WO2017151070A1

WO2017151070A1 - Vehicle rear structure

Info

Publication number: WO2017151070A1
Application number: PCT/TH2016/000020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Naoyuki Tamura; Tanakom ITTIPONSOPAR; Manatta PHATTANAKORN
Original assignee: Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-04
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

A vehicle rear structure (11) includes: a rear wheelhouse (23A, 23B) having a wheelhouse outer panel (31) and a wheelhouse inner panel (32); and a gusset (25A, 25B) having an upper section to which one end of a top cross member (21) is joined. The rear wheelhouse (23A, 23B) has a closed cross-section having a cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel (31), a cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel (32), and a protruding profile portion (32ba) that partially protrudes toward a vehicle interior. The gusset (25A, 25B) is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the rear wheelhouse (23A, 23B) such that at least part of the gusset (25A, 25B) overlaps the protruding profile portion (32ba).

Description

VEHICLE REAR STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]

The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure in a vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle, and specifically relates to a vehicle rear structure.

BACKGROUND

[0002]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-337736 discloses a technique in which a wheelhouse outer structure (rigidity enhancement member 14) and an inner structure (reinforcement member 19) are configured to create a horizontally closed cross-section.

[0003]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2006-168434, discloses a technique in which a gusset is arranged in front of a damper base.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004]

A purpose of an aspect of the present invention is to downsize a structure including a gusset in the vicinity of a wheelhouse. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005]

A vehicle rear structure according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a rear wheelhouse having a wheelhouse outer panel and a wheelhouse inner panel; and a gusset having an upper section to which one end of a top cross member is joined. The rear wheelhouse has a closed cross-section having a cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel, a cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel, and a protruding profile portion that partially protrudes toward a vehicle interior. The gusset is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the rear wheelhouse such that at least part of the gusset overlaps the protruding profile portion.

[0006]

The vehicle rear structure described above can further include a damper base arranged to be adjacent to a rear portion of the protruding profile portion in the rear wheelhouse. The damper base can be joined to the gusset and the wheelhouse inner panel.

[0007]

In the vehicle rear structure described above, the gusset can have a front flange, a rear flange, and a U-shaped profile portion provided between the front flange and the rear flange. The front flange of the gusset can be joined to the wheelhouse inner panel at a frontward position with respect to a top section of the protruding profile portion. The rear flange of the gusset can be joined to the wheelhouse inner panel at a rearward position with respect to a top section of the protruding profile portion. A lower end section of the U-shaped profile portion can be joined to an upward protruding part provided at a rear frame.

[0008]

The vehicle rear structure described above can further include a brace having a first end and a second end. A floor panel can be arranged between an upper cross member and a lower cross member. The upper cross member and the lower cross member can be arranged at a frontward position relative to the gusset. The first end of the brace can be joined to a rear surface of the upper cross member. The second end of the brace can be joined to the upper section of the gusset.

[0009]

In the vehicle rear structure described above, the top cross member can have a hollow space that forms a space arranged above the protruding profile portion.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

According to an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle rear structure may be downsized with a gusset in the vicinity of a rear wheelhouse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[001 1 ] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle rear structure as seen from above a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle rear structure as seen from below a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rear seat and a luggage space in a vehicle interior.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of upper and lower cross members.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rear wheelhouse as seen from above a vehicle. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a rear wheelhouse.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of a rear wheelhouse.

FIG 8 is a schematic view showing a joint structure of a lower section of a gusset.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example arrangement of a seat belt reel device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0012]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following descriptions, a vertical direction corresponds to a vertical direction of a vehicle body. A front-to-rear direction corresponds to a front-to-rear direction of a vehicle body. A vehicle width direction (right-to-left direction) corresponds to a vehicle width direction (right-to-left direction) of a vehicle body. Further, descriptions of right and left sides are similarly applicable to the other side.

[0013]

In one embodiment, a rear part structure 1 1 of a vehicle body 10 is applied to a vehicle body 10 of a small-size passenger vehicle. In other embodiments, the rear part structure 1 1 is applicable to vehicle bodies of various passenger vehicles such as a medium-size vehicle, a large-size vehicle, a sedan, and a wagon.

[0014]

As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a vehicle rear structure 11 includes a rear frame 1 , a floor panel 17, upper and lower cross members 19, 20, a top cross member 21 , rear wheelhouses 23 A, 23B, and gussets 25A, 25B.

[0015]

The rear frame 15 has rear side frames 15 A, 15B. The rear side frame 15 A is arranged on the left side of the vehicle body 10 and extends at least in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 10. The rear side frame 15B is arranged on the right side of the vehicle body 10 and extends at least in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 10. The rear side frame 1 A has a bent portion 15Ac at a region adjacent to the rear wheelhouse 23 A. The rear side frame 15B has a bent portion 15Bc at a region adjacent to the rear wheelhouse 23B. The distance, in the vehicle width direction, between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B changes at the bent portions 15 Ac, 15Bc. The distance between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B of the rear frame 15 is relatively large at portions 15Aa, 15Ba close to a rear cabin (rear seat 12). A fuel tank (not shown) is provided below the floor panel 17 at the portions 1 5Aa, 15Ba. The distance between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B of the rear frame 15 is relatively small at portions 15Ab, 15Bb close to a luggage space 13. The floor panel 17 has a spare tire storage concave portion 71 at the portions 15Ab, 15Bb. The bent portion 15Ac is a transition part provided between the portion 15Aa and the portion 15Ab. The bent portion 15Bc is a transition part provided between the portion 15Ba and the portion 15Bb.

[0016]

The floor panel 17 extends at least in the front -to-rear direction and the right-to-left direction. At least part of the floor panel 17 bridges a gap between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B. The floor panel 17 has a first raised profile portion (first protruding part) 72 that protrudes upward partially in the front-to-rear direction in the vicinity of the bent portions 15 Ac, 15Bc. The first raised profile portion 72extends in the vehicle width direction between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B (bent portions 15 Ac, 15Bc).

[0017]

As shown in FIG. 4, the first raised profile portion 72 of the floor panel 17 has a front surface (front inclined surface) 72a, a rear surface (rear inclined surface) 72b, and a top portion 72c provided between the front surface 72a and the rear surface 72b. In one example, the rear surface 72b extends diagonally downward and backward with respect to the top portion 72c and is arranged to face diagonally upward and backward.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the floor panel 17 further has, in the rearward of the first raised profile portion 72 (upper and lower cross members 19, 20), a floor first bent portion 73, a floor front horizontal portion 74, and a floor second bent portion 75 in this order in the rearward direction. The first raised profile portion 72, the floor first bent portion 73, the floor front horizontal portion 74, the floor second bent portion 75, and the spare tire storage concave portion 71 are continuously formed in the floor panel 17.

The first raised profile portion 72, the floor first bent portion 73, the floor front horizontal portion 74, the floor second bent portion 75, and the spare tire storage concave portion 71 are provided so as to extend continuously.

[0019]

As shown in FIG. 2, the spare tire storage concave portion 71 of the floor panel 17 has, on the underside, a transverse member 71a that extends in the vehicle width direction and a longitudinal member 71b that extends in the front-to-rear direction. One end of the longitudinal member 71 b is joined to the vicinity of the center of the transverse member 71 a. The longitudinal member 71 b extends rearward from the joint. Further, the longitudinal member 71b has a fragile portion 71ba that prompts deformation. The longitudinal member 71b is provided such that when receiving a rear impact load, at least the floor panel 17 is deformed to protrude downward from the fragile portion 71 ba as the starting point. A towing hook 71 z is provided at the longitudinal member 71b.

[0020]

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the floor panel 17 has a second raised profile portion (second protruding part) 76 that is provided frontward relative to the first raised profile portion 72 and is provided in the vicinity of a position above the fuel tank (not shown). The second raised profile portion 76 is provided partially in the front-to-rear direction in the floor panel 17 so as to protrude upward. The second raised profile portion 76 is provided between the rear side frames 15 A, 15B (portions 15Aa, 15Ba) so as to extend in the vehicle width direction. Further, the height of the second raised profile portion 76 from a predetermined reference position is greater than that of the first raised profile portion 72.

[0021]

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper cross member 1 is arranged above the floor panel 17, and the lower cross member 20 is arranged under the floor panel 17. The upper and lower cross members 19, 20 are arranged substantially between the rear seat 12 (FIG. 3) and the luggage space 13 (FIG. 3). An end portion of the upper cross member 19 is joined to the rear frame 15 and/or the floor panel 17 at the bent portions 15 Ac, 15Bc (FIG. 2) in the rear frame 15. An end portion of the lower cross member 20 is joined to the rear frame 15 and/or the floor panel 17 at the bent portions 15 Ac, 15Bc (FIG. 2) in the rear frame 15.

[0022]

The upper cross member 19 and the lower cross member 20 are arranged to be adjacent to each other at least in the front-to-rear direction. In the floor panel 17 in plan view, a region that is covered by the upper cross member 19 overlaps at least partially with a region that is covered by the lower cross member 20. In one example, in the floor panel 17, substantially the whole of the region that is covered by the upper cross member 19 overlaps the region that is covered by the lower cross member 20.

[0023]

The cross-sectional profiles of the upper and lower cross members 19, 20 each have a hat-shaped profile (substantially U-shaped profile). The upper cross member 1 has a top portion 19a in a hat shape, a front flange 19b provided frontward of the top portion 19a, a front portion 19c provided between the front flange 19b and the top portion 19a, a rear flange 19e provided rearward of the top portion 19a, and a rear portion 19f provided between the top portion 19a and the rear flange 19e. The lower cross member 20 has a top portion 20a in a hat shape, a front flange 20b provided frontward of the top portion 20a, a front portion 20c provided between the front flange 20b and the top portion 20a, a rear flange 20e provided rearward of the top portion 20a, and a rear portion 20f provided between the top portion 20a and the rear flange 20e. If necessary, an angle, a corner, and/or a curved corner can be provided between the adjacent two portions.

[0024]

At least part of the front flange 19b of the upper cross member 19 and at least part of the front flange 20b of the lower cross member 20 are arranged at substantially the same position in the front-to-rear direction and are joined to each other with the floor panel 17 interposed between the upper and lower cross members 19, 20. At least part of the rear flange 19e of the upper cross member 19 and at least part of the rear flange 20e of the lower cross member 20 are arranged at substantially the same position in the front-to-rear direction and are joined to each other with the floor panel 17 interposed between them. [0025]

The upper cross member 19 is arranged so as to overlap the first raised profile portion 72 of the floor panel 17. In one example, at least part of the first raised profile portion 72 is arranged between the front flange 19b and the rear flange 19e of the upper cross member 1 . Further, at least part of the upper cross member 19 is arranged close to the first raised profile portion 72 of the floor panel 17. At least part of the front portion 19c of the upper cross member 1 is arranged close to the front surface (inclined surface) 72a of the first raised profile portion 72 of the floor panel 17.

[0026]

A cross-sectional center line 19z of the upper cross member 19 is tilted with respect to a cross-sectional center line 20z of the lower cross member 20. In an internal space formed between the upper cross member 19 and the floor panel 17, a front space provided frontward with respect to the cross-sectional center line 19z is substantially the same as a rear space provided rearward with respect to the cross-sectional center line 19z. In an internal space formed between the lower cross member 20 and the floor panel 17, a front space provided frontward with respect to the cross-sectional center line 20z is substantially the same as a rear space provided rearward with respect to the

cross-sectional center line 20z.

[0027]

In one example, the cross-sectional center line 19z of the upper cross member 19 is tilted rearward with respect to the vertical direction (gravity direction). For example, an angle between the cross-sectional center line 19z and the cross-sectional center line 20z can be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85° In one example, the intersection point of the cross-sectional center line 19z and the

cross-sectional center line 20z is arranged at a position below the floor panel 17 and is arranged frontward relative to the top portion 19a of the upper cross member 19.

[0028]

In one example, the upper surface (outer surface) of the front portion 19c of the upper cross member 19 has a backward tilt. At least part of the front portion 19c of the upper cross member 19 can extend diagonally downward and forward with respect to the front edge of the top portion 19a. The upper surface (outer surface) of the front portion 19c of the upper cross member 19 can be arranged to face diagonally upward and forward. In one example, at least part of the rear portion 19f of the upper cross member 19 can extend diagonally downward and forward with respect to the rear edge of the top portion 19a. The outer surface of the rear portion 19f of the upper cross member 19 can be arranged to face diagonally downward and backward. In another example, at least part of the rear portion 19f of the upper cross member 19 can extend substantially vertically downward from the rear edge of the top portion 19a.

[0029]

As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the rear wheelhouse 23 A has a wheelhouse outer panel 31 and a wheelhouse inner panel 32. The rear wheelhouse 23 A is arranged to cover at least part of a rear tire and forms a space in which at least part of the rear tire is arranged. Part of an edge flange 31 a of the wheelhouse outer panel 31 and part of an edge flange 32a of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 are joined to each other.

[0030]

The rear wheelhouse 23 A has a closed cross-section (closed cross-sectional structure) configured mainly by a cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel 31 and a cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32. A closed cross-section or closed cross-sectional structure may be defined as a shape defined by a combination of materials that when viewed at a hypothetical cross section the combination of materials form a particular shape, such as a square, trapezoid, or rectangle. For example, FIG. 7 shows a polygonal closed cross section area formed by the combination of hat shapes of outer panel 31 and inner panel 32. The cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel 31 has a convex profile 31 b that fully protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the edge flange 31 a. The cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 has a convex profile 32b that fully protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the edge flange 32a.

[0031]

The cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 further has a protruding profile portion 32ba that partially protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction (toward a vehicle interior) with respect to the convex profile 32b. In other words, the cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 has a front portion 32bb as a general surface of the convex profile 32b, a rear portion 32bc as a general surface of the convex profile 32b, and the protruding profile portion 32ba provided between the front portion 32bb and the rear portion 32bc. That is, the closed cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel 31 and the wheelhouse inner panel 32 has, on the room inner side, the protruding profile portion 32ba as a local raised portion.

[0032]

The protruding profile portion 32ba is provided to extend at least in the vertical direction. In one example, an upper end of the protruding profile portion 32ba is arranged in the vicinity of an upper end (top section) of the wheelhouse inner panel 32. A lower end of the protruding profile portion 32ba is arranged in the vicinity of a lower end of the wheelhouse inner panel 32. A top section (top surface) 33 of the

cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 is provided at the protruding profile portion 32ba. The protruding profile portion 32ba has ridge lines 33a, 33b that extend at least in the vertical direction. The ridge lines 33a, 33b are provided such that at least parts of the ridge lines 33a, 33b are apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction. In the protruding profile portion 32ba, the distance between the two ridge lines 33a, 33b adjacent to the top section 33 can be more than twice as large as the thickness of a plate member of the wheelhouse inner panel 32. The distance between the ridge lines 33a, 33b may be changed along the vertical direction or may be substantially constant.

[0033]

The gusset 25 A is configured by a plate member having a bend structure. The gusset 25A is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the rear wheelhouse 23 A so as to overlap the protruding profile portion 32ba of the rear wheelhouse 23 A. The gusset 25 A is arranged to overlap the top section 33 of the protruding profile portion 32ba of the rear wheelhouse 23 A.

[0034]

The gusset 25A has a substantially hat-shaped profile. The gusset 25A has a front flange 35, a rear flange 36, and a U-shaped profile portion 37. The gusset 25A is arranged such that the U-shaped profile portion 37 covers the top section 33 of the protruding profile portion 32ba of the wheelhouse inner panel 32 and the U-shaped profile portion 37 surrounds at least part of the top section 33 of the protruding profile portion 32ba. In one example, the gusset 25A is arranged such that the cross-sectional center line of the U-shaped profile portion 37 of the gusset 25 A intersects with the protruding profile portion 32ba of the wheelhouse inner panel 32.

[0035]

The front flange 35 of the gusset 25 A is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel 32 (general surface, front portion 32bb) at a frontward position with respect to the top section 33 of the protruding profile portion 32ba of the rear wheelhouse 23 A. The gusset 25 A can be arranged at a frontward position with respect to the top section 33 such that part of the gusset 25A is close to a lateral surface (front surface) 33c of the protruding profile portion 32ba. The rear flange 36 of the gusset 25A is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel 32 (general surface, rear portion 32bc) at a rearward position with respect to the top section 33 of the protruding profile portion 32ba of the rear wheelhouse 23 A. The gusset 25 A can be arranged at a rearward position with respect to the top section 33 such that part of the gusset 25A is close to a lateral surface (rear surface) 33d of the protruding profile portion 32ba.

[0036]

As shown in FIG. 8, the U-shaped profile portion 37 of the gusset 25 A is joined to an upward protruding part 38a of a reinforcement member 38 provided at the rear frame 15 (rear side frame 15 A). The reinforcement member 38 is configured by a plate member having a bend structure. The upward protruding part 38a of the reinforcement member 38 is provided to protrude upward with respect to the floor panel 17. The reinforcement member 38 can have a U-shaped profile similar to that of the gusset 25 A. At least part of the upward protruding part 38a of the reinforcement member 38 is arranged to overlap a lower end section of the U-shaped profile portion 37 of the gusset 25A. The lower end section of the U-shaped profile portion 37 of the gusset 25A is joined to the upward protruding part 38a of the reinforcement member 38.

[0037]

As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, a damper base 40 that is arranged to be adjacent to the rear wheelhouse 23A is provided on the rearward side of the rear wheelhouse 23 A. A damper base can be defined as a mounting or attachment location of a damper and may have any of a number of configurations. A rear damper is attached to the damper base 40. The damper base 40 has a local profile that corresponds to a partial profile of the rear wheelhouse 23 A. Part of the damper base 40 is arranged close to the rear wheelhouse 23 A via the local profile. Further, the damper base 40 has a local profile that corresponds to a partial profile of the gusset 25A. Part of the damper base 40 having the local profile is arranged close to the gusset 25A. The damper base 40 is joined to both the gusset 25 A and the wheelhouse inner panel 32. In the damper base 40, an angle is provided between a main axis of the surface that is joined to the gusset 25A and a main axis of the surface that is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel 32. [0038]

With reference to FIG. 1 again, the top cross member 21 extends in the vehicle width direction and bridges a gap between the gussets 25A, 25B. One end (first end) of the top cross member 21 is joined to an upper section of the gusset 25 A. Another end (second end) of the top cross member 21 is joined to an upper section of the gusset 25B. In one example, the top cross member 21 can have a depressed part 55 that forms a space arranged above the protruding profile portion 32ba (FIG. 6) of the rear wheelhouses 23 A, 23B.

[0039]

Braces 50A, 50B that are stretched in a substantially V-shaped form are provided between the gussets 25 A, 25B and the upper cross member 1 . A first end 5 1 A of the brace 50 A is joined to the rear surface (rear portion 19f (FIG. 4)) at the center of the upper cross member 19. A first end 5 IB of the brace 50B is joined to the rear surface (rear portion 19f (FIG. 4)) at the center of the upper cross member 19. A second end 52 A of the brace 50A is joined to the upper section of the gusset 25 A. A second end 52B of the brace 50B is joined to the upper section of the gusset 25B.

[0040]

The vehicle rear structure 11 described above has a variety of features. As described below, the features provide advantages.

[0041]

The vehicle rear structure 11 includes: the rear wheelhouses 23 A, 23B having the wheelhouse outer panel 31 and the wheelhouse inner panel 32; and gussets 25A, 25B having an upper section to which one end of the top cross member 21 is joined. The rear wheelhouse 23A (23B) has a closed cross-section having a cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel 31 , a cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel 32, and the protruding profile portion 32ba that partially protrudes toward a vehicle interior. The gusset 25A (25B) is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the rear wheelhouse 23 A (23B) such that at least part of the gusset 25 A (25B) overlaps the protruding profile portion 32ba.

[0042]

According to the vehicle rear structure 11, at least the gusset 25 A (25B) may be downsized while securing the strength or the rigidity of the structure. For at least this reason, the vehicle rear structure 1 1 in which the structure includes the gussets 25A, 25B in the vicinity of the rear wheelhouses 23A, 23B may be downsized.

[0043]

The vehicle rear structure 11 further includes the damper base 40 arranged to be adjacent to the rear portion of the protruding profile portion 32ba in the rear wheelhouse 23 A (23B). The damper base 40 may be joined to the gusset 25A (25B) and the wheelhouse inner panel 32.

[0044]

According to the vehicle rear structure 1 1 , the damper base 40 is joined to both of the gusset 25A (25B) and the wheelhouse inner panel 32 to thereby enhance the rigidity of the damper base 40. As a result, high-speed stability may be realized.

[0045]

In the vehicle rear structure 11, the gusset 25 A (25B) has the front flange 35, the rear flange 36, and the U-shaped profile portion 37 provided between the front flange 35 and the rear flange 36. The front flange 35 of the gusset 25A (25B) is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel 32 at a frontward position with respect to the top section of the protruding profile portion 32ba. The rear flange 36 of the gusset 25 A (25B) is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel 32 at a rearward position with respect to the top section of the protruding profile portion 32ba. The lower end section of the U-shaped profile portion 37 is joined to the upward protruding part 38a provided at the rear frame 15.

[0046]

According to the vehicle rear structure 1 1, simplification of the configuration is realized while securing the strength or the rigidity of the structure. At least the gusset 25A (25B) may be downsized. The vehicle rear structure 11 in which the structure including the gussets 25A, 25B in the vicinity of the rear wheelhouses 23 A, 23B can be downsized compared to other kinds of structures that do not use a gusset in this way.

[0047]

The vehicle rear structure 11 further includes the braces 50A, 50B having the first ends 51 A, 5 IB and the second ends 52 A, 52B. A floor panel is arranged between the upper cross member 19 and the lower cross member 20. The upper cross member 19 and the lower cross member 20 are arranged at a frontward position relative to the gussets 25 A, 25B. The first ends 51 A, 5 IB of the braces 50 A, 50B are joined to the rear surface of the upper cross member 19. The second ends 52A, 52B of the braces 50A, 50B are joined to the upper section of the gussets 25A, 25B. [0048]

According to the vehicle rear structure 11, even when the vehicle is a small-size vehicle, the rear seat 12 can be arranged relatively rearward, and a foot space of the passenger of the rear seat 12 is sufficiently secured. Further, due to the braces 50A, 50B, high rigidity of the vehicle body rear part is secured.

[0049]

In the vehicle rear structure 11, the top cross member 21 has the depressed part 55 that forms a space arranged above the protruding profile portion 32ba.

[0050]

According to the vehicle rear structure 11, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to arrange a seat belt reel device 92 in a space formed above the protruding profile portion 32ba. The vehicle rear structure 11 in which the structure including the gussets 25A, 25B in the vicinity of the rear wheelhouses 23 A, 23B may be downsized.

DESCRIPTION OF TFffi REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0051]

10: vehicle body

11 : vehicle rear structure

12: rear seat

13 : luggage space (e.g., trunk)

15 : rear frame

15 A, 15B: rear side frame

15 Ac, 15Bc: bent portion

17: floor panel

19: upper cross member

20: lower cross member

19z, 20z: cross-sectional center line

21 : top cross member

23 A, 23 B: rear wheelhouse

25A, 25B: gusset

31 : wheelhouse outer panel

32: wheelhouse inner panel

32ba: protruding profile portion 5 : front flange

6: rear flange

7: U-shaped profile portion

8: reinforcement member

8a: upward protruding part0: damper base

OA, 5 OB: brace

5: hollow space

1 : spare tire storage concave portion 1 a: transverse member

1b: longitudinal member

1ba: fragile portion

2: first raised profile portion3 : floor first bent portion

4: floor front horizontal portion5 : floor second bent portion6: second raised profile portion

Claims

1. A vehicle rear structure, comprising:

a rear wheelhouse having a wheelhouse outer panel and a wheelhouse inner panel, and

a gusset having an upper section to which one end of a top cross member is joined, wherein

the rear wheelhouse has a closed cross-section formed by a combination of cross-sections comprising a cross-section of the wheelhouse outer panel, and a cross-section of the wheelhouse inner panel including a protruding profile portion that partially protrudes toward a vehicle interior, and

the gusset is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the rear wheelhouse such that at least part of the gusset overlaps the protruding profile portion.

2. The vehicle rear structure according to Claim 1 , further comprising: a damper base arranged to be adjacent to a rear portion of the protruding profile portion in the rear wheelhouse, wherein

the damper base is joined to the gusset and the wheelhouse inner panel.

3. The vehicle rear structure according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the gusset has a front flange, a rear flange, and a U-shaped profile portion provided between the front flange and the rear flange,

the front flange of the gusset is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel at a frontward position with respect to a top section of the protruding profile portion,

the rear flange of the gusset is joined to the wheelhouse inner panel at a rearward position with respect to a top section of the protruding profile portion, and

a lower end section of the U-shaped profile portion is joined to an upward protruding part provided at a rear frame.

4. The vehicle rear structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a brace having a first end and a second end, wherein

a floor panel is arranged between an upper cross member and a lower cross member,

the upper cross member and the lower cross member are arranged at a frontward position relative to the gusset,

the first end of the brace is joined to a rear surface of the upper cross member, and

the second end of the brace is joined to the upper section of the gusset.

5. The vehicle rear structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, . wherein

the top cross member has a hollow space formed above the protruding profile portion.