Vehicle body structure

Abstract

This vehicle body structure (S) comprises: a skeleton member (SK) which constitutes a skeleton of a vehicle body and in which a coating film layer of a rust prevention paint formed on a base is exposed; and a covering member (CV) which is constituted of a separate member from the skeleton member (SK), overlaps the coating film layer from the outside of the vehicle, and forms a design surface of the vehicle body while blocking direct sunlight to the skeleton member (SK), thereby simplifying the coating while having sufficient weather resistance without impairing designability. By simplifying the coating, the discharge amount of carbon dioxide at the time of manufacturing the vehicle is reduced, which contributes to mitigating climate change or reducing the effects thereof.

Description

Body structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure having a covering member that constitutes the design of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, a covering member has been attached to the side of a vehicle body to enhance the design of the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which a covering member is installed below the belt line of a frame structure, while the painted surface of the frame structure is exposed above the belt line.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-253169

[0004] Meanwhile, efforts to mitigate or reduce the impact of climate change have been ongoing for some time, and research and development into reducing carbon dioxide emissions has been conducted to achieve this. As part of these efforts, simplification of painting processes, such as reducing the number of times a vehicle's decorative surfaces are painted, has been considered. For example, in Patent Document 1, a coating member is attached to a weather-resistant painted surface below the belt line, resulting in an excessively weather-resistant configuration. Therefore, if the entire vehicle body is painted below the belt line with only anti-rust paint, a problem occurs in that the painted surface with insufficient weather resistance, the anti-rust paint, is exposed above the belt line.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a vehicle body structure that has sufficient weather resistance without compromising design, and that allows for simplified painting.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle body structure according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a frame member that forms the framework of the vehicle body and exposes a coating layer of anti-rust paint formed on a substrate, and a covering member that is formed as a separate member from the frame member, is overlaid on the coating layer from the outside of the vehicle, and forms a design surface of the vehicle body while blocking direct sunlight from reaching the frame member.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure that has sufficient weather resistance without compromising design and that allows for simplified painting. By simplifying the painting process, carbon dioxide emissions during vehicle manufacturing can be reduced, which in turn contributes to mitigating or reducing the impact of climate change.

[0008] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a frame member according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an entire vehicle according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a boarding door is removed from a vehicle according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a frame member and a weather-resistant panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a movable mounting means according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 2. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Figure 1 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle body structure S according to this embodiment. The vehicle body structure S of this embodiment includes a framework member SK, a closing body 30, and a covering member CV (see Figures 1 to 3 and 5).

[0010] The frame member SK is a component known as a body-in-white, and constitutes the frame and structural parts of the vehicle body (see Figure 1). A coating layer of anti-rust paint is formed on the base of the frame member SK by cathodic electrodeposition coating, and this coating layer is exposed on the surface. In other words, no color coating (intermediate coating) that determines the color of the vehicle body or a transparent clear coating (top coating) is applied, and the only coating layer formed on the base of the frame member SK is a coating layer of anti-rust paint.

[0011] In this embodiment, the anti-rust paint is applied to the frame members SK using cationic electrodeposition coating, but the method is not limited to this. The method for applying the anti-rust paint to the frame members SK is selected appropriately depending on the shape and size of the frame members SK, and a method using a spray gun, for example, can be used.

[0012] The frame member SK is also formed with various openings 10 (see FIG. 1). The openings 10 open from the inside of the frame member SK toward the outside of the vehicle. The openings 10 include an engine compartment 11, a front opening 12, side front openings 13, a boarding / exit door 14, a rear opening 15, a lid opening (not shown), and a side rear opening 16.

[0013] The engine compartment 11 is located in front of the vehicle cabin of the frame member SK and houses power sources such as an engine (not shown) and a motor (not shown). The front opening 12 is a roughly rectangular opening on the front surface of the frame member SK as a window that ensures visibility from the vehicle cabin to the front of the vehicle. The side front opening 13 is a roughly triangular opening in front of a front pillar SKa that constitutes the frame member SK as a window that improves visibility diagonally forward from the vehicle cabin.

[0014] Two consecutive entrance / exit openings 14 are provided on both sides of the frame member SK, one at the front and one at the rear, sandwiching a center pillar SKb between them, to allow occupants to get in and out of the vehicle. The front entrance / exit opening 14 is referred to as a front entrance / exit opening 17, and the rear entrance / exit opening 14 is referred to as a rear entrance / exit opening 18. A rear opening 15 is provided on the rear surface of the frame member SK to allow loading and unloading of luggage from the rear of the vehicle.

[0015] A seal member 50 is provided around the periphery of the rear opening 15. This seal member 50 is referred to as a rear seal 51. When a tailgate 23 (opening / closing body 20) (described later) closes the rear opening 15, the rear seal 51 is sandwiched between the periphery of the rear opening 15 and the tailgate 23, thereby providing airtightness.

[0016] The lid opening (not shown) is opened at the rear side of the frame member SK to accommodate a fuel filler port (not shown) and a power filler port (not shown). The side rear opening 16 is opened in a roughly triangular shape behind a rear entrance / exit door 18 in the frame member SK as a window that improves visibility diagonally rearward from the passenger compartment.

[0017] The closing body 30 is attached to the frame member SK and closes the opening 10 of the frame member SK, while forming the design surface of the vehicle body (see Figures 2 and 3). Note that the design surface in this embodiment refers to the outer surface of the vehicle that is visible to people outside the vehicle when the vehicle is in contact with the ground. For this reason, the underfloor area is not included in the design surface. The closing body 30 includes a windshield 31, side windshields 32, and side rear windows 33. The windshield 31 is attached tightly to the front opening 12. The windshield 31 is made of transparent glass, and while forming the design surface of the vehicle body, it ensures visibility forward of the vehicle from the passenger compartment.

[0018] The side windshields 32 are fitted tightly to the side front openings 13. The side windshields 32 are made of transparent glass and provide a good visual field diagonally forward from the passenger compartment while forming a design surface of the vehicle body. The side rear glass 33 is fitted tightly to the side rear openings 16. The side rear glass 33 is made of transparent glass and provides a good visual field diagonally rear from the passenger compartment while forming a design surface of the vehicle body.

[0019] The covering member CV forms the design surface of the vehicle body and also blocks direct sunlight from reaching the coating layer of the frame member SK, protecting the rust-preventive coating of the frame member SK (see Figures 2, 3, and 5). The covering member CV includes an opening / closing body 20 and a weather-resistant panel 40. Note that in this embodiment, direct sunlight refers to light that reaches the vehicle body directly from the sun and does not include light reflected by the ground or various parts of the vehicle body. In other words, the covering member covers all surfaces of the frame member SK that are exposed to direct sunlight (exterior surfaces excluding the area under the floor) when the vehicle is in contact with the ground. The opening / closing body 20 forms the design surface of the vehicle body and is installed so that the opening 10 of the frame member SK can be opened and closed from outside the vehicle. When the opening 10 is closed, the opening / closing body 20 overlaps the periphery of the opening 10 from outside the vehicle and covers the periphery of the opening 10. The opening / closing body 20 includes a hood 21, an access door 22, a tailgate 23, and a lid (not shown).

[0020] The hood 21 is installed on the upper surface of the engine compartment 11 so as to be able to open and close the engine compartment 11. The access doors 22 include a front door 22F that opens and closes the front access opening 17, and a rear door 22R that opens and closes the rear access opening 18. The front door 22F is installed on the front edge of the front access opening 17 via a hinge (not shown).

[0021] The rear door 22R is installed via a hinge (not shown) on the front edge of the rear entrance 18, i.e., on the center pillar SKb. When the front door 22F closes the front entrance 17 and the rear door 22R closes the rear entrance 18, the front door 22F and the rear door 22R overlap the center pillar SKb from the exterior of the vehicle, blocking direct sunlight from entering the center pillar SKb.

[0022] Furthermore, a seal member 50 is provided on the boarding / alighting door 22 at a portion facing the periphery of the boarding / alighting opening 14 when the boarding / alighting opening 14 is closed (see FIG. 4). This seal member 50 is referred to as a boarding / alighting opening seal 52. When the boarding / alighting door 22 closes the boarding / alighting opening 14, the boarding / alighting opening seal 52 is sandwiched between the periphery of the boarding / alighting opening 14 and the boarding / alighting door 22, thereby providing airtightness.

[0023] The tailgate 23 is installed so as to be able to open and close the rear opening 15. The lid (not shown) is installed so as to be able to open and close a lid opening (not shown).

[0024] The weather-resistant panels 40 protect the vehicle body from flying stones and other obstacles while driving, provide a decorative surface for the vehicle body, and block direct sunlight from reaching the paint layer of the frame member SK (see Figures 2, 3, and 5). The weather-resistant panels 40 are made of a colored, plate-shaped resin material such as an acrylic plate. The weather-resistant panels 40 are detachably installed on the exterior side of the frame member SK to cover the frame member SK. The weather-resistant panels 40 are divided into side front panels 41, side rear panels 42, pillar garnishes 43, upper panels 44, and lower panels 45 for each part of the vehicle body.

[0025] The side front panel 41 forms the design surface of the area around the front wheels, known as the front fender. The side front panel 41 is positioned so that its upper edge overlaps the lower edge of the side windshield 32 from the vehicle exterior side (see FIG. 9). The overlapping degree is set so that the side front panel 41 can conceal the structure below the dashboard 61.

[0026] The side rear panel 42 is installed at the rear of the side of the vehicle body along the rear edge of the entrance / exit 14, and forms the design surface of the vehicle body around the rear wheels. The pillar garnish 43 is a weather-resistant panel 40 installed at the front edge of the side front opening 13. The upper panel 44 is a weather-resistant panel 40 installed above and above rear of the entrance / exit 14 on the side of the vehicle body. The upper panel 44 has front and rear portions 44a and upper and lower portions 44b.

[0027] The front and rear portions 44a extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and are disposed above the entrance 14. The upper-lower portions 44b are formed rearward of the front and rear portions 44a and extend downward along the rear edge of the side rear opening 16. The lower panel 45 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle along the lower edge of the entrance 14.

[0028] Each weather-resistant panel 40 has a design portion 40a and an extension portion 40b. The weather-resistant panel 40 is detachably attached to the frame member SK via the mounting means MT. The design portion 40a is attached to the outer side of the frame member SK so as to cover and conceal the frame member SK, forming the design surface of the vehicle.

[0029] The extensions 40b protect the coating layer of the frame member SK by blocking sunlight that penetrates into the gaps between adjacent covering members CV. The extensions 40b are formed on the periphery of the design portion 40a so as to protrude outward. The extensions 40b have an appropriate protrusion dimension (extension) from the design portion 40a depending on the location where they are formed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ingress / egress extensions 40c formed on the side rear panel 42 and the rear extensions 40d formed on the upper panel 44 will be described.

[0030] The access extension 40c refers to the extension 40b of the side rear panel 42 (weatherproof panel 40) located at the periphery of the rear access opening 18 that overlaps with the rear edge of the rear door 22R when the rear door 22R is closed (see FIG. 4). The access extension 40c is shaped and sized to block direct sunlight from penetrating the gap between the periphery of the rear access opening 18 and the rear door 22R, while not reaching the access opening seal 52. In other words, the access extension 40c covers only the outer peripheral edge of the rear access opening 18. Therefore, when an occupant gets into or out of the vehicle through the rear access opening 18, their clothing will not get caught on the access extension 40c. Furthermore, there is no interference between the access opening seal 52 and the access extension 40c when opening or closing the rear door 22R.

[0031] The rear extension 40d refers to the extension 40b of the upper panel 44 (weatherproof panel 40) that is located on the periphery of the rear opening 15 and overlaps with the tailgate 23 when the tailgate 23 is closed (see FIG. 10 ). The rear extension 40d is shaped and has an extension dimension that allows it to span the base of a rear seal 51 that is installed on the periphery of the rear opening 15. In other words, the rear extension 40d extends from the periphery of the design portion 40a to the rear seal 51, covering the periphery of the rear opening 15.

[0032] Furthermore, with regard to the extension portions 40b of adjacent weather-resistant panels 40, one weather-resistant panel 40 is installed so as to overlap the extension portion 40b of the other weather-resistant panel 40 from the vehicle exterior side. In other words, the weather-resistant panels are installed so as to fill the gap between the weather-resistant panels 40 and to conceal the areas where direct sunlight penetrates. In particular, for weather-resistant panels 40 adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the lower weather-resistant panel 40 is installed so as to overlap the extension portion 40b of the lower edge of the upper weather-resistant panel 40 from the vehicle exterior side.

[0033] The mounting means MT includes a positioning mounting means 70 and a movable mounting means 80 (see FIGS. 5 to 8). The positioning mounting means 70 secures the weather-resistant panel 40 to the mounting holes 62 in the frame member SK while restricting movement of the weather-resistant panel 40 in the front-to-rear direction, the up-and-down direction, and the width direction of the vehicle on the design surface (see FIG. 5). The positioning mounting means 70 includes a positioning portion 71 and a positioning member 72.

[0034] The positioning portions 71 are formed by round holes that penetrate predetermined extension portions 40b. For example, in the upper panel 44, the positioning portions 71 are disposed at the front ends of the front-rear portions 44a and the lower ends of the upper and lower portions 44b. In other words, the positioning portions 71 are disposed at the ends of the front-rear portions 44a that are distant from the upper and lower portions 44b, and at the ends of the upper and lower portions 44b that are distant from the front and rear portions 44a.

[0035] The positions of the positioning portions 71 on the other weather-resistant panels 40 are set appropriately, with priority given to matching with the front and rear bumpers 63, lights 64, tail lamps 65, etc. The positioning members 72, such as screws (not shown) and clips 81 (described later), are selected appropriately taking into consideration the frequency of attachment and detachment, attachment strength, etc.

[0036] The movable mounting means 80 installs the weather-resistant panel 40 on the frame member SK while allowing movement in at least one of the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, vehicle's up-down direction, and vehicle's width direction on the design surface (see FIGS. 5 to 8). By allowing the weather-resistant panel 40 to move, deformation and deflection of the panel caused by differences in thermal expansion between the weather-resistant panel 40 and the frame member SK due to sunlight and temperature changes are suppressed.

[0037] The movable mounting means 80 includes a clip 81 and a dog house 82. The clip 81 is inserted into the mounting hole 62 and supports the weather-resistant panel 40. The clip 81 includes a head 81a, a neck 81b, a shoulder 81c, a shaft 81d, and an elastic claw 81e. The dog house 82 is formed integrally with the design portion 40a on the inner surface of the design portion 40a. The dog house 82 includes a U-shaped frame portion 82a, and a slit 82b is formed in the frame portion 82a.

[0038] When attaching the weather-resistant panel 40, first insert the neck 81b of the clip 81 into the slit 82b and hook the neck 81b onto the frame 82a. Next, with the neck 81b still hooked onto the frame 82a, insert the shaft 81d of the clip 81 into the mounting hole 62 and secure the clip 81 by engaging the elastic claw 81e and shoulder 81c with the mounting hole 62. This causes the frame 82a to hook onto the head 81a of the clip 81, and the weather-resistant panel 40 is supported on the framework member SK. Then, attach the positioning member 72 to the positioning portion 71, completing the installation of the weather-resistant panel 40.

[0039] When removing the weather-resistant panel 40, the weather-resistant panel 40 is peeled off from the frame member SK. The peeling action causes the elastic claws 81e of the clips 81 to bend, disengaging from the mounting holes 62, and the weather-resistant panel 40 is released from the frame member SK.

[0040] The width of the slit 82b in the frame 82a is set larger than that of the neck 81b (see FIG. 6). This allows movement of the slit 82b not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the width direction, suppressing concentrated deformation. In other words, movement of the weather-resistant panel 40 is permitted in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and in the up-and-down direction (direction along the side of the vehicle).

[0041] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the anti-corrosion paint coating layer formed on the base of the frame member SK is exposed, and no colored coating (intermediate coating) or transparent clear coating (top coating) is applied. Furthermore, the frame member SK is fitted with a covering member CV that is superimposed on the coating layer from the vehicle exterior and forms the vehicle body's design surface while blocking direct sunlight from reaching the frame member SK. This configuration prevents deterioration of the coating layer and provides sufficient weather resistance without the need for intermediate coating and top coating. This reduces the number of painting and fitting processes, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions during vehicle manufacturing, and ultimately contributing to mitigating or reducing the impact of climate change.

[0042] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the frame member SK is provided with an access opening 14 (opening 10) that opens toward the outside of the vehicle. The access opening 14 is covered by a cover member CV, which is a door 22 (opening / closing body 20), and overlaps the periphery of the access opening 14 when the access opening 14 is closed. This configuration prevents direct sunlight from hitting the coating layer, since the vehicle is normally used with the access opening 14 closed. This prevents deterioration of the coating layer around the periphery of the access opening 14.

[0043] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the rear edge of the rear door 22R (opening / closing body 20) in the closed state overlaps the rear extension 40d (extension 40b) of the side rear panel 42 (weather-resistant panel 40). This configuration prevents the weather-resistant panel 40 from accidentally falling off while the vehicle is traveling.

[0044] In the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, multiple weather-resistant panels 40 are assembled to the frame member SK. The upper edge of the side rear panel 42 (weather-resistant panel 40) overlaps the vehicle exterior side of the extension portion 40b provided below the upper panel 44 (weather-resistant panel 40). That is, each of the multiple weather-resistant panels 40 has an extension portion 40b, and adjacent weather-resistant panels 40 overlap the extension portion 40b from the vehicle exterior side. This configuration prevents the weather-resistant panels 40 from accidentally falling off while the vehicle is in motion. This configuration also protects the paint film on the frame member SK from direct sunlight penetrating the gaps between adjacent weather-resistant panels 40. Furthermore, this configuration allows the lower weather-resistant panel 40, which is replaced more frequently, to be replaced without removing the upper weather-resistant panel 40, which is replaced less frequently. This improves workability during replacement.

[0045] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the rear extension 40d (extension 40b) of the side rear panel 42 (weather-resistant panel 40) is formed to block direct sunlight that penetrates into the frame member SK through the gap with the rear door 22R (opening / closing body 20) in the closed state. This protects the coating film layer around the edge of the boarding / alighting opening 14 from direct sunlight.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, a rear seal 51 (sealing member 50) is installed around the periphery of the rear opening 15 (opening 10). The rear extension portion 40d of the upper panel 44 is configured to span the base of the rear seal 51 and extend in a certain dimension. In other words, the rear extension portion 40d extends from the periphery of the design portion 40a to the rear seal 51. This configuration can block direct sunlight from penetrating the coating layer around the periphery of the rear opening 15 even when the tailgate 23 (opening / closing body 20) is open. Furthermore, the coating layer is not exposed from the design portion 40a of the upper panel 44 to the rear seal, and is covered with the covering member CV, improving the design.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the upper panel 44 is provided with positioning attachment means 70 at an end of the front-rear portion 44a that is distant from the upper-lower portion 44b, and at an end of the upper-lower portion 44b that is distant from the front-rear portion 44a. Furthermore, the decorative portion 40a of the upper panel 44 is provided with movable attachment means 80. With this configuration, two key points are fixed, and the other portions are allowed to move forward and backward and up and down, thereby preventing misalignment of the parting line.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure S of this embodiment, the side front panel 41 is positioned so that its upper edge overlaps the lower edge of the side windshield 32 from the vehicle exterior. The overlapping degree is set to a degree that the side front panel 41 can conceal the structure below the dashboard 61. This configuration makes it possible to eliminate the black ceramic paint that has traditionally been applied to the edges of the side windshield 32. This further reduces costs and carbon dioxide emissions during vehicle manufacturing. Note that the black ceramic paint is applied to the windshield 31 and other parts, as well as the side windshield 32, to create a black border and conceal unattractive areas.

[0049] In this embodiment, the weather-resistant panel 40 is attached only to the frame member SK. However, this is not limiting and the panel 40 can be attached to other components. For example, the weather-resistant panel 40 can be attached to the exterior side of the opening / closing body 20, such as the access door 22, to form the design surface of the opening / closing body 20 while protecting the frame (not shown) serving as a structural member of the opening / closing body 20. Furthermore, the frame and the weather-resistant panel 40 form a closed cross-sectional structure in the opening / closing body 20, including the hood 21, the access door 22, and the tailgate 23. This configuration allows the coating layer formed on the frame base of the opening / closing body 20, like the frame member SK, to be limited to a coating layer of anti-corrosion paint. This further reduces the number of painting and mounting processes, further reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions during vehicle manufacturing, ultimately contributing to mitigating or reducing the impact of climate change.

[0050] S: Body structure; SK: Frame member; CV: Covering member; 10: Opening portion; 20: Opening / closing body; 30: Closing body; 40: Weather-resistant panel; 40a: Design portion; 40b: Extension portion; 44a: Front and rear portions; 44b: Upper and lower portions; 50: Sealing member; 70: Positioning and mounting means; 80: Movable mounting means

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure comprising: a frame member that constitutes the frame of the vehicle body and exposes a coating layer of an anti-rust paint formed on a base material; and a covering member that is made of a separate member from the frame member and is layered on the coating layer from the outside of the vehicle, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the frame member and forming a design surface of the vehicle body.

2. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 1, wherein the framework member has an opening that opens toward the outside of the vehicle, and the covering member has an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening from the outside of the vehicle and overlaps the periphery of the opening from the outside of the vehicle when the opening is closed.

3. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 2, wherein the covering member comprises a weather-resistant panel installed on the vehicle exterior side of the framework member located on the periphery of the opening, the weather-resistant panel comprising: a design portion constituting the design surface of the vehicle body; and an extension portion formed to overlap the opening / closing body when the opening is closed.

4. A vehicle body structure as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the extension is formed so as to block direct sunlight that penetrates into the frame member through a gap with the opening / closing body.

5. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 4, further comprising a sealing member that is installed on the periphery of the opening or on the opening-closing body and is clamped between the periphery of the opening and the opening-closing body when the opening-closing body is in a state where the opening-closing body closes the opening, and the extension portion extends from the periphery of the design portion to the sealing member.

6. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 1, wherein the covering member comprises a weather-resistant panel installed on the outer side of the skeleton member, the weather-resistant panel comprising: front and rear portions extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, upper and lower portions extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle from the front and rear portions, movable mounting means for assembling the weather-resistant panel to the skeleton member while allowing movement in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and positioning mounting means for assembling the weather-resistant panel to the skeleton member at ends of the front and rear portions remote from the upper and lower portions, and at ends of the upper and lower portions remote from the front and rear portions, while restricting at least one of movement in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and movement in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that the framework member has an opening that opens toward the exterior of the vehicle, and the covering member has a weather-resistant panel installed on the exterior side of the framework member while overlapping the peripheral edge of a closing body that closes the opening from the exterior side of the vehicle.

8. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that the framework member has an opening that opens toward the outside of the vehicle, and the covering member has an opening / closing body having a frame that opens and closes the opening from the outside of the vehicle, and that overlaps the periphery of the opening from the outside of the vehicle when the opening is closed, and a weather-resistant panel installed on the outside of the frame.

9. A vehicle body structure as described in claim 2, wherein the covering member comprises a plurality of weather-resistant panels installed on the vehicle exterior side of the framework member located on the periphery of the opening, and each of the weather-resistant panels comprises a design portion constituting the design surface of the vehicle body, and an extension portion formed so that adjacent weather-resistant panels are overlapped from the vehicle exterior side.

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