Vehicle structure

Abstract

This vehicle structure comprises a quarter trim (10) that constitutes a vehicle interior-side wall surface of a vehicle rear part. The quarter trim has: a trim first protruding part (11) that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction on the outer side of a rear seat (5) in the vehicle width direction; and an armrest part (20) that is provided above the trim first protruding part. The armrest part has a forward protruding part (21) that protrudes further forward than the front surface of the trim first protruding part.

Description

Vehicle Structure

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle provided with three rows of seats. In this vehicle, a protruding portion that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction is formed on the cabin side wall portion outside the third row seat in the vehicle width direction, and this protruding portion constitutes a wheel house that houses a wheel. Further, the upper part of the protruding portion is formed into a substantially flat shape, and serves as an armrest for an occupant seated on the third row seat.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-090990

[0004] Incidentally, an occupant on the first row seat or the second row seat normally has a front door or a rear door at the side thereof, so the occupant can easily get off the vehicle simply by turning sideways. In contrast, an occupant on the third row seat does not have a door at the side thereof, and therefore needs to perform an action of leaning the body forward to get off through the front-side rear door. However, in the vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, the occupant on the third row seat has no place to hold onto when leaning the body forward, which makes it difficult to get off the vehicle. It is also conceivable to separately install a grip for getting on and off the third row seat, but this causes an increase in cost. Such a problem similarly applies to an occupant on the second row seat in a vehicle that is not provided with a rear door.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that facilitates getting on and off for an occupant on a rear seat.

[0006] The present invention includes the following constitution. (1) A vehicle structure provided with a quarter trim that constitutes a cabin side wall surface at a rear portion of the vehicle, wherein the quarter trim comprises: a first trim convex portion that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction on the outer side of the rear seat in the vehicle width direction; and an armrest portion provided at an upper portion of the first trim convex portion, and the armrest portion has a forward protruding portion that protrudes forward relative to a front surface of the first trim convex portion. A vehicle structure characterized by the above.

[0007] According to the present invention, there can be provided a vehicle structure that facilitates getting on and off for an occupant on a rear seat.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from above and the rear. Figure 2 is a side view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from the inside in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from below and the front. Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a top view of the armrest area, seen from above.

[0009] The vehicle structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of technologies not explicitly shown in the embodiments below. Each configuration of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed. In the drawings, "FR" indicates the front of the vehicle, "RR" indicates the rear of the vehicle, "UP" indicates the top of the vehicle, "DN" indicates the bottom of the vehicle, "LH" indicates the left side of the vehicle, and "RH" indicates the right side of the vehicle. Note that the vehicle width direction and left-right direction are synonymous.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from above and the rear. Figure 2 is a side view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from the inside in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the third-row seats, seen from below and the front. Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a top view of the armrest area, seen from above.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle structure according to this embodiment is mainly applied to the rear structural part of a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. The type of automobile to which the vehicle structure is applied is not limited, and may include, for example, an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), or an electric vehicle (BEV).

[0012] Vehicle 1 in this embodiment is an automobile equipped with three rows of seats. Front doors are located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first row of seats, which are the driver's seat and passenger seat, and rear doors are located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the second row of seats. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the rear door opening 3 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the second row of seats. The rear door is positioned in this rear door opening 3.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a third-row seat 5 (rear seat) is provided behind the second-row seat and the rear door opening 3 (door opening). Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the third-row seat 5 on the right side of the vehicle. Figures 1 to 5 show an example in which the vehicle structure of the present invention is applied to the structural part on the right side of the rear of the vehicle, but it goes without saying that the vehicle structure of the present invention may be similarly applied to the structural part on the left side of the rear of the vehicle.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a quarter trim 10 is provided behind the rear door opening 3 and on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the third-row seat. The quarter trim 10 is a resin interior component that decorates the inside in the vehicle width direction of the sheet metal body panels that make up the vehicle body. The quarter trim 10 extends rearward from the rear door opening 3, for example, to the rear gate at the rear end of the vehicle. The quarter trim 10 is positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the third-row seat and the cargo space behind the third-row seat. In other words, the quarter trim 10 constitutes the interior wall surface of the rear of the vehicle.

[0015] The quarter trim 10 has a first trim protrusion 11 that projects inward in the vehicle width direction on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the third row seat. A wheel well that houses the rear tire is formed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first trim protrusion 11. It can also be said that the first trim protrusion 11 is formed as a result of the formation of the wheel well.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the first trim protrusion 11 is formed in a position that partially overlaps with the third-row seat 5 in a side view. The front surface 11a of the first trim protrusion 11 is positioned so that its front-to-back position coincides with the front end of the seat surface 5a of the third-row seat 5. The front surface 11a of the first trim protrusion 11 is an inclined surface that slopes upward as it approaches the rear. The upper surface 11b of the first trim protrusion 11 is located above the upper end of the seat surface 5a of the third-row seat 5 and is located approximately in the vertical center of the backrest 5b of the third-row seat 5.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the quarter trim 10 has an armrest portion 20 for occupants seated in the third-row seats 5 on the upper part of the first trim protrusion 11. The armrest portion 20 is connected to the upper surface 11b of the first trim protrusion 11 and is integrally formed with the first trim protrusion 11. However, the armrest portion 20 may be formed separately from the first trim protrusion 11.

[0018] The armrest portion 20 has a forward projection 21 that protrudes forward from the front surface 11a of the first trim protrusion 11. More specifically, the armrest portion 20 extends forward from the upper end 11aA of the front surface 11a of the first trim protrusion 11. Such a forward projection 21 functions as a part that occupants of the third-row seat 5 can grasp when getting in or out of the seat.

[0019] Since there are no side doors for passengers in the third-row seat 5 (rear seat 9), they typically need to lean forward to get out through the front rear door opening 3 (door opening). Holding onto the forward-projecting portion 21 of the armrest 20 of the quarter trim 10 makes this leaning motion easier. Furthermore, the forward-projecting portion 21 of the armrest 20 can also be used when getting into the third-row seat 5 through the rear door opening 3. Because the armrest 20 has a forward projection, there is no need to install a separate grip for getting in and out of the third-row seat. Thus, despite its simple configuration, passengers in the third-row seat 5 can easily get in and out.

[0020] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the three-row seat automobile described above, but can also be applied to, for example, an automobile with two rows of seats and no rear door on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the second row of seats. Even in such a two-row seat automobile, the occupants of the second-row seats, which are the rear seats, need to raise their bodies forward in order to get out through the front door opening (door opening) because there is no door on the side. Therefore, applying the present invention to such a two-row seat automobile makes it easier for occupants of the second-row seats to get in and out.

[0021] The forward projection 21 of the armrest portion 20 is inclined so as it extends forward, it is positioned upward. Because the forward projection 21 has a forward-sloping shape, it is easier for occupants to stand up while holding onto the forward projection 21 when getting out of the third-row seat 5. However, the forward projection 21 does not necessarily have to be inclined upward; it may also be inclined downward, or it may be a flat shape extending horizontally.

[0022] The lower surface 20a of the armrest portion 20 is an inclined surface that is located outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward. Therefore, the lower surface 21a of the forward projection portion 21 of the armrest portion 20 is also an inclined surface that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward. By making the lower surface 21a of the forward projection portion 21 an inclined surface in this way, the space below the forward projection portion 21 can be increased, and space for getting in and out of the vehicle can be secured.

[0023] The upper surface 20c of the armrest portion 20 is an inclined surface that is located outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends upward. In addition, as described above, the lower surface 20a of the armrest portion 20 is an inclined surface that is located outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward. Therefore, the thickness of the armrest portion 20 in the vertical direction is thinnest on the inside in the vehicle width direction and becomes thicker as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the living space on the inside of the armrest portion 20 in the vehicle width direction can be widened.

[0024] The inner surface 11c of the first trim protrusion 11 in the vehicle width direction is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the inner surface 20b of the armrest portion 20 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, below the armrest portion 20, the first trim protrusion 11 has a shape that is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. This increases the space below the armrest portion 20, improving the comfort of the occupants of the third-row seat 5. It also ensures sufficient width in the vehicle direction for the armrest portion 20 to rest the arms and hands.

[0025] The lower surface 20a of the armrest portion 20 is an inclined surface that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes downward, connecting the lower end of the inner surface 20b of the armrest portion 20 in the vehicle width direction with the upper end of the inner surface 11c of the trim first protrusion 11 in the vehicle width direction. By making the lower surface 20a of the armrest portion 20 an inclined surface as described above, the space below the armrest portion 20 is increased, improving passenger comfort and ease of entry and exit. Furthermore, for example, when the seat is stowed and the vehicle is used as a cargo area, a large cargo volume can be secured.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the quarter trim 10 has trim recesses 13 that are recessed outward in the vehicle width direction at adjacent positions on the upper and front sides of the armrest portion 20. The trim recesses 13 include an upper recess 13a adjacent to the upper part of the armrest portion 20, a front recess 13b adjacent to the front of the front projection 21 of the armrest portion 20, and a lower recess 13c adjacent to the lower part of the front projection 21 of the armrest portion 20.

[0027] The upper recess 13a extends in the front-rear direction above the armrest portion 20. The rear end of the upper recess 13a is located at approximately the same position in the front-rear direction as the rear end of the armrest portion 20, and the front end of the upper recess 13a is located in front of the front end (forward projection 21) of the armrest portion 20.

[0028] The front recess 13b connects to the front end of the upper recess 13a and extends downward in front of the front projection 21 of the armrest portion 20. The upper end of the front recess 13b is located above the armrest portion 20, and the lower end of the front recess 13b is located below the armrest portion 20.

[0029] The lower recess 13c connects to the lower end of the front recess 13b and extends rearward below the front projection 21 of the armrest portion 20. The rear end of the lower recess 13c connects to the front surface 11a of the first trim projection 11.

[0030] In this way, the trim recess 13 is provided so as to surround the armrest portion 20 from the upper side to the front side, ensuring space in the vehicle width direction when the arms or hands are placed on the armrest portion 20. Furthermore, the armrest portion 20 can be made larger in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the front recess 13b of the trim recess 13, which is adjacent to the front side of the armrest portion 20, can be used as a place for the occupant to hook their hand when getting into the vehicle, together with the trim second protrusion 15 described later.

[0031] The quarter trim 10, located behind the rear door opening 3, has a second trim protrusion 15 that extends vertically and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, at a position adjacent to the rear of the rear door opening 3, between the armrest portion 20 and the rear door opening 3 in the front-rear direction. The second trim protrusion 15 is a vertically elongated portion formed between the front recess 13b in front of the armrest portion 20 and the rear door opening 3. This second trim protrusion 15 can be used as a place for occupants to hook their hands when getting in and out of the vehicle, enabling smooth entry and exit. In addition to the second trim protrusion 15, occupants can also hook their hands onto the front recess 13b, enabling stable entry and exit.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, a storage compartment 23 is recessed in the upper surface 20c of the armrest portion 20. The storage compartment 23 has a front storage compartment 23a recessed in the upper surface 21b of the forward projection 21 of the armrest portion 20, and a rear storage compartment 23b extending rearward from the inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the front storage compartment 23a.

[0033] The front storage compartment 23a is roughly rectangular when viewed from above, and its shape is suitable for storing beverage containers such as plastic bottles and paper cartons. By providing the front storage compartment 23a on the upper surface 21b of the forward projection 21, where the occupant's hands are placed, it becomes easier for the occupant to handle.

[0034] The rear storage compartment 23b is smaller in the vehicle width direction and larger in the front-to-rear direction than the front storage compartment 23a, and has an elongated shape in the front-to-rear direction. This makes the rear storage compartment 23b suitable for storing small items such as smartphones.

[0035] The storage compartment 23 has a partition 23c between the front storage compartment 23a and the rear storage compartment 23b, preventing items stored in one of the compartments from moving to the other.

[0036] Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also intended and within the scope of protection to be provided for the combination of each configuration of the embodiments, as well as for modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known technology.

[0037] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: (1) A vehicle structure comprising a quarter trim constituting the interior wall surface of the rear of the vehicle, wherein the quarter trim has: a first trim protrusion projecting inward in the vehicle width direction on the outer side of the rear seat in the vehicle width direction; and an armrest portion provided on the upper part of the first trim protrusion, wherein the armrest portion has a forward projection that projects forward from the front surface of the first trim protrusion. (2) The vehicle structure according to (1), wherein the forward projection of the armrest portion is inclined to be located upward as it approaches the front. (3) The vehicle structure according to (1) or (2), wherein the lower surface of the forward projection of the armrest portion is inclined to be located outward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the down. (4) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the first trim protrusion is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the armrest portion. (5) The vehicle structure according to (4), wherein the armrest portion has a lower surface that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward, connecting the inner surface of the armrest portion in the vehicle width direction with the inner surface of the first trim protrusion in the vehicle width direction. (6) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the quarter trim has trim recesses that are recessed outward in the vehicle width direction at adjacent positions on the upper and front sides of the armrest portion. (7) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a door opening located outward in the vehicle width direction, wherein the quarter trim located behind the door opening has a second trim protrusion that projects inward in the vehicle width direction and extends vertically at a position adjacent to the door opening between the armrest portion and the door opening. (8) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein a storage portion is recessed in the upper surface of the forward protrusion of the armrest portion.

[0038] 1 Vehicle 3 Rear door opening (door opening) 5 Third row seat (rear seat) 5a Seat cushion 5b Backrest 10 Quarter trim 11 First trim protrusion 11a Front 11b Top 11c Inner side in the vehicle width direction 13 Trim recess 13a Upper recess 13b Front recess 13c Lower recess 15 Second trim protrusion 20 Armrest section 20a Bottom 20b Inner side in the vehicle width direction 21 Forward protrusion 21a Bottom 21b Top 23 Storage section 23a Front storage section (storage section) 23b Rear storage section 23c Partition

Claims

1. A vehicle structure comprising a quarter trim forming the interior wall surface of the rear of the vehicle, wherein the quarter trim has a first trim protrusion projecting inward in the vehicle width direction on the outer side of the rear seat in the vehicle width direction, and an armrest portion provided on the upper part of the first trim protrusion, and the armrest portion has a forward protrusion projecting forward from the front surface of the first trim protrusion.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the forward projection of the armrest portion is inclined to be positioned upward as it moves forward.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower surface of the forward projection of the armrest portion is inclined to be located outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward.

4. The vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the first protrusion of the trim is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the armrest portion.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, wherein the armrest portion has a lower surface that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward, connecting the inner surface of the armrest portion in the vehicle width direction with the inner surface of the first trim protrusion in the vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the quarter trim has trim recesses that are recessed outward in the vehicle width direction at adjacent positions on the upper and front sides of the armrest portion.

7. The vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a door opening positioned outward in the vehicle width direction, wherein the quarter trim located behind the door opening has a second trim protrusion between the armrest portion and the door opening, adjacent to the door opening, which protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction and extends vertically.

8. A storage compartment is recessed in the upper surface of the forward projection of the armrest portion, according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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