U.S. patent application number 14/084771 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for polygonal cross-sectional frame, and rear vehicle body structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Masayo Akiyama, Takayuki Fujii, Seiji Hayashi.
Application Number | 20140070567 14/084771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44815173 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140070567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fujii; Takayuki ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
POLYGONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL FRAME, AND REAR VEHICLE BODY
STRUCTURE
Abstract
A polygonal cross-sectional frame has an L closed
cross-sectional shape such that the frame has an inwardly recessed
section. A rear vehicle body structure includes a depressing member
provided, along the lower surface of a rear frame extending
rearward from a floor of a passenger compartment, in opposed
relation to a predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part
disposed beneath the depressing member. As a rear section of the
rear frame deforms due to a load input to the rear end of the rear
frame, the depressing member deforms downward to depress and
displace the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part.
Inventors: |
Fujii; Takayuki; (Wako-shi,
JP) ; Akiyama; Masayo; (Wako-shi, JP) ;
Hayashi; Seiji; (Wako-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44815173 |
Appl. No.: |
14/084771 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13091231 |
Apr 21, 2011 |
|
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|
14084771 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/187.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/087 20130101;
B62D 21/11 20130101; B62D 25/08 20130101; B62D 21/152 20130101;
B62D 23/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/187.11 |
International
Class: |
B62D 25/08 20060101
B62D025/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 23, 2010 |
JP |
2010-099676 |
Apr 23, 2010 |
JP |
2010-099752 |
Claims
1. A rear vehicle body structure comprising a depressing member
disposed, along a lower surface of a rear section of a rear frame
extending rearward from a floor of a passenger compartment, in
opposed relation to a predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component
part disposed beneath the depressing member, wherein, as the rear
section of the rear frame deforms due to a load input to a rear end
of the rear frame, the depressing member deforms downward to
depress the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part.
2. The rear vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein
the rear section of the rear frame has an L cross-sectional shape,
and the depressing member is accommodated in an inwardly recessed
section defined in a corner portion of the L cross-sectional shape
of the rear section of the rear frame.
3. The rear vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein
the depressing member is elongated along the rear frame and
includes front and rear end portions fixed to the lower surface of
the rear section of the rear frame and an intermediate portion
formed integrally with and between the front and rear end portions,
and wherein the intermediate portion is constructed to deform
downward toward the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component
part in response to reduction in a distance between the front and
rear end portions.
4. The rear vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein
the depressing member has a frail portion provided in an upper
surface of the intermediate portion to facilitate downward
deformation of the depressing member.
5. The rear vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein
the depressing member has a slanting surface portion facing
outwardly or inwardly of the rear section of the rear frame for
depressing the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to polygonal cross-sectional
frames for use as frames of vehicles etc. The present invention
also relates to rear vehicle body structures in which a depressing
member, disposed close to a rear frame extending toward the rear of
a passenger compartment, depresses and displaces a
vehicle-body-mounted component part at the time of a rear collision
of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Among the conventionally-known polygonal cross-sectional
frames are ones of a hexagonal closed cross-sectional shape which
are employed as frames of vehicles. One example of such polygonal
closed cross-sectional frames is disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open Publication No. H09-309455 (hereinafter
referred to as "patent literature 1"), in which beads are formed on
side surfaces of the frame so that the frame can effectively absorb
a compressive load applied or input to the frame in the axial
direction of the frame even where the frame is of a bent shape.
[0003] However, although the polygonal closed cross-sectional frame
disclosed in patent literature 1 can efficiently absorb a
compressive load input axially thereto, it can hardly absorb a load
input thereto at an angle or obliquely to the frame axis.
Therefore, there has been a demand for a polygonal cross-sectional
frame which can efficiently absorb a load input to the frame
obliquely to the frame axis.
[0004] Also known are rear vehicle body structures in which a
depressing bracket (depressing member) is provided over a silencer
disposed between left and right rear frames extending toward the
rear of a passenger compartment and in which, at the time of a rear
collision of the vehicle with an external obstacle or object, the
depressing bracket depresses and displaces the silencer to prevent
the silencer from undesirably interfering with a fuel tank disposed
in front of the silencer, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No.
3920193 (hereinafter referred to as "patent literature 2").
[0005] However, the rear vehicle body structure disclosed in patent
literature 2 would require a relatively great dedicated space over
the silencer (vehicle-body-mounted component part) for providing
the depressing member. Also, the rear vehicle body structure
disclosed in patent literature 2 allows the depressing member to
depress and displace the silencer by only a small amount.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing prior art problems, it is a first
object of the present invention to provide an improved polygonal
cross-sectional frame which can efficiently absorb not only a
compressive load (impact) input axially to the frame but also a
compressive load (impact) input obliquely to the frame axis and can
have an increased strength, with no bead formed on its side
surfaces.
[0007] It is a second object of the present invention to provide an
improved rear vehicle body structure which allows the depressing
member to be provided in a narrow or small space between the rear
frame and the vehicle-body-mounted component part, and which allows
the depressing member to depress and displace the silencer by a
great amount at the time of a rear collision of the vehicle.
[0008] In order to accomplish the first object, the present
invention provides an improved polygonal cross-sectional frame
having a hexagonal closed cross-sectional shape, the hexagonal
closed cross-sectional shape of the frame being an L closed
cross-sectional shape such that the frame has an inwardly recessed
section in a corner portion between two leg portions of the L
closed cross-sectional shape. The polygonal cross-sectional frame
constructed in this manner can efficiently absorb not only a
compressive load (impact) input axially to the frame but also a
compressive load (impact) input obliquely to the frame axis and can
have an increased strength, with no bead formed on its side
surfaces.
[0009] Preferably, the inwardly recessed section is defined by: one
of four corner portions of an original rectangular cross-sectional
shape of the frame being removed from first and second side
portions originally defining the one corner portion; a first
central supporting side portion of the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape extending continuously from an unremoved
portion of the first side portion to or to near a centroid located
centrally of the original rectangular cross-sectional shape; and a
second central supporting side portion of the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape extending continuously from an unremoved
portion of the second side portion to the inner end of the first
central supporting side portion.
[0010] Because the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present
invention has the above-mentioned inwardly recessed section, the
first and second central supporting side portions can
advantageously disperse a compressive load (impact) having been
input to the end of the frame obliquely to the axis line of the
frame. Consequently, the input compressive load (impact)
transmitting toward the center (centroid) of the original
rectangular cross-sectional shape of the frame can be efficiently
absorbed by deformation of the first and second central supporting
side portions. Also, a compressive load (impact) having been input
to an end of the frame in the axial direction (parallel to the
axis) of the frame can be advantageously dispersed by the first and
second central supporting side portions, so that the input
compressive load (impact) can be efficiently absorbed by the first
and second central supporting side portions.
[0011] Preferably, the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the
present invention is employed as a frame that extends to at least
one of a front side frame extending forward from a floor of a
passenger compartment of a vehicle and a rear frame extending
rearward from the floor of the passenger compartment. In the case
where the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present invention
is employed as a frame extending to the rear frame, a load input
obliquely to the axis line of the rear frame due to a collision of
an external obstacle against a rear end portion of the vehicle can
be efficiently absorbed by deformation of the first and second
central supporting side portions. Similarly, in the case where the
polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present invention is
employed as a frame extending to the front side frame, a load input
obliquely to the axis line of the front side frame due to a
collision of an external obstacle against a rear end portion of the
vehicle can be efficiently absorbed by deformation of the first and
second central supporting side portions.
[0012] Preferably, where the polygonal cross-sectional frame is
disposed substantially horizontally, one of the first central
supporting side portion and the second central supporting side
portion extends vertically while the other of the first central
supporting side portion and the second central supporting side
portion extends horizontally. Thus, a compressive load input to the
polygonal cross-sectional frame obliquely to the vertical direction
or horizontal direction, i.e. in an obliquely downward, obliquely
upward, obliquely rightward or obliquely leftward direction, can be
dispersed by the first and second central supporting side
portions.
[0013] Preferably, the second central supporting side portion
intersects perpendicularly with the first central supporting side
portion. Such an arrangement can further increase strength of the
frame against an input compressive load.
[0014] Preferably, the inwardly recessed section of the frame is
oriented to face inwardly and downwardly of the vehicle. With this
arrangement, a neighboring component part, such as a tank or a
suspension, can be accommodated disposed in the inwardly recessed
section, and thus, the present invention can achieve an enhanced
design freedom. Particularly, because a neighboring component part
can be disposed in the inwardly recessed section, the neighboring
component part can be located at a higher position of the vehicle,
so that the floor of the vehicle can be disposed at a lower
position from the ground surface, i.e. at a position lower than the
conventional counterpart by the height dimension of the inwardly
recessed section of the frame. Thus, this arrangement can achieve a
reduced or lowered height of the floor of the vehicle. Furthermore,
because a neighboring component part can be disposed in the
inwardly recessed section, an increased number of neighboring
component parts can be disposed between the inwardly recessed
sections of a pair of the polygonal cross-sectional frames disposed
in opposed relation to each other, which thereby can increase the
housing capacity of the vehicle.
[0015] Preferably, the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the
present invention is used in a vehicle as a rear polygonal
cross-sectional frame member that extends straight to be connected
to a subframe mounting portion provided at a rear end portion of a
front frame member extending rearward from the floor of the
passenger compartment of a vehicle. Thus, if the rear polygonal
cross-sectional frame member is formed in an L closed
cross-sectional shape and extended straight, a moment that would
bend the rear polygonal cross-sectional frame member is less like
to occur, as compared to a case where the rear frame member extends
over a longer distance. Furthermore, because the subframe mounting
portion provided at the rear end portion of the front frame member
has an increased mechanical strength and a front portion of the
rear polygonal cross-sectional frame member is supported via the
mechanically-strong subframe mounting portion, the present
invention can more readily produce reactive force against the
bending moment.
[0016] Preferably, the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the
present invention extends from the floor of the passenger
compartment to be located at a height higher than the floor, and
another frame extending downward from a roof rail, defining the
left and right end edges of a roof of the passenger compartment, is
fixedly joined at a lower end thereof to an upper portion of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame. Thus, once a compressive load is
input to the rear end (one end) of the polygonal cross-sectional
frame, there is produced a moment that would bend the frame about
the other end fixedly joined to the floor and slanting upward.
Because the moment is transmitted from the upper portion of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame, the polygonal cross-sectional
frame can have an increased strength against the upward bending
moment.
[0017] In order to accomplish the second object, the present
invention provides an improved rear vehicle body structure which
comprises a depressing member disposed, along the lower surface of
a rear section of a rear frame extending rearward from a floor of a
passenger compartment, in opposed relation to a predetermined
vehicle-body-mounted component part disposed beneath the depressing
member. As the rear section of the rear frame deforms due to a load
input to the rear end of the rear frame, the depressing member
deforms downward to depress and displace the predetermined
vehicle-body-mounted component part.
[0018] Thus, the depressing member can be provided even in a small
space between the lower surface of the rear section of the rear
frame and the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted component part. As
the rear frame compressively deforms due to a compressive load
(impact) input to a rear end portion of the vehicle (rear end of
the rear frame), the opposite ends of the depressing approach each
other, so that an intermediate portion is pushed downward toward
the vehicle-body-mounted component part. With such arrangements,
the depressing member provided in the small space can appropriately
depress and displace the vehicle-body-mounted component part by a
great amount. By such depression by the depressing member, the
vehicle-body-mounted component part can be prevented from
undesirably interfering with another component part, such as a
front vehicle body and/or fuel tank, disposed in front of the
vehicle-body-mounted component part. As a result, the present
invention permits enhancement of impact absorbing performance of
the vehicle body. Furthermore, in a case where the
vehicle-body-mounted component part is a silencer of an exhaust
pipe, the depressing member can function also as a member for
shielding heat from the silencer.
[0019] Preferably, the rear section of the rear frame has an L
cross-sectional shape, and the depressing member is accommodated or
disposed in an inwardly recessed section defined in a corner
portion of the L cross-sectional shape of the rear section of the
rear frame. Thus, the vehicle-body-mounted component part can be
disposed close to the lower surface of the rear section of the rear
frame.
[0020] Preferably, the depressing member is elongated along the
rear frame and includes front and rear end portions fixed to the
lower surface of the rear section of the rear frame and an
intermediate portion formed integrally with and between the front
and rear end portions. The intermediate portion is constructed to
deform downward toward the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted
component part in response to reduction in a distance between the
front and rear end portions caused by a rear collision of the
vehicle. With such arrangements, the vehicle-body-mounted component
part can be depressed and displaced by the depressing member by a
great amount.
[0021] Preferably, the depressing member has a frail portion
provided in the upper surface of the intermediate portion to
facilitate downward deformation of the depressing member. Because
the depressing member has the frail portion (or easily deformable
portion), it is possible to readily designate or establish a
position at which the depressing member should bend or deform, in
response to deformation of the rear section of the rear frame, to
depress and displace the vehicle-body-mounted component part.
Therefore, the rear vehicle body structure that allows the
depressing member to reliably depress and displace the
vehicle-body-mounted component part can be constructed in a
simplified manner.
[0022] Preferably, the depressing member has a slanting surface
portion facing outwardly or inwardly of the rear section of the
rear frame for depressing the predetermined vehicle-body-mounted
component part. In the case where the slanting surface portion is
oriented to face inwardly of the rear section of the rear frame,
the depressing member can displace the predetermined
vehicle-body-mounted component part inwardly of the rear section of
the rear frame to thereby prevent the vehicle-body-mounted
component part from interfering with another component part
disposed in front of the vehicle-body-mounted component part. In
the case where the slanting surface portion is oriented to face
outwardly of the rear section of the rear frame, on the other hand,
the depressing member can displace the predetermined
vehicle-body-mounted component part inwardly of the rear section of
the rear frame to thereby prevent the vehicle-body-mounted
component part from interfering with a fuel tank disposed in front
of the vehicle-body-mounted component part.
[0023] The following will describe embodiments of the present
invention, but it should be appreciated that the present invention
is not limited to the described embodiments and various
modifications of the invention are possible without departing from
the basic principles. The scope of the present invention is
therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in detail, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
frame having a polygonal cross-sectional (i.e., polygonal
cross-sectional frame) of the present invention and a vehicle
employing such a polygonal cross-sectional frame;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 2 of FIG.
1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle employing the
first embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 5 of FIG.
4;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 6 of FIG.
4;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 7 of FIG.
4;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 8 of FIG.
4;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a view explanatory of a mechanism employed in
connection with the first embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame for achieving a reduced height of a floor of
the vehicle;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a view explanatory of a mechanism employed in
connection with the first embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame for achieving an increased housing capacity
of the vehicle;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of
the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present invention and a
vehicle employing the third embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of
the polygonal cross-sectional frame of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a first embodiment of a rear
vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a view taken in a direction of arrow 15 of FIG.
14;
[0040] FIGS. 16A and 16B are sectional views taken along the 16-16
line of FIG. 15;
[0041] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in the first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a view explanatory of a mechanism for depressing
a vehicle-body-mounted component part in the first embodiment of
the rear vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0043] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a second
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention;
[0044] FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a third embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a fourth
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention;
[0046] FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a fifth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0047] FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a sixth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0048] FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in a seventh
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a side view of an eighth embodiment of the rear
vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a side view of a ninth embodiment of the rear
vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 27 is a side view of a tenth embodiment of the rear
vehicle body structure of the present invention;
[0052] FIGS. 28A and 28B are sectional views taken along the 28-28
line of FIG. 27;
[0053] FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in the tenth
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention; and
[0054] FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are plan, front and side views,
respectively, of a depressing member employed in an eleventh
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
frame having a polygonal cross-sectional (i.e., polygonal
cross-sectional frame) of the present invention and a vehicle
employing the polygonal cross-sectional frame, and FIG. 2 is a view
taken in a direction of arrow 2 of FIG. 1.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first embodiment of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 is a hollow frame of a hexagonal
closed cross-sectional shape that is, in this case, an L closed
cross-sectional shape such that the frame 11 has, as viewed in
cross-section, an inwardly recessed section in a corner portion
between two leg portions of the L closed cross-sectional shape. The
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 has a desired longitudinal
length S.
[0057] As depicted in a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis line J (FIGS. 1, 5 and 6)
of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11, the frame 11 has the
inwardly recessed section 12 formed, for example, by curving or
denting a part of an original rectangular cross-sectional shape of
the frame 11 inwardly to or beyond a centroid (or center) G of the
original rectangular cross-sectional shape of the frame. It can be
said that the inwardly recessed section 12 is formed in a corner
portion between two leg portions of the L cross-sectional
shape.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the original rectangular cross-sectional
shape of the frame 11 is defined by first to fourth corner portions
21 to 24 and first to fourth side portions 31 to 34. Further, the L
closed cross-sectional shape, defining the inwardly recessed
section 12, of the frame 11 is defined by second to seventh corner
portions 22 to 27, and third and fourth side portions 33 and 34,
first remaining or unremoved side portion 35, first and second
central supporting side portions 36 and 37 and second remaining or
unremoved side portion 38.
[0059] Now, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a description will be
given about principal elements of the polygonal cross-sectional
frame 11.
[0060] In the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11, the
above-mentioned inwardly recessed section 12 is defined by: the
first corner portion 21 of the four corner portions (i.e., first to
fourth corner portions 21 to 24) of the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape being taken away or removed from the first
and second side portions 31 and 32 originally defining the first
corner portion 21; the first central supporting side portion 36 of
the original rectangular cross-sectional shape extending integrally
or continuously from a remaining or unremoved portion of the first
side portion 31 (i.e., first unremoved side portion 35) to or to
near the centroid (center) G located centrally of the original
rectangular cross-shape of the frame 11; and the second central
supporting side portion 37 of the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape extending integrally or continuously from a
remaining or unremoved portion of the second side portion 32 (i.e.,
second unremoved side portion 38) to connect to the inner end of
the first central supporting side portion 36.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11
is a frame that connects to at least one of a front side frame 45
extending forward from a floor (under body) 44 of a passenger
compartment 42 of a vehicle 41 and a rear frame 46 extending
rearward from the floor (under body) 44 of the passenger
compartment 42, and that thereby constitutes at least part of the
front side frame 45 and rear frame 46. Note that a vehicle body 47
of the vehicle 41 is horizontally symmetric about a longitudinal
centerline C of FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0062] In a case where the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 is
disposed horizontally as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, one of the
first and second central supporting side portions 36 and 37 (first
central supporting side portion 36 in the illustrated example)
extends vertically while the other of the first and second central
supporting side portions 36 and 37 (second central supporting side
portion 37 in the illustrated example) extends horizontally. Thus,
the second central supporting side portion 37 intersects
perpendicularly with the first central supporting side portion
36.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the inwardly recessed section 12
faces inwardly of the vehicle 41 (i.e., in a direction of arrow a1)
and downwardly of the vehicle 41 (i.e., in a direction of arrow
a2).
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the polygonal cross-sectional
frame 11 extends continuously from the floor (under body) 44 of the
passenger compartment 42 to be generally located at a height Hr
above the floor (under body 44), and a rear pillar 52 fixed at its
upper end to a roof rail 51, defining the left and right end edges
of a roof 48 of the passenger compartment 42 and extending downward
from the roof rail 51, is fixedly joined at the lower end 53 to an
upper portion (i.e., third side portion 33) of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11 employed in the vehicle 41.
[0065] The following describe in detail the vehicle 41 and then the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11.
[0066] The vehicle 41 includes the passenger compartment 42 and the
vehicle body 47. The vehicle body 47 includes the floor (i.e.,
under body) 44 of the passenger compartment 42, side walls (i.e.,
side bodies 56), front vehicle body section (i.e., frond body 57)
connecting to the front of the passenger compartment 42, rear
vehicle body section (i.e., rear body 58) connecting to the back of
the passenger compartment 42, and the roof 48 of the passenger
compartment 42.
[0067] Each of the side bodies 56 includes a front pillar 61
extending downward from the front end of the roof rail 51, and the
rear pillar 52 extending downward from the rear end of the roof
rail 51. Note that the rear pillar 52 is also a part of the rear
body 58.
[0068] The side body 56 also includes a center pillar 64 extending
from a longitudinally-middle portion of the roof rail 51, and a
side sill 66 to which is fixedly joined the lower end 65 of the
center pillar 64. Note that the side sill 66 is also a part of the
under body 44. The front pillar 61 is fixedly joined at its lower
end 68 to the side sill 66.
[0069] The under body 44 includes a middle floor cross member 71
provided in a rear portion thereof, and the middle floor cross
member 71 extends in a vehicle width direction and is fixedly
joined at its opposite ends to a rear portion of the under body 44a
and a rear portion of the side sill 66.
[0070] The under body 44 also includes a floor panel 72 fixedly
joined to the middle floor cross member 71 and side sill 66. The
floor panel 72 extends to a luggage compartment 74 of the rear body
58, and the floor panel 72 of the luggage compartment 74 has a
concave section 76 formed therein for accommodating a spare tire 75
(FIG. 6).
[0071] A corner member 78 is mounted to an intersecting portion 77
defined by the middle floor cross member 71 and the side sill 66.
The rear frame 46 of the rear body 58 extends rearwardly from the
middle floor cross member 71.
[0072] The rear body 58 includes the rear frame 46, a rear end
frame 81 extending upward from a rear end portion of the rear frame
46, and a rear side upper frame 82 connected to the upper end of
the rear end frame 81 and disposed over the rear frame 46.
[0073] The rear side upper frame 82 is fixedly connected at its one
end to an upper portion of the real pillar 52 (i.e., rear end 62 of
the roof rail 51) and extends rearwardly and downwardly of the
vehicle 41 to be fixedly connected at its other end to the upper
end of the rear end frame 81.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, the rear end frame 81, which is of a
generally L shape, includes a vertical end section 84 and a
horizontal mid section 85 substantially parallel to the rear frame
46. More specifically, as viewed from a side of the vehicle 41
(i.e., as shown in FIG. 5), the end section 84 is fixedly joined
vertically to a rear end portion of the rear frame 46. As viewed
from the back of the vehicle 41 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 7), the end
section 84 curves upwardly and outwardly from the rear end portion
of the rear frame 46.
[0075] The mid section 85 extends horizontally from the upper end
of the end section 84 to be fixedly joined to a middle portion of
the rear pillar 52. The rear pillar 52 has a wheel-accommodating
concave portion 91 concaved from immediately below the middle
region of the rear pillar 52, to which the mid section 85 of the
rear end frame 81 is fixedly joined, inwardly of the vehicle 41
(i.e., toward the luggage compartment 74), and the concave portion
91 is fixedly joined at its lower edge to the upper portion (i.e.,
third side portion 33) of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11.
[0076] A front frame 93 (FIG. 4) of the rear pillar 52 is fixedly
joined at its lower end to the middle floor cross member 71, and
this rear pillar front frame 93 is curved outwardly of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11.
[0077] In the first embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional
frame 11, as shown in FIG. 3, adjoining ones of the side portions
33 to 38 (i.e., third and fourth side portions 33 and 34, first
unremoved side portion 35, first and second central supporting side
portions 36 and 37 and second unremoved side portion 38) are
integrally joined at right angles to each other.
[0078] The first to fourth side portions 31 to 34 of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11 each have a length M. The first unremoved
side portion 35 has a length m1 that is about 50% of the length M,
and the second unremoved side portion 38 has length m2 that is
about 50% of the length M. Note that the lengths m1 and m2 are
changed depending on various conditions, such as intensities of
expected loads.
[0079] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the rear frame 46
includes a slanting fixed section 96 fixedly joined at one end to
the middle floor cross member 71 and side sill 66, and a polygonal
cross-sectional frame body that is the first embodiment of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 and that extends horizontally
straight from the other end of the slanting fixed section 96 as
best seen in FIG. 5. The slanting fixed section 96 includes a front
portion fixedly joined to the middle floor cross member 71 and side
sill 66, and an upward slanting portion 97 extending upwardly and
rearwardly from the rear end of the front portion.
[0080] Next, a more detailed description will be given about the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 (rear frame 46).
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8, once a compressive load Fd
or a compressive load Fu is input to the rear end 101 of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 (rear frame 46) obliquely to the
axis line J, the first and second central supporting side portions
36 and 37 produce reactive force against a moment of the input
compressive load Fd or Fu.
[0082] Further, when the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 (rear
frame 46) has started to plastically deform due to the compressive
load Fd or Fu input obliquely to the axis line J, the first and
second central supporting side portions 36 and 37 can efficiently
absorb the compressive load Fd or Fu.
[0083] Next, a description will be given about a mechanism employed
in connection with the first embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11 for reducing a height of the vehicle floor
with reference to FIG. 9, of which (a) is explanatory of a
comparative example of a conventional rear frame 201 of a
rectangular cross-sectional shape while (b) is explanatory of the
first embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 (rear
frame 46).
[0084] The first embodiment of the rear frame 46 allows the floor
(under body) 44 of the luggage compartment 74 to be reduced or
lowered in height from the ground level by an amount Ah, as
compared to the conventional rear frame 201.
[0085] According to the comparative example, a subframe 203 is
mounted at its side edge portions to the undersides 202 of the left
and right rear frames 201, a floor (under body 205) of a luggage
compartment 204 is located at a height position E, as shown in (a)
of FIG. 9.
[0086] In the case where the first embodiment of the present
invention is employed, on the other hand, a subframe 103 is mounted
with its opposite side edge portions accommodated or disposed in
the recessed sections 12 of the left and right rear frames 46
(polygonal cross-sectional frames 11) opposed to each other, so
that the subframe 103 is located closer to the floor (floor panel
72) of the luggage compartment 74, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9. In
this state, the subframe 103 is located at a height Gh from the
ground surface G, and thus, the floor (floor panel 72) of the
luggage compartment 74 is located at a height position N much lower
than the height position E of the floor (under body 205) of a
luggage compartment 204. In this manner, the first embodiment of
the present invention permits a reduced or lowered height of the
floor (floor panel 72) of the luggage compartment 74.
[0087] Next, a description will be given about a mechanism employed
in connection with the first embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11 for increasing a housing capacity with
reference to FIG. 10, of which (a) is explanatory of a comparative
example of a conventional rear frame 202 of a rectangular
cross-sectional shape while (b) is explanatory of the first
embodiment.
[0088] By the provision of the inwardly recessed section 12, the
first embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 (rear
frame 46) permits an increased housing capacity, i.e. capacity for
housing vehicle-mounted component parts, as compared to the
conventional rear frame 202 having no recessed section like the
recessed section 12.
[0089] As shown in (a) of FIG. 10, a spare tire 75 and exhaust pipe
206 (or canister) are disposed between the conventional rectangular
cross-sectional rear frames 201, particularly with the exhaust pipe
206 (or canister) located outside a floor panel 207, i.e. in a
space between a straight, inner vertical side wall of the
rectangular cross-sectional rear frame 201 and the floor panel
207.
[0090] In the case where the first embodiment is employed, on the
other hand, an exhaust pipe 105 (or canister) is disposed in the
inwardly recessed section 12. In this case, the concave section 76
can be increased in width because the exhaust pipe 105 (or
canister) is in the inwardly recessed section 12, so that the spare
tire 75, toolbox 106, etc. can be placed in the concave section 76
between the left and right rear frames 46. Thus, the first
embodiment permits housing of an increased number of component
parts and hence an increased housing capacity of the vehicle.
[0091] In the case where the first embodiment is employed, once a
load is input to the rear end 101 of the rear frame 46, there is
produced a moment that would bend the rear frame 46 upward as
indicated by arrow a4 about one or front end portion (slanting
fixed section 96) of the rear frame 46, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and
8. The moment is transmitted from the upper portion (i.e., third
side portion 33) of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 to the
rear pillar 52 as indicated by arrows a5 and a6. In this way, the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 can have an increased strength
against the upward bending moment (acting in the direction of arrow
a4).
[0092] Next, a description will be given about a second embodiment
of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11B of the present
invention, with reference to FIG. 11 that is a view similar to FIG.
3. Similar elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to
8 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the
first embodiment and will not be described here to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
[0093] The second embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11B is characterized by inclusion of an inwardly recessed section
12B that comprises a first inwardly recessed section 12a and a
second inwardly recessed section 12b that are formed by curving or
denting two corner portions of the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape inwardly to near the centroid G. The second
embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11B, as a whole,
has a T closed cross-sectional shape. It may be said that the
second embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11B
comprises a pair of frames, each having an L closed cross-sectional
shape similar to the first embodiment 11, integrally formed
together.
[0094] The first inwardly recessed section 12a is formed by
removing the first corner portion 21 from the original rectangular
cross-sectional shape of the frame 11B, while the second inwardly
recessed section 12b is formed by removing the fourth corner
portion 24 from the original rectangular cross-sectional shape of
the frame 11B. The third central supporting side portion 36B
extends integrally from the unremoved portion of the first side
portion 31 (i.e., first unremoved side portion 35B) to or to near
the centroid G located centrally of the rectangular cross-sectional
shape of the frame 11B, and the fourth central supporting side
portion 37B extends integrally from the unremoved portion of the
fourth side portion 34 (i.e., third unremoved side portion 38B) to
the first central supporting side portion 35B. The unremoved
portion of the first side portion 31 (i.e., first unremoved side
portion 35B) is formed centrally of the first side portion 31. The
first recessed section 12a is defined in a similar manner to the
second recessed section 12b.
[0095] The first and second inwardly recessed sections 12a and 12b
are changed in size depending on various conditions, such as
intensities of expected input loads. Whereas the first and second
inwardly recessed sections 12a and 12b are formed horizontally
symmetric to each other about a vertical line passing the centroid
G, they may be formed horizontally asymmetric to each other.
[0096] The second embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11B constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11A.
[0097] Next, a description will be given about a third embodiment
of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11C, with reference to FIG.
12. Similar elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to
8 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the
first embodiment and will not be described here to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
[0098] The third embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11C is used as a rear frame 46C, which comprises a first or rear
polygonal cross-sectional frame member 11c and a second or front
polygonal cross-sectional frame member 131. The first or rear
polygonal cross-sectional frame member 11c is similar to the
above-described first embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional
frame 11, but different from the first embodiment 11 in that it has
a shorter total length than the first embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11.
[0099] The rear polygonal cross-sectional frame member 11c
constitutes a rear frame of a vehicle 41B and extends straight to
connect to a subframe mounting portion 134 provided at a rear end
portion 133 of the front polygonal cross-sectional frame member 131
extending from the floor (under body) 44 of the passenger
compartment 42 of the vehicle 41.
[0100] The polygonal cross-sectional frame member 11c includes the
inwardly recessed section 12 similar to the one in the
above-described first embodiment, and the front polygonal
cross-sectional frame member 131 has a square cross-sectional
shape.
[0101] A subframe 136 is of a rectangular shape and supports a
not-shown rear wheel of the vehicle. Rear and lower end portions
141 and 142 of the subframe 136 are fastened to the rear subframe
mounting portion 134 and front subframe mounting portion 137,
respectively, by the subframe 136 being moved upward from
below.
[0102] The third embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11C constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the first embodiment of the
polygonal cross-sectional frame 11.
[0103] Further, the third embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11C, where the rear polygonal cross-sectional
frame member 11c is a straight frame member formed in an "L" closed
cross-sectional shape, is less likely to produce a moment that
would bend the rear polygonal cross-sectional frame member 11C,
than the polygonal cross-sectional frame fixedly joined via the
slanting fixed section 96.
[0104] Furthermore, because the subframe mounting portion 134
provided at the rear end portion 133 of the front polygonal
cross-sectional frame member 131 has an increased mechanical
strength and a front portion 144 of the rear polygonal
cross-sectional frame member 11c is supported via the subframe
mounting portion 134, the third embodiment of the polygonal
cross-sectional frame 11C can more readily produce reactive force
against the bending moment.
[0105] Next, a description will be given about a fourth embodiment
of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11D, with reference to FIG.
13 that is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3. Similar
elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8 are
indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the first
embodiment 11 and will not be described here to avoid unnecessary
duplication.
[0106] As viewed in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the fourth
embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11D comprises
separate first and second frame members (that may be called first
and second frame halves) 151 and 152 that are separate from each
other parallel to the axis J of the frame 11D and are fixedly
joined together in face-to-face opposed relation to each other to
thereby together form a hexagonal or generally L closed
cross-sectional shape. More specifically, the first frame member
151, which is plastically formed of a steel plate, has first
joining flange portions 153 integrally extending from the third
side portion 33 and fourth side portion 34. The second frame member
152, which is also plastically formed of a steel plate, has second
joining flange portions 154 fixedly joined to the second joining
flange portions 153.
[0107] The fourth embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame
11D constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11.
[0108] Next, a description will be given about a first embodiment
of a rear vehicle body structure of the present invention employed
in the vehicle 41.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first embodiment of the
rear vehicle body structure employed in the vehicle 41 includes a
depressing member 16 provided between a predetermined
vehicle-body-mounted component part (in this case, silencer) 14,
mounted under the floor of a rear section 13 of the vehicle 41, and
the floor (under body) 44 for depressing (pushing down) the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 to prevent the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 from undesirably
interfering with another component part, provided in front of the
component part (silencer) 14, at the time of a rear collision of
the vehicle 41 with an external obstacle or object, such as another
vehicle.
[0110] In the vehicle body 47, the floor (under body) 44 of the
passenger compartment 42 extends to the rear section 13 of the
vehicle 41. The under body 44 includes a front under body section
124 and a rear under body section 125 integrally connecting with
the front under body section 124.
[0111] The rear under body section 125, which is for example the
floor of the luggage compartment 74, includes the left and right
rear frames 46a and 46b extending rearward from the front under
body section 124, and a bumper beam 234 fixed to the rear ends of
the left and right rear frames 46a and 46b. The right rear frame
46b, as shown in FIG. 15, includes a front section (hereinafter
referred to as "front rear frame section") 237 extending rearward
continuously from the front under body section 124, and a rear
section (hereinafter referred to as "rear rear frame section") 241
fixed to and extending straightly rearward from a rear end portion
138 of the front rear frame section 247.
[0112] The silence of the exhaust pipe 105, i.e.
vehicle-body-mounted component part 14, is disposed below the right
rear frame 46b. The silencer 14 is of a conventional type having a
cylindrical shape, and the silencer 14 is supported by the rear
under body section 125 via a not-shown bracket.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 16, the rear rear frame section 241 has a
polygonal or hexagonal closed cross-sectional shape (more
specifically, L closed cross-sectional shape), and it has an
inwardly recessed section 12 that is generally the same as the
inwardly recessed section 12 in the above-described first
embodiment of the polygonal cross-sectional frame 11 of FIG. 3 and
that faces inwardly of the vehicle 41 (as indicated by arrow a1 in
FIG. 16).
[0114] The rear rear frame section 241 includes second to seventh
corner portions 252 to 257, and third and fourth side portions 263
and 264, first unremoved side portion 265, first and second central
supporting side portions 266 and 267 and second unremoved side
portion 268.
[0115] The following describe principal components of the first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to
FIGS. 14 to 17. In the first embodiment of the rear vehicle body
structure, the depressing member 16 is a member elongated along the
lower surface (i.e., first unremoved side portion 265 and second
central supporting side portion 267) of the frame section 241 of
the rear frame (hereinafter sometimes referred to also as "rear
rear frame section 241"), extending rearward from the floor (under
body) 44 of the passenger compartment 42, in opposed relation to
the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 provided
under the depressing member 16.
[0116] As the rear rear frame section 241 compressively deforms due
to a load input to the rear end of the right rear frame 46b, the
depressing member 16 downwardly depresses and displaces the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14.
[0117] The depressing member 16 is accommodated in the inwardly
recessed section 12 in a corner portion defined by the two leg
portions of the rear rear frame section 241 of the L
cross-sectional shape. The elongated depressing member 16 has front
and rear end portions 171 and 172 fixed to the lower surface
(second central supporting side portion 267) of the rear rear frame
section 241, and an intermediate portion 173 that is formed
integrally with and between the front and rear end portions 171 and
172 and that deforms downward toward the vehicle-body-mounted
component part (silencer) 14 in response to reduction in a distance
X1 between the front and rear end portions 171 and 172.
[0118] Now, the depressing member 16 in the first embodiment of the
rear vehicle body structure will be described in greater detail,
with reference to FIGS. 17A to 17C. FIG. 17A is a plan view of the
depressing member 16, FIG. 17B is a front view of the depressing
member 16 taken in a direction of arrow b of FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C
is a side view of the depressing member 16 taken in a direction of
arrow c of FIG. 17A.
[0119] The depressing member 16, which is of a channel
cross-sectional shape as seen in FIG. 17C, has the intermediate
portion (depression start portion) 173 formed in a V shape
integrally with and between the front and rear end portions 171 and
172 as shown in FIG. 17B.
[0120] The front and rear end portions 171 and 172 each have a hole
176 for passage therethrough of a bolt 175. Although the front and
rear end portions 171 and 172 are shown as fixed to the rear frame
46b by means of the bolts 175, the front and rear end portions 171
and 172 may be welded to the rear frame 46b.
[0121] The following describe behavior of the first embodiment of
the rear vehicle body structure, with primary reference to FIG. 18.
As the right rear frame 46b compressively deforms due to a
compressive load input thereto, the depressing member 16 bends or
deforms downwardly to depress the vehicle-body-mounted component
part (silencer) 14 as indicated by arrow a2 of FIG. 17B and FIG.
18.
[0122] More specifically, once a compressive load is input to the
right rear frame 46b, the right rear frame 46b starts compressively
deforming, in response to which the rear end portion 172 of the
depressing member 16 starts moving forward. Thus, the load
concentrates in a middle corner portion 178 (i.e., stress
concentration occurs in the middle corner portion 178) of the
V-shaped intermediate portion 173, so that the intermediate portion
173 starts bending at its middle corner portion 178 and thereby
starts depressing the vehicle-body-mounted component part
(silencer) 14 disposed beneath the intermediate portion 173.
[0123] Thus, even where there is only a small space between the
lower surface 8 first unremoved side portion 265) of the rear rear
frame section 241 and the vehicle-body-mounted component part
(silencer) 14, the first embodiment of the rear vehicle body
structure advantageously allows the elongated depressing member 16
to be disposed in that small space. Further, the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 can be disposed
close to the lower surface (first unremoved side portion 265) of
the rear rear frame section 241.
[0124] By such depression by the depressing member 16, the
vehicle-body-mounted component part 14 can be prevented from
undesirably interfering with another component part, such as a
front vehicle body and/or fuel tank, disposed in front of the
vehicle-body-mounted component part 14. As a result, the first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure permits further
enhancement of impact absorbing performance of the vehicle body.
Furthermore, in the case where the vehicle-body-mounted component
part is the silence of the exhaust pipe, the depressing member 16
can function also as a member for shielding heat from the
silencer.
[0125] Next, a description will be given about a second embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 19A to
19C. FIG. 19A is a plan view of a depressing member 16B in the
second embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 19 B is
a front view of the depressing member 16B taken in a direction of
arrow b of FIG. 19A, and FIG. 19C is a side view of the depressing
member 16B taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG. 19a. Similar
elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 are
indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the first
embodiment and will not be described here to avoid unnecessary
duplication.
[0126] The second embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16B which has a
frail portion (or easily deformable portion) 182 provided in the
upper surface 181 of an intermediate portion 173B in order to
facilitate downward bending or deformation, toward the component
part 14, of the depressing member 16B, i.e. facilitate depressing
operation of the depressing member 16B.
[0127] More specifically, the depressing member 16B, which is of a
channel cross-sectional shape as seen in FIG. 19C, has the
intermediate portion (depression start portion) 173B formed in a
straight shape integrally with and between the front and rear end
portions 171 and 172 as shown in FIG. 19B. The frail portion 182 is
provided in a longitudinally-middle region of the upper surface 181
of an intermediate portion 173B. The frail portion 182 is in the
form of a groove of an accurately concave (or C) sectional shape or
a V sectional shape.
[0128] The front and rear end portions 171 and 172 each have the
hole 176 for passage therethrough of the bolt 175. Although the
front and rear end portions 171 and 172 are shown as fixed to the
rear frame 46b by means of the bolts 175, the front and rear end
portions 171 and 172 may be welded to the rear frame 46b.
[0129] The second embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure. Further, with the
frail portion 182 provided in the intermediate portion 173B, the
depressing member 16B can be reliably bent downward at the frail
portion 182 of the intermediate portion 173B. Because it is only
necessary to form the frail portion 182 in the intermediate portion
173B, the second embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure can
be constructed in a simplified manner.
[0130] Next, a description will be given about a third embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 20A to
20C. FIG. 20A is a plan view of a depressing member 16C in the
third embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 20B is a
front view of the depressing member 16C taken in a direction of
arrow b of FIG. 20A, and FIG. 20C is a side view of the depressing
member 16C taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG. 20A. Similar
elements to those in the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 14
to 19 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the
first and second embodiments and will not be described here to
avoid unnecessary duplication. The third embodiment of the rear
vehicle body structure is characterized by inclusion of the
depressing member 16C that has an intermediate portion (depression
start portion) 173C formed in a V shape integrally with and between
the front and rear end portions 171 and 172 as shown in FIG. 20B.
The frail portion 182 is provided in a longitudinally-middle region
of the upper surface 181 of the intermediate portion 173C, in order
to facilitate downward bending or deformation, toward the component
part 14, of the depressing member 16C, i.e. facilitate depressing
operation of the depressing member 16C.
[0131] More specifically, the depressing member 16C, which is of a
channel cross-sectional shape as seen in FIG. 20C, has the
intermediate portion (depression start portion) 173C formed
integrally with and between the front and rear end portions 171 and
172 as shown in FIG. 20B. The frail portion 182 is in the form of a
groove of an accurate (or generally C) sectional shape or a V
sectional shape.
[0132] The third embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure. With the frail
portion 182 provided in the intermediate portion 173C, the
depressing member 16C can be reliably bent down ward at frail
portion 182 of the intermediate portion 173C.
[0133] Next, a description will be given about a fourth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 21A to
21C. FIG. 21A is a plan view of a depressing member 16D in the
fourth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 21B is a
front view taken of the depressing member 16D in a direction of
arrow b of FIG. 21A, and FIG. 21C is a side view of the depressing
member 16D taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG. 21A. Similar
elements to those in the first, second and third embodiments of
FIGS. 14 to 20 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used
for the first, second and third embodiments and will not be
described here to avoid unnecessary duplication.
[0134] The fourth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16D that has a
rectangular closed cross-sectional shape, and that has an
intermediate portion (depression start portion) 173D formed in a V
shape integrally with and between front and rear end portions 171D
and 172 D as shown in FIG. 21B
[0135] The front and rear end portions 171D and 172D each have the
hole 176 for passage therethrough of the bolt 175, and a second
hole 191 for receiving the head of the bolt 175. Although the front
and rear end portions 171D and 172D are shown as fixed to the rear
frame 46b by means of the bolt 175, the front and rear end portions
171D and 172D may be welded to the rear frame 46b.
[0136] The fourth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0137] Next, a description will be given about a fifth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 22A to
22C. FIG. 22A is a plan view of a depressing member 16E in the
fifth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 22B is a
front view of the depressing member 16E taken in a direction of
arrow b of FIG. 22A, and FIG. 22C is a side view of the depressing
member 16E taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG. 22A. Similar
elements to those in the first, second, third and fourth
embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 21 are indicated by the same reference
numerals as used for the first, second, third and fourth
embodiments and will not be described here to avoid unnecessary
duplication.
[0138] The fifth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16E that has an
intermediate portion (depression start portion) 173E formed in a V
shape integrally with and between the front and rear end portions
171D and 172D as shown in FIG. 22B, and that has the frail portion
182, similar to the one 182 in the third embodiment shown in FIG.
20, provided in a longitudinally-middle region of the intermediate
portion 173E.
[0139] The fifth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first and
third embodiments of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0140] Whereas the intermediate portion (depression start portion)
173E of the fifth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure has
been shown and described as formed in a V shape, it may be formed
in a straight shape with the frail portion 182 formed in its
straight upper surface. In such a case, the fifth embodiment of the
rear vehicle body structure constructed in the aforementioned
manner can achieve the same behavior and advantageous benefits as
the first and second embodiments of the rear vehicle body
structure, and the fifth embodiment of the rear vehicle body
structure can also be constructed in a simplified manner because it
is only necessary to form the frail portion 182 in the upper
surface of the intermediate portion 173E.
[0141] Next, a description will be given about a sixth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 23A to
23C. FIG. 23A is a plan view of a depressing member 16F in the
sixth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 23B is a
front view of the depressing member 16F taken in a direction of
arrow b of FIG. 23A, and FIG. 23C is a side view of the depressing
member 16F taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG. 23A. Similar
elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 are
indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the first
embodiment and will not be described here to avoid unnecessary
duplication.
[0142] The sixth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16F that is of
a channel cross-sectional shape and has an intermediate portion
(depression start portion) 173F formed in a W shape integrally with
and between the front and rear end portions 171 and 172 as shown in
FIG. 23B.
[0143] In the depressing member 16F, the intermediate portion 173F
includes a first depression start portion 102 formed in a V shape
integrally with and between the front end portion 171 and a
longitudinally middle portion 111, and a second depression start
portion 113 formed in a V shape integrally with and between the
rear end portion 172 and the longitudinally middle portion 111.
[0144] The sixth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0145] In the sixth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure,
the depressing member 16F starts bending downward at respective
corner portions 278 of the first and second depression start
portions 102 and 114 to depress the vehicle-body-mounted component
part (silencer) 14. As a consequence, the vehicle-body-mounted
component part (silencer) 14 can be depressed and displaced while
being kept in a substantially horizontal posture and while more
reliably avoiding undesired interference with another component
part, such as a fuel tank, disposed in front of the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14. As a result, the
sixth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure permits further
enhancement of impact absorbing performance of the vehicle
body.
[0146] Next, a description will be given about a seventh embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 24A to
24C. FIG. 24A is a plan view of a depressing member 16G in the
seventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, FIG. 24B is
a front view of the depressing member 16G vehicle body structure,
FIG. 24B is a front view of the depressing member 16G taken in a
direction of arrow b of FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24C is a side view of
the depressing member 16G taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG.
24A. Similar elements to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 14
to 18 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the
first embodiment and will not be described here to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
[0147] The seventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16G that has a
channel cross-sectional shape and has an intermediate portion
(depression start portion) 173G formed integrally with and between
the front and rear end portions 171 and 172 as shown in FIG. 24B.
The intermediate portion 173G is downwardly accurately curved at a
radius rk toward the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer)
14, as shown in FIG. 24B.
[0148] The seventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0149] Next, a description will be given about an eighth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIG. 25. FIG.
25, which is similar to FIG. 14, is a side view of the depressing
member 16 in the eight embodiment of the rear vehicle body
structure. Similar elements to those in the first embodiment of
FIGS. 14 to 18 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used
for the first embodiment and will not be describe here to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
[0150] The eighth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized in that an upward protruding portion 211 is provided
on the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 in opposed
relation to a longitudinally-middle portion of the depressing
member 16 constructed in the same manner as the depressing member
16 of the first embodiment. The upward protruding portion 211 may
be formed in any desired shape and any desired height.
[0151] The eighth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure. Further, the eight
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure can increase the
amount of depression by the depressing member 16 as compared to the
counterpart (e.g., the first embodiment of the rear vehicle body
structure) where no upward protruding portion is provided on the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer).
[0152] Next, a description will be given about a ninth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIG. 26. FIG.
26, which is similar to FIG. 14, is a side view of the ninth
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure. Similar elements to
those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 are indicated by
the same reference numerals as used for the first embodiment and
will not be described here to avoid unnecessary duplication.
[0153] The ninth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized in that a downward recess 116 is provided in the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 in opposed
relation to a longitudinally-middle portion of the depressing
member 16 constructed in the same manner as the depressing member
16 of the first embodiment. The downward recess 116 has a size to
permit entry therein of a lower end corner region of the
intermediate portion 173 of the depressing member 16.
[0154] The ninth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure. Further, because the
lower end corner region of the depressing member 16 enters the
downward recess 116 of the vehicle-body-mounted component part
(silencer) 14, it is possible to designate or establish a position
at which the depressing member 16 should depress the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14.
[0155] Next, a description will be given about a tenth embodiment
of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to FIGS. 27 to
29. FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 14, and FIG. 28 is a view
similar to FIG. 16. FIG. 29A is a plan view of a depressing member
16K in the tenth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure,
FIG. 29B is a front view of the depressing member 16K taken in a
direction of arrow b of FIG. 29A, and FIG. 29C is a side view of
the depressing member 16K taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG.
29A. Similar elements to those in the above-described first
embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 are indicated by the same reference
numerals as used for the first embodiment and will not be described
here to avoid unnecessary duplication.
[0156] The tenth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure is
characterized by inclusion of a rear frame section 241K and the
depressing member 16K. The rear rear frame section 241K is of a
rectangular or substantially square cross-sectional shape.
[0157] The depressing member 16K, which has an elongated shape, has
front and rear end portions 171K and 172K formed on an upper
surface portion 122 and slanting surface portion 121 and fixed to
the lower surface 265K of the rear rear frame section 241K, and an
intermediate portion (depression start portion) 173K that is formed
in a V shape integrally with and between the front and rear end
portions 171K and 172K as shown in FIGS. 27 and 29B and that
deforms downward toward the vehicle-body-mounted component part
(silencer) 14 in response to reduction in the distance between the
front and rear end portions 171K and 172K.
[0158] As shown in FIG. 28B, the depressing member 16K has the
belt-shaped slanting surface portion 121 oriented to face outwardly
of the rear rear frame section 241K (i.e., in a direction of arrow
k1) or inwardly of the rear rear frame section 241K (i.e., in a
direction of arrow k2). In the illustrated example, the slanting
surface portion 121 is oriented to face inwardly and downwardly of
the rear rear frame section 241K; namely, the slanting surface
portion 121 is oriented to face toward an upper outer surface
portion 225 of the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer)
14.
[0159] More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 29A to 29C, the
depressing member 16K has a V cross-sectional shape when viewed
perpendicularly to the axis AC, and it has the belt-shaped upper
surface portion 122 opposed to the rear rear frame section 241K.
The slanting surface portion 121 extends integrally from the upper
surface portion 122 via an edge portion 123 and defines a given
angle .alpha. with the upper surface portion 122.
[0160] Whereas the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer)
14 is shown as disposed more inwardly of the vehicle 41 (i.e., more
inwardly in the direction of arrow k2) than the rear rear frame
section 241K, the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14
may be dispose more outwardly of the vehicle 41, namely the
passenger compartment 42, (i.e., more outwardly in the direction of
arrow k1) than the rear rear frame section 241K, in which case the
slanting surface portion 121 is of course, oriented to face
outwardly of the vehicle 41, i.e. away from the passenger
compartment 42.
[0161] Further, the frail portion 182 may be provided in a
longitudinally-middle region in the intermediate portion 173K in
the same manner as in the depressing member 16C of the third
embodiment. Further, whereas the intermediate portion 173K is shown
as formed in a V shape, it may be formed in a straight shape in the
same manner as the intermediate portion 173B of the depressing
member 16B of the second embodiment.
[0162] The tenth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described first
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0163] More specifically, as the rear frame 46b compressively
deforms due to a compressive load input thereto, the rear end
portion 172K of the depressing member 16K starts moving forward,
and the intermediate portion 173K starts bending downward at a
corner portion 126. Because the slanting surface portion 121
depresses the upper outer surface portion 225 of the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 at that time, the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14 is depressed and
displaced inwardly and downwardly of the vehicle 41 as indicated by
two-dot-dash line in FIG. 28B
[0164] Because the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer)
14 is depressed inwardly and downwardly of the vehicle 41 as noted
above, the tenth embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure can
more reliably prevent the vehicle-body-mounted component part
(silencer) 14 from undesirably interfering with another component
part, such as the fuel tank, disposed in front of the
vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14.
[0165] Next, a description will be given about an eleventh
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure, with reference to
FIGS. 30A to 30C. FIG. 30A is a plan view of a depressing member
16L in the eleventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure,
FIG. 30B is a front view of the depressing member 16L taken in a
direction of arrow b of FIG. 30A, and FIG. 30C is a side view of
the depressing member 16L taken in a direction of arrow c of FIG.
30A. Similar elements to those in the above-described first
embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 and tenth embodiment of FIGS. 27 to 29
are indicated by the same reference numerals as used for the first
and tenth embodiments and will not be described here to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
[0166] The eleventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
is characterized by inclusion of the depressing member 16L. The
depressing member 16L has an intermediate portion 173L, and a
slanting surface portion 121L oriented to face outwardly or
inwardly of the rear rear frame section 241K.
[0167] The intermediate portion 173L is downwardly accurately
curved toward the vehicle-body-mounted component part (silencer) 14
at a radius rk, as shown in FIG. 30B.
[0168] The eleventh embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure
constructed in the aforementioned manner can achieve the same
behavior and advantageous benefits as the above-described tenth
embodiment of the rear vehicle body structure.
[0169] The above-described polygonal cross-sectional frame of the
present invention is well suited for use as front side frames and
rear frames of vehicles, and the above-described rear vehicle body
structure of the present invention is well suited for application
to vehicles where a component part, such as a silencer, is disposed
under a floor of a rear section of the vehicle body.
* * * * *