JP3617109B2

JP3617109B2 - Upper body structure of automobile

Info

Publication number: JP3617109B2
Application number: JP07492395A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 登好井
Original assignee: Mazda Motor Corp
Current assignee: Mazda Motor Corp
Priority date: 1995-03-31
Filing date: 1995-03-31
Publication date: 2005-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-02
Also published as: JPH08268329A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、自動車の上部車体構造に関し、詳しくは、フロントピラー下端部の剛性強度を高める対策に係る。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、自動車の上部車体構造においては、車体の前側上部に設けられ、フロントピラーインナとフロントピラーアウタとで略上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成するフロントピラーと、該フロントピラーの下端部より下方に延びて設けられ、
ヒンジピラーインナとヒンジピラーアウタとで略上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成するヒンジピラーとを備え、上記フロントピラーの下端部をヒンジピラーの上端部に重合して該両ピラーの閉断面を上下方向に連続させるようにしている。
【０００３】
ところで、近年、一部の自動車にあっては、ボンネットを低位置に位置付ける傾向がある。その場合、フロントピラーの下端部も自ずと下方に延設されるため、長くなった分だけフロントピラーの支持剛性強度が低下し、該フロントピラーが車体振動などによって車体前後方向に振れるといった欠点があった。
【０００４】
そこで、例えば、実公昭６１−１３３７４号公報に開示されるように、車体の前側下部に設けられた断面略Ｌ字状のカウルサイドパネルにフロントピラーの下端部を重合し、その重合部においてフロントピラーの閉断面の後側に連接するようにカウルサイドパネルとフロントピラーアウタとからなる車体上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成してフロントピラーの下端部を補強することが提案され、公知になっている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、上記提案の補強構造では、フロントピラーの閉断面がカウルサイドパネルとの重合部（フロントピラーの下端部）で終了しているため、たとえカウルサイドパネルとフロントピラーアウタとからなる他の閉断面によりフロントピラーの下端部を補強したところで、上記他の閉断面による補強がフロントピラーの下端部においてのみ行われ、フロントピラーの支持剛性強度が十分なものとはいえず、フロントピラーの振れを効果的に抑制することができない。しかも、上記他の閉断面は、その縦断面が上下方向に開口した状態で設けられているため、その開口部分がフロントピラーの前後方向の振れに対して潰れやすいものとなり、フロントピラーの振れに対する十分な補強がなし得られたものとはいえず、効果的なフロントピラーの補強構造が切望されていた。
【０００６】
本発明はかかる点に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的とするところは、フロントピラーの閉断面をヒンジピラーにより下方に連続させるとともに、該両ピラーの重合部を利用して該重合部に他の閉断面を効果的に形成することにより、フロントピラーの支持剛性強度を高めて、フロントピラーの振れを防止することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、車体の前側上部に設けられ、フロントピラーインナとフロントピラーアウタとで略上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成するフロントピラーと、該フロントピラーの下端部より下方に延びて設けられ、ヒンジピラーインナとヒンジピラーアウタとで略上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成するヒンジピラーとを備え、上記フロントピラーの下端部をヒンジピラーの上端部にのみ重合して該両ピラーの閉断面を上下方向に連続させるようにした自動車の上部車体構造を前提とする。そして、上記フロントピラーアウタ及びヒンジピラーアウタが、それぞれ、上記フロントピラー及びヒンジピラーの車外側の側壁を構成していて、上記ヒンジピラーアウタの上端部を、上記フロントピラーの閉断面内に延設し、このヒンジピラーアウタの上端部に、車幅方向外方に突出する第１凸状部と、該第１凸状部より前後方向にそれぞれ延設した前側および後側の第１平板部とからなる断面略ハット状の第１ハット状断面部を形成する。一方、上記フロントピラーアウタの下端部に、車幅方向外方に突出しかつ上記第１ハット状断面部の第１凸状部よりも前側の第１平板部上において下方に行くに従い前方に広がる末広がり部を有する第２凸状部と、該第２凸状部より前後方向にそれぞれ延設された前側および後側の第２平板部とからなる断面略ハット状の第２ハット状断面部を形成する。さらに、上記末広がり部下方の第２凸状部を、上記第１凸状部に略一致する断面形状となるように末広がり部を第１凸状部の前面に収束させて該第１凸状部の外面に重合してなり、上記前側の第１平板部上において第１凸状部と末広がり部とによる閉断面部を形成する構成としたものである。
【０００８】
請求項２記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、請求項１記載の発明の閉断面部を特定し、車体平面視で断面略三角形状に形成する構成としたものである。
【０００９】
請求項３記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、請求項１または請求項２記載の発明の構成要件に加えて、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部に、ドアヒンジの取付部を補強するヒンジレインフォースメントを設ける構成としたものである。
【００１０】
請求項４記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、請求項１、請求項２または請求項３記載の発明の構成要件に加えて、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部に、ドアヒンジを共締めにより固定する構成としたものである。
【００１１】
請求項５記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、請求項１、請求項２、請求項３または請求項４記載の発明のフロントピラーインナの下端部を特定し、第１ハット状断面部の凸状部よりも前側の平板部の車幅方向内方側において車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成するように、その前側の平板部に対して所定間隔隔てた離間状態で前方へ延びて該前側の平板部の前端に接合する構成としたものである。
【００１２】
さらに、請求項６記載の発明が講じた解決手段は、請求１記載の発明で前提とした自動車の上部車体構造を同様に前提とし、フロントピラーアウタ及びヒンジピラーアウタが、それぞれ、上記フロントピラー及びヒンジピラーの車外側の側壁を構成していて、該ヒンジピラーアウタの上端部を、フロントピラーの閉断面内に延設し、その上端部に、車幅方向外方に突出する凸状部と、該凸状部より前後方向にそれぞれ突出する平板部とからなる断面略ハット状の第１ハット状断面部を形成する。そして、フロントピラーインナの下端部を、上記第１ハット状断面部の凸状部よりも前側の平板部の車幅方向内方側において車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成するように、その前側の平板部に対して所定間隔隔てた離間状態で前方へ延びて該前側の平板部の前端に接合する構成としたものである。
【００１３】
【作用】
上記の構成により、請求項１記載の発明では、ヒンジピラーアウタの上端部つまり第１ハット状断面部は、フロントピラーの閉断面内に延設され、このフロントピラーの下端部とヒンジピラーの上端部との重合により該両ピラーの閉断面が上下方向に連続している。その場合、フロントピラーアウタの第２ハット状断面部の第２凸状部は、上記第１ハット状断面部の第１凸状部よりも前側の第１平板部上において下方に行くに従い前方に広がる末広がり部を有し、この末広がり部下方の第２凸状部を、上記第１凸状部に略一致する断面形状となるように末広がり部を第１凸状部の前面に収束させた状態で該第１凸状部の外面に重合させて、上記前側の第１平板部上に第１凸状部と末広がり部とによる閉断面部が形成されている。このため、フロントピラーの下端部とヒンジピラーの上端部との重合によって該両ピラーの閉断面が上下方向に連続するとともに、その両ピラーの重合部が閉断面部によって効果的に補強されることになり、フロントピラーの前後方向の振れに対して閉断面部を有効利用してフロントピラーが十分に補強される。
【００１４】
請求項２記載の発明では、閉断面部が車体平面視で断面略三角形状に形成されているので、ヒンジピラーアウタの第１凸状部の前面外端および前側の第１平板部前端が末広がり部により最短距離で連結して該第１凸状部の前面および前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度が効果的に高められ、フロントピラーの下端部（閉断面部）に作用する車体前後方向の荷重が効果的に抑制される。
【００１５】
請求項３記載の発明では、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部にヒンジレインフォースメントが設けられているので、ヒンジレインフォースメントによって重合部の剛性強度が効果的に高められる。
【００１６】
請求項４記載の発明では、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部にドアヒンジが共締めにより固定されているので、ドアヒンジの共締力が重合部に作用して、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との結合強度が高められる。
【００１７】
請求項５記載の発明では、フロントピラーインナの下端部と、ヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部との間に車幅方向に離間する閉断面が車体前後方向に延びて形成されているので、フロントピラーインナおよびヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度がさらに高められる。
【００１８】
さらに、請求項６記載の発明では、フロントピラーインナの下端部と、ヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部との間に車幅方向に離間する閉断面が車体前後方向に延びて形成されているので、フロントピラーインナおよびヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度が高められる。
【００１９】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００２０】
図８は本発明の一実施例に係る上部車体構造を備えた２ボックスタイプの自動車を示し、この自動車１の上端部には、車体上端部の左右両側端位置をそれぞれ前後方向に延びて設けられた閉断面形状のルーフサイドレール２，２と、上記車体上部前端位置を車幅方向に延びて設けられ、上記各ルーフサイドレール２の前端を車幅方向に連結する閉断面形状のフロントヘッダ３と、上記車体上部後端位置を車幅方向に延びて設けられ、上記各ルーフサイドレール２の後端を車幅方向に連結する閉断面形状のリヤヘッダ４と、周縁が上記各ルーフサイドレール２および各ヘッダ３，４に取り付けられたルーフパネル５とを備えている。また、図２に示すように、上記フロントヘッダ３には、フロントガラス６の上縁が接着されており、このフロントガラス６の下端は、低ボンネット化に伴い下方に延設され、車幅方向に延びるカウルパネル７の後端部に接着固定されている。
【００２１】
上記自動車１の側面には、フロントドア用開口１０、リヤドア用開口１１およびリヤクォータウインド用開口１２が前から順に設けられている。上記フロントドア用開口１０は、その前縁を形成するフロントピラー１３およびヒンジピラー１４と、後縁を形成するセンタピラー１５と、上記フロントピラー１３およびセンタピラー１５の上端がそれぞれ連結されるルーフサイドレール２の前部と、ヒンジピラー１４およびセンタピラー１５の下端がそれぞれ連結されたサイドシル１６の前部とにより区画されている。該サイドシル１６は、サイドシルインナ１６ａ（図１参照）とサイドシルアウタ１６ｂとで車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成している。上記リヤドア用開口１１は、その前縁を形成するセンタピラー１５と、後縁を形成するリヤクォータピラー１７と、該各ピラー１５，１７の上下両端がそれぞれ連結されるルーフサイドレール２の後部と、下縁を形成するサイドシル１６の後部とにより区画されている。上記リヤクォータウインド用開口１２は、その前縁部が上記リヤクォータピラー１７の上部により形成され、残る縁部がリヤクォータ部１８の上部により形成されている。
【００２２】
上記フロントピラー１３は、図１にも示すように、フロントピラーインナ１３ａとフロントピラーアウタ１３ｂとで下方に行くに従い前方に位置するように傾斜する略上下方向に延びる閉断面を形成していて、低ボンネット化に伴い下方に延設されて上記フロントウインド６の側端を接着固定している。また、上記フロントピラー１４の下端部よりほぼ真っ直ぐ下方に延びるヒンジピラー１４は、ヒンジピラーインナ１４ａとヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂとで閉断面を形成しており、上記フロントピラー１３の下端部をヒンジピラー１４の上端部に重合して該両ピラー１３，１４の閉断面を上下方向に連続させている。
【００２３】
上記ヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの上端部は、図３および図４にも示すように、上記フロントピラー１３の閉断面内に延設され、このヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂは、車幅方向外方に突出する第１凸状部２１と、該第１凸状部２１の前後の内端辺より前後方向にそれぞれ延設された前側および後側の第１平板部２２，２２とからなる断面略ハット状の第１ハット状断面部２３が形成されている。一方、上記フロントピラー１３の下端部は、上記ヒンジピラー１４との重合が可能となるようにほぼ真っ直ぐ下方に延びており、そのフロントピラーアウタ１３ｂの下端部には、上記第１ハット状断面部２３の第１凸状部２１の断面形状に倣って車幅方向外方に突出しかつその第１凸状部２１に重合可能な第２凸状部２４と、該第２凸状部２４の前後の内端辺より前後方向にそれぞれ延設された前側および後側の第２平板部２５，２５とからなる断面略ハット状の第２ハット状断面部２６が形成されている。上記第２凸状部２４には、上記第１凸状部２１よりも前側の第１平板部２２の外面上において下方に行くに従い前方に広がる末広がり部２７が形成されている。そして、上記末広がり部２７の上下両側に位置する第２凸状部２４は、上記第１凸状部２１に略一致する断面形状となるように末広がり部２７を第１凸状部２１の前面に収束させて該第１凸状部２１の外面に重合されてなり、上記前側の第１平板部２２上において第１凸状部２１と末広がり部２７とによる閉断面部２８が形成されている。上記閉断面部２８は、車体平面視で断面略三角形状に形成されている。
【００２４】
上記第１ハット状断面部２３と第２ハット状断面部２６との重合部３０には、図６にも示すように、ドアヒンジ３１の取付部を補強するためのヒンジレインフォースメント３２が設けられている。また、上記ヒンジレインフォースメント３２の上下両位置には、上下一対のドアヒンジ３１，３１が重合部３０又は第１ハット状断面部２３を介したボルト３３，…の共締めにより固定されている。さらに、上記フロントピラーインナ１３ａの下端部は、上記第１凸状部２３よりも前側の第１平板部２２の車幅方向内方側においてフロントピラー２３の閉断面を車体前方に延ばすように、その前側の第１平板部２２に対して車幅方向に所定間隔隔てた離間状態で前方へ延び、その延出端が該前側の第１平板部２２に接合されている。
【００２５】
上記フロントピラーインナ１３ａの前端部内面には、図７にも示すように、エンジンルーム４１の側壁を形成するホイールエプロン４２の後端が接合されている。該フロントエプロン４２は、上記重合部３０の下端位置において上下に分割されており、その上側の上部ホイールエプロン４２ａと下側の下部ホイールエプロン４２ｂとの間には、図示しないフロントサスペンションのショックアブソーバの上端を支持するサスペンションアッパ部材４３外端部が挾持された状態で接合されている。該サスペンションアッパ部材４３外端は、ホイールエプロン４２よりも外方に延出されており、このサスペンションアッパ部材４３外端と、上部ホイールエプロン４２ａの後部とには、断面略Ｌ字状のホイールエプロンレインフォースメント４４の上下端がそれぞれ接合され、該三者４２ａ，４３，４４によって車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成している。上記ホイールエプロンレインフォースメント４４の後端は、上記末広がり部２７付近の重合部３０に接合されている。また、上記カウルパネル７の側端は、上記上部ホイールエプロン４２ａとホイールエプロンレインフォースメント４４との間に挾持された状態で接合されている。上記カウルパネル７の下面後端には、エンジンルーム４１と車室４５とを仕切るダッシュロアパネル４６の上端が接合されている。該ダッシュロアパネル４６の下端には、車幅方向に延びるトルクボックス４７が接合され、このトルクボックス４７とダッシュロアパネル４６とで車幅方向に延びる閉断面を形成している。さらに、図５に示すように、上記重合部３０よりも下方のヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの前側の第１平板部２２は、ヒンジピラーインナ１４ａよりも前方に延設され、その先端に上記ダッシュロアパネル４６の側端が接合されている。
【００２６】
尚、図６中５１はフロントフェンダ、５２はインストルメントパネル、５３は重合部３０を車室４５内方から隠すトリムである。
【００２７】
したがって、上記実施例では、ヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの上端部つまり第１ハット状断面部２３は、フロントピラー１３の閉断面内に延設され、このフロントピラー１３の下端部とヒンジピラー１４の上端部との重合により該両ピラー１３，１４の閉断面が上下方向に連続している。その場合、フロントピラーアウタ１３ｂの下端部つまり第２ハット状断面部２６は、上記第１ハット状断面部２３の第１凸状部２１よりも前側の第１平板部２２の外面上において下方に行くに従い前方に広がる末広がり部２７を第２凸状部２４に有し、この末広がり部２７の上下両側に位置する第２凸状部２４を、上記第１凸状部２１に略一致する断面形状となるように末広がり部２７を第１凸状部２１の前面に収束させた状態で該第１凸状部２１の外面に重合させて、上記前側の第１平板部２２外面上に第１凸状部２１と末広がり部２７とによる閉断面部２８が形成されている。このため、フロントピラー１３の下端部とヒンジピラー１４の上端部との重合によって該両ピラー１３，１４の閉断面が上下方向に連続するとともに、その両ピラー１３，１４の重合部３０が閉断面部２８（他の閉断面）により補強されることになり、閉断面部２８を効果的に利用したフロントピラー１３の補強構造を可能とし、フロントピラー１３の振れを確実に防止することができる。
【００２８】
しかも、閉断面部２８が車体平面視で断面略三角形状に形成されているので、ヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの第１凸状部２１の前面外端および前側の第１平板部２２前端が末広がり部２７により最短距離で連結されて該第１凸状部２１の前面および前側の第１平板部２２の面剛性強度が効果的に高められ、フロントピラー１３の下端部（閉断面部）に作用する車体前後方向の荷重を効果的に抑制することができる。さらに、第１ハット状断面部２３と第２ハット状断面部２６との重合部３０にヒンジレインフォースメント３２が設けられているとともに、上記重合部３０にドアヒンジ３１，３１がボルト３３を介した共締めにより固定されているので、重合部３０の剛性強度の効果的な向上を図ることができるとともに、ドアヒンジ３１，３１の共締力を重合部３０に作用させて第１ハット状断面部２３と第２ハット状断面部２６との結合強度を高めることができる。
【００２９】
また、フロントピラーインナ１３ａの下端部と、ヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの前側の第１平板部２２との間に車幅方向に離間する閉断面が車体前後方向に延びて形成されているので、フロントピラーインナ１３ａおよびヒンジピラーアウタ１４ｂの第１平板部２２の面剛性強度をさらに高めることができ、フロントピラー１３の振れ防止に大きく貢献することができる。
【００３０】
尚、本発明は上記実施例に限定されるものではなく、その他種々の変形例を包含するものである。例えば、上記実施例では、前側の第１平板部２２外面上に第１凸状部２１と末広がり部２７とによる閉断面部２８を形成したが、この閉断面部の代わりに、フロントピラーインナの下端部と、ヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部との間に車幅方向に離間する閉断面のみが車体前後方向に延びて形成されるようにしても良く、この場合においても、フロントピラーインナおよびヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度が高められて、フロントピラーの前後方向の振れを効果的に抑制することができる。
【００３１】
【発明の効果】
以上の如く、請求項１記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、フロントピラーの下端部とヒンジピラーの上端部との重合によって該両ピラーの閉断面を上下方向に連続させるとともに、末広がり部の上下を第１凸状部に収束させた閉断面部によって両ピラーの重合部を効果的に補強して、閉断面部を有効利用したフロントピラーの補強構造を可能とし、フロントピラーの振れを確実に防止することができる。
【００３２】
請求項２記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、閉断面部を車体平面視で断面略三角形状に形成したので、第１凸状部の前面および前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度を効果的に高めて、フロントピラーの下端部に作用する車体前後方向の荷重を効果的に抑制することができる。
【００３３】
請求項３記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部にヒンジレインフォースメントを設けたので、ヒンジレインフォースメントによる重合部の剛性強度の効果的な向上を図ることができる。
【００３４】
請求項４記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との重合部にドアヒンジを共締め固定したので、ドアヒンジの共締力により第１ハット状断面部と第２ハット状断面部との結合強度を高めることができる。
【００３５】
請求項５記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、フロントピラーインナの下端部とヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部との間に車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成したので、フロントピラーインナおよびヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度をさらに高めて、フロントピラーの前後方向の振れをより確実に防止することができる。
【００３６】
さらに、請求項６記載の発明における自動車の上部車体構造によれば、フロントピラーインナの下端部とヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部との間に車体前後方向に延びる閉断面を形成したので、フロントピラーインナおよびヒンジピラーアウタの前側の第１平板部の面剛性強度を高めて、フロントピラーの前後方向の振れを効果的に抑制することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例に係るフロントピラーおよびヒンジピラー付近の分解斜視図である。
【図２】同フロントピラーおよびヒンジピラー付近の斜視図である。
【図３】同じく図２のＢ−Ｂ線における断面図である。
【図４】同じく図２のＡ−Ａ線における断面図である。
【図５】同じく図２のＣ−Ｃ線における断面図である。
【図６】同じく末広がり部分で切断した縦断正面図である。
【図７】同各ピラーよりも前側付近の斜視図である。
【図８】自動車の斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１自動車
１３フロントピラー
１３ａフロントピラーインナ
１３ｂフロントピラーアウタ
１４ヒンジピラー
１４ａヒンジピラーインナ
１４ｂヒンジピラーアウタ
２１第１凸状部
２２第１平板部
２３第１ハット状断面部
２４第２凸状部
２５第２平板部
２６第２ハット状断面部
２７末広がり部
２８閉断面部
３０重合部
３１ドアヒンジ
３２ヒンジレインフォースメント[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an upper body structure of an automobile, and particularly relates to a measure for increasing the rigidity strength of a lower end portion of a front pillar.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in an upper body structure of an automobile, a front pillar that is provided on the front upper portion of the vehicle body and that forms a closed cross section that extends in a substantially vertical direction by a front pillar inner and a front pillar outer, and a lower portion of the front pillar below Extended and provided,
The hinge pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer form a hinge pillar that forms a closed section extending substantially in the vertical direction, and the lower end portion of the front pillar is overlapped with the upper end portion of the hinge pillar so that the closed cross sections of both pillars are continuous in the vertical direction. I try to let them.
[0003]
By the way, in recent years, some automobiles tend to position the bonnet at a low position. In that case, since the lower end portion of the front pillar naturally extends downward, the support rigidity strength of the front pillar is lowered by the length, and there is a disadvantage that the front pillar swings in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body due to vehicle body vibration. It was.
[0004]
Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-13374, the lower end portion of the front pillar is superposed on a cowl side panel having a substantially L-shaped cross section provided at the front lower portion of the vehicle body. It has been proposed and known to reinforce the lower end portion of the front pillar by forming a closed cross section that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and that includes a cowl side panel and a front pillar outer so as to be connected to the rear side of the closed cross section of the pillar. Yes.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the proposed reinforcing structure, the closed cross-section of the front pillar ends at the overlapping portion with the cowl side panel (the lower end portion of the front pillar), so another closed structure composed of the cowl side panel and the front pillar outer. When the lower end portion of the front pillar is reinforced by the cross section, the reinforcement by the other closed cross section is performed only at the lower end portion of the front pillar, and it cannot be said that the support rigidity strength of the front pillar is sufficient, and the front pillar shakes. It cannot be effectively suppressed. In addition, the other closed cross section is provided in a state in which the vertical cross section is opened in the vertical direction, so that the opening portion is liable to be crushed with respect to the vibration of the front pillar in the front-rear direction. It could not be said that sufficient reinforcement was achieved, and an effective front pillar reinforcement structure was desired.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point. The object of the present invention is to make the closed cross section of the front pillar continuous downward by a hinge pillar and to use the overlapping portion of the two pillars to add another portion to the overlapping portion. By effectively forming a closed cross section, the support rigidity strength of the front pillar is increased, and the swing of the front pillar is prevented.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a solution provided by the invention according to claim 1 is a front pillar which is provided at the front upper portion of the vehicle body and forms a closed cross section extending substantially in the vertical direction between the front pillar inner and the front pillar outer. A hinge pillar that extends downward from the lower end portion of the front pillar and that forms a closed cross section extending substantially vertically by the hinge pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer, and the lower end portion of the front pillar is the upper end portion of the hinge pillar. only assumes upper body structure of an automobile so as to continuously closed section in the vertical direction of the polymerization to the both pillars. The front pillar outer and the hinge pillar outer constitute side walls on the vehicle exterior side of the front pillar and the hinge pillar, respectively, and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer extends within the closed cross section of the front pillar. The upper end of the hinge pillar outer includes a first convex portion projecting outward in the vehicle width direction, and front and rear first flat plate portions respectively extending in the front-rear direction from the first convex portion. A first hat-shaped cross section having a substantially hat-shaped cross section is formed. On the other hand, at the lower end portion of the front pillar outer, it projects outward in the vehicle width direction and spreads forward as it goes downward on the first flat plate portion on the front side of the first convex portion of the first hat-shaped cross section. Forming a second hat-shaped cross-section having a substantially hat-shaped cross section comprising a second convex portion having a portion and a front and rear second flat plate portions respectively extending in the front-rear direction from the second convex portion. To do. Further, the second convex portion below the divergent portion is converged on the front surface of the first convex portion so as to have a cross-sectional shape substantially coinciding with the first convex portion. Is formed on the first flat plate portion on the front side to form a closed cross-section portion with a first convex portion and a divergent portion.
[0008]
The solution provided by the invention according to claim 2 is a configuration in which the closed cross section of the invention according to claim 1 is specified and formed in a substantially triangular cross section in a plan view of the vehicle body.
[0009]
The solution provided by the invention according to claim 3 is that, in addition to the constituent features of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the door hinge is provided at the overlapping portion of the first hat-shaped cross section and the second hat-shaped cross section. It is set as the structure which provides the hinge reinforcement which reinforces this attachment part.
[0010]
The solution provided by the invention according to claim 4 is the polymerization of the first hat-shaped cross-section portion and the second hat-shaped cross-section portion in addition to the constituent features of the invention according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3. The door hinge is fixed to the part by fastening together.
[0011]
The solution provided by the invention according to claim 5 is to specify the lower end portion of the front pillar inner of the invention according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, and to project the first hat-shaped cross section. The front side of the flat plate portion extending forward from the front plate portion is spaced apart from the front plate portion by a predetermined distance so as to form a closed cross section extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the flat plate portion on the front side of the shape portion. It is set as the structure joined to the front end of this flat plate part.
[0012]
Further, the solution provided by the invention according to claim 6 is similarly premised on the upper body structure of the automobile assumed in the invention according to claim 1, and the front pillar outer and the hinge pillar outer are respectively the front pillar and A side wall on the vehicle outer side of the hinge pillar is configured, and an upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer extends within the closed section of the front pillar, and a convex portion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction at the upper end portion; A first hat-shaped cross section having a substantially hat-shaped cross section is formed which includes a flat plate portion protruding in the front-rear direction from the convex portion. And the lower end portion of the front pillar inner is formed on the front side so as to form a closed cross section extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the vehicle width direction inward side of the flat plate portion on the front side of the convex portion of the first hat cross section. The flat plate portion extends forward and is joined to the front end of the flat plate portion on the front side.
[0013]
[Action]
With the above configuration, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer, that is, the first hat-shaped cross-sectional portion extends in the closed cross section of the front pillar, and the lower end portion of the front pillar and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar The closed cross-sections of both pillars are continuous in the vertical direction due to polymerization. In that case, the second convex portion of the second hat-shaped cross-section portion of the front pillar outer moves forward as it goes downward on the first flat plate portion on the front side of the first convex portion of the first hat-shaped cross-section portion. A state in which the divergent part is converged on the front surface of the first convex part so that the second convex part below the divergent part has a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches the first convex part. Thus, a closed cross-sectional portion is formed by the first convex portion and the divergent portion on the first flat plate portion on the front side. For this reason, the closed cross section of both pillars continues in the vertical direction by the polymerization of the lower end portion of the front pillar and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar, and the overlapped portion of both pillars is effectively reinforced by the closed cross section portion. Thus, the front pillar is sufficiently reinforced by effectively utilizing the closed cross-section portion with respect to the front pillar's forward and backward deflection.
[0014]
In the second aspect of the present invention, since the closed cross-sectional portion is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a plan view of the vehicle body, the front outer end of the first convex portion of the hinge pillar outer and the front end of the first flat plate portion on the front side are widened. The front-rear direction of the vehicle body that acts on the lower end portion (closed cross-section portion) of the front pillar by effectively connecting the front portion of the first convex portion and the surface rigidity of the first flat plate portion on the front side. Is effectively suppressed.
[0015]
In the invention according to claim 3, since the hinge reinforcement is provided in the overlapping portion of the first hat-shaped cross-section portion and the second hat-shaped cross-section portion, the rigidity of the overlapping portion is effectively increased by the hinge reinforcement. Enhanced.
[0016]
In the invention according to claim 4, since the door hinge is fixed to the overlapping portion of the first hat-shaped cross-section portion and the second hat-shaped cross-section portion by tightening, the co-tightening force of the door hinge acts on the overlapping portion, The bond strength between the first hat-shaped cross section and the second hat-shaped cross section is increased.
[0017]
In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the closed cross section that is separated in the vehicle width direction is formed extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the lower end portion of the front pillar inner and the first flat plate portion on the front side of the hinge pillar outer. The surface rigidity of the first flat plate portion on the front side of the front pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer is further increased.
[0018]
Further, in the invention described in claim 6, a closed cross section that is spaced apart in the vehicle width direction is formed extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the lower end portion of the front pillar inner and the first flat plate portion on the front side of the hinge pillar outer. Therefore, the surface rigidity strength of the first flat plate portion on the front side of the front pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer is increased.
[0019]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 8 shows a two-box type vehicle having an upper vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The upper end of the vehicle 1 is provided with left and right side end positions of the vehicle upper end extending in the front-rear direction. Closed cross-section shaped roof side rails 2, 2 and a front header having a closed cross-sectional shape provided with the vehicle body upper front end position extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the front end of each roof side rail 2 in the vehicle width direction. 3, a rear header 4 having a closed cross section that is provided with the rear end position of the upper part of the vehicle body extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the rear ends of the roof side rails 2 in the vehicle width direction, and a peripheral edge of each roof side rail. 2 and a roof panel 5 attached to each header 3, 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper edge of the windshield 6 is bonded to the front header 3, and the lower end of the windshield 6 is extended downward in accordance with the low bonnet, in the vehicle width direction. Is attached and fixed to the rear end portion of the cowl panel 7 extending in the direction.
[0021]
A front door opening 10, a rear door opening 11, and a rear quarter window opening 12 are sequentially provided on the side surface of the automobile 1 from the front. The front door opening 10 includes a front pillar 13 and a hinge pillar 14 that form a front edge thereof, a center pillar 15 that forms a rear edge, and a roof side rail to which the upper ends of the front pillar 13 and the center pillar 15 are coupled. 2 and the front part of the side sill 16 to which the lower ends of the hinge pillar 14 and the center pillar 15 are respectively connected. The side sill 16 forms a closed cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body by a side sill inner 16a (see FIG. 1) and a side sill outer 16b. The rear door opening 11 includes a center pillar 15 that forms a front edge thereof, a rear quarter pillar 17 that forms a rear edge, and a rear portion of the roof side rail 2 to which upper and lower ends of the pillars 15 and 17 are respectively connected. And the rear portion of the side sill 16 forming the lower edge. The rear quarter window opening 12 has a front edge formed by the upper part of the rear quarter pillar 17 and a remaining edge formed by the upper part of the rear quarter part 18.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, the front pillar 13 forms a closed cross section extending in a substantially vertical direction that is inclined so as to be positioned forward as it goes downward at the front pillar inner 13 a and the front pillar outer 13 b. Along with the low bonnet, it is extended downward and the side edges of the front window 6 are bonded and fixed. The hinge pillar 14 extending substantially straight downward from the lower end portion of the front pillar 14 forms a closed section with a hinge pillar inner 14a and a hinge pillar outer 14b, and the lower end portion of the front pillar 13 is connected to the upper end of the hinge pillar 14. The closed cross sections of the pillars 13 and 14 are continuous in the vertical direction.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer 14 b extends within the closed section of the front pillar 13, and the hinge pillar outer 14 b protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. A first section having a substantially hat-like cross section comprising a first convex portion 21 and front and rear first flat plate portions 22 and 22 extending in the front-rear direction from the front and rear inner ends of the first convex portion 21, respectively. A one-hat cross section 23 is formed. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the front pillar 13 extends substantially straight downward so as to be superposed with the hinge pillar 14, and the lower end portion of the front pillar outer 13b has the first hat-shaped cross section 23. A second convex portion 24 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and can be superposed on the first convex portion 21 in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the first convex portion 21, and the front and rear sides of the second convex portion 24. A second hat-shaped cross-sectional portion 26 having a substantially hat-shaped cross section is formed, which includes front and rear second flat plate portions 25 and 25 respectively extending in the front-rear direction from the inner end side. The second convex portion 24 is formed with a divergent portion 27 that spreads forward as it goes downward on the outer surface of the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side of the first convex portion 21. And the 2nd convex part 24 located in the up-and-down both sides of the said divergent part 27 has the divergent part 27 in the front surface of the 1st convex part 21 so that it may become a cross-sectional shape substantially corresponding to the said 1st convex part 21. A closed cross-section portion 28 is formed by the first convex portion 21 and the divergent portion 27 on the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side by being converged and superposed on the outer surface of the first convex portion 21. The closed cross-sectional portion 28 is formed in a substantially triangular cross section in a plan view of the vehicle body.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 6, a hinge reinforcement 32 for reinforcing the attachment portion of the door hinge 31 is provided in the overlapping portion 30 of the first hat-shaped cross-section portion 23 and the second hat-shaped cross-section portion 26. ing. Further, the upper and lower positions of the hinge reinforcement ment 32 is secured by bolts 33, ... fastened in through a pair of upper and lower door hinges 31, 31 overlapping part 30 or the first hat-shaped cross section 23 . Further, the lower end portion of the front pillar inner 13a extends the closed cross section of the front pillar 23 forward of the vehicle body inward in the vehicle width direction of the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side of the first convex portion 23. The front flat plate portion 22 extends forward with a predetermined distance from the front flat plate portion 22 in the vehicle width direction, and its extending end is joined to the front first flat plate portion 22.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 7, the rear end of the wheel apron 42 that forms the side wall of the engine room 41 is joined to the inner surface of the front end portion of the front pillar inner 13a. The front apron 42 is vertically divided at the lower end position of the overlapping portion 30, and a shock absorber of a front suspension (not shown) is interposed between the upper wheel apron 42a on the upper side and the lower wheel apron 42b on the lower side. The suspension upper member 43 that supports the upper end is joined in a state where the outer end of the suspension upper member 43 is held. The outer end of the suspension upper member 43 extends outward from the wheel apron 42. A wheel apron having a substantially L-shaped cross section is formed at the outer end of the suspension upper member 43 and the rear portion of the upper wheel apron 42a. The upper and lower ends of the reinforcement 44 are joined together to form a closed section extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body by the three parties 42a, 43, 44. The rear end of the wheel apron reinforcement 44 is joined to the overlapping portion 30 in the vicinity of the divergent portion 27. Further, the side end of the cowl panel 7 is joined between the upper wheel apron 42a and the wheel apron reinforcement 44 in a sandwiched state. The upper end of a dash lower panel 46 that partitions the engine room 41 and the vehicle compartment 45 is joined to the rear end of the lower surface of the cowl panel 7. A torque box 47 extending in the vehicle width direction is joined to the lower end of the dash lower panel 46, and the torque box 47 and the dash lower panel 46 form a closed cross section extending in the vehicle width direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side of the hinge pillar outer 14b below the overlapping portion 30 extends forward from the hinge pillar inner 14a, and the dash lower panel 46 is provided at the tip thereof. The side edges of are joined.
[0026]
In FIG. 6, 51 is a front fender, 52 is an instrument panel, and 53 is a trim that hides the overlapping portion 30 from the inside of the passenger compartment 45.
[0027]
Therefore, in the above embodiment, the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer 14b, that is, the first hat-shaped cross-sectional portion 23 extends in the closed cross section of the front pillar 13, and the lower end portion of the front pillar 13 and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar 14 are As a result of the polymerization, the closed cross-sections of both pillars 13 and 14 are continuous in the vertical direction. In that case, the lower end portion of the front pillar outer 13 b, that is, the second hat-shaped cross-sectional portion 26, is downward on the outer surface of the first flat plate portion 22 in front of the first convex portion 21 of the first hat-shaped cross-sectional portion 23. The second convex portion 24 has a divergent portion 27 that spreads forward as it goes, and the second convex portions 24 located on both upper and lower sides of the divergent portion 27 substantially coincide with the first convex portion 21. The divergent portion 27 is converged on the outer surface of the first convex portion 21 in a state of being converged on the front surface of the first convex portion 21 so that the first convex portion is formed on the outer surface of the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side. A closed cross-section portion 28 is formed by the shape portion 21 and the divergent portion 27. For this reason, the closed cross section of both pillars 13 and 14 continues in the vertical direction due to the polymerization of the lower end portion of the front pillar 13 and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar 14, and the overlapped portion 30 of both pillars 13 and 14 is a closed cross section portion. Thus, the reinforcing structure of the front pillar 13 that effectively uses the closed cross-section portion 28 is enabled, and the vibration of the front pillar 13 can be reliably prevented.
[0028]
In addition, since the closed cross-sectional portion 28 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a plan view of the vehicle body, the front outer end of the first convex portion 21 of the hinge pillar outer 14b and the front end of the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side are the widening end portion 27. The vehicle body acting at the lower end portion (closed cross-section portion) of the front pillar 13 by being connected at the shortest distance and effectively enhancing the surface rigidity strength of the front surface of the first convex portion 21 and the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side. The load in the front-rear direction can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the hinge reinforcement 32 to the polymerization unit 30 of the first hat-shaped cross section 23 and the second hat-shaped cross-section portion 26 is provided, on the overlapping portions 30 is a door hinge 31, 31 through the bolt 33 Since the rigid strength of the overlapping portion 30 can be effectively improved by being fastened together, the first hat-shaped cross-sectional portion 23 is caused by acting the tightening force of the door hinges 31 and 31 on the overlapping portion 30. And the second hat-shaped cross-section 26 can be increased in bonding strength.
[0029]
In addition, a closed cross section that is spaced apart in the vehicle width direction is formed between the lower end portion of the front pillar inner 13a and the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side of the hinge pillar outer 14b. The surface rigidity strength of the first flat plate portion 22 of the inner 13a and the hinge pillar outer 14b can be further increased, which can greatly contribute to prevention of the shake of the front pillar 13.
[0030]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Other various modifications are included. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the closed cross-section portion 28 formed by the first convex portion 21 and the divergent portion 27 is formed on the outer surface of the first flat plate portion 22 on the front side, but instead of this closed cross-section portion, the front pillar inner Only a closed cross-section separated in the vehicle width direction may be formed between the lower end portion and the first flat plate portion on the front side of the hinge pillar outer so as to extend in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The surface rigidity strength of the first flat plate portion on the front side of the inner and the hinge pillar outer is increased, and the front pillar can be effectively prevented from shaking in the front-rear direction.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the upper body structure of an automobile according to the first aspect of the present invention, the closed cross section of both pillars is continued in the vertical direction by overlapping the lower end portion of the front pillar and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar, and the divergent portion is expanded. By effectively reinforcing the overlapping part of both pillars by the closed cross-sectional part that converges the top and bottom of the first convex part, it is possible to construct a front pillar reinforcement structure that effectively uses the closed cross-sectional part, It can be surely prevented.
[0032]
According to the upper vehicle body structure of the automobile of the second aspect of the present invention, since the closed cross-sectional portion is formed in a substantially triangular cross-section in a plan view of the vehicle body, the surface rigidity of the front surface of the first convex portion and the first flat plate portion on the front side The strength can be effectively increased, and the vehicle body longitudinal load acting on the lower end portion of the front pillar can be effectively suppressed.
[0033]
According to the upper body structure of an automobile according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the hinge reinforcement is provided at the overlapping portion of the first hat-shaped cross-sectional portion and the second hat-shaped cross-sectional portion, the overlapping portion by the hinge reinforcement is provided. It is possible to effectively improve the rigidity strength.
[0034]
According to the upper body structure of an automobile according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the door hinge is fastened and fixed to the overlapping portion of the first hat-shaped cross section and the second hat-shaped cross section, the first tightening force of the door hinge is used. The bond strength between the hat-shaped cross section and the second hat-shaped cross section can be increased.
[0035]
According to the upper body structure of the vehicle of the invention described in claim 5, since the closed cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is formed between the lower end portion of the front pillar inner and the first flat plate portion on the front side of the hinge pillar outer, The surface rigidity strength of the first flat plate portion on the front side of the pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer can be further increased, and the front pillar can be more reliably prevented from shaking in the front-rear direction.
[0036]
Furthermore, according to the upper body structure of the vehicle of the invention described in claim 6, the closed cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is formed between the lower end portion of the front pillar inner and the first flat plate portion on the front side of the hinge pillar outer. The surface rigidity strength of the first flat plate portion on the front side of the front pillar inner and the hinge pillar outer can be increased, and the front pillar can be effectively prevented from shaking in the front-rear direction.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a front pillar and a hinge pillar according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the front pillar and the hinge pillar.
[3] Also in FIG. 2 B - is a sectional view taken along the line B.
Is a sectional view taken along the line A - [4] also A of FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal front view similarly cut along a divergent portion.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view near the front side of each pillar.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an automobile.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automobile 13 Front pillar 13a Front pillar inner 13b Front pillar outer 14 Hinge pillar 14a Hinge pillar inner 14b Hinge pillar outer 21 1st convex part 22 1st flat plate part 23 1st hat-shaped cross-section part 24 2nd convex part 25 2nd Flat plate portion 26 Second hat-shaped cross-section portion 27 End spread portion 28 Closed cross-section portion 30 Superposition portion 31 Door hinge 32 Hinge reinforcement

Claims

Disposed in the front upper portion of the vehicle body, a front pillar inner (13a) and the front pillar outer front pillar (13) forming a closed cross section extending substantially vertically out with (13b),
Provided extending from the lower lower-end portion of the front pillar (13), and a hinge pillar (14) forming a closed cross section extending substantially vertically out hinge pillar inner (14a) and a hinge pillar outer (14b), in the upper body structure of an automobile so as to continuously closed section in the vertical direction of the both pillar only polymerized to an upper end portion (13, 14) of the lower end portion of the hinge pillar (14) of the front pillar (13),
The front pillar outer (13b) and the hinge pillar outer (14b), respectively, and constitute the vehicle exterior side wall of the front pillar (13) and the hinge pillar (14),
The upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer ( 14b ) extends within the closed cross section of the front pillar ( 13 ) , and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer ( 14b ) protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. convex portions (21), the first flat plate portion of the first convex portion (21) respectively extending in the longitudinal direction than the front and rear (22, 22) consisting a cross section hat-shaped first hat While the cross section ( 23 ) is formed,
The lower end portion of the front pillar outer ( 13b ) protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and has a first flat plate portion ( 22 ) on the front side of the first convex portion ( 21 ) of the first hat-shaped cross section ( 23 ) . ) A second convex part ( 24 ) having a divergent part ( 27 ) that spreads forward as it goes downward on the upper side, and a front side and a rear side respectively extending in the front-rear direction from the second convex part ( 24 ) A second hat-shaped cross section ( 26 ) having a substantially hat-shaped cross section formed of the second flat plate portions ( 25 , 25 ) ,
The divergent portion (27) second convex portions of the lower (24), substantially matching a divergent portion such that the cross-sectional shape (27) of the first convex portion to the first convex portion (21) (21 ) Converged on the front surface of the first convex portion ( 21 ) and superposed on the outer surface of the first convex portion ( 21 ) , the first convex portion ( 21 ) and the divergent portion ( 27 ) on the first flat plate portion ( 22 ) on the front side. An upper body structure of an automobile, wherein a closed cross section ( 28 ) is formed.

The upper body structure of an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the closed section ( 28 ) is formed in a substantially triangular section in a plan view of the vehicle body.

The first hat-shaped cross section (23) in the overlapping portion between the second hat-shaped cross section (26) (30), the hinge reinforcement (32) is provided for reinforcing the mounting portion of the door hinge (31) The upper body structure of an automobile according to claim 1 or claim 2.

The door hinge ( 31 ) is fixed to the overlapping portion ( 30 ) of the first hat-shaped cross section ( 23 ) and the second hat-shaped cross section ( 26 ) by fastening together. The upper body structure of an automobile according to claim 3.

The lower end of the front pillar inner ( 13a ) has a closed cross section of the front pillar ( 13 ) on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the first flat plate portion ( 22 ) in front of the first convex portion ( 21 ). The first and second flat plate portions ( 22 ) extending forward and in a separated state with a predetermined distance from the front first flat plate portion ( 22 ) so as to extend forward, and joined to the front first flat plate portion ( 22 ). The upper body structure of an automobile according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4.

Disposed in the front upper portion of the vehicle body, a front pillar inner (13a) and the front pillar outer front pillar (13) forming a closed cross section extending substantially vertically out with (13b),
Provided extending downward from the lower end of the front pillar (13), hinge pillars (14) obtained by forming a closed cross section de hinge pillar inner (14a) and a hinge pillar outer (14b) and provided with said front pillar the lower end of (13) in the upper body structure of a vehicle closed section only polymerized with both said pillar to the upper end (13, 14) are continuous in the vertical direction of the hinge pillars (14),
The front pillar outer (13b) and the hinge pillar outer (14b), respectively, and constitute the vehicle exterior side wall of the front pillar (13) and the hinge pillar (14),
The upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer ( 14b ) extends within the closed cross section of the front pillar ( 13 ) , and the upper end portion of the hinge pillar outer ( 14b ) protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. convex portions (21), the first flat plate portion of the first convex portion (21) respectively extended from the front-rear direction has been front and rear (22, 22) consisting a section substantially hat-shaped first A hat-shaped cross section ( 23 ) is formed,
The lower end portion of the front pillar inner ( 13a ) has a closed cross section of the front pillar ( 13 ) on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the first flat plate portion ( 22 ) in front of the first convex portion ( 21 ). The first flat plate portion ( 22 ) extending forward and in a separated state with a predetermined distance from the front first flat plate portion ( 22 ) so as to extend forward of the vehicle body and joined to the front first flat plate portion ( 22 ). The upper body structure of an automobile.