Vehicle superstructure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle upper structure which can suppress vibration of a top ceiling to achieve reduction of noise of a passenger compartment while inhibiting increase of manufacturing costs and increase of the vehicle weight.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: a roof panel; a front header 13; and a top ceiling 17. The front header 13 is disposed at the passenger compartment inner side relative to the roof panel and extends in a vehicle width direction. The top ceiling 17 is disposed at the passenger compartment inner side relative to the front header 13, covers the roof panel from the passenger compartment inner side, and has multiple fixing parts each of which is fixed to the front header 13. The top ceiling 17 is configured so that rigidity in a vertical direction of a sun visor fixing part 17b is lower than that of a peripheral part in the sun visor fixing part 17b included in at least part of the multiple fixing parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the upper structure of a vehicle, and particularly to a vibration suppression structure for a top sealing in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in order to improve fuel efficiency and the like, the weight reduction of vehicles is being promoted. In promoting the weight reduction of vehicles in this way, noise countermeasures for the passenger compartment become important. In particular, for the top sealing attached so as to cover the inside of the passenger compartment with respect to the roof panel, it is considered that the vibration of the top sealing is a major factor in the noise entering the passenger compartment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an upper structure of a vehicle in which a vibration damping reinforcing material is inserted between a roof panel and a top sealing. The vibration damping reinforcing material in Patent Document 1 is composed of a base material layer made of a urethane foam or the like, and a skin layer made of paper, resin, or the like and laminated on both the front and back surfaces of the base material layer. The vibration damping reinforcing material is arranged with a gap with respect to the roof panel. A plurality of holes are formed in the skin layer facing the roof panel in the vibration damping reinforcing material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the vibration damping reinforcing material disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided so as to cover substantially the entire surface on the roof panel side of the top sealing, an increase in manufacturing cost and an increase in vehicle weight become problems.

[0006] Furthermore, in a vehicle, the top ceiling is fixed to the vehicle frame members (headers and roof rains) positioned between the top ceiling and the roof panel by multiple fixing points. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any fixing structure for the top ceiling to the vehicle frame members. For this reason, it is considered that the vehicle superstructure disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot suppress the vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame members to the top ceiling via the fixing points.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a vehicle superstructure that can reduce cabin noise by suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling while keeping manufacturing costs and vehicle weight down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle superstructure comprising a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member.

[0009] In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment further comprises an elastic member having vibration damping performance. The elastic member is interposed between the roof panel and the top ceiling in a state in which it abuts the lower surface of the roof panel and the upper surface of the top ceiling in the peripheral portion. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing portion is configured such that its thickness is thinner than that of the surrounding portion, thereby reducing its rigidity.

[0010] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the thickness of at least some of the fixed parts is made thinner than that of the surrounding parts, thereby lowering the rigidity of the fixed parts compared to the surrounding parts. This allows for the suppression of top-seal vibrations with a simple configuration, making it suitable for reducing cabin noise while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0014] A vehicle superstructure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member. In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, The aforementioned fixed portion is configured such that its rigidity is reduced by being made of a material having a lower Young's modulus than the surrounding portion. 。

[0015] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Also, In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by forming at least some of the fixed parts with a material that has a relatively lower Young's modulus compared to the surrounding parts, the rigidity of the fixed parts is made lower than that of the surrounding parts. As a result, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and it is suitable for reducing cabin noise while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0016] A vehicle superstructure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member. In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, At least in the peripheral portion, the vehicle body frame member and the top sealing are arranged with a gap therebetween, and in the peripheral portion, an elastic member having vibration damping performance is arranged in contact with the lower surface of the vehicle body frame member and the upper surface of the top sealing. 。

[0017] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Also, In the upper structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect, since an elastic member having vibration damping performance is arranged between the top sealing and the vehicle body frame member in the peripheral portion of the top sealing, even when vibration energy is transmitted from the vehicle body frame member to at least a part of the fixing portions, it is advantageous in suppressing the vibration of the peripheral portion.

[0018] Further, since the elastic member has vibration damping performance, the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame member to the top sealing via the elastic member is suppressed. Therefore, the upper structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect is also advantageous in suppressing the vibration of the top sealing from this viewpoint.

[0019] In the upper structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect, the elastic member may be a sealing member that is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle body frame member and seals between the vehicle body frame member and the top sealing.

[0020] In the upper structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect, since a sealing member arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle body frame member is applied as the elastic member, even when vibration energy is transmitted to the vehicle body frame member from the inside of a pillar joined to the longitudinal end portion of the vehicle body frame member, the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame member to the peripheral portion of the top sealing is effectively suppressed.

[0021] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to the above embodiment, the sealing member, which is an elastic member, is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle frame member, so that the rigidity of the peripheral part of the top sealing is increased by the elastic member. Therefore, even if vibration energy is input from the vehicle frame member to at least some of the fixed parts, the vibration energy is consumed by the deformation of the fixed parts, and in addition, the high rigidity of the peripheral part makes it difficult for the peripheral part to vibrate.

[0022] A vehicle superstructure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member. In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, The vehicle body frame member is a front header, and at least some of the fixing portions include at least one of the following fixing portions: a sun visor fixing portion that fixes the sun visor to the front header together with the top ceiling, and a bracket fixing portion that fixes the overhead console to the front header together with the top ceiling via a bracket. 。

[0023] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Also, The sun visor mounting points and bracket mounting points are positioned close to the heads of passengers seated in the driver's and passenger's seats. However, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least one of the mounting points (sun visor mounting points and bracket mounting points) is lower than that of the surrounding area. This suppresses vibrations in the top ceiling above the driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment can effectively suppress vibrations in the top ceiling at the front of the passenger compartment.

[0024] A vehicle superstructure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member. In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment,The aforementioned vehicle body frame member is a rear header, and at least some of the fixing portions include a rear bracket fixing portion that fixes the top sealing to the rear header via a bracket. 。

[0025] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Also, The rear bracket fixing portion is positioned close to the heads of passengers seated in the rear seats. However, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of the rear bracket fixing portion is made lower than that of the surrounding area, thereby suppressing vibrations in the upper part of the top ceiling above the rear seats. Therefore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling at the rear of the passenger compartment can be effectively suppressed.

[0026] A vehicle superstructure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a roof panel, a body frame member, and a top ceiling. The body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The top ceiling is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle, and has a plurality of fixing parts, each of which is fixed to the body frame member. In the vehicle superstructure according to this embodiment, the top ceiling is configured such that at least some of the multiple fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity in those fixing parts compared to the surrounding parts. Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, The top sealing, including the plurality of fixing parts, is arranged to be spaced apart vertically from the vehicle body frame member. 。

[0027] In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the rigidity of at least a portion of the fixing part in the top ceiling is configured to be lower than that of the surrounding part (the part of the top ceiling located around the at least portion of the fixing part). Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle frame member to the at least portion of the fixing part is consumed by the deformation of the fixing part and propagation to the surrounding part is suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, by providing a difference in rigidity between the at least portion of the fixing part and the surrounding part, vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced. Furthermore, in the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, vibrations of the top ceiling can be suppressed by making the rigidity of at least some of the fixed parts lower than that of the surrounding parts. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire top ceiling, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. Also, In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the top ceiling, including the multiple fixing parts, is positioned at a distance from the vehicle body frame members, which is even more advantageous in suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame members to the top ceiling. In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, at least a portion of the fixing portion may be configured such that the thickness of the fixing portion is thinner than that of the surrounding portion, thereby reducing the rigidity. In the vehicle superstructure according to the above embodiment, the thickness of at least some of the fixed parts is made thinner than that of the surrounding parts, thereby lowering the rigidity of the fixed parts compared to the surrounding parts. This allows for the suppression of top-seal vibrations with a simple configuration, making it suitable for reducing cabin noise while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] In the superstructure of the vehicle according to each of the above embodiments, noise in the passenger compartment can be reduced by suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling while keeping manufacturing costs and vehicle weight down. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the superstructure of a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing an elastic member installed between the roof panel and the top ceiling. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the front end of the roof of a vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the section along line IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure between the front header and the top ceiling in the sun visor mounting section. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the sun visor mounting part and its surrounding area, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the sun visor mounting part in a state where vibration is applied. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure between the rear header and the top ceiling at the bracket fixing portion. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing a portion of the top ceiling. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the locations where vehicle body sensitivity was measured during a test bench vibration test. [Figure 10] This graph shows the vehicle body sensitivity at 125Hz in the driver's seat during vibration testing on a test platform. [Figure 11] This graph shows the effect of placing an elastic member at the front end of the top sealing. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a part of the superstructure of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This graph shows the effect of inserting an elastic member between the roof panel and the top ceiling. [Figure 14] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the top ceiling of a vehicle according to Modification 1, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the top ceiling of a vehicle according to Modification 2, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the top ceiling of a vehicle according to Modification 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments except for its essential configuration.

[0031] [First Embodiment] 1. Superstructure of Vehicle 1 The superstructure of vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that Figures 1 to 4 show only a portion of the superstructure of vehicle 1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 comprises a roof panel (not shown in Figure 1), a pair of left and right front pillars 10, a pair of left and right center pillars 11, a pair of left and right roof side rails 12, a front header (body frame member) 13, a pair of left and right gussets 14, roof rains 15 and 16, a rear header (body frame member) 19, a top ceiling 17, and an elastic member 18. The roof panel is attached to the front header 13, roof rains 15 and 16, and the rear header 19.

[0033] The front header 13 is attached to the front of the roof panel and is configured to extend in the width direction of the vehicle. The gussets 14 are attached to the left and right sides of the front header 13 and to the roof side rails 12. The roof rails 15 and 16 are spaced apart from the front header 13 and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The rear header 19 is attached to the rear of the roof panel and is configured to extend in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0034] The top ceiling 17 is positioned to cover the interior side of the roof panel and is fixed to the front header 13, roof rain 15, 16, and rear header 19 by multiple fixing points. The multiple fixing points include a sun visor fixing point 17b, a gusset fixing point 17c, and a bracket fixing point 17d, which are fixed to the front header 13, and a rear bracket fixing point 17l, which is fixed to the rear header 19. The sun visor fixing point 17b is where the sun visor is fixed to the front header 13 together with the top ceiling 17. The gusset fixing point 17c is where the top ceiling 17 is fixed to the front header 13 via a gusset 14. The bracket fixing point 17d is located near the opening 17a provided in the front center of the top ceiling 17 and is where the overhead console is fixed to the front header 13 together with the top ceiling 17 via a bracket. The rear bracket fixing point 17l is where the top ceiling 17 is fixed to the rear header 19 via a bracket.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sun visor fixing portion 17b, the gusset fixing portion 17c, the bracket fixing portion 17d, and the rear bracket fixing portion 17l are each arranged symmetrically on the top ceiling 17.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the elastic member 18 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top sealing 17 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the elastic member 18 is in direct contact with the lower surface 20a of the roof panel 20 and the upper surface 17e of the top sealing 17, and vertical forces (arrows A1, A2) are applied from the lower surface 20a of the roof panel 20 and the upper surface 17e of the top sealing 17. That is, the elastic member 18 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top sealing 17 in a compressed state, compressed in the vertical direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment further includes a sealing member (elastic member) 21 interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top sealing 17. The sealing member 21 is in direct contact with the lower surface of the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the upper surface of the top sealing 17.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, a sealing member (elastic member) 23 can be interposed between the front end portion of the top sealing 17 and the front windshield 22, or a sealing member (elastic member) 24 can be interposed between the portion of the front header 13 rearward of the front flange portion 13c and the top sealing 17. Providing these elastic sealing members 23 and 24 is also effective in suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the front windshield 22 and front header 13 to the top sealing 17.

[0039] Here, for the forming material of the sealing members 21, 23, and 24, for example, a foamed material (acrylic foam or urethane foam) can be used, but any material other than foamed resin can be used as long as it has vibration damping properties.

[0040] 2. Fixing structure between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 The fixing structure between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 in vehicle 1 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 show the fixing structure between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b as an example.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 are fixed using rivets 25. The rivet 25 is a component in which a head 25a, a body 25b, and a seating surface 25c are integrally formed, and is formed from a resin material as an example.

[0042] The head portion 25a has an arrowhead shape with a cross-sectional diameter that gradually decreases from the bottom to the top, and is inserted through a hole 13a drilled in the front header 13 and locked to the upper surface of the front header 13. The body portion 25b is continuous with the lower end of the head portion 25a and is positioned to hang downwards, passing through the hole 13a of the front header 13, and is inserted through a hole 17h drilled in the sun visor fixing portion 17b of the top ceiling 17. The seat portion 25c is continuous with the lower end of the body portion 25b and is formed to support the area around the hole 17h in the sun visor fixing portion 17b from below.

[0043] The body 25b of the rivet 25 is formed to have a length such that when the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 are fixed with the rivet 25, a vertical gap G is created between the lower surface 13b of the front header 13 and the upper surface 17e of the top sealing 17.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6(a), the top ceiling 17 is formed such that the intermediate portion 17i and peripheral portion 17g are continuous with respect to the sun visor fixing portion 17b centered on the hole 17h, extending radially outward from the hole 17h. The thickness T1 of the sun visor fixing portion 17b is set to be thinner than the thickness T2 of the peripheral portion 17g. As a result, the vertical rigidity of the sun visor fixing portion 17b is lower than that of the peripheral portion 17g. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(b), even when vibration energy is transmitted from the front header 13 to the sun visor fixing portion 17b via the rivet 25, only the sun visor fixing portion 17b vibrates and the vibration energy is consumed, as indicated by arrows B1 and B2. For this reason, in the top ceiling 17 of vehicle 1, even if vibration energy is transmitted from the front header 13 to the sun visor fixing portion 17b via the rivet 25, vibration of the peripheral portion 17g is suppressed.

[0045] Furthermore, the gusset fixing portion 17b and bracket fixing portion 17c in the top ceiling 17 have the same configuration as the sun visor fixing portion 17b, and the relative thickness relationship between each fixing portion 17c, 17d and the surrounding portion is the same as the relationship between the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the surrounding portion 17g.

[0046] 3. Fixing structure between the rear header 19 and the top ceiling 17 The fixing structure between the rear header 19 and the top ceiling 17 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, a bracket 27 is fixed to the upper surface 17e of the rear bracket fixing portion 17l of the top ceiling 17. The bracket 27 has a hat-shaped cross-section. A rivet 28 is fixed to the upper surface 27a of the bracket 27.

[0048] The rivet 28 is a component in which a head 28a, a body 28b, and a base 28c are integrally formed, and is made of a resin material as an example. The head 28a has an arrowhead shape in which the cross-sectional diameter gradually decreases from the bottom to the top, and is inserted through a hole 19a made in the rear header 19 and locked to the upper surface of the rear header 19. The body 28b is continuous with the lower end of the head 28a and is arranged to hang downward through the hole 19a of the rear header 19. The base 28c is continuous with the lower end of the body 28b and is fixed to the upper surface 27a of the bracket 27.

[0049] Here, the top ceiling 17 is formed such that the rear bracket fixing portion 17l and the peripheral portion 17m surrounding the rear bracket fixing portion 17l have approximately the same thickness. However, the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is configured to have lower vertical rigidity than the peripheral portion 17m. Specifically, the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is made of a material with a Young's modulus lower than that of the peripheral portion 17m. In this embodiment, as an example, the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is made of a material with a Young's modulus of 1.63 MPa, and the peripheral portion 17m is made of a material with a Young's modulus of 16.3 MPa.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to create a difference in Young's modulus between the rear bracket fixing portion 17l and the surrounding portion 17m, it is not necessarily required that the material compositions be different. For example, when constructing the top sealing 17 using foamed material, the foaming ratio may be made different for the rear bracket fixing portion 17l and the surrounding portion 17m.

[0051] 4. Tabletop vibration test The on-table vibration test conducted using an actual vehicle will be explained using Figures 8 to 10.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, in the bench vibration test, samples were prepared with varying thicknesses of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b (indicated by arrow C1) and the gusset fixing part 17c (indicated by arrow C2) above the driver's seat (left front seat), and the vehicle body sensitivity in relation to the vertical rigidity of each fixing part 17b, 17c was measured. The following samples were prepared for this test.

[0053] <Sample 1> As shown in Table 1, Sample 1 had a top sealing 17 thickness of 4.3 mm at the gusset fixing part 17c and a top sealing 17 thickness of 5.5 mm at the sun visor fixing part 17b. The thickness of the peripheral part 17g located around each fixing part 17b and 17c was set to 5.0 mm.

[0054] In Sample 1, a 1.0 mm gap was created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c, while the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 were in close contact at the sun visor fixing portion 17b.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] <Sample 2> In Sample 2, as shown in Table 1, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c was set to 3.3 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b was set to 3.0 mm. The thickness of the peripheral part 17g located around each fixing part 17b and 17c was set to 5.0 mm.

[0057] In Sample 2, a 2.0 mm gap was created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c, and a 2.0 mm gap was also created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b.

[0058] <Sample 3> In Sample 3, as shown in Table 1, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c was set to 4.3 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b was set to 4.0 mm. The thickness of the peripheral part 17g located around each fixing part 17b and 17c was set to 5.0 mm.

[0059] In Sample 3, a 1.0 mm gap was created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c, and a 1.0 mm gap was also created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b.

[0060] <Sample 4> As shown in Table 1, in Sample 4, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c was set to 4.8 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b was set to 4.5 mm. The thickness of the peripheral part 17g located around each fixing part 17b and 17c was set to 5.0 mm.

[0061] In Sample 4, a 0.5 mm gap was created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c, and a 0.5 mm gap was also created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b.

[0062] <Sample 5> Sample 5 uses a top sealing 17 having the same thickness as Sample 1, and an elastic member (urethane foam or acrylic foam) similar to the elastic member 18 explained with reference to Figure 2 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top sealing 17. In Sample 5, the gap between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b and the gusset fixing part 17c is the same as in Sample 1.

[0063] <Sample 6> Sample 6 is a sample in which a top sealing 17 having the same thickness as Sample 2 is used, and the gaps between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b and the gusset fixing part 17c are filled with a sealing member (EPDM rubber foam).

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, in the test bench vibration test, the vehicle body sensitivity (response sensitivity to vibration) was measured at four locations within the passenger compartment 1a. Specifically, measurements were taken at the passenger's ear position Pos.1 in the passenger seat 1b, the driver's ear position Pos.2 in the driver's seat 1c, the passenger's ear position Pos.3 in the rear seat 1d behind the passenger seat 1b, and the passenger's ear position Pos.4 in the rear seat 1e behind the driver's seat 1c.

[0065] The measurement results (measurement results at 125Hz) are shown in Table 2 and Figure 10.

[0066] [Table 2]

[0067] Table 2 shows the vehicle body sensitivity; a lower value indicates less vibration. The table also shows the measurement results for samples 2-6, with sample 1 as the baseline. Figure 10 illustrates the measurement results at measurement position Pos.2.

[0068] As shown in Table 2, at measurement position Pos.2 (driver's ear position in driver's seat 1c), all samples from 2 to 6 obtained smaller values ​​than comparative example sample 1. As shown in Figure 10, sample 2 obtained a particularly small value. Samples 3 and 4 also obtained smaller values ​​than comparative example sample 1, and smaller values ​​than samples 5 and 6. Note that the numerical values ​​related to vehicle sensitivity differ slightly between Table 2 and Figure 10 because Table 2 rounds to the second decimal place.

[0069] As shown in Table 2, for measurement position Pos.1, smaller values ​​were obtained for samples 2, 4-6 than for sample 1.

[0070] From the above results, it can be seen that in Sample 2, in which the thickness of the top sealing 17 at both the gusset fixing part 17c and the sun visor fixing part 17b is thinner than in Sample 1, noise inside the vehicle interior 1a can be reduced particularly effectively. This is thought to be because, by reducing the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the fixing parts 17b and 17c, the vibration energy input from the front header 13 is consumed by the vibration of the fixing parts 17b and 17c, and the transmission of vibration to the surrounding part 17g is suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, in samples 3 and 4, reducing the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b compared to sample 1 resulted in a decrease in vehicle body sensitivity at measurement position Pos.2, and in sample 4, the vehicle body sensitivity at measurement position Pos.1 also decreased. From this, it can be concluded that simply reducing the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing part 17b compared to sample 1 can reduce vehicle body sensitivity at each ear position (measurement position) Pos.1 and Pos.2 of the front seats 1b and 1c.

[0072] Furthermore, in samples 2-5, by creating a gap G between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c and the sun visor fixing part 17b, the transmission of vibration energy from the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17 was suppressed, which is thought to have also resulted in a lower vehicle body sensitivity at measurement positions Pos.1 and Pos.2.

[0073] In this test, the vehicle body sensitivity was measured by varying the thickness of the top ceiling 17 at the gusset fixing part 17c and the sun visor fixing part 17b of the top ceiling 17. However, it is thought that similar results can be obtained by making the top ceiling 17 thinner than the surrounding areas at each fixing part to the roof rain 15, 16 and the rear header 19.

[0074] 5. Presence or absence of sealing member 21 and ERP In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, as explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a sealing member (elastic member) 21 is interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top sealing 17. The effects obtained by modifying the sealing member 21 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Samples 11 and 12 in Figure 11 have the following configurations.

[0075] <Sample 11> Sample 11 is a sample in which a sealing member (elastic member) is not interposed between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0076] <Sample 12> Sample 12 is a sample in which a sealing member 21 is interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top sealing 17, similar to vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in section D of Figure 11, the ERP (Equivalent Radiated Power) of sample 12 was lower than that of sample 11 at frequencies around 70 Hz and around 85 Hz. Specifically, at a frequency of around 70 Hz, the ERP of sample 12 was 2-3 dB lower than that of sample 11, and at a frequency of around 85 Hz, the ERP of sample 12 was 1-2 dB lower than that of sample 11. From these results, it can be seen that in vehicle 1, a sealing member (elastic member) 21 having vibration damping performance is interposed between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17, it is superior in obtaining vibration reduction effects in the frequency range of 65-85 Hz compared to the case where the sealing member is not interposed.

[0078] 6. Effects In the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the rigidity (vertical rigidity) of at least some of the fixing parts in the top ceiling 17 (including the sun visor fixing part 17b, the gusset fixing part 17c, the bracket fixing part 17d, and the rear bracket fixing part 17l) is configured to be lower than that of the peripheral parts 17g and 17m located around the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l in the top ceiling 17. Therefore, vibration energy transmitted from the front header 13 and the rear header 19 to these fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l is consumed by the deformation of the fixing parts and its propagation to the peripheral parts 17g and 17m is suppressed. Thus, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1, by providing a difference in rigidity between the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l and their peripheral parts 17g and 17m, vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed, and noise in the passenger compartment 1a can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, in the superstructure of vehicle 1, by making the rigidity of the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, 17l, etc. lower than that of the surrounding parts 17g, 17m, vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide vibration damping reinforcement material over the entire area of ​​the top ceiling as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is also possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0080] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the sun visor fixing part 17b, the gusset fixing part 17c, and the bracket fixing part 17d is made thinner than the thickness T2 of the surrounding part 17g, thereby making the rigidity of the fixing parts 17b, 17c, and 17d lower than that of the surrounding part 17g. As a result, vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed with a simple configuration, which is suitable for reducing noise in the passenger compartment 1a while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0081] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is formed of a material with a relatively lower Young's modulus compared to the surrounding portion 17m, thereby making the rigidity of the fixing portion 17l lower than that of the surrounding portion 17m. This allows for the suppression of vibration of the top ceiling 17 with a simple configuration, making it suitable for reducing noise in the passenger compartment 1a while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0082] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a sealing member (elastic member) 21 having vibration damping performance is provided between the top ceiling 17 and the front header 13 in the peripheral portion 17g located around the fixed portions 17b, 17c, and 17d of the top ceiling 17. Therefore, even when vibration energy is transmitted from the front header 13 to the fixed portions 17b, 17c, and 17d, it is advantageous in suppressing vibration of the peripheral portion 17g.

[0083] Furthermore, since an elastic material with vibration damping properties is used as the sealing member 21, the transmission of vibration energy from the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17 via the sealing member 21 is suppressed. Therefore, the superstructure of the vehicle 1 is also superior in suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling 17 from this viewpoint.

[0084] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the sealing member 21 is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction along the front header 13. Therefore, even if vibration energy is transmitted to the front header 13 from inside the front pillar 10 which is joined to the longitudinal end of the front header 13, the transmission of vibration energy from the front header 13 to the peripheral portion 17g of the top ceiling 17 is effectively suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, in the superstructure of vehicle 1, the sealing member 21 is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction along the front header 13, thereby increasing the rigidity of the peripheral portion 17g of the top sealing 17. Therefore, even if vibration energy is input from the front header 13 to the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, etc., the vibration energy is consumed by the deformation of the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and in addition, the high rigidity of the peripheral portion 17g makes it difficult for the peripheral portion 17g to vibrate.

[0086] In vehicle 1, the sun visor fixing part 17b and the bracket fixing part 17d are positioned close to the heads of passengers seated in the driver's seat 1c and passenger seat 1b. However, in the superstructure of vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the rigidity of the sun visor fixing part 17b and the bracket fixing part 17d is made lower than that of the surrounding part 17g, so that vibrations in the upper part of the top ceiling 17 above the driver's seat 1c and passenger seat 1b are suppressed. Therefore, in the superstructure of vehicle 1, vibrations of the top ceiling 17 in the front part of the passenger compartment 1a (the part where the front seats are located) can be effectively suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in vehicle 1, the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is positioned close to the heads of passengers seated in the rear seats 1d and 1e. However, in the superstructure of vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the rigidity of the rear bracket fixing portion 17l is lower than that of the surrounding portion 17m, so that vibrations in the upper part of the top ceiling 17 above the rear seats 1d and 1e are suppressed. Therefore, in the superstructure of vehicle 1, vibrations of the top ceiling 17 in the rear of the passenger compartment 1a (the part where the rear seats 1d and 1e are located) can be effectively suppressed.

[0088] Furthermore, in the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the top ceiling 17 is arranged spaced apart from the vehicle body frame members such as the front header 13 and the rear header 19, including multiple fixing parts (including fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l), which is even more advantageous in suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame members to the top ceiling 17.

[0089] As described above, the superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can reduce noise in the passenger compartment 1a by suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling 17 while keeping manufacturing costs and vehicle weight down.

[0090] [Second Embodiment] The superstructure of the vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the elastic member 26 interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 differs from that of the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0091] As shown in Figure 12, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a pair of left and right elastic members 26 are arranged between the front header 13 and the roof rain 15 in the front-rear direction. The elastic members 26 are interposed between the roof panel 20 (not shown in Figure 12) and the top ceiling 17, and are compressed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17. In this respect, it is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0092] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, each of the elastic members 26 has an elongated shape that extends in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the elastic members 26 are interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in the region between the front header 13 and the roof rain 15, in the area from the sun visor fixing portion 17b to the gusset fixing portion 17c in the vehicle width direction (the portion indicated by arrows E1 and E2).

[0093] In this embodiment as well, the elastic member 26 is formed from a foamed material (such as acrylic foam or urethane foam) as an example.

[0094] As described above, the effects obtained by modifying the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 by adding an elastic member 26 will be explained using Figure 13. Samples 21 and 22 in Figure 13 have the following configurations.

[0095] <Sample 21> Sample 21 is a sample in which an elastic member is not interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in relation to the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0096] <Sample 22> Sample 22 is a sample in which an elastic member 26 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, similar to vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13, in sample 22, in which an elongated elastic member 26 in the vehicle width direction was placed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, the ERP in the frequency range of 80 to 145 Hz (part F) was lower than that of sample 21. Specifically, at frequencies of 85 Hz and 125 Hz, the ERP of sample 22 was 2 to 3 dB lower than that of sample 21, and around frequency of 95 Hz, the ERP of sample 22 was 2 to 2.5 dB lower than that of sample 21. From these results, it can be seen that vehicle 1, in which an elongated elastic member 26 in the vehicle width direction is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in a compressed state, is superior in obtaining vibration reduction effects in the frequency range of 80 to 145 Hz compared to the case in which no elastic member is interposed.

[0098] In addition, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, at least some of the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l of the top ceiling 17, including the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l that connect to the vehicle body frame members such as the front header 13 and rear header 19, as well as the roof rain 15 and 16, are configured to have lower vertical rigidity than the surrounding peripheral parts 17g and 17m. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle body frame members is consumed at each fixing part and is less likely to be transmitted to the peripheral parts, thus suppressing vibration of the top ceiling 17.

[0099] [Example 1] The configuration of the top ceiling 37 provided in the vehicle according to Modification 1 will be explained using Figure 14(a). In this modification, the vehicle differs from the first embodiment in that at least some of the fixing parts (fixing part 37b) and the surrounding configuration of the multiple fixing parts fixed to the vehicle body frame member, while the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained below.

[0100] As shown in Figure 14(a), the top sealing 37 has a hole 37h through which the body 25b of the rivet 25 is inserted, and a fixing portion 37b around it. The thickness of the fixing portion 37b is thinner than the thickness of the peripheral portion 37g located around it, and this configuration results in the vertical rigidity of the fixing portion 37b being lower than that of the peripheral portion 37g.

[0101] In the top ceiling 37, an intermediate portion 37i is provided between the fixed portion 37b and the peripheral portion 37g, formed to be continuous with the fixed portion 37b and the peripheral portion 37g. In the vehicle 1 according to this modified example, the intermediate portion 37i of the top ceiling 37 connects the fixed portion 37b and the peripheral portion 37g with a gentler slope than the intermediate portion 17i of the top ceiling 17 in the first embodiment.

[0102] Even when a top ceiling 37 with the above configuration is adopted, similar to the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment, the vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle body frame members is consumed by the vibration of the fixed part 37b, which is set to have relatively low rigidity, and is not easily transmitted to the surrounding part 37g. Therefore, in the vehicle according to this modified example, vibrations from the vehicle body frame members can be reliably consumed by the fixed part 37b, and vibrations of the top ceiling 37 can be suppressed, thereby reducing noise in the passenger compartment 1a.

[0103] [Differentiation 2] The configuration of the top ceiling 47 of the vehicle according to Modification 2 will be explained using Figure 14(b). In this modification, the vehicle according to Modification 1 has a configuration that differs from Modification 1 in that at least some of the multiple fixing parts (fixing part 47b) and the surrounding area of ​​the fixing parts fixed to the vehicle body frame member, while the other configurations are the same as those of Modification 1. Therefore, the differences from Modification 1 will be mainly explained below.

[0104] As shown in Figure 14(b), the top sealing 47 also has a hole 47h through which the body 25b of the rivet 25 is inserted, and a fixing portion 47b around it. An intermediate portion 47i and a peripheral portion 47g are continuously arranged around the fixing portion 47b.

[0105] In the top sealing 47, annular grooves 47j and 47k are provided near the boundary between the fixed portion 47b and the intermediate portion 47i, surrounding the fixed portion 47b. In the top sealing 47, the thickness of the boundary portion between the fixed portion 47b and the intermediate portion 47i is made thinner due to the provision of grooves 47j and 47k. Therefore, in this modified example, when vertical vibration is transmitted to the fixed portion 47b of the top sealing 47, only the fixed portion 47b deforms in the vertical direction, and the transmission of vibration to the intermediate portion 47i and the peripheral portion 47g is further suppressed.

[0106] Even in vehicles employing a top ceiling 47 with the above configuration, vibrations from the vehicle body frame members can be reliably dissipated by the fixing part 47b, thereby suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling 47 and reducing noise in the passenger compartment 1a.

[0107] [Difference 3] The configuration of the top ceiling 57 of the vehicle according to Modification 3 will be explained using Figure 14(c). In this modification, the configuration of at least some of the fixing parts (fixing part 57b) and their surroundings among the multiple fixing parts fixed to the vehicle body frame member differs from that of Modifications 1 and 2, while the other configurations are the same as those of Modifications 1 and 2. Therefore, the following will mainly explain the differences from Modifications 1 and 2.

[0108] As shown in Figure 14(c), the top sealing 57 has a hole 57h through which the body 25b of the rivet 25 is inserted, and a fixing portion 57b around it. A peripheral portion 57g having approximately the same thickness as the fixing portion 57b is continuously arranged around the fixing portion 57b.

[0109] In the vehicle according to this modified example, the thickness of the fixing portion 57b and the peripheral portion 57g of the top ceiling 57 are approximately the same, but, similar to the rear bracket fixing portion 17l and peripheral portion 17m of the top ceiling 17 in the first embodiment, they are made of materials with different Young's moduli. Specifically, the fixing portion 57b is made of a material with a lower Young's moduli than the peripheral portion 57g. In the top ceiling 57, since the fixing portion 57b is made of a material with a lower Young's moduli than the peripheral portion 57g, when vertical vibrations are transmitted to the fixing portion 57b of the top ceiling 57, the fixing portion 57b deforms vertically, further suppressing the transmission of vibrations to the peripheral portion 57g.

[0110] Even in vehicles employing a top ceiling 57 with the above configuration, vibrations from the vehicle body frame members can be reliably dissipated by the fixing part 57b, thereby suppressing vibrations of the top ceiling 57 and reducing noise in the passenger compartment 1a.

[0111] [Other variations] In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle body frame members (front header 13, rear header 19) and the top sealing 17 are fixed using rivets 25 and 28, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle body frame members and the top sealing can also be fixed using a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0112] In the first embodiment described above, the structures shown in Figures 5, 7, and 14 were adopted for some of the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, 17l, 37b, 47b, and 57b, which are among the multiple fixing parts that are fixed to the vehicle body frame member in the top ceiling 17. However, in the present invention, the structures shown in Figures 5 and 14(a) and (b) can be adopted for all fixing parts, or the structures shown in Figures 7 and 14(c) can be adopted for all fixing parts.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a gap is provided between the top sealing 17 and the vehicle body frame members (front header 13, rear header 19) at the fixing parts 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17l. However, a configuration in which the top sealing and the vehicle body frame members are in contact with each other can also be adopted.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a sealing member (elastic member) 21 was interposed between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17, and elastic members 18 and 26 were interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top sealing 17. However, in the present invention, it is not necessarily required to interpose these elastic members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 vehicle 1a Cabin 13. Front header (body frame component) 17, 37, 47, 57 Top Ceiling 17b, 37b, 47b, 57b Sun visor mounting part (mounting part) 17c Gusset fixing part (fixing part) 17d Bracket fixing part 17g, 17m, 37g, 47g, 57g Peripheral area 17L Rear bracket mounting part (mounting part) 19. Rear header (body frame component) 20 Roof Panels 21,24 Sealing members (elastic members)

Claims

1. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. The peripheral portion further includes an elastic member having vibration damping properties, which is interposed between the roof panel and the top ceiling, in a state where it is in contact with the lower surface of the roof panel and the upper surface of the top ceiling. The aforementioned fixing portion is configured such that its thickness is thinner than that of the surrounding portion, thereby reducing its rigidity. The superstructure of the vehicle.

2. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. The aforementioned fixing portion is configured such that its rigidity is reduced by being formed from a material having a lower Young's modulus than the surrounding portion. The superstructure of the vehicle.

3. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. At least in the surrounding area, the vehicle body frame member and the top sealing are arranged with a gap between them. In the aforementioned peripheral area, an elastic member having vibration damping properties is disposed between the vehicle body frame member and the top sealing, in contact with the lower surface of the vehicle body frame member and the upper surface of the top sealing. The superstructure of the vehicle.

4. In the superstructure of the vehicle according to claim 3, The elastic member is a sealing member that extends in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle body frame member and seals the space between the vehicle body frame member and the top sealing. The superstructure of the vehicle.

5. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. The aforementioned vehicle body frame member is a front header, The aforementioned at least a portion of the fixing portion includes at least one of the fixing portions: a sun visor fixing portion that fixes the sun visor to the front header together with the top ceiling, and a bracket fixing portion that fixes the overhead console to the front header together with the top ceiling via a bracket. The superstructure of the vehicle.

6. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. The aforementioned vehicle body frame member is a rear header, The aforementioned fixing portion includes a rear bracket fixing portion that fixes the top sealing to the rear header via a bracket. The superstructure of the vehicle.

7. Roof panel and A vehicle body frame member is positioned on the interior side of the roof panel and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A top sealing is provided which is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member and covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle body, and each of the top sealings has a plurality of fixing parts which are fixed to the vehicle body frame member, Equipped with, The top sealing is configured such that at least some of the fixing parts among the plurality of fixing parts have lower vertical rigidity compared to the surrounding parts. The top sealing, including the plurality of fixing parts, is arranged to be spaced apart vertically from the vehicle body frame member. The superstructure of the vehicle.

8. In the superstructure of a vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 7, The aforementioned fixing portion is configured such that its thickness is thinner than that of the surrounding portion, thereby reducing its rigidity. The superstructure of the vehicle.

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