JP4475885B2 - Vehicle roof structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle roof structure, and more particularly to a roof structure of a sunroof equipped vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a common roof panel is used for a vehicle without a sunroof and a vehicle with a sunroof. That is, a roof panel for a sunroof mounted vehicle is formed by providing a sunroof opening in a roof panel for a vehicle without a sunroof. Conventionally, in a vehicle not equipped with a sunroof, as shown in FIG. 5, a center race 2 (shown by a dotted line in the figure) is located at a position where the upper ends of the left and right center pillars 1 and 1 are connected. The cabin 4 is stiffened by being fixedly coupled to the side rails 3 and 3 on both sides of the vehicle body.
[0003]
On the other hand, the roof panel 5 of the vehicle equipped with the sunroof is provided with a sunroof opening 6 at a position where the center race 2 is disposed as the sunroof becomes larger. For this reason, the sunroof opening 6 includes a frame-shaped frame sunroof (indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing) 7 for stiffening around the opening, and plate-like sunroof brackets 8 and 8. Some are assembled (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-29066
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the roof structure in the conventional sunroof-equipped vehicle described above, the sunroof bracket 8 is assembled obliquely between the side rail 3 and the frame sunroof 7 as shown in FIG. Widely formed. Therefore, the amount of deformation of the sunroof bracket 8 at the time of a side collision is large, and it is difficult for the sunroof bracket 8 to prevent the center pillar 1 that falls down toward the vehicle interior.
[0006]
If the sunroof bracket 8 cannot prevent the center pillar 1 from falling down, the side rail 3 is bent into a V shape toward the vehicle interior, and the frame sunroof 7 is buckled in the vertical direction. . Further, the side rail 3 may be bent upward in the vehicle body. For this reason, there is a possibility that the amount of deformation of the cabin 4 increases and the safety of the passenger is impaired.
[0007]
In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to increase the surface rigidity by increasing the thickness of the sunroof bracket 8. However, according to such a method, there is a problem that, as the plate thickness increases, the weight increases and the component cost also increases.
[0008]
In addition, since the sunroof brackets 8 and 8 themselves are also enlarged with the increase in the size of the sunroof, there is also a problem that the weight increases here.
Furthermore, the sunroof brackets 8 and 8 have a large size, which hinders the installation of a curtain airbag (also referred to as a wind airbag) that prevents an occupant's head from directly hitting the center pillar 1 or the door window in a side collision. There is a problem of coming. That is, such a curtain airbag is built in the roof portion above the door window. For this reason, if the curtain airbag is to be attached to the sunroof-equipped vehicle, it will interfere with the enlarged sunroof brackets 8 and 8.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional roof structure of a vehicle, and in order to efficiently create a non-mounting specification and a mounting specification of a sunroof, An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle roof structure that improves the side impact performance without increasing the distance and does not interfere with the installation of the curtain airbag.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle roof structure including a side rail disposed on both sides of a vehicle body and having a center pillar coupled and fixed thereto, and a frame member bridged between the side rails. ,
A connecting member is interposed between the side rail and the frame member, one end of the connecting member is coupled and fixed to the outside of the vehicle body of the frame member using a stepped bolt, and the other end is While being coupled and fixed to the coupling portion of the center pillar and the side rail ,
The side rail includes a notch that engages with a stepped portion of the stepped bolt .
[0011]
According to the vehicle roof structure having this configuration, the connecting member is coupled and fixed between the side rail and the frame member at one end portion from the outside of the vehicle body of the frame member, and the other end portion between the center pillar and the side rail. It is inserted in a state of being coupled and fixed to the coupling part. Thus, the left and right center pillars are connected by the connecting member and the frame member. As a result, the lateral rigidity at the joint between the center pillar and the side rail increases, so that side rail bending deformation and buckling deformation of the frame member during a side collision are suppressed, and the amount of penetration of the center pillar into the vehicle interior is reduced. Reduced.
[0014]
The second invention is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, at least one of the cutout portions is provided.
[0016]
According to the roof structure of a vehicle having these configurations, the side rail is cut to be engaged with a stepped portion of a stepped bolt arranged as far as possible outside the vehicle body in order to fix the connecting member. A notch is formed. As a result, when an impact load is applied to the center pillar and the side rail at the time of a side collision, the notch portion of the side rail presses the stepped portion of the step bolt, so that the impact load applied to the center pillar is quickly received by the frame member. The load is transmitted to. For this reason, since the impact load is dispersed and absorbed early by the frame member, bending deformation of the side rail and buckling deformation of the frame member at the time of a side collision are suppressed, and the amount of penetration of the center pillar into the vehicle interior is reduced. The In addition, even when the impact is received such that the side rail is plastically deformed, the drag is maintained by the connecting member having a small amount of deformation, so that the deformation of the passenger compartment is kept to a minimum.
[0017]
Furthermore, the connecting member is reduced in size, so that the weight of the vehicle body and the center of gravity can be reduced, and the weight reduction of other vehicle body members is promoted by improving the side impact performance.
Furthermore, since a space is formed in the roof by assembling the miniaturized connecting member, a space for installing the curtain airbag is easily secured.
As a result, even if the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, cabin rigidity substantially equivalent to that of a vehicle not equipped with a sunroof can be obtained, so that occupant protection during a side collision is further enhanced.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the most suitable embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overall view for explaining the roof structure according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a connecting member used in the roof structure, and FIG. 3 is for explaining the roof structure. FIG. 4 is a sectional view for explaining the roof structure. In addition, about the structural member similar to a prior art example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.
[0019]
1-4, the frame spanned between the left and right side structures 9 and 9 so as to stiffen the peripheral portion of the frame opening 6 and the side structures 9 and 9 constituting the side of the vehicle body. Between the left and right end portions of the sunroof 7, connecting brackets 10 and 10 ′ as connecting members are interposed (only the connecting bracket 10 on the left side of the vehicle body is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4). ).
[0020]
Since the connecting brackets 10 and 10 'are formed so as to be symmetrical with each other so as to be interposed between the left and right end portions of the frame sunroof 7 and the side structures 9, 9, in the following, the frame sunroof will be described. The connection bracket 10 interposed between the left end of 7 and the side structure 9 will be described.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting bracket 10 is a plate-like sheet metal member that is bent so that the side view is L-shaped. A flange portion 10 a that is bent so as to extend substantially horizontally is formed at the upper end portion of the connection bracket 10. The flange portion 10a is integrally formed with two bolt holes 10a1 and 10a2 which are separated so as to sandwich the upper end portion of the center pillar 1 from the front-rear direction.
[0022]
Furthermore, a joint surface portion 10b formed so as to extend substantially vertically is formed at the lower end portion of the connection bracket 10. Two bolt holes 10b1 and 10b2 that are spaced apart so as to sandwich the upper end portion of the center pillar 1 from the front-rear direction are also integrally formed on the joint surface portion 10b.
[0023]
Furthermore, the joint surface portion 10b has a mountain shape to avoid interference with other vehicle body parts and to reduce weight when it is interposed between the left end portion of the frame sunroof 7 and the side structure 9. A notch 10b3 is formed in the notch.
[0024]
Thus, the connection bracket 10 is formed in an L shape in appearance and has a notch 10b3. For this reason, it is smaller and lighter than the conventional sunroof bracket 8 and is reinforced against compressive force and bending stress.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting bracket 10 has a flange portion 10 a between the frame sunroof 7 and the side structure 9 in a lateral state in which the longitudinal direction thereof is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. It is arranged toward the vehicle interior side.
[0026]
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame sunroof 7 includes a frame sunroof side 11 and a frame sunroof front 12, and a frame sunroof phosphorus hose 13 that forms a closed section together with these. .
[0027]
At the left end of the frame sunroof side 11, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of projecting portions 15 projecting so as to be coupled and fixed to the upper surface side of the side rail outer 14 constituting the side structure 9. ˜17 are integrally formed with a space in the front-rear direction. Among these projecting portions 15 to 17, the projecting portion 16 is formed so as to project toward the coupling portion 18 between the upper end portion of the center pillar 1 and the side rail 3.
[0028]
At the base end portion of the overhanging portion 16, two bolt holes 19 and 19 (only one of them is shown in FIG. 4) are located as close to the outside of the vehicle body as possible. Is formed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, stepped bolts 20 and 20 are inserted downward into the bolt holes 19 and 19. Then, the stepped portions 21 of the respective stepped bolts 20 are fixed and secured in a state where the stepped portions 21 protrude through the lower surface side of the overhanging portion 16. A roof panel 5 having a drip rail 22 at the left end is disposed above the frame sunroof 7. A sunroof unit rail 23 is disposed on the vehicle interior side.
[0029]
The side structure 9 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side structure 9 includes a center pillar 1 extending in the vertical direction and a side rail 3 extending in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. The side rail 3 has a closed cross section formed by the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24, and includes a coupling portion 18 to which the upper end portion of the center pillar 1 is coupled and fixed on the lower surface side.
[0030]
Bolt holes 25 and 25 (only one side is shown in FIG. 4) are formed on the substantially vertical surface of the upper side rail inner 24 to which the center pillar 1 is coupled and fixed, at positions sandwiching the center pillar 1 from the front-rear direction. ing. Inside these bolt holes 25, 25, welding nuts 26, 26 are respectively coupled and fixed in advance (see FIG. 3).
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame sunroof 7 and the side structure 9 are assembled at the upper end of the side rail 3, that is, at the front end of the flange between the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24. In this case, the stepped portions 21 and 21 of the stepped bolts 20 and 20 attached to the frame sunroof side 11 are prevented from interfering with the upper end portion of the side rail 3 and can be engaged in a side collision as will be described later. Notch portions 27 and 28 are formed.
[0032]
Then, the bolt holes 10a1, 10a2 in a state where the flange portion 10a of the connecting bracket 10 is joined to the lower surface side of the stepped portions 21, 21 of the stepped bolts 20, 20 attached to the left end portion of the frame sunroof side 11. The connection bracket 10 is firmly fixed to the frame sunroof 7 by screwing the nuts 30, 30 into the bolt shaft portions 29, 29 of the stepped bolts 20, 20 that pass through.
[0033]
Further, in a state where the joint surface portion 10b of the connection bracket 10 is joined to the upper end surface (side surface of the vehicle interior) of the side rail inner 24, the fixing is passed through the bolt holes 10b1 and 10b2 and screwed into the welding nuts 26 and 26. The connecting bracket 10 is firmly fixed to the side rail 3 by the use bolts 31, 31.
[0034]
The connecting bracket 10 ′, which is configured symmetrically with the connecting bracket 10 and is interposed between the right end portion of the frame sunroof 7 and the side structure 9 on the right side of the vehicle body, has the same structure and the frame sunroof 7 and the side structure 9. It is inserted between.
[0035]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the connection brackets 10 and 10 ′ are interposed between the side rail 3 and the frame sunroof 7, and one end of the connection brackets 10 and 10 ′ is connected to the frame sunroof 7. The other end portion is coupled and fixed to the coupling portion 18 between the center pillar 1 and the side rail 3 on the outer side of the vehicle body.
As a result, the upper ends of the left and right center pillars 1 and 1 are connected by the connecting brackets 10 and 10 ′ and the frame sunroof 7, and the lateral rigidity at the upper ends of the center pillars 1 and 1, that is, the connecting portions 18 and 18 is increased. Is done. Therefore, the bending deformation that the side rail 3 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 and the buckling deformation of the frame sunroof 7 in the side collision are suppressed, and the amount of intrusion of the center pillar 1 into the vehicle interior is reduced. Therefore, the bending and falling of the center pillar 1 at the time of a side collision are reduced.
[0036]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the flanges of the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24 are arranged on the front end side of the vehicle body as far as possible to fix the connecting brackets 10 and 10 '. Cutout portions 27 and 28 are formed so as to avoid interference with the stepped portions 21 and 21 of the stepped bolts 20 and 20 and to be engaged. Thereby, when an impact load is applied to the center pillar 1 at the time of a side collision, the flange tip portions of the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24 press the stepped portion 21 of the stepped bolt 20 upward and toward the passenger compartment. Thus, the impact load applied to the center pillar 1 is transmitted to the frame sunroof 7 through the connection bracket 10 at an early stage. For this reason, the impact load is not concentrated on the center pillar 1 and the side rails 3, but is quickly dispersed and absorbed by the frame sunroof side 11, the frame sunroof front 12, the frame sunroof phosphorus hose 13 and the like constituting the frame sunroof 7. . Accordingly, bending deformation of the side rail 3 at the time of side collision and buckling deformation of the frame sunroof 7 are suppressed, and the amount of intrusion of the center pillar 1 into the vehicle interior is reduced, so that the bending of the center pillar 1 at the time of side collision is reduced. Bending and falling are reduced. Moreover, even when the impact is received such that the side rail 3 is plastically deformed, the drag is maintained by the coupling brackets 10 and 10 'having a small amount of deformation, so that the deformation of the cabin 4 is kept to a minimum. It is done.
[0037]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the connecting brackets 10 and 10 'are smaller than the conventional sunroof bracket 8, which reduces the weight and lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle body and improves the side collision performance. The weight reduction of other vehicle body members is promoted.
[0038]
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the assembly of the downsized connecting brackets 10 and 10 ′ allows the curtain airbag 32 to be mounted between the overhanging portions 15 and 16 and between the 16 and 17. The space S is easily secured.
[0039]
As a result, even if the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, cabin rigidity that is substantially the same as that of a vehicle without a sunroof can be obtained, so that passenger protection during a side collision can be further strengthened. In addition, the curtain airbag 32 is not hindered.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the vehicle roof structure of the first invention, the connecting brackets 10 and 10 ′ are located between the side rails 3 and the frame sunroof 7, and one end is located outside the vehicle body of the frame sunroof 7. The other end portion is interposed and fixed in a state of being connected and fixed to the connecting portion 18 between the center pillar 1 and the side rail 3.
Accordingly, the upper end portions of the left and right center pillars 1 and 1 are connected by the connection brackets 10 and 10 ′ and the frame sunroof 7. For this reason, since the lateral rigidity at the joint 18 between the center pillar 1 and the side rail 3 is increased, it is possible to suppress the bending deformation of the side rail 3 and the buckling deformation of the frame sunroof 7 at the time of a side collision. The amount of penetration of the pillar 1 into the passenger compartment can be reduced.
[0041]
In addition, according to the vehicle roof structure of the second to fifth inventions, the vehicle body is as much as possible in order to fix the connecting brackets 10 and 10 'to the flange tip ends of the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24. Cutout portions 27 and 28 for avoiding interference and engaging with the stepped portions 21 and 21 of the stepped bolts 20 and 20 arranged to be outside are formed. As a result, when an impact load is applied to the center pillar 1 at the time of a side collision, the flange tip portions of the side rail outer 14 and the side rail inner 24 press the stepped portion 21 of the stepped bolt 20 to the center pillar 1. The applied impact load is transmitted to the frame sunroof 7 at an early stage. For this reason, the impact load is quickly dispersed and absorbed by the frame sunroof side 11, the frame sunroof front 12, the frame sunroof phosphorus hose 13, etc. constituting the frame sunroof 7, so that the side rail 3 is bent and deformed at the time of a side collision, And the buckling deformation of the frame sunroof 7 can be suppressed, and the amount of the center pillar 1 entering the vehicle compartment can be reduced. Moreover, even when the impact is received such that the side rail 3 is plastically deformed, the drag is maintained by the connecting brackets 10 and 10 'with a small amount of deformation, so that the deformation of the cabin 4 is kept to a minimum. be able to.
[0042]
Furthermore, the connecting brackets 10 and 10 'are smaller than the conventional sunroof bracket 8, which reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the center of gravity, and improves the side impact performance, thereby reducing the weight of other vehicle body members. Can be promoted.
Furthermore, it is possible to easily secure the space S for installing the curtain airbag 32 between the overhanging portions 15 and 16 and between the overhanging portions 16 and 17 by assembling the downsized connecting brackets 10 and 10 '. it can.
[0043]
As a result, in order to efficiently create the sunroof non-installation specification and the installation specification, the side impact performance is improved without increasing the weight, and the curtain airbag is not hindered. A roof structure of a vehicle can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view for explaining a roof structure according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a connecting member used in the roof structure.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the roof structure.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the roof structure.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining a conventional roof structure.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a conventional roof structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Center pillar 3 Side rail 5 Roof panel 6 Sunroof opening part 7 Frame sunroof 9 Side structure 10, 10 'Connection bracket 18 Connection part 20 Stepped bolt 27 Notch part 28 Notch part

Claims (2)

Side rails arranged on both sides of the vehicle body, to which center pillars are coupled and fixed, a roof panel in which a sunroof opening is formed when a sunroof is installed, and a bridge between the siderail and the roof panel In a vehicle roof structure provided with a frame member,
A connecting member is interposed between the side rail and the frame member, one end of the connecting member is coupled and fixed to the outside of the vehicle body of the frame member using a stepped bolt, and the other end is A vehicle roof characterized in that it is fixedly coupled to a coupling portion between the center pillar and the side rail, and the side rail includes a notch that engages with a stepped portion of the stepped bolt. Construction. The vehicle roof structure according to claim 1 , wherein at least one notch is provided.

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