Body structure

Abstract

To provide a body structure capable of reducing man-hour to assemble a vehicle body in which a center pillar and a rocker are constituted as a separate component and connected to each other.SOLUTION: A collar 36 is arranged inside a rocker 28 constituting a part of a vehicle body 12, and in the collar 36, a penetration part 36A extending in a vehicle width direction is formed. At an outer wall part 44B1 of a center pillar 18, a penetration part 50 is provided, and at an inner wall part 46B1, a penetration part 56 is provided. The rocker 28 and a lower part 18A of the center pillar 18 are connected to be detachable by bolts 60 inserted in the vehicle width direction into the penetration part 50, the penetration part 56 and the penetration part 36A of the collar 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an invention related to an automobile body. In this automobile body, the lower end of a center pillar is connected via a fastening member to a side sill (rocker) of a body frame that is a separate part from the center pillar. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6150365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the connection points between the center pillar and the side sill are distributed on both the outer and inner sides of the side sill in the vehicle width direction, making it difficult to reduce the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention has an object to provide a vehicle body structure in which a center pillar and a rocker are constructed as separate parts and connected together, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps for the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle body structure of the present invention described in claim 1 comprises: a rocker that forms part of the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the lower part of the vehicle body, that has a closed cross section when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction and that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a center pillar that is a separate part from the rocker and that includes an outer wall portion whose lower part on the vehicle lower side is located outboard of the rocker in the vehicle width direction and an inner wall portion located inboard of the rocker in the vehicle width direction; a width direction support portion that is arranged inside the rocker and has a width direction through-portion formed therein that extends in the vehicle width direction; and a width direction attachment portion that is inserted in the vehicle width direction into an outer inserted portion provided on the outer wall portion, an inner inserted portion provided on the inner wall portion and the width direction through-portion and that detachably connects the rocker and the lower part.

[0007] According to the present invention described in claim 1, a portion of the vehicle lower body outer side in the vehicle width direction is composed of a rocker, and this rocker has a closed cross section when viewed from the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and extends in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

[0008] In addition, in the present invention, the center pillar is a separate part from the rocker, and the lower part of the center pillar on the vehicle lower side has an outer wall portion located on the outer side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction, and an inner wall portion located on the inner side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction.

[0009] However, if the connection points between the center pillar and the rocker are distributed between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion of the center pillar, it is conceivable that the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body will increase.

[0010] In the present invention, a width-direction support portion is disposed inside the rocker, and a width-direction through-portion extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in this width-direction support portion. Also, an outer inserted portion is provided on the outer wall portion of the center pillar, and an inner inserted portion is provided on the inner wall portion.

[0011] The rocker and the lower part of the center pillar are removably connected by widthwise mounting parts that are inserted in the vehicle width direction through the outer inserted part, the inner inserted part, and the widthwise through-portions of the widthwise support parts.

[0012] Therefore, in the present invention, the connection points between the rocker and the center pillar are concentrated in the vehicle width direction, and the rocker and the center pillar can be connected without having to be connected on both the outside and inside of the vehicle width direction.

[0013] The vehicle body structure of the present invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, wherein the widthwise support portion is an impact absorbing member capable of absorbing collision load in the vehicle width direction, and the widthwise support portion is arranged in a position that overlaps with the battery pack arranged inside the rocker in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0014] According to the present invention as set forth in claim 2, an impact absorbing member capable of absorbing a collision load in the vehicle width direction is disposed inside the rocker. Meanwhile, a battery pack is disposed inside the rocker in the vehicle width direction, and the impact absorbing member is disposed in a position overlapping with the battery pack when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0015] Therefore, in the present invention, when a collision load is input to the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, at least a portion of the collision load is absorbed by the impact absorbing member before the collision load is input to the battery pack.

[0016] The vehicle body structure of the present invention as set forth in claim 3 is the invention as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a vertical support part that is arranged inside the rocker and has a vertical through-hole formed therein that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the lower part is provided with an upper wall part that is located on the vehicle upper side of the rocker, and the upper wall part is removably connected to the rocker via an upper inserted part provided on the upper wall part and a vertical mounting part that is inserted in the vertical direction of the vehicle into the vertical through-hole.

[0017] According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, the vertical support portion is disposed inside the rocker, and the vertical support portion is formed with a vertical through-portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0018] On the other hand, an upper wall portion is provided at the lower portion of the center pillar and is located on the vehicle upper side of the rocker, and this upper wall portion is provided with an upper insertion portion.

[0019] The rocker and the lower part of the center pillar are detachably connected by a vertical mounting portion that is inserted in the vehicle vertical direction through the upper inserted portion and the vertical through portion of the vertical support portion.

[0020] Therefore, in the present invention, the connection points between the rocker and the center pillar are concentrated in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the rocker and the center pillar can be connected without having to be connected on both the upper and lower sides of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the vehicle body structure according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1 has the excellent effect of reducing the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body in a vehicle body in which the center pillar and rocker are constructed as separate parts and connected together.

[0022] The vehicle body structure according to the present invention as set forth in claim 2 has the excellent effect of being able to protect the battery pack arranged on the lower side of the vehicle body from a collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The vehicle body structure according to the present invention as set forth in claim 3 has the excellent effect of being able to suppress an increase in the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body even when the center pillar and the rocker are connected in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view (view taken in the direction of an arrow 1 in FIG. 2) showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which the vehicle body structure according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2]2 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 2-2 in FIG. 1) seen from above the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which the vehicle body structure relating to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view seen from the front side of the vehicle (a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 3-3 in FIG. 1) showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which the vehicle body structure related to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view seen from the front side of the vehicle (a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 4-4 in FIG. 1) showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which the vehicle body structure related to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) seen from above the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4) seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure relating to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7) seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connecting portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure according to a first modified example of the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7) seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing the configuration of a connection portion between a center pillar and a rocker in a vehicle body to which a vehicle body structure according to a second modified example of the second embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First Embodiment An example of an embodiment of a vehicle body structure according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the arrow FR shown in each figure indicates the front side of the vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and the arrow OUT indicates the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] First, a schematic configuration of a "vehicle body 12" of a "vehicle 10" to which the vehicle body structure according to this embodiment is applied will be described using Figure 5. In this embodiment, the vehicle body 12 is basically configured symmetrically, and therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the configuration of the left side of the vehicle body 12 in the vehicle width direction, and will omit appropriate descriptions of the configuration of the right side of the vehicle width direction.

[0027] The vehicle body 12 is composed of a removably connected body upper 22 including a roof portion 14, front pillars 16, a "center pillar 18" and a rear pillar 20, and a body lower 26 including a "floor portion 24" as the lower part of the vehicle body.

[0028] This embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the connection between the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 that constitutes part of the floor section 24. Below, the configuration of the vehicle body 12 will be described in detail, focusing on the configuration of the center pillar 18 and rocker 28 that constitute the main parts of this embodiment, as well as the surrounding area.

[0029] First, the configuration of the floor section 24 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the floor section 24 is formed by pressing a steel plate and includes a floor panel 30 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle top-bottom direction. A pair of rockers 28 are arranged on the outer sides of the floor panel 30 in the vehicle width direction, along the outer peripheral edges of the floor panel 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The rocker 28 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and includes a rocker outer 32 that forms the outer portion of the rocker 28 in the vehicle width direction, and a rocker inner 34 that forms the inner portion of the rocker 28 in the vehicle width direction. The rocker outer 32 and the rocker inner 34 are each formed by pressing a steel plate.

[0031] Specifically, the rocker outer 32 includes a side wall portion 32A, an upper wall portion 32B, a lower wall portion 32C, and a pair of flange portions 32D, and has a hat-shaped cross section viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, the cross section being open on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The side wall portion 32A constitutes the outer portion of the rocker outer 32 in the vehicle width direction and is a plate-like member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, with its plate thickness direction being the vehicle width direction. An upper wall portion 32B extends from the peripheral edge of the side wall portion 32A on the upper side of the vehicle toward the inner side above the vehicle, and a lower wall portion 32C extends from the peripheral edge of the side wall portion 32A on the lower side of the vehicle toward the inner side below the vehicle. Flanges 32D extend from the peripheral edge of the upper wall portion 32B on the upper side of the vehicle toward the upper side of the vehicle, and from the peripheral edge of the lower wall portion 32C on the lower side of the vehicle toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0032] On the other hand, the rocker inner 34 is basically configured symmetrically in the vehicle width direction to the rocker outer 32. Specifically, the rocker inner 34 includes a side wall portion 34A, an upper wall portion 34B, a lower wall portion 34C, and a pair of flange portions 34D, and is configured such that its cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction is hat-shaped with the outer side in the vehicle width direction being open.

[0033] The flange portion 32D of the rocker outer 32 and the flange portion 34D of the rocker inner 34 are joined by welding or the like at a joint (not shown), so that the rocker 28 has a closed cross-sectional structure in which the cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction is a polygonal closed cross-section such as a substantially rectangular or substantially hexagonal shape. The outer peripheral edge of the floor panel 30 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the rocker inner 34 at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like in a state in which it abuts against the vehicle lower side.

[0034] 1 and 2, the center of the rocker 28 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a connecting portion 28A that is connected to the center pillar 18. Inside the connecting portion 28A, a plurality of "collars 36" serving as widthwise support portions and a plurality of "collars 38" serving as vertical support portions are arranged.

[0035] 3, the collar 36 is made of metal, has a cylindrical shape, and is disposed with its axial direction aligned with the vehicle width direction. That is, a "penetration portion 36A" formed in the collar 36 as a widthwise penetrating portion extends in the vehicle width direction. A plurality of collars 36 (five collars, for example) are disposed at predetermined intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle vertical center of the rocker 28.

[0036] The outer end of the collar 36 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the side wall portion 32A of the rocker outer 32, and the inner end of the collar 36 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the side wall portion 34A of the rocker inner 34 by a joint (not shown) such as welding. Furthermore, a through-portion 40 is formed in each of the side wall portion 32A and the side wall portion 34A at a position overlapping with the through-portion 36A.

[0037] On the other hand, collar 38 has basically the same configuration as collar 36, but is disposed with its axial direction aligned with the vehicle vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, "through portion 38A" as a vertical through portion formed in collar 38 extends in the vehicle vertical direction. A plurality of collars 38 (two, for example) are disposed at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction on each of one side and the other side of coupling portion 28A in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0038] More specifically, these collars 38 are arranged so as to overlap one another when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and the collar 38 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction has its upper end on the vehicle upper side joined to the upper wall portion 32B of the rocker outer 32, and its lower end on the vehicle lower side joined to the lower wall portion 32C of the rocker outer 32, by joints (not shown) such as welding. Furthermore, through-holes 41 are formed in the upper wall portion 32B and the lower wall portion 32C at positions that overlap with the through-holes 38A.

[0039] On the other hand, the collar 38 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction has its end on the upper side of the vehicle joined to the upper wall portion 34B of the rocker inner 34 and its end on the lower side of the vehicle joined to the lower wall portion 34C of the rocker inner 34 by joints (not shown) such as welding. Furthermore, through-holes 42 are formed in the upper wall portion 34B and the lower wall portion 34C at positions that overlap with the through-holes 38A.

[0040] 2, the center pillar 18 is configured to include an outer pillar 44 that forms the portion thereof on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and an inner pillar 46 that forms the portion thereof on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The outer pillar 44 and the inner pillar 46 are each formed by pressing steel plate.

[0041] 1, the pillar outer panel 44 is gradually increased in width from the upper side of the vehicle toward the lower side of the vehicle when viewed in the vehicle width direction. The pillar outer panel 44 is configured to include a front wall portion 44A that forms the portion on the front side of the vehicle, an outer wall portion 44B that forms the portion on the outer side of the vehicle width direction, and a rear wall portion 44C that forms the portion on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0042] The front wall portion 44A has a plate shape that extends in the vehicle vertical direction, with its main portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and its thickness direction aligned with the vehicle front-rear direction. Meanwhile, the portion of the front wall portion 44A that forms the "lower portion 18A" of the center pillar 18 is positioned on the vehicle upper side of the vehicle at the vehicle-front outer portion of the connecting portion 28A, with its thickness direction aligned with the vehicle vertical direction, and is in contact with the connecting portion 28A. Hereinafter, this portion of the front wall portion 44A will be referred to as the "upper wall portion 44A1." Furthermore, a "penetration portion 48" serving as an upper inserted portion is formed in the upper wall portion 44A1 at a position that overlaps with the penetration portion 38A of the collar 38 when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0043] The outer wall portion 44B extends in the vehicle up-down direction with its thickness direction being the vehicle width direction, and the portion of the outer wall portion 44B that forms the lower portion 18A is located outside the connecting portion 28A in the vehicle width direction and is in contact with the connecting portion 28A. Note that, hereinafter, this portion of the outer wall portion 44B will be referred to as the "outer wall portion 44B1." Then, at a position of the outer wall portion 44B1 that overlaps with the through portion 36A of the collar 36 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, a "through portion 50" serving as an outer inserted portion is formed (see FIG. 3).

[0044] The rear wall 44C has a plate-like shape with its main portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction, with its thickness oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Meanwhile, the portion of the rear wall 44C that forms the lower portion 18A is positioned on the vehicle upper side of the vehicle at the rearward outer portion of the connecting portion 28A, with its thickness oriented in the vehicle vertical direction, and is in contact with the connecting portion 28A. Hereinafter, this portion of the rear wall 44C will be referred to as the "upper wall 44C1." Furthermore, a "penetration portion 52" serving as an upper inserted portion is formed in the upper wall 44C1 at a position that overlaps with the penetration portion 38A of the collar 38 when viewed in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0045] In addition, a flange portion 44D extends toward the front of the vehicle from the inner peripheral edge of the front wall portion 44A in the vehicle width direction, and a flange portion 44E extends toward the rear of the vehicle from the inner peripheral edge of the rear wall portion 44C in the vehicle width direction.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the pillar inner 46 is basically configured symmetrically to the pillar outer 44 in the vehicle width direction, and is configured to include a front wall portion 46A that forms the portion on the front side of the vehicle, an inner wall portion 46B that forms the portion on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and a rear wall portion 46C that forms the portion on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0047] Specifically, the portion of front wall 46A that constitutes lower portion 18A is positioned on the vehicle upper side of the vehicle front-inner portion of connecting portion 28A, with its plate thickness direction aligned with the vehicle vertical direction, and is in contact with connecting portion 28A. Hereinafter, this portion of front wall 46A will be referred to as "upper wall 46A1." Furthermore, a "penetration portion 54" serving as an upper inserted portion is formed in upper wall 46A1 at a position that overlaps with penetration portion 38A of collar 38 when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0048] Furthermore, a portion of the inner wall portion 46B that constitutes the lower portion 18A is located inside the connecting portion 28A in the vehicle width direction and is in contact with the connecting portion 28A. Note that, hereinafter, this portion of the inner wall portion 46B will be referred to as the "inner wall portion 46B1." Then, at a position of the inner wall portion 46B1 that overlaps with the through portion 36A of the collar 36 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, a "through portion 56" serving as an inner inserted portion is formed (see FIG. 3).

[0049] Furthermore, the portion of rear wall 46C that constitutes lower portion 18A is positioned on the vehicle upper side of the vehicle rearwardly inward portion of connecting portion 28A, with its plate thickness direction aligned with the vehicle vertical direction, and is in contact with connecting portion 28A. Hereinafter, this portion of rear wall 46C will be referred to as "upper wall 46C1." Furthermore, a "penetration portion 58" serving as an upper inserted portion is formed in upper wall 46C1 at a position that overlaps with penetration portion 38A of collar 38 when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0050] In addition, a flange portion 46D extends toward the front of the vehicle from the outer peripheral edge of the front wall portion 46A in the vehicle width direction, and a flange portion 46E extends toward the rear of the vehicle from the outer peripheral edge of the rear wall portion 46C in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] The outer pillar 44 and the inner pillar 46 are integrated by joining the flange portion 44D to the flange portion 46D and the flange portion 44E to the flange portion 46E at joints (not shown) such as by welding. The center pillar 18 configured as described above has a closed cross-sectional structure in which the cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction is a closed cross-section.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lower portion 18A of the center pillar 18 is connected to the connecting portion 28A of the rocker 28 by a plurality of "bolts 60" as widthwise mounting portions and a plurality of "bolts 62" as vertical mounting portions.

[0053] More specifically, a weld nut 64 is joined to each of the multiple through holes 56 on the inner wall portion 46B1 of the pillar inner panel 46 from the inside in the vehicle width direction at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like. The shank 60A of the bolt 60 is fastened to the weld nut 64 in the vehicle width direction with the shank 60A inserted through the through holes 50 of the pillar outer panel 44, the through holes 40 of the rocker 28, the through holes 36A of the collar 36, and the through holes 56 of the pillar inner panel 46.

[0054] Meanwhile, weld nuts 66 are joined to the lower wall portion 32C of the rocker outer 32 from the vehicle underside at joints (not shown) by welding or the like, for each of the multiple through-holes 41. The shank 62A of the bolt 62 is fastened to the weld nut 66 in the vehicle up-down direction with the shank 62A inserted through the through-hole 48 or the through-hole 52 of the pillar outer 44, the through-hole 41 of the rocker 28, and the through-hole 38A of the collar 38.

[0055] Additionally, weld nuts 68 are joined to the lower wall portion 34C of the rocker inner 34 at joints (not shown) by welding or the like from below the vehicle to each of the plurality of through-holes 42. The shank 62A of the bolt 62 is fastened to the weld nut 68 in the vehicle width direction with the shank 62A inserted through the through-hole 54 or the through-hole 58 of the pillar inner 46, the through-hole 42 of the rocker 28, and the through-hole 38A of the collar 38.

[0056] Furthermore, when the lower portion 18A of the center pillar 18 is connected to the connecting portion 28A, a portion of the flange portion 32D on the vehicle upper side of the rocker outer 32 and a portion of the flange portion 34D on the vehicle upper side of the rocker inner 34 are sandwiched between the pillar outer 44 and the pillar inner 46.

[0057] Furthermore, the upper portion 18B of the center pillar 18 is connected to the roof portion 14 in the same manner as the lower portion 18A, but the upper portion 18B may also be joined to the roof portion 14 by welding or the like at a joint not shown (see Figure 5).

[0058] (Actions and Effects of This Embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the floor portion 24 of the vehicle body 12 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is formed by a rocker 28, and this rocker has a closed cross section when viewed from the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and extends in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the center pillar 18 is a separate part from the rocker 28, and the lower part 18A on the vehicle lower side of this center pillar 18 has an outer wall portion 44B1 located on the outer side of the rocker 28 in the vehicle width direction, and an inner wall portion 46B1 located on the inner side of the rocker 28 in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] However, if the connection points between the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 are distributed between the outer wall portion 44B1 side and the inner wall portion 46B1 side of the center pillar 18, the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body 12 may increase.

[0062] In this embodiment, a collar 36 is disposed inside the rocker 28, and a through-hole 36A extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in the collar 36. As shown in Fig. 3, a through-hole 50 is provided in the outer wall portion 44B1 of the center pillar 18, and a through-hole 56 is provided in the inner wall portion 46B1.

[0063] The rocker 28 and the lower portion 18A of the center pillar 18 are removably connected by a bolt 60 inserted in the vehicle width direction through the through portion 50, the through portion 56 and the through portion 36A of the collar 38.

[0064] For this reason, in this embodiment, the connection points between the rocker 28 and the center pillar 18 are concentrated in the vehicle width direction, and the rocker 28 and the center pillar 18 can be connected without having to be connected to each other on both the outside and inside of the vehicle width direction.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 are configured as separate components, and in the vehicle body 12 that connects them, the number of steps required to assemble the vehicle body 12 can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the collar 36 is disposed between the outer wall portion 44B1 and the inner wall portion 46B1 of the center pillar 18. Therefore, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the vehicle body 12, the collision load is dispersed to the outer and inner sides of the lower portion 18A of the center pillar 18 in the vehicle width direction via the collar 36. As a result, in this embodiment, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the vehicle body 12, the occurrence of a stress concentration point in the lower portion 18A can be suppressed, and the connection between the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 can be suppressed from being released.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a collar 38 is disposed inside the rocker 28, and this collar 38 is formed with a through portion 38A that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0068] 2, the lower portion 18A of the center pillar 18 is provided with upper wall portions 44A1, 44C1, 46A1, and 46C1 located on the vehicle upper side of the rocker 28. The upper wall portion 44A1 is provided with a through-hole 48, the upper wall portion 44C1 is provided with a through-hole 52, the upper wall portion 46A1 is provided with a through-hole 54, and the upper wall portion 46C1 is provided with a through-hole 58.

[0069] The rocker 28 and the lower part 18A of the center pillar 18 are removably connected by a bolt 62 inserted in the vertical direction of the vehicle through one of the through-holes 48, 52, 54 and 58 and the through-hole 38A of the collar 38.

[0070] For this reason, in this embodiment, the connection points between the rocker 28 and the center pillar 18 are concentrated in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the rocker 28 and the center pillar 18 can be connected without having to be connected on both the upper and lower sides of the vehicle.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 are connected in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, an increase in the number of steps for assembling the vehicle body 12 can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 are joined at a joint made by welding or the like, the number of steps required to release the connection between the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 can be reduced, and ultimately the number of steps required to disassemble the vehicle body 12 can be reduced.

[0073] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. Note that components common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0074] This embodiment is characterized in that, as shown in FIG. 7, a "battery pack 80" is arranged between a pair of lockers 28, and an "impact absorbing member 82 (hereinafter referred to as EA member 82)" is arranged inside the locker 28 instead of the collar 36 and the collar 38.

[0075] Specifically, the battery pack 80 includes an aluminum battery case 84 that forms the outer shell of the battery pack 80, and a battery module 86 that is disposed inside the battery case 84 (see FIG. 10).

[0076] In this embodiment, the floor panel 30 is joined to the upper portion of the rocker 28, and the battery pack 80 is attached to the floor panel 30 from the lower side of the vehicle. The battery pack 80 is arranged so that most of it overlaps with the rocker 28 when viewed from the width direction of the vehicle.

[0077] On the other hand, the EA member 82 is made of an extruded material such as an aluminum alloy, and includes a rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 82A extending in the vehicle direction and a partition wall portion 82B provided inside the outer wall portion 82A, and is capable of absorbing a collision load in the vehicle width direction. The EA member 82 is joined at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, a "through portion 88" is formed as a widthwise through portion at a position in the EA member 82 that overlaps with the through portion 50 and the through portion 56 of the center pillar 18 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and the shank 60A of the bolt 60 is inserted into the through portion 88.

[0079] Also, as shown in Figure 8, a "through portion 90" is formed as a vertical through portion at a position in the EA member 82 that overlaps with one of the through portions 48, 52, 54, and 58 of the center pillar 18 when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the shank 62A of the bolt 62 is inserted into the through portion 90.

[0080] In the present embodiment configured as described above, an EA member 82 capable of absorbing collision loads in the vehicle width direction is disposed inside the rocker 28. Meanwhile, a battery pack 80 is disposed inside the rocker 28 in the vehicle width direction, and the EA member 82 is disposed in a position overlapping with the battery pack 80 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the vehicle body 12, at least a portion of the collision load is absorbed by the EA member 82 before the collision load is input to the battery pack 80. Therefore, in this embodiment, the battery pack 80 arranged on the lower side of the vehicle body 12 can be protected from the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0082] <First Modification of Second Embodiment> Next, a vehicle body structure according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] Specifically, in this modified example, the rocker 28 and the EA member 82 are extended in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the fastening point of the bolt 60 is changed to a position where the bolt 60 and the battery pack 80 do not overlap when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0084] According to this configuration, the battery pack 80 can be expanded in the vehicle width direction, and as a result, the capacity of the battery pack 80 can be ensured.

[0085] <Second Modification of Second Embodiment> Next, a vehicle body structure according to a second modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] Specifically, in this modified example, the position of the weld nut 64, which was provided on the inner wall portion 46B1 of the pillar inner 46, has been changed to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the side wall portion 84A that constitutes the outer portion in the vehicle width direction of the battery case 84.

[0087] According to this configuration, the locker 28 and the battery pack 80 can be placed close to each other, and as a result, the capacity of the battery pack 80 can be ensured.

[0088] <Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment> (1) In the above-described embodiment, only one bolt 60 is disposed in the vehicle vertical direction. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of bolts 60 are disposed in the vehicle vertical direction depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10. For example, as in the first modified example of the second embodiment, the rocker 28 and the EA member 82 may be extended in the vehicle vertical direction, and the outer wall portion 44B1 may be extended in the vehicle vertical direction, so that two bolts 60 are disposed in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0089] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28 are connected using the bolts 60 and 62. However, this is not limitative. In other words, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10, a configuration may be adopted in which the bolts 62 are not used to connect the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28.

[0090] (3) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bolts 60 and 62 were fastened to weld nuts. However, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10, the bolts 60 and 62 may be fastened to nuts that are separate from the vehicle body 12 and are not weld nuts.

[0091] (4) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the components of the vehicle body 12, such as the center pillar 18 and the rocker 28, are made of steel. However, these components may be made of carbon fiber reinforced resin or the like depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, when such a configuration is adopted, the collar 36, the collar 38, and the like may be joined to the vehicle body 12 at a joint using an adhesive or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 vehicles 12 Body 18 Center pillar 18A Lower 24 Floor section (under the vehicle) 28 Rocca 36 Collar (width direction support part) 36A Penetration part (width direction penetration part) 38 Collar (vertical support part) 38A Penetration (vertical penetration) 44A1 Upper wall 44B1 Outer wall 44C1 Upper wall 46A1 Upper wall 46B1 Inner wall 46C1 Upper wall 48 Penetration part (upper inserted part) 50 Penetrating part (outer inserted part) 52 Penetration part (upper inserted part) 54 Penetration part (upper inserted part) 56 Penetrating part (inner penetrated part) 58 Penetration part (upper inserted part) 60 bolts (width direction mounting part) 62 Bolts (vertical mounting part) 80 Battery Pack 82 Impact absorbing member 88 Width direction penetration part 90 Vertical penetration

Claims

1. a rocker that forms a part of the outer side of the vehicle width direction in the lower part of the vehicle body, that has a closed cross section when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, and that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction; a center pillar that is a separate part from the rocker, the lower part of the vehicle lower side including an outer wall portion located outside the rocker in the vehicle width direction, and an inner wall portion located inside the rocker in the vehicle width direction; a width direction support portion that is disposed inside the rocker and has a width direction through-portion that extends in the vehicle width direction; a widthwise mounting portion that is inserted in the vehicle width direction through an outer inserted portion provided on the outer wall portion, an inner inserted portion provided on the inner wall portion, and the widthwise through-portion, and that detachably connects the rocker and the lower portion; A vehicle body structure having the above structure.

2. The width direction support portion is an impact absorbing member capable of absorbing a collision load in the vehicle width direction, and the width direction support portion is disposed at a position overlapping with a battery pack disposed on the inner side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 .

3. a vertical support portion disposed inside the rocker and having a vertical through-portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction; The lower portion is provided with an upper wall portion located on the vehicle upper side of the rocker, and The upper wall portion is detachably connected to the rocker via an upper inserted portion provided on the upper wall portion and a vertical mounting portion inserted through the vertical through-portion in the vehicle vertical direction. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

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