Body structure

Abstract

To improve mountability of a component covering a portion between a lamp unit and an end portion of a bumper in a rear panel.SOLUTION: Vehicle body structure of a vehicle 100 includes: a side panel 2; a cover 3 covering a rail R; a cover extending portion 7 which has an extending wall 71 extending rearward in a vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the cover 3 and which covers a portion between a lamp unit and an end portion of a bumper in a rear panel; a first flange portion 31 extending from a rear portion of the cover 3; a second flange portion 72 extending from a front portion of the extending wall 71 and opposite to the first flange portion 31 with a space left therefrom; and a lower holder 8 mounted to the cover 3 and holding the cover extending portion 7. The lower holder 8 has a first engaging portion 81 which engages with the first flange portion 31 and is mounted to the cover 3, and a second engaging portion 82 which engages with the second flange portion 72 and holds the cover extending portion 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure including a cover that covers a rail that supports a sliding door. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a sliding door opens and closes a vehicle entrance / exit opening on the side of the vehicle by sliding along a rail, and the rail is covered with a cover. One example of a vehicle body structure including such a cover is the vehicle body structure disclosed in Patent Document 1. The vehicle body structure of Patent Document 1 includes a side panel to which the rail is attached, a cover that covers the rail, a rear panel that forms the rear of the vehicle body, a bumper that covers the rear panel, and lamp units provided on the left and right sides of the tailgate. The cover includes a first extension portion that extends on the side panel in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a second extension portion that extends from the rear end of the first extension portion toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6420292 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle body structure of Patent Document 1, the rear portion of the cover that covers the rail extends around to the rear panel, and this portion (the aforementioned second extension portion) covers the portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the edge of the bumper. However, there may be cases where the rear portion of the cover does not extend around to the rear panel due to design constraints or the like, and it is necessary to cover the portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the edge of the bumper with a part other than the cover. In such cases, for example, it may be necessary to simplify the installation process of the additional part to compensate for the impact of the increased number of parts.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body structure that has a structure that allows easy attachment of a component that covers the portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the end of the bumper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle body structure is provided, including a side panel that forms a portion of the side of the vehicle body located above the rear wheel and has a recess in which a rail that supports a sliding door is attached, a rear panel that is joined to the side panel and forms the rear of the vehicle body, a cover that covers the rail, a bumper that covers the lower part of the rear panel, and a lamp unit that is arranged on the rear panel so as to be spaced apart above the end of the bumper in the vehicle width direction. This vehicle body structure includes a cover extension portion that has an extension wall adjacent to the cover and extending rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction relative to the cover, and covers the portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the end of the bumper, a first flange portion that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear of the cover, a second flange portion that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the front of the extension wall and faces the first flange portion at a distance, and a lower holder that is attached to the cover and holds the cover extension portion, and the lower holder has a first engagement portion that engages with the first flange portion and is attached to the cover, and a second engagement portion that engages with the second flange portion and holds the cover extension portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure having a structure that allows easy attachment of a component that covers the portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the end of the bumper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle to which a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view for explaining the interior of the vehicle body structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view showing part A shown in FIG. 1 from the back side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover extension portion of the vehicle body structure. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower holder as seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching the cover extension portion, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-BA in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching the cover extension portion, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 6. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle 100 to which a vehicle body structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view for explaining the interior of the vehicle body structure. In the drawings, the arrow Fr direction indicates the front of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the arrow O direction indicates the outward direction in the vehicle width direction (vehicle width direction), and the arrow U direction indicates the upward direction in the vehicle vertical direction. In the following description, "front" and "rear" correspond to the front and rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and "up" and "down" correspond to the up and down in the vehicle vertical direction. Also, Figs. 1 and 2 show the right side and rear of the vehicle body when a user such as an occupant in the vehicle cabin looks forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] [Body structure overview] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a vehicle 100 includes a side panel 2 constituting a part of a vehicle body side portion 1, a cover 3, a rear panel 4 forming the rear portion of the vehicle body, a bumper 5, a lamp unit 6, a cover extension portion 7, a lower holder 8, an upper holder 9, and a bumper holder 10. In FIG. 1, the outline of a sliding door D1 and an outline of a tailgate D2 (described later) are indicated by dashed lines. In FIG. 2, the outline of the tailgate D2 is indicated by dashed lines, and the cover extension portion 7 and the bumper holder 10 are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The side panel 2, the cover 3, and the rear panel 4 are mainly made of thin metal plate material. The bumper 5, the main body of the lamp unit 6, the cover extension portion 7, and each holder (8, 9, 10) are mainly made of resin members.

[0011] The vehicle body side portion 1 is a portion of the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 that is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A boarding / alighting opening 1a is formed in the vehicle body side portion 1. The boarding / alighting opening 1a is an opening formed in the vehicle body side portion 1 to allow access to the rear seats.

[0012] The side panel 2 forms a portion of the vehicle body side portion 1 that is located above the rear wheel W. In other words, the side panel 2 is a portion of the vehicle body side portion 1 that is rearward of the rear seat entrance 1a in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is provided as a part of the vehicle body side portion 1.

[0013] The entrance 1a is opened and closed by a sliding door D1. The sliding door D1 is configured to be positioned at a closed position where the entrance 1a is fully closed by sliding forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and to be positioned at an open position where the entrance 1a is opened by sliding backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and where the door faces a side panel 2 located rearward of the entrance 1a on the vehicle body side 1. In the closed position, the outer door surface of the sliding door D1 and the outer surface of the side panel 2 are aligned with each other in the vehicle width direction, and these surfaces form part of the design surface of the side of the vehicle 100. The side panel 2 has an outer panel 2a and an inner panel (not shown) located inside the outer panel 2a in the vehicle width direction. The outer surface of the outer panel 2a forms part of the design surface.

[0014] The side panel 2 has a recess 2a1 to which a rail R that supports the sliding door D1 is attached. The recess 2a1 is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction of the side panel 2 and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is formed in the outer panel 2a. The rail R is a member that supports the sliding door D1 so that it can slide between a closed position and an open position, and extends in the front-rear direction along the recess 2a1. The rail R and the sliding door D1 are connected via a connecting unit (not shown) that is provided at the rear end of the sliding door D1. The rail R is fixed to the recess 2a1 by a fastening member such as a bolt, and FIG. 2 shows a bolt 21 that fixes the rear end of the rail R.

[0015] The cover 3 is a member that covers the rail R from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The cover 3 is attached to a recess 2a1 in the outer panel 2a of the side panel 2. The outer surface of the cover 3 faces the outside in the vehicle width direction and forms part of the design surface. A gap G is provided between the lower end of the cover 3 and the lower edge of the recess 2a1 of the side panel 2, and the arm of the aforementioned connecting unit can move through this gap G during sliding movement.

[0016] The rear panel 4 is joined to the side panels 2 to form the rear of the vehicle body. A back door opening 4a is provided in the rear of the vehicle body. The back door opening 4a is opened and closed by a hinged back door D2. The rear panel 4 mainly defines the bottom of the back door opening 4a and both side edges of the back door opening 4a in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The bumper 5 is a member that covers the lower part of the rear panel 4. The bumper 5 covers the part of the rear panel 4 below the back door opening 4a, and extends over the entire width of the vehicle.

[0018] The lamp unit 6 has various lamp devices (not shown) and a lamp unit body 6a made mainly of a translucent resin material. The lamp devices are housed in the lamp unit body 6a. The lamp unit 6 is disposed on the rear panel 4 so as to be spaced apart above the end 5a of the bumper 5 in the vehicle width direction. The lamp units 6 are provided on the sides of the rear panel 4 in the vehicle width direction, and are located on the left and right sides of the back door D2. Furthermore, in the vehicle vertical direction, the cover 3 is located at a height between the lamp unit 6 and the bumper 5.

[0019] The cover extension 7 is a member that covers the portion of the rear panel 4 between the lamp unit 6 and the end 5a of the bumper 5. The cover 3 only extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and does not extend around to the area between the lamp unit 6 and the end 5a of the bumper 5. As a result, the portion of the rear panel 4 between the lamp unit 6 and the end 5a of the bumper 5 is exposed. This exposed portion is covered by the cover extension 7.

[0020] The cover extension 7 has an extension wall 71 that is adjacent to the cover 3 and extends rearward relative to the cover 3 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outer surface of the extension wall 71 faces generally outward in the vehicle width direction. The outer surface of the extension wall 71 and the outer surface of the cover 3 in the vehicle width direction are generally flush with each other in the vehicle width direction, and these surfaces form part of the design surface of the side of the vehicle 100. In this way, the extension wall 71 serves as an extension that is adjacent to the cover 3 and extends rearward relative to the cover 3. In this embodiment, the lamp unit 6 is located significantly above the upper end of the cover 3 in the vehicle vertical direction. Therefore, the cover extension 7 also has an upward extension function.

[0021] As described above, each holder (8, 9, 10) is mainly made of a resin material and is formed, for example, by injection molding. The lower holder 8 and the upper holder 9 are members (components) for holding the cover extension portion 7. The bumper holder 10 is a member (component) for holding the end portion 5a of the bumper 5.

[0022] [Detailed body structure] The following mainly describes in detail the cover 3, the cover extension 7, and the holders (8, 9, 10). Figure 3 is a view of part A shown in Figure 1 from the back side of the cover 3. In Figure 3, parts other than the cover 3 and the cover extension 7 are omitted.

[0023] 3, a first flange portion 31 is provided at the rear of the cover 3, and a second flange portion 72 is provided at the cover extension portion 7. In other words, the body structure of the vehicle 100 includes the first flange portion 31 and the second flange portion 72 in addition to the elements described above.

[0024] The cover 3 includes a cover outer panel 3a that forms a design surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and a cover inner panel 3b that is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the cover outer panel 3a and forms a closed cross-sectional structure in cooperation with the cover outer panel 3a. The center of the cover inner panel 3b in the vehicle front-rear direction is separated from the cover outer panel 3a.

[0025] The first flange portion 31 is formed as a flange piece extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear portion of the cover outer panel 3a. Specifically, the first flange portion 31 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end portion of the cover outer panel 3a (cover 3).

[0026] The second flange portion 72 is formed as a flange piece extending inward in the vehicle width direction from a front portion of the extension wall 71 of the cover extension portion 7. The second flange portion 72 faces the first flange portion 31 at a distance. In other words, when the cover extension portion 7 is assembled, the second flange portion 72 is spaced rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction from the first flange portion 31 and faces the first flange portion 31.

[0027] In this embodiment, the front end of the extension wall 71 of the cover extension portion 7 is located forward of the second flange portion 72 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the second flange portion 72 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from a position slightly shifted rearward from the front end of the extension wall 71. The extension wall 71 has a portion (hereinafter referred to as a concealing protrusion 71a) that protrudes slightly forward of the second flange portion 72 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The concealing protrusion 71a of the extension wall 71 extends to a position near the rear end of the cover outer panel 3a, and is located at a position corresponding to the outer side of the intermediate vertical wall 84 of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] 4 is a perspective view of the cover extension 7. Although not particularly limited, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the cover extension 7 is divided into a lower portion 7A including an extension wall 71, an upper portion 7B extending above the lower portion 7A, and an inner fixing portion 7C.

[0029] In the lower part 7A, the second flange part 72 is shifted slightly rearward relative to the front end of the extension wall 71. The main body part (7A, 7B) consisting of the lower part 7A and the upper part 7B has an extension flange part 73 that extends in the vertical direction, continuing from the second flange part 72. Most of the extension flange part 73 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the side wall part of the upper part 7B that faces outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The main body portions (7A, 7B) have a shape that generally bulges rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is open rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Both ends of the main body portions (7A, 7B) in the vehicle vertical direction are open. The main body portions (7A, 7B) are narrowed in the middle in the vehicle vertical direction, and are divided into a lower portion 7A and an upper portion 7B at the narrowed portion.

[0031] The inner fixing portion 7C extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the inner side wall of the main body portion (7A, 7B) in the vehicle width direction and faces the rear panel 4. The inner fixing portion 7C is formed with a fixing portion 74 for fixing the cover extension portion 7 to the rear panel 4. For example, the fixing portion 74 is formed as a seat having a hole 74a through which a fixing tool such as a resin clip or a bolt is inserted. The fixing portions 74 are provided on the upper and lower parts of the inner fixing portion 7C. The fixing tool inserted into the hole 74a of the fixing portion 74 is pushed into a hole formed in the rear panel 4 or screwed into a threaded portion formed in the rear panel 4, thereby fixing the inner portion of the cover extension portion 7 in the vehicle width direction to the rear panel 4.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and Figs. 7 and 8 described below, the cover extension 7 has a weakened portion 75 on the front surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the base of the second flange portion 72. The weakened portion 75 is a recess that is open to the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction and extends in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0033] 3 and 4, an engagement hole is formed in each flange portion (31, 72, 73). Specifically, a plurality of (here, two) cover-side engagement holes 31a for engaging with the lower holder 8 are formed in the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3, a plurality of (here, two) lower engagement holes 72a for engaging with the lower holder 8 are formed in the second flange portion 72 of the cover extension portion 7, and a plurality of (here, four) upper engagement holes 73a for engaging with the upper holder 9 are formed in the extension flange portion 73.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lower holder 8, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower holder 8 viewed from a different angle than Fig. 5. The lower holder 8 is a member that is attached to the cover 3 (first flange portion 31) and holds the cover extension portion 7 (second flange portion 72).

[0035] 5 and 6, the lower holder 8 has a first engagement portion 81 and a second engagement portion 82. The first engagement portion 81 engages with the first flange portion 31 (cover-side engagement hole 31a) of the cover 3 to be attached to the cover 3. The second engagement portion 82 engages with the second flange portion 72 (lower engagement hole 72a) of the cover extension portion 7 to hold the cover extension portion 7. The shape of the lower holder 8 will be described in more detail later.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 2, the shapes of the upper holder 9 and the bumper holder 10 and the positional relationship between the holders (8, 9, 10) will be described.

[0037] The upper holder 9 is positioned above the lower holder 8 and is a member that holds the upper portion 7B of the cover extension portion 7. The upper holder 9 is attached to the rear portion of the side panel 2 or the rear panel 4 and holds the cover extension portion 7 (extended flange portion 73). The upper holder 9 has an upper engagement portion 91 that engages with the extended flange portion 73 to hold the upper portion 7B of the cover extension portion 7. The upper engagement portion 91 has an upper groove portion 911 into which the extended flange portion 73 is inserted, and multiple (four in this example) upper claw portions 912 that engage with the extended flange portion 73 inserted into the upper groove portion 911. The claws of each upper claw portion 912 protrude forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and engage with the upper engagement holes 73a of the extended flange portion 73 of the cover extension portion 7.

[0038] As described above, the bumper holder 10 is a member that holds the end portion 5a of the bumper 5. The bumper holder 10 is attached to the rear portion of the side panel 2 or the rear panel 4, and holds the end portion 5a of the bumper 5.

[0039] Here, the outer panel 2a of the side panel 2 is divided into a recess 2a1, an outer panel upper portion 2a2, and an outer panel lower portion 2a3. The outer panel upper portion 2a2 is a portion of the outer panel 2a located above the recess 2a1, and the outer panel lower portion 2a3 is a portion of the outer panel 2a located below the recess 2a1. In this embodiment, a ridge portion L (the thick line portion shown in FIG. 2 ) is provided at the rear of the outer panel upper portion 2a2 and the rear of the outer panel lower portion 2a3, forming a boundary between the design surface and the concealing surface S and extending continuously from the rear edge 2a4 of the recess 2a1. The concealing surface S is a surface that is concealed by the cover extension 7 and the bumper 5.

[0040] The upper holder 9 and the bumper holder 10 are arranged on the concealed surface S so as to be aligned along the ridge line L. The lower holder 8 is located at a height between the upper holder 9 and the bumper holder 10 in the vehicle vertical direction. Most of the lower holder 8 is located between the rear end of the cover 3 and the rear edge 2a4 of the recess 2a1 in a plan view seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the side panel 2. Therefore, the holders (8, 9, 10) are generally arranged vertically in the vicinity of the ridge line L including the rear edge 2a4, and the installation locations of the holders (8, 9, 10) are concentrated in the vicinity of the ridge line L. The upper holder 9 and the bumper holder 10 are fixed to the concealed surface S, for example, by fasteners such as bolts (not shown).

[0041] In this embodiment, the rail R has a protruding rail portion Ra that protrudes rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction beyond the rear end of the cover 3 and is covered by the cover extension portion 7. The protruding rail portion Ra is fixed to the portion of the recess 2a1 that is covered by the cover extension portion 7.

[0042] Next, the shape of the lower holder 8 and the method of attaching the cover extension 7 will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the method of attaching the cover extension, with Figure 7 being a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 6, and Figure 8 being a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 6.

[0043] 5 and 6, the lower holder 8 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape that is long in the vehicle up-down direction. One surface of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle width direction is formed to be generally flat. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower holder 8 is attached to the first flange portion 31 from the back surface side of the cover 3, with the other surface in the vehicle width direction facing outward in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the first flange portion 31 is inserted (inserted) into the lower holder 8 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Then, with the lower holder 8 attached to the cover 3, the cover extension portion 7 is attached to the second engagement portion 82 of the lower holder 8 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction and held by the lower holder 8. At this time, the second flange portion 72 is inserted (inserted) into the lower holder 8 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the first flange portion 31 and the second flange portion 72 are inserted (inserted) into the lower holder 8 from the same side of the lower holder 8.

[0044] 5 to 8, in this embodiment, the first engagement portion 81 of the lower holder 8 has a first groove portion 811 into which the first flange portion 31 is inserted, and a first claw portion 812 having a claw 812a that engages with the first flange portion 31 inserted into the first groove portion 811. The second engagement portion 82 of the lower holder 8 has a second groove portion 821 into which the second flange portion 72 is inserted, and a second claw portion 822 having a claw 822a that engages with the second flange portion 72 inserted into the second groove portion 821.

[0045] The first groove 811 and the second groove 821 are grooves recessed from the outer surface of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle width direction toward the inner surface in the vehicle width direction, and are formed over the entire vehicle vertical direction. The grooves (811, 821) extend parallel to each other, and the first groove 811 is located forward of the second groove 821 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The grooves (811, 821) are formed in the front half of the lower holder 8, and a plurality of holder recesses 83 communicating with the second groove 821 are formed in the rear half of the lower holder 8. The plurality of holder recesses 83 (three in the figure) are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0046] Two first claws 812 and two second claws 822 are provided. The two first claws 812 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction, and the two second claws 822 are also spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction. Although not particularly limited, here, the separation distance between the two first claws 812 is narrower than the separation distance between the two second claws 822, and the first claws 812 are slightly shifted toward the center of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle up-down direction relative to the second claws 822.

[0047] The first claw portion 812 constitutes a part of the intermediate vertical wall 84, which is the wall between the first groove portion 811 and the second groove portion 821. Specifically, the first claw portion 812 is composed of a claw 812a and a first vertical protruding piece 812b. The claw 812a protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the tip of the first vertical protruding piece 812b. Slits are formed on both sides of the part of the intermediate vertical wall 84 corresponding to the first claw portion 812. The first vertical protruding piece 812b is formed by the part between two adjacent slits in the intermediate vertical wall 84. The claw 812a of the first claw portion 812 engages with the cover-side engagement hole 31a of the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3.

[0048] The second claw portion 822 is located rearward of the second groove portion 821 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The claw 822a of the second claw portion 822 protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Specifically, the second claw portion 822 is composed of the claw 822a and a second vertical protruding piece 822b. The claw 822a protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the tip of the second vertical protruding piece 822b. The second vertical protruding piece 822b protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the bottom wall of the holder recess 83 in the lower holder 8. The claw 822a of the second claw portion 822 engages with the lower engagement hole 72a of the second flange portion 72 of the cover extension portion 7.

[0049] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second claw portion 822 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first claw portion 812. Specifically, the length in the front-rear direction of the claw 822a of the second claw portion 822 is longer than the length in the front-rear direction of the claw 812a of the first claw portion 812, and the thickness in the front-rear direction of the vehicle of the second vertical protruding piece 822b is larger than the thickness in the front-rear direction of the vehicle of the first vertical protruding piece 812b. An inclined surface (812c, 822c) is formed at the tip of each claw (812a, 822a). When the tip of the corresponding flange portion (first flange portion 31 or second flange portion 72) abuts against the inclined surface (812c or 822c), the flange portion (first flange portion 31 or second flange portion 72) elastically deforms so as to rotate forward in the front-rear direction of the vehicle around the base portion.

[0050] The groove wall on the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the first groove portion 811 of the lower holder 8 constitutes a holder front wall 85, which is the front wall of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the bottom wall of the holder recess 83 of the lower holder 8 constitutes a holder bottom wall 86, which is the inner wall of the lower holder 8 in the vehicle width direction. Portions of the holder front wall 85 and the holder bottom wall 86 corresponding to the first claw portion 812 are largely cut out from the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, a portion of the holder bottom wall 86 facing the claw 822a of the second claw portion 822 is opened. In addition, a plurality of bead-shaped guide protrusions 87 extending along the wall surfaces are formed on the intermediate vertical wall 84 and the holder front wall 85.

[0051] 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the groove width W1 of the first groove portion 811 is constant throughout, and the groove width W2 of the second groove portion 821 becomes wider from the groove bottom toward the groove opening end. Specifically, the groove width W2 of the groove opening end (insertion port) of the second groove portion 821 is larger (wider) than the groove width W1 of the groove opening end (insertion port) of the first groove portion 811.

[0052] Furthermore, the insertion direction of the second flange portion 72 into the second groove portion 821 is not parallel to the insertion direction of the first flange portion 31 into the first groove portion 811, but is configured to intersect with the insertion direction of the first flange portion 31. Specifically, for example, in the inserted state, an imaginary line passing through the center of the first flange portion 31 intersects with an imaginary line extending along the rear surface of the second flange portion 72 in the vehicle longitudinal direction at an imaginary point P located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the lower holder 8. Therefore, in a state where the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3 is already inserted into the first groove portion 811, it is easy to insert the second flange portion 72 into the second groove portion 821.

[0053] Next, a method for attaching the cover extension 7 in the vehicle body structure applied to the vehicle 100 according to this embodiment will be described. It is assumed that the rail R, the cover 3, the lamp unit 6, the bumper holder 10, the bumper 5, and the upper holder 9 are already attached.

[0054] When attaching the cover extension 7, first, the lower holder 8 is attached to the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3 by an operator or the like. Specifically, the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3 is inserted into the first groove portion 811 of the lower holder 8 and engaged with the claws 812a, thereby attaching the lower holder 8 to the cover 3.

[0055] Next, for example, the fixing portion 74 of the inner fixing portion 7C of the cover extension 7 is fixed to the rear panel 4 with a fixing device (not shown), such as a bolt or a clip. At this time, for example, the portion of the main body portion (7A, 7B) of the cover extension 7 on the extension wall 71 side is pushed outward by the lower holder 8 and the upper holder 9, and as a result, it is elastically deformed so as to spread outward in the vehicle width direction. In this state, the cover extension 7 is not attached to the lower holder 8 and the upper holder 9. Thereafter, the portion of the main body portion (7A, 7B) of the cover extension 7 on the extension wall 71 side is pulled diagonally rearward by an operator, and the operator inserts the second flange portion 72 of the cover extension 7 into the second groove portion 821 of the lower holder 8 while releasing the diagonally rearward pulling force. At this time, a tensile force acting generally rearward acts on the cover extension 7, causing the second flange 72 to elastically deform starting from the weakened portion 75, after which the second flange 72 smoothly engages with the forward-protruding claws 822a of the second claws 822 of the lower holder 8. This causes the cover extension 7 (lower portion 7A) to be held by the lower holder 8, completing the attachment of the lower portion 7A of the cover extension 7. In this manner, the lower holder 8 connects the cover 3 and the cover extension 7 by holding the first flange 31 and the second flange 72 so as to sandwich them together while keeping them spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction. This causes the cover extension 7 to be fixed and attached to the cover 3 adjacent to it.

[0056] In this embodiment, since the upper holder 9 is also provided, simultaneously with the above operation, the worker inserts the extension flange portion 73 of the cover extension portion 7 into the upper groove portion 911 of the upper holder 9 while loosening the pulling force diagonally rearward. At this time, the extension flange portion 73 elastically deforms from its base, and then the extension flange portion 73 smoothly engages with the claws protruding forward of the upper claw portions 912 of the upper holder 9. As a result, the cover extension portion 7 (upper portion 7B) is held by the upper holder 9, and installation of the upper portion 7B of the cover extension portion 7 is completed.

[0057] The vehicle body structure of a vehicle 100 according to this embodiment includes a cover extension 7 that is adjacent to the cover 3 and has an extension wall 71 that extends rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the cover 3 and covers a portion of the rear panel 4 between the lamp unit 6 and an end 5a of the bumper 5, a first flange 31 that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear of the cover 3, a second flange 72 that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the front of the extension wall 71 and faces the first flange 31 at an interval, and a lower holder 8 that is attached to the cover 3 and holds the cover extension 7. The lower holder 8 has a first engagement portion 81 that engages with the first flange 31 and is attached to the cover 3, and a second engagement portion 82 that engages with the second flange 72 and holds the cover extension 7. Therefore, when a worker or the like attaches the cover extension 7, the worker or the like attaches the lower holder 8 to the first flange portion 31 of the cover 3 using the first engagement portion 81 of the lower holder 8, and then in this state, the worker or the like engages the second flange portion 72 of the cover extension 7 with the second engagement portion 82 of the lower holder 8. This reduces the burden of the work of attaching the cover extension 7.

[0058] In this way, the body structure of the vehicle 100 has a structure in which the cover extension 7, which is a part that covers the portion of the rear panel 4 between the lamp unit 6 and the end 5a of the bumper 5, can be easily attached adjacent to the cover 3.

[0059] Furthermore, the lower holder 8 is simply attached to the boundary between the cover 3 and the cover extension 7 from the back side of the cover 3, resulting in a compact structure and reduced holder costs. The first flange 31 and the second flange 72 are spaced apart and do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the amount of thermal deformation of the cover 3 differs from the amount of thermal deformation of the cover extension 7, the difference in deformation is absorbed by the gap between the cover 3 and the cover extension 7, and the cover 3 and the cover extension 7 are maintained spaced apart and do not come into contact with each other. In other words, the gap between the cover 3 and the cover extension 7 ensures a deformation margin for the cover 3 and the cover extension 7. This maintains a good appearance at the boundary (partition) between the cover 3 and the cover extension 7. Furthermore, the lower holder 8 engages only with the first flange 31 of the cover 3 and the second flange 72 of the cover extension 7, simply connecting the two components, making it easy to control the positional accuracy of the cover extension 7 in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the cover 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the upper holder 9 and the bumper holder 10 are arranged along the ridge line L on the concealed surface S, so that the installation locations of the holders (8, 9, 10) are concentrated near the ridge line L. This maintains a good appearance at the boundary between the three parts (the cover 3, the cover extension 7, and the bumper 5).

[0061] In this embodiment, when the cover extension portion 7 is removed, the protruding rail portion Ra and the bolt 21 are exposed to the outside. This allows a worker or the like to easily loosen the bolt 21, improving workability.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second claw portion 822 of the lower holder 8 is located rearward of the second groove portion 821 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the claw 822a of the second claw portion 822 protrudes forward in the vehicle front-rear direction. Here, during installation, a tensile force acting generally rearward acts on the cover extension portion 7. Therefore, the forward-protruding claw 822a is likely to catch on the cover extension portion 7 that receives the rearward force. In addition, because the separation distance of the first claw portion 812 is different from the separation distance of the second claw portion 822, an error in the installation direction of the lower holder 8 does not occur, and assembly errors are prevented.

[0063] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second claw portion 822 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first claw portion 812. Here, when an operator or the like attaches the cover extension portion 7 to the lower holder 8 in a state in which the lower holder 8 is attached to the cover 3, a relatively large force may act on the second claw portion 822 that engages with the second flange portion 72 of the cover extension portion 7. Therefore, by forming the second claw portion 822 larger than the first claw portion 812, the second claw portion 822 has rigidity that can withstand the force that may act upon it during attachment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the groove width W2 of the second groove portion 821 increases from the groove bottom toward the groove opening end (insertion port). This allows an operator to more easily insert (insert) the second flange portion 72 into the second groove portion 821 of the lower holder 8 when the lower holder 8 is attached to the cover 3, facilitating installation and improving work efficiency. The insertion port of the second groove portion 821 is wider than the insertion port of the first groove portion 811. If both insertion ports were formed wider, both of these insertion ports would be easily visible through the gap between the cover 3 and the cover extension portion 7, potentially detracting from the appearance. By making the insertion port of the second groove portion 821 wider than the insertion port of the first groove portion 811, work efficiency can be improved while minimizing degradation of the design (appearance).

[0065] In this embodiment, the front end of the extension wall 71 is located forward of the second flange portion 72 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the extension wall 71 has a concealing protrusion 71a. Therefore, the gap between the first flange portion 31 and the second flange portion 72 is made difficult to see from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the concealing protrusion 71a, and is generally concealed. This effectively narrows the gap between the cover 3 and the cover extension portion 7, improving the appearance of the boundary between the cover 3 and the cover extension portion 7.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cover extension 7 has a weakened portion 75 on the front surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the base of the second flange 72. Therefore, when an operator or the like inserts the second flange 72 into the second groove 821, the second flange 72 is more likely to rotate and deform forward from the weakened portion 75. As a result, the second flange 72 engages with the second engagement portion 82 more smoothly, further improving workability (ease of installation).

[0067] The number of the claw portions (812, 822, 912) and the number of the engagement holes (31a, 72a, 73a) can be set to any appropriate number. In addition, the front end of the side wall portion of the upper part 7B of the cover extension 7 facing outward in the vehicle width direction may be located forward in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the extended flange portion 73, and the side wall portion of the upper part 7B facing outward in the vehicle width direction may have a concealing protrusion that protrudes forward in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the extended flange portion 73, similar to the extended wall 71 of the lower part 7A.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the lamp unit 6 is spaced far above the upper end of the cover 3 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, but this is not limiting and there is also a case where the lamp unit 6 is not spaced far above the upper end of the cover 3. In this case, the upper holder 9 does not need to be provided, and the cover extension 7 is held by the lower holder 8.

[0069] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and further modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1... Side of the vehicle body, 2...side panel, 2a...outer panel, 2a1...recess, 3...cover, 31...first flange portion, 4...Rear panel, 5...bumper, 5a...end portion, 6...Lamp unit, 7...Cover extension portion, 71...Extension wall, 72...Second flange portion, 75...Weak portion, 8...lower holder, 81...first engagement portion, 811...first groove portion, 812...first claw portion, 812a...claw, 82... second engagement portion, 821... second groove portion, 822... second claw portion, 822a... claw, 9...Upper holder, 10...bumper holder, L...ridgeline, D1...sliding door, R...rail, S...concealed surface, W...rear wheel, W1...groove width of first groove, W2...groove width of second groove

Claims

1. a side panel that defines a portion of the vehicle body side that is located above the rear wheel and has a recess to which a rail that supports a sliding door is attached; a cover that covers the rail; a rear panel joined to the side panel to form a rear portion of the vehicle body; a bumper covering a lower portion of the rear panel; a lamp unit disposed on the rear panel so as to be spaced apart above an end of the bumper in a vehicle width direction; A vehicle body structure comprising: a cover extension portion that is adjacent to the cover and has an extension wall that extends rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the cover, and that covers a portion of the rear panel between the lamp unit and the end portion of the bumper; a first flange portion extending from a rear portion of the cover toward an inner side in a vehicle width direction; a second flange portion extending inward in the vehicle width direction from a front portion of the extension wall and facing the first flange portion with a gap therebetween; a lower holder attached to the cover and holding the cover extension; Including, The lower holder is a first engagement portion that engages with the first flange portion and is attached to the cover; a second engagement portion that engages with the second flange portion to hold the cover extension portion; A vehicle body structure comprising:

2. an upper holder positioned above the lower holder and holding the cover extension; a bumper holder that holds the end of the bumper; Further comprising: The side panel has an outer panel that forms a part of the design surface, The recess is formed in the outer panel, a rear portion of the outer panel that is located above the recess and a rear portion of the outer panel that is located below the recess are provided with a ridge portion that forms a boundary between a design surface and a concealed surface that is concealed by the cover extension and the bumper, and that extends continuously with a rear edge of the recess; The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the upper holder and the bumper holder are disposed along the ridge portion on the concealing surface.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the rail has a protruding rail portion that protrudes rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction beyond a rear end of the cover and is covered by the cover extension portion.

4. the first engaging portion has a first groove portion into which the first flange portion is inserted, and a first claw portion having a claw that engages with the first flange portion inserted into the first groove portion, the second engaging portion has a second groove portion into which the second flange portion is inserted, and a second claw portion having a claw that engages with the second flange portion inserted into the second groove portion, the second claw portion is located rearward of the second groove portion in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 , wherein the claw of the second claw portion protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

5. The groove width of the first groove portion is constant throughout, The vehicle body structure according to claim 4 , wherein the groove width of the second groove portion increases from the groove bottom toward the groove open end.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5 , wherein a front end of the extension wall is located forward of the second flange portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

7. 7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein the cover extension portion has a weakened portion on a front surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a base of the second flange portion.

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