Vehicle body structure

Abstract

For example, even if the front wheels are positioned forward, as in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, the apron frame located on the outside of the suspension housing is firmly supported by hinge pillars via bracing. [Solution] The dash panel 2 includes a hinge pillar extending vertically on the outer side of the vehicle width, a side sill 4 extending towards the rear of the vehicle from near the lower end of the hinge pillar 7, an apron frame 8 extending forward from near the upper part of the hinge pillar 7 and supporting the outer side of the front wheel suspension housing 65, and diagonal bracing rains 91 and 92 connecting the front part of the hinge pillar 7 and the lower part of the apron frame 8 diagonally in a side view of the vehicle. The hinge pillar 7 has a hinge pillar closed section 7S that extends vertically, which is displaced forward from the top as it approaches the height of the side sill 4, and the lower ends of the bracing rains 91 and 92 are connected to the part of the hinge pillar 7 that is forward of the upper end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure including a hinge pillar having a closed cross-section extending in the vertical direction, a suspension housing spaced forward from the hinge pillar, and an apron frame extending forward from the upper part of the hinge pillar or in its vicinity to support the suspension housing.

Background Art

[0002] When the vehicle is running, a jacking load from the front wheels is input to the suspension housing via a suspension damper, and this input load is transmitted to the apron frame. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the support rigidity of the suspension housing by the apron frame.

[0003] Generally, in a FR (front engine - rear drive) vehicle, the front wheels are arranged further forward from the hinge pillar than in a FF (front engine - front drive) vehicle. Therefore, higher support rigidity of the suspension housing by the apron frame is required.

[0004] For this reason, as exemplified in Patent Document 1, a cross-member rain connecting the apron frame and the hinge pillar in a cross shape is provided to support the apron frame provided outside the suspension housing from below. The cross-member rain is known to share and support the jacking load input to the suspension housing during vehicle running together with the apron frame.

[0005] However, in a vehicle that emphasizes running performance and body design, such as a sports car, it may be required to arrange the front wheels further forward than in a general FR vehicle. In such a case, since the distance from the hinge pillar to the suspension housing is too long to directly connect the hinge pillar and the suspension housing with a cross-member rain, there is a possibility that the apron frame cannot effectively support the suspension housing.

[0006] To address these challenges, a vehicle has been proposed, as exemplified in Patent Document 2, that features a cowl side rain extending from the front end of the side sill, located forward of the hinge pillar, along the rear edge of the wheelhouse to the apron frame. However, in such a vehicle, it may be disadvantageous in that it is not possible to construct bracing against the rigid pillar rain, thus hindering the securing of the suspension housing's support rigidity in conjunction with the apron frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-50032 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-96350 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a vehicle body structure that can firmly support the apron frame provided on the outside of the suspension housing by a hinge pillar via a bracing rain, even when the front wheels are positioned further forward than in an FF type vehicle, such as in an FR type sports car. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This invention comprises a dash panel that separates the passenger compartment from the space in front of the passenger compartment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a front frame that extends forward from the dash panel and supports the interior side of the front wheel suspension housing, a front pillar that has a closed cross-section extending forward and downward and supports the front windshield from both the left and right sides, an apron frame that extends forward from near the base of the front pillar and supports the exterior side of the front wheel suspension housing, a pair of left and right side sills positioned on both the left and right sides at the lower rear side of the dash panel and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the A vehicle body structure comprising a hinge pillar extending vertically between the base of a front pillar and the side sill, and a bracing rainbow that diagonally connects the front part of the hinge pillar and the lower part of the apron frame in a side view of the vehicle, wherein at least the front part of the closed cross section of the hinge pillar extending vertically is displaced forward as it approaches the height of the side sill from the base of the front pillar, and the lower end of the bracing rainbow is connected to the portion of the hinge pillar forward of the upper end that is joined to the base of the front pillar.

[0010] This invention allows the hinge pillar to be brought closer to the front suspension housing located at the front of the vehicle, while maintaining its connection with the front pillar base at its upper end, thereby shortening the bracing and providing strong support for the suspension housing relative to the hinge pillar.

[0011] In an embodiment of this invention, the hinge pillar may include a hinge pillar outer having hinge mounting portions on both the upper and lower sides for attaching a door hinge, and the bracing rain may include a first bracing rain connecting the closed section of the hinge pillar, which corresponds to the height of the upper hinge mounting portion of the upper and lower hinge mounting portions of the hinge pillar outer, with the base of the apron frame.

[0012] This invention provides a first bracing rainbow that connects to both the apron frame extending forward from near the base of the front pillar and the hinge pillar extending downward, thereby enabling the first bracing rainbow to be miniaturized.

[0013] In an embodiment of this invention, the lower end of the hinge pillar may be connected to the front end of the side sill, and the bracing rain may include a second bracing rain connecting the portion of the apron frame forward of the base and the lower end of the hinge pillar. This invention allows the suspension housing to be supported via a second bracing rain at the lower end of the hinge pillar 7, which is the connection point with the front end of the side sill.

[0014] In one aspect of this invention, the hinge pillar may include a hinge pillar outer that is displaced forward from the base of the front pillar and is positioned to slope downward in a side view of the vehicle, with a pair of upper and lower door hinges attached to the hinge pillar outer which is aligned with the direction of the downward slope, and a swing door in which the rear of the door is displaced upward when the door is opened may be pivotally supported on the hinge pillar outer via the pair of upper and lower door hinges. This invention makes it possible to create a highly aesthetically pleasing door by utilizing a hinge pillar outer that is positioned with a downward sloping front. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this invention, for example, even if the front wheels are positioned further forward than in an FF type vehicle, such as in an FR type sports car, the apron frame provided on the outside of the suspension housing can be firmly supported by the hinge pillar via a bracing rain. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the main part of a vehicle equipped with the body structure of this embodiment, viewed from the front and right side of the vehicle body. [Figure 2] A side view of the main part of a vehicle equipped with the body structure of this embodiment, viewed from the right side. [Figure 3] Bottom view of the main part of a vehicle equipped with the body structure of this embodiment [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the central part of the vehicle body and the right side, along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 5]Enlarged perspective view of the main part of a vehicle equipped with the body structure of this embodiment, viewed from the front and right side of the vehicle body [Figure 6] Arrow view cross-sectional view of the right side of the vehicle body along line B-B in FIG. 2 [Figure 7] Enlarged perspective view of the main part of a vehicle equipped with the body structure of this embodiment, viewed from the front and right side of the vehicle body [Figure 8] Arrow view cross-sectional view of the right side of the vehicle body along line C-C in FIG. 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] As an embodiment of this invention, hereinafter, an embodiment in which the body structure of the vehicle of this invention is applied to a sports car with a front engine - rear drive system (FR) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrow F indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle, arrow W indicates the vehicle width direction, OUT indicates the outside in the vehicle width direction (also referred to as "outside the vehicle width"), and IN indicates the inside in the vehicle width direction (also referred to as "inside the vehicle width"). Since the body structure of this embodiment has a substantially the same structure on the left and right, the structure on the right side of the vehicle will be mainly described. Also, in the following description, the front, rear, right, left, up, and down directions indicate the respective directions based on the vehicle body unless otherwise specified, and "rain" indicates "rain reinforcement".

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the body structure of this embodiment mainly includes a floor panel 1 provided with a tunnel portion 10, a dash panel 2, a front frame (also referred to as a front side frame) 3, a side sill 4, a torque box 5, a front pillar 6, a hinge pillar 7, an apron frame 8, a dash rain 9, an upper tunnel frame 11, and a tunnel side frame 12.

[0019] Among these elements, the front frame 3, side sill 4, torque box 5, front pillar 6, hinge pillar 7, apron frame 8, dash rain 9, and tunnel side frame 12 each have a pair on the left and right.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle of this embodiment is equipped with subframes (also referred to as "suspension cross members") 110 that support the suspension that suspends the front wheels FW, located below the power unit room PR and on both the left and right sides. Note that the subframes 110 are only shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 2, reference numeral 34 indicates an upper arm support frame that supports the inner end of the upper arm 201 of the suspension so as to be able to swing vertically, and reference numeral 111 indicates a lower arm support frame that supports the inner end of the lower arm 202 of the suspension so as to be able to swing vertically. The subframe 110 is constructed in a grid-like manner by combining, for example, a plurality of frame members having a closed cross-section along the extending direction, such as the upper arm support frame 34 and the lower arm support frame 111.

[0021] (Floor panel 1) As shown in Figure 1, the floor panel 1 extends in the width direction and the front-rear direction at the bottom of the vehicle body, forming the passenger compartment floor surface. In the left and right central portions of the floor panel 1, a tunnel section 10 is formed that bulges upward and extends front-rear within the passenger compartment.

[0022] (Tunnel upper frame 11 + tunnel side frame 12) The tunnel section 10 in the center of the floor panel 1 in the vehicle width direction is formed by a pair of left and right side sections and an upper section that connects the upper ends of these side sections in the vehicle width direction, with the cross section in the front-rear direction being formed to bulge upward in a gate-like shape.

[0023] A tunnel upper frame 11, which serves as a backbone frame extending in the front-rear direction, is joined to the upper part of the tunnel section 10 (see Figure 1). The tunnel upper frame 11 is formed in a substantially U-shape with corners at both ends in the vehicle width direction and opening downwards in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The lower ends on both the left and right sides are joined to the upper parts of the respective left and right side sections, thereby forming a closed cross section 11S that extends along the entire length of the tunnel section 10 in the front-rear direction, including the front end, between the upper frame 11 and the upper surface of the tunnel section 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, tunnel side frames 12, which have closed cross sections 12S extending in the front-rear direction, are provided at the lower ends on both the left and right sides of the tunnel section 10.

[0024] (Dash Panel 2) As shown in Figure 6, the dash panel 2 is a vertical wall-shaped plate member arranged along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction so as to separate the passenger compartment CR from the power unit room PR, which is the space in front of it, in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the dash panel 2 has a main body portion 21 that extends along the vehicle height direction, a kick-up portion 22 that extends downward from the lower end of the main body portion 21 towards the rear of the vehicle, and left and right vehicle width outer edge flange portions 23. These main body portion 21, kick-up portion 22, and vehicle width outer edge flange portions 23 are each integrally formed by press molding a single flat plate. Furthermore, the rear end of the kick-up portion 22 of the dash panel 2 is connected to the front end of the floor panel 1 by welding or other means.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a tunnel opening 2A that bulges upward is formed in the central part of the lower part of the dash panel 2 in the vehicle width direction. This tunnel opening 2A is joined to the front end of the tunnel section 10 formed in the central part of the floor panel 1 in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 3). The space below the tunnel section 10 and the power unit room PR are in communication in the front-rear direction via the tunnel opening 2A.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the left and right vehicle width outer edge flange portions 23 of the dash panel 2 extend rearward from the vehicle width outer edge of the dash panel 2, are formed over substantially the entire length in the vertical direction of the vehicle width outer edge, and are joined to the side inner panel 70 and side sill inner 41, which will be described later.

[0027] The upper end of the main body portion 21 of the dash panel 2 extends forward (not shown), and a barrel-shaped cowl panel 14, as shown in Figure 1, is installed on its upper surface. The cowl panel 14 has the rigidity to support the lower part of the front windshield glass (not shown), which is inclined downward and forward via a filler, from below over substantially its entire width, and extends in the width direction over substantially the entire length of the dash panel 2.

[0028] (Front frame 3) As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the front frame 3 is a vehicle body rigidity member that extends in the front-to-rear direction from the front of the dash panel 2 on both the left and right sides of the power unit room PR located in front of the dash panel 2. The front frame 3 consists of a rear front frame portion 32 that extends forward from the front of the dash panel 2 to the front of the vehicle, and a front front frame portion 31 that extends further forward from the front position of the rear front frame portion 32.

[0029] The rear portion 32 of the front frame is provided as a rearward expansion portion that gradually widens on both the left and right sides and downward relative to the front portion 31 of the front frame as it approaches the rear end, and the rear end portion 32r is joined to the front surface of the dash panel 2.

[0030] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower part of the front end of the rear part 32 of the front frame is located on the central axis of the front frame 3, and a vertical wall-shaped rib 32f is formed which can abut the rear end of the front part 31 of the front frame from the front.

[0031] The front part 31 of the front frame comprises a front extension portion 33 and a front main body portion 34 of the front frame, both of which are arranged in parallel on the upper and lower sides and are aligned along the front-rear direction. The front main body portion 34 of the front frame extends linearly along the central axis of the front frame 3 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 4, the frame inner panel 341 on the inside in the vehicle width direction and the frame outer panel 342 on the outside in the vehicle width direction are joined together to form a closed section 34S along the longitudinal direction, which has a so-called monaka (clamshell) shape in the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The front main body portion 34 of the front frame is connected to the rear of the front frame 32 with its rear end abutting against the vertical wall-shaped rib 32f (see Figures 2 and 3) at the lower part of the front end (lower front end) of the rear of the front frame rear portion 32 from the front.

[0032] As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the front main body portion 34 of the front frame extends forward from the lower front end of the rear front portion 32 to the front end of the front frame 3. In other words, the rear front portion 32 and the front main body portion 34 of the front frame are arranged in series along the central axis of the front frame 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the front main body portion 34 of the front frame serves not only as part of the front frame 3, but also as the upper arm support frame (34) provided on the subframe 110, as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The forward extension portion 33 extends forward from the upper part of the front end (upper front end) of the rear front portion 32 of the front frame to the front end of the front frame 3 and is positioned directly above the front main body portion 34 of the front frame, supporting the front main body portion 34 of the front frame from directly above and supporting the interior side of the suspension housing 65.

[0035] (Rear of front frame 32) As shown in Figure 4, the rear part 32 of the front frame comprises an upper wall portion 32a, a rearward expanding outer portion 32b that widens outward relative to the front part 31 of the front frame towards the rear, a rearward expanding inner portion 32c that widens inward relative to the front part 31 of the front frame towards the rear, and a rearward expanding lower portion 32d that widens downward relative to the front part 31 of the front frame towards the rear.

[0036] (Rear end 32r of the rear part 32 of the front frame) The rearward-extended outer portion 32b connects the outer ends in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall portion 32a and the rearward-extended lower portion 32d in the vertical direction, while the rearward-extended inner portion 32c connects the inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall portion 32a and the rearward-extended lower portion 32d in the vertical direction.

[0037] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the rear portion 32 of the front frame is surrounded all around in a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction by the upper wall portion 32a, the rearward-expanding outer portion 32b, the rearward-expanding inner portion 32c, and the rearward-expanding lower portion 32d, and its internal space 32S (see Figures 4 and 6) opens toward the rear, and is formed as a trumpet-shaped box-like hollow body in which both sides and the bottom in the vehicle width direction gradually widen toward the rear.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rear end portion 32r of the rear front frame 32 is joined to the front of the dash panel 2, while the rear end lower edge portion 32dr, which is the rear end of the rear enlarged lower side portion 32d, is joined to the front of the dash panel 2 via the torque box 5 (described later) and the front end portion 122 of the tunnel side frame 12.

[0039] (Torque Box 5) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the torque box 5 is a pair of left and right body strength members that are joined to the lower front surface of the main body portion 21 of the dash panel 2 and have a closed cross section 5S extending in the vehicle width direction between them and the lower front surface, and connects the front end 122 of the tunnel side frame 12 and the front end of the side sill 4 in the vehicle width direction on both the left and right sides.

[0040] Furthermore, to elaborate on the lower rear end portion 32dr of the rear front portion 32 of the front frame, the lower rear end portion 32dr extends along the vehicle width direction at the height of the torque box 5 joined to the lower front of the main body portion 21 of the dash panel 2, and the portion excluding the inner end in the vehicle width direction is joined so as to abut the front of the torque box 5 from the front.

[0041] On the other hand, the inner end of the rear end lower edge 32dr of the rear end 32r of the rear front frame 32 overlaps with the front end 122 of the tunnel side frame 12 in a front view. In other words, in this example, the rear end lower edge 32dr of the rear front frame 32 is joined to the front end 122 of the tunnel side frame 12 so as to abut it from the front.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the tunnel side frame 12 described above has a closed cross section 12S that extends along its entire length in the front-rear direction, including the front end portion 122. The closed cross section of the front end portion 122 and the closed cross section of the portion 121 behind the front end portion 122 are continuous with each other in the front-rear direction via the dash panel 2. This configuration ensures that, during a frontal collision, the lower rear end portion 32dr of the rear end portion 32 of the front frame is supported by the torque box 5 and the front end portion 122 of the tunnel side frame 12, while the frontal impact load from the front frame 3 is transmitted and distributed to the tunnel side frame 12 and the side sill 4.

[0043] The rear portion 32 of the front frame and the forward extension portion 33 of the front portion 31 of the front frame, as described above, are integrally formed as part of the cast object 100. As a result, the front frame 3 is constructed through the cooperation of the front main body portion 34 of the front frame, which is made of steel plate, and the rear portion 32 and forward extension portion 33 of the front frame, which are made of the cast object 100. The cast object 100 described above will be explained later.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a crash can 37, which serves as an impact absorbing member, is attached to the front end of the front main body portion 34 of the front frame 3 via a set plate 35 and a bracket 36, and a bumper beam 38, which has a closed cross-section extending in the vehicle width direction, is connected between the front ends of the left and right pair of crash cans 37.

[0045] (Side sill 4) As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the side sill 4 is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body along the vehicle width end of the floor panel 1, and is positioned outside and below the front frame 3 in the vehicle width direction. The side sill 4 mainly comprises a side sill inner 41, a side sill outer 42, and a side sill rain 43 (see Figure 4). The side sill outer 42 is located outside the side sill inner 41 in the vehicle width direction and comprises a side sill upper outer 421 provided at the top of the side sill 4 and a side sill lower outer 422 provided at the bottom. Each of these side sill 4 elements 41, 421, 422, and 43 is formed by press-forming a metal panel material.

[0046] The side sill inner 41 extends along the entire vertical length of the side sill 4, sloping outward in the vehicle width direction as it rises. Both the side sill upper outer 421 and the side sill lower outer 422 are formed in a hat-shaped cross-section that opens inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] The side sill lower outer 422 is joined at the lower part of the side sill 4, with its inner end in the vehicle width direction being attached to the lower part of the side sill inner 41. The side sill lower outer 422 is installed in an inverted position (i.e., a horizontally elongated shape when viewed from the front of the vehicle) that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side sill inner 41 to the outer surface of the side sill upper outer 421. As a result, a closed section 422S of the side sill lower extends across the entire width direction of the lower part of the side sill 4 between the side sill lower outer 422 and the side sill inner 41 (see Figure 4).

[0048] The side sill upper outer 421 and side sill rain 43 are erected from the upper surface 422a of the side sill lower outer 422, which serves as a base, at a position closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction at the lower part of the side sill 4. The lower end 421a of the side sill upper outer 421 is joined to the upper surface 422a of the side sill lower outer 422, and the upper end is joined to the upper end of the side sill inner 41, with the side sill rain 43 interposed between the side sill upper outer 421 and the side sill inner 41 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, a closed section 421S of the side sill upper outer 421 is formed between the side sill upper outer 421 and the side sill inner 41 at a position closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction at the upper part of the side sill 4 (see Figure 4).

[0049] The side sill upper closed section 421S and the side sill lower closed section 422S, which are the side sill closed sections 421S and 422S, are formed on the upper and lower sides of the side sill 4 over the entire length in the front-rear direction up to approximately the front end of the side sill 4, and both open toward the front of the vehicle at the front ends of the side sill inner 41, side sill outer 42, and side sill rain 43, respectively.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the front portion of the side sill 4 extends forward beyond the front pillar base 6A, which will be described later, and at its front end, both the side sill upper closed section 421S and the side sill lower closed section 422S open forward. Cover members 50 are fitted as closing members to both the upper opening 421A, which opens forward at the front end of the side sill upper closed section 421S, and the lower opening 422A, which opens forward at the front end of the side sill lower closed section 422S. As a result, the upper opening 421A and the lower opening 422A are closed (see Figures 1, 4, 5, and 8).

[0051] More specifically, the lid member 50 is integrally formed from a flat lid body portion 51 having plate thickness in the front-rear direction and an inner edge flange portion 52 extending rearward from the inner end of the vehicle width of the lid body portion 51. Both the lid body portion 51 and the inner edge flange portion 52 are formed to have a height that extends from the lower end of the side sill 4 to above the upper end of the side sill 4.

[0052] The lid body portion 51 is arranged in a vertical wall shape at the front end of the side sill 4 so as to be able to close the upper opening 421A and the lower opening 422A. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the entire structure is inclined towards the rearward direction towards the inside in the vehicle width direction, corresponding to the shapes of the front ends of the side sill inner 41, side sill outer 42, and side sill rain 43.

[0053] Here, the lower wall portion 4a of the side sill 4 has a lid support piece 4af integrally formed thereon that extends forward from the front end of the side sill lower closed section 422S. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the front end of the side sill upper outer 421 has a front end flange portion 411f integrally formed thereon that extends in a flange shape in the vehicle width direction to the opposite side of the side sill upper closed section 421S.

[0054] Furthermore, the lid member 50 is supported at the lower end of the lid body portion 51 by the lid support piece 4af of the side sill lower outer 422, and the rear surface of the lid body portion 51 is joined to the front end flange portion 411f of the side sill upper outer 421. Also, as shown in Figure 8, in the upper portion of the lid member 50 corresponding to the height of the lower end of the hinge pillar 7, which will be described later, the inner edge flange portion 52 is joined to the lower part of the hinge pillar inner 71, i.e., the side inner panel 70, from the inside in the vehicle width direction, while in the lower portion corresponding to the height of the side sill 4, the inner edge flange portion 52 is joined to the side sill inner 41 from the inside in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the lid member 50 is integrally fixed to the front end of the side sill 4 and the lower end of the hinge pillar 7.

[0055] (Front pillar 6) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front pillar 6 extends along the downward-front direction by joining the front pillar outer 6a and the front pillar inner 6b at the side edges corresponding to the left and right sides of the opening for arranging the front windshield glass (not shown), which is inclined downward-front. The front pillar 6 has a closed front pillar section 6S and is a vehicle body strength member that supports the front windshield glass from both the left and right sides via a filler.

[0056] (Hinge Pillar 7) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5-7, the hinge pillar 7 extends vertically between the front lower end portion (hereinafter referred to as the "front pillar base") 6A, which forms the base of the front pillar 6, and the side sill 4 on both the left and right sides of the dash panel 2. The hinge pillar 7 is a vehicle body strength member having a hinge pillar closed section 7S that extends vertically by joining a hinge pillar inner 71 and a hinge pillar outer 72.

[0057] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the hinge pillar inner 71 comprises an inner body portion 711, a front flange portion 712 extending forward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the front surface of the inner body portion 711, and a rear flange portion 713 extending rearward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the rear surface of the inner body portion 711, and as a whole, the orthogonal cross-section in the vertical direction is formed in a substantially hat shape. The inner body portion 711 forms the front surface, the inner surface in the vehicle width direction, and the rear surface of the hinge pillar inner 71, and has an outward opening 71A that opens toward the hinge pillar outer 72.

[0058] The hinge pillar outer 72 comprises an outer body portion 721, a front flange portion 722 extending forward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the front surface of the outer body portion 721, and a rear flange portion 723 extending rearward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the rear surface of the outer body portion 721, and the overall orthogonal cross-section in the vertical direction is formed in a substantially hat shape. The outer body portion 721 forms the front, vehicle width outer surface and rear surface of the hinge pillar outer 722 and has an inward opening 72A that opens toward the hinge pillar inner 71.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the outer body portion 721 is formed to bulge out over approximately its entire length in the vertical direction, such that the front side portion 721f is raised one step outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the rear side portion 721r. The front side portion 721f of the outer body portion 721 is provided on both the upper and lower sides with hinge mounting portions 15 (15a, 15b) to which door hinges 16 (16a, 16b) that pivotally support the front end so as to open and close the swing door (17) are attached (see Figure 2).

[0060] The hinge pillar inner 71 and hinge pillar outer 72 described above are joined at their respective front flange portions 712 and 722, and at their respective rear flange portions 713 and 723, forming a hinge pillar closed section 7S that is continuous in the vertical direction between them.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the hinge pillar outer 72 of the hinge pillar 7 is positioned such that at least the front portion in the front-rear direction (the front side portion 721f of the outer body portion 721 and the front flange portion 712) is displaced forward from the upper end where it joins the front pillar base portion 6A, and is tilted downwards when viewed from the side of the vehicle, with its lower end portion (72a) joined to the front end portion of the side sill 4.

[0062] On the other hand, the hinge pillar inner 71 includes a side inner panel 70 that extends forward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction on the front of the inner main body 711. The side inner panel 70 is formed in a vertical wall shape integral with the inner main body 711 so as to constitute the side portion of the front of the vehicle body in front of the inner main body 711, and the outer edge flange portion 23 of the dash panel 2 is joined to it from the inside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the front flange portion 712 of the hinge pillar inner 71 is provided at the front end of the side inner panel 70. The side inner panel 70 may be formed from a single component as part of the hinge pillar inner 71, or it may be formed from a different component as a separate component from the hinge pillar inner 71 and joined together.

[0063] The hinge pillar outer 72 has an outer body portion 721 with an inner opening 72A that faces the rear portion of the hinge pillar closed section 7S in the vehicle width direction, separated from not only the inner body portion 711 of the hinge pillar inner 71 but also the front flange portion 712 of the side inner panel 70. In other words, as described above, the hinge pillar 7 has at least the front part of the hinge pillar outer 72 tilted downwards in a side view of the vehicle, so that the hinge pillar closed section 7S extends forward (i.e., forward) along its entire length in the vertical direction beyond the front end of the inner body portion 711 (outer opening 71A), and the lower end portion (72a) is joined to the front end of the side sill 4 (see Figure 2).

[0064] The hinge mounting portions 15 (15a, 15b) described above are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outer width of the front side portion 721f of the outer body portion 721 of the hinge pillar outer 72. As described above, corresponding to the arrangement of the front portion of the hinge pillar outer 72 in a downward-sloping position when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15a and 15b are positioned such that the lower hinge mounting portion 15b is located in front of the upper hinge mounting portion 15a, as shown in Figure 2, and the door hinges 16 (16a, 16b) attached to the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15a and 15b are both mounted in a position tilted downward and rearward.

[0065] Then, a swing door 17, which functions as an upward-opening side door (17) where the rear of the door is displaced outward and upward when the door is opened, is pivotally supported on the hinge pillar outer 72, which is positioned at a downward slope towards the front, via upper and lower door hinges 16 (see Figure 2).

[0066] Furthermore, the front side portion 721f of the outer body portion 721 of the hinge pillar outer 72 has an inward deformation portion 73 formed thereon, which displaces the outer surface of the hinge pillar outer 72 such that the portion below the lower hinge mounting portion 15b of the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15a and 15b is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction. The hinge pillar outer 72 has a flange portion 72a formed at its lower end, including the lower end of the inward deformation portion 73, which is joined to the shoulder portion (upper part of the side sill outer 42) of the side sill outer 42.

[0067] As a result, the side sill 4 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the flange portion 72a formed at the lower end of the hinge pillar outer 72, including the lower end of the inwardly deformed portion 73, in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the side sill 4 is positioned such that the outer end of the side sill upper outer 421 in the vehicle width direction is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface of the hinge pillar outer 72 where the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15 are formed (see Figure 8). In this example, the side sill 4, including the outer end of the side sill lower outer 422 in the vehicle width direction, is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface of the hinge pillar outer 72 where the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15 are formed (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the hinge pillar inner 71 has a flange portion 71a at its lower end that is joined to the shoulder portion (upper part of the side sill inner 41) of the side sill inner 41.

[0068] (Cowl Side Rain 60) Incidentally, as shown in Figure 1, a cowl side rain 60 is provided near the front and inner side of the upper part of the hinge pillar 7, extending forward from the top of the hinge pillar 7. The cowl side rain 60 is constructed in a substantially closed cross-section extending in the front-rear direction, consisting of an inner panel (not shown) that forms the inner and bottom walls of the vehicle width, an outer panel (not shown) that forms the outer wall of the vehicle width, and an upper panel 63 that forms the top wall.

[0069] The outer panel of the cowl side rain 60 is joined from the inside of the vehicle width to the side inner panel 70, which extends forward from the inner body portion 711 of the hinge pillar inner 71. In other words, the cowl side rain 60 is indirectly supported by the hinge pillar 7 near the upper part of the hinge pillar 7. The inner panel of the cowl side rain 60 is joined to the left and right ends of the bucket-shaped cowl panel 14 (see Figure 1) located at the upper end of the dash panel 2, and the cowl panel 14 is supported from both its left and right ends.

[0070] (Apron frame 8) As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the apron frame 8 extends in the longitudinal direction at a position that is outward and upward in the vehicle width direction relative to the pair of left and right front frames 3 described above, which extend in the longitudinal direction, and supports the outer side of the suspension housing 65.

[0071] The rear end of the apron frame 8 is joined to the front end of the cowl side rain 60, which is adjacent to the upper part of the hinge pillar 7 on the inward side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the apron frame 8 extends forward from the cowl side rain 60 near the front pillar base 6A and is joined to the upper part of the hinge pillar 7 from the inward side in the vehicle width direction via the cowl side rain 60.

[0072] More specifically, the apron frame 8 comprises an apron frame main body portion 81 and an upper plate member 82 located above the apron frame main body portion 81. In other words, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the apron frame 8 is divided into an apron rear region 8R that extends forward from the cowl side rain 60 and an apron front region 8F that extends further forward from the front end of the apron rear region 8R.

[0073] The apron frame main body 81 and the upper plate member 82 are both provided continuously along the entire length of the apron frame 8, including the apron rear region 8R and the apron front region 8F. The rear end of the upper plate member 82 is joined to the front end of the upper panel 63 of the cowl side rain 60, and the rear end of the apron frame main body 81 is joined to the front ends of the inner panel and outer panel of the cowl side rain 60. The apron frame main body 81 is formed as part of a cast object 100, as will be described later. On the other hand, the upper plate member 82 forms the upper surface of the apron frame 8 and is formed of a substantially flat metal plate material, such as a steel plate, which has thickness in the vertical direction and is elongated in the front-rear direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the apron frame main body 81 is integrally formed such that the orthogonal cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction is approximately H-shaped, with a pair of inner and outer side wall portions 83a and 83b that are spaced apart and facing each other across the vehicle width direction, and a horizontal wall portion 84 that extends along the vehicle width direction to connect the upper and lower intermediate portions of the inner and outer side wall portions 83a and 83b. In other words, the apron front region 8F of the apron frame main body 81 opens upward on the upper side and downward on the lower side relative to the horizontal wall portion 84.

[0075] The top plate member 82 is supported by the upper ends of the pair of inner and outer side wall portions 83a and 83b of the apron frame main body portion 81, so as to span between them, and is positioned to form the upper surface of the apron frame 8. As a result, in the front region 8F of the apron, the apron frame 8 has a closed cross section 8S that runs in the front-rear direction between the top plate member 82 and the apron frame main body portion 81.

[0076] (Suspension housing 65) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the suspension housing 65 spans the front frame 3 and the apron frame 8 in the vehicle width direction and is supported collaboratively. The suspension housing 65 is spaced forward of the hinge pillar 7 and the dash panel 2, and the front suspension is housed below it. Furthermore, the top of the suspension housing 65 is provided with a suspension top section 65a, to which a damper (not shown) provided for the front suspension is attached from below.

[0077] (Brace Rain 90) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, the front of the hinge pillar 7 and the lower part of the apron frame 8 are connected by a first bracing rain 91 and a second bracing rain 92, which serve as a bracing rain 90 that connects them in a diagonal bracing manner when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0078] The first brace rain 91 and the second brace rain 92 both extend from the lower part of the apron frame 8 to the front of the hinge pillar 7, sloping backward as they go downward.

[0079] As described above, the hinge pillar outer 72 is positioned at an angle that extends further forward from the front pillar base 6A downwards. As shown in Figure 2, the lower ends of both the first brace rain 91 and the second brace rain 92 are connected to a position forward of the upper end of the hinge pillar 7 located at the front pillar base 6A. Furthermore, the upper surface of the first bracing rain 91 is formed in a substantially horizontal shape that is flush with the upper cover of the cowl side rain 60, and the two are integrally formed from a single component.

[0080] The first diagonal brace rain 91 connects the front upper portion of the pillar outer panel and the lower part of the apron frame 8 in a diagonal brace manner near the cowl side rain 60, and a first diagonal closed section 91S is formed between it and the outer panel of the cowl side rain 60 (see Figure 1).

[0081] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the second bracing rain 92 is located further inward and forward in the vehicle width direction than the first bracing rain 91, that is, it connects the lower part of the front apron region 8F of the apron frame 8 to the lower end of the hinge pillar 7 (closed section 7S of the hinge pillar) directly below the apron frame 8.

[0082] More specifically, the second brace rain 92 is integrally formed with an apron support portion 93 that hangs vertically downward from the rear end of the apron frame 8, and a brace body portion 94 that connects the apron support portion 93 and the lower part of the front region 8F of the apron in a brace-like manner.

[0083] The apron support portion 93 hangs down until its lower end is at the height of the side sill 4, and is joined to the front surface of a vertical wall-shaped cover member 50 provided at the front end of the side sill 4, and is joined to the side sill 4 and the hinge pillar 7 via the cover member 50.

[0084] More specifically, the lower part of the apron support portion 93 is connected to the upper and lower side sill closing sections 421S and 422S of the side sill 4 via the lid body portion 51 of the lid member 50, and is also connected to the hinge pillar closing section 7S via the inner edge flange portion 52 of the lid member 50. The lower part of the apron support portion 93 is positioned closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction, so that when viewed from the front of the vehicle, its outer portion in the vehicle width direction mainly overlaps with the side sill inner 41 of the elements 41, 42, and 43 that constitute the side sill 4.

[0085] (Rib 95) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6 and 8, below the joint located at the rear end of the brace body 94 in the vertically extending apron support portion 93, a pair of left and right ribs 95 are provided in parallel, extending vertically all the way to the lower end of the apron support portion 93.

[0086] This rib 95 extends vertically from above the cover member 50 so as to overlap with the cover member 50 when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and increases the strength of the part of the apron support 93 that is lower than the bracing body 94. Specifically, when the forward load from the front frame 3 is transmitted to the side of the side sill 4 and hinge pillar 7, which are located below the front frame 3 and on the outside of the vehicle width, via the second bracing rain 92, the load transmission efficiency is increased by transmitting the forward load along the rib 95.

[0087] The brace body 94 connects the apron support 93 and the apron frame 8 in a diagonal brace configuration. Specifically, the rear end of the brace body 94 is connected to the upper portion of the apron support 93, extending from the upper end to the middle of the vertical direction. On the other hand, the upper end of the brace body 94 is connected to the lower part of the apron rear region 8R along its entire length in the front-rear direction, and the front end of the brace body 94 is connected to the rear end of the apron front region 8F, which is located in front of the suspension housing 65.

[0088] Here, as described above, the apron support portion 93 of the second bracing rain 92 extends vertically directly below the rear end of the apron frame 8. Between this apron support portion 93 and the rearward extended outer portion 32b (outer part of the vehicle width) of the rear front frame 32, which is the rearward extended portion described above, a connecting portion 18 is integrally formed to connect them in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] (Cast object 100) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the aforementioned cast object 100 comprises the rear part 32 of the front frame, the part of the apron frame 8 other than the upper plate member 82, the second bracing rain 92, the suspension housing 65, and the connecting part 18.

[0090] Furthermore, the cast object 100 includes left and right connecting portions 28 that connect the upper parts of the rearward enlarged inner portions 32c (inner width portions) of the tunnel opening 2A of the dash panel 2, which are connected to the left and right tunnel opening side edges 2Aa of the tunnel opening 2A of the dash panel 2, along the upper edge 2Ab of the tunnel opening 2A of the dash panel 2. The left and right connecting portions 28 are integrally formed with the inner width portions of the left and right rear front frame 32. The cast object 100, also called a Gigacast, is made of aluminum alloy and is integrally molded as a relatively large single part equipped with the above-mentioned elements (modules) provided at the front of the vehicle body.

[0091] (Truss structure) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, on each of the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle body, a truss structure Tf with the apron support portion 93 as the rear edge when viewed from the side of the vehicle body (hereinafter referred to as the "front truss structure") and a truss structure Tr with the apron support portion 93 as the front edge (hereinafter referred to as the "rear truss structure") are configured adjacent to each other front to back.

[0092] More specifically, as described above, the hinge pillar outer 72 is positioned at a downward slope from the front pillar base 6A, and its lower end is joined to the front end of the side sill 4. Furthermore, the cowl side rain 60 extends substantially horizontally forward from the front pillar base 6A and is supported by the second brace rain 92. The second brace rain 92 has an apron support portion 93 that hangs down from the front end of the cowl side rain 60 and whose lower end is joined to the front end of the side sill 4 via the cover member 50.

[0093] Then, at the front pillar base 6A, the upper end of the hinge pillar outer 72 and the rear end of the cowl side rain 60 are joined; at the front end of the side sill 4, the front end 122 of the hinge pillar outer 72 and the lower end of the apron support 93 are joined; and directly in front of the front pillar base 6A and directly above the front end of the side sill 4, the front end of the cowl side rain 60 and the upper end of the apron support 93 are joined. As a result, the hinge pillar outer 72, cowl side rain 60, and apron support 93 form a rear truss structure Tr when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0094] Furthermore, as described above, the brace body portion 94 of the second brace rain 92 extends in an upward-forward inclination from the lower part of the apron support portion 93 in the vertical direction to just in front of the rear of the suspension housing 65 in the apron rear region 8R. The apron frame 8 extends approximately horizontally forward from the front end of the cowl side rain 60 to at least the suspension housing 65.

[0095] Furthermore, near the front end of the side sill 4, the front lower end of the brace body 94 and the lower part of the apron support 93 are joined; near the rear of the cowl side rain 60, the apron frame 8 and the front upper end of the brace body 94 are joined; and directly above the front end of the side sill 4 and immediately behind the suspension housing 65, the rear end of the apron frame 8 and the upper end of the apron support 93 are joined. As a result, the brace body 94, the apron frame 8, and the apron support 93 form the front truss structure Tf in a side view of the vehicle, utilizing the cast material 100. The front truss structure Tf and the rear truss structure Tr described above are both composed of apron support sections 93, which serve as common vertical sides, and are therefore formed as a continuous structure adjacent to each other on the front and rear sides.

[0096] Therefore, when the vehicle is in motion, the input load transmitted from the front wheel FW to the suspension housing 65 via the suspension damper can be supported by the front truss structure Tf and the rear truss structure Tr. In particular, since the front truss structure Tf and the rear truss structure Tr are a continuous structure, the transmission of load (energy) transmitted to the suspension housing 65 when the vehicle is in motion can be improved.

[0097] Therefore, for example, it is possible to increase the torsional rigidity during vehicle operation and improve responsiveness during cornering. Furthermore, the front truss structure Tf includes a bracing body 94 that runs along the wheel arch immediately behind the front wheel FW, and thus can contribute to deflecting the retracting front wheel FW outward in the vehicle width direction during a frontal collision.

[0098] (Dash Rain 9) As shown in Figure 8, the dash rain 9 is joined to the inner surface of the cabin CR of the dash panel 2, forming a closed cross section 9S between it and the inner surface of the cabin CR. The closed section 9S is configured to extend continuously downward from the rear end of the front frame 3 towards the hinge pillar 7 and the side sill inner 41 directly below it, overlapping with the rear end of the rear enlarged outer portion 32b (outer edge portion) of the rear portion 32 of the box-shaped hollow front frame when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and overlapping with the side sill inner 41 when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0099] The outer edge flange portion 912a of the dash rain 9 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the hinge pillar inner 71 and the side sill inner 41 directly below it via the outer edge flange portion 23 of the dash panel 2. As a result, the closed section 9S of the dash rain 9 is connected in the vehicle width direction to the side sill closed sections 421S, 422S and the hinge pillar closed section 7S above them.

[0100] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle body structure of this embodiment includes a dash panel 2 that separates the passenger compartment CR and the power unit room PR (forward space) of the passenger compartment CR in the front-rear direction, a front frame 3 that extends forward from the dash panel 2 and supports the interior side of the suspension housing 65 of the front wheel FW, a front pillar 6 that has a closed cross section extending in the front-downward direction and supports the front windshield glass (not shown) from both the left and right sides, an apron frame 8 that extends forward from the cowl side rain 60 near the base 6A of the front pillar and supports the exterior side of the suspension housing 65 of the front wheel FW, a pair of left and right side sills 4 that are positioned on both the left and right sides at the lower rear side of the dash panel 2 and extend in the front-rear direction, a hinge pillar closed cross section 7S of a hinge pillar 7 that extends vertically between the base 6A of the front pillar and the side sill 4, and a bracing rain 90 (91, 92) that diagonally connects the front part of the hinge pillar 7 and the lower part of the apron frame 8 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the hinge pillar 7 displaces (advances) the hinge pillar closed section 7S, which extends in the vertical direction, forward as it approaches the height of the side sill 4 from the front pillar base 6A. As shown in Figures 2, 5 to 8, the first brace rain 91 and the second brace rain 92, which serve as the brace rain 90, have their lower ends connected to a portion of the hinge pillar 7 that is forward of the upper end where it is joined to the front pillar base 6A.

[0102] With the above configuration, the hinge pillar 7 is tilted downwards in a side view of the vehicle while maintaining its connection with the front pillar base 6A at its upper end, bringing it closer to the suspension housing 65 located at the front of the vehicle and shortening the bracing rain 90, thereby firmly supporting the suspension housing 65 with respect to the hinge pillar 7.

[0103] As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 7, in this embodiment of the invention, the hinge pillar 7 comprises a hinge pillar outer 72 having hinge mounting portions 15 (15a, 15b) for attaching a door hinge 16 on both the upper and lower sides, and the bracing rain 90 comprises a hinge pillar closed section 7S corresponding to the height of the upper hinge mounting portion 15 of the upper and lower hinge mounting portions 15a, 15b of the hinge pillar outer 72, and a first bracing rain 91 that connects the base of the apron frame 8.

[0104] In this configuration, when connecting the apron frame 8, which extends forward from near the base 6A of the front pillar, and the hinge pillar 7, which extends downward, with the first bracing rain 91, the first bracing rain 91 is provided at the branching point between the apron frame 8 and the hinge pillar 7, and since the hinge pillar 7 inclines forward as it descends from the base 6A of the front pillar towards the suspension housing 65, the first bracing rain 91 can be made smaller.

[0105] As shown in Figures 2, 5 to 8, in this embodiment of the invention, the lower end of the hinge pillar 7 is connected to the front end of the side sill 4, and the bracing rain 90 is provided with a second bracing rain 92 that connects the portion of the apron frame 8 forward of the base to the lower end of the hinge pillar 7.

[0106] This configuration allows the suspension housing 65 to be supported via the second bracing rain 92 to the lower end of the hinge pillar 7, which is the connection point with the front end of the side sill 4, i.e., the lower end of the closed section 7S of the hinge pillar.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment of the invention, the hinge pillar 7 includes a hinge pillar outer 72 that is displaced forward from the front pillar base 6A and is positioned to slope downward in the front when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A pair of upper and lower door hinges 16 are provided on the hinge pillar outer 72 which is aligned with the direction of the downward slope, and the front edge of the swing door 17, whose rear part is displaced upward when the door is opened, is pivotally supported on the hinge pillar outer 72 via the pair of upper and lower door hinges 16.

[0108] This configuration allows the pair of upper and lower door hinges 16 to be mounted along the downward-sloping direction by the hinge pillar outer 72 which is positioned at a downward-sloping angle towards the front. As a result, the swing door 17 can be pivotally supported by the hinge pillar outer 72 via the door hinges 16 so that the rear of the door can be displaced upward when the door is opened. Therefore, by utilizing the downward-sloping hinge pillar outer 72, a highly aesthetically pleasing side door (17) can be realized.

[0109] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The forward space of this invention corresponds to the power unit room PR, and similarly, The front suspension housing is compatible with suspension housing 65. The first bracing rain corresponds to the first bracing rain 91, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 2…Dash panel 3…Front frame 4... Side sill 6…Front pillar 6A…Front pillar base 7…Hinged pillar 7S...Hinged pillar closed section 8... Apron frame 15…Hinge mounting section 15a... Upper hinge mounting section 16... Door hinge 17... Swing door 65... Suspension Housing 72...Hinge pillar outer 90... Bracing Rain 91...First diagonal brace rain 92... Second diagonal brace rain CR…Car interior PR...Power Unit Room

Claims

1. A dashboard panel that separates the passenger compartment from the space in front of the passenger compartment in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, A front frame extending forward from the aforementioned dashboard panel and supporting the interior side of the front wheel suspension housing, A front pillar having a closed cross-section extending downward and forward, which supports the front windshield from both the left and right sides, An apron frame extending forward from near the base of the front pillar and supporting the outer side of the front wheel suspension housing, The aforementioned dashboard panel has a pair of left and right side sills positioned on both the left and right sides at the lower rear end, extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, A hinged pillar extending vertically between the base of the front pillar and the side sill, A vehicle body structure including a bracing rainbow that diagonally connects the front part of the hinge pillar and the lower part of the apron frame in a side view of the vehicle, The hinge pillar displaces at least the front portion of the closed cross-section of the hinge pillar, which extends in the vertical direction, forward as it approaches the height of the side sill from the base of the front pillar. The bracing rain has its lower end connected to a portion of the hinge pillar that is forward of the upper end which is joined to the base of the front pillar. The body structure of a vehicle.

2. The aforementioned hinge pillar includes a hinge pillar outer, which has hinge mounting portions on both the upper and lower sides for attaching door hinges. The bracing rain comprises a first bracing rain connecting the closed section of the hinge pillar, which corresponds to the height of the upper hinge mounting portion of the upper and lower hinge mounting portions of the hinge pillar outer, with the base of the apron frame. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1.

3. The lower end of the hinge pillar is connected to the front end of the side sill, The bracing rainbow includes a second bracing rainbow that connects the portion of the apron frame forward of the base to the lower end of the hinge pillar. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2.

4. The hinge pillar includes a hinge pillar outer that is displaced forward from the base of the front pillar and is positioned to slope downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A pair of upper and lower door hinges are attached to the hinge pillar outer, which is aligned with the downward sloping direction. A swing door, in which the rear of the door is displaced upward when the door is opened, is pivotally supported on the hinge pillar outer via a pair of upper and lower door hinges. A vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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