Vehicle side structure

Abstract

To provide a lateral structure of a vehicle making it possible to attain both the riding and alighting efficiency of an occupant on a rear seat and the rigidity against travel wind under the floor of a deflector in structure securing the deflector in a high-rank vehicle.SOLUTION: A lateral structure of a vehicle includes a side sill 3 extending in a vehicular fore-and-aft direction outside a lower part in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle body, an outside plate panel 20 covering a vehicular outside of the side sill 3, an attachment member 30 located at a predetermined position on the outside plate panel 20 opposed to a rear wheel 12, and a deflector 50 which is fixed to the attachment member 30 and an area outside in a vehicle width direction of an outside end in the vehicle width direction of the side sill 3 of which overlaps the rear wheel 12 when seen from the front of the vehicle. The attachment member 30 includes a closed section part S1 that is located below a rear seat surface 9a and extends in a vertical direction in collaboration with the outside plate panel 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a side structure of a vehicle that is provided with a deflector that prevents wind from hitting a rear wheel while the vehicle is running. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a vehicle side structure, a rear deflector 80 is attached to the rear end of a side sill garnish 81 as shown in Fig. 13 (see Patent Document 1). This rear deflector 80 prevents underfloor running wind from directly hitting rear wheels 82, and deflects the underfloor running wind to the outside of the rear wheels 82.

[0003] In this case, as shown in Figure 13, a portion of the side sill garnish 81 attached to the outside of the side sill 83 is protruded outward in the vehicle width direction to form a protruding portion 81a, thereby providing a seating surface for attaching the rear deflector 80 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0004] The vehicle must satisfy the requirement for ease of entry and exit that rear seat occupants must be able to exit the rear seat cushion even when the rear door 84 is half-open. Taking this requirement into consideration, it is preferable to eliminate the side sill garnish 81 that protrudes outward from the vehicle.

[0005] In the case of a side sill garnish 81 that does not have the above-mentioned protrusion 81a, a mounting seat surface for the rear deflector 80 cannot be ensured, and therefore, conventionally, a side structure shown in FIG. 14 has been adopted.

[0006] That is, in the conventional structure shown in FIG. 14, the outer end 81b of the side sill garnish 81 provided on the underside of the side sill 83 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction to a position inside the lower end 84a of the hemmed portion between the door outer panel 85 and the door inner panel 86, and therefore, the mounting surface for the rear deflector 80 cannot be secured.

[0007] For this reason, in the conventional structure of Figure 14, an overfender 87 equivalent to a door garnish is attached to a vehicle body 88 located behind the rear door, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 15, and a rear deflector 80 is attached to the back of the lower end of this overfender 87.

[0008] In the case of a relatively small vehicle, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 15, a rear seat occupant X (however, FIG. 15 shows the position of the pelvis of the rear seat occupant X) can get out of the vehicle by slipping through the gap between the door trim 90 and the over-fender 89 on the inside of the partially open rear door 84.

[0009] On the other hand, in the case of a large-sized vehicle shown by the solid line in Figure 15, the over-fender 89 is at position α in the figure, and when a rear seat occupant Y (however, Figure 15 shows the position of the pelvis of the rear seat occupant Y) slips through between the door trim 90 and the over-fender 89 of the partially open rear door 84 to get out of the vehicle, there is significant interference with the over-fender 89 at position α. ​​The vehicle shown by the solid line in Figure 15 is a relatively large-sized vehicle with a long door length and a wide body width. In Figure 15, 91 is a first pillar.

[0010] As described above, in the case of a large vehicle shown by the solid line in Figure 15, the over-fender 89 is at the position α shown in the figure, and when rear seat occupant Y (however, Figure 15 shows the position of the pelvis of rear seat occupant Y) slips through between the door trim 90 and the over-fender 89 of the partially open rear door 84 to get out of the vehicle, there is significant interference with the over-fender 89 at position α.

[0011] To solve this problem, even if the over-fender 89 at position α and the second pillar 88 (the pillar located further rearward than the first pillar) are moved to a position inward in the vehicle width direction as shown by position β, the over-fender 89 at position β will interfere with the rear seat occupant Y when the rear seat occupant Y gets out of the vehicle, so the over-fender 89 will have to be eliminated. If the over-fender 89 is eliminated, there will be no place to attach the rear deflector 80.

[0012] On the other hand, it is also possible to fix the rear deflector 80 directly to the body frame, but in this case, the amount of protrusion (protrusion) of the rear deflector 80 outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the fixing part of the rear deflector 80 becomes large, making it difficult to ensure sufficient rigidity of the rear deflector 80 against the wind generated when traveling under the floor, and there is a concern that the wind generated when traveling under the floor will directly hit the rear wheels 82, thereby deteriorating aerodynamic performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-166983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle side structure that, in a structure for fixing a deflector to a large vehicle, can achieve both ease of entry and exit for rear seat passengers and ensure the rigidity of the deflector against wind traveling under the floor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention provides a vehicle body having a side sill extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a lower outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, an outer panel covering the outer side of the side sill, an attachment member provided at a predetermined position of the outer panel facing a rear wheel, and a deflector fixed to the attachment member, the deflector having an area outward in the vehicle width direction from an outer end of the side sill in the vehicle width direction overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, the attachment member being located below a rear seat surface and having a closed cross-sectional portion extending in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer panel. The closed cross-sectional portion has a deflector mounting surface facing the rear wheel, and an outer end portion of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction is located outside an imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle side structure is characterized by the following.

[0016] The present invention also provides: a side structure for a vehicle comprising: a side sill extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the lower outer side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction; an outer panel covering the outer side of the side sill; an attachment member provided at a predetermined position of the outer panel facing the rear wheel; and a deflector fixed to the attachment member, the region of the side sill outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the side sill overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, wherein the attachment member is located below the rear seat surface and has a closed cross-sectional portion extending in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer panel, and the closed cross-sectional portion has a vehicle width dimension at its rear end that is larger than the vehicle width dimension at its front end.

[0017] The present invention also provides: a side structure for a vehicle comprising: a side sill extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a lower outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body; an outer panel covering the outer side of the side sill; an attachment member provided at a predetermined position of the outer panel facing the rear wheel; and a deflector fixed to the attachment member, the region of the side sill that is outer in the vehicle width direction than the outer end of the side sill overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, wherein the attachment member is located below the rear seat cushion and has a closed cross-sectional portion that extends in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer panel, and the attachment member comprises a first member provided along the outer panel and a second member located outside the first member, the first member, the second member and the outer panel cooperating to form the closed cross-sectional portion.

[0018] According to this invention, the mounting member is located below the rear seat surface, and therefore does not impede the rear seat passenger's ease of getting in and out when the rear door is half-open. Furthermore, even if a deflector is used that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel to a position that overlaps with the rear wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle, preventing underfloor traveling wind from hitting the rear wheels, by attaching the deflector to a closed cross-sectional portion that extends in the vertical direction, rigidity against underfloor traveling wind can be ensured even in the case of a deflector whose area outside the outer panel overlaps with the rear wheels.

[0019] Also , As mentioned above, The closed cross-sectional portion has a deflector mounting surface facing the rear wheel, and an outer end of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction is positioned outside an imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction. There are . child R This makes it possible to suppress the amount of protrusion of the deflector outward from the vehicle while ensuring a sufficient length of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] Also , As mentioned above, The closed cross-sectional portion has a rear end whose widthwise dimension is larger than that of a front end. stomach . child R According to this, the dimension of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction can be increased, the mounting rigidity of the deflector can be ensured, and the amount of protrusion of the deflector from the deflector mounting surface can be suppressed. 。

[0021] Also , As mentioned above, The mounting member includes a first member provided along the outer plate panel and a second member positioned outside the first member, and the closed cross-sectional portion is formed by cooperation between the first member, the second member, and the outer plate panel. There are . child R According to this, compared to a mounting member made of a single member, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the mounting member while ensuring the rigidity of the mounting portion at each location.

[0022] As an aspect of the present invention, the deflector mounting surface may be located near a garnish mounting portion that mounts the side sill garnish and the mounting member. According to this invention, the load input from the deflector can be transmitted to the side sill garnish, thereby dispersing the load.

[0023] As an aspect of the present invention, the deflector mounting surface may be positioned at approximately the same height as a garnish mounting portion to which the side sill garnish and the mounting member are attached. According to this invention, the load input from the deflector can be transmitted to the side sill garnish, thereby dispersing the load.

[0024] As an aspect of the present invention, the deflector mounting surface may be provided so as to overlap, in a rear view of the vehicle, a garnish mounting portion for mounting the side sill garnish and the mounting member. According to this invention, the load input from the deflector can be transmitted to the side sill garnish, thereby dispersing the load.

[0025] As an aspect of the present invention, a second closed cross-sectional portion may be formed at a lower portion of the mounting member, the first member and the second member cooperating with each other to extend in the vehicle width direction. According to this invention, the second closed cross-sectional portion can improve the rigidity of the lower portion of the mounting member.

[0026] As an aspect of the present invention, an engaging protrusion may be formed on one of the first member and the second member that form the second closed cross-sectional portion, and an engaging hole that engages with the engaging protrusion may be formed on the other of the first member and the second member. According to this invention, the engagement structure between the engagement projection and the engagement hole can suppress so-called rattle, which is undesired behavior of the first member and the second member when the vehicle is running. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to this invention, in a structure in which a deflector is fixed to a large vehicle, it is possible to achieve both ease of entry and exit for rear seat passengers and ensure the rigidity of the deflector against underfloor wind. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle side structure shown in FIG. 1 with a side sill garnish removed. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the mounting member with the cover removed from FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line BB in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line CC in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line DD in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 8(a) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the mounting member and the deflector as seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the mounting member and the deflector as seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 8(a). [Figure 9] (a) is a front perspective view of the deflector, and (b) is a rear perspective view of the deflector. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembly structure of a mounting member and a deflector. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the associated structure of the mounting member and the side sill garnish. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 1. [Figure 13] 13(a) is a partial perspective view of a vehicle in which a deflector is attached to the rear end of a side sill garnish, and FIG. 13(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 13(a). [Figure 14] 14(a) is a partial perspective view of a vehicle with a deflector attached to the rear of the lower part of the over-fender, and FIG. 14(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 14(a). [Figure 15]10A and 10B are plan views showing a comparative example of a state in which a rear seat passenger exits a vehicle of a relatively small size and a vehicle of a relatively large size; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] A structure for fixing a deflector to a large vehicle, which aims to achieve both ease of entry and exit for rear seat occupants and ensuring rigidity of the deflector against underfloor running wind, comprises a side sill extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at the lower outer side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, an outer plate panel covering the outer side of the side sill, an attachment member provided at a predetermined position of the outer plate panel facing the rear wheel, and a deflector fixed to the attachment member, the region of which in the vehicle width direction outer than the outer end of the side sill overlaps with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, and the attachment member is located below the rear seat surface and has a closed cross-sectional portion extending in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer plate panel. The closed cross-sectional portion has a deflector mounting surface facing the rear wheel, and an outer end portion of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction is located outside an imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction. This was achieved through the following configuration. [Example]

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show the side structure of a vehicle, with Fig. 1 being a side view of the side structure of the vehicle with the side sill garnish attached, Fig. 2 being a perspective view of the side structure of the vehicle with the side sill garnish removed from Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 being a perspective view of the side structure of the vehicle with the cover of the mounting member removed from Fig. 2.

[0031] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion taken along line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion taken along line BB in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion taken along line CC in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion taken along line DD in FIG. 2.

[0032] Figure 8(a) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the mounting member and the deflector as seen from a direction different from that of Figure 3, and Figure 8(b) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the mounting member and the deflector as seen from a direction further different from that of Figure 8(a).

[0033] 9(a) is a front perspective view of the deflector, FIG. 9(b) is a rear perspective view of the deflector, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the assembly structure of the mounting member and the deflector, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the related structure of the mounting member and the side sill garnish, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE in FIG. 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, a floor panel 2 is provided to form the floor surface of the passenger compartment 1, and side sills 3 extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle are provided at both left and right ends of the floor panel 2 (however, only the end on the left side of the vehicle is shown in the drawing) on ​​the lower outside of the vehicle width direction.

[0035] This side sill 3 is a vehicle body rigidity member in which a side sill inner 4 and a side sill outer 5 are joined and fixed, and which has a side sill closed cross-sectional portion 6 extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and if necessary, a side sill reinforcement is provided between the side sill inner 4 and the side sill outer 5.

[0036] A floor frame 7 having an L-shaped cross section when viewed from the front of the vehicle is joined and fixed between the underside of the floor panel 2 and the vehicle width direction inner surface of the side sill inner panel 4 of the side sill 3. The floor panel 2, side sill inner panel 4, and floor frame 7 cooperate to form a floor frame closed cross section 8 that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, thereby improving the rigidity of the lower vehicle body.

[0037] 1, a rear seat 9 serving as a rear seat is mounted above the floor panel 2. The rear seat 9 includes a seat cushion 10 that forms a seating surface (rear seat surface) 9a for the rear seat passenger, a seat back 11 that forms a backrest surface for the rear seat passenger, and a headrest (not shown) that supports the head of the rear seat passenger.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, a wheel house 13 (more specifically, a rear wheel house) is provided on the outer side of the floor panel 2 in the vehicle width direction and at the rear of the above-mentioned side sill 3, spaced apart from the rear wheel 12 and covering the upper majority of the rear wheel 12.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the wheel house 13 is formed by joining and fixing a wheel house inner 14 located on the inside in the vehicle width direction and a wheel house outer 15 located on the outside in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, an outer panel (so-called cab side outer) 20 is provided to cover at least the side sill 3 on the outer side of the vehicle.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the above-mentioned outer plate panel 20 is integrally formed with at least a side sill portion 21 that covers the vehicle exterior side of the side sill outer 5, a wheel house portion 22 that covers the vehicle exterior side of the wheel house outer 15, a second pillar portion that covers the vehicle exterior side of the second pillar (see second pillar 88 shown by solid lines in FIG. 15), and a rear fender panel portion 23.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, a first weather strip WS1 that seals between the body side and the rear door side (see rear door 84 shown by solid lines in Figure 15) is fitted and fixed along the edge of the rear door opening 16 to the flange portions of the side sill inner 4, side sill outer 5, and exterior panel 20, which form the rear door opening 16 through which rear seat passengers get in and out.

[0042] Although the drawings only show the flange portions of the side sill inner 4, side sill outer 5, and exterior panel 20, the rear door opening 16 is formed in conjunction with the flange portions (not shown) of the second pillar, roof side rail, and first pillar.

[0043] 1 and 7, a second weatherstrip WS2 that seals the gap between the body side and the rear door side is provided on the outer surface of the outer panel 20, on the outer peripheral side of the first weatherstrip WS1. This second weatherstrip WS2 is provided along the first weatherstrip WS1.

[0044] 1, 2, and 4 to 6, a third weatherstrip WS3 is provided along the wheel arch in the wheelhouse portion 22 of the outer panel 20, and a front lower portion of this third weatherstrip WS3 is located on the outer surface side in the vehicle width direction of a cover 33 of the mounting member 30, which will be described later. This third weatherstrip WS3 also seals between the body side and the rear door side, and is formed by molding.

[0045] 1, 2, and 8(a), a recess 22b is formed in a predetermined position of the outer plate panel 20 facing the rear wheel 12, i.e., at the rear end position of the side sill portion 21 of the outer plate panel 20 and at a lower front position of the wheel house portion 22. The recess 22b is curved inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the base surface 22a of the wheel house portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, a mounting member 30 is provided in the recess 22b using a plurality of fixing members 24.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 8, a deflector (more specifically, a rear deflector) 50 is attached to the mounting member 30. The region of this deflector 50 that is outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the side sill 3 in the vehicle width direction overlaps with the rear wheel 12 in a front view of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0047] 1, the mounting member 30 is positioned below the rear seat surface 9a, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, has a closed cross-sectional portion S1 that extends in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer panel 20. However, the closed cross-sectional portion S1 allows for an interference prevention gap for assembly.

[0048] 4 and 5, an interference prevention gap g is formed between the outer rear end 15a in the vehicle width direction of the wheel house outer 15 and a rear wall 32c of a second member 32 (described later) of the mounting member 30 in order to allow the mounting member 30 to be assembled to the body. The closed cross-sectional portion S1 described above allows for this interference prevention gap g.

[0049] In this way, by positioning the mounting member 30 below the rear seat surface 9a (see Figure 1), it does not hinder rear seat passengers from getting in and out when the rear door (see rear door 84 shown by solid lines in Figure 15) is half open.

[0050] Furthermore, the deflector 50, which prevents underfloor traveling wind from hitting the rear wheels 12, extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 20 to a position that overlaps with the rear wheels 12 in a front view of the vehicle. Even when such a deflector 50 is used, by attaching the deflector 50 to the closed cross-sectional portion S1 (see Figures 4 and 5) that extends in the vertical direction, the deflector 50 is configured to ensure rigidity against underfloor traveling wind even in the case of a deflector 50 whose area outside the outer panel 20 overlaps with the rear wheels 12.

[0051] 4 to 6 and 10, the mounting member 30 includes the outer plate panel 20, in particular a first member 31 provided along the recess 22b thereof, a second member 32 positioned outside the first member 31, and a cover 33 that closes an opening 32a formed in the outer surface of the second member 32 in the vehicle width direction. The first member 31, the second member 32, and the outer plate panel 20 cooperate to form the closed cross-sectional portion S1 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0052] As a result, compared to a mounting member 30 configured from a single member, the mounting member 30 is configured to improve the rigidity of the entire mounting member 30 while ensuring the rigidity of the mounting portion at each location.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10, the first member 31 of the mounting member 30 has an outer wall 31a extending vertically on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and a rear wall 31b extending from the rear end of the outer wall 31a toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second member 32 of the mounting member 30 has an outer wall 32b extending in the vertical direction on the outer side of the vehicle width direction, a rear wall 32c extending from the rear end of the outer wall 32b toward the inner side of the vehicle width direction, and a bottom wall 32d connecting the lower part of the outer wall 32b and the lower part of the rear wall 32c.

[0055] As is clear from FIG. 10, the vertical length of the outer wall 32b of the second member 32 is longer than the vertical length of the outer wall 31a of the first member 31. Also, as shown in the same figure, the vertical length and the vehicle width length of the rear wall 32c of the second member 32 are both larger than the vertical length and the vehicle width length of the rear wall 31b of the first member 31.

[0056] 8(b), the rear wall 32c of the second member 32 is formed in a substantially right-angled triangle shape when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Specifically, the right-angled triangle is configured in such a shape that the base is located at the bottom, the hypotenuse is located on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the opposite side is located on the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, at the position where the above-mentioned fixing member 24 is provided, the first member 31 is formed with a recess 31c recessed inward in the vehicle width direction, and the second member 32 is formed with a protrusion 32e that fits into the recess 31c, so that when the mounting member 30 is fixed to the outer panel 20, the protrusion 32e fits into the recess 31c, thereby positioning the members 31, 32.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the recessed portions 31c and the protruding portions 32e are provided in plural on the outer wall 31a of the first member 31 and the outer wall 32b of the second member 32, spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0059] 10 and 11, lower rear wall 32f, which is a lower part of rear wall 32c of second member 32, extends downward via step portion 32g toward the front of the vehicle relative to rear wall 32c. As a result, when deflector 50 is fixed to mounting member 30, rear wall 32c of second member 32 and the back side of deflector 50 are formed flush with each other, as shown in FIGS.

[0060] 10, an upper wall 31d extending in the vehicle width direction to face the bottom wall 32d of the second member 32, and a front wall 31e extending downward from the front end of the upper wall 31d are integrally formed at the lower part of the rear wall 31b of the first member 31. The upper wall 31d and the front wall 31e of the first member 31 and the lower rear wall 32f and the bottom wall 32d of the second member 32 form a second closed cross-sectional portion S2 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] That is, the first member 31 and the second member 32 cooperate with each other to form a second closed cross-sectional portion S2 at the lower portion of the mounting member 30, extending in the vehicle width direction. The second closed cross-sectional portion S2 is configured to improve the rigidity of the mounting member 30, particularly the rigidity of the lower portion of the mounting member 30.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, the first member 31 is provided with an inner wall 31f that connects the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall 31d and the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the front wall 31e. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, an engagement protrusion 34 is formed on one of the first member 31 and the second member 32 that form the second closed cross-sectional portion S2, specifically on the bottom wall 32d of the second member 32.

[0063] Further, the other of the first member 31 and the second member 32, specifically the inner wall 31f of the first member 31, is formed with an engagement hole 35 that engages with the engagement protrusion 34. As a result, the engagement structure between the engagement projections 34 and the engagement holes 35 described above is configured to suppress so-called rattle, which is the undesired behavior of the first member 31 and the second member 32 when the vehicle is running.

[0064] Here, the lower rear wall 32f of the second member 32 described above constitutes the deflector rear mounting surface 36 as the deflector mounting surface facing the rear wheel 12, and the bottom wall 32d constitutes the deflector lower mounting surface 37.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the deflector 50 is integrally formed with a deflector body 51, an upper mounting portion 52 extending upward from the deflector body 51, and a front mounting portion 53 extending forward of the vehicle from the lower end of the upper mounting portion 52 (in other words, the boundary between the upper end of the deflector body 51 and the lower end of the upper mounting portion 52).

[0066] As shown in Figure 9(b), a rib 54 extending a predetermined length from the entire peripheral edge of the deflector body 51 toward the rear of the vehicle is integrally formed on the rear side of the deflector body 51, thereby improving the rigidity of the deflector 50.

[0067] As shown in Figures 8(b) and 11, the upper mounting portion 52 of the deflector 50 is fixed to the deflector rear mounting surface 36 of the second member 32 of the mounting member 30 using multiple fixing members 55 spaced apart in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 11, the front mounting portion 53 of the deflector 50 is fixed to the deflector lower mounting surface 37 of the second member 32 of the mounting member 30 using multiple fixing members 56 spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the deflector 50 is attached to the outer panel 20 via the attachment member 30 .

[0069] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the closed cross-sectional portion S1 has a deflector rear mounting surface 36 facing the rear wheel 12, and the vehicle width direction outer end portion 36a (see Figure 7) of the deflector rear mounting surface 36 is located outside the vehicle width direction of an imaginary line CL that passes through the vehicle width center of the rear wheel 12 and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. This ensures a sufficient length of the deflector rear mounting surface 36 in the vehicle width direction, while restricting the amount of protrusion of the deflector 50 outward from the vehicle.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the closed cross-sectional portion S1 is formed so that the vehicle width direction dimension of its rear end is larger than the vehicle width direction dimension of its front end. This allows the vehicle width direction dimension of the deflector rear mounting surface 36 located on the rear surface of the mounting member 30 to be increased, ensuring the mounting rigidity of the deflector 50 while suppressing the amount of protrusion of the deflector 50 outward from the deflector rear mounting surface 36.

[0071] 4 and 5, the mounting member 30 described above cooperates with the outer plate panel 20 to form a space SP that is substantially triangular in plan view of the vehicle. This space SP coincides with the closed cross-sectional portion S1. The second member 32 of the mounting member 30 that forms the substantially triangular space SP in a plan view of the vehicle described above has an obtuse corner OA on the front side of the second member 32 and on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] In this way, the mounting member 30 cooperates with the outer panel 20 to form a space SP that is approximately triangular in shape when viewed from above the vehicle, thereby improving the rigidity of the mounting member 30 through a truss structure.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1, 11, and 12, a side sill garnish 40 extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the side sill outer 5 is provided on the vehicle width outer side of the side sill portion 21 of the outer panel 20 corresponding to the side sill 3. As shown in FIG. 11, the side sill garnish 40 includes an outer wall 41 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and a bottom wall 42 extending from the lower end of the outer wall 41 toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the rear portion of the side sill garnish 40 overlaps a portion of the bottom wall 32d of the second member 32 of the mounting member 30 in the vehicle vertical direction. The overlapping portion of both the side sill garnish 40 and the side sill garnish 40 is attached to the bottom wall 32d of the second member 32 by a fixing member 43. The fixing member 43 forms a garnish mounting portion 44 between the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the rear end 41a of the outer wall 41 of the side sill garnish 40 is configured to be located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the front end 32b1 of the outer wall 32b of the second member 32 and further rearward of the vehicle.

[0076] 11, the deflector rear mounting surface 36 is located near the garnish mounting portion 44 that mounts the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30. This allows the load input from the deflector 50 to the mounting member 30 to be transmitted to the side sill garnish 40 via the garnish mounting portion 44, thereby dispersing the load.

[0077] 11, the above-mentioned deflector rear mounting surface 36 is located at approximately the same height as the garnish mounting portion 44 that mounts the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30. As a result, the load input from the deflector 50 to the mounting member 30 is transmitted to the side sill garnish 40 via the garnish mounting portion 44, dispersing the load and improving the durability of the mounting member 30.

[0078] 11, the deflector rear mounting surface 36 serving as the deflector mounting surface is provided to overlap, in a rear view of the vehicle, with the garnish mounting portion 44 that mounts the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30. This allows the load input from the deflector 50 to the mounting member 30 to be transmitted to the side sill garnish 40 via the garnish mounting portion 44, dispersing the load and improving the durability of the mounting member 30.

[0079] The first member 31 of the above-described mounting member 30 is formed, for example, by a TOM (Three Dimension Overlay Method) molded product, that is, a molded product in which a film is tightly fixed to the surface of a substrate.

[0080] The second member 32 of the above-described mounting member 30 is formed of, for example, EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene-methylene rubber, an ethylene-propylene copolymer).

[0081] Furthermore, the above-mentioned deflector 50 is formed of, for example, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Note that the TOM molded product, EPDM, and TPE that form the first member 31, the second member 32, and the deflector 50 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0082] In this embodiment, the configurations of the first pillar, second pillar, and rear door are the same as those shown by the solid lines in Fig. 15. Furthermore, in the figure, arrow F indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow R indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow IN indicates the inside in the vehicle width direction, arrow OUT indicates the outside in the vehicle width direction, and arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle.

[0083] As described above, the vehicle side structure according to this embodiment comprises the side sill 3 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the lower outer side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, the outer panel 20 covering the outer side of the side sill 3, the mounting member 30 provided at a predetermined position of the outer panel 20 facing the rear wheel 12, and the deflector 50 fixed to the mounting member 30, the region of the deflector 50 that is outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the side sill 3 in the vehicle width direction overlapping with the rear wheel 12 in a front view of the vehicle, and the mounting member 30 is located below the rear seat cushion 9a and is characterized by comprising a closed cross-sectional portion S1 that extends in the vertical direction in cooperation with the outer panel 20 (see FIGS. 1, 4, and 7).

[0084] According to such a vehicle side structure, the mounting member 30 is positioned below the rear seat surface 9a, and therefore does not impede the rear seat passengers from getting in and out when the rear door is half-open.

[0085] Furthermore, even if a deflector 50 is employed that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer panel 20 to a position that overlaps with the rear wheel 12 when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and that prevents underfloor traveling wind from hitting the rear wheel 12, by attaching the deflector 50 to the closed cross-sectional portion S1 that extends in the vertical direction, rigidity against underfloor traveling wind can be ensured even in the case of a deflector 50 whose area outside the outer panel 20 overlaps with the rear wheel 12.

[0086] In addition, in such a vehicle side structure, the closed cross-sectional portion S1 has a deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) facing the rear wheel 12, and the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) is located outside an imaginary line CL passing through the vehicle width direction center of the rear wheel 12 (see Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8).

[0087] According to such a vehicle side structure, it is possible to suppress the amount of protrusion of the deflector 50 outward from the vehicle while ensuring a sufficient length in the vehicle width direction of the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36).

[0088] Furthermore, in this vehicle side structure, the closed cross-sectional portion S1 has a rear end portion whose vehicle width dimension is larger than the front end portion (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0089] According to this type of vehicle side structure, the vehicle width dimension of the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) can be increased, thereby ensuring the mounting rigidity of the deflector 50 and reducing the amount of protrusion of the deflector 50 from the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36).

[0090] Furthermore, in this vehicle side structure, the mounting member 30 cooperates with the outer plate panel 20 to form a space SP that is substantially triangular in plan view of the vehicle (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0091] According to such a vehicle side structure, the mounting member 30 cooperates with the outer plate panel 20 to form a space SP that is substantially triangular in plan view of the vehicle, so that the rigidity of the mounting member 30 can be improved.

[0092] Additionally, in such a vehicle side structure, the mounting member 30 comprises a first member 31 provided along the outer plate panel 20 and a second member 32 positioned outside the first member 31, and the first member 31, the second member 32, and the outer plate panel 20 cooperate to form the closed cross-sectional portion S1 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0093] According to such a vehicle side structure, compared to a mounting member made of a single member, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the mounting member 30 while ensuring the rigidity of the mounting portion at each location.

[0094] In addition, in such a vehicle side structure, the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) is located near the garnish mounting portion 44 that mounts the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30 (see Figures 1, 11, and 12). According to such a vehicle side structure, the load input from the deflector 50 can be transmitted to the side sill garnish 40, thereby dispersing the load.

[0095] Furthermore, in such a vehicle side structure, the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) is located at approximately the same height as the garnish mounting portion 44 to which the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30 are attached (see Figures 1, 11, and 12). According to such a vehicle side structure, the load input from the deflector 50 can be transmitted to the side sill garnish 40, thereby dispersing the load.

[0096] Furthermore, in such a vehicle side structure, the deflector mounting surface (deflector rear mounting surface 36) is provided so as to overlap, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, with the garnish mounting portion 44 that mounts the side sill garnish 40 and the mounting member 30 (see Figures 1, 11, and 12). According to such a vehicle side structure, the load input from the deflector 50 can be transmitted to the side sill garnish 40, thereby dispersing the load.

[0097] In addition, in such a vehicle side structure, a second closed cross-sectional portion S2 is formed at the lower part of the mounting member 30, extending in the vehicle width direction in cooperation with the first member 31 and the second member 32 (see Figure 10). According to such a vehicle side structure, the rigidity of the lower part of the mounting member 30 can be improved by the second closed cross-sectional portion S2.

[0098] Furthermore, in such a vehicle side structure, an engagement protrusion 34 is formed on one of the first member 31 and the second member 32 that form the second closed cross-sectional portion S2, and an engagement hole 35 that engages with the engagement protrusion 34 is formed on the other of the first member 31 and the second member 32 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0099] According to such a vehicle side structure, the engagement structure between the engagement projections 34 and engagement holes 35 can suppress so-called rattle, which is undesired behavior of the first member 31 and the second member 32 when the vehicle is traveling.

[0100] In the configuration of this invention and the correspondence with the above-mentioned embodiment, The side sill of the present invention corresponds to the side sill 3 of the embodiment, Similarly, The rear seat surface corresponds to the rear seat surface 9a, The rear wheels correspond to rear wheels 12, The outer panel corresponds to the outer panel 20, The mounting member corresponds to the mounting member 30; The first member corresponds to the first member 31, The second member corresponds to the second member 32, The engagement protrusion corresponds to the engagement protrusion 34, The engagement hole corresponds to the engagement hole 35, The deflector mounting surface facing the rear wheel corresponds to the deflector rear mounting surface 36; The side sill garnish is compatible with the side sill garnish 40. The garnish mounting portion corresponds to the garnish mounting portion 44, The deflector corresponds to the deflector 50, The closed cross-section corresponds to the closed cross-section S1, The second closed cross-sectional portion corresponds to the second closed cross-sectional portion S2, The imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction corresponds to the imaginary line CL. The approximately triangular space corresponds to the space SP, The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] As described above, the present invention is useful for a vehicle side structure that is provided with a deflector that prevents wind from hitting the rear wheels while the vehicle is running. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 3...Side sill 9a...Rear seat 12...Rear wheel 20...Outer panel 30...Mounting member 31...First member 32...Second member 34…Engagement protrusion 35...Engagement hole 36...Deflector rear mounting surface (Deflector mounting surface) 40...Side sill garnish 44...Garnish mounting part 50...Deflector CL: An imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheels in the vehicle width direction S1…Closed section S2: Second closed cross section SP…Space

Claims

1. a side sill extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at a lower outer side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction; an outer panel covering the outside of the side sill; a mounting member provided at a predetermined position on the outer panel facing the rear wheel; a deflector fixed to the mounting member, the deflector having an area on the outer side of an outer end of the side sill in the vehicle width direction overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, the mounting member is located below the rear seat surface and has a closed cross-sectional portion that extends in the up-down direction in cooperation with the outer panel, the closed cross-sectional portion having a deflector mounting surface that faces the rear wheel, The outer end of the deflector mounting surface in the vehicle width direction is located outside an imaginary line passing through the center of the rear wheel in the vehicle width direction. Vehicle side structure.

2. A side sill extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at the lower outer side of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction; an outer panel covering the outside of the side sill; a mounting member provided at a predetermined position on the outer panel facing the rear wheel; a deflector fixed to the mounting member, the deflector having an area on the outer side of an outer end of the side sill in the vehicle width direction overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, the mounting member is located below the rear seat surface and has a closed cross-sectional portion that extends in the up-down direction in cooperation with the outer panel, The closed cross-sectional portion is characterized in that the vehicle width dimension of the rear end is larger than the vehicle width dimension of the front end. Vehicle side structure.

3. A side sill extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at the lower outer side of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body; an outer panel covering the outside of the side sill; a mounting member provided at a predetermined position on the outer panel facing the rear wheel; a deflector fixed to the mounting member, the deflector having an area on the outer side of an outer end of the side sill in the vehicle width direction overlapping with the rear wheel in a front view of the vehicle, the mounting member is located below the rear seat surface and has a closed cross-sectional portion that extends in the up-down direction in cooperation with the outer panel, the mounting member includes a first member provided along the outer plate panel and a second member located outside the first member, The closed cross-sectional portion is formed by cooperation of the first member, the second member, and the outer panel. Vehicle side structure.

4. The closed cross-sectional portion has a rear end whose dimension in the vehicle width direction is larger than a front end whose dimension in the vehicle width direction is larger The vehicle side structure according to claim 1 .

5. the mounting member includes a first member provided along the outer plate panel and a second member located outside the first member, The first member, the second member, and the outer panel cooperate to form the closed cross-sectional portion. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1 .

6. The deflector mounting surface is located near a garnish mounting portion where the side sill garnish and the mounting member are mounted. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1 .

7. The deflector mounting surface is positioned at approximately the same height as the side sill garnish and the garnish mounting portion to which the mounting member is attached. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1 or 6.

8. The deflector mounting surface is provided so as to overlap a garnish mounting portion for mounting the side sill garnish and the mounting member when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1 or 6.

9. A second closed cross-sectional portion extending in the vehicle width direction is formed at a lower portion of the mounting member by cooperation of the first member and the second member. The vehicle side structure according to claim 3 or 5.

10. An engaging projection is formed on one of the first member and the second member that form the second closed cross-sectional portion, and an engaging hole that engages with the engaging projection is formed on the other of the first member and the second member. The vehicle side structure according to claim 9.

Images