Vehicle body structure

Abstract

A vehicle body structure according to the present disclosure includes: a front roof cross member and a rear roof cross member each extending in a vehicle width direction and disposed at a distance from each other in a vehicle front-rear direction; a roof panel; and a center frame. The roof panel is disposed above the front roof cross member and the rear roof cross member, and is formed of a light-transmitting material. The center frame supports an onboard component and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction below the roof panel and at the center in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Vehicle body structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure including a front roof cross member and a rear roof cross member that each extend in the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle roof structure including a front cross member joined to the front edge of a roof panel, a rear cross member joined to the rear edge of the roof panel, a center cross member provided between the front cross member and the rear cross member, and a reinforcement extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the center in the vehicle width direction of the front cross member to the rear cross member is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle roof structure, a front bracket to which a structural member for the front part of the interior is attached projects downward and is joined to the center in the vehicle width direction of the front cross member, and the front end of the reinforcement is joined to the front bracket by spot welding. Also, a rear bracket to which a structural member for the rear part of the interior is attached is joined to the center in the vehicle width direction of the rear cross member, and the rear end of the reinforcement is joined to the rear bracket by spot welding. Further, the reinforcement is joined to the center cross member by spot welding in a state of intersecting the center cross member, and is joined to the roof panel via a dedicated adhesive. Thus, according to the vehicle roof structure described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the roof panel while ensuring head clearance for the occupant.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7225773

[0004] However, the reinforcement of the vehicle roof structure described in Patent Document 1 is solely for the purpose of improving the rigidity of the roof panel, and the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not consider the needs for the vehicle interior environment such as safety, convenience, and comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0005] The main object of the present disclosure is to satisfactorily meet the needs for the vehicle interior environment while ensuring head clearance for the occupant.

[0006] This disclosure employs the following means to achieve the primary objectives described above.

[0007] The vehicle body structure of this disclosure is a vehicle body structure including a front roof cross member and a rear roof cross member, each extending in the vehicle width direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, comprising: a roof panel positioned above the front roof cross member and the rear roof cross member and formed of a light-transmitting material; and a center frame that supports onboard equipment and extends in the longitudinal direction below the roof panel and in the central part in the vehicle width direction.

[0008] The vehicle body structure of this disclosure makes it possible to arrange in-vehicle equipment that improves safety, convenience, and comfort within the vehicle interior while ensuring good head clearance for occupants, space around occupants, and visibility for occupants (especially those seated in the rear seats). Furthermore, if the in-vehicle equipment is an electrical component, the cables connected to it can be routed within the space defined between the roof panel and the center frame, thereby improving cable routing efficiency and space efficiency within the vehicle interior. As a result, the vehicle body structure of this disclosure makes it possible to meet the needs for the in-vehicle environment while ensuring sufficient head clearance for occupants.

[0009] This is a plan view showing the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the body structure of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view along line V-V in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified form of the roof panel fixing structure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another body structure of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing yet another body structure of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified form of the roof panel fixing structure in yet another body structure of the present disclosure. This is a perspective view showing another modified form of the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a plan view showing another modified form of the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of another modified form along line II-II in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another modified form of the body structure of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another modified form of the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a modified form along line V-V in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified form of the roof panel fixing structure. This is a plan view showing another modified form of the body structure of the present disclosure. This is a plan view of the center frame. This is a plan view of the center frame including the shade device. This is a cross-sectional view along line X-X in Figure 19. This is an enlarged plan view of the center frame including the fine water supply device. This is a schematic diagram of the fine water generation unit. This is a side view of the center frame including the air intake and the fine water outlet. This is a plan view showing another modified form of the vehicle body structure of this disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 24.

[0010] Next, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the invention of this disclosure will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the vehicle body structure 1 of this disclosure, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle body structure 1. The vehicle body structure 1 shown in these drawings includes a vehicle body 2 and a roof panel 3. The vehicle body 2 includes a front roof cross member 2f, a rear roof cross member 2r, and a pair of left and right roof side members 2s. The front roof cross member 2f extends along the windshield 4f in the width direction of the vehicle (vehicle body 2) (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle width direction"). The rear roof cross member 2r extends along the rear glass 4r in the vehicle width direction, spaced apart from the front roof cross member 2f in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (vehicle body 2). The pair of roof side members 2s each extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. A cross member (beam), not shown, may be provided between the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending from one roof side member 2s to the other roof side member 2s in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] The roof panel 3 is formed from a material with high light transmittance, such as glass or resin, and has a roof surface that curves gently upward in a convex shape. The roof panel 3 may include two electrode layers and a light-adjusting film laminated between the two electrode layers. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the roof panel 3 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r from above (opposite side from the passenger compartment) via an adhesive (e.g., urethane adhesive) 90. A spacer made of, for example, resin, may be interposed between the roof panel 3 and the front roof cross member 2f and / or the rear roof cross member 2r as needed.

[0013] Furthermore, the vehicle body structure 1 includes a center frame 5. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the center frame 5 is detachably attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r via a plurality of bolts B and a plurality of nuts N as fasteners, so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the roof panel 3 and in the central part in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 5, the center frame 5 is formed in the shape of a shallow dish (tray) made of metal, for example, and is attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r from below (the passenger compartment side) in Figure 2, etc., so as to contact the lower surfaces of both, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. As a result, a space S is defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5 in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Note that the central part in the vehicle width direction is not strictly limited to the center, and the center frame 5 may be attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the roof panel 3 and near the central part in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the centerline in the vehicle width direction, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the centerline in the width direction of the center frame 5 do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0014] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each bolt B is inserted from above into a hole formed in the front roof cross member 2f or rear roof cross member 2r and the center frame 5, such that its head abuts against the upper surface of the front roof cross member 2f or rear roof cross member 2r. A nut N is then screwed onto the bolt B so as to abut against the lower surface of the center frame 5. However, the bolt B may also be inserted from below into a hole formed in the front roof cross member 2f or rear roof cross member 2r and the center frame 5, such that its head abuts against the lower surface of the center frame 5. In this case, the bolt B only needs to be screwed onto a nut N that is positioned to abut against the upper surface of the front roof cross member 2f or rear roof cross member 2r. Furthermore, the inner surface of the roof panel 3 is coated with a ceramic or the like (film) to make the center frame 5 invisible. In addition, covers (not shown) are attached to the parts of the front roof cross member 2f, rear roof cross member 2r, center frame 5, bolt B, etc. that are exposed to the passenger compartment.

[0015] The center frame 5 of the vehicle body structure 1 supports multiple in-vehicle components that address the needs for the in-vehicle environment, such as safety, convenience, and comfort. In this embodiment, the multiple in-vehicle components include, as shown in Figure 1, an occupant monitoring camera 51, a distance measuring camera 52, a sound collector 53, a pair of left and right sun visors 54, an occupant detection sensor 55, multiple (two) assist grips 56, a room lamp 57, and multiple (two) seat belt retraction devices 58.

[0016] The occupant monitoring camera 51 is used to capture information about the driver and other passengers seated in the first row seats 11 (driver's seat and passenger seat), as well as the presence or absence of occupants seated in the second row seats 12 (left seat, center seat, and right seat) and the third row seats 13 (left seat, right seat, and center seat depending on the vehicle). The occupant monitoring camera 51 is positioned in front of the first row seats 11 in the foremost position of the vehicle (see dashed line in Figure 1) and is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be able to image the interior of the vehicle. The occupant monitoring camera 51 can also be used in vehicles that do not have third row seats 13, and in this case as well, it may be supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned in front of the first row seats 11 in the foremost position. Furthermore, when the occupant monitoring camera 51 is positioned in front of the first row seats 11 in the foremost position, it may be positioned near the rearview mirror. Furthermore, in vehicles having a partition between the first-row seats 11 and the second-row seats 12, the occupant monitoring camera 51 may be supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned behind the partition and in front of the second-row seats 12, which are in the foremost position. In addition, the occupant monitoring camera 51 may acquire not only the appearance and presence of occupants, but also their physique, posture, etc. The rangefinder camera 52 is for acquiring the distance to other vehicles or obstacles in front of the vehicle. The rangefinder camera 52 is positioned in front of the first-row seats 11, which are in the foremost position, and is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be able to image the area in front of the vehicle.

[0017] The sound collector 53 collects the voice of the driver or other person seated in the first row seat 11 in order to enable the operation of predetermined functions of the vehicle by voice. The sound collector 53 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned in front of the first row seat 11, which is in its foremost position. The pair of sun visors 54 are used by the driver or other person seated in the first row seat 11. Each sun visor 54 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be rotatable (retractable) so as to be able to extend in the vehicle width direction in front of the first row seat, which is in its foremost position.

[0018] The occupant detection sensor 55 is a radar sensor (millimeter-wave sensor) for detecting occupants in the vehicle interior. The occupant detection sensor 55 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located in front of the foremost second-row seat 12 (see dashed line in Figure 1) and behind the foremost first-row seat 11 (see dashed line in Figure 1) in the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5. The occupant detection sensor 55 may also be applied to vehicles that do not have a third-row seat 13, in which case it may also be supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located in front of the foremost second-row seat 11 and behind the foremost first-row seat 11. The occupant detection sensor 55 may also acquire the position of occupants in the vehicle interior. The occupant detection sensor 55 may detect the presence and position of occupants seated in the first-row seat 11. In this case, the occupant detection sensor 55 may be supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located in front of the foremost first-row seat 11. The occupant detection sensor 55 is positioned in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. Multiple assist grips 56 are used by occupants seated in the second-row seats 12. Multiple (two) assist grips 56 are supported by the center frame 5 so as to be within the sliding range of the second-row seats 12 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (see the double-headed arrows in Figure 1) and extend approximately parallel to each other with spacing in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] The room lamp 57 is used as a reading light by occupants of the second-row seats 12 and the third-row seats 13. The room lamp 57 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located behind the front end of the second-row seat 12, which is in the foremost position, and in front of the third-row seat 13. The room lamp 57 may also be used as a hand-held interior light. In this case, the room lamp 57 may be supported by the center frame 5 so as to illuminate, for example, the cup holder or the air conditioner control panel. The room lamp 57 may also be placed for each seat in each row. The room lamp 57 is positioned in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the harnesses for the sensors and room lamps 57 to be concentrated in the center in the vehicle width direction, thus saving space. Multiple (two) seat belt retractors 58 are supported by the center frame 5 so as to be able to retract one of the multiple (e.g., two) seat belts provided for the third-row seat 13 within the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle body structure 1 includes a front roof cross member 2f and a rear roof cross member 2r, which extend in the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a roof panel 3, and a center frame 5. The roof panel 3 is fixed to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r. The center frame 5 supports the following in-vehicle components: an occupant monitoring camera 51, a distance measuring camera 52, a sound collector 53, a sun visor 54, an occupant detection sensor 55, an assist grip 56, a room lamp 57, and a seat belt retractor 58. The center frame 5 is detachably attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r so as to extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction below the roof panel 3 and in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0021] This makes it possible to arrange in-vehicle equipment within the vehicle interior to improve safety, convenience, and comfort while ensuring sufficient headroom and space around the occupants. Furthermore, if the in-vehicle equipment is an electronic device such as a camera or sensor, the cables connected to it (not shown) can be routed within the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5, thereby improving cable routing efficiency and space efficiency within the vehicle interior. Moreover, since the center frame 5 is detachably attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r, good maintainability of the in-vehicle equipment can be ensured. As a result, the vehicle body structure 1 makes it possible to meet the needs for the in-vehicle environment while ensuring sufficient headroom for the occupants.

[0022] Furthermore, the center frame 5 is detachably attached to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r from the passenger compartment side via bolts B and nuts N as fasteners. This allows the center frame 5 to be removed from the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r from inside the passenger compartment, thereby improving the maintainability of onboard components.

[0023] Furthermore, the roof panel 3 is fixed from above to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r via adhesive 90. This ensures good assembly of the roof panel 3. However, the roof panel 3 may also be fixed from above to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r via a rim member (not shown).

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the roof panel 3 may be fixed from above to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r via a plurality of bolts B' and a plurality of nuts N' as fasteners. In the example shown in Figure 6, the bolts B' are inserted from below into holes formed in the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r) so that their heads abut against the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r). Furthermore, the bolts B' are screwed onto nuts N' held by a retaining member 95 which is fixed to the roof panel 3 via adhesive. However, instead of the retaining member 95 holding the nuts N', a female thread portion may be formed in the retaining member 95 into which the bolts B' are screwed. Alternatively, the bolts B' for fixing the roof panel 3 to the front roof cross member 2f, etc., may be held by the retaining member 95, and nuts N may be screwed onto the bolts B' so that they abut against the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r).

[0025] Furthermore, the center frame 5 of the vehicle body structure 1 supports the following in-vehicle components: an occupant monitoring camera 51, a range-measuring camera 52, a sound collector 53, a sun visor 54, an occupant detection sensor 55, an assist grip 56, a room lamp 57, and a seat belt retractor 58. This makes it possible to improve at least one of the following aspects in the vehicle interior, such as safety, convenience, or comfort, while ensuring sufficient head clearance for the occupants. However, it is not necessarily required that all of the occupant monitoring camera 51, range-measuring camera 52, sound collector 53, sun visor 54, occupant detection sensor 55, assist grip 56, room lamp 57, and seat belt retractor 58 be supported by the center frame 5.

[0026] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the occupant monitoring camera 51 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned in front of the first-row seat 11, which is in the foremost position. This makes it possible to accurately acquire information such as the driver's condition while seated in the first-row seat and the presence or absence of occupants seated in the second-row and third-row seats using a single occupant monitoring camera 51.

[0027] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the range-measuring camera 52 is supported by the center frame 5 so that it is positioned in front of the first-row seat 11, which is in the foremost position. This makes it possible to accurately acquire the distance to other vehicles or obstacles in front of the vehicle using the range-measuring camera 52.

[0028] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the sound collector 53 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned in front of the first-row seat 11, which is in the foremost position. This allows the sound collector 53 to pick up the voice of the driver or other person well, making it possible to properly operate the vehicle's predetermined functions based on the voice generated by the driver or other person.

[0029] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the pair of sun visors 54 are rotatably supported by the center frame 5 so that they can extend in the vehicle width direction in front of the first-row seat 11, which is in the foremost position. This makes it possible to secure space for installing other in-vehicle equipment besides the sun visors along the upper edge of the windshield 4f.

[0030] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the occupant detection sensor 55 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be positioned in front of the second-row seat 12, which is located in the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5. This makes it possible to accurately acquire the presence or absence of occupants (mainly children) seated in the second-row or third-row seats using a single occupant detection sensor 55.

[0031] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the assist grip 56 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be within the sliding range of the second-row seat 12 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This further increases the headroom on the left and right door sides of the second-row seat 12, and also allows the occupant of the center seat of the second row to use the assist grip 56. The assist grip 56 may also be supported by the center frame 5 so as to be within the sliding range of the first-row seat 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or it may be supported by the center frame 5 to correspond to the third-row seat 13.

[0032] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the room lamp 57 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located behind the front end of the second-row seat 12, which is in the foremost position. This makes it possible to provide a useful reading light for occupants of the second-row seat 12 and the third-row seat 3.

[0033] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1, the seat belt retractor 58 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be able to retract the seat belt corresponding to the third-row seat 13 within the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5. This makes it possible to neatly store the seat belt for the third-row seat 13 within the center frame 5. However, a retractor capable of retracting the seat belt corresponding to the second-row seat 12 (for example, the center seat) may also be arranged within the space S defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5. This makes it possible to neatly store the seat belt for the second-row seat 12 within the center frame 5.

[0034] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another vehicle body structure 1B of the present disclosure. Note that, among the components of vehicle body structure 1B, elements identical to those of vehicle body structure 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0035] In the vehicle body structure 1B, as can be seen in Figure 7, the center frame 5 is detachably attached to the front roof cross member 2f (and rear roof cross member 2r) from above (from the roof panel 3 side) via bolts B and nuts N as fasteners. That is, in the vehicle body structure 1B, the bolts B are inserted from above into holes formed in the center frame 5 and the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r) so that their heads abut against the upper surface (inner surface) of the center frame 5. Furthermore, nuts N are screwed onto the bolts B so as to abut against the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r).

[0036] This allows the center frame 5 to be mounted on the front roof cross member 2f and rear roof cross member 2r using a robot or the like, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the center frame 5. In the vehicle body structure 1B, the bolt B may be inserted from below into a hole formed in the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r) and the center frame 5 so that its head abuts against the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r). In this case, the bolt B should be screwed into a nut N that is positioned to abut against the upper surface (inner surface) of the center frame 5.

[0037] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1B, the roof panel 3 is fixed from above to the front roof cross member 2f (and rear roof cross member 2r) via bolts B' and nuts N' as fasteners. That is, in the vehicle body structure 1B, bolt B' is inserted from below into a hole formed in the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r) so that its head abuts against the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r). Furthermore, the bolt B' is screwed into a nut N' held by a retaining member 95 which is fixed to the roof panel 3 via adhesive. As a result, after removing the roof panel 3 from the front roof cross member 2f and rear roof cross member 2r, the center frame 5 can be removed from the front roof cross member 2f and rear roof cross member 2r, thereby ensuring good maintainability of the onboard components supported by the center frame 5.

[0038] In addition, in the vehicle body structure 1B, instead of the retaining member 95 holding the nut N', a female threaded portion may be formed on the retaining member 95 into which a bolt B' is screwed. Alternatively, a bolt B' for fixing the roof panel 3 to the front roof cross member 2f, etc., may be held by the retaining member 95, and a nut N' may be screwed onto the bolt B' so as to abut the lower surface of the front roof cross member 2f (or rear roof cross member 2r). Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1B, the roof panel 3 may be fixed from above to the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r via adhesive or a rim member (not shown).

[0039] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing yet another vehicle body structure 1C of this disclosure. Note that, among the components of vehicle body structure 1C, elements identical to those of vehicle body structure 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0040] In the vehicle body structure 1C, as can be seen in Figure 8, the center frame 5 is attached to the front roof cross member 2f (and rear roof cross member 2r) from above, i.e., from the roof panel 3 side, via bolts B and nuts N as fasteners. This allows the center frame 5 to be mounted on the front roof cross member 2f and rear roof cross member 2r using a robot or the like, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the center frame 5.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1C, the roof panel 3 is fixed to the center frame 5 from above via bolts B' and nuts N' as fasteners. That is, in the vehicle body structure 1C, bolt B' is inserted from below into a hole formed in the center frame 5 so that its head abuts against the lower surface of the center frame 5. Furthermore, bolt B' is screwed into nuts N' which are held by retaining members 95 fixed to the roof panel 3 via adhesive. This makes it possible, for example, to remove the center frame 5 from the roof panel 3 after removing the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5 from the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r, thereby ensuring good maintainability of the onboard components supported by the center frame 5.

[0042] In addition, in the vehicle body structure 1C, instead of the retaining member 95 holding the nut N', a female threaded portion may be formed on the retaining member 95 into which a bolt B' is screwed. Alternatively, the bolt B' for fixing the roof panel 3 to the center frame 5 may be held by the retaining member 95, and a nut N' may be screwed onto the bolt B so as to abut against the lower surface of the center frame 5. Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure 1C, as shown in Figure 9, the roof panel 3 may be fixed to the center frame 5 from above via a rim member 99, or it may be fixed to the center frame 5 from above via an adhesive.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another vehicle body structure 1D of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a plan view showing vehicle body structure 1D. Note that, among the components of vehicle body structure 1D, elements identical to those of vehicle body structure 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the vehicle body 2D of the vehicle body structure 1D includes a center cross member (beam) 2b in addition to a front roof cross member 2f, a rear roof cross member 2r, and a pair of left and right roof side members 2s. The center cross member 2b extends in the vehicle width direction from one roof side member 2s to the other roof side member 2s between the front roof cross member 2f and the rear roof cross member 2r in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle body structure 1D includes a movable panel 3m and a fixed panel 3f as roof panels. The movable panel 3m and the fixed panel 3f are formed of a material having high light transmittance such as glass or resin. However, the movable panel 3m and the fixed panel 3f may include two electrode layers and a dimming film laminated between the two electrode layers.

[0045] The movable panel 3m moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the front deflector Df fixed to the front roof cross member 2f and can open and close an opening O formed between the front roof cross member 2f and the center cross member 2b (rear roof cross member 2r) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The fixed panel 3f is fixed to the vehicle body 2 so as to cover an opening formed between the center cross member 2b and the rear roof cross member 2r behind the completely closed movable panel 3m. When the movable panel 3m is opened, the movable panel 3m tilts up and moves so as to overlap the rear fixed panel 3f. Further, when the movable panel 3m is completely closed, the front deflector Df, the movable panel 3m, and the fixed panel 3f extend substantially flush with each other to form a roof surface that gently curves upwardly convex.

[0046] The center frame 5 of the vehicle body structure 1D supports, as on-board components, a roof opening / closing device 20 connected to a movable panel 3m for opening and closing the movable panel 3m, and a shade device 30. As shown in Figure 11, the roof opening / closing device 20 includes a guide rail member 21, a movable part 27 including a front shoe 22, a pair (two) of front links 23a, 23b, a rear shoe 24, and a pair (two) of rear links 25a, 25b, a wire W, and a roof motor Mr as a drive source. The guide rail member 21 is fixed to the upper surface (inner surface) of the center frame 5 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The movable part 27 is connected to the movable panel 3m and is supported by the guide rail member 21 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The roof motor Mr is connected to the movable part 27 via a wire W and is fixed to the center frame 5 so as to be spaced apart from the movable part 27 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, causing the movable part 27 to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the shade device 30 includes a pair (two) winding members 31, two shades 32, shade bars 33 attached to each shade 32, a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of shade guide members 34, a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of pull-out devices 35, and two shade motors Ms as rotational drive sources. The shades 32 have an area that can completely cover the opening O on the front roof cross member 2f side and the opening on the rear roof cross member 2r side. The base end of the shade 32 is fixed (locked) to the outer circumferential surface of the winding member 31. The shade bars 33 are fixed to the tip of the shade 32 (the end opposite to the base end fixed to the winding member 31). In addition, one shade shoe (not shown) having a symmetrical structure is fixed to each end of the shade bar 33. Furthermore, the base ends of the two shade guide members 34 are supported by the front end of the center frame 5 so as to protrude opposite sides and outward from each other, and the base ends of the two shade guide members 34 are supported by the rear end of the center frame 5 so as to protrude opposite sides and outward from each other. As shown in Figure 11, the two (a pair) of shade guide members 34 protruding in the same direction extend generally parallel to each other at a distance corresponding to the width of the shade 32, and each slidably supports the corresponding shade shoe and the corresponding side end of the shade 32.

[0048] The four drawing devices 35 of the shade device 30 are each capable of pulling the string St connected to the tip of the shade bar 33, that is, the shade 32, to pull out the shade 32 from the corresponding winding member 31 so as to cover the corresponding opening O on the passenger compartment side. In the example of FIG. 11, each drawing device 35 includes a spool (not shown) where the end of the string St is locked (fixed), and an elastic body Z such as a spring that winds up the string St and biases the spool to apply tension to the string St. Each shade motor Ms is connected to the corresponding winding member 31 via a reduction mechanism not shown and is controlled by a control device not shown. By rotating each shade motor Ms in one direction, each winding member 31 is rotationally driven to wind up the shade 32 against the pulling force of the corresponding two drawing devices 35, and the shade 32 can be opened. Also, by rotating each shade motor Ms in the other direction, each winding member 31 is rotationally driven to pay out the shade 32, and the shade 32 can be closed by the pulling force of each drawing device 35.

[0049] In the vehicle body structure 1D as described above, there is no need to arrange elements for opening and closing (moving) the movable panel Pm along both ends in the vehicle width direction of the movable panel Pm, for example, on the roof side member 2s or the like. Therefore, the head clearance of the occupant can be increased, and the sense of openness that can be given to the occupant when the movable panel Pm is opened and the amount of daylighting through the movable panel Pm having light transmittance can be ensured well. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the sense of openness and the amount of daylighting in a vehicle in which the movable panel Pm is automatically opened and closed by the roof motor Mr or the like. Also, the vehicle body structure 1D is very useful in a vehicle in which the roof is narrowed in the width direction as it goes toward the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the center frame 5 of the vehicle body structure 1D can also support the following in-vehicle components: an occupant monitoring camera 51, a range-measuring camera 52, a sound collector 53, a sun visor 54, an occupant detection sensor 55, an assist grip 56, a room lamp 57, and a seat belt retractor 58. This makes it possible to improve at least one of the following aspects in the vehicle interior, such as safety, convenience, or comfort, while ensuring sufficient head clearance for the occupants. However, it is not necessarily required that all of the occupant monitoring camera 51, range-measuring camera 52, sound collector 53, sun visor 54, occupant detection sensor 55, assist grip 56, room lamp 57, and seat belt retractor 58 be supported by the center frame 5 of the vehicle body structure 1D.

[0051] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another vehicle body structure 1E. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the center frame 5 is detachably attached to the roof panel 3 via a plurality of bolts B and a plurality of nuts N as fasteners, so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the roof panel 3 and in the central part in the width direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 15, the center frame 5 is formed in the shape of a shallow dish (tray) made of metal, for example, and is attached to the roof panel 3 from below (the passenger compartment side) as shown in Figure 12, etc., as shown in Figures 12 to 15. As a result, a space S is defined between the roof panel 3 and the center frame 5 in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 12 to 14. Note that the central part in the width direction of the vehicle is not strictly limited to the center, and the center frame 5 may be attached to the roof panel 3 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the roof panel 3 and near the central part in the width direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the center line in the width direction extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the center line in the width direction of the center frame 5 do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0052] Furthermore, each bolt B is held in place by a retaining member 95 fixed to the roof panel 3 via adhesive, and is inserted from above into a hole formed in the center frame 5. In addition, a nut N is screwed onto the bolt B so as to abut against the lower surface of the center frame 5. Furthermore, the inner surface of the roof panel 3 is coated with a ceramic or the like (film) to make the center frame 5 invisible. Covers (not shown) are also fitted to the parts of the front roof cross member 2f, rear roof cross member 2r, center frame 5, bolt B, etc. that are exposed to the passenger compartment.

[0053] Instead of having the retaining member 95 hold the bolt B, as shown in Figure 16, the retaining member 95 may hold the nut N. In this case, the bolt B should be inserted from below into a hole formed in the center frame 5 so that its head abuts the lower surface of the center frame 5, and then screwed into the nut N held by the retaining member 95. Alternatively, instead of having the retaining member 95 hold the nut N, a female threaded portion may be formed in the retaining member 95 into which the bolt B is screwed.

[0054] Furthermore, in a vehicle that includes a roof base panel fixed to the vehicle body and a roof panel covering the opening of the roof base panel, the center frame 5 may be detachably attached to the roof base panel.

[0055] Figure 17 is a plan view of another vehicle body structure 1F, and Figure 18 is a plan view of the center frame 5. Furthermore, Figure 19 is a plan view of the center frame 5 including the shade device 130, and Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the center frame 5 in Figure 19. In addition, Figure 21 is an enlarged plan view of the center frame 5 including the fine water supply device 140, Figure 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fine water generation unit 141, and Figure 23 is a side view of the center frame 5 including the air intake 6 and the fine water outlets 7 and 8. In the plan views of Figures 17 and 18, the shade device 130 is omitted from the illustration so that the onboard components hidden by the shade device 130 can be seen.

[0056] In the vehicle body structure 1F, the center frame 5 supports the following onboard components: a shade device 130, the aforementioned occupant monitoring camera 51, an illuminance sensor 151, an occupant intention monitoring sensor 152, an LED light 153, a fine water supply device 140, and a diffuser device.

[0057] The shade device 130 is light-transmitting and is applied to roof panels 3 that do not include movable panels, as well as to roof panels that include movable panels 3m and fixed panels 3f, each of which is light-transmitting. The shade device 130 is positioned so as not to interfere with on-board components such as cameras and sensors on the center frame 5. As shown in Figure 19, the shade device 130 includes two (a pair) winding members 131, two shades 132, shade bars 133 attached to each shade 132, a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of shade guide members 134, two pull-out devices 135, and two shade motors Ms. The shades 132 have an area that can completely cover the opening O on the front roof cross member 2f side and the opening on the rear roof cross member 2r side. The base end of the shade 132 is fixed (locked) to the outer circumferential surface of the winding member 131. The shade bar 133 is fixed to the tip of the shade 132 (the end opposite to the base end fixed to the winding member 131). In addition, one shade shoe (not shown) having a symmetrical structure is fixed to each end of the shade bar 133. Furthermore, the base ends of two shade guide members 134 are supported by the front end of the center frame 5 so as to protrude opposite sides and outward from each other, and the base ends of the other two shade guide members 134 are supported by the rear end of the center frame 5 so as to protrude opposite sides and outward from each other. As shown in Figure 19, the two (a pair) of shade guide members 134 protruding in the same direction extend generally parallel to each other at a distance corresponding to the width of the shade 132, and each slidably supports the corresponding shade shoe and the corresponding side end of the shade 132.

[0058] Each of the two pull-out devices 135 is capable of pulling out the shade 132 from the corresponding winding member 131 so as to cover the corresponding opening O on the passenger compartment side by pulling the other end of two strings St, one end of which is connected to both ends of the shade bar 133. As shown in Figure 20, a folding pipe 137 is positioned above the two winding members 131 and on the inside of the two winding members 131 in the vehicle width direction, so that the shade 132 from the winding members 131 can be folded back and the pull-out device 135 can pull out the shade 132 along the two shade guide members 134 in a generally straight line. In the example shown in Figure 19, each pull-out device 135 includes a pulley P provided near the tip of each of two (a pair) corresponding shade guide members 134, through which the corresponding string Sr is stretched, and two spools 136 fixed coaxially to each corresponding winding member 131, with the other ends of the two corresponding strings St locked (fixed) to each spool so that the strings St can be wound around them. The two spools 136 may be fixed to one end and the other end of the corresponding winding member 131, respectively, or they may be fixed coaxially to one end of the corresponding winding member 131. Each shade motor Ms is connected to the corresponding winding member 131 via a reduction mechanism (not shown) and controlled by a control device (not shown). By rotating each shade motor Ms in one direction, each winding member 131 is rotated to wind up the shade 132 while unwinding the strings St from the spools 136, thereby opening the shade 132. Furthermore, by rotating each shade motor Ms in opposite directions, each winding member 31 is rotated to wind the string St onto the spool 136 while unwinding the shade 32 from the winding member 131, thereby closing the shade 132.

[0059] The micro-water supply device 140 supplies water particles that are uncharged and have a particle size of 50 nanometers or less. The micro-water supply device 140 comprises two micro-water generating units 141, a fan 144, and two ducts 145.

[0060] As shown in Figures 17, 18, and 21, each micro-water generating unit 141 is installed at the rear end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, aligned in the vehicle's width direction. As shown in Figure 22, each micro-water generating unit 141 has a cylindrical case 142 and a micro-water generating element 143 provided inside the case 142. The micro-water generating element 143 includes a base material 143a and a conductive polymer film 143b formed on the surface of the base material 143a. A filter F is provided at one end of the case 142.

[0061] The base material 143a is made of a conductive material such as a metallic material like stainless steel or copper, a carbon material, or a conductive ceramic material. In this embodiment, a metal foil made of stainless steel with aluminum added is used. The micro-water generating element 143 is formed in a corrugated, honeycomb, or spiral shape so that air can flow through it and the surface area of ​​the base material 143a (conductive polymer film 143b) is as large as possible. As shown in Figure 22, a power supply circuit Ps is connected to the micro-water generating element 143 (base material 143a) via a switch Sw1. When the switch Sw1 is turned on, the power supply circuit Ps energizes the base material 143a, and when the switch Sw1 is turned off, it cuts off the power supply to the base material 143a. The on / off switching of the switch Sw1 is performed by a control device (not shown).

[0062] The conductive polymer film 143b is formed of a conductive polymer compound, such as a thiophene-based conductive polymer. In this embodiment, among the thiophene-based conductive polymers, it is formed of PEDOT / PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / poly(styrenesulfonic acid)). PEDOT / PSS has a core-shell structure having a PEDOT core and a shell of sulfonic acid groups, which are acidic functional groups capable of hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, within the conductive polymer film 143b, the PEDOT / PSS shells are aligned in a stacked structure, forming nanochannels, which are nanometer-sized channels, such as 2 nanometers (nm), between each shell. Since there are many sulfonic acid groups in these nanochannels, when the amount of moisture on the surface of the conductive polymer film 143b is high and the amount of moisture inside is low, moisture present on the surface moves to the inside via the sulfonic acid groups in the nanochannels due to the concentration difference between the surface and the inside. As a result, the conductive polymer film 143b adsorbs moisture. Furthermore, when moisture is adsorbed internally, and the surface moisture content is low while the internal moisture content is high, the moisture moves to the surface via the sulfonic acid groups in the nanochannels due to the concentration difference between the surface and the interior. As a result, moisture is released from the conductive polymer film 143b as fine water particles. Also, when the temperature of the conductive polymer film 143b rises, the release of moisture (fine water particles) is promoted more rapidly than when movement is solely due to the concentration difference, and when the temperature of the conductive polymer film 143b decreases, the adsorption of moisture is promoted more rapidly than when movement is solely due to the concentration difference. In this way, the fine water generation unit 141 (fine water generation element 143) changes to a hygroscopic state in which moisture from the air is adsorbed onto the conductive polymer film 143b as the temperature decreases, and changes to a hygroscopic state in which the adsorbed moisture is released from the conductive polymer film 143b as the temperature rises. The thickness of the conductive polymer film 143b can be appropriately determined according to the required amount of fine water adsorbed (released). For example, if the conductive polymer film 143b is formed to have a thickness of 1 to 30 micrometers, it will be able to adsorb enough moisture to release fine water particles in a time of a few seconds to several tens of seconds.

[0063] Furthermore, the microwater generation unit 141 releases uncharged microwater particles with a particle size of 50 nanometers or less, for example, a particle size of about 1 to 2 nanometers, from the conductive polymer film 143b of the microwater generation element 143. The reason for these particle sizes is thought to be that, because the size of the nanochannels is 2 nanometers or less, the mobility of the water in the nanochannels increases due to the temperature rise of the conductive polymer film 143b, and the pressure rises, causing water to escape from the nanochannels. Even if the water particles aggregate after being escaped, their particle sizes remain distributed within the range of 50 nanometers or less. A detailed explanation of the microwater generation of the microwater generation unit 141 (conductive polymer film 143b) is described in the applicant's WO2020 / 054100 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-018195, so further detailed explanation is omitted.

[0064] The fan 144 is installed at the other end of the case 142 of the micro-water generation unit 141. A filter F is provided at the air intake of the fan 144. The fan 144 is rotated in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown) to draw in air and send the drawn-in air to the micro-water generation unit 141 from the other end of the case 142. The air sent to the micro-water generation unit 141 passes through the micro-water generation element 143 and is discharged from one end of the case 142. In this embodiment, the fan 144 is a propeller fan, but other fans such as a sirocco fan may also be used. A power supply circuit Ps is connected to the motor of the fan 144 via a switch Sw2. When the switch Sw2 is turned on, the power supply circuit Ps energizes the motor and drives the fan 144, and when the switch Sw2 is turned off, it cuts off the power supply to the motor and stops the fan 144 from driving. The on / off switching of the switch Sw2 is performed by a control device (not shown).

[0065] The control device controls switches Sw1 and Sw2 to stop power supply to the micro-water generating element 143 (substrate 143a) and rotate the fan 144, thereby cooling the micro-water generating element 143 (conductive polymer film 143b) and causing the conductive polymer film 143b to adsorb moisture from the air (humidification mode). The control device also controls switches Sw1 and Sw2 to power supply to the micro-water generating element 143 (substrate 143a) and rotate the fan 144, thereby heating the micro-water generating element 143 (conductive polymer film 143b) and releasing the adsorbed moisture from the conductive polymer film 143b (humidification mode). The control device repeats the humidification mode and the humidification mode at predetermined intervals, adsorbing moisture from the air inside the vehicle and releasing it as fine water. In this embodiment, the fan 144 is driven to rotate in the same direction in both the humidification mode and the humidification mode.

[0066] The discharge port of the micro-water generation unit 141 communicates with the duct 145. The duct 145 is installed inside the left and right side walls 5s of the center frame 5, extending along the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the duct 145 is positioned along the corner portion in the vehicle width direction of the center frame 5, and is configured as a non-rectangular cylindrical member with a concave curved surface, such that the corner on the winding member 131 side of the four corners, when viewed from the vehicle's longitudinal direction, follows the outer circumferential surface of the winding member 131 (including the shade 132). As shown in Figure 23, the left and right side walls 5s of the center frame 5 are provided with an air intake 6 and micro-water outlets 7 and 8, respectively. The duct 145 has openings (not shown) at positions corresponding to the micro-water outlets 7 and 8 of the center frame 5, and the micro-water flowing from the micro-water generation unit 141 through the duct 145 is discharged from the micro-water outlets 7 and 8 through these openings.

[0067] The air intake 6 is located at the rear end of the center frame 5, i.e., at the rear of the passenger compartment, near the fan 144 of the fine water supply device 140. When the fan 144 is driven, the air in the passenger compartment is introduced to the fine water generating unit 141 via the air intake 6 at the rear of the passenger compartment and absorbed by the fine water generating unit 141. The fine water outlet 7 is located near the foremost first-row seat 11 to release fine water to occupants seated in the first-row seats 11 (driver's seat and passenger seat). The fine water outlet 8 is located near the foremost second-row seat 12 to release fine water to occupants seated in the second-row seats 12 (left seat, center seat and right seat).

[0068] Since the fine water generation unit 141 is installed at the rear end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, it can be avoided from interfering with other onboard components such as the shade device 130. Furthermore, the fine water generation unit 141 (fan 144), which generates operating noise, can be kept away from the occupants, preventing them from perceiving the operating noise as noise. In addition, as shown in Figure 20, the two ducts 145 are positioned on the inside of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and on the outside of the two winding members 131 in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, when viewed from the vehicle width direction, at least a portion of the two ducts 145 are positioned to overlap with the two winding members 131 in the vertical direction. This allows the two ducts 145 to be compactly housed in the center frame 5 without interfering with the two winding members 131 that extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] In vehicles without a shade device 130, the fine water generation unit 141 may be positioned in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (near the second-row seats 12). This allows for a shorter duct 145 for delivering fine water to the occupants compared to a configuration where the fine water generation unit 141 is positioned at the rear end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Shortening the duct 145 reduces the required airflow for the fan 144, making it possible to miniaturize the fan 144. Furthermore, in vehicles where no other onboard components (cameras or sensors) are positioned in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's width direction, only one fine water generation unit 141 and duct 145 may be positioned in the center in the vehicle's width direction. This improves the ease of assembly of the fine water supply device 140 and reduces costs.

[0070] As shown in Figure 21, the diffuser device includes a fragrance cartridge 149 installed at the rear end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, near the air intake of the fan 144 of the fine water generating unit 141. In this embodiment, the diffuser device shares the fine water supply device 140, the fan 144, and the duct 145. The fragrance emitted from the fragrance cartridge 149 is drawn in by the fan 144 and released along with fine water from the fine water outlets 7 and 8 via the fine water generating unit 141 and the duct 145 in sequence. This provides occupants with effects such as relaxation, improved concentration, and stress reduction. Furthermore, since the diffuser device only requires the fragrance cartridge 149 to be installed near the air intake of the fan 144 of the fine water generating unit 141, the diffuser device can be compactly housed in the center frame 5 without interfering with other in-vehicle components such as the shade device 130.

[0071] The illuminance sensor 151 is a sunlight sensor for detecting the intensity of sunlight hitting the vehicle (vehicle body 2). As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the illuminance sensor 151 is mounted on the front end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction in a position suitable for receiving sunlight and so as not to interfere with other on-board components such as the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130. The illuminance sensor 151 may also be mounted on the rear end of the center frame 5 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In the roof panel 3, a detection hole H of a size corresponding to the light-receiving surface of the illuminance sensor 151 is formed in a part of the ceramic (film) applied to the inner surface, so that the light-receiving surface of the illuminance sensor 151 is exposed. This allows the illuminance sensor 151 to be covered with ceramic except for the light-receiving surface, making it impossible to see the illuminance sensor 151 from the outside. In a vehicle equipped with the shade device 130, the shade 132 can be automatically opened and closed based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 151. Furthermore, in vehicles that include a dimming film on the roof panel 3, the transmittance of the roof panel 3 can be automatically adjusted by controlling the voltage applied to the dimming film based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 151.

[0072] The passenger intention monitoring sensor 152 is an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) sensor for detecting a person approaching the door and attempting to board the vehicle. In this embodiment, two passenger intention monitoring sensors 152 are arranged front and rear so as to detect a person approaching the front door and a person approaching the rear door, respectively. Each passenger intention monitoring sensor 152 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located directly beside the front door and directly beside the rear door in the vehicle's front-rear direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the passenger intention monitoring sensor 152 is positioned between the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130 and in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction so as not to interfere with other in-vehicle components such as the shade device 130. In addition, the passenger intention monitoring sensor 152 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the duct 145 in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction (left-right direction in Figure 20). This allows the passenger intent monitoring sensor 152 to be compactly housed in the center frame 5, where the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130 and the two ducts 145 of the fine water supply device 140 are located. By equipping the front and rear doors with automatic opening and closing devices, the passenger intent monitoring sensor 152 can detect a person and automatically open or close the corresponding door.

[0073] The LED lights 153 are decorative lights that project a linear light along the vehicle's longitudinal direction onto both the left and right sides of the center frame 5. As shown in Figure 20, the LED lights 153 are installed on the upper ends of the left and right side walls 5s of the center frame 5, extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the LED lights 153 extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction so as to cover the area of ​​the shade 132 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0074] Figure 24 is a plan view of another vehicle body structure 1G, and Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body structure 1G in Figure 24. In the other vehicle body structure 1G, the center frame 5 supports the following onboard components: a shade device (only the two winding members 131 are shown with dashed lines), an occupant monitoring camera 51, an occupant detection sensor 55, and LED lights 154 and 155.

[0075] As described above, the occupant detection sensor 55 is a radar sensor (millimeter-wave sensor) for detecting occupants inside the vehicle. The occupant detection sensor 55 is supported by the center frame 5 so as to be located in front of the second-row seat 12 (see dashed line in Figure 24), which is in the foremost position, and behind the first-row seat 11 (see dashed line in Figure 24), which is in the foremost position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the occupant detection sensor 55 is positioned in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction and between the two winding members 131 so as not to interfere with other in-vehicle components such as the shade device 130. In addition, when the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130 and the two ducts 145 of the fine water supply device 140 are arranged on the center frame 5, the occupant detection sensor 55 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the ducts 145 in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0076] The LED light 154 is ambient light (indirect lighting) that illuminates the underside of the shade 132 of the shade device 130 to create a high-quality interior space. As shown in Figure 25, the LED light 154 is positioned on the inside of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction and on the outside of the two winding members 131 in the vehicle width direction so as not to interfere with other in-vehicle components such as the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130. The LED light 154 is supported on the center frame 5 at an angle upward and outward in the vehicle width direction so that light is uniformly shone on the entire underside of the shade 132 when the shade 132 is closed.

[0077] The LED light 155 is a decorative light that emits a linear beam of light along the vehicle's front-to-rear direction from the underside of the center frame 5. As shown in Figure 25, the LED light 155 is positioned between the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130 and in the center of the center frame 5 in the vehicle width direction, so as not to interfere with other onboard components such as the two winding members 131 of the shade device 130. The LED light 155 is not positioned in the location where the occupant detection sensor 55 is located, so as not to interfere with the occupant detection sensor 55. A diffuser plate is positioned on the underside of the center frame 5, extending linearly from one end to the other of the LED light 155 in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, including the area where the LED light 155 is not positioned, and the light from the LED light 155 is diffused by this diffuser plate. This allows occupants to perceive the light from the LED light 155 as a single, uninterrupted beam of light.

[0078] As described above, the vehicle body structure of the present disclosure is a vehicle body structure (1) including a front roof cross member (2f) and a rear roof cross member (2r) that extend in the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and comprises a roof panel (3) positioned above the front roof cross member (2f) and the rear roof cross member (2r) and made of a light-transmitting material, and a center frame (5) that supports onboard equipment and extends in the longitudinal direction below the roof panel (3) and in the central part in the vehicle width direction.

[0079] The vehicle body structure of this disclosure makes it possible to arrange in-vehicle equipment that improves safety, convenience, and comfort within the vehicle interior while ensuring good head clearance for occupants, space around occupants, and visibility for occupants (especially those seated in the rear seats). Furthermore, if the in-vehicle equipment is an electrical component, the cables connected to it can be routed within the space defined between the roof panel and the center frame, thereby improving cable routing efficiency and space efficiency within the vehicle interior. As a result, the vehicle body structure of this disclosure makes it possible to meet the needs for the in-vehicle environment while ensuring sufficient head clearance for occupants.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure of this disclosure, the onboard components may be at least one of the following: occupant detection sensor (55), occupant monitoring camera (51), distance measuring camera (52), sound collector (53), sun visor (54), assist grip (56), room lamp (57), seat belt retractor (58), fine water supply device (140), diffuser device, shade device (130), occupant intention monitoring sensor (152), illuminance sensor (151), and LED lights (153, 154, 155).

[0081] In a vehicle body structure of the present disclosure equipped with a shade device as an in-vehicle component, the shade device (130) includes two sheet-like shades (132) and two winding members (131) each extending in the front-rear direction and supporting the base ends of the corresponding shades (132), which rotate in the winding direction to wind up the corresponding shades (132) and rotate in the unwinding direction to unwind the corresponding shades (132), wherein the two winding members (131) may be arranged on the inside of the center frame (5) in the vehicle width direction.

[0082] With this configuration, the two winding members are positioned on the inside of the center frame in the vehicle width direction so as to extend in the front-to-back direction, and a structure is adopted in which the shade is opened and closed in the vehicle width direction from each of the two winding members, allowing the two winding members to be compactly housed in the center frame.

[0083] Furthermore, in a vehicle body structure of the present disclosure that includes a shade device and an occupant detection sensor as on-board components, the occupant detection sensor (55) may be positioned in the central part of the center frame (5) in the vehicle width direction and between the two winding members (131), and in the front-to-back direction, in front of the second-row seat (12) at the foremost position and behind the first-row seat (11) at the foremost position.

[0084] This configuration allows the occupant detection sensor to be positioned in a suitable location for detecting occupants without interfering with the two winding members of the shade device.

[0085] Furthermore, in a vehicle body structure according to this disclosure that includes a shade device and a passenger intention monitoring sensor as on-board components, the passenger intention monitoring sensor (152) may be positioned in the central part of the center frame (5) in the vehicle width direction and between the two winding members (131).

[0086] This configuration allows the passenger intention monitoring sensor to be positioned in a suitable location for detecting a person attempting to board the vehicle without interfering with the two winding members of the shade device.

[0087] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure of this disclosure, which includes a shade device and an illuminance sensor as on-board components, the illuminance sensor (151) may be positioned in front of or behind the two winding members (131) of the center frame (5) in the front-rear direction.

[0088] This configuration allows the illuminance sensor to be positioned in a location suitable for detecting the intensity of sunlight without interfering with the two winding members of the shade device.

[0089] Furthermore, in a vehicle body structure of the present disclosure that includes a shade device and a fine water supply device as on-board components, the fine water supply device (140) comprises a fine water generating unit (141) that generates fine water and a duct (145) that communicates with the fine water generating unit (141), and the fine water generating unit (141) may be positioned further rearward in the front-rear direction than the two winding members (131) of the center frame (5).

[0090] This configuration allows the fine water generation unit to be positioned without interfering with the two winding members of the shade device. Furthermore, by positioning the fine water generation unit at the rear of the passenger compartment, it can be kept away from the occupants, making it less likely for occupants to perceive the operating noise of the fine water generation unit (fan) as noise. In addition, in vehicles that include an air conditioner with an outlet at the front of the passenger compartment, moisture released from the occupants' skin and moisture released as breath can be carried by the airflow of the air conditioner to the fine water generation unit located at the rear of the passenger compartment, allowing the fine water generation unit to efficiently generate fine water.

[0091] In a vehicle body structure of the present disclosure equipped with a fine water supply device as an on-board component, the duct (145) extends in the front-rear direction and is positioned on the inside of the center frame (5) in the vehicle width direction and on the outside of the two winding members (131) in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front-rear direction, and at least a portion of it may be positioned to overlap with the two winding members (131) in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0092] This configuration allows the duct to be positioned on the center frame without interfering with the two winding members of the shade device. Furthermore, by positioning the duct on the center frame so that it extends in the front-to-back direction, sufficient fine water can be delivered to the occupants' faces and heads, allowing the moisturizing effect on the occupants' skin and hair to be fully realized.

[0093] In a vehicle body structure according to the present disclosure, which includes a micro-water supply device and at least one of an occupant detection sensor and an occupant intention monitoring sensor as on-board components, at least one of the occupant detection sensor (55) and the occupant intention monitoring sensor (152) may be supported on the center frame (5), and the sensors (55, 152) may be positioned such that at least a portion of them overlaps with the duct (145) in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0094] With this configuration, the two winding members of the shade device and the duct of the fine water supply device, as well as the sensor, can be compactly housed in the center frame.

[0095] Furthermore, in the vehicle body structure of the present disclosure, which is equipped with a fine water supply device as an in-vehicle component, the diffuser device may have a fragrance generating unit (149) that generates fragrance, and the fragrance generating unit (149) may be arranged on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the center frame (5) so as to communicate with the duct (145).

[0096] With this configuration, the duct can be shared between the micro-water supply device and the diffuser device, allowing the micro-water supply device and the diffuser device to be compactly housed in the center frame.

[0097] Furthermore, this disclosure may also adopt the following configuration: In a vehicle body structure of this disclosure equipped with an occupant monitoring camera as an in-vehicle component, the occupant monitoring camera (51) may be positioned in front of the first-row seat (11) which is in the foremost position.

[0098] With this configuration, the occupant monitoring camera can effectively monitor occupants seated in the first row and occupants seated in the second row.

[0099] Furthermore, in a vehicle body structure of the present disclosure that includes a shade device and LED lights as on-board components, the LED lights (153, 154, 155) may be arranged at least one of both ends and the central part in the vehicle width direction of the center frame (5), and may extend in the front-rear direction so as to overlap with the area of ​​the shade (132) in the front-rear direction.

[0100] This configuration allows for the creation of a high-quality interior space. In particular, by directing the LED light onto the underside of the shade, it is possible to further enhance the effect of indirect lighting in the interior space.

[0101] Furthermore, the invention disclosed herein is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the embodiments described above are merely one specific form of the invention described in the summary of the invention, and do not limit the elements of the invention described in the summary of the invention.

[0102] The invention disclosed herein can be used in the vehicle manufacturing industry and the like.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure including a front roof cross member and a rear roof cross member, each extending in the vehicle width direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, comprising: a roof panel positioned above the front roof cross member and the rear roof cross member and formed of a light-transmitting material; and a center frame that supports onboard equipment and extends in the longitudinal direction below the roof panel and in the central part in the vehicle width direction.

2. A vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the onboard equipment is at least one of the following: an occupant detection sensor, an occupant monitoring camera, a distance measuring camera, a sound collector, a sun visor, an assist grip, a room lamp, a seat belt retractor, a fine water supply device, a diffuser device, a shade device, an occupant intention monitoring sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an LED light.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2, wherein the shade device includes two sheet-like shades and two winding members, each extending in the front-rear direction and supporting the base end of the corresponding shade, and which rotate in the winding direction to wind up the corresponding shade and rotate in the unwinding direction to unwind the corresponding shade, wherein the two winding members are arranged on the inside of the center frame in the vehicle width direction.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 3, wherein the occupant detection sensor is located in the central part of the center frame in the vehicle width direction and between the two winding members, and is positioned in front of the second-row seat at the foremost position and behind the first-row seat at the foremost position in the front-rear direction.

5. A vehicle body structure according to claim 3, wherein the passenger intention monitoring sensor is positioned in the center of the center frame in the vehicle width direction and between the two winding members.

6. A vehicle body structure according to claim 3, wherein the illuminance sensor is positioned in front of or behind the two winding members of the center frame in the front-rear direction.

7. A vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fine water supply device comprises a fine water generating unit for generating fine water and a duct communicating with the fine water generating unit, and the fine water generating unit is positioned rearward in the front-rear direction from the two winding members of the center frame.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 7, wherein the duct extends in the front-rear direction, is positioned on the inside of the center frame in the vehicle width direction and on the outside of the two winding members in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front-rear direction, and is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the two winding members in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 8, wherein, as on-board components, at least one of the occupant detection sensor and the occupant intention monitoring sensor is supported on the center frame, and the sensor is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the duct in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

10. A vehicle body structure according to claim 7, wherein the diffuser device has a fragrance generating unit that generates fragrance, and the fragrance generating unit is arranged on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the center frame so as to communicate with the duct.

Images