Vehicle exterior panel structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle exterior panel structure that can minimize dents in an exterior panel material even if a user presses the exterior panel material from an outside at the time of waxing and so on, while suppressing occurrence of unevenness due to strain to an outer surface of the exterior panel material.SOLUTION: A vehicle exterior panel structure comprises an exterior panel material and a reinforcement member 11. The reinforcement member 11 has a plurality of joined parts 110 and a plurality of connection parts 111. The plurality of joined parts 110 are separated from each other along an inner surface of the exterior panel material, and each joined part is joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connection parts 111 extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and connect adjacent joined parts 110 to each other. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connection part 111 contact each other when receiving a pressing force of a specified value or more toward an inner side in a thickness direction from an outer surface of the exterior panel material, and separate from each other in any other case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle exterior panel structure, and more particularly to a structure of a reinforcing member that reinforces an exterior panel. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a continuous demand for lighter weight for vehicles such as passenger cars. One way to achieve this is to thin the exterior panel materials of the vehicle. While thinning the exterior panel materials can reduce the vehicle's weight, it can cause the exterior panel materials to dent when the user washes or waxes the car, which is undesirable from the perspective of appearance quality. To address this issue, it is conceivable to adopt the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an exterior panel structure including a door outer panel as an exterior panel material, and a plurality of first reinforcing members and a plurality of second reinforcing members. Each of the plurality of first reinforcing members is a long member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, curved to fit along the inner surface of the door outer panel, and joined to the inner surface of the door outer panel. Each of the plurality of second reinforcing members is a long member extending in the vehicle vertical direction, curved to fit along the inner surface of the door outer panel, and joined to the inner surface of the door outer panel.

[0004] By employing the first reinforcing member and second reinforcing member described above, the exterior panel material can be reinforced, and it is believed that dents in the exterior panel material can be reduced when washing the car, waxing it, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 146789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in vehicles (particularly passenger automobiles), the outer surfaces of exterior panels are configured with complex shapes in order to improve aerodynamic characteristics and appearance quality, making it difficult to uniformly adhere the first reinforcing member and second reinforcing member disclosed in Patent Document 1 to the entire inner surface of the exterior panel material. For this reason, if the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to be adopted for a vehicle exterior panel, it is thought that a portion of the exterior panel material will be drawn inward (toward the first reinforcing member and second reinforcing member) due to the joining of the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member, causing distortion, and resulting in the appearance of irregularities on the outer surface of the exterior panel material that forms the vehicle exterior.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an exterior panel structure for a vehicle that can suppress the occurrence of unevenness due to distortion on the outer surface of the exterior panel material, while minimizing dents in the exterior panel material even when the user presses the exterior panel material from the outside when waxing, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure comprising an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material.

[0009] The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints. Multiple The plurality of joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Multiple The connecting part is Each one The joint extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joints. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more of the connecting portions.

[0010] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material.

[0011] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material.

[0012] Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure including an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material. The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints and connecting portions. The joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connecting portions extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connect adjacent joints. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. This embodimentIn the case where the connecting portion is viewed in a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting portion, the connecting portion has a base portion along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, a first protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and a second protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the opposite side to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and has a cross-sectional shape as a whole. Has.

[0014] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material. Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle. Also, In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the connecting portion of the reinforcing member has a cross-sectional shape, so that, for example, when the reinforcing member is made of a resin material, the molten resin can flow smoothly in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion. Also, when the reinforcing member is made of a metal material, for example, distortion in the cross-sectional direction during drawing or extrusion can be kept small, and the connecting portion can be formed smoothly.

[0015] Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, by adopting a connecting portion having a structure that has a first protrusion and a second protrusion in addition to a base portion, this is also effective in ensuring high rigidity against pressure input in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, compared to when the connecting portion is constructed using only a base portion.

[0016] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, each of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion may be formed to extend radially from the joint portion.

[0017] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed to extend radially from the joint, so that when a pressing force is applied to the exterior panel material and the inner surface of the exterior panel material comes into contact with the connecting portion, the load can be efficiently distributed from the connecting portion to the joint, and further from the joint to the connecting portion.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure including an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material. The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints and connecting portions. The joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connecting portions extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connect adjacent joints. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. This embodiment In the case where the connecting portion is viewed in cross section in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting portion extends, the connecting portion has a base portion that is along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and a protruding portion that protrudes from the base portion toward the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and has a T-shaped cross section as a whole. Has.

[0019] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material. Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle. Also, In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above embodiment, the connecting portion of the reinforcing member has a T-shaped cross section, so that, similarly to the above, good productivity can be ensured whether the reinforcing member is formed from a resin material or a metal material.

[0020] Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, by adopting a connecting portion having a structure that has a protrusion in addition to a base, it is also effective in ensuring high rigidity against pressure input in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, compared to when the connecting portion is constructed using only a base.

[0021] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the protrusions may be formed so as to extend radially from the joint.

[0022] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the protrusions are formed to extend radially from the joint, so that when a pressing force is applied to the exterior panel material and the inner surface of the exterior panel material comes into contact with the connecting portion, the load can be efficiently distributed from the connecting portion to the joint, and further from the joint to the connecting portion.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure including an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material. The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints and connecting portions. The joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connecting portions extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connect adjacent joints. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. This embodimentIn the case where the reinforcing member is viewed from the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material in a plan view, the joints have a hexagonal appearance shape, and the connecting portions extend radially in six directions from each of the joints. It is formed.

[0024] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material. Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle. Also, In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the connecting portions are formed so as to extend radially in six directions from the joint, so that the pressing force input to the connecting portions (pressing force input in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material) can be evenly distributed from the joint to other connecting portions connected to the joint.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure including an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material. The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints and connecting portions. The joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connecting portions extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connect adjacent joints. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. In this embodiment, When the reinforcing member is viewed from above in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the reinforcing member is arranged such that three adjacent joint portions and three connecting portions connecting these three joint portions form a triangle. It is formed.

[0026] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material. Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle. Also, In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, three adjacent joints and three connecting portions connecting them are formed to form a triangle, so that deformation of the reinforcing member in a direction along the inner surface of the exterior panel material can be suppressed while adopting a simple structure.

[0027] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion may be separated by a gap of not more than five times the plate thickness of the exterior panel material when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material to the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material.

[0028] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the gap between the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion is set to 5 times the plate thickness of the exterior panel material or less. Therefore, pressing force applied during car washing or waxing can bring the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion into contact with each other, which is effective in minimizing dents in the outer surface of the exterior panel material.

[0029] Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the gap between the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion is an extremely narrow gap of less than five times the thickness of the exterior panel material, which can also provide the effect of frictionally damping vibrations that occur in the exterior panel material.

[0030] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion may be separated by a gap of not more than twice the plate thickness of the exterior panel material when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material.

[0031] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the gap between the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion is set to no more than twice the plate thickness of the exterior panel material. Therefore, pressing force applied during car washing or waxing can bring the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion into contact with each other, which is effective in further minimizing dents in the outer surface of the exterior panel material.

[0032] Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the gap between the inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion is an even narrower gap of less than twice the plate thickness of the exterior panel material, which is even more effective in frictionally damping vibrations that occur in the exterior panel material.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle exterior panel structure including an exterior panel material and a reinforcing member. The exterior panel material has an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforces the exterior panel material against pressure applied in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material. The reinforcing member has a plurality of joints and connecting portions. The joints are spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and are each joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. The connecting portions extend along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connect adjacent joints. The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are configured to be separated from each other with a gap when no pressing force is applied (no pressing force is applied) from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, and to abut against each other when a pressing force of equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. This embodiment In the present invention, the exterior panel material is a door outer panel, and when the door outer panel is disposed so as to close a door opening of the vehicle, the reinforcing member is disposed in an area overlapping the door opening. It is arranged.

[0034] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, in a steady state (when no pressing force is applied or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints in the reinforcing member are joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and the connecting portions are not joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material. Therefore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, even if the connecting portions of the reinforcing member are not formed to accurately match the shape of the inner surface of the exterior panel material, it is difficult for unevenness due to distortion to occur on the outer surface of the exterior panel material. Furthermore, in the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, when a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value is applied to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members and the inner surface of the exterior panel material come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the outer surface of the exterior panel material, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portions of the reinforcing members come into contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel material, thereby preventing the exterior panel material from being significantly dented. Therefore, the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of the vehicle. Also, In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, a door outer panel can be used as a specific example of the exterior panel material. By using the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect for the vehicle door, even if the door outer panel (exterior panel material) is made thinner, it is possible to keep the dent in the door outer panel small even when the user presses the door outer panel when washing the car, for example.

[0035] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the exterior panel material may be formed from a light alloy or a resin material.

[0036] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the exterior panel material is formed from a light alloy or a resin material, and is therefore prone to denting in the thickness direction when a user applies pressure when washing the car, etc., but the reinforcing member keeps the dent small.

[0037] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the reinforcing member may be made of a resin material.

[0038] In the vehicle exterior panel structure according to the above aspect, the reinforcing member is formed from a resin material, which makes it easy to arrange the reinforcing member along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture and lightweight. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] In the vehicle exterior panel structures according to each of the above aspects, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness due to distortion on the outer surface of the exterior panel material, while also minimizing dents in the exterior panel material even when a user presses the exterior panel material from the outside when waxing, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a door according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the outside. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the door as seen from the inside. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an impact bar. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a reinforcing member. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are enlarged perspective views of part A in FIG. 4, where (a) is a view from the outside, and (b) is a view from the inside. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view showing the connection portion between the door outer panel and the reinforcing member, where (a) shows the state in which the contact portion of the connection portion is not in contact with the door outer panel, and (b) shows the state in which the contact portion of the connection portion is in contact with the door outer panel. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting portion between a door outer panel and a reinforcing member in the configuration of a door relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a door outer panel and a reinforcing member in the configuration of a door relating to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments except for the essential configuration.

[0042] [First embodiment] 1. Door 1 Configuration In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example is taken of a configuration in which a vehicle exterior panel structure is applied to a door 1. Although not shown in the drawings, the door 1 closes a door opening of a vehicle body when the door 1 is closed.

[0043] The structure of the door 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Note that in Figure 1, a part of a door outer panel (exterior panel material) 10, which is one of the components, is omitted.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door 1 includes a door outer panel 10, a reinforcing member 11, and a door impact bar 12. The door outer panel 10 has an outer surface 10a that forms part of the exterior appearance of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the door outer panel 10 is made of a light alloy (aluminum alloy, for example). Note that the door outer panel 10 may also be made of a resin material.

[0045] The reinforcing member 11 is formed in a substantially mesh-like shape when viewed from above in the thickness direction of the door outer panel 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the reinforcing member 11 is formed along the entire inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 except for the portion where the door handle is disposed. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 11 is made of a resin material.

[0046] The door impact bar 12 is an elongated member formed to connect the front end and rear end of the door 1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the door impact bar 12 is a rectangular cylindrical member formed, for example, from a metal material. The door impact bar 12 is disposed along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 with the reinforcing member 11 sandwiched therebetween.

[0047] 2. Detailed configuration of reinforcing member 11 The detailed configuration of the reinforcing member 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, the reinforcing member 11 has a configuration in which a plurality of joints 110 and a plurality of connecting portions 111 are integrally formed. As shown in Fig. 5(a), one surface of the joint 110 is joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10. The joint 110 and the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 are joined, for example, using an adhesive, which will be described later. As shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), the joint 110 has a substantially hexagonal external shape in a plan view.

[0049] Returning to Fig. 4, the connecting portions 111 connect adjacent joints 110 to each other. In this embodiment, the plurality of joints 110 and the plurality of connecting portions 111 are arranged so that three joints 110 and three connecting portions 111 form a triangular planar shape. Six connecting portions 111 are connected to one joint 110 so as to extend radially in six directions.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5(a), each connecting portion 111 has an elongated base portion 111a extending along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, and a protruding portion 111b protruding from the base portion 111a toward the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and extending along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 similarly to the base portion 111a. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(b), each connecting portion 111 also has a protruding portion 111c protruding from the base portion 111a toward the side opposite the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and extending along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 similarly to the base portion 111a. In each connecting portion 111, the base portion 111a and the protruding portions 111b and 111c are integrally formed.

[0051] 5(a) and 5(b), the protrusions 111b and 111c of the connecting portion 111 are formed so as to extend radially from the joint portion 110. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the protrusions 111c of the six connecting portions 111 connected to the joint portion 110 are connected to each other on a back surface 110b that is the opposite side of the joint portion 110 from the door outer panel 10.

[0052] 4, in this embodiment, the distance P between adjacent joints 110 is set within a range of 50 mm to 150 mm. This range of values ​​is set taking into consideration the size of the user's palm when washing or waxing the vehicle.

[0053] 3. Arrangement of the joint portion 110 and the connecting portion 111 relative to the door outer panel 10 The arrangement of the joints 110 and the connecting portions 111 on the door outer panel 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 111 has the base portion 111a and the protruding portions 111b and 111c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 111 has a cross-sectional shape in a transverse cross section. The width of the connecting portion 111 (the width of the base portion 111a) is W1, and the width of the protruding portions 111b and 111c is W2. The height from the end of the protruding portion 111b (contact portion 111d) to the end of the protruding portion 111c is H1, and the height (thickness) of the base portion 111a is H2. W1 is 5 mm to 7 mm (for example, 6 mm), and W2 is 1 mm to 2 mm (for example, 1.5 mm). H1 is 4 mm to 5 mm (for example, 4.5 mm), and H2 is 1 mm to 2 mm (for example, 1.5 mm).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6 , in the door 1 according to this embodiment, when a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is not being applied from the outside of the door outer panel 10, a gap G1 is formed between the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the contact portion 111d of the connecting portion 111. The gap G1 is set to be no more than five times the thickness T1 of the door outer panel 10. Specifically, the gap G1 is set to be greater than 0 mm and no more than 3.0 mm. It is more preferable to set the gap G1 to be no more than two times the thickness T1 of the door outer panel 10, from the viewpoint of minimizing the amount of depression in the door outer panel 10 when a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied.

[0056] 7, the joint portion 110 has a joint surface 110a joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10. The joint surface 110a is joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 by an adhesive portion 112. The adhesive portion 112 is formed by solidifying an adhesive, and has an adhesive surface 112a with the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and adhesive surfaces 112b and 112c with the joint portion 110. The joint portion 110 is joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 regardless of whether or not there is external pressure on the door outer panel 10.

[0057] As described above, the protrusions 111c of the connecting portion 111 to be connected extend from the back surface 110b of the joint portion 110 (the surface opposite to the joint surface 110a). On the back surface 110b of the joint portion 110, the multiple protrusions 111c are gathered together and formed into a cylindrical shape. On the back surface 110b of the joint portion 110, the joint portion 110 and the protrusions 111c of the connecting portion 111 are integrally formed.

[0058] 4. Change in state between the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 depending on whether or not there is a pressing force Using Figure 8, we will explain the changes in state between the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 when a pressing force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the door outer panel 10 from the outside when the user washes or waxes the car, and when no pressing force is applied to the door outer panel 10 or the applied pressing force is less than the predetermined value.

[0059] First, a case where no pressing force is applied from the outside to the door outer panel 10 or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value will be described with reference to Fig. 8(a). As shown in Fig. 8(a), when no pressing force is applied from the outside to the door outer panel 10 or the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the contact portion 111d of the connecting portion 111 are separated from each other with a gap G1 (separated state).

[0060] Next, a case where a pressing force of a predetermined value or more is input from the outside to the door outer panel 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 8(b). In this embodiment, the "pressing force of a predetermined value or more" refers to a pressing force such as when a user presses the door outer panel 10 with their palm when washing or waxing the car. Specifically, the "predetermined value" may be, for example, a value of 100 N or less.

[0061] 8(b), when a pressing force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the door outer panel 10 from the outside (arrow B), the door outer panel 10 is depressed inward. As a result, the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the contact portion 111d of the connecting portion 111 come into contact (abutment state). The amount of depression of the door outer panel 10 is the sum of the gap G1 and the deflection of the connecting portion 111.

[0062] When the input of the pressing force is removed, the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 return to the state shown in FIG. 8(a) due to the elastic restoring force of the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111.

[0063] 5.Effects In the door 1 according to this embodiment, in a steady state (when no pressing force is being applied from the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10 or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value), only the multiple joints 110 of the reinforcing member 11 are joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 while being spaced apart from each other (with a gap G1), and the connecting portions 111 are not joined to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10. Therefore, in the door 1, even if the connecting portions 111 of the reinforcing member 11 are not formed to precisely match the shape of the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, unevenness due to distortion is unlikely to occur on the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10.

[0064] Moreover, in the door 1, when a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, the connecting portion 111 of the reinforcing member 11 and the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if a user applies a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value to the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, for example, when waxing or washing the car, the connecting portion 111 of the reinforcing member 11 comes into contact with the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, thereby preventing the door outer panel 10 from being significantly dented. Therefore, the door 1 is excellent in terms of the appearance quality of a vehicle equipped with the door 1.

[0065] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, the connecting portion 111 of the reinforcing member 11 has a cross-shaped cross section, so when the reinforcing member 11 is made of a resin material, the molten resin can flow smoothly in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 111. Even when the reinforcing member 111 is made of a metal material, distortion in the cross-sectional direction can be kept small during drawing or extrusion, and the connecting portion 111 can be formed smoothly.

[0066] In addition, the door 1 employs a connecting portion 111 having a structure that includes a protrusion (first protrusion) 111b and a protrusion (second protrusion) 111c in addition to the base 111a, which is effective in ensuring high rigidity against pressure input in the thickness direction of the door outer panel 10 compared to when the connecting portion 111 is formed of only the base 111a.

[0067] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, the protrusions 111b, 111c are formed so as to extend radially from the joint 110, so that when a pressing force is applied to the door outer panel 10 and the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 comes into contact with the contact portion 111d of the connecting portion 111, the load can be efficiently distributed from the connecting portion 111 to the joint 110, and further from the joint 110 to the connecting portion 111.

[0068] Furthermore, in the door 1 of this embodiment, the connecting portions 111 are formed so as to extend radially in six directions from the joint portion 110, so that the pressing force input to the connecting portions 111 (pressing force input from the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10 toward the inside in the thickness direction) can be evenly distributed from the joint portion 110 to the other connecting portions 111 connected to the joint portion 110.

[0069] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, the three joints 110 and the three connecting portions 111 connecting these three joints 110 are formed to form a triangle, so that deformation of the reinforcing member 11 in the direction along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 can be suppressed while adopting a simple structure.

[0070] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, the gap G1 between the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 is set to be 5 times or less (more preferably 2 times or less) the plate thickness T1 of the door outer panel 10. This allows the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 to come into contact with each other due to pressing force applied when washing or waxing the car, which is effective in minimizing dents in the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10.

[0071] Furthermore, in the door 1, when no pressing force is input from the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, the gap G1 between the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the connecting portion 111 is an extremely narrow gap of less than five times (more preferably less than two times) the plate thickness T1 of the door outer panel 10, which also has the effect of frictionally damping vibrations generated in the door outer panel 10.

[0072] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, a door outer panel 10 is adopted as a specific example of an "exterior panel material," and even if the door outer panel 10 is made thinner, by providing the reinforcing member 11 as described above, it is possible to keep the dent in the door outer panel 10 small even when the user presses the door outer panel 10 when washing the car, for example.

[0073] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, the door outer panel 10 is formed from a light alloy (which may be a resin material), and is therefore prone to denting in the thickness direction when the user applies pressure when washing the car, etc. However, by providing the reinforcing member 11, the denting can be kept small.

[0074] Furthermore, in the door 1 according to this embodiment, the reinforcing member 11 is formed from a resin material, which makes it easy to arrange the reinforcing member 11 along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, and is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture and lightweight.

[0075] As described above, the door 1 according to this embodiment is capable of suppressing the occurrence of unevenness due to distortion of the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, while also minimizing dents in the door outer panel 10 even when a user presses the door outer panel 10 from the outside inward in the thickness direction with a pressure greater than a predetermined value when waxing, for example.

[0076] In this embodiment, the door 1 is used as an example, but the present invention can be applied to various exterior panel structures of a vehicle other than the door 1. For example, the present invention can be applied to exterior panel structures such as the roof, fenders, and hood of a vehicle, and in these cases, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0077] [Second embodiment] An exterior panel structure for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a vehicle door 1 is used as an example. The door 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 211 of the reinforcing member, and the structure of other parts is the same as in the first embodiment, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0078] 9, the connecting portion 211 has an elongated base portion 211a extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface so as to follow the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, and a protruding portion 211b protruding from the base portion 211a toward the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface so as to follow the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, similar to the base portion 211a. In the connecting portion 211, the base portion 211a and the protruding portion 211b are integrally formed.

[0079] 9, the connecting portion 211 has a T-shaped cross section. The width of the connecting portion 211 (the width of the base 211a) is W3, and the width of the protruding portion 211b is W4. The height from the end (contact portion 211d) of the protruding portion 211b to the upper surface of the base 211a is H3, and the height (thickness) of the base 211a is H4. W3 is 5 mm to 7 mm (for example, 6 mm), and W4 is 1 mm to 2 mm (for example, 1.5 mm). H3 is 7 mm to 8 mm (for example, 7.5 mm), and H4 is 1 mm to 2 mm (for example, 1.5 mm).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the door 1 according to this embodiment, when no pressing force is applied to the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, a gap G2 is formed between the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the contact portion 211d of the connecting portion 211. The gap G2 is set to be no more than five times the thickness T2 of the door outer panel 10. Specifically, the gap G2 is set to be greater than 0 mm and no more than 3.0 mm. It is more preferable to set the gap G2 to be no more than two times the thickness T2 of the door outer panel 10, from the viewpoint of minimizing the depression of the door outer panel 10 when a pressing force is applied.

[0081] In the door 1 according to this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 211 of the reinforcing member is different from that of the first embodiment, but the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] [Third embodiment] An exterior panel structure for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, a vehicle door 1 is used as an example. The door 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by the structure of the reinforcing member 31, and the structure of other parts is the same as in the first and second embodiments, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0083] The reinforcing member 31 in this embodiment has a metal portion formed by, for example, pressing and punching a metal plate. The metal portion of the reinforcing member 31 is integrally formed with a plurality of joints (bead portions) 310 spaced apart from one another in a direction along the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10, and a plurality of connecting portions 311 connecting adjacent joints 310. Note that in the reinforcing member 31, a portion of the metal portion excluding the joints 310 and the connecting portions 311 has been removed by punching.

[0084] The reinforcing member 31 further includes an adhesive portion 312 that joins the joint surface 310a of the joint portion 310 to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10. Similar to the adhesive portion 112 of the first embodiment, the adhesive portion 312 is a portion formed by solidifying an adhesive. Note that, in addition to using an adhesive, welding or brazing may also be used as a method for joining the joint surface 310a of the joint portion 310 to the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10.

[0085] When no pressing force is applied to the outer surface 10a of the door outer panel 10, a gap G3 is formed between the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 and the contact portion 311d of the connecting portion 311 (the portion facing the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10). The gap G3 is set to be no more than five times the thickness T3 of the door outer panel 10. Specifically, the gap G3 is set to be greater than 0 mm and no more than 6.0 mm. From the viewpoint of minimizing the depression of the door outer panel 10 when a pressing force is applied, it is more preferable to set the gap G3 to be no more than two times the thickness T3 of the door outer panel 10.

[0086] In the door 1 according to this embodiment, the structure of the reinforcing member 31 is different from that of the first and second embodiments, but the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0087] [Variations] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the joints 110, 310 and the connecting portions 111, 211, 311 are integrally formed in the reinforcing member 11, 31. However, in the present invention, the joints and the connecting portions do not necessarily have to be integrally formed. The joints and the connecting portions can be formed of separate members as long as they are configured such that, when a pressing force of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the door outer panel 10 from the outside, the inner surface 10b of the door outer panel 10 comes into contact with the contact portions of the connecting portions, thereby minimizing the depression of the door outer panel 10. The joints and the connecting portions can also be formed of different materials.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the reinforcing member 11 has a generally mesh-like shape in plan view, but in the present invention, the reinforcing member does not necessarily have to have a generally mesh-like shape in plan view. For example, a linear shape formed by multiple joints and multiple connecting portions can also be adopted. Furthermore, the multiple joints do not necessarily have to be disposed at equal intervals, and the density can be varied in each region depending on the strength of the expected pressing force on the exterior panel material.

[0089] Although the first embodiment employs the connecting portion 111 having a cross-shaped cross section, and the second embodiment employs the connecting portion 211 having a T-shaped cross section, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to employ a connecting portion having a circular cross section, a connecting portion having an annular cross section, or even a connecting portion having a polygonal cross section.

[0090] In the first and second embodiments, the shape of the joint 110 in a plan view is a substantially hexagon, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a rectangular, octagonal, circular, or elliptical planar shape.

[0091] In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which six connecting portions 111, 211 are connected to the joint portion 110 is employed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In consideration of load distribution when a pressing force is applied to the exterior panel material from the outside, two or more connecting portions may be connected to one joint portion.

[0092] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the "vehicle exterior panel structure" of the present invention is applied to a door 1 that uses a door outer panel 10 as an example of an exterior panel material, but the present invention can be applied to various locations other than the door 1, such as the roof, fenders, and even the hood of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Door (vehicle exterior panel structure) 10 Door outer panel (exterior panel material) 10a Exterior 10b Inner surface 11,31 Reinforcement member 110,310 Joint 111,211,311 Connection part 111d,211d,311d Contact part 111a,211a base 111b,211b Projection 112,312 Adhesive part

Claims

1. an exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of the vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a plurality of connecting portions each extending along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connecting adjacent joint portions; and Each of the plurality of joints is connected to two or more of the connecting portions, The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: Vehicle exterior panel structure.

2. An exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of a vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a connecting portion that extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joint portions; and The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: When the connecting portion is viewed in cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting portion, the connecting portion has a base portion along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, a first protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and a second protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the opposite side to the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and has a cross-shaped cross section as a whole. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

3. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to claim 2, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are each formed to extend radially from the joint. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

4. An exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of a vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a connecting portion that extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joint portions; and The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: When the connecting portion is viewed in cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting portion, the connecting portion has a base portion along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and a protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the inner surface of the exterior panel material, and has an overall T-shaped cross section. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

5. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to claim 4, The protrusions are formed to extend radially from the joint. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

6. An exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of a vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a connecting portion that extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joint portions; and The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: When the reinforcing member is viewed from the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, The joint has a hexagonal external shape; The connecting portions are formed to extend radially in six directions from each of the joint portions. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

7. An exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes part of the exterior of a vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a connecting portion that extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joint portions; and The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: When the reinforcing member is viewed in a plan view from the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the reinforcing member is formed so that three adjacent joint portions and three connecting portions connecting these three joint portions form a triangle. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

8. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are separated from each other with a gap of 5 times or less the plate thickness of the exterior panel material when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material to the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

9. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are separated from each other with a gap of not more than twice the plate thickness of the exterior panel material when no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material to the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

10. An exterior panel material having an outer surface that constitutes a part of the exterior appearance of a vehicle; a reinforcing member disposed along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and reinforcing the exterior panel material against a pressing force input in a thickness direction of the exterior panel material; Equipped with The reinforcing member is a plurality of joints spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the exterior panel material, each joint being joined to the inner surface of the exterior panel material; a connecting portion that extends along the inner surface of the exterior panel material and connects adjacent joint portions; and The inner surface of the exterior panel material and the connecting portion are When no pressing force is applied from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, or when the applied pressing force is less than a predetermined value, the exterior panel material and the panel are spaced apart with a gap therebetween; When a pressing force equal to or greater than the predetermined value is input from the outer surface of the exterior panel material toward the inside in the thickness direction of the exterior panel material, the exterior panel material abuts against each other. It is configured as follows: the exterior panel material is a door outer panel, When the door outer panel is disposed so as to close a door opening of the vehicle, the reinforcing member is disposed in an area overlapping the door opening. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

11. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The exterior panel material is formed from a light alloy or a resin material. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

12. The vehicle exterior panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The reinforcing member is made of a resin material. Vehicle exterior panel structure.

Images