Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

To improve the torsional rigidity of a vehicle rear part compared to that of a conventional vehicle.SOLUTION: An annular frame part 40 surrounds a back door opening 11. A connection portion 14A of a vehicle body is connected to a rear suspension. A tire house reinforcement 22 and an S-S reinforcement 50, which are reinforcement parts, extend from the connection portion 14A to the annular frame part 40 along a side wall of the vehicle body. A side frame 70 is branched from the S-S reinforcement 50 to extend to the annular frame part 40. A cross frame 60 extends from a connection point between the S-S reinforcement 50 and the side frame 70 in the vehicle width direction. A glass window 80 is fixed to the side frame 70 and the cross frame 60. In addition, the glass window 80 is formed of a safety glass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In this specification, a vehicle rear structure is disclosed.

Background Art

[0002] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a rear suspension 105 is suspended under a vehicle body 100. For example, the rear suspension 105 includes a coil spring 106. A connection portion 101 is provided on the bottom surface of the vehicle body. The upper end of the coil spring 106 is seated on the connection portion 101.

[0003] When one of a pair of rear wheels 102, 102 crosses a step portion 104 on the road surface, an upward load is input from the coil spring 106 to the vehicle body 100. Due to the load input, the vehicle body 100 twists and变形 from the broken-line cross-sectional shape to the solid-line cross-sectional shape.

[0004] The larger the opening cross-sectional area of the rear part of the vehicle body, the larger the amount of torsional deformation. As the amount of torsional deformation increases, the relative deformation amount with the front of the vehicle increases, which may reduce the riding comfort performance.

[0005] For example, in Patent Document 1, diagonal members are arranged inside a skeletal component having a rectangular closed cross-section. The ends of these diagonal members are arranged at the vertices of the cross-sectional rectangle of the skeletal component.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In this specification, a vehicle rear structure capable of improving the torsional rigidity of the rear part of the vehicle more than before is disclosed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] This specification discloses a vehicle rear structure. This structure comprises an annular frame component, a body connector, reinforcing components, side frames, cross frames, and a glass window. The annular frame component surrounds the rear door opening. The body connector connects to the rear suspension. The reinforcing components extend from the connector along the side wall of the body to the annular frame component. The side frames branch off from the reinforcing components and connect to the annular frame component. The cross frames extend in the vehicle width direction from the connection point between the reinforcing components and the side frames. The glass window is fixed to the side frames and the cross frames. Furthermore, the glass window is composed of safety glass.

[0009] When the rear wheels ride up onto a step or uneven surface, a load is applied to the vehicle body from the rear suspension. This applied load is transmitted from the reinforcing components to the annular frame components. Furthermore, the load is transmitted to the annular frame components from the side frames that branch off from the reinforcing components. The load is distributed through multiple transmission paths. In addition, glass windows are fixed to the side frames. In other words, the glass windows are used as load transmission paths. Here, for example, high-strength safety glass is used as the glass window compared to single-pane float glass. This allows the glass window to be used as a load transmission path while suppressing breakage.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the rear structure of the vehicle may include a floor cross member and a pair of braces. The floor cross member is positioned on the passenger compartment floor. The floor cross member also extends in the vehicle width direction. The pair of braces extend from both ends of the cross frame in the vehicle width direction toward the center of the floor cross member in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the area below the cross frame is reinforced by the brace. As a result, the torsional rigidity of the rear of the vehicle is improved.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the safety glass may be laminated glass with the same strength as the windshield glass.

[0013] Windshield glass requires strength to prevent breakage from wind pressure or flying debris. On the other hand, side windows and rear windows are designed to be strong enough to be broken by occupants to ensure escape routes in the event of a water-related accident. By using glass windows with the same strength as the windshield glass, which is the strongest of all the glass installed in a vehicle, breakage of the glass windows during load transmission is suppressed.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment may be separated by a glass window. In this case, the side frame is formed such that the vehicle width dimension is longer than the vehicle width dimension of the reinforcing part. In addition, service holes are drilled in the side frame.

[0015] According to the above configuration, air conditioning ducts and the like are routed across the passenger compartment and cargo area via service holes in the side frame. Furthermore, by making the side frame a wide shape, it is possible to secure space for the service holes while maintaining strength.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the reinforcing components may extend from the rear wheel wells to the rear and upward of the vehicle. In addition, the side frames and glass windows are arranged vertically.

[0017] According to the above configuration, by arranging the glass windows vertically, light transmission from the passenger compartment to the cargo compartment is ensured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The vehicle rear structure described herein can improve the torsional rigidity of the vehicle rear compared to conventional structures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the rear structure of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the connection structure between the rear suspension and the vehicle body. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating the load transmission path input from the rear suspension. [Figure 4] It is a diagram explaining the torsional deformation of the vehicle body according to the load input from the rear suspension.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the vehicle rear structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The shapes, materials, numbers, and numerical values described below are examples for explanation. These elements can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the vehicle rear structure. Also, in all the drawings below, the same reference numerals are given to equivalent elements.

[0021] Also, in FIGS. 1 - 3, an orthogonal coordinate system is used to represent the positions and directions of each component. This orthogonal coordinate system consists of the FR axis, RW axis, and UP axis. The FR axis is the vehicle longitudinal axis. The RW axis is the vehicle width axis. The UP axis is the vehicle vertical axis. The positive direction of the FR axis is the front of the vehicle. The positive direction of the RW axis is the right side of the vehicle. The positive direction of the UP axis is upward.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the vehicle rear structure according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the internal structures of the passenger compartment 10 and the luggage compartment 15 are illustrated. Also, in FIG. 1, the illustration of interior parts such as the rear seat, floor carpet, trim, and garnish is omitted. Further, in FIG. 1, based on the left - right symmetric structure of the vehicle, the illustration of the structure on the left side in the vehicle width direction is partially omitted.

[0023] Also, the vehicle rear structure according to this embodiment is applied to a vehicle having a structure in which the opening cross - sectional areas of the passenger compartment 10 and the luggage compartment 15 are substantially equal, for example. For example, the vehicle rear structure according to this embodiment is applied to so - called hatchback - type and SUV - type vehicles.

[0024] A floor panel 12 is provided as the floorboard of the passenger compartment 10 and the cargo compartment 15. A floor cross member 30 is positioned on the floor panel 12. The floor cross member 30 is a structural component and extends in the vehicle width direction. For example, the floor cross member 30 has a hat-shaped cross section. Together with the floor panel 12, the floor cross member 30 forms a closed cross section structure. The floor cross member 30 is also positioned between a pair of rear wheel wells 20, 20.

[0025] The passenger compartment 10 is provided with side panels 17 as side walls. C-pillars 18 are also provided on the side walls of the passenger compartment 10. The C-pillars 18 are structural components and extend vertically along the rear wheel wells 20.

[0026] A CC reinforcement 34 is provided on the inner surface of the rear wheel well 20 in the vehicle width direction. The CC reinforcement 34 is a reinforcing component that connects the C pillar 18 and the floor cross member 30. The CC reinforcement 34 extends vertically along the inner surface of the rear wheel well 20. The CC reinforcement 34 is also positioned in the front portion of the rear wheel well 20.

[0027] A rear door opening 11 is provided at the rear of the vehicle. Access to the cargo area 15 is possible from the rear door opening 11. An annular frame component 40 is arranged to surround the rear door opening 11. The annular frame component 40 has, for example, a closed cross-sectional structure with a rectangular cross-section. In Figure 1, for the purpose of simplifying the illustration, the annular frame component 40 is shown as a single part. However, the annular frame component 40 is composed of multiple parts.

[0028] The annular frame component 40 extends along the wall surface of the cargo compartment 15. For example, the cargo compartment 15 is the space behind the rear seats (not shown). For example, the annular frame component 40 extends along the floor, sides, and ceiling of the cargo compartment 15.

[0029] For example, the lower part of the annular frame component 40 is erected vertically. On the other hand, the upper part of the annular frame component 40 is inclined toward the front of the vehicle. As will be described later, a glass window 80 is placed inside the annular frame component 40. The glass window 80 separates the passenger compartment 10 from the cargo compartment 15.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the vehicle structure around the left rear wheel (not shown). In other words, Figure 2 illustrates the vehicle structure from a view of the left side of the rear of the vehicle from below. Below the rear wheel arch 20, a rocker 14 is positioned. The rocker 14 is located at both ends in the vehicle width direction under the floor of the vehicle body. The rocker 14 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rocker 14 is a skeletal component with a closed rectangular cross-section. Note that in Figure 2, for the purpose of simplifying the illustration, the rocker 14 is shown as a single part. However, the rocker 14 is composed of multiple parts.

[0031] A connecting portion 14A is located on the bottom surface of the rocker 14. The rear suspension is connected to the connecting portion 14A. In other words, the connecting portion 14A is a vehicle body component that connects to the rear suspension. For example, in the example in Figure 2, the rear suspension is a double wishbone type suspension. The rear suspension is equipped with a coil spring 95. Other structures of the rear suspension (upper arm, shock absorber, etc.) are not shown.

[0032] A guide 14B is positioned at the connection portion 14A. The guide 14B is roughly conical in shape and extends downward. The coil spring 95 is inserted along the guide 14B. The upper end of the coil spring 95 sits on the connection portion 14A.

[0033] The coil spring 95 supports the vehicle body. For example, when the rear wheels go over a step, an upward load is transmitted from the coil spring 95 to the vehicle body.

[0034] Reinforcement components are positioned along the side wall of the vehicle body from the connection point 14A. These reinforcement components extend to the annular frame component 40 (see Figure 1). For example, these reinforcement components include the tire house reinforcement 22 (see Figure 2) and the SS reinforcement 50 (see Figure 1).

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the tire house reinforcement 22 is positioned along the wall surface of the rear tire house 20. For example, the tire house reinforcement 22 extends from the lower end to the top surface of the rear tire house 20. Alternatively, for example, the tire house reinforcement 22 has an inverted J shape when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0036] The upper end of the tire house reinforcement 22 is connected to the lower end of the SS reinforcement 50 via the rear tire house 20. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the SS reinforcement 50 extends from the tire house reinforcement 22 to the annular frame component 40.

[0037] The SS Reinforce 50 has a closed cross-sectional structure with a rectangular cross-section. In Figures 1 and 3, the SS Reinforce 50 is depicted as a single part for the purpose of simplifying the illustration. However, the SS Reinforce 50 is composed of multiple parts.

[0038] The SS Reinforce 50 extends upward and backward from the rear portion of the rear tire housing 20. The upper end of the SS Reinforce 50 is connected to the upper portion (inclined portion) of the annular frame component 40. The C-pillar 18 and the SS Reinforce 50 are connected to the rear side reinforcement 36.

[0039] In addition, a MacPherson strut type suspension may be used as the rear suspension instead of a double wishbone type. In this case, a suspension tower is formed in the rear wheel well 20. A coil spring is seated on this suspension tower. In such cases, the lower end of the SS reinforcement 50 is connected to the suspension tower.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, a pair of SS reinforcement 50s extend from each of the rear tire housings 20, 20 toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. The pair of SS reinforcement 50s 50s are then connected to a cross frame 60. The cross frame 60 is a frame component that extends in the width direction of the vehicle. For example, the cross frame 60 has a closed cross-sectional structure with a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the cross frame 60 is equipped with a flange 60A for fixing the glass window 80.

[0041] Additionally, side frames 70 are provided, branching off from each SS reinforcement 50. The lower end of the side frame 70 is connected to the SS reinforcement 50. The upper end of the side frame 70 is connected to the rear header 90. The side frames 70 are positioned vertically.

[0042] As will be described later, the side frame 70 becomes part of the load transmission path when a load is applied from the rear suspension. The side frame 70 also functions as the side frame of the glass window 80.

[0043] For example, the side frame 70 is a single sheet of steel. Service holes 72 are drilled in the side frame 70 in the front-to-back direction. As will be described later, the passenger compartment 10 and the cargo compartment 15 are separated by a glass window 80. Interior components that span the passenger compartment 10 and the cargo compartment 15, such as air conditioning ducts, are inserted into the service holes 72.

[0044] For example, the vehicle width dimension W2 of the side frame 70 is longer than the vehicle width dimension W1 of the SS reinforcement 50. By making the side frame 70 wider, strength as a load transmission path is ensured even when the service hole 72 is drilled.

[0045] Furthermore, by making the side frame 70 wider, the vehicle width dimension of the glass window 80 can be shortened. For example, when the glass window 80 is brought into the vehicle body during vehicle assembly, the shortened vehicle width dimension of the glass window 80 reduces the likelihood of it getting caught on the vehicle body during transport.

[0046] The lower end of the side frame 70 and the vehicle width-direction end of the cross frame 60 overlap at least partially. In other words, the cross frame 60 extends in the vehicle width direction from the connection point between the SS reinforcement 50 and the side frame 70. As illustrated in Figure 3, when a load is transmitted from the lower part of the SS reinforcement 50, the load is distributed among the upper part of the SS reinforcement 50, the cross frame 60, and the side frame 70.

[0047] The upper end of the side frame 70 is connected to the lower end of the rear header 90. The rear header 90 functions as the upper frame of the glass window 80. For example, the rear header 90 is arched in front view and extends from one side frame 70 to the other side frame 70. The upper end of the rear header 90 is connected to the upper arm 40A of the annular frame component 40. Here, the upper arm 40A and the rear header 90 may be a single integrated component.

[0048] The glass window 80 is a bulkhead separating the passenger compartment 10 from the cargo compartment 15. The glass window 80 suppresses the transmission of noise from the cargo compartment 15 to the passenger compartment 10.

[0049] The upper part of the glass window 80 is fixed to the rear header 90. The sides of the glass window 80 are fixed to the side frame 70. Furthermore, the lower part of the glass window 80 is fixed to the cross frame 60. For example, the glass window 80 is positioned behind the rear seat (not shown) and above the shoulder portion of the rear seat.

[0050] For fixing the glass window 80 to the frame described above, a highly elastic adhesive is used, for example. In other words, the load transmitted to the side frame 70, etc., is transmitted to the glass window 80 via the highly elastic adhesive.

[0051] To prevent the glass window 80 from breaking due to the transmitted load, the glass window 80 is made of safety glass. According to the definition of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), safety glass refers to a sheet glass processed product intended to reduce personal injury in the event of breakage. Safety glass includes laminated glass, tempered glass, organic glass, and glass-plastic. Thus, safety glass, which has higher strength compared to single-pane float glass, is used as the glass window 80.

[0052] For example, the glass window 80 is made of laminated glass. Laminated glass has a film sandwiched between two panes of glass. When the laminated glass breaks, the film holds the glass fragments in place, thus suppressing the scattering of glass fragments. Therefore, the scattering of glass fragments towards the rear seat (not shown) located in front of the glass window 80 is suppressed.

[0053] For example, glass window 80 is laminated glass with the same strength as windshield glass. For instance, the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) R3212:2015 "Test Methods for Automotive Safety Glass" specifies the content of the impact resistance test for windshield glass (front window). Glass window 80 has the strength to pass this impact resistance test.

[0054] The windshield glass is required to be strong enough not to break due to wind pressure or flying debris. On the other hand, the side windows and rear windows are designed to be strong enough to be broken by occupants to ensure escape routes in the event of a water accident or similar incident. By using a glass window 80 with the same strength as the windshield glass, which is the strongest of the glass installed in the vehicle, damage to the glass window 80 during load transmission is suppressed.

[0055] The glass window 80 is positioned vertically together with the side frame 70. Generally, the light transmittance to glass varies depending on the angle of incidence of the light rays. The light transmittance of the glass is maximized when light rays are incident parallel to the normal to the glass surface. By positioning the glass window 80 vertically, the light transmittance of the glass window 80 is ensured. Therefore, for example, visibility from the passenger compartment 10 to the cargo area 15 and the rear of the vehicle is ensured through the glass window 80.

[0056] A pair of braces 65, 65 are positioned below the cross frame 60. The pair of braces 65, 65 extend from both ends of the cross frame 60 in the vehicle width direction toward the center of the floor cross member 30 in the vehicle width direction. For example, a base 32 is formed at the center of the floor cross member 30 in the vehicle width direction. One end of the pair of braces 65, 65 is fixed to the base 32. Furthermore, the pair of braces 65, 65 are connected by a connecting bar 67. The pair of braces 65, 65 suppress torsional deformation in the portion below the cross frame 60.

[0057] <Load transmission path> When the rear wheel rides over a step, a load is applied from the coil spring 95 (see Figure 2) of the rear suspension to the connection point 14A. This load is transmitted to the SS reinforcement 50 (see Figure 3) via the tire house reinforcement 22.

[0058] The load transmitted to the SS Reinforce 50 is distributed to the upper portion of the SS Reinforce 50, the cross frame 60, and the side frame 70. Furthermore, the load transmitted to the side frame 70 and the cross frame 60 is also transmitted to the glass window 80 via a highly elastic adhesive. In other words, the load is distributed over a surface area. This load distribution suppresses torsional deformation of the passenger compartment 10 and the cargo compartment 15. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 Passenger compartment, 11 Back door opening, 14A Connection, 15 Luggage compartment, 17 Side panel, 20 Rear wheel arch, 22 Wheel arch reinforcement, 30 Floor cross member, 40 Ring frame component, 50 SS reinforcement, 60 Cross frame, 65 Brace, 70 Side frame, 72 Service hole, 80 Glass window, 90 Rear header, 95 Coil spring.

Claims

1. An annular frame component surrounding the back door opening, The connection point to the rear suspension and the vehicle body, A reinforcing part extends from the aforementioned connection point along the side wall of the vehicle body to the annular skeletal component, A side frame that branches off from the reinforcing component and connects to the annular skeletal component, A cross frame extending in the vehicle width direction from the connection point between the reinforcing part and the side frame, A glass window fixed to the side frame and the cross frame, Equipped with, The aforementioned glass window is made of safety glass, The aforementioned safety glass is laminated glass with the same strength as the windshield glass. The aforementioned glass window separates the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment. The width dimension of the side frame is longer than the width dimension of the reinforcing part. The aforementioned side frame has a service hole drilled in it. Rear structure of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, A floor cross member is positioned on the passenger compartment floor and extends in the width direction of the vehicle, A pair of braces extending from both ends of the cross frame in the vehicle width direction toward the center of the floor cross member in the vehicle width direction, A rear vehicle structure equipped with [this].

3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, The aforementioned reinforcing part extends from the rear wheel well towards the rear and upward of the vehicle, The side frame and the glass window are arranged vertically. Rear structure of the vehicle.

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