JPH07205730A - Protecting structure for occupant in automobile cabin - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To absorb impact energy of a load tending to make a head part of an occupant collide against a flange connecting part of a rigid member. CONSTITUTION:In a protecting structure for an occupant in a cabin, the structure has flange connecting parts 26, 27 connected by superposing two flanges of an inner panel 22 and two flanges of an outer panel 24 with each other, to comprise a front pillar 20 presenting a closed sectional shape of a section cut by a virtual surface crossed with the flange and a pillar garnish 32 providing a space 30 from the front pillar. A metal-made bracket 36, which can absorb energy, is arranged in the space 30. The bracket 36 is formed so as to provide a corrugated shape bent so that the section cut by the virtual surface is alternately brought into contact with the inner panel 22 and the pillar garnish 32, to provide a part 37C for coating an edge of the flange connecting part 27.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile, and more particularly, to two sets of two flanges of an inner panel and two flanges of an outer panel facing each other, which are superposed and joined to each other. And a structure for protecting a head of an occupant in a passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle, the structural member having a flange joint portion and having a closed cross-section cut by an imaginary plane intersecting the flange.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a passenger car, generally, a pillar and a roof side formed by overlapping and joining flanges of an inner panel and an outer panel and forming a closed cross-section by a virtual plane intersecting the flanges. The passenger compartment is provided with structural members such as rails. Then, an interior material such as a pillar garnish, an opening trim or a ceiling trim is arranged inside the structural member.

Since the structural member has high rigidity, when the body of the occupant, especially the head, collides with the structural member through the interior material, the head may be damaged. Therefore, it has been proposed to dispose a metal bracket between the structural member and the interior material so as to absorb the impact energy at the time of collision by the deformation of the bracket (US Pat. No. 5,163,73).
Specification 0).

[0004]

According to the above-mentioned proposal, the bracket is located in the middle of the two flange joints, and the load toward the flange joint having the highest rigidity is not taken into consideration. When a load is applied to cause the portion to collide with the flange joint portion, the bracket is not sufficiently deformed, and energy absorption is reduced accordingly, and satisfactory protection may not be obtained.

It is an object of the present invention to absorb the impact energy of a load attempting to impact the occupant's head against the flange joint of the rigid member or to avoid the occupant's head impacting the flange joint. (EN) Provided is a protection structure for an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for protecting an occupant in the passenger compartment of an automobile, in which there is substantially no difference in energy absorption depending on the direction of load.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has two sets of flange joints in which two flanges of an inner panel and two flanges of an outer panel that face each of these flanges are superposed and joined to each other. A occupant in a passenger compartment including a structural member formed so that a cross section cut along an imaginary plane intersecting with each other has a closed sectional shape, and an interior material spaced from the structural member so as to cover the structural member inside. And a bracket made of metal capable of absorbing energy disposed in the gap, the cross section of the bracket taken along the virtual plane alternately contacting the inner panel and the interior material. Is formed so as to have a wavy shape, and covers the edge at a distance from the edge of one of the two sets of flange joints. It is formed in.

The present invention also has two sets of flange joints in which two flanges of the inner panel and two flanges of the outer panel which face the flanges are overlapped and joined to each other, and an imaginary plane intersecting with the flanges is provided. A structure for protecting an occupant in a vehicle cabin, comprising: a structural member formed so that the cross section cut by the step (1) has a closed cross-sectional shape; and an interior material spaced from the structural member so as to cover the structural member inside. And a metal bracket that is disposed in the space and that is fixed to the interior material and that can absorb energy, and that covers the edge of one of the two sets of flange joints. Further, it is formed so as to be deformable between the edge and the interior material.

When the bracket is fixed to the interior material, the bracket has a mounting seat of a clip for fixing the bracket to the inner panel at an intermediate portion of a cross section cut by the virtual plane, and the mounting seat is removed. It is preferable to be fixed to the interior material on both sides of the sand.

The present invention also has two sets of flange joints in which two flanges of the inner panel and two flanges of the outer panel facing each other are superposed and joined to each other, and a virtual surface intersecting the flanges. A passenger in a passenger compartment including a structural member formed to have a closed cross-section when cut by the above method, and an interior material attached to cover one of the two flange joints of the structural member. The protective material of the above, wherein the interior material has means capable of absorbing energy.

The energy absorbing means may be a hollow portion provided in the interior material.

When the energy absorbing means is a hollow portion, a material having bubbles may be filled in the hollow portion or a plurality of ribs may be provided.

The energy absorbing means may also be ribs which are deformed by the inner and outer panels of the structural member.

The present invention also has two sets of flange joints in which two flanges of the inner panel and two flanges of the outer panel facing each other are superposed and joined to each other, and a virtual surface intersecting the flanges. A structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment, comprising: a structural member formed to have a closed cross-sectional shape when cut by the above method; and an interior material that covers one of the two flange joints of the structural member. There is provided means for restraining the end of the interior material in the cross section cut along the virtual plane and preventing the interior material from opening.

The blocking means can be formed by an acute angle formed by the flange joint portion covered with the interior material and the outer panel of the structural member.

The blocking means may also be a raised cut provided on the outer panel of the structural member.

[0017]

[Operation and effect] One of the two sets of flange joints of the structural member is normally located near the occupant's head,
The other set is away from the head and is less likely to hit the head. Therefore, a set of flange joints located near the head is made the protective structure according to the present invention.

When a load greater than a predetermined amount is applied from the occupant's head toward the flange joint through the interior material, the bracket is deformed when the metal bracket is arranged in the space between the structural member and the interior material. If the interior material has a means for absorbing energy, the absorbing means is deformed to absorb the impact energy. Further, when a means for preventing the interior material from opening is provided, the passenger's head is indirectly flange-joined by the collision between the interior material and the flange joint portion due to the load from the head opening the interior material and the flange joint portion. Avoid hitting the department.

When a metal bracket is provided, or when the interior material has a means for absorbing energy, the head portion of the occupant is absorbed by the head portion in order to absorb the impact energy of the load for colliding the flange joint portion. The damage done can be reduced. Further, when the means for preventing the interior material from opening is provided, since there is substantially no possibility that the head collides with the flange joint portion, the head can be protected.

When the metal bracket is provided, the amount of energy to be absorbed can be set depending on the type and thickness of the metal, and the energy absorbing performance can be stabilized.
Furthermore, if this bracket is corrugated, it is possible to obtain an effect that there is substantially no difference in energy absorption performance depending on the direction in which the load is applied.

When the metal bracket is fixed to the interior material, the bracket can be arranged at the predetermined position only by attaching the interior material to the predetermined position, and the workability is good. further,
When the bracket has a mounting seat for a clip that fixes the bracket to the inner panel of the structural member, the bracket that is originally provided for mounting the interior material to the inner panel is slightly modified, and the bracket is formed to absorb energy. Can be dealt with.

When the interior material has a means capable of absorbing energy, it is possible to absorb impact energy at the flange joint portion without impairing the external appearance and visibility and substantially reducing the space in the passenger compartment. , Can protect the head.

When the means for absorbing energy is the hollow portion of the interior material, it can be dealt with by devising the molding of the interior material, so that it does not particularly take time to form the energy absorbing structure.

When the hollow portion of the interior material is filled with a material having bubbles or a plurality of ribs are provided, energy is absorbed not only by the deformation of the hollow portion itself but also by the deformation of the filler or the ribs. , Can better protect the occupant's head.

When the means for preventing the interior material from opening is provided, it is possible to prevent the head of the occupant from colliding with the flange joint, so that the impact applied to the head can be softened.
Further, when the blocking means is formed by an acute angle formed by the outer panel of the structural member and the flange joint portion, it is possible to deal with it by only slightly changing each arrangement.
It is not particularly troublesome.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 6, a passenger protection structure according to the present invention includes a front pillar 10, a center pillar 12, a rear pillar 14, a front door 16 and a rear door 1.
Roof side rail above 8 (not shown in Figure 6)
Such a structural member and an interior material such as a pillar garnish, an opening trim, or a ceiling trim that covers the structural member inside can be implemented in a vehicle interior. The protective structure is implemented on each of the plurality of structural members or only on any structural member.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the structural member 20 is a front pillar. The front pillar 20 has two sets of flange joints 26, 27 for joining the two flanges 23A, 23B of the inner panel 22 and the two flanges 25A, 25B of the outer panel 24 facing these flanges, respectively. The front pillar 20 has a closed cross-section when cut along an imaginary plane intersecting the flanges 23A, 23B. The virtual plane is a horizontal plane in the illustrated embodiment. On the other hand, the interior material 32 having a space 30 from the structural member 20 so as to cover the structural member 20 inside is a pillar garnish formed of a hard resin. The space 30 has a size of, for example, about 20 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the reinforcement panel 3 is additionally provided.
4 is disposed between the inner panel 22 and the outer panel 24, the flange 3 of the reinforcing panel 34 is provided at each joint.
5, the three flanges are joined to form flange joints 26 and 27.

A metal bracket 36 capable of absorbing energy is arranged in the space 30 between the front pillar 20 and the pillar garnish 32. The bracket 36 is formed of, for example, an iron plate or a spring steel plate having a thickness of 0.4 to 0.7 mm. Since the bracket 36 has a small thickness, it is easily deformed.
Energy can be absorbed. The bracket 36 has a corrugated shape in which a cross section cut along the imaginary plane is bent so as to alternately contact the inner panel 22 and the pillar garnish 32, and two sets of the flange joint portions 26, 2 are provided.
It is formed so as to cover the edge of one of the flange joint portions 27 of 7 at intervals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 36 contacts the inner panel 22 with two pieces 37A, the pillar garnish 32 with two pieces 37B, and the pillar garnish 32 with an edge of the flange joint 27. It has one piece 37C for covering and a connecting piece 37D for integrally joining these pieces. It is preferable that the bracket 36 is formed of a thin plate material so that the number of pieces in contact with the inner panel 22 and the pillar garnish 32 is large, and the bracket 36 is mainly intended to protect the head of an occupant. It may be arranged so as to be located substantially above the shoulder portion of the occupant. The bracket 36 is attached to the inner panel 22 by fixing the piece 37A to the inner panel 22 by screws, rivets or welding. On the other hand, the pillar garnish 32 is attached to the piece 37B of the bracket 36 by screws or clips.

The flange joint 27 whose edge is covered by the piece 37C of the bracket 36 is located closer to the occupant's head than the other flange joints 26, and there is a high possibility that the head collides. On the other hand, the flange joint 26
Is close to the front shield glass 38 and is unlikely to collide with the occupant's head. Therefore, the bracket 3
6 is used to cover the flange joint portion 27. In practice, the bracket 36 covers the inside of the opening trim 39 in order to attach the opening trim 39 to the flange joint 27.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the structural member 40 is a roof side rail. The roof side rail 40 has two sets of flange joints 46, 47 for joining the two flanges 43A, 43B of the inner panel 42 and the two flanges 45A, 45B of the outer panel 44 facing these flanges, respectively, in an overlapping manner. . The roof side rail 40 has a closed cross-section when cut along a virtual plane intersecting the flanges 43A, 43B. In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual plane is a vertical plane. On the other hand, a space 50 is provided from the structural member 40 so as to cover the structural member 40 inside.
The interior material 52 provided with is a ceiling trim formed of a hard resin. The space 50 has a size of, for example, about 20 mm.

A metal bracket 56 capable of absorbing energy is arranged in the space 50 between the roof side rail 40 and the ceiling trim 52. Similar to the bracket 36, the bracket 56 may be formed of a material having a small thickness, which facilitates deformation and energy absorption. The bracket 56 has a wavy shape in which a cross section cut along the virtual plane is bent so as to alternately contact the inner panel 42 and the ceiling trim 52, and
The flange joints 46 and 47 are formed so as to cover the edges of the flange joints 46 of one set at a distance from the edge.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 56 has two pieces 57A that contact the inner panel 42, two pieces 57B that contact the ceiling trim 52, and the bracket 56 that contacts the ceiling trim 52 and the edge of the flange joint portion 46. It has one piece 57C that covers the inside of the opening trim 59 and a connecting piece 57D that integrally joins these pieces. Bracket 5
6 extends in the front-rear direction along the roof side rail 40. The mounting of the bracket 56 and the ceiling trim 52 is performed according to the mounting of the bracket 36 and the pillar garnish 32.

A piece 37C of the bracket 36 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
And the piece 57C of the bracket 56 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 are both bent toward the structural members 20 and 40, and further, the ends of the interior members 32 and 52 are bent toward the structural members 20 and 40. , 37C and 57C are closely attached to the bent portions. According to this aspect, when the load is applied from the head of the occupant, the interior materials 32 and 52 can be prevented from falling inward.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the structural member 20 is a front pillar and the interior material 32 is a pillar garnish. Since the basic configurations of the front pillar 20 and the pillar garnish 32 are the same as those in FIG. 1, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A metal bracket 60 capable of absorbing energy is arranged in a space 30 between the front pillar 20 and the pillar garnish 32. The bracket 60 is fixed to the pillar garnish 32 which is an interior material.
It is formed so as to cover the edge of one set of flange joints 27 of the pair of flange joints 26 and 27 and to be deformable between the edge and the pillar garnish 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 60 includes an L-shaped covering piece 61A for covering the flange joint 27 inside the opening trim 39, an L-shaped attached piece 61B protruding from the covering piece 61A, and a covering piece. The intermediate piece 61C extends from 61A substantially along the inner panel 22 of the front pillar 20, and the attached piece 61D extending from the intermediate piece 61C and bent along the pillar garnish 32.

The heat staking 63 of the pillar garnish 32 is inserted into the hole 62 formed in the mounting piece 61B of the bracket 60,
Further, heat crimping 65 is performed on the two holes 64 formed in the attached piece 61D, and the bracket 60 is attached to the pillar garnish 32.
Is attached to. Instead of heat staking, when the pillar garnish 32 is injection-molded, the bracket 60 may be insert-molded and fixed to the pillar garnish 32.

Like the bracket 36 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bracket 60 is formed of a thin iron plate or a spring steel plate, and is arranged substantially above the shoulders of the occupant. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, since the bracket 60 is fixed to the pillar garnish 32, it is only necessary to mount the pillar garnish 32 at a predetermined position.
Although the arrangement of 0 is possible, the pillar garnish 32 itself is attached to the inner panel 22 by a clip separately provided as in the conventional case.

The bracket 60 shown in FIG. 5 has a mounting seat 70 of a clip 68 for fixing the bracket 60 to the inner panel 22 on the intermediate piece 61C, and heat staking 63 to the pillar garnish 32 on both sides sandwiching the mounting seat 70, 65
Is fixed by. A plurality of mounting seats 70 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction.

Bracket 60 and pillar garnish 32
To attach and to the inner panel 22, clip 68
Are planted in the mounting seat 70, while the ribs 72 project from the pillar garnish 32 toward the clip 68. When the rib 72 is applied to the clip 68 and a force is applied, the clip 68 enters the hole of the inner panel 22.
Since the bracket 60 is formed of a thin plate material, it is effective to apply a force to the clip 68 by the rib 72.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, the structural member 80 is a roof side rail. The roof side rail 80 includes a flange 83 of an inner panel 82 and a flange 85 of an outer panel 84 facing the flange 83.
And a flange joint portion 86 in which and are overlapped and joined.
Although other flange joints are omitted in the drawing, the roof side rail 80 is formed so that a cross section cut along an imaginary plane intersecting the flanges 83 and 85 has a closed cross sectional shape. On the other hand, the interior material is an opening trim attached so as to cover the flange joint portion 86 of the roof side rail 80, and has a means for absorbing energy.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the opening trim 9 is used.
The means 92 for absorbing zero energy is the hollow portion 94.
The hollow portion 94 is introduced when the opening trim 90 is manufactured by molding a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride or a synthetic rubber such as EPDM. The hollow portion 94 is particularly effective when the load from the head of the occupant is applied from the extension direction of the flanges 83 and 85 toward the flange as shown by arrow A. It is also possible to fill the hollow portion 94 of FIG. 7 with a material 96 having bubbles such as urethane to form a means 92 for absorbing energy.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the opening trim 1
The means 102 for absorbing the energy of 00 is a plurality of hollow portions 104 arranged so as to surround the flanges 83 and 85 of the roof side rail 80. It is also possible to fill each hollow portion 104 with a material having bubbles to form the energy absorbing means 102.

The load from the head 106 is not limited to the direction A, but as shown in FIG.
When added from a direction substantially orthogonal to, the flange 8
It is also effective when applied in an oblique direction with respect to 3, 85. Therefore, in addition to this embodiment, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 described later are suitable when it is expected that the load from the head will be applied from various directions.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the means 110 for absorbing energy of the opening trim 108 has a hollow portion 11.
2 and a plurality of ribs 114. The rib 114 has a form crossing the hollow portion 112.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the energy absorbing means 118 of the opening trim 116 comprises a hollow section 12.
0 and a plurality of ribs 122. These ribs 122
Protrude to the middle of the hollow portion 120 and are arranged in a staggered manner.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening trim is provided with a plurality of fins 101 for preventing the opening trim from coming off when the opening trim 100 is attached to the flange joint portion 86. 101 does not substantially have the function of absorbing energy. It has an opening trim flange joint 86
This is because the fin 101 is deformed by the flange joint portion 86 when it is attached to, and there is little room for further deformation. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the hollow trim and the plurality of ribs are provided and the opening trim itself is deformable, so that energy can be absorbed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the energy absorbing means 126 of the opening trim 124 includes the inner panel 82 and the outer panel 8 of the roof side rail 80.
An outer rib 128 and an inner rib 129 which are respectively deformed by 4. The inner rib 129 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the outer rib 128.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the energy absorbing means 1
The orientation of the ribs 128, 129 of 26 is opposite to that of the fin 101.
Energy is absorbed by the resistance caused by the change of the direction of 1 and the deformation of the ribs 128 and 129.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the structural member 140 is a center pillar. Center pillar 14
0 is a flange 143 of the inner panel 142 and a flange 1 of the outer panel 144 facing the flange 143.
It has a flange joint portion 146 in which 45 and 45 are overlapped and joined. Although other flange joints are omitted in the figure, the center pillar 140 is formed such that a cross section cut along an imaginary plane intersecting with the flanges 143 and 145 has a closed cross sectional shape. On the other hand, the interior material 148 that covers the flange joint portion 146 of the center pillar 140 is an opening trim or a pillar garnish, and restrains the end of the interior material 148 in the cross section cut along the virtual plane.
Means are provided to prevent the interior material from opening.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the blocking means 150 is formed with an acute angle α between the flange joint 146 covered with the interior material 148 and the outer panel 144 of the center pillar 140.

As a result of forming the angle α at an acute angle, when the load in the direction B in FIG.
The tip end portion 149 of the above is bent at the position of the imaginary line, but is bent toward the flange joint portion 146. This prevents the portion of the interior material 148 that receives the load from bottoming on the flange joint 146. The interior material 148 is shown in FIG.
When the state of 4 is reached, it is made of a resin having a rigidity capable of holding this state.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the blocking means 160
Is a cut and raised portion provided on the outer panel 144 of the center pillar 140.

When a load in the B direction is applied from the occupant's head, the interior material 148, which was at the position of the imaginary line, has a bulged shape as a whole, but the portion subjected to the load of the interior material 148 is Bottoming of the flange joint 146 is prevented. The interior material 148 is formed of a resin having a rigidity that allows the interior material 148 to be held in this state when it is in the state of FIG.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile according to the present invention, taken along a horizontal imaginary plane.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the automobile according to the present invention, taken along a vertical imaginary plane.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal imaginary plane of a occupant protection structure for a passenger compartment of an automobile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pillar garnish and a bracket in the passenger protection structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal imaginary plane of a occupant protection structure for a passenger compartment of an automobile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view as seen from the inside of the vehicle compartment in which the occupant protection structure in the vehicle compartment of the present invention can be implemented.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle according to the present invention taken along a vertical imaginary plane, in which some structural members are shown.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the automobile according to the present invention, taken along a vertical imaginary plane, and a part of the structural member is shown.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the automobile according to the present invention taken along a vertical imaginary plane, in which some structural members are shown.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the automobile according to the present invention, taken along a vertical imaginary plane, and a part of the structural member is shown.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle according to the present invention taken along a vertical imaginary plane, in which some structural members are shown.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the automobile according to the present invention taken along a horizontal imaginary plane, in which some structural members are shown.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the occupant protection structure for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle according to the present invention taken along a horizontal imaginary plane, in which some structural members are shown.

[Explanation of symbols]

20, 40, 80, 140 Structural member 22, 42, 82, 142 Inner panel 24, 44, 84, 144 Outer panel 26, 27, 46, 47, 86, 146 Flange joint part 32, 52, 90, 100, 108, 116, 124
148 Interior material 36, 56, 60 Bracket 92, 102, 110, 118, 126 Energy absorbing means 150, 160 Blocking means

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hironobu Uchida 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation (72) Inventor Tatsuya Sugamoto 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation (( 72) Inventor Yasudo Naruse 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomohiko Kawate 1-92 Fukuzumi Ishigamezaka, Fukuzumi Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A flange assembly having two sets of two flanges of an inner panel and two flanges of an outer panel, which face each other and are overlapped with each other, are joined together, and cut at an imaginary plane intersecting with the flange. A structure for protecting an occupant in a vehicle compartment, comprising: a structural member formed to have a closed cross-sectional shape; and an interior material spaced from the structural member so as to cover the structural member inside, An energy-absorbing metal bracket disposed in the space is provided, and the bracket has a corrugated shape in which a cross section cut along the virtual plane is alternately contacted with the inner panel and the interior material. A vehicle of an automobile formed so as to exhibit and to cover the edge at a distance from an edge of one of the two sets of flange joints. Protective structure for passengers in the cabin. 2. It has two sets of flange joints in which two flanges of an inner panel and two flanges of an outer panel respectively facing each other are superposed and joined, and cut at an imaginary plane intersecting with the flanges. A structure for protecting an occupant in a vehicle compartment, comprising: a structural member formed to have a closed cross-sectional shape; and an interior material spaced from the structural member so as to cover the structural member inside, An energy-absorbing metal bracket disposed in the space and fixed to the interior material is provided, the bracket covering one edge of the two flange joint portions, and A structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile, which is formed so as to be deformable between the edge and the interior material. 3. The bracket has a mounting seat of a clip for fixing the bracket to the inner panel at an intermediate portion of a cross section cut by the virtual plane, and is fixed to the interior material on both sides sandwiching the mounting seat. The structure for protecting an occupant in the passenger compartment of the automobile according to claim 2. 4. The two flanges of the inner panel and the two flanges of the outer panel facing each other are superposed and joined to each other, and cut at an imaginary plane intersecting with the flanges. An occupant protection structure for a passenger compartment including a structural member formed to have a closed cross-sectional shape and an interior material attached so as to cover one of the two flange joints of the structural member. A structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile, wherein the interior material has means capable of absorbing energy. 5. The structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the energy absorbing means is a hollow portion provided in the interior material. 6. The structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile according to claim 5, wherein a material having air bubbles is filled or a plurality of ribs are provided inside the hollow portion. 7. The structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the energy absorbing means is a rib that is deformed by an inner panel and an outer panel of the structural member. 8. The two flanges of the inner panel and the two flanges of the outer panel facing each other are superposed and bonded to each other, and cut at an imaginary plane intersecting with the flanges. A structure for protecting an occupant in a vehicle cabin, comprising: a structural member formed to have a closed cross-sectional shape; and an interior material covering one of the two sets of flange joints of the structural member, A means for restraining the end of the interior material in a cross section cut by the virtual surface and preventing the interior material from opening.
Occupant protection structure in the passenger compartment of an automobile. 9. The occupant in the passenger compartment of the automobile according to claim 8, wherein the blocking means is formed by an acute angle formed by the flange joint portion covered with the interior material and the outer panel of the structural member. Protection structure. 10. The structure for protecting an occupant in a passenger compartment of an automobile according to claim 8, wherein the blocking means is a cut and raised portion provided on the outer panel of the structural member.