Opening / closing body for vehicle and method for manufacturing opening / closing body for vehicle

Abstract

This opening / closing body (1) for a vehicle has formed therein a recessed groove (5) for mounting a lamp unit (6), the recessed groove (5) continuing from an edge on one side in the vehicle width direction to an edge on the other side. A base panel (2) has: a first flange part (2F1) that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a second flange part (2F2) that extends in the vehicle vertical direction. A one-side outer panel (3) has: a third flange part (3F3) that is joined to the first flange part (2F1) so as to overlap the first flange part (2F1) in the vehicle vertical direction and constitutes an inner wall (UW) on one side of the recessed groove (5). An other-side outer panel (4) has: a fourth flange part (4F4) that is joined to the second flange part (2F2) so as to overlap the second flange part (2F2) in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a wall part (4A) that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and constitutes an inner wall (LW) on the other side of the recessed groove (5).

Description

Vehicle opening / closing body and method for manufacturing a vehicle opening / closing body

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle opening / closing body and a method for manufacturing a vehicle opening / closing body.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle including rear combination lamp cases formed at both left and right end portions in the vehicle width direction, a non-lighting area provided between the rear combination lamp cases, and a back door located in front of the non-lighting area.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-147479

[0004] By the way, in an opening / closing body such as a trunk lid or a back door, a concave groove continuous from one edge to the other edge in the vehicle width direction may be formed, and a lamp unit may be mounted inside the concave groove. In this case, due to variations in the shape of the concave groove, variations may occur in the gap between the inner surface of the concave groove and the upper or lower edge of the lamp unit, and the appearance quality may be impaired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the appearance quality of an opening / closing body having a concave groove for mounting a lamp unit.

[0006] A vehicle opening / closing body according to an aspect of the present invention includes a base panel, one side outer panel, and the other side outer panel. A concave groove continuous from one edge to the other edge in the vehicle width direction is formed in the opening / closing body. The concave groove opens toward the front or rear of the vehicle, and a lamp unit is mounted inside. The base panel has a first flange portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and a second flange portion extending in the vehicle up-down direction. The one side outer panel has a third flange portion. The third flange portion is joined to the first flange portion by overlapping in the vehicle up-down direction and constitutes the inner wall on one side in the vehicle up-down direction of the concave groove. The other side outer panel has a fourth flange portion and a wall portion. The fourth flange portion is joined to the second flange portion by overlapping in the vehicle front-rear direction. The wall portion extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and constitutes the inner wall on the other side in the vehicle up-down direction of the concave groove.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle opening / closing body is manufactured by the following steps, which includes a groove for mounting a lamp unit inside, extending continuously from one end edge to the other edge in the vehicle width direction. First, a base panel, a one-sided outer panel, and a other-sided outer panel are prepared. The base panel has a first flange portion extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a second flange portion extending in the vehicle's vertical direction, and a first locator hole formed in the second flange portion. The one-sided outer panel has a third flange portion. The other-sided outer panel has a fourth flange portion, a second locator hole formed in the fourth flange portion, and a wall portion extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Next, a first locator pin erected on an assembly jig is inserted into the first locator hole of the base panel to position the base panel on the assembly jig. One outer panel is set in the assembly jig, and the third flange portion is joined to the first flange portion of the positioned base panel, forming the inner wall of the groove on one side in the vehicle's vertical direction by the joined first and third flange portions. The second locator pin, erected on the assembly jig, is inserted into the second locator hole of the other outer panel to position the other outer panel on the assembly jig. The fourth flange portion of the positioned other outer panel is joined to the second flange portion, forming the inner wall of the groove on the other side in the vehicle's vertical direction by the wall portion. Here, after joining the first and third flange portions, and before joining the second and fourth flange portions, the first locator pin is removed from the first locator hole.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned method for manufacturing the vehicle's opening / closing mechanism and the vehicle's opening / closing mechanism, the appearance quality of the opening / closing mechanism having a groove for mounting a lamp unit can be improved.

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the trunk lid according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the trunk lid of Figure 1 along the line A-A in Figure 5B. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B in Figure 5B showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid of Figure 1, and shows the state before the upper outer panel and the base panel are joined. Figure 3B is a perspective view showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid of Figure 1, and shows the state after the upper outer panel and the base panel are joined. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B in Figure 5B showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid of Figure 1, and shows the state before the first locator pin is removed. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B in Figure 5B showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid of Figure 1, and shows the state after the first locator pin has been removed. Figure 5A is a rear view showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid of Figure 1, and shows the state before the lower outer panel is set. Figure 5B is a rear view showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid in Figure 1, and shows the state after the lower outer panel has been set. Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C in Figure 5B, showing the manufacturing process of the trunk lid in Figure 1, and shows the state after the lower outer panel has been joined. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the lamp unit mounting area of ​​the trunk lid in Figure 1, along the line C-C in Figure 5B, and shows the state before the lamp unit is installed. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the lamp unit mounting area of ​​Figure 6A, along the line C-C in Figure 5B, and shows the state when the lamp unit is installed.

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the opening and closing parts of the vehicle according to the embodiment will be described, using the trunk lid 1 of the rear trunk as an example. In the figures, FR and RR indicate the front and rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Similarly, LH and RH indicate the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction, and UP and DN indicate the top and bottom of the vehicle in the vertical direction, respectively. In the figures, V and H indicate the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Furthermore, elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the trunk lid 1, which is an opening and closing body, is composed of a base panel 2, an upper outer panel 3 which is one side outer panel, and a lower outer panel 4 which is the other side outer panel. These three panels are press-formed steel plates and are joined together to form the outer panel of the trunk lid 1. The trunk lid 1 may also be composed of inner panels and reinforcing materials, which are not shown.

[0012] The trunk lid 1 has a continuous groove 5 that extends from one edge to the other in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the groove 5 opens toward the rear of the vehicle, and a lamp unit 6 is installed inside the groove 5.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the lamp unit 6 may be a long unit extending from one edge to the other edge in the vehicle width direction of the trunk lid 1. Stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, turn lamps, or combination lamps that integrate these may be provided at both ends of the lamp unit 6. The lamp unit 6 may include a non-light-emitting part such as a reflector in part. The lamp unit 6 does not have to be continuous from one edge to the other edge in the vehicle width direction of the trunk lid 1.

[0014] The shape of the internal space of the groove 5 and the shape of the lamp unit 6 are not particularly limited. The internal space of the groove 5 and the lamp unit 6 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, as shown in Figure 2. In the illustrated example, when the lamp unit 6 is mounted in the groove 5, the rear surface of the trunk lid 1 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the rear surface of the lamp unit 6 are substantially flush. It is preferable for appearance quality that the size of the gap G1 between the upper inner surface of the groove 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction and the upper edge of the lamp unit 6, and the size of the gap G2 between the lower inner surface of the groove 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction and the lower edge of the lamp unit 6, are within a predetermined range across the vehicle's width. Since the trunk lid 1 and the lamp unit 6 are large parts, variations in the gaps G1 and G2 are likely to occur, and it is not easy to keep the sizes of the gaps G1 and G2 within a predetermined range along the entire length of the groove 5.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base panel 2 is an L-shaped panel in cross-section that extends in the vehicle width direction along the groove 5. The base panel 2 has a first flange portion 2F1 that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a second flange portion 2F2 that extends in the vehicle vertical direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, the first flange portion 2F1 extends substantially horizontally to the rear of the vehicle from the upper edge of the second flange portion 2F2 in the vehicle vertical direction, and the second flange portion 2F2 extends substantially vertically downward from the front edge of the first flange portion 2F1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper outer panel 3 has an upper panel portion 3A that forms the upper surface of the trunk lid 1 in the vehicle vertical direction, a rear upper panel portion 3B that forms the upper part of the rear surface of the trunk lid 1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a third flange portion 3F3. The third flange portion 3F3 is joined to the first flange portion 2F1 by overlapping it in the vehicle vertical direction and constitutes the upper inner wall UW of the groove 5 in the vehicle vertical direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, the third flange portion 3F3 extends substantially horizontally forward from the lower edge of the rear upper panel portion 3B in the vehicle vertical direction, and is overlapped to the first flange portion 2F1 from below in the vehicle vertical direction and joined by spot welding at multiple locations in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower outer panel 4 has a rear lower panel portion 4B that forms the lower rear surface of the trunk lid 1, a fourth flange portion 4F4, and a wall portion 4A. The fourth flange portion 4F4 is joined to the second flange portion 2F2 by overlapping it in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The wall portion 4A extends from the lower end of the fourth flange portion 4F4 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and constitutes the inner wall LW on the lower side of the groove 5. In the example shown in Figure 2, the fourth flange portion 4F4 extends substantially perpendicularly upward from the front edge of the wall portion 4A in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is overlapped to the second flange portion 2F2 from the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction and joined by spot welding at multiple locations in the vehicle width direction. The joined second flange portion 2F2 and fourth flange portion 4F4 constitute the inner wall VW on the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the groove 5.

[0018] Hereinafter, the joint between the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3 will be referred to as the first joint W1, and the joint between the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4 will be referred to as the second joint W2. As shown in Figure 2, the first joint W1 and the second joint W2 are located inside the groove 5 and are therefore hidden by the lamp unit 6 installed in the groove 5. Furthermore, since the first joint W1 and the second joint W2 are formed on the upper inner wall UW and the inner wall VW of the groove 5, they are superior in terms of waterproofing and rust prevention compared to the case where either joint is formed on the lower inner wall LW of the groove 5. The opening width W of the groove 5 is the distance in the vehicle's vertical direction between the lower surface of the third flange portion 3F3 in the vehicle's vertical direction and the upper surface of the wall portion 4A in the vehicle's vertical direction at the opening of the groove 5. In other words, the opening width W of the groove 5 is the distance in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the lower edge of the rear upper panel portion 3B and the upper edge of the rear lower panel portion 4B.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1, 5A, and 5B, the fourth flange portion 4F4 has a lamp mounting hole 4C for attaching the lamp unit 6. As shown in Figure 2, the lamp unit 6 is fixed to the fourth flange portion 4F4 by inserting a fixing bolt 6A protruding from its back surface through the lamp mounting hole 4C and screwing on a nut 7.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3A to 5B, the second flange portion 2F2 has a first locator hole 2H1 into which the first locator pin P1, provided on the assembly jig 8 described later, is inserted. The first locator hole 2H1 is provided at a position corresponding to the first locator pin P1 and is used for positioning when joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, that is, when forming the first joint portion W1.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 5A to 6B, the fourth flange portion 4F4 has a second locator hole 4H2 into which the second locator pin P2 provided on the assembly jig 8 is inserted. The second locator hole 4H2 is provided at a position corresponding to the second locator pin P2 and is used for positioning when joining the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4, that is, when forming the second joint portion W2.

[0022] The number of lamp mounting holes 4C, first locator holes 2H1, and second locator holes 4H2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that each be two or more. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 1, there are two first locator holes 2H1, one on each side symmetrically. Also, as shown in Figure 1, there are three second locator holes 4H2, one on each side symmetrically and one in the center in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 1, there are eleven lamp mounting holes 4C, five on each side symmetrically and two in the center in the vehicle width direction. The lamp mounting holes 4C located furthest out in the vehicle width direction also serve as lamp locator holes 4C1, which are used to position the lamp unit 6 in the vehicle vertical direction when mounting the lamp unit 6 in the groove 5. The lamp mounting holes 4C that also serve as lamp locator holes 4C1 have a smaller width in the vehicle vertical direction, for example, than the lamp mounting holes 4C that do not serve as lamp locator holes 4C1. Although not shown in the diagram, a locator clip, for example, which is projected from the back of the lamp unit 6, can be inserted into and locked into the lamp locator hole 4C1. The outer diameter of the locator clip is set to a predetermined dimension that allows it to perform a positioning function in the vertical direction of the vehicle, relative to the vertical width of the lamp locator hole 4C1 of the vehicle. Alternatively, a stepped screw, i.e., a shoulder bolt having a threaded portion and an unthreaded shoulder portion provided at the base end of the threaded portion, may be used as the bolt 6A inserted through the lamp locator hole 4C1. By using the above-mentioned locator clip, the lamp unit 6 can be positioned and fixed in the lamp locator hole 4C1. Note that fixing the lamp unit 6 in the lamp locator hole 4C1 may be omitted. In this case, a locator pin projecting from the back of the lamp unit 6 may be inserted through the lamp locator hole 4C1. The lamp locator hole 4C1 is preferably set in the two lamp mounting holes 4C located furthest outward in the vehicle width direction, as shown in the illustrated example, but is not limited to this. The lamp locator hole 4C1 may be set to any of the lamp mounting holes 4C that are 2 to 5th in number, counting from the lamp mounting hole 4C that is located furthest out in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5B, the lamp locator hole 4C1 is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the second locator hole 4H2, which is located furthest outward in the vehicle width direction. The first locator hole 2H1 is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the second locator hole 4H2, which is located furthest outward in the vehicle width direction. The second locator hole 4H2 may also be used as a lamp mounting hole 4C for attaching the lamp unit 6, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 3B, 5A, and 5B, a pin insertion hole 2A and a notch 2B may be formed in the second flange portion 2F2. The pin insertion hole 2A and the notch 2B are holes and notches to avoid interference with the second locator pin P2 that positions the lower outer panel 4.

[0025] Next, the method for manufacturing the trunk lid 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 5C. In each of the following manufacturing steps, the base panel 2, upper outer panel 3, and lower outer panel 4 are set on the assembly jig 8 with their rear surfaces in the vehicle's longitudinal direction facing vertically upward. In this set state, the vehicle's longitudinal direction corresponds to the vertical direction, and the vehicle's vertical direction corresponds to the horizontal direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5C, the assembly jig 8 comprises a lower frame 8B and an upper frame 8C. The lower frame 8B and upper frame 8C may each have one or more clamps that clamp predetermined support points of the base panel 2, upper outer panel 3, or lower outer panel 4, for example, in a vertical direction. The lower frame 8B and upper frame 8C may also each have one or more stoppers that contact predetermined edges or surfaces of the base panel 2, upper outer panel 3, or lower outer panel 4 to restrict the movement of the panel. In the illustrated example, the upper frame 8C comprises a first upper frame 8C1 and a second upper frame 8C2. The first upper frame 8C1 and lower frame 8B each have one or more clamps that clamp predetermined support points of the upper outer panel 3 in a vertical direction. The second upper frame 8C2 and lower frame 8B each have one or more clamps that clamp predetermined support points of the lower outer panel 4 in a vertical direction. The lower frame 8B has a receiving surface 8A (see Figure 3B). The receiving surface 8A abuts against the front surface of the second flange portion 2F2 of the base panel 2 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, supporting the base panel 2 from vertically below, or restricting the vertical downward movement of the base panel 2. The first upper frame 8C1 is equipped with a stopper 8D that abuts against the lower surface of the third flange portion 3F3 of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction, restricting the downward movement of the rear upper panel portion 3B of the upper outer panel 3 (see Figure 5C). Furthermore, the lower frame 8B is equipped with a stopper 8E that abuts against the lower surface of the upper panel portion 3A of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction, restricting the downward movement of the upper panel portion 3A (see Figure 5C).

[0027] When manufacturing the trunk lid 1, first, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the base panel 2 is set on the assembly jig 8 with the rear surface of the second flange portion 2F2 facing vertically upward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. More specifically, the first locator pin P1, which is erected vertically upward on the lower frame 8B of the assembly jig 8, is inserted into the first locator hole 2H1 of the base panel 2 to position the base panel 2 horizontally on the assembly jig 8. In addition, the receiving surface 8A is brought into contact with the second flange portion 2F2 of the base panel 2 to support the base panel 2 from vertically downward.

[0028] Next, the upper outer panel 3 is set in the assembly jig 8 with the rear upper panel portion 3B facing vertically upward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3A, the upper surface of the third flange portion 3F3 of the upper outer panel 3 facing vertically in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is set to face the lower surface of the first flange portion 2F1 of the base panel 2 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The upper outer panel 3 may be held in a predetermined position in the vertical direction by clamping predetermined support points of the rear upper panel portion 3B vertically with multiple clamps, for example, as shown in the illustrated example. Alternatively, the upper outer panel 3 may be restricted from moving vertically downward by supporting its front edge in the vehicle's longitudinal direction with a stopper from vertically downward, for example, as shown in the illustrated example. In this embodiment, the stopper 8D is brought into contact with the lower surface of the third flange portion 3F3 of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction to restrict the downward movement of the rear upper panel portion 3B relative to the assembly jig 8. Furthermore, a stopper 8E is brought into contact with the lower surface of the upper panel portion 3A of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction to restrict the downward movement of the upper panel portion 3A relative to the assembly jig 8.

[0029] Next, the third flange portion 3F3 is joined to the first flange portion 2F1 of the positioned base panel 2 by overlapping it. More specifically, the spot welding point of the first joint portion W1, indicated by the X mark in Figure 3B, is spot-welded by clamping it with a spot gun. The joined first flange portion 2F1 and third flange portion 3F3 form the inner wall UW on the upper side of the groove 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction. The dotted lines in Figure 3B show how the base panel 2 and the upper outer panel 3 are bent.

[0030] When joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, if there is a gap G3 in the vehicle's vertical direction between them (see Figure 3A), the joining will cause deformation of either or both of the base panel 2 and the upper outer panel 3. For example, the base panel 2 will deform so that the rear end of the first flange portion 2F1 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction moves downward (to the right in Figure 4A) while the second flange portion 2F2 remains constrained by the first locator pin P1 (i.e., from the shape of the dashed line in Figure 4A to the shape of the solid line). For example, the upper outer panel 3 will deform so that the front end of the third flange portion 3F3 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction moves upward (to the left in Figure 4A) while the rear upper panel portion 3B remains constrained by the clamp (i.e., from the shape of the dashed line in Figure 4A to the shape of the solid line).

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 4B, the first locator pin P1 is removed from the first locator hole 2H1. At the same time, the first locator pin P1 is pulled downwards, and the first upper frame 8C1 is removed to release the restriction by the stopper 8D. When the first locator pin P1 is removed from the first locator hole 2H1, the constraint by the first locator pin P1 is released, and the deformation of the base panel 2 and / or upper outer panel 3 described above is released. As a result, the base panel 2 and the third flange portion 3F3 of the upper outer panel 3 move by a distance corresponding to the size of the gap G3 in the vertical direction of the vehicle (horizontal direction on the assembly jig 8). In other words, the base panel 2 moves downwards from its position before joining to the upper panel portion 3A of the upper outer panel 3 by a distance corresponding to the size of the gap G3. During this movement, the forward movement of the base panel 2 (vertically downward on the assembly jig 8) is restricted by the receiving surface 8A, and the downward movement of the upper panel portion 3A of the upper outer panel 3 is restricted by the stopper 8E. When the base panel 2 moves and the deformation of the base panel 2 and / or the upper outer panel 3 described above is released, the position and orientation of the third flange portion 3F3 relative to the upper panel portion 3A becomes approximately the same as the position and orientation before the formation of the first joint W1.

[0032] Next, the lower outer panel 4 is set in the assembly jig 8 with the rear lower panel portion 4B facing vertically upward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the front surface of the fourth flange portion 4F4 of the lower outer panel 4 facing vertically is set to face the rear surface of the second flange portion 2F2 of the base panel 2 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (vertically on the assembly jig 8). The second locator pin P2, which is erected vertically upward on the lower frame 8B of the assembly jig 8, is inserted into the second locator hole 4H2 of the lower outer panel 4 to position the lower outer panel 4 horizontally on the assembly jig 8. After that, the first upper frame 8C1 is attached and the stopper 8D is brought into contact with the lower surface of the third flange portion 3F3 of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction. This corrects the position of the rear upper panel portion 3B of the upper outer panel 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction, specifically the position of the ridge line 3C (see Figure 3B) between the rear upper panel portion 3B and the third flange portion 3F3 to its correct position. In this state, the positions of the base panel 2 and the third flange portion 3F3 with respect to the ridge line 3C have moved lower than before the first joint portion W1 was formed. The lower outer panel 4 may be held in a predetermined vertical position by clamping predetermined support points of the rear lower panel portion 4B vertically with multiple clamps, as shown in the illustrated example. Alternatively, the lower outer panel 4 may restrict downward vertical movement by supporting predetermined support points of the rear lower panel portion 4B from vertically below with stoppers.

[0033] Next, the fourth flange portion 4F4 of the positioned lower outer panel 4 is overlapped with the second flange portion 2F2 and joined. More specifically, the spot welding points of the second joint portion W2, indicated by the X mark in Figure 5B, are spot welded by clamping them with a spot gun. The joined fourth flange portion 4F4 and second flange portion 2F2 form the inner wall VW on the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction of the groove 5. The wall portion 4A also forms the inner wall LW on the lower side in the vehicle's vertical direction of the groove 5.

[0034] Subsequently, the first joint W1 and the second joint W2 are joined together, and the outer panel of the trunk lid 1, which is formed by integrating the base panel 2, the upper outer panel 3, and the lower outer panel 4, is removed from the assembly jig 8.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first locator pin P1 and the first locator hole 2H1 are positioned so that the first locator pin P1, when inserted into the first locator hole 2H1, does not interfere with the lower outer panel 4. Therefore, setting and positioning the lower outer panel 4 on the assembly jig 8 can be done with the first locator pin P1 still inserted into the first locator hole 2H1. Accordingly, the step of removing the first locator pin P1 from the first locator hole 2H1 can be performed after joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, but before joining the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4. If the first locator pin P1 inserted into the first locator hole 2H1 interferes with the lower outer panel 4, then, as described above, the first locator pin P1 can be removed from the first locator hole 2H1 before setting the lower outer panel 4 on the assembly jig 8.

[0036] The effects and advantages of the above embodiment will now be explained.

[0037] (1) The trunk lid 1, which is the opening and closing part of the vehicle, is composed of a base panel 2, an upper outer panel 3, and a lower outer panel 4. The trunk lid 1 has a groove 5 that is continuous from one end edge to the other in the vehicle width direction. The groove 5 opens toward the rear of the vehicle, and a lamp unit 6 is mounted inside it. The base panel 2 has a first flange portion 2F1 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and a second flange portion 2F2 that extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The upper outer panel 3 has a third flange portion 3F3. The third flange portion 3F3 is joined to the first flange portion 2F1 by overlapping it in the vehicle vertical direction and constitutes the upper inner wall UW of the groove 5 in the vehicle vertical direction. The lower outer panel 4 has a fourth flange portion 4F4 and a wall portion 4A. The fourth flange portion 4F4 is joined to the second flange portion 2F2 by overlapping it in the vehicle front-rear direction. The wall portion 4A extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and constitutes the inner wall LW on the lower side of the groove 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0038] When joining the third flange portion 3F3 and the first flange portion 2F1 by overlapping them in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 may move or shift position in the vertical direction of the vehicle by a distance corresponding to the size of the gap G3 relative to the upper outer panel 3 (in the illustrated example, the rear upper panel portion 3B (especially the ridge line 3C)) before and after the joining. However, with the trunk lid 1, since the fourth flange portion 4F4 is joined by overlapping the second flange portion 2F2, which extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, even if the second flange portion 2F2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 shift position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the shift can be absorbed and the joining can be performed. In other words, with the trunk lid 1, even if the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 shift position in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the upper outer panel 3 (in the illustrated example, the rear upper panel portion 3B (especially the ridge line 3C)), the shift can be absorbed by the second joining portion W2. This allows the base panel 2 and the lower outer panel 4 to be joined while controlling the opening width W of the groove 5 to a predetermined dimension.

[0039] As a comparative example, consider the case where the base panel has a U-shaped cross-section. In this comparative example, the base panel constitutes the portion corresponding to the inner walls UW, VW, and LW (see Figure 2) of the groove 5, and the surface of the base panel extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the surfaces of the upper outer panel and lower outer panel extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction are joined by overlapping them in the vehicle's vertical direction. In other words, in the comparative example, there is no surface that extends in the vehicle's vertical direction and is joined by overlapping them in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, so it is not possible to absorb the positional displacement in the vehicle's vertical direction between the base panel and the upper outer panel, and between the base panel and the lower outer panel.

[0040] On the other hand, in the trunk lid 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, the second joint W2 can absorb the vertical displacement of the vehicle between the base panel 2 and the upper outer panel 3, and between the base panel 2 and the lower outer panel 4. Therefore, the trunk lid 1 can improve the dimensional accuracy of the groove 5, especially the dimensional accuracy of the opening width W, and suppress variations in the shape of the groove 5. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the gap G1 at the mating surface between the upper edge of the lamp unit 6 and the lower edge of the rear upper panel portion 3B of the upper outer panel 3 (the lower surface of the third flange portion 3F3 in the vertical direction of the vehicle), and in the gap G2 at the mating surface between the lower edge of the lamp unit 6 and the upper edge of the rear lower panel portion 4B of the lower outer panel 4 (the upper surface of the wall portion 4A in the vertical direction of the vehicle), thereby improving the appearance quality.

[0041] (2) In addition, a lamp mounting hole 4C for attaching the lamp unit 6 may be formed in the fourth flange portion 4F4. Compared to the case in which the lamp mounting hole 4C is formed in the second flange portion 2F2, the lamp unit 6 can be attached without being affected by the vertical displacement of the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 relative to the upper outer panel 3 (in the illustrated example, the rear upper panel portion 3B (especially the ridge line 3C)) in the vehicle. As a result, variations in the mounting position of the lamp unit 6 relative to the groove 5 can be suppressed more reliably, and the appearance quality can be further improved.

[0042] (3) Furthermore, a first locator hole 2H1 into which the first locator pin P1 is inserted may be formed in the second flange portion 2F2, and a second locator hole 4H2 into which the second locator pin P2 is inserted may be formed in the fourth flange portion 4F4. When joining the base panel 2 and the upper outer panel 3 at the first joint portion W1, the base panel 2 can be positioned relative to the upper outer panel 3 by inserting the first locator pin P1 into the first locator hole 2H1. Also, before joining the base panel 2 and the lower outer panel 4 at the second joint portion W2, the first locator pin P1 can be removed from the first locator hole 2H1 and the second locator pin P2 can be inserted into the second locator hole 4H2. This eliminates the effect of vertical displacement of the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 relative to the upper outer panel 3 (in the illustrated example, the rear upper panel portion 3B (especially the ridge line 3C)) in the vehicle direction, while allowing the lower outer panel 4 to be positioned relative to the upper outer panel 3. This makes it possible to more reliably improve the dimensional accuracy of the groove 5.

[0043] (4) In addition, a lamp locator hole 4C1 used for positioning when mounting the lamp unit 6 in the groove 5 is formed in the fourth flange portion 4F4, and the first locator hole 2H1 is provided inward in the vehicle width direction from the second locator hole 4H2, which is provided on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction, and the lamp locator hole 4C1 is provided outward in the vehicle width direction from the second locator hole 4H2, which is provided on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the second locator hole 4H2 is provided closer to the lamp locator hole 4C1, which is provided on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction, than the first locator hole 2H1. As a result, the dimensional accuracy of the groove 5 at the mounting position of the lamp unit 6 is improved, and the accuracy of the mounting position of the lamp unit 6 with respect to the groove 5 is improved, compared to the case where the second locator hole 4H2 is provided further away from the first locator hole 2H1.

[0044] When manufacturing the trunk lid 1 which is a vehicle opening / closing body, first, prepare the base panel 2, the upper outer panel 3, and the lower outer panel 4. Next, insert the first locator pin P1 erected on the assembly jig 8 into the first locator hole 2H1 of the base panel 2 to position the base panel 2 on the assembly jig 8. Set the upper outer panel 3 on the assembly jig 8, overlap and join the third flange portion 3F3 with the first flange portion 2F1 of the positioned base panel 2, and form the upper inner wall UW in the vehicle up-down direction of the concave groove 5 by the joined first flange portion 2F1 and third flange portion 3F3. Insert the second locator pin P2 erected on the assembly jig 8 into the second locator hole 4H2 of the lower outer panel 4 to position the lower outer panel 4 on the assembly jig 8. Overlap and join the fourth flange portion 4F4 of the positioned lower outer panel 4 with the second flange portion 2F2, and form the lower inner wall LW in the vehicle up-down direction of the concave groove 5 by the wall portion 4A. Here, after joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, before joining the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4, pull out the first locator pin P1 from the first locator hole 2H1.

[0045] According to the above method, by removing the first locator pin P1 from the first locator hole 2H1, the constraint by the first locator pin P1 is released, and the deformation of the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 caused by joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3 can be released. Therefore, when joining the lower outer panel 4 to the base panel 2, the second joining portion W2 can absorb the vertical displacement of the base panel 2 and / or the third flange portion 3F3 relative to the upper outer panel 3. This improves the dimensional accuracy of the opening width W of the groove 5 and suppresses variations in the shape of the groove 5. Accordingly, according to the above method, a trunk lid 1 with excellent appearance quality can be efficiently manufactured. As illustrated in the above embodiment, after joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, the restriction by the stopper 8D may be temporarily released before joining the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4. By releasing the restriction imposed by the stopper 8D, the release (or restoration of deformation) of the base panel 2 and / or upper outer panel 3 when the constraint imposed by the first locator pin P1 is released can be facilitated.

[0046] (6) In addition, multiple second locator holes 4H2 may be formed in the fourth flange portion 4F4, and these may also serve as lamp mounting holes 4C for attaching the lamp unit 6. In this case, the dimensional accuracy of the groove 5 at the mounting position of the lamp unit 6 and the accuracy of the mounting position of the lamp unit 6 relative to the groove 5 can be further improved.

[0047] Incidentally, the positional relationship among the lamp locator hole 4C1, the second locator hole 4H2 provided at the outermost position in the vehicle width direction, and the first locator hole 2H1 is not limited to that exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, the lamp locator hole 4C1 may be provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the second locator hole 4H2 provided at the outermost position in the vehicle width direction, or may be provided at the same position as the second locator hole 4H2 in the vehicle width direction. In the latter case, the second locator hole 4H2 and the lamp locator hole 4C1 may be arranged vertically, or the second locator hole 4H2 may also serve as the lamp locator hole 4C1. Further, the first locator hole 2H1 may be provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the second locator hole 4H2 provided at the outermost position in the vehicle width direction, or may be provided at the same position as the second locator hole 4H2 in the vehicle width direction. In the latter case, the second locator hole 4H2 and the first locator hole 2H1 may be arranged vertically. Even in these cases, the above-described operational effects (1) to (3), (5), and (6) can be obtained.

[0048] <Modification Example> The vertical position and orientation in the vehicle of each element constituting the inner walls UW, VW, and LW of the concave groove 5 may be opposite to those in the above embodiment. That is, in this modification example, the first flange portion 2F1 of the base panel 2 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from the lower edge in the vehicle vertical direction of the second flange portion 2F2. The third flange portion 3F3 is provided on the lower outer panel 4 which is one side outer panel, and is overlapped and joined to the first flange portion 2F1 in the vehicle vertical direction to constitute the inner wall LW on the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction of the concave groove 5. The fourth flange portion 4F4 and the wall portion 4A are provided on the upper outer panel 3 which is the other side outer panel. The fourth flange portion 4F4 is overlapped and joined to the second flange portion 2F2 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the wall portion 4A extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from the upper end in the vehicle vertical direction of the fourth flange portion 4F4 to constitute the inner wall UW on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the concave groove 5. The first locator hole 2H1 is formed in the second flange portion 2F2, and the second locator hole 4H2 is formed in the fourth flange portion 4F4.

[0049] When manufacturing the modified trunk lid, first prepare the base panel 2, the upper outer panel 3, and the lower outer panel 4. Next, insert the first locator pin P1, which is erected on the assembly jig 8, into the first locator hole 2H1 of the base panel 2 to position the base panel 2 on the assembly jig 8. Set the lower outer panel 4 on the assembly jig 8 and join the third flange portion 3F3 to the first flange portion 2F1 of the positioned base panel 2 by overlapping them. The joined first flange portion 2F1 and third flange portion 3F3 form the lower inner wall LW of the groove 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction. Insert the second locator pin P2, which is erected on the assembly jig 8, into the second locator hole 4H2 of the upper outer panel 3 to position the upper outer panel 3 on the assembly jig 8. The fourth flange portion 4F4 of the positioned upper outer panel 3 is overlapped and joined to the second flange portion 2F2, and the wall portion 4A forms the upper inner wall UW of the groove 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction. After joining the first flange portion 2F1 and the third flange portion 3F3, and before joining the second flange portion 2F2 and the fourth flange portion 4F4, the first locator pin P1 is removed from the first locator hole 2H1.

[0050] In this modified example, as in the above embodiment, the second joint W2 can absorb the vertical displacement of the vehicle between the base panel 2 and the upper outer panel 3, and between the base panel 2 and the lower outer panel 4. This improves the dimensional accuracy of the opening width W of the groove 5, suppresses variations in the shape of the groove 5, and as a result, suppresses variations in the gaps G1 and G2, improving the appearance quality.

[0051] The embodiments and modifications described above are merely illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the specific technical matters disclosed in the embodiments and modifications above, but also includes various modifications, changes, and alternative technologies that can be easily derived therefrom.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiments and modifications, the opening and closing body was described using the trunk lid 1 of the rear trunk as an example, but the opening and closing body may be the back door of a hatchback or the like. Also, the opening and closing body may be the lid of a trunk located at the front of the vehicle body, and the groove may open toward the front of the vehicle. In these cases as well, the above-described effects (1) to (6) can be obtained.

[0053] 1 Trunk lid (opening / closing part) 2 Base panel 2F1 First flange section 2F2 Second flange section 2H1 First locator hole 3 Upper outer panel (one outer panel, other outer panel) 3F3 Third flange section 4 Lower outer panel (one outer panel, other outer panel) 4A Wall section 4C Lamp mounting hole 4C1 Lamp locator hole 4F4 Fourth flange section 4H2 Second locator hole 5 Groove UW Upper inner wall (of groove 5) LW Lower inner wall (of groove 5) 6 Lamp unit 8 Assembly jig P1 First locator pin P2 Second locator pin

Claims

1. An opening / closing body for a vehicle, comprising: a recessed groove for mounting a lamp unit inside, which is continuous from one end edge to the other end edge in the vehicle width direction of the opening / closing body and opens toward the front or rear of the vehicle; a base panel having a first flange portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a second flange portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction; a one-side outer panel having a third flange portion that is joined to the first flange portion in the vehicle vertical direction and constitutes the inner wall of the recessed groove on one side in the vehicle vertical direction; and a other-side outer panel having a fourth flange portion that is joined to the second flange portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a wall portion that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and constitutes the inner wall of the recessed groove on the other side in the vehicle vertical direction.

2. The opening / closing body according to claim 1, wherein a lamp mounting hole for attaching the lamp unit is formed in the fourth flange portion.

3. The opening / closing body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flange portion has a first locator hole into which a first locator pin is inserted, which is used for positioning when joining the first flange portion and the third flange portion, and the fourth flange portion has a second locator hole into which a second locator pin is inserted, which is used for positioning when joining the second flange portion and the fourth flange portion.

4. The opening / closing body according to claim 3, wherein a lamp locator hole is formed in the fourth flange portion, which is used for positioning when mounting the lamp unit in the groove, the first locator hole is provided inward in the vehicle width direction from the second locator hole provided on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction, and the lamp locator hole is provided outward in the vehicle width direction from the second locator hole provided on the outermost side in the vehicle width direction.

5. A method for manufacturing a vehicle opening / closing body having a recessed groove for mounting a lamp unit inside, which extends from one end edge to the other end edge in the vehicle width direction, comprising: a base panel having a first flange portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a second flange portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction, and a first locator hole formed in the second flange portion; a one-side outer panel having a third flange portion; and a other-side outer panel having a fourth flange portion, a second locator hole formed in the fourth flange portion, and a wall portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; inserting a first locator pin erected on an assembly jig into the first locator hole of the base panel to position the base panel on the assembly jig; setting the one-side outer panel on the assembly jig and joining the third flange portion to the first flange portion of the positioned base panel, thereby forming the inner wall of the recessed groove on one side in the vehicle vertical direction by the joined first flange portion and third flange portion. A method for manufacturing a vehicle opening / closing body, comprising: inserting a second locator pin erected on the assembly jig into the second locator hole of the other outer panel to position the other outer panel on the assembly jig; overlapping and joining the fourth flange portion of the positioned other outer panel to the second flange portion, thereby forming the inner wall of the groove on the other side in the vehicle's vertical direction with the wall portion; and removing the first locator pin from the first locator hole after joining the first flange portion and the third flange portion, but before joining the second flange portion and the fourth flange portion.

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