Vehicle side structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle side part structure configured so that a center pillar trim can be prevented from getting cracked, even if a seat belt retractor enters a vehicle interior side at a side collision.SOLUTION: A vehicle side part structure 100 comprises: a center pillar 102 extending in a vertical direction at a center of a side part of a vehicle; a seatbelt retractor 104 positioned on an inside surface of the center pillar; a center pillar trim 114 covering the center pillar and the seatbelt retractor, from a vehicle interior side; a rib 122 provided on a vehicle exterior side of the center pillar trim over a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a reinforcement member 116 extended further from the rib toward the vehicle exterior side and connected to the rib through a hinge part 130 so as to rotate with the rib as a support point; and claw parts 124 and 126 that protrude from the center pillar trim toward the vehicle exterior side and engage with the reinforcement member when the reinforcement member rotates downward with the rib as the support point, where at least a portion of the reinforcement member overlaps with the seatbelt retractor in a side view of the vehicle, when engaging with the claw parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The side of a vehicle such as an automobile may be provided with, for example, a center pillar extending vertically in the center, and a seat belt retractor may be installed on the inner surface of the lower part of the center pillar. In such a vehicle side structure, an interior member (center pillar trim) is attached that covers the center pillar and the seat belt retractor from the inside of the vehicle, forming a design surface.

[0003] Therefore, in the vehicle side structure, in the event of a side collision, the seat belt retractor may enter the interior of the vehicle and come into contact with the center pillar trim, potentially damaging the center pillar trim.Patent Document 1 describes a pillar garnish that is attached to the pillar from the interior side of the vehicle.

[0004] This pillar garnish covers the interior side of a seat belt retractor and has a first rib and a second rib. The first rib is provided on the back surface of the pillar garnish on the seat belt retractor side and has a slit formed therein. The second rib is provided on the back surface at a predetermined distance to the side of the first rib.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that when the deployment load of a side airbag acts on the pillar garnish in a side collision of a vehicle, the slits formed in the first rib cause it to flex and deform, absorbing the impact energy, preventing cracks in the pillar garnish and reducing the input load. It also describes that the loss of rigidity due to the slits formed in the first rib can be compensated for by the second rib. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-327339 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The pillar garnish of Patent Document 1 can be strengthened by providing multiple ribs. However, when this pillar garnish receives an external force from the seat belt retractor during a side collision, stress tends to concentrate at the base of the ribs, which can cause the pillar garnish to crack from the base of the ribs.

[0008] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle side structure that can prevent the center pillar trim from cracking even if the seat belt retractor enters the interior of the vehicle during a side collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the present invention is a vehicle side structure comprising a center pillar extending vertically through the center of the side of the vehicle and a seat belt retractor located on the inner surface of the center pillar, the vehicle side structure further comprising a center pillar trim covering the center pillar and the seat belt retractor from the inside of the vehicle, a rib provided on the outside of the center pillar trim in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a reinforcing member extending further from the rib toward the outside of the vehicle and joined to the rib via a specified hinge portion so as to rotate around the rib as a fulcrum, and a claw portion protruding from the center pillar trim toward the outside of the vehicle and engaging with the reinforcing member as the reinforcing member rotates downward around the rib as a fulcrum, and the reinforcing member is characterized in that when engaged with the claw portion, at least a portion of the reinforcing member overlaps with the seat belt retractor in a side view of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle side structure that can prevent the center pillar trim from cracking even if the seat belt retractor enters the interior of the vehicle during a side collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle side structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle side structure shown in FIG. 1 along the line A-A. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view showing a main part of the vehicle side structure of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a view showing a state in which the reinforcing member of FIG. 3 is assembled to a center pillar trim. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a reinforcing member of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle side structure of FIG. 3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A typical configuration of one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle side structure comprising a center pillar extending vertically through the center of the side of the vehicle and a seat belt retractor located on the inner surface of the center pillar, the vehicle side structure further comprising a center pillar trim covering the center pillar and the seat belt retractor from the inside of the vehicle, a rib provided on the outside of the center pillar trim in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a reinforcing member extending further from the rib toward the outside of the vehicle and joined to the rib via a specified hinge portion so as to rotate around the rib as a fulcrum, and a claw portion protruding from the center pillar trim toward the outside of the vehicle and engaging with the reinforcing member by rotating downward around the rib as a fulcrum, wherein when the reinforcing member engages with the claw portion, at least a portion of the reinforcing member overlaps with the seat belt retractor in a side view of the vehicle.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when the reinforcing member engages with the claw portion, the reinforcing member is spaced apart from the center pillar trim to the vehicle exterior because the claw portion protrudes from the center pillar trim to the vehicle exterior. Also, the reinforcing member is joined to the rib extending from the center pillar trim to the vehicle exterior via the hinge portion, so that the reinforcing member is spaced apart from the center pillar trim to the vehicle exterior.

[0014] In other words, when the reinforcing member is engaged with the claw portion, it at least partially overlaps with the seat belt retractor in a side view of the vehicle, and is not only located between the seat belt retractor and the center pillar trim but also spaced apart from the center pillar trim. Therefore, when the seat belt retractor enters the interior of the vehicle during a side collision, the seat belt retractor first comes into contact with the reinforcing member. Next, the reinforcing member is pushed toward the interior of the vehicle by an external force from the seat belt retractor, thereby preventing stress from concentrating on the rib.

[0015] The seat belt retractor contacts the center pillar trim via the reinforcing member, and does not come into direct contact with the center pillar trim. Therefore, with the above configuration, the seat belt retractor is prevented from coming into direct contact with the center pillar trim during a side collision, and cracking of the center pillar trim can be prevented.

[0016] The reinforcing member is molded in an unfolded state, i.e., extending further from the rib toward the outside of the vehicle and joined to the rib via a specified hinge portion, and after molding, it can be assembled to the center pillar trim by rotating it downward using the rib as a fulcrum and engaging it with the claw portion.

[0017] In this way, the reinforcing member can be formed in an unfolded state and then rotated downward to be assembled to the center pillar trim, which reduces the vehicle width dimension when assembled. Therefore, the reinforcing member can be placed even in a small space between the seat belt retractor and the center pillar trim, allowing for efficient use of space.

[0018] The reinforcing member is engaged with the claw portion in a biased state in which it tends to rotate upward around the rib as a fulcrum due to the reaction force of the hinge portion, and when it receives an external force from outside the vehicle, it rotates downward around the rib as a fulcrum, moving a predetermined stroke toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0019] As a result, when the reinforcing member receives an external force from the outside of the vehicle during a side collision while engaged with the claw portion, it rotates downward around the rib as a fulcrum and moves toward the inside of the vehicle. This prevents the impact of the side collision from being concentrated on the hinge portion of the reinforcing member joined to the rib, preventing damage to the reinforcing member. Furthermore, because the reinforcing member can move a predetermined stroke when subjected to an external force, it can absorb the impact energy and prevent damage to the center pillar trim.

[0020] The hinge portion of the reinforcing member is located above the upper end of the seat belt retractor. As a result, even if the seat belt retractor abuts against the reinforcing member during a side collision, the seat belt retractor will not directly collide with the hinge portion of the reinforcing member. This prevents the impact of the side collision from being concentrated on the hinge portion and the rib of the reinforcing member, thereby preventing damage to the center pillar trim.

[0021] The above-mentioned seat belt retractor has a gas generator arranged at the front of the vehicle, and the reinforcing member is divided by an upwardly convex, arch-shaped boundary line connecting a first point located at the front end, an apex located rearward of the center of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction and close to the hinge portion, and a second point at the rear end that is higher than the first point, and the area of ​​the reinforcing member below the boundary line has the greatest plate thickness and the plate thickness gradually decreases across the boundary line, and the area of ​​the reinforcing member above and forward of the boundary line faces the gas generator.

[0022] In this way, the reinforcing member is defined by an arched boundary line connecting a first point at the front end, an apex close to the hinge, and a second point at the rear end, and the thickness gradually decreases across the boundary line. As a result, the reinforcing member's thickness changes in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle near the hinge, and the thickness is greatest in the region below the boundary line, which is the area that will receive the greatest external force in a side collision. This enables weight and cost reduction while optimizing impact absorption.

[0023] Furthermore, since the thickness of the reinforcing member gradually decreases from the boundary line to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, the concentration of stress at both ends of the rib joined to the hinge part, where impact is likely to be concentrated, can be reduced, thereby preventing the center pillar trim from cracking due to the impact in a side collision.

[0024] Furthermore, the top of the boundary line is closer to the hinge portion and rearward of the center in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, and the second point at the rear end is higher than the first point at the front end. This allows the region of the reinforcing member above and forward of the boundary line (front region) to be formed over a wider area than the region above and rearward of the boundary line, making it possible to reduce the plate thickness.

[0025] Furthermore, since the front region of the reinforcing member faces the gas generator of the seat belt retractor, which has a high hardness, a wide clearance can be secured between the gas generator and the reinforcing member. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the gas generator collides with the front region of the reinforcing member, and the front region, which has a thinner plate thickness, deforms, making it easier to absorb the impact. [Example]

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle side structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the vehicle side structure 100 of Fig. 1. In the following drawings, the front and back directions of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Front and Back, the left and right directions of the vehicle width are indicated by arrows Left and Right, and the up and down directions of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Up and Down. Note that the following description will exemplify the vehicle side structure 100 on the right side of the vehicle in Fig. 1, but this embodiment may also be applied to the left side of the vehicle.

[0028] 1, the vehicle side structure 100 includes a center pillar 102 and a seat belt retractor 104. The center pillar 102 is a member extending vertically in the center of the vehicle side, and has an inner panel 106 located on the vehicle interior side. A retractor opening 108 for accommodating the seat belt retractor 104 is formed in the lower part of the inner panel 106.

[0029] The seat belt retractor 104 is a device capable of withdrawing and winding a seat belt 110, and is housed in a retractor opening 108 and disposed on the inner surface of the center pillar 102, as shown in Figure 1. The seat belt retractor 104 also has a high-hardness gas generator 112. The gas generator 112 is a device that generates gas in the event of a vehicle emergency, and is disposed on the front side of the seat belt retractor 104.

[0030] The vehicle side structure 100 further includes a center pillar trim 114 and a reinforcing member 116 shown in Fig. 2. Note that in Fig. 1, only the outer shapes of the center pillar trim 114 and the reinforcing member 116 are schematically shown by chain lines. In Fig. 2, the seat belt retractor 104 is shown by chain lines to show the positional relationship between the center pillar trim 114, the reinforcing member 116, and the seat belt retractor 104.

[0031] The center pillar trim 114 is an interior member that covers the center pillar 102 and the seat belt retractor 104 from the inside of the vehicle and forms a design surface. The reinforcing member 116 is a flat plate-shaped member, and is located between the center pillar trim 114 and the seat belt retractor 104 as shown in Fig. 2. The reinforcing member 116 is also arranged so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the seat belt retractor 104 in a side view of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 116 is divided into each region by boundary lines 118 that have an upwardly convex arched shape as shown in Fig. 1 (see Fig. 5).

[0032] Furthermore, in the vehicle side structure 100, the vehicle width direction distance La between the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 and the seat belt retractor 104 shown in Fig. 2 is set to be smaller than that of a normal structure. The rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 is located on the opposite side of the design surface and faces the seat belt retractor 104.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a main part of the vehicle side structure 100 of Figure 1. Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the back surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 3(a).

[0034] 3(a), the vehicle side structure 100 further includes a rib 122 and a pair of claws 124, 126. The rib 122 stands on the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the vehicle exterior, and is provided in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0035] A hinge portion 130 is formed at an upper end portion 128 of the reinforcing member 116. The reinforcing member 116 is molded in an unfolded state, extending further from the rib 122 toward the vehicle exterior. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 116 is joined to the rib 122 via the hinge portion 130 at the upper end portion 128 so that, when unfolded, it can rotate around the rib 122 as indicated by arrow C in the figure. The reinforcing member 116 is made of resin, and has an integrated structure joined to the center pillar trim 114 via the hinge portion 130.

[0036] 3(b), the hinge portion 130 is connected to the tip of the rib 122. In addition, the hinge portion 130 is located above the upper end of the seat belt retractor 104, i.e., above the upper end 112a of the gas generator 112, as shown in FIG.

[0037] The pair of claws 124, 126 protrude from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the exterior of the vehicle. The pair of claws 124, 126 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to engage with a front end 132 and a rear end 134, which form the sides of the reinforcing member 116, respectively.

[0038] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the reinforcing member 116 of Figure 3 is assembled to the center pillar trim 114. Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing the back surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114. Figures 4(b) and 4(c) are diagrams showing the BB and DD cross sections of Figure 4(a).

[0039] When the lower end portion 136 shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) is pressed downward as indicated by arrow C, the reinforcing member 116 rotates downward about the rib 122 as a fulcrum, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Then, in a state in which the reinforcing member 116 is biased by the reaction force of the hinge portion 130 to rotate upward about the rib 122 as a fulcrum, the front end 132 and rear end 134 of the lower end portion 136 engage with the pair of claw portions 124, 126, respectively, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(c). As a result, the reinforcing member 116 is held by the lower end portion 136 and is assembled to the center pillar trim 114.

[0040] In this way, when the reinforcing member 116 is molded, it is expanded upward due to the reaction force of the hinge portion 130, and when it is assembled to the center pillar trim 114, it is bent downward and deformed by the hinge portion 130, so that the front end 132 and rear end 134 of the lower end portion 136 can be moved to an assembly position where they can engage with the pair of claw portions 124, 126.

[0041] The pair of claw portions 124, 126 also have engaging portions 138, 140 shown in Figure 4(c). The engaging portions 138, 140 are portions that abut and engage with the front end 132 and rear end 134, respectively, due to the reaction force of the hinge portion 130 of the reinforcing member 116, and protrude a distance Lb toward the vehicle exterior from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114. Furthermore, when the front end 132 and rear end 134 are engaged with the engaging portions 138, 140, the lower end portion 136 of the reinforcing member 116 is spaced a distance Lc toward the vehicle exterior from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114. Note that this distance Lc is smaller than the distance Lb by the thickness of the reinforcing member 116, as shown in Figure 4(c).

[0042] 2, the dimension Ld of the gap in the vehicle width direction between the lower end 136 of the reinforcing member 116 and the seat belt retractor 104 is set to be larger than the dimension Lc of the gap in the vehicle width direction between the lower end 136 of the reinforcing member 116 and the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114. Note that the dimension Lc can be set to be larger than, for example, the plate thickness of the lower end 136 of the reinforcing member 116 by appropriately changing the dimension Lb of the engagement portions 138, 140 shown in FIG.

[0043] 2, the reinforcing member 116 is inclined so as to move away from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the vehicle exterior as it moves from the upper end 128 to the lower end 136. The reinforcing member 116 has a small thickness at the upper end 128 where the hinge portion 130 is formed, and a large thickness at the lower end 136.

[0044] According to the vehicle side structure 100, when the reinforcing member 116 engages with a pair of claws 124, 126 that protrude from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the exterior of the vehicle, the reinforcing member 116 is spaced apart from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, because the reinforcing member 116 is joined via the hinge portion 130 to the rib 122 that stands on the exterior side of the vehicle from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114, the reinforcing member 116 is spaced apart from the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 toward the exterior of the vehicle.

[0045] In other words, when the reinforcing member 116 engages with the pair of claw portions 124, 126, at least a portion of the reinforcing member 116 overlaps with the seat belt retractor 104 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and is not only positioned between the seat belt retractor 104 and the center pillar trim 114, but also spaced apart from the back surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114.

[0046] Therefore, in the vehicle side structure 100, when the seat belt retractor 104 enters the interior of the vehicle during a side collision, the seat belt retractor 104 shown in Fig. 2 first comes into contact with the reinforcing member 116. Next, the reinforcing member 116 receives an external force F shown in Fig. 2 from the seat belt retractor 104 and is pushed toward the interior of the vehicle, thereby moving toward the interior of the vehicle, thereby preventing stress from concentrating on the rib 122.

[0047] Furthermore, in the event of a side collision, the seat belt retractor 104 indirectly contacts the center pillar trim 114 via the reinforcing member 116, and does not directly contact the center pillar trim 114. Therefore, in the vehicle side structure 100, the seat belt retractor 104 is prevented from directly contacting the center pillar trim 114 in the event of a side collision, and the center pillar trim 114 can be prevented from cracking.

[0048] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 116 is molded in an unfolded state, that is, in a state in which it extends further outward from the rib 122 and is joined to the rib 122 via the hinge portion 130, and after molding, it can be assembled to the center pillar trim 114 by rotating it downward using the rib 122 as a fulcrum and engaging it with a pair of claw portions 124, 126.

[0049] In this way, the reinforcing member 116 can be formed in an unfolded state and then rotated downward to be assembled to the center pillar trim 114, thereby reducing the dimension in the vehicle width direction when assembled. Therefore, with the vehicle side structure 100, the reinforcing member 116 can be arranged even in a space where the dimension La of the gap in the vehicle width direction between the seat belt retractor 104 and the center pillar trim 114 is small as shown in FIG. 2, and the space can be used efficiently.

[0050] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 116 is engaged with the pair of claws 124, 126 in a state in which it is biased to rotate upward around the rib 122 as a fulcrum by the reaction force of the hinge portion 130. Therefore, when the reinforcing member 116 receives an external force F shown in Figure 2 from the outside of the vehicle during a side collision, it rotates downward around the rib 122 as a fulcrum and can move toward the inside of the vehicle by a predetermined stroke, i.e., a dimension Lc shown in Figures 2 and 4(c).

[0051] Therefore, in the vehicle side structure 100, it is possible to prevent the impact during a side collision from concentrating on the hinge portion 130 of the reinforcing member 116 joined to the rib 122, thereby preventing damage to the reinforcing member 116. Furthermore, because the reinforcing member 116 can move a predetermined stroke when subjected to the external force F, it is possible to absorb the impact energy and prevent damage to the center pillar trim 114.

[0052] 2, i.e., the upper end 112a of the gas generator 112. As a result, even if the seat belt retractor 104 abuts against the reinforcing member 116 during a side collision, the seat belt retractor 104 will not directly collide with the hinge portion 130. Therefore, the vehicle side structure 100 can prevent the impact during a side collision from concentrating on the hinge portion 130 and the rib 122 of the reinforcing member 116, thereby preventing damage to the center pillar trim 114.

[0053] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the reinforcing member 116 of Figure 1. Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the reinforcing member 116 is divided into regions by the boundary lines 118 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5(b) is an E-E cross-sectional view of Figure 5(a).

[0054] 5(a), the boundary line 118 has an upwardly convex arch shape that connects a first point 142 located at the front end 132, an apex 144, and a second point 146 located at the rear end 134. The apex 144 of the boundary line 118 is closer to the rear than the center in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction and is close to the hinge portion 130 of the upper end portion 128. The second point 146 at the rear end 134 is located higher than the first point 142 at the front end 132.

[0055] The reinforcing member 116 is divided by the boundary line 118 into a central region 148 below the boundary line 118, a front region 150 above and forward of the boundary line 118, and a rear region 152 above and rear of the boundary line 118. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the reinforcing member 116 has the greatest thickness in the central region 148, and the thickness gradually decreases across the boundary line 118, with the front region 150 having the smallest thickness. The front region 150 faces the gas generator 112, which has a high hardness (see FIG. 1).

[0056] In this way, the reinforcing member 116 is divided by the boundary line 118 into a central region 148, a front region 150, and a rear region 152, and the thickness gradually decreases across the boundary line 118. Therefore, the thickness of the reinforcing member 116 changes in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle near the hinge portion 130, where the apex 144 of the boundary line 118 is close. The reinforcing member 116 has the largest thickness in the central region 148 below the boundary line, which is the region that will receive the greatest external force in a side collision, and therefore it is possible to reduce weight and costs while optimizing impact absorption.

[0057] Furthermore, the thickness of the reinforcing member 116 decreases the further away from the apex 144 of the boundary line 118 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, which reduces stress concentration at both ends of the rib 122 joined to the hinge portion 130, where impact is likely to be concentrated because the rib 122 joins to both ends 154, 156 of the hinge portion 130. This makes it possible to prevent the center pillar trim 114 from cracking due to the impact during a side collision.

[0058] Furthermore, the boundary line 118 has an apex 144 located rearward of the center in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and close to the hinge portion 130, and a second point 146 of the rear end 134 is located higher than the first point 142 of the front end 132. This allows the reinforcing member 116 to be formed in the front region 150 over a wider area than the rear region 152, making it possible to reduce the plate thickness. Note that the plate thickness of the front region 150 is smaller than the plate thickness of the rear region 152 here, but is not limited to this, and may be the same as the plate thickness of the rear region 152 or may be greater than the plate thickness of the rear region 152.

[0059] Furthermore, in the reinforcing member 116, the front region 150 having a smaller plate thickness faces the gas generator 112 of the seat belt retractor 104 having a higher hardness, so a wide clearance can be secured between the gas generator 112. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the gas generator 112 collides with the front region 150, causing the front region 150 having a smaller plate thickness to deform, making it easier for the reinforcing member 116 to absorb the impact.

[0060] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle side section structure 100 of Figure 3. The modified vehicle side section structure 100A differs from the above-described vehicle side section structure 100 in that it includes a reinforcing member 116A instead of the reinforcing member 116. Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing the underside 120 of the center pillar trim 114 with the reinforcing member 116A deployed. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of Figure 6(a).

[0061] As shown in Figure 6(b), the reinforcing member 116A has multiple ribs 158. These ribs 158 protrude downward when the reinforcing member 116A is unfolded, and face the rear surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114 when the reinforcing member 116A is assembled to the center pillar trim 114. The ribs 158 are shaped to become thinner as they move away from the surface of the reinforcing member 116A.

[0062] 2 from the outside of the vehicle during a side collision, the reinforcing member 116A rotates downward around the rib 122 as a fulcrum and moves toward the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the reinforcing member 116A is able to absorb the impact during a side collision by deforming as the multiple ribs 158 come into contact with the back surface 120 of the center pillar trim 114.

[0063] The multiple ribs 158 protrude downward when the reinforcing member 116A is unfolded, and can therefore be formed by sliding and removing the mold block 160 shown by the chain line in Figure 6(b) in the direction indicated by the arrow H. Note that although the multiple ribs 158 are molded to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle in the drawing, this is not a limitation, and the ribs may be molded by preparing an appropriate mold block so that they extend in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle or radially.

[0064] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0065] The present invention can be used in a vehicle side structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100, 100A...vehicle side structure, 102...center pillar, 104...seat belt retractor, 106...inner panel, 108...retractor opening, 110...seat belt, 112...gas generator, 112a...upper end of gas generator, 114...center pillar trim, 116, 116A...reinforcing member, 118...boundary line, 120...back surface of center pillar trim, 122, 158... Rib, 124, 126...claw portion, 128...upper end portion of reinforcing member, 130...hinge portion, 132...front end portion of reinforcing member, 134...rear end portion of reinforcing member, 136...lower end portion of reinforcing member, 138, 140...engagement portion, 142...first point at front end, 144...top portion of boundary line, 146...second point at rear end, 148...central region, 150...front region, 152...rear region, 154, 156...both ends of hinge portion, 160...mold block

Claims

1. A vehicle side structure including a center pillar extending in the vertical direction in the center of a vehicle side, and a seat belt retractor positioned on an inner surface of the center pillar, the vehicle side structure further comprising: a center pillar trim that covers the center pillar and the seat belt retractor from the inside of the vehicle; a rib provided on the vehicle outer side of the center pillar trim in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a reinforcing member that extends from the rib toward the vehicle exterior and is joined to the rib via a predetermined hinge portion so as to rotate around the rib as a fulcrum; a claw portion that protrudes from the center pillar trim toward the vehicle exterior and engages with the reinforcing member when the reinforcing member rotates downward with the rib as a fulcrum, The vehicle side structure, wherein when the reinforcing member is engaged with the claw portion, at least a portion of the reinforcing member overlaps with the seat belt retractor in a side view of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing member is engaged with the claw portion in a state in which it is biased to rotate upward around the rib as a fulcrum due to the reaction force of the hinge portion, and when it receives an external force from outside the vehicle, it rotates downward around the rib as a fulcrum, thereby moving a predetermined stroke toward the inside of the vehicle.

3. 3. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion of the reinforcing member is located above an upper end of the seat belt retractor.

4. The seat belt retractor has a gas generator disposed at the front side of the vehicle, the reinforcing member is defined by an upwardly convex arch-shaped boundary line connecting a first point located at a front end, an apex portion located rearward of the center in the vehicle longitudinal direction and close to the hinge portion, and a second point at the rear end that is located higher than the first point, The reinforcing member has a thickness that is greatest in a region below the boundary line, and the thickness gradually decreases across the boundary line, 4. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the reinforcing member above and forward of the boundary line faces the gas generator.

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