load in the vertical direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the provision of the longitudinal bead portion 32a suppresses deformation of the joint surface portion 32 when the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed. As a result, the accuracy of the work of tilting the spare tire 5 forward and attaching it to the holder 21 is improved.

[0068] Alternatively, the vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a may be provided at the widthwise center of the support bracket 30 and disposed so as to pass through the vehicle widthwise centers of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the vehicle widthwise centers of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b are disposed so as to overlap with a vertical line C passing through the widthwise center of the support bracket 30 when viewed from the vehicle direction. This makes it easier to align the radial center of the spare tire 5 with the vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a, and allows for more accurate installation work on the retaining portion 21.

[0069] 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the joint surface 32 extends at an incline upward toward the front of the vehicle. As described above, the bottom of the tire storage section 12 in this embodiment has the inclined portion 14. The joint surface 32 is inclined along the inclination direction of the inclined portion 14. Because the joint surface 32 is inclined, an operator looking into the tire storage section 12 through the opening of the back door can easily see the joint surface 32.

[0070] When the spare tire 5 is carried in through the back door opening, it is positioned so that the rubber portion of the tire, such as the tread portion 5a, comes into contact with the joint surface 32. At this time, the spare tire 5 is tilted slightly backward relative to the vertical, so that the worker can check the position of the joint surface 32 while looking from above at the part of the spare tire 5 that comes into contact with the joint surface 32. This makes it easy to carry in the spare tire 5.

[0071] Furthermore, when a load is input to the inclined joint surface 32, the load in the direction perpendicular to the surface can be reduced, which makes it possible to suppress deformation of the support bracket 30 and the floor portion (inclined portion 14), and prevents a decrease in the worker's work speed. As a result, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the work of carrying in the spare tire 5.

[0072] In this embodiment, the bottom of the tire storage section 12 has a left convex portion 15 and a right convex portion 16 that protrude upward from the vehicle, and the joining surface portion 32 is joined to the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16. This improves the rigidity of the floor portion, making it possible to suppress deformation of the floor portion even when a load due to the weight of the spare tire 5 or the like is input to the support bracket 30. As a result, the accuracy of the spare tire 5 installation work is improved.

[0073] 7, a step 37 is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the joint surface 32. In this example, the step 37 is provided on the outer side of each of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b in the vehicle width direction. The lower step 37b of the step 37 is located at the outer end of the joint surface 32 in the vehicle width direction, and the upper step 37a is located on the outer side of each of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b of the joint surface 32 are located between the left and right upper steps 37a.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the left upper step 37a is disposed between the left front bracket weld 34a and the left rear bracket weld 34b. The left upper step 37a bulges upward so that the center between the left front bracket weld 34a and the left rear bracket weld 34b is at its top. The right upper step 37a should also bulge in a similar manner. By providing the left and right steps 37, it is possible to increase the depth of the left protruding portion 33a and the right protruding portion 33b of the joint surface 32. As a result, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the joint surface 32 and further stabilize the posture of the spare tire 5 when temporarily placed.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the rear of the vehicle is effectively reinforced, and therefore, when subjected to an impact load due to a rear collision or the like, deformation of the floor portion due to, for example, the inertia of the spare tire 5 can be effectively suppressed. That is, the configuration of this embodiment can effectively protect devices located in front of the spare tire 5. For example, in an electric vehicle, as shown in FIG. 5, a battery pack 40 is disposed in front of the spare tire 5. As described above, the improved rigidity of the floor portion makes it possible to protect the battery pack 40. Note that FIG. 5 shows the battery pack 40 in virtual form.

[0076] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle rear structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. This embodiment is a modified version of the vehicle rear structure of the first embodiment (Figures 1 to 9), and parts that are the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0077] 10 and 12, the support bracket 30 of this embodiment has an extending portion 31 and a joint surface portion 32. The extending portion 31 of this embodiment is formed in the same manner as the extending portion 31 of the first embodiment (FIG. 7).

[0078] Like the joint surface portion 32 of the first embodiment (FIG. 7), the joint surface portion 32 of this embodiment has a left front bracket weld portion 34a, a left rear bracket weld portion 34b, a right front bracket weld portion 35a, and a right rear bracket weld portion 35b, and is joined by spot welding to weld portions provided on the upper surfaces of the left convex portion 15 and the right convex portion 16. Also, like the first embodiment, the extension portion 31 and the joint surface portion 32 of this embodiment are provided with a vertical bead portion 31a and a longitudinal bead portion 32a.

[0079] In this embodiment, the joint surface portion 32 is provided with a curved portion 39 that curves downward toward the vehicle, and is configured so that the spare tire 5 is placed on the tire placement member 20 with the tread portion 5a (outer peripheral surface) of the spare tire 5 abutting against the curved portion 39.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the curved portion 39 is a portion of the joint surface 32 in the vehicle width direction that is recessed downward of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The curved portion 39 is located between the left front bracket weld 34a and the right front bracket weld 35a and the left rear bracket weld 34b and the right rear bracket weld 35b in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 11 , the cross section of the curved portion 39 is an arc-shaped portion recessed downward of the vehicle. The bottom of the curved portion 39 in this embodiment is located approximately in the center of the joint surface 32 in the vehicle width direction, rearward of the longitudinal bead portion 32a. The bottom of the curved portion 39, for example, is a portion that can be used to temporarily place the spare tire 5, such as the tread portion 5a or shoulder portion 5c, against which it can abut. The temporary placement of the spare tire 5 is similar to that in the first embodiment. For example, the curved portion 39 serves as a guide when a worker temporarily places the spare tire 5, and the work of placing the spare tire 5 can be carried out efficiently.

[0081] Furthermore, when the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed, the curved surfaces of, for example, the tread portion 5a and the shoulder portion 5c of the spare tire 5 are placed on the arc-shaped curved portion 39, so that the posture of the spare tire 5 during temporary placement can be stabilized. Also, when the spare tire 5 is carried out to the outside of the vehicle, the posture of the spare tire 5 is stabilized when the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed on the curved portion 39 in an upright state. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the spare tire 5 in an upright position can be re-held at a position closer to the body of the worker, making it easier to carry out the spare tire 5.

[0082] The vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a may also be provided at the widthwise center of the support bracket 30 and disposed so as to pass through the center of the radius of curvature of the curved portion 39. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, in this embodiment, the center of the radius of curvature of the curved portion 39 is disposed so as to overlap with a vertical line C passing through the widthwise center of the support bracket 30 when viewed from the vehicle direction. This makes it easier to align the radial center of the spare tire 5 with the vertical bead portion 31a and the longitudinal bead portion 32a, and allows for more accurate attachment to the retaining portion 21.

[0083] Similarly to the first embodiment, a step 37 is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the joint surface 32 of this embodiment. The step 37 is provided on the outer side of the curved portion 39 in the vehicle width direction. A lower step 37b of the step 37 is disposed at the outer end of the joint surface 32 in the vehicle width direction, and an upper step 37a is disposed on the outer side of the curved portion 39 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the curved portion 39 of the joint surface 32 is disposed between the left and right upper steps 37a.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left upper step 37a is disposed between the left front bracket weld 34a and the left rear bracket weld 34b, as in the first embodiment. The left upper step 37a bulges upward so that the center between the left front bracket weld 34a and the left rear bracket weld 34b is at the top. The right upper step 37a may also bulge in a similar manner. By providing the step portions 37 on the left and right, it is possible to increase the depth of the curved portion 39 of the joint surface 32.

[0085] By providing a curved portion 39 on the joint surface portion 32 instead of the protruding portions 33a and 33b described in the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, compared to the case where the protruding portions 33a and 33b are provided as in the first embodiment, the curved portion 39 can have a simpler shape. Therefore, the support bracket 30 can be manufactured more efficiently.

[0086] [Other embodiments] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the rear end of the longitudinal bead 32a may be positioned further rearward than the longitudinal bead 32a shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the rear end of the longitudinal bead 32a is positioned rearward of the left rear bracket weld 34b and the right rear bracket weld 35b. In this case, it is preferable that the tread portion 5a of the spare tire 5 abuts against the edges of the longitudinal bead 32a on both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0087] The structure of the first embodiment may be combined with the structure of the second embodiment, in which case a curved portion 39 may be provided on the joint surface portion 32 located between the left and right protrusions 33a and 33b described in the first embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0089] For example, although the upper portions of the left and right protrusions 33a, 33b in the first embodiment extend substantially linearly in the vehicle longitudinal direction, this is not limiting. For example, the intermediate portions of the upper portions of the left and right protrusions 33a, 33b in the vehicle longitudinal direction may be curved so as to bulge upward relative to the front and rear ends of the protrusions 33a, 33b. Furthermore, although the spare tire 5 in the first embodiment is configured to abut against the upper portions of the left and right protrusions 33a, 33b when temporarily placed, this is not limiting. For example, the spare tire 5 may abut between the left and right protrusions 33a, 33b.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the spare tire 5 is temporarily placed at the bottom of the curved portion 39, but this is not limiting. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the spare tire 5 may be brought into contact with the upper end of the curved portion 39 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the bottom of the tire storage section 12 has the inclined portion 14, but this is not limitative. The bottom may be formed flat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 2 Rear side members 3 Back Panel 3a front 3b Rear 4 cross members 5 spare tires 5a Tread area 5b Sidewall 5c Shoulder 5d wheels 10 Rear floor panel 11 Outer peripheral surface 11a Front outer peripheral surface 11b Left outer peripheral surface 11c Right outer peripheral surface 12 Tire storage area 14 Slope 14a Intermediate floor weld 15 Left side convex part 15a Left front floor weld 15b Left rear floor weld 16 Right side convex part 16a Right front floor weld 16b Right rear floor weld 17 Plane part 17a flange 17d bulge 18 Left side wall 18a Left curved section 18b Left vertical wall section 18c flange 19 Right side wall 19a Right curved section 19b Right vertical wall section 19c flange 20 Tire installation materials 21 Holding part 21a Through hole 21b Rear wall 22 Outer wall 22a Posterior joint 23 Front bead 24 Sub-bead section 25 Front weld 26 Outer bead 27 Outer weld 28 Intermediate Weld 29 Retaining member 30 Support bracket 31 Extension 31a Vertical bead 32 Joint surface part 32a Front and rear bead 33a Left side protrusion 33b Right side protrusion 34a Left front bracket weld 34b Left rear bracket weld 35a Right front bracket weld 35b Right rear bracket weld 37 Step 37a Upper row 37b lower row 39 Curved section 40 Battery Pack

Claims

1. A vehicle rear structure in which a storage section for storing a spare tire is provided in a floor section located in the rear of the vehicle, The storage section is provided with a tire installation section that protrudes upward from the bottom of the storage section and to which the spare tire can be attached and detached, the storage section is provided with a bracket having a joint surface portion joined to the bottom portion located on the rear side of the tire installation section, At least a part of both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the joint surface portion is located higher than a middle portion in the vehicle width direction, a rear structure for a vehicle, characterized in that the spare tire is configured to be placed on the tire placement section with the outer peripheral surface of the spare tire abutting against both outer portions of the joint surface in the vehicle width direction or between both outer portions of the joint surface in the vehicle width direction.

2. the bracket has an extension portion that extends from a front portion of the joint surface portion toward the upper side of the vehicle to an upper portion of the tire installation portion, The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the extension is joined to the tire mounting portion.

3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 2, wherein the joint surface portion and the extension portion are provided with a bead portion.

4. the bead portion includes a longitudinal bead portion provided on the joining surface portion and a vertical bead portion provided on the extension portion, 4. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 3, wherein a front portion of the longitudinal bead portion and a lower portion of the vertical bead portion are formed to be continuous with each other.

5. 3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein the joint surface portion extends at an incline upward toward the front of the vehicle.

6. The bottom of the storage section has a convex portion that protrudes upward from the vehicle, The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein the joint surface of the bracket is joined to the convex portion.

7. 2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein the joint surface is provided on both outer sides in the vehicle width direction with protrusions that protrude upward and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction.

8. 2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein the joint surface is provided with a curved portion that curves downwardly of the vehicle.

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