Rear structure of the vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a rear body structure that can suppress torsional deformation caused by upward load input from the rear damper during driving. [Solution] The rear structure of the vehicle body 1 includes a front brace 17 whose lower end is joined to the end of the rear cross member 16 in the vehicle width direction, and which extends upward along the inner surface of the wheel house inner 10, and whose upper end is joined to the wheel house inner 10. In the rear structure of the vehicle body 1, the front brace 17 constitutes a load transmission path L3 that transmits an upward load input to the mounting part P1 of the rear suspension to the rear cross member 16.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear vehicle body structure, and particularly to a peripheral structure of a rear suspension housing at a rear vehicle body portion. [Background Art]

[0002] The rear portion of a vehicle body is required to have high rigidity against torsional deformation in order to ensure high steering stability and suppress vibration. Particularly, in battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and the like, the vehicle weight increases due to the mounting of large-capacity batteries, motors and other electrical components for traveling, so it is important to suppress torsional deformation caused by the input of upward load from the rear suspension (rear damper) during traveling. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the rigidity of a rear vehicle body portion.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a main body portion constituting a rear side inner panel is provided with a frame portion. The frame portion is disposed at the upper end of the rear side inner panel, along the lower edge of the window portion, and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body from the quarter pillar toward the rear pillar. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, by providing the frame portion on the rear side inner panel, the rigidity of the rear side inner panel is secured, and an attempt is made to suppress the generation of vibration and noise. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-150802 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] While the body structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 above is thought to improve the rigidity of the rear of the vehicle body to some extent, it is considered necessary to further improve the rigidity of the rear of the vehicle body against torsional deformation in order to accommodate heavier vehicles such as electric vehicles.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a rear structure for a vehicle body that can suppress torsional deformation caused by upward load input from the rear damper during driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A rear structure of a vehicle body according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a wheelhouse inner, a rear suspension housing, a housing gusset, a rear cross member, and a reinforcing member. The wheelhouse inner is provided on the inside of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction. The rear suspension is mounted on the rear suspension housing. The housing gusset is provided so as to cover the mounting portion of the rear suspension in the rear suspension housing. The rear cross member is provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction in the portion of the housing gusset on the front side in the front-rear direction. The reinforcing member has its lower end joined to the end of the rear cross member in the vehicle width direction, is provided so as to extend upward along the inner surface of the wheelhouse inner, and has at least its upper end joined to the wheelhouse inner.

[0008] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to this embodiment, the reinforcing member constitutes a load transmission path that transmits the upward load input to the mounting portion to the rear cross member.

[0009] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, a load transmission path is formed by reinforcing members. Therefore, at the rear of the vehicle body, the upward load applied to the mounting portion of the suspension housing is transmitted to the rear cross member through the load transmission path. Thus, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment can improve the rigidity against torsional deformation of the vehicle body by releasing the upward load to the rear cross member through the load transmission path.

[0010] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, a portion of the upper end of the reinforcing member may be joined to the lower part of the housing gusset.

[0011] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the upper end of the reinforcing member is joined not only to the wheel house inner but also to the housing gusset, so the upward load is transmitted from the reinforcing member to the rear cross member with minimal loss. Therefore, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment is suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body against torsional deformation.

[0012] Furthermore, in the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the upper end of the reinforcing member is joined to the lower part of the housing gusset. In other words, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment can reduce the transmission of rear door vibrations compared to the case where the upper end of the reinforcing member extends to the same height level as or higher than the upper end of the housing gusset. The inventors of the present invention confirmed this with a configuration in which the upper end of the reinforcing member extends to the same height level as or higher than the upper end of the housing gusset. As a result, it was confirmed that rear door vibrations were more easily transmitted to the quarter pillar and the part further rear. Based on these confirmation results, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment can improve rigidity against torsional deformation while suppressing the transmission of rear door vibrations beyond the quarter pillar by making the upper end of the reinforcing member lower than the upper end of the housing gusset.

[0013] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the reinforcing member may have a hat-shaped cross-section.

[0014] The rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment employs a reinforcing member having a hat-shaped cross-section, which helps to suppress increases in vehicle weight and manufacturing costs compared to cases where a reinforcing member made of a solid rod or the like is employed.

[0015] The rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment may further include a side panel provided to connect the upper end of the wheel house inner with a portion of the roof side rail and the rear pillar. The housing gusset may also have a gusset bulge at the front that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and extends upward. In this case, the gusset bulge may constitute a second load transmission path that transmits the upward load input to the mounting portion from the housing gusset to the roof side rail via the side panel.

[0016] The rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment includes a second load transmission path formed by a gusset bulge, so that the upward load is transmitted not only through the load transmission path but also from the side panel to the roof side rail through the second load transmission path. Therefore, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment is suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body against torsional deformation.

[0017] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the reinforcing member may be provided at a position spaced apart from the gusset bulge in the front-rear direction, and may also be provided so as to extend in a straight line when viewed from the side.

[0018] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the reinforcing member is spaced apart from the gusset bulge in the front-rear direction and extends linearly in a side view. That is, in the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, the load transmission path and the second load transmission path are not continuous, and the load transmission path is configured in a linear manner. If the upper part of the load transmission path were to be curved toward the rear of the vehicle body in a side view and connected to the second load transmission path, it is thought that energy loss would be large in the curved portion of the load transmission path. For this reason, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment is even more suitable for suppressing energy loss during load transmission and improving rigidity against torsional deformation by providing the reinforcing member spaced apart from the gusset bulge in the front-rear direction and extending linearly in a side view.

[0019] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment, a rear frame and a second reinforcing member may be further provided. The rear frame is joined to the wheel house inner on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear floor panel and is provided to extend in the front-rear direction. The second reinforcing member has its lower end joined to the rear frame and is provided to extend upward along the inner surface of the wheel house inner, and its upper end is joined to the housing gusset.

[0020] In the rear structure of the vehicle body according to this embodiment, the second reinforcing member may constitute a third load transmission path that transmits the upward load input to the mounting portion from the rear of the housing gusset to the rear frame.

[0021] The rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment includes a third load transmission path composed of a second reinforcing member, so that the upward load applied to the mounting portion can also be transmitted to the rear frame. Therefore, the rear structure of the vehicle body according to the above embodiment is even more suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body against torsional deformation.

[0022] In the rear structure of a vehicle body according to the above aspect, a side panel may be further provided. The side panel is provided so as to join the wheel house inner to each part of the roof side rail and the rear pillar.

[0023] Further, in the rear structure of a vehicle body according to the above aspect, a rear header corner portion to which a rear header disposed extending along an upper edge of a rear opening is joined may be provided at a joining portion between the roof side rail and the rear pillar.

[0024] Further, in the rear structure of a vehicle body according to the above aspect, the wheel house inner bulges inward in a vehicle width direction and has a wheel house bulging portion provided so as to extend upward from a rear portion of the housing gusset, and the side panel bulges outward in the vehicle width direction and may have a side panel bulging portion provided so as to connect an upper end of the wheel house bulging portion and the rear header corner portion.

[0025] In the rear structure of a vehicle body according to this aspect, the wheel house bulging portion and the side panel bulging portion may constitute a fourth load transmission path that transmits an upward load input to the mounting portion from the rear portion of the housing gusset to the rear header corner portion.

[0026] The rear structure of a vehicle body according to the above aspect includes the fourth load transmission path constituted by the wheel house bulging portion and the side panel bulging portion, so that the upward load input to the mounting portion can also be transmitted to the rear header corner portion configured with relatively high rigidity. Therefore, the rear structure of a vehicle body according to the above aspect is further suitable for improving the rigidity against torsional deformation of the vehicle body. Effects of the Invention

[0027] The rear structure of a vehicle body according to each of the above aspects can suppress torsional deformation caused by input of an upward load from a rear damper during traveling. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing a magnified view of the housing gusset and its surrounding area. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the side panel as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the load transfer path located at the rear of the vehicle body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments except for its essential configuration.

[0030] In the diagrams used in the following explanation, "FR" indicates the front of the vehicle, "RR" indicates the rear of the vehicle, "LH" indicates the left side of the vehicle, "RH" indicates the right side of the vehicle, "UP" indicates the top of the vehicle, and "LO" indicates the bottom of the vehicle.

[0031] 1. Structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 The vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, the body of an electric vehicle (BEV). The structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the right side portion of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 from the inside of the vehicle. Figure 2 is an enlarged side view showing the housing gusset 11 and its surrounding portion. Figure 3 is a side view showing the side panel 13 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle body 1 comprises a wheelhouse inner 10, a rear suspension housing 19, a housing gusset 11, a rear cross member (#4 cross member) 16, and a front brace 17 which is a reinforcing member, at the rear 1a. The wheelhouse inner 10 is a member that bulges outwards towards the interior of the vehicle, among the members that make up the wheelhouse that houses the rear wheel. In other words, the wheelhouse inner 10 is a member that is provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rear wheel. As shown in Figure 3, a wheelhouse outer 18 is provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the rear wheel. The wheelhouse is composed of the wheelhouse inner 10 and the wheelhouse outer 18.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheelhouse inner 10 has a wheelhouse bulge 10a located above the rear of the housing gusset 11, which bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and extends vertically. The wheelhouse bulge 10a has higher rigidity than the surrounding area of ​​the wheelhouse inner 10.

[0034] The rear suspension housing 19 is a component to which the rear suspension connected to the rear wheel is attached, and has a mounting portion (indicated by reference numeral P1 in Figure 2) to which the rear suspension is attached. In the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the wheel house inner 10 is provided so as to extend above the mounting portion P1 of the rear suspension housing 19.

[0035] The housing gusset 11 is a component provided to cover the mounting portion P1 on the rear suspension housing 19. The rear portion of the housing gusset 11 overlaps with a part of the wheelhouse inner 10 and is joined to the wheelhouse inner 10 at the overlapping portion. Similarly, the front portion of the housing gusset 11 also overlaps with a part of the wheelhouse inner 10 and is joined to the wheelhouse inner 10 at the overlapping portion.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing gusset 11 has a gusset bulge 11b at its front end that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and extends upward above the height level of the mounting portion P1. The gusset bulge 11b has higher rigidity than the surrounding area of ​​the housing gusset 11.

[0037] The rear cross member 16 is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the left and right rear frames 14 to each other. The rear frame 14 is joined to the wheel house inner 10 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear floor panel 23 and is provided to extend in the front-rear direction. At the front of the rear frame 14, there is a kick-up portion 14a provided so as to decrease in height as it goes forward, and the front end of the kick-up portion 14a is joined to the side sill (not shown).

[0038] The rear cross member 16 is joined to the rear frame 14 at its end 16a in the vehicle width direction and to the rear floor panel 23 at its lower end. Although not shown in detail, the rear cross member 16 is a skeletal member having a hat-shaped cross section.

[0039] The front brace 17 is a long reinforcing member having a hat cross-section, and is provided to extend vertically to connect the rear frame 14 and rear cross member 16 with the wheel house inner 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front brace 17 is joined to the front part 10b of the wheel house inner 10, and its upper end 17a is also joined to the front lower part 11c of the housing gusset 11. The upper end 17a of the front brace 17 and the front lower part 11c of the housing gusset 11 overlap each other and are joined at the overlapping portion.

[0040] Furthermore, the lower end 17b of the front brace 17 is joined to the rear cross member 16 and the rear frame 14.

[0041] The vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment includes, at its rear 1a, a rear brace 15 which is a second reinforcing member, a side panel 13, a roof side rail 20, a rear pillar 21, and a quarter pillar 24. The rear brace 15, which is the second reinforcing member, is provided to extend vertically so as to connect the rear frame 14 and the housing gusset 11. Specifically, the rear brace 15 is an elongated member having a hat cross-section, with its lower end 15b joined to the rear frame 14 and its upper end 15a joined to the rear lower part 11a of the housing gusset 11. That is, the rear brace 15 is a second reinforcing member that extends vertically and connects the rear part of the housing gusset 11 and the rear frame 14.

[0042] The side panel 13 is a component provided to connect the upper end of the wheelhouse inner 10 with a portion of the roof side rail 20 and the rear pillar 21. A quarter window section 22 is provided in the area enclosed by the roof side rail 20, the side panel 13, and the quarter pillar 24.

[0043] The roof side rails 20 are provided on both sides of the roof panel (not shown) in the vehicle width direction, extending in the front-rear direction. The quarter pillars 24 are joined to the roof side rails 20 at their upper ends and are positioned along the rear edge of the rear door opening 1b. The rear pillars 21 are positioned to slope diagonally downward from the rear end of the roof side rails 20 and extend along the side of the rear opening to which the rear hatch is attached.

[0044] A rear header (not shown in the illustration) is connected to the joint between the roof side rail 20 and the rear pillar 21. The portion where the roof side rail 20, the rear pillar 21, and the rear header are joined is called the rear header corner portion 12. The rear header connects the rear header corner portions 12 on both sides in the vehicle width direction and is arranged to extend along the upper edge of the rear opening to which the rear hatch is attached.

[0045] As shown by the arrow A in Figure 3, the side panel 13 has a side panel bulge portion 13a that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. The side panel bulge portion 13a is provided to extend along the lower edge of the quarter window portion 22 and to connect the upper end of the wheelhouse bulge portion 10a and the rear header corner portion 12. The side panel bulge portion 13a has higher rigidity than the surrounding area of ​​the side panel 13.

[0046] 2. Load transfer path In this embodiment, the vehicle body 1 has a load transmission path configured in the rear 1a that transmits the upward load input from the rear damper to the mounting portion P1 of the rear suspension housing 19 during vehicle operation to a rear cross member 16 or the like, which has relatively high rigidity. The load transmission path configured in the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. In Figure 4, only the right side of the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 is shown, but the left side of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 has a similar configuration.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the front brace 17, which is a reinforcing member, constitutes a load transmission path L3 for the upward load that is input from the rear damper to the mounting portion P1 of the rear suspension housing 19 when the vehicle is in motion. In other words, the front brace 17 constitutes a load transmission path L3 that transmits the load, which is input to the mounting portion P1 when the vehicle is in motion, through the path L1 of the housing gusset 11 to the front part of the housing gusset 11, to the rear cross member 16, which is a relatively rigid skeletal member.

[0048] Although detailed illustrations are omitted here, the rear frame 14 has two points P2 and P3 to which the trailing arm is connected. The two connection points P2 and P3 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The front of the two connection points P2 and P3 is located in the kick-up section 14a, forward of the section where the front brace 17 is located. That is, in the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the load transmission path L3, which is composed of the front brace 17 that is a reinforcing member, is located between the two connection points P2 and P3 in the front-rear direction.

[0049] At the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1, the gusset bulge 11b provided at the front of the housing gusset 11 constitutes a path L2 that transmits the upward load input to the mounting part P1 when the vehicle is in motion to the side panel 13. In addition, the front of the side panel 13 and the quarter pillar 24 constitute a path L4 that transmits the load transmitted from the path L2, which is formed by the gusset bulge 11b, to the roof side rail 20. At the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1, a second load transmission path is formed by path L2 and path L4.

[0050] Here, the gusset bulge 11b constituting path L2 and the front brace 17 constituting load transmission path L3 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the gusset bulge 11b is provided such that path L2, which is composed of the gusset bulge 11b, and path L4, which is composed of the front part of the side panel 13 and the quarter pillar 24, are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0051] Furthermore, in the rear portion 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the rear brace 15, which is a second reinforcing member, constitutes a path (third load transmission path) L6 that transmits the upward load, which is input to the mounting portion P1 when the vehicle is running and transmitted to the rear of the housing gusset 11 through the path L1 of the housing gusset 11, to the rear frame 14, which is a relatively rigid skeletal member.

[0052] Furthermore, the third load transmission path L6, which is composed of the rear brace 15, is connected to the rear frame 14 in the front-rear direction at a position between the two connection points P2 and P3.

[0053] Furthermore, the wheelhouse bulge 10a and the side panel bulge 13a constitute a fourth load transmission path L5 that transmits the upward load applied to the mounting part P1 during vehicle operation to the relatively rigid rear header corner section 12.

[0054] As described above, in the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the upward load input to the mounting part P1 when the vehicle is running can be transmitted to the surrounding high-rigidity members (rear cross member 16, roof side rail 20, rear frame 14, rear header corner part 12) via paths L1 to L6.

[0055] 3. Effects In this embodiment, the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 is configured such that a load transmission path L3 is formed by a front brace 17, which is a reinforcing member. Therefore, in the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1, an upward load applied to the mounting portion P1 of the rear suspension housing 19 is transmitted to the rear cross member 16 through the load transmission path L3. Thus, by releasing the upward load applied to the mounting portion P1 to the rear cross member 16 through the load transmission path L3, the vehicle body 1 can improve its rigidity against torsional deformation.

[0056] Furthermore, in the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the upper end 17a of the front brace 17 is joined not only to the front part 10b of the wheel house inner 10 but also to the front lower part 11c of the housing gusset 11, so that upward loads are transmitted from the front brace 17 to the rear cross member 16 with little energy loss. Therefore, the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 is suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body 1 against torsional deformation.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle body 1, the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 is positioned at approximately the same height as the mounting portion P1 in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 extends to the same height level as or higher than the upper end portion of the housing gusset 11, vibrations from the rear door can be less easily transmitted. The inventors of the present invention confirmed this with a configuration in which the height position of the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 extends to the same height level as or higher than the upper end portion of the housing gusset 11. As a result, it was confirmed that vibrations from the rear door were more easily transmitted to the part after the quarter pillar 24. Based on these confirmation results, in the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the height position of the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 is set to be lower than the upper end portion of the housing gusset 11, thereby improving rigidity against torsional deformation while suppressing the transmission of vibrations from the rear door to the part after the quarter pillar 24.

[0058] Furthermore, since the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment employs a front brace 17 having a hat cross-section, it is possible to suppress increases in vehicle body weight and manufacturing costs compared to the case in which a front brace made of a solid member (for example, a rod) is employed.

[0059] Furthermore, the structure of the rear 1a in the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment includes second load transmission paths L2 and L4, which include a path L2 formed by a gusset bulge 11b. Therefore, the upward load input to the mounting portion P1 is transmitted not only through the load transmission path L3 but also through the second load transmission paths L2 and L4 from the side panel 13 through the quarter pillar 24 to the roof side rail 20. Thus, the structure of the rear 1a in the vehicle body 1 is suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body 1 against torsional deformation.

[0060] Furthermore, in the structure of the rear 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment, the load transmission path L3, which is composed of the front brace 17, is spaced apart in the front-rear direction from the path L2, which is composed of the gusset bulge 11b, and is provided to extend in a straight line when viewed from the side. That is, in the vehicle body 1, the load transmission path L3 and the paths L2 of the second load transmission paths L2 and L4 are configured not to be continuous. For this reason, the load transmission path L3 is configured to be straight in the vertical direction and not curved in the front-rear direction. By configuring the load transmission path L3 in this way, it is even more suitable for suppressing energy loss during load transmission and improving rigidity against torsional deformation compared to the case in which the load transmission path L3 is curved in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side and is intended to be continuous with the path L2 composed of the gusset bulge 11b. That is, if the load transmission path L3 is curved in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side and is intended to be continuous with the path L2 composed of the gusset bulge 11b, it is thought that the bending of the load transmission path will result in a large energy loss during load transmission. In contrast, in this embodiment, the load transmission path L3 is configured to extend in a straight line without curving in the front-rear direction, which is even more suitable for suppressing energy loss during load transmission and improving rigidity against torsional deformation.

[0061] Furthermore, the structure of the rear portion 1a of the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment includes a third load transmission path L6 formed by a rear brace 15, which is a second reinforcing member, so that the upward load input to the mounting portion P1 can also be transmitted to the rear frame 14. Therefore, the vehicle body 1 is even more suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body 1 against torsional deformation.

[0062] Furthermore, the structure of the rear portion 1a in the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment includes a fourth load transmission path L4 composed of a wheelhouse bulge 10a and a side panel bulge 13a, so that the upward load input to the mounting portion P1 can also be transmitted to the rear header corner portion 12 which is configured to be relatively rigid. Therefore, the vehicle body 1 is even more suitable for improving the rigidity of the vehicle body 1 against torsional deformation.

[0063] As described above, the structure of the rear 1a in the vehicle body 1 according to this embodiment can suppress torsional deformation caused by the input of an upward load from the rear damper during driving.

[0064] [Differentiation] In the vehicle body 1 according to the above embodiment, the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 is joined to the front lower portion 11c of the housing gusset 11. However, in the present invention, the upper end portion 17a of the front brace 17 and the front lower portion 11c of the housing gusset 11 do not need to be joined. In this case, load transmission between the housing gusset 11 and the front brace 17 is sufficient via the wheelhouse inner 10.

[0065] In the vehicle body 1 according to the above embodiment, a front brace 17 having a hat-shaped cross section is provided as a reinforcing member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a solid rod-shaped member may be provided as a reinforcing member.

[0066] In the above embodiment of the vehicle body 1, in addition to the load transmission path L3 formed by the front brace 17, load transmission paths L4 to L6 are provided. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient to provide a load transmission path formed by at least a reinforcing member (front brace 17).

[0067] In the vehicle body 1 according to the above embodiment, the front brace 17 is positioned spaced apart in the front-rear direction from the gusset bulge 11b. However, in the present invention, the front brace does not necessarily have to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction from the gusset bulge. For example, in a side view, the reinforcing member (front brace 17) may be provided at a position that coincides with the front-rear direction from the gusset bulge.

[0068] In the vehicle body 1 according to the above embodiment, a hatchback type vehicle body was used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rear structure of the present invention can also be applied to a sedan type vehicle body or a coupe type vehicle body. In that case as well, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

[0069] Furthermore, although the vehicle body 1 according to the above embodiment is intended to be used as the body of an electric vehicle, the present invention is not limited to this. It may also be used as the body of a hybrid electric vehicle or a gasoline-powered vehicle. In those cases as well, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Vehicle body 1a Rear 10 Wheelhouse Inner 10a Wheelhouse bulge 11 Housing gussets 11b Gusset bulge 12 Rear header corner section 13 Side Panels 13a Side panel bulge 15. Rear brace (second reinforcing member) 17 Front brace (reinforcement member) 20 Roof side rails 24 Quarter Pillar

Claims

1. A wheelhouse inner located on the inside of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction, The rear suspension housing to which the rear suspension is attached, A housing gusset is provided to cover the mounting portion of the rear suspension in the rear suspension housing, In the front portion of the housing gusset in the front-rear direction, a rear cross member is provided that extends in the vehicle width direction, A reinforcing member whose lower end is joined to the end of the rear cross member in the vehicle width direction, and which is provided to extend upward along the inner surface of the wheel house inner, and whose upper end is joined to the wheel house inner, Equipped with, The reinforcing member constitutes a load transmission path that transmits the upward load applied to the mounting portion to the rear cross member. The rear structure of the vehicle body.

2. The reinforcing member has a portion of its upper end joined to the lower part of the housing gusset. The rear structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1.

3. The reinforcing member has a hat cross-sectional shape. The rear structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1.

4. The rear structure of the vehicle body further includes a side panel provided to connect the upper end of the wheelhouse inner with a portion of the roof side rail and the rear pillar, The housing gusset has a gusset bulge at the front that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and extends upward, The gusset bulge constitutes a second load transmission path that transmits the upward load applied to the mounting portion from the housing gusset to the roof side rail via the side panel. The rear structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1.

5. The reinforcing member is provided at a position spaced apart from the gusset bulge in the front-rear direction, and is provided so as to extend in a straight line when viewed from the side. The rear structure of the vehicle body according to claim 4.

6. A rear frame is provided that is joined to the wheel house inner on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear floor panel and extends in the front-rear direction, A second reinforcing member, the lower end of which is joined to the rear frame and the second reinforcing member, which is provided to extend upward along the inner surface of the wheel house inner and the upper end of which is joined to the housing gusset, Furthermore, The second reinforcing member constitutes a third load transmission path that transmits the upward load applied to the mounting portion from the rear of the housing gusset to the rear frame. The rear structure of a vehicle body according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The wheel house inner is further provided with a side panel that is provided to connect with a portion of the roof side rail and the rear pillar, At the joint between the roof side rail and the rear pillar, a rear header corner is provided, to which a rear header, which is arranged to extend along the upper edge of the rear opening, is joined. The wheel house inner bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and has a wheel house bulge portion that extends upward from the rear of the housing gusset. The side panel bulges outward in the vehicle width direction and has a side panel bulge portion provided to connect the upper end of the wheel house bulge portion and the rear header corner portion. The wheelhouse bulge and the side panel bulge constitute a fourth load transmission path that transmits the upward load applied to the mounting portion from the rear of the housing gusset to the rear header corner portion. The rear structure of a vehicle body according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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