Side structure of the vehicle

Abstract

To effectively absorb an impact load at rear collision while stabilizing operation of a seat belt unit at the front side of a vertically disposed spare tire.SOLUTION: An inner panel 12 of a vehicle side part structure is provided with a lower opening 12a, and is disposed in a rear portion in a vehicle side part. A first reinforcement 20 extends in a front-back direction across the lower opening 12a to be connected to the inner panel 12, and is provided with a holding part 26 capable of holding a spare tire in a vertically disposed state. A seat belt unit is disposed to be overlapped on a vehicle front side of the spare tire in a vehicle front side view. A first fragile part 27 is disposed in the first reinforcement 20 positioned in front of the holding part 26, and the fragile part 27 is in a projecting shape projecting to a vehicle cabin side, and extending in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, in vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, a spare tire is typically installed under the trunk at the rear of the vehicle. In this case, a recess is provided in the floor of the trunk that is recessed downward, and the spare tire is installed in the recess in a so-called sideways position. In contrast, in electric vehicles in which, for example, an electric motor for rear-wheel drive is installed below the trunk, it may be difficult to secure space for a recess in the floor of the trunk due to layout considerations. To address this, for example, the spare tire may be installed vertically on the outer side of the trunk in the vehicle width direction.

[0003] Also, as a structure in which a spare tire is installed longitudinally on the side of the rear of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In this vehicle, the spare tire is installed longitudinally on the outer side in the vehicle width direction to prevent a reduction in the impact absorption effect of the rear of the vehicle due to a spare tire installed transversely in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0004] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the event of a rear-end collision, the rear-end collision load is first input to the rear end of a load transmission member disposed on the side of the vehicle body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The impact load is then transmitted to the wheel portion of the spare tire by the load transmission member, and the spare tire receives the load on the inside in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the front portion of the spare tire moves outward in the vehicle width direction. This absorbs the impact load caused by the rear-end collision. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-11359 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in a commercial vehicle where the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment are not separated, the spare tire is installed vertically behind the rear seat on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the seat belt unit is attached to the side wall located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear seat.

[0007] For example, if a seat belt unit is located on the front side of the spare tire, as described above, if the front part of the spare tire moves outward in the vehicle width direction, it may come into contact with the retractor and seat belt webbing that make up the seat belt unit, hindering the operation of the seat belt. Therefore, in the structure of the above example in which the spare tire is installed vertically on the side wall of the luggage compartment, there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring the stability of the operation of the seat belt.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle side structure that can effectively absorb the impact load of a rear-end collision while stabilizing the operation of the seat belt unit located on the front side of the spare tire in a vehicle in which the spare tire is installed vertically on the side wall of the luggage compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, the vehicle side structure of the present invention includes an inner panel having an opening and located at the rear of the vehicle side, a first reinforcement extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle so as to straddle the opening and having a retaining portion capable of holding a spare tire in a vertical position and joined to the inner panel, and a seat belt unit arranged to overlap the front side of the spare tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. In the vehicle side structure, the first reinforcement located further forward than the retaining portion is provided with a first weakened portion, and the first weakened portion has a convex shape that protrudes into the vehicle cabin and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a vehicle in which a spare tire is installed vertically on the side wall of the luggage compartment, the impact load of a rear-end collision can be effectively absorbed while stabilizing the operation of the seat belt unit located on the front side of the spare tire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle side structure according to the present invention, as seen from inside a vehicle cabin. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle side structure of FIG. 1 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle side structure of FIG. 2 as seen from outside the vehicle, with the side body outer panel omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle side structure of FIG. 3, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 5] 5 is a side view of the vehicle side structure of FIG. 4 as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an end view (cross-sectional view) taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle side structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 7). In the drawings, the direction of the arrow Fr indicates the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the description of the embodiment, the "front (front end) and rear (rear end)" correspond to the front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides when an occupant looks forward of the vehicle. The arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle.

[0013] A vehicle provided with the vehicle side structure of this embodiment is, for example, a commercial vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle is configured such that a spare tire 41 is installed longitudinally on the side wall of a luggage compartment at the rear of the vehicle. In this example, the spare tire 41 is fixed to the side wall in a longitudinally installed state on a tire installation portion 8a provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a rear floor panel 8 constituting the floor portion of the luggage compartment. A rear side door opening 2 that is opened and closed by a rear side door (not shown) is provided on the side of the vehicle. A quarter pillar portion 5 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle is disposed behind the rear side door opening 2. A back door opening 3 that is opened and closed by a back door (not shown) is provided on the rear of the vehicle in this example. A rear pillar portion 6 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the back door opening 3. A seat belt unit 50 is attached to the quarter pillar portion 5. In this embodiment, the seat belt unit 50 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle of the longitudinally installed spare tire 41 when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0014] Next, the components that make up the vehicle rear structure of this embodiment will be described. The vehicle side structure includes a side body outer panel 11, a quarter inner panel (inner panel) 12, a first reinforcement 20, a second reinforcement 30, and a seat belt unit 50. In this example, the vehicle side structure also includes a rail member 40, a quarter pillar reinforcement 13, a third reinforcement 35, and a rear pillar reinforcement 14.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the side body outer panel 11 is a panel that constitutes the outermost part of the vehicle body and is a highly rigid panel made of metal material. A substantially semicircular recess is provided in the lower rear portion of the side body outer panel 11 so as to cover the rear wheel (not shown) from above. A rear wheel house panel 7 that covers the rear wheel is attached at a position corresponding to the shape of the recess. In addition, the side body outer panel 11 is provided with a window opening 11b between the quarter pillar portion 5 and the rear pillar portion 6.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the quarter inner panel 12 is a panel disposed at the rear of the side of the vehicle and is formed of a metal material. The quarter inner panel 12 is disposed on the vehicle inner side of the side body outer panel 11, forward of the back door opening 3, and rearward of the rear side door opening 2. The quarter inner panel 12 is a metal panel that extends upward from the outer side of the rear floor panel 8 in the vehicle width direction and constitutes a side wall of the vehicle. A front portion of the quarter inner panel 12 constitutes a part of the quarter pillar portion 5, and a rear portion of the quarter inner panel 12 constitutes a part of the rear pillar portion 6. The quarter inner panel 12 also has a window opening 12b. The window opening 12b of the quarter inner panel 12 is disposed at a position corresponding to the window opening 11b of the side body outer panel 11. The quarter inner panel 12 also has a lower opening 12a below the window opening 12b.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 , a quarter pillar reinforcement 13 and a rear pillar reinforcement 14 are joined to the quarter inner panel 12. The quarter pillar reinforcement 13 is a member that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is made of a metal material. The quarter pillar reinforcement 13 is joined by spot welding to the front part of the quarter inner panel 12 on the vehicle rear side of the rear side door opening 2. A striker 13a for the rear side door is attached to the middle part of the quarter pillar reinforcement 13 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The rear pillar reinforcement 14 is a member that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is made of a metal material. The rear pillar reinforcement 14 is arranged on both sides of the back door opening 3 in the vehicle width direction and is joined to the rear part of the quarter inner panel 12 by spot welding.

[0018] 2 to 5, the lower opening 12a is disposed between the quarter pillar reinforcement 13 and the rear pillar reinforcement 14 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The lower opening 12a in this example has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The rear portion of the lower part of the quarter pillar reinforcement 13 is joined to the front opening edge of the lower opening 12a. The rear opening edge of the lower opening 12a and the rear pillar reinforcement 14 are disposed with a gap between them in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0019] The lower opening 12a of the quarter inner panel 12 not only reduces the vehicle body weight but also functions as ventilation. For example, it functions as a means for air to escape from the vehicle cabin when a side door is closed. Furthermore, during the vehicle manufacturing process, for example, when installing a slide rail on the vehicle body, a worker can insert their hand through the lower opening 12a. That is, the lower opening 12a functions as an opening for the worker's hand to access a target object (target portion). Furthermore, it can also be used as a space to prevent a welding robot from coming into contact with the panel when welding the rear floor panel 8 and the quarter inner panel 12 together. Furthermore, the lower opening 12a can also be used as a space for arranging a storage section provided in the quarter trim, for example.

[0020] Next, the first reinforcement 20 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first reinforcement 20 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to straddle the lower opening 12a, is provided with a holding portion 26 capable of holding the spare tire 41 in a vertical position, and is joined to the quarter inner panel 12. The first reinforcement 20 is a plate-shaped member that has a predetermined length in the vehicle vertical direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Here, the length of the first reinforcement 20 in the vehicle vertical direction is shorter than the length of the lower opening 12a in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first reinforcement 20 has a central protruding portion 21, an upper wall 22, a lower wall 23, an upper flange portion 24, and a lower flange portion 25. The central protruding portion 21 is located in the middle of the first reinforcement 20 in the vehicle up-down direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upper wall 22 has a wall surface facing upward of the vehicle, protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the central protruding portion 21, and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upper flange portion 24 protrudes upward of the vehicle from the inner end of the upper wall 22 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The lower wall 23 has a wall surface facing downward of the vehicle, protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the central protruding portion 21, and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The lower flange portion 25 protrudes downward of the vehicle from the inner end of the lower wall 23 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The first reinforcement 20 in this example has a shallow hat-shaped cross section that is convex outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first reinforcement 20 is disposed in a middle portion of the lower opening 12a in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the quarter inner panel 12. The first reinforcement 20 is joined to middle portions of the front and rear opening edges of the lower opening 12a in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0023] 4 and 5, the rear portion of the first reinforcement 20 is joined by spot welding to the opening edge of the rear portion of the lower opening 12a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In this example, the rear portions of the upper flange portion 24 and the lower flange portion 25 are joined to the opening edge of the rear portion of the lower opening 12a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the rear portions of the upper flange portion 24 and the lower flange portion 25 of the first reinforcement 20 are joined to the opening edge of the rear portion of the lower opening 12a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. At the front and rear opening edges of the lower opening 12a, a closed cross section is formed by the opening edge and the first reinforcement 20. This improves the rigidity of the opening edge.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the holding portion 26 of the first reinforcement 20 holds the spare tire 41 in a vertically placed state via the second reinforcement 30. In this example, the second reinforcement 30 is joined to the holding portion 26 by spot welding. Details of the second reinforcement 30 will be described later. The holding portion 26 also has a through hole 26a. The through hole 26a will be described later.

[0025] 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the first reinforcement 20, which is located further forward in the vehicle than the retaining portion 26, is provided with a first weak portion 27. As shown in Fig. 7, the first weak portion 27 has a convex shape that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction (toward the vehicle cabin interior) and extends in the vehicle up-down direction. In this example, the first weak portion 27 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the first reinforcement 20.

[0026] The first weak portion 27 is a portion of the first reinforcement 20 that is prone to bending. For example, when a load acts on the first reinforcement 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the first weak portion 27 is configured to bend easily so as to protrude inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the first weak portion 27 has a convex shape that protrudes toward the vehicle inner side, so that the front and rear of the first weak portion 27 are prone to deform inward in the vehicle width direction when subjected to a load in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Note that in this embodiment, the first weak portion 27 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the first reinforcement 20, but this is not limited thereto. The upper end of the first weak portion 27 may be located slightly below the upper end of the first reinforcement 20. Similarly, the lower end of the first weak portion 27 may be located slightly above the lower end of the first reinforcement 20.

[0027] By providing the first reinforcement 20 with the first weak portion 27 as described above, when the rear of the vehicle receives an impact load due to a rear-end collision, for example, the impact load is transmitted from the rear pillar portion 6 to the first reinforcement 20 via the surface portion of the quarter inner panel 12. At this time, the first weak portion 27 bends so as to protrude inward in the vehicle width direction (toward the vehicle cabin interior). As the first reinforcement 20 bends, the vehicle interior side surface of the first reinforcement 20 on which the retaining portion 26 is provided is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction from the first weak portion 27 toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the spare tire 41 changes from being aligned in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction to being aligned in the inclined direction. In other words, the front portion of the spare tire 41 is guided inward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the spare tire 41 is prevented from coming into contact with the seat belt unit 50 located on the vehicle front side of the spare tire 41, and when an impact load is applied due to, for example, a rear-end collision, the spare tire 41 is prevented from moving forward of the vehicle and interfering with the operation of the seat belt unit 50. In other words, even when an impact load is applied due to a rear-end collision, the operation of the seat belt unit 50 can be maintained in a normal state. Also, by locally setting a portion that is weak against the impact load, the strength of the mounting portion of the spare tire 41 when the vehicle is traveling can be ensured.

[0028] 3 to 5 and 7, the first reinforcement 20, which is located rearward of the holding portion 26, is provided with a second weak portion 28. As shown in FIG. 7, the second weak portion 28 has a convex shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction (outside the vehicle cabin) and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper end of the second weak portion 28 in this example is located at the upper end of the first reinforcement 20. The lower end of the second weak portion 28 is located at the lower end of the central protruding portion 21 of the first reinforcement 20.

[0029] When subjected to an impact load due to a rear-end collision, the second weak portion 28 having the above-described convex shape can bend in the opposite direction to the first weak portion 27, i.e., so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the vehicle width direction inner surface of the first reinforcement 20 on which the retaining portion 26 is provided faces further toward the rear of the vehicle. In other words, by providing the second weak portion 28, the first reinforcement 20 located rearward of the first weak portion 27 can be tilted more greatly outward in the vehicle width direction compared to a case in which the second weak portion 28 is not provided. As a result, when subjected to an impact load due to a rear-end collision, the front portion of the spare tire 41 is more likely to be guided toward the vehicle interior. As a result, contact between the spare tire 41 and the seat belt unit 50 can be more reliably avoided.

[0030] 3 to 5 and 7, the vehicle side structure of this embodiment has a second reinforcement 30 that extends in the vehicle vertical direction so as to connect the quarter inner panel 12 and the first reinforcement 20. The second reinforcement 30 is disposed between the first weak portion 27 and the second weak portion 28 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and further has a third weak portion 31. The third weak portion 31 has a convex shape that protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle cabin and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The second reinforcement 30, which is located further forward of the third weak portion 31, is provided with a through-hole 32a through which a screw washer 45 for holding a spare tire 41 passes.

[0031] The second reinforcement 30 is a member that extends in the vehicle up-down direction and is made of a metal material. The third weak portion 31 is located in the middle of the second reinforcement 30 in the vehicle front-rear direction. A bulging portion 32 that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction is provided on an inner surface of the second reinforcement 30 in the vehicle width direction, which is located forward of the third weak portion 31. The bulging portion 32 is substantially circular when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and a through hole 32a is formed in an inner end surface of the bulging portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. With the radial center of the wheel portion 42 of the spare tire 41 abutting against the inner end surface of the bulging portion 32, a screw washer 45 is inserted into the through hole 32a of the bulging portion 32, and the spare tire 41 is fixed to the bulging portion 32. At this time, a fixing member such as a bushing may be joined to the outer surface of the bulge portion 32 in the vehicle width direction, and a shaft portion 45b (described later) of a screw washer 45 passing through the through hole 32a may be fixed to the fixing member, thereby fixing the spare tire 41 in a vertically placed state. Although details of the fixing member are omitted, a through hole 26a may be provided in the holding portion 26 so that the fixing member does not interfere with the first reinforcement 20, and the fixing member may be disposed inside the through hole 26a when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] Here, a state in which the spare tire 41 is fixed to the bulging portion 32 by the screw washer 45 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 , the screw washer 45 has a disk-shaped pressing portion 45a and a shaft portion 45b extending from the radial center of the pressing portion 45a. With the spare tire 41 in a vertically placed state, the shaft portion 45b is inserted through the wheel portion 42 of the spare tire 41 and the through-hole 32a of the bulging portion 32, and is screwed into a fixing member to be fastened, whereby the pressing portion 45a presses the wheel portion 42 of the spare tire 41. At this time, a buffer material (not shown) may be disposed between the second reinforcement 30 and the spare tire 41. The pressing portion 45a presses the wheel portion 42 of the spare tire 41, whereby the spare tire 41 is fixed to the second reinforcement 30 in a vertically placed state.

[0033] For example, if the spare tire 41 were directly fixed to the quarter inner panel 12, the surface rigidity of the quarter inner panel 12 may be insufficient. In response to this, in this embodiment, a lower opening 12a is provided in the quarter inner panel 12, and the long first reinforcement 20 and second reinforcement 30 are joined to the opening edge of the lower opening 12a. This partially improves the rigidity of the opening edge of the lower opening 12a. As a result, the rigidity of the lower opening 12a and its surrounding area is higher than that of a quarter inner panel 12 without the lower opening 12a. This ensures rigidity sufficient to more stably hold the spare tire 41. In other words, rigidity sufficient to withstand the outward fastening force in the vehicle width direction due to the tightening of the screw washer 45 can be obtained. Furthermore, a closed cross-sectional structure may be provided at the position where the first reinforcement 20 and the second reinforcement 30 overlap to improve rigidity.

[0034] 3 to 5 and 7, the third weak portion 31 extends so as to connect the upper end and the lower end of the second reinforcement 30. The upper end of the third weak portion 31 is located at the upper end of the second reinforcement 30, and the lower end of the third weak portion 31 is located at the lower end of the second reinforcement 30. Furthermore, a middle portion of the third weak portion 31 in the vehicle up-down direction is joined by spot welding to the upper flange portion 24 of the first reinforcement 20. A lower portion of the third weak portion 31 is joined by spot welding to the lower flange portion 25 of the first reinforcement 20. Furthermore, at the upper portion of the second reinforcement 30, portions of the third weak portion 31 located on the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side are joined by spot welding to outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the opening edge at the upper portion of the lower opening 12a.

[0035] Providing the second reinforcement 30 makes it easier to stabilize the vertically placed posture of the spare tire 41. In addition, since the first reinforcement 20 is disposed to connect the first reinforcement 20 and the lower opening 12a, the first reinforcement 20 and the second reinforcement 30 can increase the rigidity of the periphery of the lower opening 12a of the quarter inner panel 12.

[0036] On the other hand, by providing the third weak portion 31 in the second reinforcement 30, the vehicle width direction inner surface of the first reinforcement 20 on which the holding portion 26 is provided faces further toward the rear of the vehicle. This makes it easier to move the front of the spare tire 41 toward the front of the vehicle while ensuring the supporting rigidity of the spare tire 41. In addition, because the second reinforcement 30 is joined to the first reinforcement 20, the supporting force of the first reinforcement 20 can also be improved.

[0037] In this embodiment, as described above, the quarter inner panel 12 located above the lower opening 12a in the vehicle is provided with the window opening 12b to which the quarter glass is attached. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the quarter inner panel 12 located above the second fragile portion 28 in the vehicle is provided with the third reinforcement 35 to connect the second fragile portion 28 and the window opening 12b.

[0038] The third reinforcement 35 is joined by spot welding to the outer surface of the quarter inner panel 12 in the vehicle width direction. The third reinforcement 35 extends upward from the opening edge of an upper corner of the lower opening 12a, tilts forward as it extends upward at a predetermined position, and extends to the opening edge of the window opening 12b. A lower portion 35a of the third reinforcement 35 is joined by spot welding to the opening edge of the upper corner of the lower opening 12a, and an upper portion 35b of the third reinforcement 35 is joined by spot welding to the opening edge of a lower corner on the rear side of the window opening 12b. The third reinforcement 35 has a hat-shaped cross section, and flanges 36 are formed at the front and rear of the third reinforcement 35. The flanges 36 are preferably spot welded to the outer surface of the quarter inner panel 12.

[0039] The window opening 11b of the side body outer panel 11 and the window opening 12b of the quarter inner panel 12 tend to have lower rigidity and strength than other parts. Therefore, for example, in the event of a rear-end collision, immediately after the rear pillar portion 6 is deformed, the quarter inner panel 12 may bend in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface (in the vehicle width direction).

[0040] In contrast, in this embodiment, the third reinforcement 35 is provided to connect opening edges that are relatively more rigid than the surface portions of the quarter inner panel 12, i.e., to connect the opening edge of the window opening 12b and the opening edge of the lower opening 12a. This makes it possible to prevent the quarter inner panel 12 from bending suddenly when the rear of the vehicle receives an impact load due to a rear-end collision. As a result, it becomes possible to more easily induce bending of the first weak portions 27 and the like when the impact load is received.

[0041] Furthermore, by applying a sealant to, for example, the outer surface of the third reinforcement 35 in the vehicle width direction, it may be bonded to the back surface (back surface of the design surface) of the side body outer panel 11. This makes it possible to prevent the side body outer panel 11 from deforming toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0042] In this embodiment, the quarter pillar portion 5 and the rear pillar portion 6 are provided on the vehicle front and rear sides of the lower opening 12a, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a rail member 40 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is disposed to connect these portions. This allows the rail member 40 and each pillar portion (the quarter pillar reinforcement 13 and the rear pillar reinforcement 14) to form a frame structure, which makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the surface rigidity of the quarter inner panel 12. As a result, it becomes possible to make the first weak portions 27 and the like more easily deformable.

[0043] The description of the present embodiment is merely an example for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0044] In this embodiment, the lower opening 12a is reinforced by the first reinforcement 20 and the second reinforcement 30, but this is not limited to this. Only the first reinforcement 20 may be used. In this case, a bracket or the like for holding the spare tire 41 may be attached to the holding portion 26 provided in the middle of the first reinforcement 20 in the vehicle front-to-rear direction. Also, in this embodiment, a tire mounting portion 8a that bulges upward from the floor surface is provided on the side of the rear floor panel 8, and the spare tire 41 is placed on this tire mounting portion 8a, but this is not limited to this. To facilitate height adjustment, the tire mounting portion 8a may be a separate member from the rear floor panel 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 2 Rear side door opening 3 Back door opening 5 Quarter pillar section 6 Rear pillar 8 Rear floor panel 8a Tire installation area 11 Side body outer panel 11b Window opening 12 Quarter Inner Panels 12a Lower opening 12b Window opening 13 Quarter pillar reinforcement 13a Striker 14 Rear pillar reinforcement 20 First Reinforcement 21 Central protrusion 22 Upper Wall 23 Lower wall 24 Upper flange 25 Lower flange 26 Holding part 26a Through hole 27 First weak part 28 Second weak part 30 Second Reinforcement 31 Third vulnerable part 32 Bulge 32a through hole 35 Third Reinforcement 36 flange 40 Rail member 41 Spare tire 42 Wheel section 45 Screw Washer 50 Seatbelt unit

Claims

1. an inner panel having an opening and disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle side; a first reinforcement extending in the vehicle front-rear direction so as to straddle the opening, provided with a holding portion capable of holding a spare tire in a vertical position, and joined to the inner panel; a seat belt unit disposed on a front side of the spare tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle; A vehicle side structure having: A vehicle side structure, characterized in that the first reinforcement, which is located further forward of the vehicle than the retaining portion, is provided with a first weak portion, which protrudes into the vehicle cabin and has a convex shape extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

2. 2. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcement, which is located rearward of the vehicle relative to the retaining portion, is provided with a second weak portion, which protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle cabin and has a convex shape extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

3. a second reinforcement extending in the vehicle up-down direction so as to connect the inner panel and the first reinforcement; The second reinforcement is disposed between the first weak portion and the second weak portion in the vehicle front-rear direction, The second reinforcement has a third weak portion that is a convex shape that protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle cabin and extends in the vehicle up-down direction, 3. The vehicle side structure according to claim 2, wherein the second reinforcement, which is located further forward of the vehicle than the third weak portion, has a through hole through which a screw for holding the spare tire passes.

4. The inner panel located above the opening is provided with a window to which a quarter glass is attached, 4. The vehicle side structure according to claim 3, wherein a third reinforcement is provided on the inner panel located above the second weak portion so as to connect the second weak portion and the window.

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