Rear body structure

Abstract

To provide a rear body structure that can reduce manufacturing costs. [Solution] The rear body structure includes a side sill 20 and a rear frame 40, and as shown in Figure 6(a), the tip of the frame floor portion 49 is placed on the inner overhang portion 27 as indicated by arrow (1), and the frame roof portion 48 is placed over the inner roof portion 25 as indicated by arrow (2). As shown in Figure 6(b), in this configuration, the rear frame 40 is fixed to the side sill 20 by rivets 65 or the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear body structure including side sills and a rear frame.

Background Art

[0002] Various rear body structures including side sills and a rear frame have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (FIG. 3)).

[0003] Patent Document 1 will be described based on the following figure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional rear body structure. In this rear body structure, a rear frame 104 is fitted into a side sill 101 composed of a side sill outer 102 and a side sill inner 103 from the inside of the vehicle body, and the two members are joined at a joining portion 105. The rear frame 104 is a cast product thicker than the side sill 101.

[0004] Consider the joining process of the side sill 101 and the rear frame 104. When the side sill 101 is stationary, the rear frame 104 is moved horizontally. In addition, the center in the height direction of the rear frame 104 is aligned with the center in the height direction of the side sill 101.

[0005] That is, in the conventional rear body structure, it is necessary to move the rear frame 104 up and down while moving it horizontally with respect to the side sill 101. It is not easy to fit the rear frame 104 while moving it horizontally. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the rear body structure increases.

[0006] However, it is required to provide vehicles at low cost, and as part of this, reduction of the manufacturing cost of the rear body structure is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7074039 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a rear vehicle structure that can reduce manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention according to claim 1 is a rear vehicle structure including a side sill and a rear frame extending from the side sill to the rear of the vehicle body, The side sill includes a side sill outer positioned on the outside of the vehicle body and a side sill inner positioned inside the vehicle body relative to the side sill outer. The side sill inner comprises an inner wall portion extending vertically, an inner roof portion extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion, an inner flange portion extending upward from the tip of the inner roof portion, and an inner overhang portion extending laterally inward from the middle of the height of the inner wall portion. The front part of the rear frame comprises a frame wall portion extending vertically to form a U-shaped cross-section, a frame roof portion extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion to the outside of the vehicle body, and a frame floor portion extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion to the outside of the vehicle body. The leading edge of the frame floor section is placed on the inner overhang section, and the frame roof section is placed over the inner roof section. In this configuration, the front portion of the rear frame is fixed to the side sill. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the invention according to claim 1, the leading edge of the frame floor portion is placed on the inner overhang portion, and the frame roof portion is placed over the inner roof portion. In other words, the rear frame can be fixed to the side sill simply by lowering it from above onto the stationary side sill. Horizontal movement of the rear frame is not essential; it only needs to be moved from top to bottom. Moving the rear frame downwards is easy. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the rear structure of the vehicle can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the rear body structure of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a view from arrow 2 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] (a) is a side view of the rear frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along line bb, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along line cc. [Figure 4] (a) is an enlarged view of part 4a in Figure 3(b), (b) is an enlarged view of part b in (a), and (c) is a modified example of the center of the rear frame. [Figure 5] (a) is an exploded view of the side sill, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the side sill. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram illustrating the procedure for joining the rear frame to the side sill, (b) is a cross-sectional view of line 6b-6b in Figure 2, (c) is an enlarged view of section c in (b), and (d) is an enlarged view of section d in (b). [Figure 7] (a) is an exploded view of the front end connecting member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the front end connecting member. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram illustrating the procedure for joining the rear frame to the side sill and the procedure for joining the front end connecting member to the rear frame; (b) is a cross-sectional view of line 8b-8b in Figure 2; (c) is an enlarged view of part c in (b); (d) is an enlarged view of part d in (b); and (e) is an enlarged view of part e in (b). [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the height position of the inner overhang. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating examples of modifications to the inner protrusion section. [Figure 11](a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the action at the center of the rear frame. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a conventional vehicle body rear structure.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the attached drawings. In the drawings, front and rear, up and down, and the inside and outside of the vehicle body are defined based on the driver who has boarded the vehicle.

Example

[0013] [Vehicle Body Rear Structure] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle body rear structure 10 includes a side sill 20, a rear frame 40 extending rearward from the side sill 20, and a rear wheel house 12 disposed outside the rear frame 40.

[0014] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle body rear structure 10 includes a floor cross member 14 disposed in front of the rear frame 40 and extending from the side sill 20 toward the inside of the vehicle body, and a front end connecting member 60 connecting the front end of the rear frame 40 and the floor cross member 14. Note that the floor panel is omitted in FIG. 2.

[0015] [Rear Frame] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the rear frame 40 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction. Preferably, the rear frame 40 is a die-cast product of an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy is a light alloy, and the weight of the rear frame 40 can be reduced. However, in order to further reduce the weight, hollowing is performed with the first groove 41 and the second groove 42.

[0016] By providing the first groove 41 and the second groove 42, further weight reduction can be achieved, but the strength decreases. Therefore, preferably, a plurality (two in this example) of I-shaped ribs 43 extending vertically are provided in the first groove 41, and a plurality (six in this example) of I-shaped ribs 43 extending vertically are provided in the second groove 42. The area above the first groove 41 and the second groove 42 forms the frame flange portion 44. Furthermore, the inner rib-shaped flange 45 is shown by a dashed line between the first groove 41 and the second groove 42, and below the second groove 42.

[0017] The rear frame 40 shown in Figure 3(a) is offset in both the front-to-back direction of the drawing, so its cross-section differs depending on the part of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the cross-section at the front will be explained based on Figure 3(b), and the cross-section at the center will be explained based on Figure 3(c).

[0018] [Cross-section of the front part of the rear frame] As shown in Figure 3(b), the front part of the rear frame 40 comprises a frame wall portion 47 extending vertically, a frame roof portion 48 extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47, a frame flange portion 44 extending upward from the tip of the frame roof portion 48, and a frame floor portion 49 extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47, thus exhibiting a U-shaped cross section with an opening that gradually widens outward. The first groove 41 is reinforced by an I-shaped rib (Figure 3(a), reference numeral 43) that traverses the U-shaped cross section.

[0019] Preferably, the rear frame 40 further includes an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that extends laterally inward from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47. Details of the inner rib-shaped flange 45 will be described later with reference to Figure 4(a).

[0020] [Cross section of the rear frame] As shown in Figure 3(c), the center of the rear frame 40 includes a frame wall portion 47 extending vertically, a frame roof portion 48 extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body, a frame flange portion 44 extending upward from the tip of the frame roof portion 48, and a frame floor portion 49 extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body. Preferably, it further includes an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that protrudes laterally inward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47 to the inside of the vehicle body. The second groove 42 is reinforced by an I-shaped rib 43 that traverses the U-shaped cross section.

[0021] [Internal ribbed flange] As shown in Figure 4(a), the inner rib-shaped flange 45 has a base thickness t1 that is approximately equal to the frame wall thickness t2 of the frame wall portion 47. Furthermore, the inner rib-shaped flange 45 is a tapered rib that tapers towards the tip, with its thickness decreasing towards the tip due to the draft angle during casting. The pointed tapered rib may have a protruding tip, but it is preferably rounded with radius R, as shown in Figure 4(b). Rounding the tip prevents chipping.

[0022] The inner ribbed flange 45 has a pointed tapered rib, which helps to minimize weight increase. Furthermore, because it is a tapered rib with a pointed tip, a draft angle is ensured during casting, and the inner rib-shaped flange 45 can be separated from the mold very easily.

[0023] [Position of the inner ribbed flange] As shown in Figure 4(c), the inner rib-shaped flange 45 may protrude inward from partway along the height of the frame wall 47. Therefore, the inner rib-shaped flange 45 can protrude from any point on the frame wall 47.

[0024] [Side sill] Next, the structure of the side sill 20 will be described based on Figures 5(a) and (b). As shown in Figure 5(a), the side sill 20 is composed of a side sill outer 21 positioned on the outside of the vehicle body, a reinforcing member 22 positioned inside the vehicle body from the side sill outer 21, and a side sill inner 23 positioned inside the vehicle body from the reinforcing member 22. Note that the reinforcing member 22 is not an essential component and is provided only as needed.

[0025] The side sill outer 21, reinforcing member 22, and side sill inner 23 are preferably press-formed steel plates. Press-formed plates are also called pressed parts.

[0026] [Side sill inner] The side sill inner 23 comprises an inner wall portion 24 extending vertically, an inner roof portion 25 extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion 24, an inner flange portion 26 extending upward from the tip of the inner roof portion 25, an inner overhang portion 27 extending laterally inward from the middle of the inner wall portion 24 in the height direction, and an inner floor portion 28 extending outward from the lower end of the inner wall portion 24.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5(a), the inner protruding portion 27 is, for example, a cut-and-bent piece 32 obtained by making an incision 31 in the inner wall portion 24 and bending it by about 90° as indicated by the arrow. The cut-and-bent piece 32 is formed simultaneously during the pressing process.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5(b), the side sill outer 21, reinforcing member 22, and side sill inner 23 are overlapped on the left and right sides and joined to each other by spot welding nuggets 33, etc., to obtain the side sill 20.

[0029] [Effect of the cut and raised piece] An opening 34 corresponding to the size of the cut-out piece 32 is formed in the inner wall portion 24. This opening 34 serves as a passage for paint when electrodeposition coating is applied to the side sill 20. Because the opening 34 is sufficiently large, a sufficient amount of paint flows in and out through the opening 34. As a result, electrodeposition coating to the side sill 20 is performed well, and the rust prevention performance of the side sill 20 is improved.

[0030] [Method for joining the rear structure of the vehicle body in a portion that does not include the front end connecting member 60] The method of joining the side sill 20 and the rear frame 40 in the section along line 6b-6b in Figure 2 will be explained based on Figures 6(a) to (d).

[0031] As shown in Figure 6(a), first, the rear frame 40 is moved from top to bottom relative to the stationary side sill 20. More specifically, the leading edge of the frame floor section 49 is placed on the inner overhang section 27 as shown by arrow (1), the frame roof section 48 is placed over the inner roof section 25 from above as shown by arrow (2), and the frame flange section 44 is attached to the inner flange section 26.

[0032] Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), the joint is joined by at least one of mechanical fastening, fusion welding, and adhesive bonding (in this example, rivets 65). Mechanical fastening may include rivets 65, bolts, or screws. Fusion welding methods include friction stir welding, spot welding, and laser welding. Furthermore, a one-component or two-component adhesive is preferred for bonding.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6(c), the side sill outer 21, the reinforcing member 22, the inner flange portion 26 of the side sill inner 23, and the frame flange portion 44 may be joined together, for example, with rivets 65. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6(d), the inner overhang 27 and the frame floor 49 may be joined together, for example, with rivets 65.

[0034] [Front end connecting member] Details of the front end connecting member 60 shown in Figure 2 will be explained based on Figures 7(a) and (b). As shown in Figure 7(a), the front end connecting member 60 consists of a connecting floor portion 61, a connecting wall portion 62 that rises from one end of the connecting floor portion 61, and a connecting roof portion 63. Preferably, the connecting floor portion 61 and the rising connecting wall portion 62 are integrally formed by press-forming a steel plate into an L-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the connecting roof portion 63 is obtained by press-forming a steel plate into an I-shaped cross-section.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7(b), the connecting section roof section 63 is placed on the connecting section wall section 62, creating a roughly U-shaped cross-section. However, the two are not yet joined together.

[0036] [Method for joining the rear structure of the vehicle body at the portion including the front end connecting member 60] The method of joining the side sill 20, rear frame 40, and front end connecting member 60 in the cross section along line 8b-8b in Figure 2 will be explained based on Figures 8(a) to (e). As shown in Figure 8(a), first, the connecting floor portion 61 and the connecting wall portion 62 are raised relative to the stationary side sill 20, and the connecting floor portion 61 is brought into contact with the inner overhang portion 27 (arrow (3)).

[0037] Next, the rear frame 40 is moved from top to bottom. Specifically, the front end of the frame floor section 49 is placed on the inner overhang section 27 as indicated by arrow (4), the frame roof section 48 is placed over the inner roof section 25 as indicated by arrow (5), and the frame flange section 44 is placed against the inner flange section 26. At the same time, the inner rib-shaped flange 45 is placed on the upper end of the connecting section wall section 62 (arrow (6)).

[0038] In other words, the rear frame 40 is set by moving from top to bottom onto the L-shaped connecting floor section 61 and connecting wall section 62, which have an open top surface.

[0039] Next, the connecting roof section 63 is placed on the frame roof section 48 as shown by arrow (7), and one end of the connecting roof section 63 is placed on the inner rib-shaped flange 45 as shown by arrow (8). Then, as shown in Figure 8(b), the joint is joined by at least one of mechanical fastening, fusion welding, and adhesive bonding.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8(c), the side sill outer 21, the reinforcing member 22, the inner flange portion 26 of the side sill inner 23, and the frame flange portion 44 are joined together, for example, with rivets 65. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(d), the inner overhang 27, the frame floor 49, and the connecting floor 61 are joined together, for example, with rivets 65. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(e), the inner rib-shaped flange 45, the connecting wall portion 62, and the connecting roof portion 63 are joined together, for example, with rivets 65.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8(b), the connecting section floor 61 is shaped to follow the frame floor 49, the connecting section wall 62 is shaped to follow the frame wall 47, and the connecting section roof 63 is shaped to follow the frame roof 48. Therefore, the front end connecting member 60 can surround the front end of the rear frame 40.

[0042] [Height position of the inner protrusion] As shown in Figure 9(a), an inner overhang 27 is provided at an intermediate position in the height direction of the inner wall portion 24, corresponding to the rear frame 40 which has a height dimension of H1. As shown in Figure 9(b), for a rear frame 40 where the height dimension H2 is greater than the height dimension H1, an inner overhang 27 is provided at a lower position in the height direction of the inner wall 24.

[0043] In other words, the inner overhang portion 27 can extend from the middle of the inner wall portion 24 in the height direction at any height, and as a result, the height dimension of the rear frame 40 can be freely selected, thereby increasing the design freedom of the rear frame 40.

[0044] [Example of modification to the inner protrusion section] As shown in Figure 10(a), the inner overhang 27 may be a bracket 36 separate from the inner wall 24. The bracket 36 is preferably an angle (angle steel), but may also be a horizontally extending strip (I-section steel plate).

[0045] As shown in Figure 10(b), the bracket 36 is joined to the inner wall portion 24 by mechanical coupling, fusion welding, or adhesive bonding. The height position of bracket 36 can be set arbitrarily. In other words, the same effects as in Figures 9(a) and (b) can be obtained.

[0046] [Function of the center of the rear frame] As shown in Figure 11(a), the center of the rear frame 40 includes a frame wall portion 47 extending vertically, a frame roof portion 48 extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47, a frame flange portion 44 extending upward from the tip of the frame roof portion 48, a frame floor portion 49 extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47, and an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that protrudes laterally inward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47. Then, the rear wheel well 12 is moved laterally from the outside to the inside of the vehicle body to make contact with the frame flange portion 44. Also, the floor panel 16 is moved from top to bottom to rest on the inner rib-shaped flange 45.

[0047] As shown in Figure 11(b), the rear wheel house 12 is joined to the frame flange portion 44, for example, with rivets 65, and the floor panel 16 is joined to the inner rib-shaped flange 45, for example, with rivets 65.

[0048] Based on the matters described above, the present invention can be summarized as follows. As shown in Figure 1, the rear body structure 10 includes a side sill 20 and a rear frame 40 extending from the side sill 20 to the rear of the vehicle body, As shown in Figure 5(a), the side sill 20 includes a side sill outer 21 positioned on the outside of the vehicle body and a side sill inner 23 positioned inside the vehicle body relative to the side sill outer 21. The side sill inner 23 comprises an inner wall portion 24 extending vertically, an inner roof portion 25 extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion 24 to the outside of the vehicle body, an inner flange portion 26 extending upward from the tip of the inner roof portion 25, and an inner overhang portion 27 extending laterally inward from the middle of the height of the inner wall portion 24 to the inside of the vehicle body. As shown in Figure 3(b), the front part of the rear frame 40 has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a frame wall portion 47 extending vertically, a frame roof portion 48 extending from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body, and a frame floor portion 49 extending from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body. As shown in Figure 6(a), the leading edge of the frame floor portion 49 is placed on the inner overhang portion 27, and the frame roof portion 48 is placed over the inner roof portion 25. As shown in Figure 2, in this configuration, the front part of the rear frame 40 is fixed to the side sill 20.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6(a), the rear frame 40 is set into the side sill inner 23 simply by moving it from top to bottom. Since lateral movement is unnecessary, manufacturing becomes easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0050] Preferably, the rear frame 40 further includes an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that extends laterally inward from the upper end of the frame wall 47 to the inside of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 3(b). Alternatively, the rear frame 40 further includes an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that extends laterally inward from the middle of the frame wall 47 in the height direction to the inside of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 4(c).

[0051] The reinforcement provided by the inner rib-shaped flange 45 increases the strength of the rear frame 40. By changing the height position of the inner rib-shaped flange 45, the load distribution characteristics during a collision can be altered. Furthermore, when a front end connecting member 60 is provided, a portion of the front end connecting member 60 can be joined to the inner rib-shaped flange 45, making it easier to attach the front end connecting member 60.

[0052] Preferably, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the inner overhang 27 is a bracket 36 separate from the inner wall 24.

[0053] The bracket 36 can have any cross-sectional shape, such as an L-shaped cross-section or a horizontally extending I-shaped cross-section. Because it is a separate component, the bracket 36 can be attached to the inner wall 24 at any height. As a result, the design flexibility of the rear frame 40 is increased.

[0054] Preferably, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the inner overhang portion 27 is a cut and bent piece 32 obtained by making an incision 31 in the inner wall portion 24 and bending it.

[0055] Since the inner overhang portion 27 is integrally formed with the inner wall portion 24, there is no need to prepare separate parts. The inner overhang 27 can be provided on the inner wall 24 at any height. As a result, the design flexibility of the rear frame 40 is increased. Furthermore, cutting and bending creates an opening 34 in the inner wall portion 24. This opening 34 is used as an entry and exit point for paint during electrodeposition coating.

[0056] Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the rear body structure 10 further includes a floor cross member 14 perpendicular to the side sill inner 23 and extending inward to the vehicle body, and a front end connecting member 60 connecting the rear frame 40 and the floor cross member 14. As shown in Figure 8(b), this front end connecting member 60 consists of a connecting floor portion 61 along the frame floor portion 49, a connecting wall portion 62 along the frame wall portion 47, and a connecting roof portion 63 along the frame roof portion 48. The aforementioned front end connecting member 60 surrounds the front end of the rear frame 40.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the front end connecting member 60 connects the rear frame 40 and the floor cross member 14, thereby increasing the strength of the rear body structure 10 against rearward collisions. The front end connecting member 60 firmly fixes the front part of the die-cast rear frame 40 to the side sill inner 23 and floor cross member 14, which are pressed steel plates. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(a), the front end connecting member 60 can be assembled by moving the rear frame 40 downwards, making it easier to assemble the rear frame 40 and the front end connecting member 60.

[0058] Preferably, as shown in Figure 11(a), the rear body structure 10 further includes a rear wheel well 12 and a floor panel 16. The center of the rear frame 40 includes a frame wall portion 47 extending vertically, a frame roof portion 48 extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body, a frame flange portion 44 extending upward from the tip of the frame roof portion 48, a frame floor portion 49 extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47 to the outside of the vehicle body, and an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that extends laterally inward from the lower end of the frame wall portion 47 to the inside of the vehicle body. As shown in Figure 11(b), the rear wheelhouse 12 is joined to the frame flange portion 44, and the floor panel 16 is joined to the inner rib-shaped flange 45.

[0059] The rear wheel well 12 and the rear frame 40 can be assembled in the left-right direction, and the floor panel 16 and the rear frame 40 can be assembled in the up-down direction, making the assembly of the rear of the vehicle easier and increasing productivity.

[0060] Preferably, the rear frame 40 is a die-cast product of aluminum alloy, and the front end connecting member 60 is a press-formed product of steel plate. As shown in Figure 2, the rear frame 40 and the front end connecting member 60 are joined by at least one of mechanical fastening, fusion welding, and adhesive bonding (a rivet 65 in this embodiment).

[0061] It is possible to join dissimilar materials, such as aluminum alloy and steel plate.

[0062] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(c), the rear frame 40 is provided with a plurality of I-shaped ribs 43 that traverse the U-shaped cross section.

[0063] This allows for increased strength and rigidity at the rear of the vehicle while minimizing the weight increase of the rear frame 40. It also allows for absorption of impact energy in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0064] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3(a) to (c), the rear frame 40 is provided with an inner rib-shaped flange 45 that extends laterally from the frame wall 47 inward towards the vehicle body. As shown in Figure 4(a), this inner rib-shaped flange 45 is a tapered rib with a pointed tip, and the thickness t1 at the base of this tapered rib is set to be approximately equal to the thickness t2 of the frame wall portion 47.

[0065] By providing the inner rib-shaped flange 45, the strength and rigidity of the rear frame 40 can be increased. By providing this inner rib-shaped flange 45 along the entire length of the rear frame 40, it is possible to reduce the weight of the rear frame 40 while maintaining or improving its strength and rigidity.

[0066] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 4(a) and 4(c), the inner rib-shaped flange 45 can be provided at any height position on the frame wall portion 47. As a result, if the height position of the floor panel 16 shown in Figure 11(b) changes, the height position of the inner rib-shaped flange 45 can be easily changed to match the height of the floor panel 16. Consequently, the design flexibility of the floor panel 16 is increased.

[0067] Furthermore, since the inner rib-shaped flange 45 is made into a pointed tapered rib, a draft angle is ensured, making demolding after casting easier and increasing the productivity of castable rear frames. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The present invention is suitable for a rear vehicle structure comprising a side sill and a rear frame. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10...Rear body structure, 12...Rear wheelhouse, 14...Floor cross member, 16...Floor panel, 20...Side sill, 21...Side sill outer, 22...Reinforcement member, 23...Side sill inner, 24...Inner wall section, 25...Inner roof section, 26...Inner flange section, 27...Inner overhang section, 28...Inner floor section, 31...Notch, 32...Cut and bent piece, 36...Bracket, 40...Rear frame, 43...I-shaped rib, 44...Frame flange section, 45...Inner rib-shaped flange, 47...Frame wall section, 48...Frame roof section, 49...Frame floor section, 60...Front end connecting member, 61...Connecting section floor section, 62...Connecting section wall section, 63...Connecting section roof section.

Claims

1. A rear body structure including a side sill and a rear frame extending from the side sill to the rear of the vehicle body, The side sill includes a side sill outer positioned on the outside of the vehicle body and a side sill inner positioned inside the vehicle body relative to the side sill outer. The side sill inner comprises an inner wall portion extending vertically, an inner roof portion extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion, an inner flange portion extending upward from the tip of the inner roof portion, and an inner overhang portion extending laterally inward from the middle of the height of the inner wall portion. The front part of the rear frame comprises a frame wall portion extending vertically to form a U-shaped cross-section, a frame roof portion extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion to the outside of the vehicle body, and a frame floor portion extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion to the outside of the vehicle body. The leading edge of the frame floor section is placed on the inner overhang section, and the frame roof section is placed over the inner roof section. A rear body structure characterized in that, in this configuration, the front part of the rear frame is fixed to the side sill.

2. The rear body structure according to claim 1, The rear frame is further characterized by having an inner rib-shaped flange that extends laterally inward from the upper end or partway in the height direction of the frame wall portion, forming a rear body structure.

3. The rear body structure according to claim 1, The rear body structure of a vehicle is characterized in that the inner protruding portion is a bracket separate from the inner wall portion.

4. The rear body structure according to claim 1, The rear body structure of a vehicle is characterized in that the inner protruding portion is a cut and bent piece obtained by making an incision in the inner wall portion.

5. The rear body structure according to claim 1, This rear body structure further includes a floor cross member perpendicular to the side sill inner and extending inward into the vehicle body, and a front end connecting member connecting the rear frame and the floor cross member. This front end connecting member consists of a connecting floor portion that follows the frame floor portion, a connecting wall portion that follows the frame wall portion, and a connecting roof portion that follows the frame roof portion. A rear body structure characterized in that the front end connecting member surrounds the front end of the rear frame.

6. The rear body structure according to claim 1, This rear body structure further includes the rear wheel arches and floor panel, The center of the rear frame comprises a frame wall portion extending vertically, a frame roof portion extending outward from the upper end of the frame wall portion, a frame flange portion extending upward from the tip of the frame roof portion, a frame floor portion extending outward from the lower end of the frame wall portion, and an inner rib-shaped flange extending laterally inward from the lower end of the frame wall portion. A rear body structure characterized in that the rear wheel house is joined to the frame flange portion, and the floor panel is joined to the inner rib-shaped flange.

7. The rear body structure according to claim 1, The rear frame is characterized by having multiple I-shaped ribs that traverse the U-shaped cross-section, forming a rear body structure.

8. The rear body structure according to claim 5, The aforementioned rear frame is a die-cast part of aluminum alloy. The aforementioned front end connecting member is a press-formed steel plate, The rear body structure is characterized in that the rear frame and the front end connecting member are joined by at least one of mechanical fastening, fusion welding, and adhesive bonding.

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