Vehicle skeleton structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle skeleton structure that is able to secure the rigidity of a vehicle body against rollover or the like while securing a space for arranging a communication apparatus in the vehicle body.SOLUTION: In a vehicle 10, a part of a roof portion 20 is composed of a rear header reinforcement 30, and the rear header reinforcement 30 includes a front-side closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 and a central closed cross-sectional structure portion 50. An antenna unit 32 and an antenna unit 34 are disposed at a vehicle rear-side of the front-side closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 and a vehicle front-side of the central closed cross-sectional structure portion 50. A first support piece 68 extends from the front-side closed-sectional structure portion 48 toward the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34, and a second support piece 76 extends from the central closed-sectional structure portion 50 toward the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle skeleton structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an invention related to a mounting structure of an in-vehicle embedded antenna. In this mounting structure of the in-vehicle embedded antenna, a recess is formed in the roof portion or the like of the vehicle body, and an antenna (communication device) is housed in this recess.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if a recess is simply formed in the roof portion of the vehicle body, it is conceivable that the rigidity of the vehicle body is insufficient during rollover or running of the vehicle. That is, in the above prior art, there is room for improvement in terms of securing a space for arranging a communication device in the vehicle body and securing the rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover and the like.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle skeleton structure capable of securing a space for arranging a communication device in the vehicle body and securing the rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle skeletal structure according to the present invention described in claim 1 includes a first closed cross-section structure portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and is disposed on the vehicle front side of the communication device; a first support piece portion that extends from the first closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side and is capable of supporting the communication device; a second closed cross-section structure portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the communication device; and a second support piece portion that extends from the second closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side and is capable of supporting the communication device, and further includes a roof reinforcement that constitutes a part of the roof portion of the vehicle body. The communication device includes a resin case that constitutes an outer shell. The case is provided with a locking portion that can be locked to the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion. The locking portion is locked to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion. The case is attached to the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via an attachment member. The communication device further includes a resin roof panel that is attached to the roof reinforcement from above the vehicle and covers the communication device from above the vehicle. The first support piece portion is provided at a portion above the vehicle of the first closed cross-sectional structure portion. The second support piece portion is provided at a portion above the vehicle of the second closed cross-sectional structure portion. The locking portion is configured to be lockable from below the vehicle to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion. The case is configured to be attachable from below the vehicle to the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via the attachment member 。

[0007] According to the present invention described in claim 1, a part of the roof portion of the vehicle body is constituted by a roof reinforcement. And this roof reinforcement includes a first closed cross-section structure portion and a second closed cross-section structure portion that extend in the vehicle width direction and have a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the present invention, the first closed cross-section structure portion and the second closed cross-section structure portion can reinforce the roof portion of the vehicle body against loads caused by rollover or the like.

[0008] Further, in the present invention, the communication device is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the first closed cross-section structure portion and on the vehicle front side of the second closed cross-section structure portion. And the first support piece portion extends from the first closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side, and the second support piece portion extends from the second closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side. Therefore, the communication device can be supported by the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion, and the communication device can be installed between the first closed cross-section structure portion and the second closed cross-section structure portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] AlsoAccording to the present invention, the outer shell of the communication device is composed of a resin case, and it is possible to transmit radio waves through the case and perform radio wave transmission and reception by the communication device. Further, the case is provided with a locking portion that can be locked to the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion. In the present invention, when installing the communication device, the locking portion can be locked to the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion to position the communication device.

[0012] Also According to the present invention, the locking portion of the case is locked to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion. Further, the case is attached to the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via an attachment member. Therefore, in the present invention, when installing the communication device, it is possible to easily position the case and the attachment location to which the case is attached.

[0014] Also According to the present invention, a resin roof panel is attached to the roof reinforcement from above the vehicle, and the communication device is covered from above the vehicle by the resin roof panel. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to perform radio wave transmission and reception by the communication device above the vehicle while hiding the communication device with the resin roof panel.

[0015] Further, in the present invention, the first support piece portion is provided at the upper side of the vehicle of the first closed cross-sectional structure portion, and the second support piece portion is provided at the upper side of the vehicle of the second closed cross-sectional structure portion, and the communication device can be attached to the upper side of the vehicle in the roof portion of the vehicle body.

[0016] And the locking portion provided on the case is locked from below the vehicle to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion, and the case is attached from below the vehicle to the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via an attachment member. Therefore, in the present invention, the communication device can be removed from below the vehicle of the roof portion of the vehicle body.

[0017] Claim 2The vehicle skeletal structure according to the present invention described in [reference] is as set forth in claim 1 In the invention described in [reference], the roof reinforcement forms a part of the rear side of the vehicle of the roof portion of the vehicle body, and the first centroid of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the portion overlapping the communication device when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the first closed cross-sectional structure portion is located on the upper side of the vehicle with respect to the second centroid of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the portion overlapping the communication device when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the second closed cross-sectional structure portion.

[0018] Claim 2 According to the present invention described in claim [reference], the roof reinforcement forms a part of the rear side of the vehicle of the roof portion of the vehicle body. And the first centroid of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the portion overlapping the communication device when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the first closed cross-sectional structure portion is located on the upper side of the vehicle with respect to the second centroid of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the portion overlapping the communication device when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the second closed cross-sectional structure portion.

[0019] For this reason, in the present invention, in the portion of the roof reinforcement overlapping the communication device when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the size in the vehicle vertical direction of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction is smaller on the front side of the vehicle than on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0020] Also, compared with a configuration in which the positions of the first centroid and the second centroid are set to the same position in the vehicle vertical direction, the second moment of area of the cross-section of the roof reinforcement with respect to bending in the vehicle vertical direction can be increased.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] As described above, the vehicle skeletal structure according to the present invention described in claim 1 has an excellent effect that it is possible to secure a space for arranging a communication device in the vehicle body while securing the rigidity of the vehicle body against rollover and the like.

[0024] AlsoThe vehicle skeleton structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that communication by a communication device can be smoothly performed and the efficiency of the assembly work of the communication device can be improved.

[0025] Also The vehicle skeleton structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that the assembly of the communication device can be easily performed.

[0026] Also The vehicle skeleton structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that the efficiency of the maintenance work of the communication device from the inside of the vehicle can be improved.

[0027] Claim 2 The vehicle skeleton structure according to the present invention described in the claim has an excellent effect that while securing a space above the vehicle of the rear seat, the rigidity against bending in the vehicle vertical direction of the roof portion of the vehicle body can be secured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the vehicle skeleton structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In each figure, an arrow FR appropriately shown indicates the front side of the "vehicle 10" to which the vehicle skeleton structure according to the present embodiment is applied, an arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle 10, and an arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10.

[0031] First, with reference to FIG. 4, a schematic configuration of the "vehicle body 12" that constitutes the main part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 will be described. The vehicle body 12 includes a pair of left and right front pillars 14 (see FIG. 5), a pair of left and right center pillars 16 (see FIG. 5), and a pair of left and right rear pillars 18 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. And the upper end parts of each of the front pillar 14, the center pillar 16, and the rear pillar 18 are connected by a pair of roof side rails 22 that constitute a part of the "roof part 20" of the vehicle body 12. Note that the vehicle body 12 has a configuration symmetric with respect to a center line CL (see FIG. 2) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0032] The roof side rails 22 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction with respect to each other and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the roof side rails 22 include an outer panel 24 that constitutes the outer part in the vehicle width direction and an inner panel 26 that constitutes the inner part in the vehicle width direction. This roof side rail 22 has a closed cross-section structure in which the outer panel 24 and the inner panel 26 are joined at a joint (not shown) by spot welding or the like, so that the cross-section seen from the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross-section.

[0033] On one side, a roof panel 28 is spanned between the roof side rails 22. The roof panel 28 is formed by pressing a steel plate and is in a plate shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle up-and-down direction. Further, the upper surface of the roof panel 28 constitutes a part of the design surface 20A on the upper side of the vehicle of the roof portion 20.

[0034] And in this embodiment, there is a first feature in that the roof portion 20 is reinforced by a "rear header reinforcement 30" as a roof reinforcement provided on the rear side of the vehicle of the roof panel 28. Further, there is a second feature in that a pair of "antenna units 32" and "antenna units 34" as communication devices described later are supported by the rear header reinforcement 30. Hereinafter, the configuration of the rear header reinforcement 30 and its peripheral portion will be described in detail.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the rear header reinforcement 30 includes a rear header upper panel 36 that constitutes the upper portion on the vehicle side thereof and a rear header lower panel 38 that constitutes the lower portion on the vehicle side thereof.

[0036] Specifically, the rear header upper panel 36 is formed by pressing a steel plate and includes a first upper wall portion 36A, a first vertical wall portion 36B, a second upper wall portion 36C, a second vertical wall portion 36D, and a rear side extension wall portion 36E. The first upper wall portion 36A constitutes the main part of the rear header upper panel 36 and extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle up-and-down direction. Further, the peripheral portion on the front side of the vehicle of the first upper wall portion 36A is joined to the peripheral portion on the rear side of the vehicle of the roof panel 28 by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding in a state of being abutted from the upper side of the vehicle.

[0037] On one side, a roof side rail 22 is joined to the peripheral edge portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first upper wall portion 36A by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding. As also shown in FIG. 2, a pair of through portions 40 and a through portion 42 are provided in the first upper wall portion 36A.

[0038] The through portions 40 are formed in each of the portion on one side in the vehicle width direction and the portion on the other side in the vehicle width direction in the first upper wall portion 36A, and are rectangular with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. Also, as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, most of the antenna unit 32 described later is accommodated inside the through portion 40.

[0039] On the other hand, the through portion 42 is formed at the center in the vehicle width direction of the first upper wall portion 36A, and is rectangular with the vehicle front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. Note that the length of the through portion 42 in the vehicle front-rear direction is set to be approximately the same as the length of the through portion 40 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the length in the vehicle width direction is set to be shorter than the length of the through portion 40 in the vehicle width direction. And, as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, most of the antenna unit 34 described later is accommodated inside the through portion 42.

[0040] The first vertical wall portion 36B extends downward from the peripheral edge portion on the rear side of the vehicle of the first upper wall portion 36A with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction, and from the peripheral edge portion on the lower side of the vehicle of the first vertical wall portion 36B, a second upper wall portion 36C extends rearward with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction.

[0041] And, from the peripheral edge portion on the rear side of the vehicle of the second upper wall portion 36C, a second vertical wall portion 36D extends downward with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction, and from the peripheral edge portion on the lower side of the vehicle of the second vertical wall portion 36D, a rear-side extending wall portion 36E extends rearward and downward. Note that the portion on the rear side of the vehicle of the rear-side extending wall portion 36E extends upward, and a weather strip (not shown) is attached to this portion.

[0042] On the one hand, the rear header lower panel 38 is formed by pressing a steel plate, and includes a first lower wall portion 38A, a first inner peripheral wall portion 38B, a first inner extending wall portion 38C, a second inner peripheral wall portion 38D, a second inner extending wall portion 38E, an outer peripheral wall portion 38F, an outer extending wall portion 38G, a rear vertical wall portion 38H, a second lower wall portion 38I, and a lower extending wall portion 38J.

[0043] The first lower wall portion 38A constitutes the main part of the rear header lower panel 38, with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle up-down direction and extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction. The portion of the first lower wall portion 38A on the vehicle rear side is joined to the portion of the second upper wall portion 36C on the vehicle front side at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like. And, as also shown in FIG. 2, a pair of through portions 44 and a through portion 46 are provided in the first lower wall portion 38A.

[0044] The through portions 44 are formed respectively in one side portion and the other side portion of the first lower wall portion 38A in the vehicle width direction, and are rectangular with the vehicle width direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle up-down direction. Also, when viewed from the vehicle up-down direction, the antenna unit 32 described later is in a state where it is completely accommodated inside the through portion 44.

[0045] On the other hand, the through portion 46 is formed at the center portion of the first lower wall portion 38A in the vehicle width direction, and is rectangular with the vehicle front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle up-down direction. Note that the length of the through portion 46 in the vehicle front-rear direction is set to be approximately the same as the length of the through portion 44 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the length of the through portion 46 in the vehicle width direction is set to be shorter than the length of the through portion 40 in the vehicle width direction. And, when viewed from the vehicle up-down direction, the antenna unit 34 described later is in a state where it is completely accommodated inside the through portion 46.

[0046] The first inner peripheral wall portion 38B extends upward from the peripheral edge of the through portion 44 and is formed in a square tube shape when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction. And from the upper peripheral edge of the first inner peripheral wall portion 38B, a first inner extending wall portion 38C is extended with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction toward the central portion side of the through portion 44 when viewed from above the vehicle. This first inner extending wall portion 38C is arranged so as to overlap with the peripheral edge of the through portion 40 in the first upper wall portion 36A of the rear header upper panel 36 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction, and is joined to the peripheral edge at a joint portion (not shown) by welding or the like.

[0047] On the other hand, the second inner peripheral wall portion 38D extends upward from the peripheral edge of the through portion 46 and is formed in a square tube shape when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction. And from the upper peripheral edge of the second inner peripheral wall portion 38D, a second inner extending wall portion 38E is extended with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction toward the central portion side of the through portion 46 when viewed from above the vehicle. This second inner extending wall portion 38E is arranged so as to overlap with the peripheral edge of the through portion 42 in the first upper wall portion 36A of the rear header upper panel 36 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction, and is joined to the peripheral edge at a joint portion (not shown) by welding or the like.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral wall portion 38F extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the first lower wall portion 38A. From the upper peripheral edge of the outer peripheral wall portion 38F, an outer extending wall portion 38G is extended with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction on the opposite side of the through portion 44 and the through portion 46 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction. This outer extending wall portion 38G is arranged so as to overlap with the outer peripheral edge of the first upper wall portion 36A of the rear header upper panel 36, and is joined to the outer peripheral edge at a joint portion (not shown) by welding or the like.

[0049] On the other hand, the rear vertical wall portion 38H extends downward from the rear peripheral edge of the first lower wall portion 38A with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction. From the lower peripheral edge of the rear vertical wall portion 38H, a second lower wall portion 38I is extended rearward with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction.

[0050] And from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the second lower wall portion 38I, a lower side extending wall portion 38J extends downward and rearward of the vehicle, and the lower side extending wall portion 38J is joined to a portion on the vehicle front side of the rear side extending wall portion 36E of the rear header upper panel 36 by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0051] In the present embodiment, by configuring the rear header reinforcement 30 as described above, a "front side closed cross-section structure portion 48" as a first closed cross-section structure portion is configured in the portion on the vehicle front side of the rear header reinforcement 30. Further, a "central closed cross-section structure portion 50" as a second closed cross-section structure portion is configured at the center in the vehicle front-rear direction of the rear header reinforcement 30. Furthermore, a rear side closed cross-section structure portion 52 is configured in the portion on the vehicle rear side of the rear header reinforcement 30.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, outer side closed cross-section structure portions 54 are respectively configured in the portions on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear header reinforcement 30, and a pair of inner side closed cross-section structure portions 56 are configured at the center in the vehicle width direction of the rear header reinforcement 30.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 1, the front side closed cross-section structure portion 48 is configured to include a portion on the vehicle front side of the first upper wall portion 36A, a portion on the vehicle front side of the first lower wall portion 38A, a portion on the vehicle front side of the first inner peripheral wall portion 38B, and a portion on the vehicle front side of the outer peripheral wall portion 38F. This front side closed cross-section structure portion 48 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-section shape that is rectangular when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Also, the central closed cross-section structure portion 50 is configured to include a portion on the vehicle rear side of the first upper wall portion 36A, the first vertical wall portion 36B, a portion on the vehicle rear side of the first lower wall portion 38A, and a portion on the vehicle rear side of the first inner peripheral wall portion 38B. This central closed cross-section structure portion 50 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-section shape that is rectangular and larger in the vehicle vertical direction than the shape of the front side closed cross-section structure portion 48 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0055] Then, the "first centroid G1" of the cross-section of the portion of the front closed cross-section structure 48 located on the vehicle front side of the through-hole 40 and the through-hole 42 as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction is located on the vehicle upper side with respect to the "second centroid G2" of the cross-section of the portion of the central closed cross-section structure 50 located on the vehicle rear side of the through-hole 40 and the through-hole 42 as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0056] On the other hand, the rear closed cross-section structure 52 includes a portion on the vehicle rear side of the second upper wall portion 36C, the second vertical wall portion 36D, the rear vertical wall portion 38H, and the second lower wall portion 38I. This rear closed cross-section structure 52 has a closed cross-section shape that extends in the vehicle width direction and is smaller in shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction than that of the front closed cross-section structure 48, and the upper edge portion 58A of the back door opening 58 is reinforced by the rear closed cross-section structure 52 (see FIG. 4).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer closed cross-section structure 54 includes a portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first upper wall portion 36A, a portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first lower wall portion 38A, a portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first inner peripheral wall portion 38B, and a portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 38F. This outer closed cross-section structure 54 has a closed cross-section shape that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is arranged along the peripheral edge portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the through-hole 40 as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0058] On the other hand, the inner closed cross-section structure 56 includes a portion located between the through-hole 40 and the through-hole 42 in the first upper wall portion 36A, a portion located between the through-hole 44 and the through-hole 46 in the first lower wall portion 38A, a portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the first inner peripheral wall portion 38B, and a portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the second inner peripheral wall portion 38D. This inner closed cross-section structure 56 has a closed cross-section shape that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is arranged along the peripheral edge portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the through-hole 40 and the peripheral edge portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the through-hole 42 as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 1, a ceiling member 60 is disposed on the vehicle lower side of the roof panel 28. The ceiling member 60 includes a curved portion 60A that curves so as to protrude upward on the vehicle side when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and a general portion 60B that extends rearward on the vehicle side from the curved portion 60A. Further, the rear end portion of the general portion 60B is locked to a weather strip attached to the rear end portion of the rear side extension wall portion 36E.

[0060] Also, in the present embodiment, the rear seat 62 is disposed at a position overlapping the curved portion 60A when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and a predetermined clearance is secured between the rear seat 62 and the curved portion 60A.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the antenna unit 32 includes a "case 64" that constitutes its outer shell and is made of a material such as resin that can transmit radio waves, and a plurality of antennas 66 capable of at least one of transmitting and receiving radio waves stored in the case 64.

[0062] Specifically, the case 64 includes a case main body portion 64A that is rectangular box-shaped when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction for storing the antenna 66, a pair of "locking portions 64B", and a pair of mounting plate portions 64C.

[0063] The locking portions 64B are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction on the front side portion of the upper surface of the case main body portion 64A. The locking portions 64B include a rising portion 64B1 protruding upward from the case main body portion 64A and an extending portion 64B2 extending forward from the rising portion 64B1, and are configured in an L shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0064] Between the upper surface of the case main body 64A and the locking portion 64B, a portion extending rearward of the vehicle from the front-side closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 in the first upper wall portion 36A and a portion extending rearward of the vehicle from the front-side closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 in the first inner extending wall portion 38C are locked. Hereinafter, the aggregate of the above-described portion of the first upper wall portion 36A and the above-described portion of the first inner extending wall portion 38C to which the locking portion 64B can be locked will be referred to as the "first support piece portion 68". Further, the locking portion 64B can be locked to the first support piece portion 68 from below the vehicle.

[0065] On the other hand, the mounting plate portion 64C is provided at the corner portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and on the rear side of the vehicle of the case main body 64A and at the corner portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and on the rear side of the vehicle of the case main body 64A, and is in a plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle vertical direction. And a through portion 70 is provided in this mounting plate portion 64C.

[0066] On the other hand, a plurality of "weld bolts 72" as mounting members are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction on a portion extending forward of the vehicle from the central closed cross-sectional structure portion 50 in the first upper wall portion 36A and a portion extending rearward of the vehicle from the central closed cross-sectional structure portion 50 in the first inner extending wall portion 38C. This weld bolt 72 is attached in a state where its shaft portion 72A protrudes below the vehicle of the first inner extending wall portion 38C.

[0067] Then, with the shaft portion 72A of the weld bolt 72 inserted into the through portion 70 of the mounting plate portion 64C, a "nut 74" as a mounting member is fastened to the shaft portion 72A from below the vehicle, whereby the antenna unit 32 is fixed to the roof portion 20. Hereinafter, the aggregate of the above-described portion of the first upper wall portion 36A and the above-described portion of the first inner extending wall portion 38C to which the mounting plate portion 64C can be mounted will be referred to as the "second support piece portion 76".

[0068] Further, the antenna unit 32 is in a state of overlapping when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction with a portion located on the vehicle front side of the through portion 40 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction in the front closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 and a portion located on the vehicle rear side of the through portion 40 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction in the center closed cross-sectional structure portion 50.

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the antenna unit 34 includes a "case 78" that forms its outer shell and is made of a material such as resin that can transmit radio waves, and a plurality of antennas 80 capable of at least one of transmitting and receiving radio waves stored in the case 78.

[0070] Similar to the case 64, the case 78 includes a case main body portion 78A, one "locking portion 78B", and one mounting plate portion 78C. Then, with the locking portion 78B locked to the first support piece portion 68, the mounting plate portion 78C is attached to the second support piece portion 76 via the weld bolt 72 and the nut 74, whereby the antenna unit 34 is fixed to the roof portion 20.

[0071] Further, the antenna unit 34 is in a state of overlapping when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction with a portion located on the vehicle front side of the through portion 42 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction in the front closed cross-sectional structure portion 48 and a portion located on the vehicle rear side of the through portion 42 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction in the center closed cross-sectional structure portion 50.

[0072] Examples of the types of the antenna 66 and the antenna 80 include an antenna for DCM (Data Communication Module), an antenna for GPS (Global Positioning System), an antenna for wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and an antenna for ETC (Electronic Toll Collection).

[0073] Returning to FIG. 1, a "resin roof panel 82" is disposed above the vehicle on the antenna units 32 and 34. This resin roof panel 82 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate that can transmit radio waves, and is in the form of a plate extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle up-and-down direction.

[0074] This resin roof panel 82 is joined by an adhesive joint portion 84 provided so as to surround the through portions 40 and 42 on the first upper wall portion 36A of the rear header upper panel 36. The upper surface of the resin roof panel 82 is painted with paint and constitutes a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) is attached to the gap between the outer periphery of the resin roof panel 82 and the vehicle body 12.

[0075] (Operations and Effects of this Embodiment) Next, the operations and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a part of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 is constituted by the rear header reinforcement 30. And this rear header reinforcement 30 includes a front side closed cross-section structure portion 48 and a central closed cross-section structure portion 50 that extend in the vehicle width direction and have a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front side closed cross-section structure portion 48 and the central closed cross-section structure portion 50 can reinforce the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 against loads caused by rollover or the like.

[0077] In addition, in the present embodiment, an antenna unit 32 and an antenna unit 34 are arranged on the vehicle rear side of the front closed cross-section structure portion 48 and on the vehicle front side of the central closed cross-section structure portion 50. And a first support piece portion 68 extends from the front closed cross-section structure portion 48 toward the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 side, and a second support piece portion 76 extends from the central closed cross-section structure portion 50 toward the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 side. Therefore, the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 are supported by the first support piece portion 68 and the second support piece portion 76, and the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 can be installed between the front closed cross-section structure portion 48 and the central closed cross-section structure portion 50 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0078] Therefore, in the present embodiment, while securing a space for arranging the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 on the vehicle body 12, it is possible to secure the rigidity of the vehicle body 12 against rollover and the like.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer shell of the antenna unit 32 is constituted by a resin case 64, and the outer shell of the antenna unit 34 is constituted by a resin case 78. For this reason, it is possible to transmit radio waves through the case 64 and the case 78 and perform radio wave transmission and reception by the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34. Further, the case 64 is provided with a locking portion 64B that can be locked to the first support piece portion 68, and the case 78 is provided with a locking portion 78B that can be locked to the first support piece portion 68.

[0080] For this reason, in the present embodiment, when installing the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34, the locking portion 64B and the locking portion 78B can be locked to the first support piece portion 68 to position the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34. Therefore, in the present embodiment, communication by the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 can be smoothly performed, and the efficiency of the assembling work of the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 can be improved.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, the locking portions 64B of the case 64 and the locking portions 78B of the case 78 are locked to the first support piece portion 68. Further, the case 64 and the case 78 are attached to the second support piece portion 76 via the weld bolts 72 and the nuts 74. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when installing the antenna units 32 and 34, the positioning of the case 64 and the case 78 and the attachment locations to which they are attached can be easily performed, and as a result, the assembly of the antenna units 32 and 34 can be easily performed.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the resin roof panel 82 is attached to the rear header reinforcement 30 from above the vehicle, and the antenna units 32 and 34 are covered from above the vehicle by the resin roof panel 82. Therefore, in the present embodiment, on the upper side of the vehicle of the antenna units 32 and 3, while enabling the transmission and reception of radio waves by these, they can be hidden by the resin roof panel 82.

[0083] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first support piece portion 68 is provided at the upper side of the vehicle of the front closed cross-section structure portion 48, and the second support piece portion 76 is provided at the upper side of the vehicle of the central closed cross-section structure portion 50, and the antenna units 32 and 34 can be attached to the upper side of the vehicle of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12.

[0084] Then, the locking portions 64B provided on the case 64 and the locking portions 78B provided on the case 78 are locked to the first support piece portion 68 from below the vehicle, and the case 64 and the case 78 are attached to the second support piece portion 76 via the weld bolts 72 and the nuts 74 from below the vehicle.

[0085] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the antenna units 32 and 34 can be removed from the vehicle lower side of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12. Thus, in the present embodiment, the efficiency of the maintenance work of the antenna units 32 and 34 from the inside of the vehicle 10 can be improved.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rear header reinforcement 30 constitutes a part of the vehicle rear side of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12. And, the first centroid G1 of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the overlapping portion of the antenna units 32 and 34 as viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the front closed cross-section structure portion 48 is located above the vehicle with respect to the second centroid G2 of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction of the overlapping portion of the antenna units 32 and 34 as viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the central closed cross-section structure portion 50.

[0087] For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the overlapping portion of the rear header reinforcement 30 with the antenna units 32 and 34 as viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the size in the vehicle vertical direction of the cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction is smaller on the vehicle front side than on the vehicle rear side.

[0088] Also, compared with a configuration in which the positions of the first centroid G1 and the second centroid G2 are set to the same position in the vehicle vertical direction, the second moment of area of the cross-section of the rear header reinforcement 30 with respect to bending in the vehicle vertical direction can be increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, while securing a space above the rear seat 62, the rigidity of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 against bending in the vehicle vertical direction can be ensured.

[0089] <Second Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the vehicle skeletal structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a through portion 90 extending in the vehicle width direction is formed at the center in the vehicle front-rear direction of the roof panel 28, and an antenna unit 32 and an antenna unit 34 are attached to a "center header reinforcement 92" as a roof reinforcement disposed along the peripheral edge of the through portion 90.

[0090] Specifically, the center header reinforcement 92 includes a center header upper panel 94 constituting the upper portion on the vehicle side thereof and a center header lower panel 96 constituting the lower portion on the vehicle side thereof.

[0091] The center header upper panel 94 is formed by pressing a steel plate, and the plate thickness direction is the vehicle up-down direction and extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the peripheral edge portions on the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side of the center header upper panel 94 are joined to the peripheral edge portion of the through portion 90 in the roof panel 28 by a joint portion (not shown) such as welding. And a through portion 98 extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in the center header upper panel 94, and most of the antenna unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 are accommodated inside the through portion 98 as viewed from the vehicle up-down direction.

[0092] On the other hand, the center header lower panel 96 is formed by pressing a steel plate, and includes a "front lower wall portion 96A" as a first bottom wall portion, a front outer peripheral wall portion 96B, a first outer peripheral extension portion 96C, a front inner peripheral wall portion 96D, a first inner peripheral extension portion 96E, a "rear lower wall portion 96F" as a second bottom wall portion, a rear outer peripheral wall portion 96G, a second outer peripheral extension portion 96H, a rear inner peripheral wall portion I, and a second inner peripheral extension portion 96J.

[0093] The front lower wall portion 96A constitutes the front portion on the vehicle side of the center header lower panel 96, is plate-shaped and extends in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the vehicle up-down direction, and is arranged to have a downward slope from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side as viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0094] The front outer peripheral wall portion 96B extends upward and forward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle front side of the front lower wall portion 96A, and a first outer peripheral extension portion 96C extends forward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle upper side of the front outer peripheral wall portion 96B. The first outer peripheral extension portion 96C is joined at a joint (not shown) such as by welding to the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle front side of the center header upper panel 94.

[0095] On the other hand, the front inner peripheral wall portion 96D extends upward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the front lower wall portion 96A, and a first inner peripheral extension portion 96E extends rearward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle upper side of the front inner peripheral wall portion 96D. The first inner peripheral extension portion 96E is joined at a joint (not shown) such as by welding to the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle front side of the through portion 98 in the center header upper panel 94.

[0096] The rear lower wall portion 96F constitutes the portion on the vehicle rear side of the center header lower panel 96 and is in the form of a plate extending in the vehicle width direction when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction, and is arranged so as to have a downward slope from the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle front side when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0097] The front outer peripheral wall portion 96G extends upward and rearward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the rear lower wall portion 96F, and a second outer peripheral extension portion 96H extends rearward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle upper side of the rear outer peripheral wall portion 96G. The second outer peripheral extension portion 96H is joined at a joint (not shown) such as by welding to the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the center header upper panel 94.

[0098] On the other hand, the rear inner peripheral wall portion 96I extends upward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the rear lower wall portion 96F, and a second inner peripheral extension portion 96J extends forward from the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle upper side of the rear inner peripheral wall portion 96I. The second inner peripheral extension portion 96J is joined at a joint (not shown) such as by welding to the peripheral edge portion on the vehicle rear side of the through portion 98 in the center header upper panel 94.

[0099] In this embodiment, by configuring the center header reinforcement 92 as described above, a "front closed cross-sectional structure portion 100" as a first closed cross-sectional structure portion is configured in a portion of the center header reinforcement 92 on the vehicle front side. Further, in a portion of the center header reinforcement 92 on the vehicle rear side, a "rear closed cross-sectional structure portion 102" as a second closed cross-sectional structure portion is configured.

[0100] Specifically, the front closed cross-sectional structure portion 100 includes a portion of the center header upper panel 94 on the vehicle front side, a front lower wall portion 96A, a front outer peripheral wall portion 96B, and a front inner peripheral wall portion 96D. This front closed cross-sectional structure portion 100 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-sectional shape that is rectangular when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0101] Also, in this embodiment, the locking portion 64B and the locking portion 78B are configured to be lockable from the vehicle lower side to an assembly of a portion of the center header upper panel 94 and a first inner peripheral extending portion 96E joined to the portion. Hereinafter, the above assembly of the portion of the center header upper panel 94 to which the locking portion 64B and the locking portion 78B can be attached and the first inner peripheral extending portion 96E will be referred to as the "first support piece portion 104".

[0102] On the other hand, the rear closed cross-sectional structure portion 102 includes a portion of the center header upper panel 94 on the vehicle rear side, a rear lower wall portion 96F, a rear outer peripheral wall portion 96G, and a rear inner peripheral wall portion 96I. This rear closed cross-sectional structure portion 102 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a closed cross-sectional shape that is rectangular when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0103] Also, in this embodiment, the case 64 and the case 78 are configured to be attachable with a weld bolt 72 and a nut 74 to an assembly of a portion of the center header upper panel 94 and a second inner peripheral extending portion 96J joined to the portion. Hereinafter, the above assembly of the portion of the center header upper panel 94 to which the case 64 and the case 78 can be attached and the second inner peripheral extending portion 96J will be referred to as the "second support piece portion 106".

[0104] Note that the rear seat 62 is arranged on the vehicle rear side of the center header reinforcement 92, and the front seat 108 such as the driver's seat is arranged on the vehicle front side of the center header reinforcement 92.

[0105] On the other hand, on the vehicle upper side of the center header reinforcement 92, a "resin roof panel 110" that is rectangular plate-shaped with the longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction is arranged, and the antenna units 32 and 34 are covered from the vehicle upper side by the resin roof panel 110.

[0106] And the resin roof panel 110 is joined to the center header upper panel 94 at a joint portion 112 by an adhesive or the like provided so as to surround the through portion 98. Note that the upper surface of the resin roof panel 110 is painted with paint and constitutes a part of the design surface 20A of the roof portion 20. Also, a seal member (not shown) is attached to the gap between the outer periphery of the resin roof panel 110 and the vehicle body 12.

[0107] According to such a configuration, even when it is not possible to arrange the antenna units 32 and 34 in the vehicle rear side portion of the roof panel 28 depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10 and the like, basically the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment are achieved.

[0108] Also, when it is possible to arrange the antenna units 32 and 34 in the vehicle rear side portion of the roof panel 28, more space where communication devices can be arranged can be secured in the vehicle body 12, and more communication devices can be mounted.

[0109] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the center header reinforcement 92 constitutes a part of the central portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12. And the front lower wall portion 96A of the front closed cross-section structure portion 100 is inclined downward from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and the rear lower wall portion 96F of the center header reinforcement 92 is inclined downward from the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle front side when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0110] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle upper side in the vehicle interior, spaces can be secured on the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side of the center header reinforcement 92. As a result, while securing spaces above the rear upper side of the front seat 108 and above the front upper side of the rear seat 62, the rigidity against bending in the vehicle vertical direction of the roof portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 can be secured.

[0111] <Supplementary Explanation of the Above Embodiment> (1) In the above-described embodiment, the rear header reinforcement 30 and the center header reinforcement 92 are made of steel plates, but they may be made of carbon fiber reinforced resin according to the specifications of the vehicle 10 or the like.

[0112] (2) Also, in the above-described embodiment, the roof reinforcement is divided into an upper side and a lower side of the vehicle, but the configuration of the roof reinforcement is not limited to this. For example, according to the specifications of the vehicle 10 or the like, the closed cross-section structure portion of the roof reinforcement may be configured by a square tube-shaped member extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0113] (3) Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion were provided integrally with the closed cross-section structure portion extending in the vehicle width direction. However, the configuration of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion is not limited to this. For example, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10, etc., the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion may be configured as separate members from the members constituting the closed cross-section structure portion. Also, the positions of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion may be set in the portion below the vehicle of the closed cross-section structure portion. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a clip, an adhesive, etc. for attaching the communication device to the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion.

[0114] (4) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the locking portion provided on the case of the electronic device was locked to the first support piece portion. However, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10, etc., a locking portion that can be locked to the second support piece portion may be provided on the case. Also, it may be configured such that the locking portion can be fixed to the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion by an attachment member such as a clip.

Explanation of Signs

[0115] 10 Vehicle 12 Vehicle body 20 Roof portion 20A Design surface 30 Rear header reinforcement (roof reinforcement) 32 Antenna unit (communication device) 34 Antenna unit (communication device) 48 Front side closed cross-section structure portion (first closed cross-section structure portion) 50 Central closed cross-section structure portion (second closed cross-section structure portion) 64 Case 64B Locking portion 68 First support piece portion 72 Weld bolt (attachment member) 74 Nut (attachment member) 76 Second support piece portion 78 Case 78B Locking portion 82 Resin roof panel 92 Center header reinforcement (roof reinforcement) 96A Front lower wall part (first bottom wall part) 96F Rear lower wall part (second bottom wall part) 100 Front closed cross-section structure part (first closed cross-section structure part) 102 Rear closed cross-section structure part (second closed cross-section structure part) 104 First support piece part 106 Second support piece part 110 Resin roof panel G1 First centroid G2 Second centroid

Claims

1. A first closed cross-section structure portion that extends in the vehicle width direction, has a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and is disposed on the vehicle front side of the communication device; A first support piece portion that extends from the first closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side and is capable of supporting the communication device; A second closed cross-section structure portion that extends in the vehicle width direction, has a closed cross-section shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the communication device; A second support piece portion that extends from the second closed cross-section structure portion toward the communication device side and is capable of supporting the communication device; Comprising; Having a roof reinforcement that constitutes a part of the roof portion of the vehicle body, The communication device includes a resin case that constitutes an outer shell, and the case is provided with a locking portion that can be locked to the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion, The locking portion is locked to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion, The case is attached to either the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via an attachment member, Further comprising a resin roof panel that is attached from above the vehicle to the roof reinforcement and covers the communication device from above the vehicle, The first support piece portion is provided at a portion above the vehicle of the first closed cross-section structure portion, The second support piece portion is provided at a portion above the vehicle of the second closed cross-section structure portion, The locking portion is capable of being locked from below the vehicle to either the first support piece portion or the second support piece portion, The case is capable of being attached from below the vehicle to either the other of the first support piece portion and the second support piece portion via the attachment member. Vehicle skeleton structure.

2. The roof reinforcement constitutes a part of the vehicle rear side of the roof portion, and A first centroid of a cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction of a portion of the first closed cross-section structure portion that overlaps the communication device when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction is located above the vehicle with respect to a second centroid of a cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction of a portion of the second closed cross-section structure portion that overlaps the communication device when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. The vehicle skeleton structure according to Claim 1.

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