Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

To be able to secure torsional rigidity of a vehicle rear part while securing a vehicle cabin space of a vehicle including a back door opening.SOLUTION: An annular structure disposed around a back door opening 1 of a vehicle rear part structure includes a front surface portion and an inner side surface portion. The length in the vehicle front-rear direction of the annular structure located on an outside portion of the back door opening 1 is set such that a length X1 of an upper corner portion 2 of the back door opening 1 is longer than a length X2 of an intermediate portion on the outside portion of the back door opening 1. A portion of the front surface portion in which the length in the vehicle front-rear direction of the annular structure changes is provided with a first inclined surface portion 14 inclined toward the vehicle rear side in the direction from the upper corner portion 2 to the vehicle lower side. An edge line 15 extending along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion 14 is formed by the first inclined surface portion 14 and a first inner wall portion 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle rear portion structure.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a vehicle having a back door opening at the rear portion of the vehicle is known. In a vehicle provided with such a back door opening, it is required to secure the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body at the back door opening. For example, in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, an annular structure is formed by a plurality of members at the opening edge of the back door opening.

[0003] Further, in the above example, a concave shape is provided on a member such as an inner panel on the vehicle interior side that forms the periphery of the back door opening, and the ridgeline of the concave shape is formed to extend smoothly, that is, to have no bending point. Further, the vertical wall constituting the ridgeline is also formed to extend in the vertical direction, for example, and to have no bend. These vertical walls and ridgelines constitute a part of the annular structure, thereby attempting to secure the rigidity at the back door opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the structure of the above example, a flat surface is provided on the annular structure around the back door opening. In order to obtain rigidity that meets the requirements with such a structure, it is necessary to widen the width of the flat surface to obtain the area of the closed cross section in the annular structure. As a result, the vehicle interior space or the opening area of the back door opening may be reduced.

[0006] In other words, if the goal is to maintain the volume of the vehicle's interior space while ensuring torsional rigidity around the back door opening, the structure in the above example had room for improvement.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a rear vehicle structure that can ensure torsional rigidity at the rear of a vehicle while securing interior space for a vehicle having a back door opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle rear structure according to the present invention includes, in the back door opening provided at the rear of the vehicle, along the opening edge of the back door opening. Maintaining a closed cross-section A ring-shaped structure is formed, arranged in a continuous manner. The annular structure located at the upper corner of the back door opening is curved while maintaining the closed cross-section and is connected to the annular structure located on the outer side of the back door opening. The annular structure has a front portion facing the front of the vehicle and an inner surface portion facing the inside of the vehicle. In the rear structure of the vehicle, the length of the annular structure located on the outside of the back door opening in the vehicle longitudinal direction is: This is the length from the front to the rear of the inner surface portion of the annular structure. The front of the outer part of the back door opening, which is further forward than the midpoint in the vehicle's vertical direction. Recorded above The side corners are set to be longer. before The part where the length of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction changes. The front part corresponding to A first inclined surface is provided, which slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends downward from the upper corner of the vehicle. The first inclined surface and the inner surface form a ridge that extends along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface. A quarter window opening is provided on the side of the vehicle located in front of the back door opening, and in the vehicle's vertical direction, the upper end of the first inclined surface is positioned above the upper end of the quarter window opening, and the lower end of the first inclined surface is positioned in the middle of the quarter window opening in the vehicle's vertical direction. It is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure torsional rigidity at the rear of a vehicle while securing interior space in a vehicle having a back door opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a part of a vehicle having the vehicle rear structure according to the present invention, as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the rear structure of the vehicle with the seat belt removed. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upper corner and surrounding area of ​​the back door opening. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a side view of the rear pillar section as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a side view of the vehicle's rear structure, seen from the outside of the vehicle, with the side body outer panel removed. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of section A-A in Figure 1, taken from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle rear structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 7). In the figures, the direction of arrow Fr indicates the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the description of the embodiment, "front (front end) and rear (rear end)" correspond to the front and rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. Also, arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides as seen from the perspective of an occupant looking forward of the vehicle.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle having the rear structure of this embodiment has a back door opening 1 at the rear of the vehicle. A rear pillar portion 3 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle is positioned on the outer side of the back door opening 1 in the vehicle width direction. A roof cross member 40 extending in the vehicle width direction is positioned above the back door opening 1. Furthermore, in this vehicle rear structure, an annular structure 4 is formed along the opening edge of the back door opening 1 so as to be continuous with the opening edge (Figures 6 and 7). In addition, a quarter window opening 5 is provided at the rear of the side of the vehicle in this embodiment. The quarter window opening 5 is positioned in front of the back door opening 1. A rear speaker panel 39 is positioned below the window opening 5.

[0013] The annular structure 4 of this embodiment is formed to be continuous from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the back door opening 1 upwards. That is, the annular structure 4 has a closed cross-section formed by a plurality of panel members. The annular structure 4 will be described below.

[0014] First, the annular structure 4 located on the outer side of the back door opening 1 in the vehicle width direction will be described. As described above, a rear pillar section 3 extending in the vehicle vertical direction is arranged on the outer side of the back door opening 1 in the vehicle width direction. The rear pillar section 3 is composed of multiple panel members. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle-inside portion of the rear pillar section 3 has a side body inner rear upper panel 20 and a side body inner rear lower panel 30 (Figure 4), which are arranged vertically in a joined state. The vehicle-outside portion of the rear pillar section 3 has a side body outer panel 60. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, an annular structure 4 is formed by the side body inner rear upper panel 20, side body outer panel 60, rear upper reinforcement 61, and rear lower reinforcement 62, etc. Similarly, an annular structure 4 is formed by the side body inner rear lower panel 30, side body outer panel 60, rear upper reinforcement 61, and rear lower reinforcement 62, etc., and these annular structures 4 are continuous in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The annular structure 4 has a closed cross-section in the horizontal direction. That is, the annular structure 4 located at the rear pillar portion 3 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle while maintaining a closed cross-section in the horizontal direction.

[0015] Next, the annular structure 4 located at the upper part of the back door opening 1 will be described. As described above, the roof cross member 40 extending in the vehicle width direction is arranged at the upper part of the back door opening 1. Although detailed description with reference to the drawings is omitted, the roof cross member 40 has, for example, a substantially L-shaped cross section. The roof panel 35 is joined to the upper part of the roof cross member 40. For example, a portion curved downward of the vehicle may be provided at the rear portion of the roof panel 35, and the curved portion and the roof cross member 40 may be joined to form the annular structure 4. In this case, at the portion located at the upper part of the back door opening 1, the cross section in the vertical direction (vehicle up-down direction) is a closed cross section. Note that the roof cross member 40 may be shaped to have a U-shaped cross section that opens upward of the vehicle. In this case, the roof panel 35 is joined to the upper part of the roof cross member 40, and the annular structure 4 is formed by the roof cross member 40 and the roof panel 35. In this case, at the portion located at the upper part of the back door opening 1, the cross section in the vertical direction (vehicle up-down direction) is a closed cross section. The annular structure 4 located at the upper part of the back door opening 1 extends in the vehicle width direction while maintaining the closed cross section in the vertical direction. Note that the closed cross section formed by the roof cross member 40, the roof panel 35 and the like may be set smaller than the closed cross section of the rear pillar portion 3.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a rear pillar reinforcement 10 is arranged at the upper corner portion 2 of the back door opening 1. The roof side rail portion 6 provided at the upper part of the vehicle side portion is connected to the upper corner portion 2 of the back door opening 1. In this example, the roof side member 37 arranged at the rear portion of the roof side rail portion 6 is joined to the rear pillar reinforcement 10 by spot welding.

[0017] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, an annular structure 4 is preferably formed at an upper corner portion 2 of a back door opening 1 by a rear pillar reinforcement 10, a side body outer panel 60, and a roof panel 35. For example, the lower portion of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 and the side body outer panel 60 form the annular structure 4 having a horizontal closed cross-section, and the upper portion of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 and the roof panel 35 form the annular structure 4 having a vertical closed cross-section. The annular structure 4 located at the upper corner portion 2 of the back door opening 1 is curved while maintaining an annular shape. That is, the curved annular structure 4 is curved in a state where the closed cross-section is maintained, and connects the annular structure 4 located at a rear pillar portion 3 and the annular structure 4 located at the upper portion of the back door opening 1.

[0018] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the annular structure 4 of the present embodiment has a front face portion 4A facing the front of the vehicle, and an inner side face portion 4B facing the inner side of the vehicle. For example, a part of the front face portion 4A of the annular structure 4 of the rear pillar portion 3 is provided at the front portion of a side body inner rear upper panel 20. Further, the front face portion 4A in the annular structure 4 of the upper corner portion 2 is provided at the front portion of the rear pillar reinforcement 10, and the front face portion 4A in the annular structure 4 at the upper portion of the back door opening 1 is provided at the front portion 41 of a roof cross member 40.

[0019] Further, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inner side face portion 4B of the annular structure 4 of the rear pillar portion 3 is provided at the inner portion of the side body inner rear upper panel 20. The inner side face portion 4B in the annular structure 4 of the upper corner portion 2 is provided at the inner portion and the lower portion of the rear pillar reinforcement 10, and the inner side face portion 4B in the annular structure 4 at the upper portion of the back door opening 1 is provided at the lower portion of the roof cross member 40.

[0020] In this embodiment, the vehicle longitudinal length of the annular structure 4 located on the outer side of the back door opening 1 is set to be longer at the upper corner 2 of the back door opening 1 than at the intermediate part in the vehicle vertical direction on the outer side of the back door opening 1. Here, the intermediate part is the inner surface portion 4B of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 of the rear pillar portion 3. In this example, the vehicle longitudinal length X1 of the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 is set to be longer than the vehicle longitudinal length X2 of the inner surface portion 4B of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 of the annular structure 4 located on the outer side of the back door opening 1. For example, X1 may be about twice the length of X2.

[0021] The inner surface portion 4B (the first inner wall portion 21, described later) of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 in this embodiment is a portion provided at the inner end of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 in the vehicle width direction, facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and extending in the vehicle vertical direction. The length of the inner surface portion 4B of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is set to be approximately the same from the lower to the upper part of the inner surface portion 4B (Figure 4).

[0022] Furthermore, the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 extends from the portion of the lower part of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 facing inward in the vehicle width direction (the second inner wall portion 11, described later) to the portion of the upper part of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 facing downward in the vehicle direction (the lower wall portion 12, described later). As shown in Figure 7, the length of the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 in the vehicle longitudinal direction gradually increases from the bottom to the top.

[0023] Furthermore, in the front portion 4A of the annular structure 4 located on the outer side of the back door opening 1, a first inclined surface portion 14 is provided in the part of the annular structure 4 where the vehicle longitudinal length of the annular structure 4 changes, and which slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends downward from the upper corner portion 2. Here, the part where the vehicle longitudinal length changes is the front portion 4A adjacent to the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10. In addition, the first inclined surface portion 14 and the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 form a ridge line 15 that extends along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion 14.

[0024] As described above, by setting a longer width in the vehicle longitudinal direction for the corners of the vehicle body, which tend to be weak points in terms of torsional rigidity, it becomes possible to increase the area of ​​the closed cross-section forming the annular structure 4. As a result, the rigidity of the upper corner 2 of the back door opening 1 can be ensured. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the vehicle longitudinal length of the rear pillar 3 is smaller than that of the upper corner 2, so the volume of the vehicle interior can be ensured. In addition, since the ridge line 15 is a smooth curve that does not bend, and the surface portion constituting the inner surface portion 4B is a surface portion that is continuous in the vehicle vertical direction, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the part where rigidity needs to be increased as needed, while maintaining the continuity between the upper corner 2 and the rear pillar 3.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the vehicle's vertical direction, the upper end of the first inclined surface portion 14 is positioned above the upper end of the quarter window opening 5, and the lower end of the first inclined surface portion 14 is positioned in the middle of the quarter window opening 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction. In this example, the lower end of the first inclined surface portion 14 is positioned approximately in the center of the quarter window opening 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0026] A first inclined surface portion 14 is provided between the upper corner portion 2 and the rear pillar portion 3, and the first inclined surface portion 14 is positioned to straddle the upper end of the quarter window opening 5 vertically. This increases the rigidity of the upper part of the rear pillar portion 3 and further suppresses deformation of the upper corner portion 2.

[0027] The detailed shapes of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 and the side body inner rear upper panel 20, which constitute the ring structure 4, will be described.

[0028] First, let's describe the rear pillar reinforcement 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rear pillar reinforcement 10 has a first inner wall portion 11, a lower wall portion 12, an upper front wall portion 13, the first inclined surface portion 14 described above, a first outer wall portion 16, and a first connecting inclined surface portion 17.

[0029] The first inner wall portion 11 is positioned on the inside of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 in the vehicle width direction, has a wall surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The front end of the first inner wall portion 11 is connected to the first inclined surface portion 14 and extends along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion 14. The above-mentioned ridge line 15 is formed by the first inner wall portion 11 and the first inclined surface portion 14. The rear end of the first inner wall portion 11 also extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The upper end of the first inner wall portion 11 is curved and connected to the lower wall portion 12. The lower wall portion 12 has a wall surface facing downward in the vehicle and extends in the vehicle width direction. The inside end of the lower wall portion 12 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the lower part 42 of the roof cross member 40 by spot welding or the like.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper front wall portion 13 extends upward from the front end of the lower wall portion 12, has a wall surface that extends in the vehicle width direction, and has a wall surface that faces the front of the vehicle. The inner end of the upper front wall portion 13 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the front part 41 of the roof cross member 40 by spot welding or the like. The upper part of the upper front wall portion 13 is provided with a flange or the like and is joined to the roof panel 35 by adhesive or the like.

[0031] The first inclined surface portion 14 is located on the lower side of the upper front wall portion 13 in the vehicle width direction, and extends inclined towards the rear of the vehicle from the middle of the upper front wall portion 13 in the vehicle width direction toward the lower part of the vehicle. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first inclined surface portion 14 curves toward the rear of the vehicle from the upper end toward the middle of the first inclined surface portion 14 in the vehicle vertical direction. The center of the radius of curvature of this portion is located on the rear side of the first inclined surface portion 14. The first inclined surface portion 14 has an inflection point in the middle of the vehicle vertical direction, and curves toward the rear of the vehicle from the inflection point toward the lower end. The center of the radius of curvature of this portion is located on the front side of the first inclined surface portion 14. Thus, the first inclined surface portion 14 is preferably composed of a smooth curve.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first outer wall portion (part of the vertical wall portion) 16 is located outside the width direction of the first inclined surface portion 14 in the front portion 4A, and is located further forward than the first inclined surface portion. It has a wall surface facing the front of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The first outer wall portion 16 extends downward from the width direction of the upper front wall portion 13. In this example, the upper front wall portion 13 and the first outer wall portion 16 are formed so that the wall surface facing the front of the vehicle is continuous. That is, in a view from the front of the vehicle, the upper front wall portion 13 and the first outer wall portion 16 constitute a single curved plane.

[0033] The first connecting inclined surface portion (part of the third inclined surface portion) 17 is the portion that connects the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the first outer wall portion 16 and the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface portion 14, extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the front portion 4A of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 is composed of the first inclined surface portion 14, the first connecting inclined surface portion 17, the first outer wall portion 16, and the upper front wall portion 13, and the inner surface portion 4B of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 is composed of the first inner wall portion 11 and the lower wall portion 12.

[0034] Furthermore, the lower ends of the first inclined surface portion 14, the first connecting inclined surface portion 17, the first outer wall portion 16, and the first inner wall portion 11 each have a joint portion 14a, etc., which is joined to the upper end of the side body inner upper panel 20. This joint portion will be explained later.

[0035] Next, the side body inner rear upper panel 20 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the side body inner rear upper panel 20 has a second inner wall portion 21, a front wall portion 22, a second outer wall portion 23, a second inclined surface portion 24, and a second connecting inclined surface portion 25.

[0036] The second inner wall portion 21 is positioned on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the side body inner rear upper panel 20, has a wall surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The front end of the second inner wall portion 21 is connected to the front wall portion 22 and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The rear end of the second inner wall portion 21 extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The second inner wall portion 21 extends to be continuous with the first inner wall portion 11. The upper part of the second inner wall portion 21 is joined to the lower part of the first inner wall portion 11 by spot welding, with the two parts overlapping.

[0037] The front wall portion 22 extends downward from the lower end of the first inclined surface portion 14 and has a wall surface facing the front of the vehicle. The upper part of the front wall portion 22 is joined to the lower part of the first inclined surface portion 14 by spot welding, with the lower part overlapping it.

[0038] The second outer wall section (part of the vertical wall section) 23 extends downward from the lower end of the first outer wall section 16 and has a wall surface facing the front of the vehicle. The upper part of the second outer wall section 23 is joined to the lower part of the first outer wall section 16 by spot welding, with the two parts overlapping.

[0039] The second inclined surface portion 24 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the first inclined surface portion 14 on the front portion 4A, and is positioned lower than the first inclined surface portion 14 on the vehicle. It is the portion that slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves downward. The second inclined surface portion 24 slopes as described above, continuously from the lower end of the second outer wall portion 23. The lower end of the second inclined surface portion 24 is smoothly connected to the front wall portion 22.

[0040] The second connecting inclined surface (part of the third inclined surface) 25 is the portion that connects the inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the second outer wall 23 and the second inclined surface 24 to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the front wall 22. It extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle and inclins outward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the front of the vehicle (Figures 6 and 7). The second connecting inclined surface 25 is joined to the first connecting inclined surface 17 by spot welding while they overlap. As shown in Figure 4, the first connecting inclined surface 17 and the second connecting inclined surface 25 are connected in a rhombus shape (approximately parallelogram) to form a smoothly continuous plane.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front portion 4A of the side body inner upper panel 20 is composed of a front wall portion 22, a second connecting inclined surface portion 25, a second outer wall portion 23, and a second inclined surface portion 24, and the inner surface portion 4B of the side body inner upper panel 20 is composed of a second inner wall portion 21.

[0042] In this embodiment, as described above, first and second outer wall portions (vertical wall portions) 16 and 23 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle are provided on the front portion 4A, outside in the vehicle width direction from the first inclined surface portion 14 and on the vehicle front side from the first inclined surface portion 14. A second inclined surface portion 24 is provided on the front portion 4A, outside in the vehicle width direction from the first inclined surface portion 14 and on the vehicle lower than the first inclined surface portion 14, and is inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it is directed downwards. The lower part of the second outer wall portion (part of the vertical wall portion) 23 and the upper part of the second inclined surface portion 24 are formed to be continuous.

[0043] By forming the annular structure 4 in the rear pillar section 3 on the side of the vehicle body in an inner and outer section that stand side by side, it becomes possible to make the inner section smaller in cross-section than the outer section. As a result, it becomes easier to secure interior space in the vehicle, while also ensuring the strength and rigidity of the rear pillar section 3.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inclined surface portion 24 extends from the middle portion of the quarter window opening 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction downwards from below the lower end of the quarter window opening 5. As a result, the second inclined surface portion 24 is formed to straddle the lower end of the quarter window opening 5 both vertically and horizontally, thereby reinforcing the change in rigidity of the middle portion of the rear pillar portion 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction and suppressing deformation.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the annular structure 4 on the outer side of the back door opening 1 in the vehicle width direction has an inner annular portion including a first inclined surface portion 14 and an outer annular portion including a second inclined surface portion 24. Between the inner end of the first inclined surface portion 14 and the outer end of the second inclined surface portion 24, first and second connecting inclined surfaces (third inclined surface portion) 17, 25 are provided so as to connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion, and are inclined forward of the vehicle as they are directed outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0046] Here, the inner annular portion includes the first and second inner wall portions 11, 21, the first inclined surface portion 14, and the front wall portion 22, while the outer annular portion includes the first and second outer wall portions 16, 23. The first and second connecting inclined surfaces 17, 25 are inclined to connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the vehicle longitudinal length of the portion constituting the outer annular portion is set to be longer than the vehicle longitudinal length of the portion constituting the inner annular portion. In this embodiment, the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion have a single closed cross-section.

[0047] If the front end of the outer annular section and the front end of the inner annular section are misaligned, a step will be formed. To prevent this, first and second connecting inclined surfaces (third inclined surface) 17, 25 are formed between the outer annular section and the inner annular section, preventing a decrease in strength due to the formation of a step, and ensuring torsional rigidity with the first and second connecting inclined surfaces 17, 25. As a result, deformation of the rear pillar section 3 can be suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, a back door balancer bracket (upper reinforcement) 51 is joined to the first inner wall portion 11 (inner surface portion 4B) located between the first inclined surface portion and the opening edge of the back door opening 1, and extends inclined upward towards the rear of the vehicle. In this example, the upper reinforcement is positioned perpendicular to the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion 14. This makes it possible to further increase the strength of the first inclined surface portion 14.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a longitudinal reinforcement extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is positioned on the vehicle-front side of the second inclined surface portion, below the quarter window opening. The rear portion of the rearward reinforcement is joined to the second inclined surface portion. In this example, the longitudinal reinforcement is the rear speaker panel 39 described above. The upper part of the rear speaker panel 39 is positioned below the quarter window opening 5, has a convex shape inward towards the vehicle, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This portion constitutes the reinforcing structure. The upper part of the rear speaker panel 39 is joined to the upper part of the second inclined surface portion 24 and the lower part of the second outer wall portion 23 by spot welding. The rear portion of the upper part of the rear speaker panel 39 is inclined upward towards the rear of the vehicle and is perpendicular to the inclination direction of the second inclined surface portion 24. By providing a reinforcing structure on the upper part of the rear speaker panel 39 in this way, the rigidity of the second inclined surface portion 24 and the like is improved, and the reduction in rigidity of the rear pillar portion 3 can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear structure of the vehicle in this embodiment has a side body inner reinforcement (inner reinforcement) 52 which is located inside the annular structure 4 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the back door opening 1 and is joined to the rear side of the second inclined surface portion 24. In the vehicle vertical direction, the side body inner reinforcement 52 is located below the quarter window opening 5.

[0051] In detail, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the side body inner reinforcement 52 is plate-shaped extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, has through holes inside, and is joined to the rear side of the second outer wall portion 23 by spot welding. The side body inner reinforcement 52 may also be joined near the boundary between the second outer wall portion 23 and the second inclined surface portion 24, or to the upper part of the second inclined surface portion 24. Furthermore, the outer part of the side body inner reinforcement 52 in the vehicle width direction is joined to the side body outer panel 60 with adhesive or the like. This makes it possible to improve the strength of the second inclined surface portion 24 and suppress deformation of the rear pillar portion 3. In addition, by providing the side body inner reinforcement 52, the rigidity of the part of the annular structure 4 of the rear pillar portion 3 that corresponds to the outer annular portion can be increased.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inclined surface portion 24 is sandwiched between the side body inner reinforcement 52 and the rear speaker panel 39, as shown in Figure 5. This configuration increases the rigidity of the second inclined surface portion 24 and the rigidity of the rear pillar portion 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, as described above, a rear pillar reinforcement 10 having a front portion 4A and an inner surface portion 4B is positioned at the upper corner portion 2 of the back door opening 1, and a side body inner rear upper panel 20 is positioned on the outer side of the back door opening 1 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, as described above, a joint portion 29 is positioned in the middle of the quarter window opening 5 in the vehicle vertical direction, where the upper part of the side body inner rear upper panel 20 and the lower part of the rear pillar reinforcement 10 are joined in an overlapping state. By providing a joint portion 29 where the panels overlap in this way, strength can be ensured and deformation of the rear pillar portion 3 can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seat belt anchor 9B is attached to the portion where the side body inner rear upper panel 20 and the rear pillar reinforcement 10 overlap. That is, by attaching the seat belt anchor 9B to the spot-welded joint 29, it becomes easier to obtain rigidity that can withstand the load acting from the seat belt 9 to the seat belt anchor 9B via the guide 9A.

[0055] The description of this embodiment is illustrative for explaining the present invention and does not limit the invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0056] In this embodiment, for example, the first inclined surface portion 14 has a smooth curved surface, but is not limited to this, and may extend linearly in the inclination direction described above. Also, the reinforcing structure (front-to-back reinforcement) at the top of the rear speaker panel 39 may be a separate component from the rear speaker panel 39 and may be joined to the rear speaker panel 39 by spot welding or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Back door opening 2 Upper corner 3. Rear pillar section 4. Ring structure 4A Front part 4B Inner side 5. Quarter window opening 9. Seat belts 9A Guide 9B Seatbelt Anchor 10 Rear pillar reinforcement 11 First inner wall section 12 Lower wall part 13 Upper front wall 14. First inclined surface section 15 Ridge 16. First exterior wall section (part of the vertical wall section) 17. First connecting inclined wall section (part of the third inclined surface section) 20 Side Body Inner Rear Upper Panel (Rear Inner Panel) 21 Second inner wall section 22 Front wall 23. Second exterior wall section (part of the vertical wall section) 24 Second inclined surface section 25. Second connecting inclined surface section (part of the third inclined surface section) 29 Joint 30 Side Body Inner Rear Lower Panel 35 Roof Panel 37 Roof side member 39. Rear speaker panel (front-to-back reinforcement) 40 Roof Cross Member 41 Front 42 Lower part 51 Backdoor Balancer Bracket (Upper Reinforcement) 52 Side Body Inner Reinforcement (Inner Reinforcement) 60 Side Body Outer Panel 61 Rear Upper Reinforcement 62 Rear Lower Reinforcement

Claims

1. An annular structure is formed in the back door opening at the rear of the vehicle, which is arranged to be continuous along the opening edge of the back door opening while maintaining a closed cross-section. The annular structure located at the upper corner of the back door opening is curved while maintaining the closed cross-section and is connected to the annular structure located on the outer side of the back door opening. The aforementioned annular structure has a front portion facing the front of the vehicle and an inner side portion facing the inside of the vehicle, in a vehicle rear structure, The vehicle-longitudinal length of the annular structure located on the outer side of the back door opening is the length from the front to the rear of the inner surface portion of the annular structure, and the upper corner portion is set to be longer than the middle portion in the vehicle-vertical direction on the outer side of the back door opening. The front portion corresponding to the part where the vehicle's longitudinal length changes is provided with a first inclined surface portion that slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends downward from the upper corner portion. The first inclined surface portion and the inner surface portion form a ridge line extending along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion. A quarter window opening is provided on the side of the vehicle located in front of the aforementioned back door opening. In the vehicle's vertical direction, the upper end of the first inclined surface portion is positioned above the upper end of the quarter window opening. The lower end of the first inclined surface portion is positioned in the middle of the quarter window opening in the vehicle's vertical direction, characterized in that it is a vehicle rear structure.

2. An annular structure is formed in the back door opening at the rear of the vehicle, which is arranged to be continuous along the opening edge of the back door opening while maintaining a closed cross-section. The annular structure located at the upper corner of the back door opening is curved while maintaining the closed cross-section and is connected to the annular structure located on the outer side of the back door opening. The aforementioned annular structure has a front portion facing the front of the vehicle and an inner side portion facing the inside of the vehicle, in a vehicle rear structure, The vehicle-longitudinal length of the annular structure located on the outer side of the back door opening is the length from the front to the rear of the inner surface portion of the annular structure, and the upper corner portion is set to be longer than the middle portion in the vehicle-vertical direction on the outer side of the back door opening. The front portion corresponding to the part where the vehicle's longitudinal length changes is provided with a first inclined surface portion that slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends downward from the upper corner portion. The first inclined surface portion and the inner surface portion form a ridge line extending along the inclination direction of the first inclined surface portion. A vertical wall portion extending in the vehicle's vertical direction is provided on the front portion, outside the vehicle width direction from the first inclined surface portion, and on the vehicle's forward side from the first inclined surface portion. A second inclined surface is provided on the front portion, located outward in the vehicle width direction from the first inclined surface and below the first inclined surface, which slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends downward. A vehicle rear structure characterized in that the lower part of the vertical wall and the upper part of the second inclined surface are formed to be continuous.

3. A quarter window opening is provided on the side of the vehicle located in front of the aforementioned back door opening. In the vehicle's vertical direction, the upper end of the first inclined surface portion is positioned above the upper end of the quarter window opening. The rear vehicle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower end of the first inclined surface portion is located in the middle portion of the quarter window opening in the vehicle's vertical direction.

4. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the second inclined surface portion extends from the middle portion of the quarter window opening in the vehicle's vertical direction toward a point below the lower end of the quarter window opening.

5. The annular structure has an inner annular portion including the first inclined surface portion and an outer annular portion including the second inclined surface portion, The vehicle rear structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a third inclined surface is provided between the outer end of the first inclined surface and the inner end of the second inclined surface, which is inclined forward of the vehicle as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction, so as to connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion.

6. The rear vehicle structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that an upper reinforcement is joined to the inner surface portion located between the first inclined surface portion and the opening edge of the back door opening, and the upper reinforcement extends inclined upward towards the rear of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 3, characterized in that a longitudinal reinforcement extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is disposed at the lower part of the quarter window opening on the vehicle front side of the second inclined surface, and the rear part of the longitudinal reinforcement is joined to the second inclined surface.

8. A rear pillar reinforcement having the front portion and the inner surface portion is positioned at the upper corner, and a rear inner panel is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the back door opening. The rear vehicle structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the joint portion, which is formed when the upper part of the rear inner panel and the lower part of the rear pillar reinforcement overlap, is located in the middle of the quarter window opening in the vehicle's vertical direction.

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