JP7736828B2 - railway vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a railway vehicle having side pillar members arranged near window frames.

Conventionally, in railway vehicles, side pillar members are erected near the window frames (see Patent Document 1). These side pillar members function as vertical frames in the side structures of the railway vehicle's car body, and play an important role in terms of design strength.

International Publication No. 2013/150628

The shape and structure of railway vehicle windows often differ depending on the type of vehicle. This inevitably leads to a wide variety of window frame shapes and structures. As a result, in practice, metal fittings for attaching the window frame to the side pillar members are often prepared each time and fixed to the side pillar members by welding.

However, fixing the parts by welding had some drawbacks, such as a decrease in the strength of the side pillar members and the need to remove spatter after welding.

The present invention was made to solve this problem, and aims to provide a railway vehicle that reduces the inconvenience of fixing window frames to side post members.

A railway vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
(1) A railway vehicle having a side pillar member arranged near a window frame, the side pillar member extending in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member has a base portion whose cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, a plate-shaped window frame support member is fixed to the base portion by a predetermined fixing device so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, and the window frame is fixed to the window frame support member.
According to the above-described railway vehicle, the window frame support member is fixed to the side pillar member with a predetermined fastener, so that in the work of attaching the window frame support member to the side pillar member, a decrease in the strength of the side pillar member is prevented, and the time required for the attachment work can be shortened by eliminating the need to correct distortion due to welding work or remove spatter after welding.

(2) A railway vehicle as described in (1), wherein the side post member further has a side plate portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the side post member and formed by bending at approximately a right angle from the end of the base plate portion closest to the window frame towards the outside of the car in the width direction of the car body, an insertion hole is formed in the side plate portion near the base plate portion, and the window frame support member has an insertion piece to be inserted into the insertion hole, and the insertion piece is inserted into the insertion hole and fixed to the base plate portion by the fastener. Because the insertion piece of the window frame support member is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the side plate portion of the side post member, the distance between the window opening and the side post member is shortened, and stress at the corner of the window opening can be reduced.

(3) A railway vehicle as described in (2), wherein the window frame support member further has a main body extending in one direction, the insertion piece is formed by protruding outward from one edge of the main body, the main body is provided with a female-threaded fastening device, and the window frame is fixed to the window frame support member via the fastening device. The window frame support member has an insertion piece that protrudes toward the side post member from the edge of the main body extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the base plate, facing the side post member, and is fixed to the base plate of the side post member by a physical fastening means. Since the window frame can be fixed to the window frame support member by the fastening device previously provided on the main body, the installation time for the side post member of the window frame can be reduced.

This invention reduces the inconvenience of fixing a window frame to a side post member.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first railcar that constitutes the railcar system. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second railway vehicle that constitutes the railway vehicle system. This is a schematic partial side view of one door section of the second railway vehicle and the center window sections joined to both sides of it, as seen from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an orthogonal cross section of the superior transverse bone member. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an orthogonal cross section of the middle transverse bone member. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the inferior transverse bone member. FIG. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the door end post as seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional end view taken along line AA of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional end view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional end view taken along the line CC of FIG. 4B. This is a front view of the door end post as seen from the base plate side in the cross-sectional height direction of the post. This is a side view of the door end post as seen from the door side panel portion side in the cross-sectional width direction of the post. This is a side view of the door end post as seen from the window side panel portion side in the cross-sectional width direction of the post. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the YY cross section in FIG. 7. FIG.

Next, a railway vehicle system and railway vehicles according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 1A and 1B are schematic side views of a first railway vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "first vehicle") 1 and a second railway vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "second vehicle") 2 that constitute a railway vehicle system TS according to one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the longitudinal direction of the car bodies that constitute each vehicle 1, 2 will be described as being moving leftward in Figures 1A and 1B, with the left side on which vehicles 1, 2 are moving being referred to as the "front side" and the right side opposite to the moving side being referred to as the "rear side."

The first vehicle 1 will now be described. The first vehicle 1 is, for example, a stainless steel car body of a commuter train with three double-door doors. The first vehicle 1 is an A1 type operated by Company A. The body structure 1A that constitutes the first vehicle 1 includes a front end body structure 1A1, a rear end body structure 1A2, a pair of left and right side bodies 1A3, a roof body structure 1A4, and an underframe 1A5. The body structure 1A has a symmetrical structure in the car body width direction.

The side structure 1A3 is composed of multiple blocks in the longitudinal direction of the car body. Specifically, in the side structure 1A3, the front window section 10, door section 13, middle window section 11, door section 13, middle window section 11, door section 13, and rear window section 12 are arranged in that order from the front side. The front window section 10, door section 13, middle window section 11, door section 13, middle window section 11, door section 13, and rear window section 12 are joined together with adjacent sections in the longitudinal direction of the car body.

The front window section 10 is fitted with one front window 102. The middle window section 11 has two middle windows 112 formed at a predetermined distance along the length of the car body. The rear window section 12 is fitted with one rear window 122. The door section 13 is formed with a boarding/alighting opening 13H through which passengers board and alight. The door section 13 is fitted with a side door 132 that opens and closes the boarding/alighting opening 13H. The side door 132 is of a sliding type. That is, the side door 132 forms a set consisting of a front door 132A located on the front side and a rear door 132B located on the rear side. The front door 132A and rear door 132B have a symmetrical structure along the length of the car body.

As will be described in more detail below, door end post units TU including door end posts 43 that function as vertical frames are erected near the rear side of the front window 102 of the front window section 10, near the rear side of the rear middle window 112 of the middle window section 11, and near the front side of the rear window 122 of the rear window section 12, and near the front side of the front middle window 112 of the middle window section 11. The door end post units TU erected near the rear side of the front window 102 of the front window section 10 and near the rear side of the rear middle window 112 of the middle window section 11 and the door end post units TU erected near the front side of the rear window 122 of the rear window section 12 and near the front side of the front middle window 112 of the middle window section 11 are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

In the first vehicle 1, a space is formed on the opposite side of each tail post unit TU from the windows 102, 112, and 122 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body to accommodate the side door 132 so that it can be opened and closed. This space is referred to as a "door pocket." Specifically, the door pocket formed on the opposite side (rear side) of the front window 102 of the tail post unit TU of the front window section 10 and the door pocket formed on the opposite side (rear side) of the middle window 112 of the tail post unit TU on the rear side of the middle window section 11 are referred to as the "front door pocket 101" and the "middle rear door pocket 111B," respectively. Similarly, the door pocket formed on the opposite side (front side) of the rear window 122 of the tail post unit TU of the rear window section 12 and the door pocket formed on the opposite side (front side) of the middle window 112 of the tail post unit TU on the front side of the middle window section 11 are referred to as the "rear door pocket 121" and the "middle front door pocket 111A," respectively. The middle front door pocket 111A and the middle rear door pocket 111B are collectively referred to as the "middle door pocket 111."

The front door pocket 101 and the center rear door pocket 111B house the front door 132A. Meanwhile, the rear door pocket 121 and the center front door pocket 111A house the rear door 132B. In a plan view, the front door pocket 101, the center rear door pocket 111B, the rear door pocket 121, and the center front door pocket 111A are primarily partitioned by the side outer panels that make up the side structure 1A3, interior lining panels (not shown) that separate the interior space of the first car 1, and the door end post unit TU. The front door pocket 101 and the center rear door pocket 111B are open at the rear (i.e., have an opening through which the side door 132 enters and exits). Meanwhile, the rear door pocket 121 and the center front door pocket 111A are open at the front.

The open end of each door pocket 101, 111, 121 in the longitudinal direction of the car body is located at the position where the inner wall surface of the boarding/alighting opening 13H is formed in the width direction of the car body. As will be described in detail later, boarding/alighting opening reinforcing frames 45 are installed at both longitudinal ends of the door section 13, on the longitudinal outer peripheral edge of the boarding/alighting opening 13H. Therefore, strictly speaking, the front door pocket 101 is formed in the width direction of the car body across a portion corresponding to the front window section 10 and a portion corresponding to the boarding/alighting opening reinforcing frame 45 of the door section 13 located behind it. Similarly, the rear door pocket 121 is formed in the width direction of the car body across a portion corresponding to the rear window section 12 and a portion corresponding to the boarding/alighting opening reinforcing frame 45 of the door section 13 located in front of it. Furthermore, the center front door pocket 111A and the center rear door pocket 111B are formed in the vehicle width direction, spanning the portion corresponding to the center window section 11 and the portion corresponding to the entrance/exit reinforcing frame 45 of the door section 13 located in front of and behind it.

However, in this embodiment, for convenience, the front door pocket 101 is assumed to be configured with a portion corresponding to the front window section 10 in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the rear door pocket 121 is assumed to be configured with a portion corresponding to the rear window section 12 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the middle front door pocket 111A and the middle rear door pocket 111B are assumed to be configured with portions corresponding to the middle window section 11 in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body longitudinal length L101 of the front door pocket 101, the vehicle body longitudinal length L121 of the rear door pocket 121, the vehicle body longitudinal length L111A of the middle front door pocket 111A, and the vehicle body longitudinal length L111B of the middle rear door pocket 111B are all the same.

The second vehicle 2 will now be described. The second vehicle 2 is a different type of railway vehicle from the first vehicle 1. The second vehicle 2 is, for example, a commuter train with a stainless steel body and four double-door doors. The second vehicle 2 is a B1 type operated by Company B. The body structure 2A that makes up the second vehicle 2 includes a front body structure 2A1, a rear body structure 2A2, a pair of left and right side bodies 2A3, a roof body structure 2A4, and an underframe 2A5. The body structure 2A is symmetrical in the car body width direction.

The side structure 2A3 is composed of multiple blocks in the longitudinal direction of the car body. Specifically, in the side structure 2A3, the front window section 20, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, and rear window section 22 are arranged in order from the front side. The front window section 20, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, middle window section 21, door section 23, and rear window section 22 are joined together with adjacent sections in the longitudinal direction of the car body.

The front window section 20 is equipped with one front window 202. The middle window section 21 is equipped with one middle window 212. The rear window section 22 is equipped with one rear window 222. The door section 23 is formed with a boarding/alighting opening 23H through which passengers board and alight. The door section 23 is equipped with a side door 232 that opens and closes the boarding/alighting opening 23H. The side door 232 is of a sliding open/close type. That is, the side door 232 forms a set consisting of a front door 232A located on the front side and a rear door 232B located on the rear side. The front door 232A and rear door 232B are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

As with the first vehicle 1, door trailing post units TU including door trailing posts 43 that function as vertical frames are erected near the rear side of the front window 202 of the front window section 20, near the rear side of the middle window 212 of the middle window section 21, and near the front side of the rear window 222 of the rear window section 22, and near the front side of the middle window 212 of the middle window section 21. The door trailing post units TU erected near the rear side of the front window 202 of the front window section 20 and near the rear side of the middle window 212 of the middle window section 21 and the door trailing post units TU erected near the front side of the rear window 222 of the rear window section 22 and near the front side of the middle window 212 of the middle window section 21 are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

The second vehicle 2 is formed with a front door pocket 201, a rear door pocket 221, a middle front door pocket 211A (211), and a middle rear door pocket 211B (211), just like the first vehicle 1.

The longitudinal length L201 of the front door pocket 201, the longitudinal length L221 of the rear door pocket 221, the longitudinal length L211A of the central front door pocket 211A, and the longitudinal length L211B of the central rear door pocket 211B are the same.

Furthermore, the lengths L101, L111, L121 of each door pocket 101, 111, 121 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body of the first vehicle 1 are the same as the lengths L201, L211, L221 of each door pocket 201, 211, 221 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body of the second vehicle 2. Furthermore, a common door end post unit TU is used in the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2. However, strictly speaking, the door end post unit TU that houses the front doors 132A, 232A and the door end post unit TU that houses the rear doors 132B, 232B are not completely identical in structure, but because they are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, they are considered to have substantially the same structure. Furthermore, since the tail post unit TU in which the front doors 132A, 232A are housed and the tail post unit TU in which the rear doors 132B, 232B are housed are substantially identical in structure, the tail post 43 for the tail post unit TU in which the front doors 132A, 232A are housed and the tail post 43 for the tail post unit TU in which the rear doors 132B, 232B are housed are also substantially identical in structure.

In this way, the longitudinal lengths L101, L111, L121 of each door pocket 101, 111, 121 in the car body, the structure of the tail post 43 (shape and dimensions of each part related to the shape), and the structure of the tail post unit TU of each door pocket 201, 211, 221 in the car body, the longitudinal lengths L201, L211, L221 of each door pocket 201, 211, 221 in the car body, the structure of the tail post 43 (shape and dimensions of each part related to the shape), and the structure of the tail post unit TU of each door pocket 201, 211, 221 in the second car 2 are identical. Therefore, the first car 1 and the second car 2 form a railway vehicle system TS in which the longitudinal lengths of each door pocket, the structure of the tail post 43 (shape and dimensions of each part related to the shape), and the structure of the tail post unit TU are common.

Next, the structure around the tail post unit TU will be explained. As mentioned above, the tail post units TU installed in the front window section 10, middle window section 11, and rear window section 12 of the first vehicle 1 and the tail post units TU installed in the front window section 20, middle window section 21, and rear window section 22 of the second vehicle 2 have a common structure, so here we will explain the structure around the tail post unit TU installed in the middle window section 21 of the second vehicle 2 as a representative example. Figure 2 is a partial side view of one door section 23 of the second vehicle 2 and the middle window sections 21 joined to either side of it, as seen from the inside of the vehicle.

The middle window section 21 includes a side outer panel 40, a cross member 41, a shear plate 42, and a tail post unit TU including a tail post 43. The door section 23 also includes a door reinforcing frame 45 for reinforcing the door opening 23H. The door reinforcing frame 45 is a rectangular frame that conforms to the overall shape of the door opening 23H.

The shear plates 42 are joined to the side outer panels 40 between the longitudinal outer edges of each middle window opening 21H and both longitudinal ends of the middle window section 21. A middle window frame 44 for mounting the middle window 212 is attached to the periphery of the middle window opening 21H. The middle window frame 44 is fixed to the tail post unit TU.

The end post unit TU is erected near the entrance 23H side of the middle window opening 21H. The end post unit TU is attached to the cross frame member 41 from the inside of the vehicle, intersecting it at a substantially right angle, and is joined by laser welding. The end post unit TU will be described later.

The cross frame members 41 consist of three upper cross frame members 411, two middle cross frame members 412, and five lower cross frame members 413. The three upper cross frame members 411 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction in the area above the middle window opening 21H (the header panel portion). The five lower cross frame members 413 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction in the area below the middle window opening 21H (the waist panel portion). The two middle cross frame members 412 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction in the area of the middle window opening 21H. Each upper cross frame member 411 and each lower cross frame member 413 is joined to the interior surface of the side outer panel 40. Each middle cross frame member 412 is joined to the interior surface of the shear plate 42.

Each transverse bone member 41 is made of a columnar member having a hat-shaped cross section (orthogonal cross section) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transverse bone member 41 (transverse bone longitudinal direction). The orthogonal cross section of each transverse bone member 41 is constant in the transverse bone longitudinal direction. Figure 3A is a diagram showing the orthogonal cross section of the upper transverse bone member 411, Figure 3B is a diagram showing the orthogonal cross section of the middle transverse bone member 412, and Figure 3C is a diagram showing the orthogonal cross section of the lower transverse bone member 413.

The orthogonal cross section of the upper cross member 411 has a protrusion 411A and a pair of flanges 411B. The protrusion 411A is U-shaped. More specifically, the protrusion 411A has a top plate 411A1 and a pair of side walls 411A2. In the orthogonal cross section of the upper cross member 411, the side walls 411A2 are bent at approximately a right angle from both ends of the top plate 411A1 at one end. The flanges 411B are bent at approximately a right angle from the other end of each side wall 411A2 facing outward. The length of each side wall 411A2 in the extending direction is the same.

Like the upper cross-bone member 411, the orthogonal cross-section of the middle cross-bone member 412 has a protrusion 412A, a pair of flanges 412B, a top plate 412A1, and a pair of side walls 412A2. Furthermore, like the upper cross-bone member 411, the orthogonal cross-section of the lower cross-bone member 413 has a protrusion 413A, a pair of flanges 413B, a top plate 413A1, and a pair of side walls 413A2. Note that the orthogonal cross-sections of each cross-bone member 411-413 are not limited to a shape in which the top plate portions 411A1, 412A1, and 413A1 are approximately perpendicular to both side walls 411A2, 412A2, and 413A2, as shown in Figures 3A-3C. For example, the angle formed between the top plate portions 411A1, 412A1, 413A1 and one of the side wall portions 411A2, 412A2, 413A2 may be 120 degrees, and the angle between the top plate portions 411A1, 412A1, 413A1 and the other of the side wall portions 411A2, 412A2, 413A2 may be 60 degrees. The angle formed between the top plate portions 411A1, 412A1, 413A1 and one of the side wall portions 411A2, 412A2, 413A2 may be different, as long as the pair of flange portions 411B, 412B, 413B are on the same plane. Furthermore, the orthogonal cross sections of the cross frame members 411-413 may be different from each other.

In the following, in the orthogonal cross section of each transverse bone member 411, 412, 413, the direction in which the side wall portions 411A2, 412A2, 413A2 extend is referred to as the "transverse bone cross-sectional height direction," and the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the side wall portions 411A2, 412A2, 413A2 extend, in other words, the direction in which the top plate portions 411A1, 412A1, 413A1 and flange portions 411B, 412B, 413B extend, is referred to as the "transverse bone cross-sectional width direction."

Each cross-frame member 411, 412, 413 is formed by bending a single plate-shaped member of the same thickness. Therefore, the thickness of the flange portion 411B of the upper cross-frame member 411, the thickness of the flange portion 412B of the middle cross-frame member 412, and the thickness of the flange portion 413B of the lower cross-frame member 413 are the same. Furthermore, the length of the protruding portion 411A of the upper cross-frame member 411 in the cross-sectional height direction of the cross-frame is shorter than the length of the protruding portion 412A of the middle cross-frame member 412 in the cross-sectional height direction of the cross-frame and the length of the protruding portion 413A of the lower cross-frame member 413 in the cross-sectional height direction of the cross-frame. This is to ensure space above the middle window opening 21H for arranging devices for opening and closing the side door 132. Furthermore, the length of the protruding portion 413A of the lower cross-section member 413 in the cross-section height direction of the cross-section ...

The upper cross frame member 411 is joined to the interior surface of the side outer panel 40 on the surface opposite the top plate portion 411A1 of the pair of flange portions 411B. Similarly, the lower cross frame member 413 is joined to the interior surface of the side outer panel 40 on the surface opposite the top plate portion 413A1 of the pair of flange portions 413B. Furthermore, the middle cross frame member 412 is joined to the interior surface of the shear plate 42 on the surface opposite the top plate portion 412A1 of the pair of flange portions 412B. Therefore, the position of the top plate portion 412A1 of the middle cross frame member 412 in the cross frame cross section height direction is the same as the position of the top plate portion 413A1 of the lower cross frame member 413 in the cross frame cross section height direction.

Next, we will explain the tail post 43 that makes up the tail post unit TU. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the tail post 43, each viewed from a different angle. Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A, B-B, and C-C in Figure 4B, respectively. This tail post unit TU is located near the left side of the middle window opening 21H on the right side in Figure 2.

The tail post 43 is a columnar member that extends long in one direction overall. Along its longitudinal direction (the column longitudinal direction), the tail post 43 is roughly divided into an upper tail post portion 43A, a middle tail post portion 43B, and a lower tail post portion 43C. In terms of the column longitudinal length, the middle tail post portion 43B is the longest, and the upper tail post portion 43A is the shortest.

When the tail post unit TU is installed, the longitudinal direction of the post is parallel to the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the tail post unit TU is installed, the tail post upper part 43A is located above the middle window opening 21H, the tail post lower part 43C is located below the middle window opening 21H, and the tail post middle part 43B is located within the middle window opening 21H.

The tail post 43 is made by bending a single flat plate in various ways. The tail post 43 has a base section 431 formed thereon that is uniform in width over the entire length of the post. In other words, the base section 431 is formed continuously over the tail post upper section 43A, the tail post middle section 43B, and the tail post lower section 43C.

In the following, the portion of the substrate portion 431 at the upper end post 43A, the portion of the substrate portion 431 at the middle end post 43B, and the portion of the substrate portion 431 at the lower end post 43C will be referred to as the "upper substrate portion 431A," "middle substrate portion 431B," and "lower substrate portion 431C," respectively. When the end post unit TU is installed, the substrate portion 431 is approximately perpendicular to the floor surface. Furthermore, when the end post unit TU is installed, the width direction of the substrate portion 431 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the substrate portion 431 is located at the innermost part of the end post 43.

Furthermore, the tail post 43 is formed with a door side panel 432 and a window side panel 433 that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post over the entire longitudinal length of the post. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post (a cross section perpendicular to the post), the door side panel 432 is bent at a substantially right angle from one widthwise end of the base plate 431, and the window side panel 433 is bent at a substantially right angle from the other widthwise end of the base plate 431. The door side panel 432 and the window side panel 433 are formed continuously over the tail post upper part 43A, the tail post middle part 43B, and the tail post lower part 43C.

Hereinafter, the portion of the door side panel 432 at the upper end post 43A, the portion of the door side panel 432 at the middle end post 43B, and the portion of the door side panel 432 at the lower end post 43C will be referred to as the "upper door side panel 432A," "middle door side panel 432B," and "lower door side panel 432C," respectively. Similarly, the portion of the window side panel 433 at the upper end post 43A, the portion of the window side panel 433 at the middle end post 43B, and the portion of the window side panel 433 at the lower end post 43C will be referred to as the "upper window side panel 433A," "middle window side panel 433B," and "lower window side panel 433C," respectively.

When the tail post unit TU is installed, the door side panel portion 432 is approximately perpendicular to the side outer panel 40 and is positioned closer to the entrance 113 than the base plate portion 431. On the other hand, when the tail post unit TU is installed, the window side panel portion 433 is approximately perpendicular to the side outer panel 40 and is positioned closer to the middle window opening 21H than the base plate portion 431.

The direction in which the base plate portion 431 extends when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the column, in other words, the width direction of the base plate portion 431, is referred to as the "column cross-sectional width direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional width direction when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the column, in other words, the direction in which the door side panel portion 432 and window side panel portion 433 extend, is referred to as the "column cross-sectional height direction." Furthermore, the side of the end post 43 enclosed by the base plate portion 431, door side panel portion 432, and window side panel portion 433 is referred to as the "inside," and the side opposite the inside relative to the base plate portion 431, door side panel portion 432, and window side panel portion 433 is referred to as the "outside."

A door-side flange 434 is formed at the end of the door side plate 432 opposite the base plate 431 in the column cross-sectional height direction. The door-side flange 434 is bent outward from the door side plate 432 at approximately a right angle. Furthermore, a window-side flange 435 is formed at the end of the window side plate 433 opposite the base plate 431 in the column cross-sectional height direction. The window-side flange 435 is bent outward from the window side plate 433 at approximately a right angle. Therefore, the door-side flange 434 and the window-side flange 435 are parallel to the base plate 431.

Hereinafter, the portion of the door-side flange portion 434 at the end post upper portion 43A, the portion of the door-side flange portion 434 at the end post middle portion 43B, and the portion of the door-side flange portion 434 at the end post lower portion 43C will be referred to as the "upper door-side flange portion 434A," the "middle door-side flange portion 434B," and the "lower door-side flange portion 434C," respectively. Similarly, the portion of the window-side flange portion 435 at the end post upper portion 43A, the portion of the window-side flange portion 435 at the end post middle portion 43B, and the portion of the window-side flange portion 435 at the end post lower portion 43C will be referred to as the "upper window-side flange portion 435A," the "middle window-side flange portion 435B," and the "lower window-side flange portion 435C," respectively. When the end post unit TU is installed, the door-side flange portion 434 and the window-side flange portion 435 are located further outboard than the base plate portion 431.

A closing plate 436 is formed at the end of the door-side flange 434 opposite the door side plate 432 in the column cross-sectional width direction. The closing plate 436 bends at a substantially right angle from the door-side flange 434 to the opposite side of the base plate 431 in the column cross-sectional height direction. Therefore, the closing plate 436 is substantially parallel to the door side plate 432 and the window side plate 433.

In the following, the portion of the closing plate 436 at the end post upper portion 43A, the portion of the closing plate 436 at the end post middle portion 43B, and the portion of the closing plate 436 at the end post lower portion 43C will be referred to as the "upper closing plate 436A," "middle closing plate 436B," and "lower closing plate 436C," respectively. When the end post unit TU is installed, the closing plate 436 is approximately perpendicular to the side outer panel 40.

Three upper transverse bone notches 440A are formed in the upper blocking plate portion 436A along the column longitudinal direction. The protrusions 411A of the upper transverse bone members 411 arranged along the vertical direction fit into each upper transverse bone notch 440A. That is, the column longitudinal length of the upper transverse bone notch 440A is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional width length of the protrusions 411A of the upper transverse bone member 411. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the upper transverse bone notch 440A is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional height length of the protrusions 411A of the upper transverse bone member 411. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the upper transverse bone notch 440A is also the same as the column cross-sectional height length of the upper blocking plate portion 436A.

Two middle transverse bone notches 440B are formed in the middle covering plate 436B along the column longitudinal direction. The protrusions 412A of each middle transverse bone member 412 arranged along the vertical direction fit into each middle transverse bone notch 440B formed in the middle covering plate 436B. That is, the column longitudinal length of the middle transverse bone notch 440B is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional width length of the protrusions 412A of the middle transverse bone member 412. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the middle transverse bone notch 440B is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional height length of the protrusions 412A of the middle transverse bone member 412. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the middle transverse bone notch 440B is also the same as the column cross-sectional height length of the middle covering plate 436B.

Five lower transverse bone notches 440C are formed in the lower blocking plate portion 436C along the column longitudinal direction. The protrusions 413A of each lower transverse bone member 413 arranged along the vertical direction fit into each lower transverse bone notch 440C formed in the lower blocking plate portion 436C. That is, the column longitudinal length of the lower transverse bone notch 440C is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional width length of the protrusions 413A of the lower transverse bone member 413. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the lower transverse bone notch 440C is the same as the transverse bone cross-sectional height length of the protrusions 413A of the lower transverse bone member 413. Furthermore, the column cross-sectional height length of the lower transverse bone notch 440C is also the same as the column cross-sectional height length of the lower blocking plate portion 436C.

Four middle insertion holes 441B are formed at equal intervals along the column longitudinal direction from the middle window side plate 433B to the end of the middle base plate 431B on the middle window side plate 433B side. The insertion pieces 50B of the window frame support member 50 (described later) are inserted into these holes. Furthermore, three middle rivet insertion holes 442B are formed near the middle insertion holes 441B in the middle base plate 431B, through which rivets 54 are inserted to fasten the door end post 43 and the window frame support member 50 (in this embodiment, two are located near the middle insertion holes 441B and one is located near the center of the middle base plate 431B, forming a triangle).

A single lower insertion hole 441C is formed extending from the lower window side panel 433C to the end of the lower base plate 431C on the lower window side panel 433C side, into which the insertion piece 51B of the interior panel receiving member 51 (described below) is inserted. Furthermore, three lower rivet insertion holes 442C are formed near the lower insertion hole 441C in the lower base plate 431C, into which rivets 55 are inserted to fasten the door end post 43 and the interior panel receiving member 51.

Next, we will explain the dimensions of each part of the basic cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the height direction of the end post upper part 43A, end post middle part 43B, and end post lower part 43C. Note that the basic cross-sectional shape refers to the cross-sectional shape of the part without any notches or holes. In addition, in the cross-section perpendicular to the column of the end post 43, the length in the column cross-sectional width direction is referred to as "width," and the length in the column cross-sectional height direction is referred to as "height."

The width W11 of the upper substrate portion 431A, the width W21 of the middle substrate portion 431B, and the width W31 of the lower substrate portion 431C are the same. That is, the width of the substrate portion 431 of the door end post 43 is constant along the longitudinal direction of the post. The width W12 of the upper door-side flange portion 434A, the width W22 of the middle door-side flange portion 434B, and the width W32 of the lower door-side flange portion 434C are the same. That is, the width of the door-side flange portion 434 of the door end post 43 is constant along the longitudinal direction of the post. The width W13 of the upper window-side flange portion 435A, the width W23 of the middle window-side flange portion 435B, and the width W33 of the lower window-side flange portion 435C are the same. That is, the width of the window-side flange portion 435 of the door end post 43 is constant along the longitudinal direction of the post. The width of the base plate portion 431 is greater than the width of the door-side flange portion 434 and the width of the window-side flange portion 435. The width of the window-side flange portion 435 is smaller than the width of the door-side flange portion 434.

The width W11 of the upper substrate portion 431A includes the thickness of the upper door side panel portion 432A and the thickness of the upper window side panel portion 433A. The same applies to the width W21 of the middle substrate portion 431B and the width W31 of the lower substrate portion 431C. Furthermore, the width W12 of the upper door flange portion 434A does not include the thickness of the upper door side panel portion 432A, but does include the thickness of the upper closing panel portion 436A. The same applies to the width W22 of the middle door flange portion 434B and the width W32 of the lower door flange portion 434C. Furthermore, the width W13 of the upper window flange portion 435A does not include the thickness of the upper window side panel portion 433A. The same applies to the width W23 of the middle window flange portion 435B and the width W33 of the lower window flange portion 435C.

The height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A are the same. The height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B is longer than the height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B. The height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C and the height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C are the same. Furthermore, the height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B is the same as the height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C and the height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C. The height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B is shorter than the height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A. The height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B is longer than the height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A. Therefore, the interrelationship between the heights of each part of the door side panel 432 and the heights of each part of the window side panel 433 can be summarized as follows: height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B > height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A = height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A > height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B = height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C = height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C.

The height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A includes the thickness of the upper base plate 431A and the thickness of the upper door flange 434A. The same applies to the height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B and the height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C. The height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A includes the thickness of the upper base plate 431A and the thickness of the upper window flange 435A. The same applies to the height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B and the height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C.

When the door end post unit TU is installed, the cross-sectional width direction of the pillar is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body. The positional relationship of each part of the door end post 43 relative to the car body width direction is based on the position of the base plate portion 431. As a result, as the height of each part of the door side plate portion 432 and the height of each part of the window side plate portion 433 increases, the door side flange portion 434 and the window side flange portion 435 become closer to the interior surface of the side outer plate 40, and as the height of each part of the door side plate portion 432 and the height of each part of the window side plate portion 433 decreases, the door side flange portion 434 and the window side flange portion 435 become farther from the interior surface of the side outer plate 40.

When the tail post unit TU is installed, the exterior surface of the upper door-side flange portion 434A and the exterior surface of the upper window-side flange portion 435A abut against the interior surface of the top plate portion 411A1 of the upper cross frame member 411. Furthermore, when the tail post unit TU is installed, the exterior surface of the lower door-side flange portion 434C and the exterior surface of the lower window-side flange portion 435C abut against the interior surface of the top plate portion 413A1 of the lower cross frame member 413. Furthermore, when the tail post unit TU is installed, the exterior surface of the middle door-side flange portion 434B abuts against the interior surface of the top plate portion 412A1 of the middle cross frame member 412. Meanwhile, when the tail post unit TU is installed, the exterior surface of the middle window-side flange portion 435B abuts against the shear plate 42. The end of the middle cross frame member 412 closest to the middle window opening 21H in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is located inside the door end post 43, in other words, between the middle door side plate portion 432B and the middle window side plate portion 433B. In this embodiment, the end of the middle cross frame member 412 closest to the middle window opening 21H in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is formed up to the vicinity of the middle window side plate portion 433B.

Here, the tail post 43 is made from a single plate-shaped member, so the thickness of each base plate portion 431A, 431B, 431C, the thickness of each door side plate portion 432A, 432B, 432C, and the thickness of each window side plate portion 433A, 433B, 433C are the same. Furthermore, when the tail post unit TU is installed, a shear plate 42 is attached to the area facing the tail post middle portion 43B in the vehicle width direction.

Therefore, the height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B is longer than the height H11 of the upper door side panel 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel 433A by the amount obtained by subtracting the thickness of the shear plate 42 from the length of the cross-section height of the upper cross frame member 411. Similarly, the height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B is longer than the height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C and the height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C by the amount obtained by subtracting the thickness of the shear plate 42 from the length of the cross-section height of the lower cross frame member 413. Furthermore, the height H22 of the middle window side panel 433B is longer than the height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B by the length of the cross-section height of the middle cross frame member 412.

Furthermore, the height H11 of the upper door side panel portion 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel portion 433A are longer than the height H31 of the lower door side panel portion 432C and the height H32 of the lower window side panel portion 433C by the amount obtained by subtracting the length of the cross-section height of the upper cross-section member 411 from the length of the cross-section height of the lower cross-section member 413. Furthermore, the height H11 of the upper door side panel portion 432A and the height H12 of the upper window side panel portion 433A are longer than the height H21 of the middle door side panel portion 432B by the amount obtained by subtracting the length of the cross-section height of the upper cross-section member 411 from the length of the cross-section height of the middle cross-section member 412, plus the thickness of the shear plate 42. Additionally, the height H21 of the middle door side panel 432B, the height H31 of the lower door side panel 432C, and the height H32 of the lower window side panel 433C are the same.

As such, the basic cross-sectional shape of the door end post 43 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post, particularly the height of the door side panel 432 and the height of the window side panel 433, varies along the longitudinal direction of the post depending on the components located on the exterior side of the vehicle (the cross frame member 41 and the shear plate 42). In other words, the heights of the door side panel 432 and the window side panel 433 vary along the longitudinal direction of the post depending on the cross frame cross-sectional height length of the cross frame member 41 and the presence or absence of the shear plate 42. As a result, the door side flange 434, which is bent at approximately a right angle to the door side panel 432, and the window side flange 435, which is bent at approximately a right angle to the window side panel 433, have a stepped structure in the width direction of the vehicle body. In other words, the distances from the base plate portions 431A, 431B, 431C of the door-side flange portions 434A, 434B, 434C and the window-side flange portions 435A, 435B, 435C also vary depending on the door side plate portions 432A, 432B, 432C and the window side plate portions 433A, 433B, 433C. The "distance" here refers to the distance from the interior surface of the base plate portions 431A, 431B, 431C to the interior surface of the door-side flange portions 434A, 434B, 434C and the window-side flange portions 435A, 435B, 435C in the car body width direction (pillar cross-sectional height direction). Therefore, each distance is calculated by subtracting the thickness of the door end post 43 from the height of each door side plate 432A, 432B, 432C and each window side plate 433A, 433B, 433C formed between each base plate 431A, 431B, 431C and each door side flange 434A, 434B, 434C, and each window side flange 435A, 435B, 435C.

The upper blocking plate portion 436A abuts the interior surface of the flange portion 411B of the upper cross member 411. The middle blocking plate portion 436B abuts the interior surface of the flange portion 412B of the middle cross member 412. The lower blocking plate portion 436C abuts the interior surface of the flange portion 413B of the lower cross member 413.

The height H13 of the upper closing plate 436A is the same as the length of the cross-section height of the protruding portion 411A of the upper cross-bone member 411. The height H23 of the middle closing plate 436B is the same as the length of the cross-section height of the protruding portion 412A of the middle cross-bone member 412. The height H33 of the lower closing plate 436C is the same as the length of the cross-section height of the protruding portion 413A of the lower cross-bone member 413. In other words, the upper closing plate 436A, middle closing plate 436B, and lower closing plate 436C close the gaps between the cross-bone members 41 arranged side by side in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

Next, we will explain the gaps formed in the end post 43 where the door-side flange 434 has a stepped structure and where the window-side flange 435 has a stepped structure. Figure 6A is a front view of the end post 43 as seen from the base plate 431 side in the column cross-sectional height direction. Figure 6B is a side view of the end post 43 as seen from the door side panel 432 side in the column cross-sectional width direction. Figure 6C is a side view of the end post 43 as seen from the window side panel 433 side in the column cross-sectional width direction. Hereinafter, the end post upper portion 43A side in the column longitudinal direction will be referred to as the "upper side," and the end post lower portion 43C side in the column longitudinal direction will be referred to as the "lower side." Furthermore, the door side panel 432 side in the column cross-sectional width direction will be referred to as the "door side," and the window side panel 433 side in the column cross-sectional width direction will be referred to as the "window side." Furthermore, the base plate 431 side in the column cross-sectional height direction will be referred to as the "convex side."

A door-side first step gap 444A is formed near the lower side of the lowermost upper horizontal bone notch 440A. The door-side first step gap 444A completely separates the upper door flange portion 434A from the middle door flange portion 434B, and also completely separates the upper door closing plate portion 436A from the middle door closing plate portion 436B. In other words, when viewed from the front from the convex side, a gap of a fixed width (shorter than the column cross-sectional width length of the upper door flange portion 434A and the column cross-sectional width length of the middle door flange portion 434B) is formed between the upper door flange portion 434A and the middle door flange portion 434B. Additionally, when viewed from the side from the door side, a gap of a certain width (shorter than the column cross-sectional height direction length of the upper blocking plate 436A and the column cross-sectional height direction length of the middle blocking plate 436B) is formed between the upper blocking plate 436A and the middle blocking plate 436B.

A window-side first step gap 445A and a window-side second step gap 445B are formed on the opposite side of the door-side flange portion 434 across the base plate portion 431 of the door end post 43. The window-side first step gap 445A is formed in approximately the same position as the door-side first step gap 444A in the longitudinal direction of the post. Meanwhile, the window-side second step gap 445B is formed in the same position near the upper side of the lower horizontal bone notch 440C, which is formed at the uppermost position in the longitudinal direction of the post.

The window-side first step gap 445A completely separates the upper window-side flange portion 435A and the middle window-side flange portion 435B. That is, when viewed from the front from the convex side, a gap of a constant width (shorter than the column cross-sectional width length of the upper window-side flange portion 435A and the column cross-sectional width length of the middle window-side flange portion 435B) is formed between the upper window-side flange portion 435A and the middle window-side flange portion 435B. Furthermore, the window-side second step gap 445B completely separates the middle window-side flange portion 435B and the lower window-side flange portion 435C. That is, when viewed from the front from the convex side, a gap of a constant width (shorter than the column cross-sectional width length of the middle window-side flange portion 435B and the column cross-sectional width length of the lower window-side flange portion 435C) is formed between the middle window-side flange portion 435B and the lower window-side flange portion 435C.

Next, the tail post unit TU will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tail post unit TU. The tail post unit TU includes a tail post 43, a window frame support member 50, a siding panel support member 51, a side door support member 52, and a pipe support member 53.

The tail post 43 functions as a vertical frame for the middle window section 21 that makes up the side structure 2A3, and forms the core of the tail post unit TU. The window frame support member 50 is a member that joins the middle window frame 44 to the tail post 43. The interior panel support member 51 is a member that joins the interior panel (not shown) that divides the interior space of the vehicle to the tail post 43. The side door support member 52 is a member that receives a buffer member (not shown) that is provided at the end of the side door 232 facing the tail post unit TU when the side door 232 is open. The piping support member 53 is a member that supports piping that protects the wiring on the tail post 43.

In this way, the tail end post unit TU includes not only the structurally important tail end post 43, but also the window frame support member 50, interior panel support member 51, side door support member 52, and pipe support member 53. This makes the tail end post 43 multifunctional as a hub for efficiently assembling various interior fittings by consolidating them in one place.

The window frame support member 50 is made of a plate-shaped member. It has a roughly rectangular main body 50A that is long in one direction, and four insertion pieces 50B that protrude in the short-side direction from one edge of the main body 50A. The long-side length of the window frame support member 50, or in other words, the main body 50A, is roughly the same as the longitudinal length of the end post middle portion 43B. The short-side length of the insertion pieces 50B is 1/3 to 1/2 the cross-sectional width direction length of the middle base plate portion 431B. Each of the four insertion pieces 50B is inserted into a middle insertion hole 441B.

The window frame support member 50 is fixed to the tail post 43 by crimping each insertion piece 50B inserted into each middle insertion hole 441B with the insertion piece 50B abutting the inner surface of the middle base plate portion 431B with three rivets 54. Furthermore, when the window frame support member 50 is fixed to the tail post 43, the side of the main body portion 50A facing the insertion piece 50B abuts the middle window side panel portion 433B. The middle window frame 44 is then joined to the main body portion 50A. Furthermore, when the window frame support member 50 is fixed to the tail post 43, the main body portion 50A is formed in approximately the same area as the middle base plate portion 431B in the column longitudinal direction of the tail post 43.

The interior panel receiving member 51 is made of a plate-shaped member. It has a roughly rectangular main body 51A that is long in one direction, and a single insertion piece 51B that protrudes in the short-side direction from one edge of the main body 51A. The long-side length of the interior panel receiving member 51, or in other words, the main body 51A, is shorter than the longitudinal length of the lower end post 43C. The short-side length of the insertion piece 51B is 1/3 to 1/2 the cross-sectional width length of the lower base plate 431C. The insertion piece 51B is inserted into the lower insertion hole 441C.

The insert piece 51B inserted into the lower insertion hole 441C is abutted against the inner surface of the lower base plate portion 431C and is fastened with three rivets 55, thereby fixing the interior panel receiving member 51 to the tail post 43. Furthermore, when the interior panel receiving member 51 is fixed to the tail post 43, the side of the main body portion 51A facing the insert piece 51B abuts against the lower window side panel portion 433C. A lining panel (not shown) is then joined to the main body portion 51A. Furthermore, when the interior panel receiving member 51 is fixed to the tail post 43, the main body portion 51A is contained within the range of the lower base plate portion 431C in the column longitudinal direction of the tail post 43.

The side door receiving member 52 has a main body 52A, a pair of legs 52B, and a receiving portion 52C. The main body 52A is a rectangular flat plate. Each of the pair of legs 52B is also a rectangular flat plate. Each of the pair of legs 52B is formed so as to bend at a substantially right angle at one edge of the main body 52A. The receiving portion 52C is formed so as to bend at a substantially right angle slightly outside the one edge of the main body 52A on the opposite side to the pair of legs 52B.

A gap 52D is formed between the pair of legs 52B, and has the same shape as the center transverse bone notch 440B formed on the lower side. The main body 52A is joined to the middle door flange 434B from the outside of the end post 43, and the pair of legs 52B are joined to the middle closing plate 436B, so that the gap 52D overlaps with the center transverse bone notch 440B formed on the lower side in the column cross-sectional width direction. In other words, the side door receiving member 52 is installed so as to surround the center transverse bone notch 440B formed on the lower side.

The side door receiving member 52 is fixed to the tail post 43 by fastening it to bolts 56 at four locations. When the side door receiving member 52 is fixed to the tail post 43, the receiving portion 52C is positioned slightly outside the middle closing plate portion 436B in the cross-sectional width direction of the tail post 43, facing and parallel to the middle door side plate portion 432B. When the tail post unit TU is installed, the side door 232 that has been opened contacts the receiving portion 52C. In other words, the receiving portion 52C locks the side door 232 that has been opened. Therefore, the side door 232 does not move toward the middle window 212 from the receiving portion 52C along the longitudinal direction of the middle window portion 21. In other words, the outer surface of the receiving portion 52C in the cross-sectional width direction of the middle window portion 21 forms the boundary with the middle door pocket 211 in the longitudinal direction of the middle window portion 21.

The pipe receiving member 53 is a columnar member extending in one direction with a constant cross section. The longitudinal length of the pipe receiving member 53 is approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the end post middle section 43B. The pipe receiving member 53 is installed within the range of the middle window side panel section 433B so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the end post 43.

The pipe receiving member 53 has a joint portion 53A and a receiving portion 53B. The receiving portion 53B is configured to accommodate a pipe that protects the wiring. Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional end view taken along line Y-Y in Figure 7. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe receiving member 53, the joint portion 53A is formed as a relatively short straight line. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe receiving member 53, the receiving portion 53B is formed by curving outward at an obtuse angle from the tip of one side of the joint portion 53A. Furthermore, the receiving portion 53B is generally curved in a direction perpendicular to the joint portion 53A.

The pipe receiving member 53 is joined to the middle window side plate 433B on the surface of the joint 53A opposite the side on which the receiving portion 53B is formed. When the pipe receiving member 53 is joined to the middle window side plate 433B, a space 53D is formed between the middle window side plate 433B and the receiving portion 53B, in which piping protecting the wiring is arranged along the column longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the direction in which the receiving portion 53B bulges, a gap 53E is formed between the tip of the receiving portion 53B and the joint 53A. Therefore, when the pipe receiving member 53 is joined to the middle window side plate 433B, the tip side of the receiving portion 53B is open. The pipe receiving member 53 is joined to the middle window side plate 433B by welding.

In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe receiving member 53, the overall length along the joint 53A is set to fit between the window frame receiving member 50 fixed to the end post 43 and the middle window side flange portion 435B. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe receiving member 53, the overall length perpendicular to the joint 53A is slightly shorter than the column cross-sectional width length of the middle window side flange portion 435B, but is roughly the same. Therefore, in the column cross-sectional width direction of the end post middle portion 43B, a space is formed in which the pipe receiving member 53 is installed, and ultimately a space for piping.

Next, we will explain how to assemble the tail post unit TU. Figure 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the tail post unit TU.

A floating nut 50C for fastening the middle window frame 44 is pre-attached to the surface of the main body 50A of the window frame support member 50 opposite the surface that joins with the middle base plate 431B. The floating nut 50C is attached near the boundary between the main body 50A and each insertion piece 50B. Each insertion piece 50B has three window frame support rivet insertion holes for inserting rivets 54, located at positions corresponding to the middle rivet insertion holes 442B in the middle base plate 431B. Each insertion piece 50B is then inserted into each middle insertion hole 441B. Rivets 54 are then driven into each of the communicating window frame support rivet insertion holes and each middle rivet insertion hole 442B to secure the window frame support member 50 to the door end post 43.

A floating nut 51C for fastening a lining plate (not shown) is pre-attached to the surface of the main body 51A of the lining plate support member 51 opposite the surface that joins with the lower base plate 431C. The floating nut 51C is attached to the main body 51A near the boundary with the insert piece 51B. The insert piece 51B also has three lining plate frame support rivet insertion holes for inserting rivets 55, located at positions corresponding to the lower rivet insertion holes 442C in the lower base plate 431C. The insert pieces 51B are then inserted into each of the lower insertion holes 441C. Rivets 55 are then driven into each of the communicating lining plate frame support rivet insertion holes and each of the lower rivet insertion holes 442C to secure the lining plate support member 51 to the door end post 43.

From the outside of the end post 43, the main body 52A is brought into contact with the middle door flange 434B and the pair of legs 52B are brought into contact with the middle closing plate 436B so that the gap 52D overlaps with the center horizontal bone notch 440B formed on the lower side in the column cross-sectional width direction. Then, the main body 52A and the middle door flange 434B are fastened together with bolts 56, and the pair of legs 52B and the middle closing plate 436B are fastened together with bolts 56, thereby fixing the side door receiving member 52 to the end post 43.

As described above, according to the railway vehicle system TS, the first vehicle 1 has a side structure 1A3 in which the door end posts 43 that approach the side door 132 as the door opens are erected near the windows 102, 112, and 122, and the second vehicle 2 has a side structure 2A3 in which the door end posts 43 that approach the side door 232 as the door opens are erected near the windows 202, 212, and 222, and the door end posts 43 associated with the side structure 1A3 are positioned at the same distance from the window 102 in the longitudinal direction of the car body. Door pockets 101, 111, and 121 capable of accommodating side door 132 are formed on the opposite side of windows 202, 212, and 122 from end posts 43 of side structure 2A3, and door pockets 201, 211, and 221 capable of accommodating side door 232 are formed on the opposite side of windows 202, 212, and 222 in the longitudinal direction of the carbody from end posts 43 of side structure 2A3. The longitudinal lengths of door pockets 101, 111, and 121 and door pockets 201, 211, and 221 are the same. This standardizes the structure for mounting interior components such as equipment, wiring, and piping around the door pockets, facilitating the design and manufacture of the surrounding structure of the door pockets. Furthermore, with the railway vehicle system TS, the structure of end posts 43 of side structure 1A3 and end posts 43 of side structure 2A3 are the same. This further simplifies the design and manufacture of the surrounding structure of the door pockets.

The second vehicle 2 also has a door end post 43 located near the middle window frame 44. A pipe receiving member 53 is provided on the middle window frame 44 side of the door end post 43 to receive wiring or piping that runs along the length of the door end post 43. This allows for stable and reliable installation of wiring and piping. This facilitates the design and manufacture of the surrounding structure of the door pocket. Furthermore, the pipe receiving member 53 is provided along the entire length of the middle window frame 44 in the vertical direction. This allows for installation of wiring or piping without requiring cutouts in the middle window frame 44 or the door end post 43. This facilitates the design and manufacture of the surrounding structure of the door pocket. Furthermore, the pipe receiving member 53 is open on the inside side of the vehicle width in a plan view. This allows for easy inspection of the wiring and piping even after installation.

The second vehicle 2 also has a door end post 43 located near the middle window frame 44. The door end post 43 extends in the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43 and has a base plate 431 whose cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body. A plate-shaped window frame support member 50 is fixed to the base plate 431 with rivets 54 so that it is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, and the middle window frame 44 is fixed to the window frame support member 50. Therefore, when attaching the window frame support member 50 to the door end post 43, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the door end post 43 and shorten the time required for the attachment work by eliminating the need to correct distortion due to welding or remove spatter after welding. Furthermore, the door end post 43 further has a window side plate portion 433 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43 and is formed by bending at a substantially right angle from the end of the base plate portion 431 that is closer to the middle window frame 44 towards the outside of the car in the width direction of the car body, and an intermediate insertion hole 441B is formed in the window side plate portion 433 near the base plate portion 431, and the window frame support member 50 has an insertion piece 50B that is inserted into the intermediate insertion hole 441B, and the insertion piece 50B is inserted into the intermediate insertion hole 441B and fixed to the base plate portion 431 by a rivet 54. Therefore, the distance between the middle window opening 21H and the door end post 43 can be shortened, and stress at the corner of the middle window opening 21H can be reduced. The window frame support member 50 also has a main body 50A extending in one direction, with an insertion piece 50B formed to protrude outward from one edge of the main body 50A. A floating nut 50C is provided on the main body 50A, and the middle window frame 44 is fixed to the window frame support member 50 via the floating nut 50C. As a result, the door end post 43, or more specifically the window side panel 433, and the window frame support member 50 are fixed in close proximity in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, which results in a shorter distance between the middle window opening 21H and the door end post 43 and reduces stress at the corners of the middle window opening 21H.

The second vehicle 2 also has a door end post 43 arranged near the middle window frame 44. The door end post 43 is made of a single plate-shaped member and has a base plate portion 431 formed along the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43, an upper door side flange portion 434A, an upper window side flange portion 435A, a lower door side flange portion 434C, and a lower window side flange portion 435C. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43, the base plate portion 431, the upper door side flange portion 434A, the upper window side flange portion 435A, the lower door side flange portion 434C, and the lower window side flange portion 435C are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body. The base plate portion 431 is approximately perpendicular to the floor surface along the entire length of the base plate portion 431. The flange portion 434A, the upper window side flange portion 435A, the lower door side flange portion 434C, and the lower window side flange portion 435C are positioned on the outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction relative to the base plate portion 431, the upper door side flange portion 434A and the upper window side flange portion 435A are formed at the upper part of the door end post 43 in the longitudinal direction, and the lower door side flange portion 434C and the lower window side flange portion 435C are formed at the lower part of the door end post 43 in the longitudinal direction, and the distance in the vehicle width direction from the base plate portion 431 to the upper door side flange portion 434A and the upper window side flange portion 435A is different from the distance in the vehicle width direction from the base plate portion 431 to the lower door side flange portion 434C and the lower window side flange portion 435C. That is, in the door end post 43, which is made of a single plate-shaped member, the base plate portion 431, the upper door flange portion 434A, the upper window flange portion 435A, the lower door flange portion 434C, and the lower window flange portion 435C have a stepped structure in the vehicle width direction. This improves the usability of the door end post 43.

Furthermore, the second vehicle 2 further includes a side outer panel 40 and a cross frame member 41 joined to the side outer panel 40 on the vehicle-body-width-direction outer side of the door end post 43. The cross frame member 41 includes an upper cross frame member 411 having a first length in the vehicle body width direction and a lower cross frame member 413 having a second length in the vehicle body width direction. The upper cross frame member 411 is located above the door end post 43 in the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43, in other words, above the middle window opening 21H. The lower cross member 413 is positioned in a range corresponding to the lower part of the door end post 43 in the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43, in other words, in a range corresponding to below the middle window opening 21H, and the upper door-side flange portion 434A and the upper window-side flange portion 435A are joined to the interior surface of the upper cross member 411, while the lower door-side flange portion 434C and the lower window-side flange portion 435C are joined to the interior surface of the lower cross member 413. This makes it easy to join the door end post 43 and the cross member 41. In addition, in the second car 2, the door end post 43 further has a middle window-side flange portion 435B, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the door end post 43, the middle window-side flange portion 435B is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body and is located further outward from the base plate portion 431 and on the middle window frame 44 side, and the distance from the base plate portion 431 to the middle window-side flange portion 435B is longer than the distance in the car body width direction from the base plate portion 431 to the upper door-side flange portion 434A and upper window-side flange portion 435A and the distance in the car body width direction from the base plate portion 431 to the lower door-side flange portion 434C and lower window-side flange portion 435C. This further improves the usability of the door end post 43.

Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Naturally, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, we will explain modified examples of this embodiment. Note that the modified examples described below can also be combined as appropriate.

The railway vehicle system TS is composed of a first vehicle 1 and a second vehicle 2, but the railway vehicle system TS may also be composed of a different vehicle and the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2. In other words, the railway vehicle system TS may be composed of three or more different vehicles. Furthermore, the railway vehicle system TS may be composed of two or more different vehicle types operated by a single railway company.

The window frame support member 50 is a columnar member extending in one direction, but may be configured with a length that is extremely short compared to the vertical length of the middle window frame 44. Furthermore, multiple such short window frame support members 50 may be installed at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the end post 43. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the window frame support member 50 may be modified as appropriate, as long as the cross section can accommodate piping. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the window frame support member 50 may be hook-shaped. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the window frame support member 50 may be U-shaped to close the opening.

The pipe receiving member 53 receives the pipes that protect the wiring, but it may also receive the wiring directly. Furthermore, body structure 1A and body structure 2A are configured by being divided into multiple sections in the longitudinal direction of the car body, but the division allocation of either body structure 1A or body structure 2A, or both, may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, either body structure 1A or body structure 2A, or both, may not be configured by being divided into multiple sections in the longitudinal direction of the car body. Furthermore, components other than the window frame receiving member 50, interior panel receiving member 51, side door receiving member 52, and pipe receiving member 53, such as components for securing seats, may also be attached to the door end post 43.

As described above, according to the railway vehicle system TS of this embodiment,
(A1) The first railway vehicle 1 has a first specific side structure (e.g., side structure 1A3) in which a first side post member (e.g., door end post 43) that approaches a first side door (e.g., side door 132) as the vehicle opens, is erected near a first window (e.g., front window 102, middle window 112, rear window 122), and the second railway vehicle 2 has a second specific side structure (e.g., door end post 43) in which a second side post member (e.g., door end post 43) that approaches a second side door (e.g., side door 232) as the vehicle opens, is erected near a second window (e.g., front window 202, middle window 212, rear window 222). The vehicle is characterized in that it has a fixed side structure (e.g., side structure 2A3), and a first door pocket (e.g., front door pocket 101, middle door pocket 111, rear door pocket 121) capable of storing a side door 132 is formed on the opposite side of the first side pillar member from the window in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and a second door pocket (e.g., front door pocket 201, middle door pocket 211, rear door pocket 221) capable of storing a side door 232 is formed on the opposite side of the second side pillar member from the window in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the longitudinal length of the first door pocket and the longitudinal length of the second door pocket are the same.

(A2) A railway vehicle system TS as described in (A1), characterized in that the structure of the first side pillar member and the structure of the second side pillar member are common to each other.

(A3) The railway vehicle 2 of this embodiment is characterized by having a side post member (e.g., a door end post 43) arranged near a window frame (e.g., a middle window frame 44), and a receiving member (e.g., a pipe receiving member 53) that receives wiring or piping arranged along the longitudinal direction of the side post member on the window frame side of the side post member.

(A4) The railway vehicle 2 described in (A3) is characterized in that the support member is provided over the entire length of the window frame in the vertical direction.

(A5) The railway vehicle 2 described in (A3) or (A4) is characterized in that the receiving member is open on the inside side of the car in the car body width direction when viewed from above.

(B1) The railway vehicle 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a side post member (e.g., a door end post 43) arranged near a window frame (e.g., a middle window frame 44), the side post member extending in the longitudinal direction of the side post member, and having a base plate portion 431 whose cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side post member is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, a plate-shaped window frame support member 50 fixed to the base plate portion by a predetermined fixing device (e.g., rivet 54) so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, and the window frame is fixed to the window frame support member 50.

(B2) The railway vehicle 2 described in (B1) is characterized in that the side pillar member further has a side plate portion (e.g., window side plate portion 433) extending in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member and formed by bending at approximately a right angle from the end of the base plate portion 431 closest to the window frame toward the outside of the car in the width direction of the car body, an insertion hole (e.g., middle insertion hole 441B) is formed near the base plate portion 431 of the side plate portion, and the window frame support member 50 has an insertion piece 50B to be inserted into the insertion hole, the insertion piece is inserted into the insertion hole, and the insertion piece is fixed to the base plate portion 431 by a fixing device.

(B3) The railway vehicle 2 described in (B2) is characterized in that the window frame support member 50 further has a main body portion 50A extending in one direction, the insertion piece 50B is formed by protruding outward from one edge of the main body portion 50A, the main body portion is provided with a female thread type fastening device (e.g., floating nut 50C), and the window frame is fixed to the window frame support member 50 via the fastening device.

(C1) According to the railway vehicle 2 of this embodiment, a side post member (e.g., door end post 43) is provided near a window frame (e.g., middle window frame 44). The side post member is made of a single plate-shaped member and has a base plate portion 431 formed along the longitudinal direction of the side post member, a first flange portion (e.g., upper door-side flange portion 434A or upper window-side flange portion 435A), and a second flange portion (e.g., lower door-side flange portion 434C or lower window-side flange portion 435C). In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side post member, the base plate portion 431, the first flange portion, and the second flange portion The flange portion is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, the base plate portion 431 is approximately perpendicular to the floor surface along the entire length of the side pillar member, the first flange portion and the second flange portion are positioned further outward in the car body width direction than the base plate portion 431, the first flange portion is formed in a first range (e.g., the upper portion) in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member, and the second flange portion is formed in a second range (e.g., the lower portion) in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member, and the distance from the base plate portion 431 to the first flange portion in the car body width direction is different from the distance from the base plate portion to the second flange portion in the car body width direction.

(C2) The railway vehicle 2 described in (C1) further includes a side outer panel 40 and a cross frame member 41 joined to the side outer panel 40 on the outer side of the side pillar member in the car body width direction, and the cross frame member includes a first cross frame member (e.g., upper cross frame member 411) having a first length in the car body width direction and a second cross frame member (e.g., lower cross frame member 413) having a second length in the car body width direction, the first cross frame member is arranged in a range corresponding to a first range in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member, the second cross frame member is arranged in a range corresponding to a second range in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member, the first flange portion is joined to the inner surface of the first cross frame member, and the second flange portion is joined to the inner surface of the second cross frame member.

(C3) A railway vehicle 2 as described in (C1) or (C2), wherein the side pillar member further has a third flange portion (e.g., a middle window-side flange portion 435B), and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member, the third flange portion is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the car body, the third flange portion is positioned closer to the outside of the car and closer to the window frame than the base plate portion 431, and the distance from the base plate portion 431 to the third flange portion is longer than the distance from the base plate portion to the first flange portion and the distance from the base plate portion to the second flange portion.

1...first vehicle, 2...second vehicle 1A, 2A...car body 1A3, 2A3...side structure 10, 20...front window section 11, 21...middle window section 12, 22...rear window section 13, 23...door section 101, 201...front door pocket 102, 202...front window 111, 211...middle door pocket 112, 212...middle window 121, 221...rear door pocket 122, 222...rear window 132 , 232... Side door 40... Side outer plate 41... Cross frame member 411... Upper cross frame member, 412... Middle cross frame member, 413... Lower cross frame member 42... Shear plate 43... Door end post 431... Base plate portion 431A... Upper base plate portion, 431B... Middle base plate portion, 431C... Lower base plate portion 432A... Upper door side plate portion, 432B... Middle door side plate portion, 432C... Lower door side plate portion 43 3A...upper window side plate portion, 433B...middle window side plate portion, 433C...lower window side plate portion 434A...upper door side flange portion, 434B...middle door side flange portion, 434C...lower door flange portion 435A...upper window side flange portion, 435B...middle window side flange portion, 435C...lower window flange portion 436A...upper closing plate portion, 436B...middle closing plate portion, 436C...lower closing plate portion 44...middle window frame 50...window frame receiving member 50A...main body portion, 50B...insertion piece, 50C...floating nut 51...interior panel receiving member 51A...main body portion, 51B...insertion piece, 51C...floating nut 53...pipe receiving member 53A...joint portion, 53B...receiving portion TU...door end post unit TS...railway system

Claims (3)

A railway vehicle having a side pillar member arranged near a window frame,
the side pillar member has a base plate portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member and has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body,
A plate-shaped window frame receiving member is fixed to the base plate portion by a predetermined fastener so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body,
The window frame support member is provided over the entire length of the window frame in the longitudinal direction of the side post member,
The window frame is fixed to the window frame support member. A railway vehicle having a side pillar member arranged near a window frame,
the side pillar member has a base plate portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member and has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side pillar member that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body,
A plate-shaped window frame receiving member is fixed to the base plate portion by a predetermined fastener so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body,
The window frame is fixed to the window frame support member,
the side pillar member further includes a side plate portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the side pillar member and bent at a substantially right angle from an end of the base plate portion closer to the window frame toward the vehicle exterior in the vehicle body width direction,
An insertion hole is formed in the side plate portion near the base portion,
The window frame receiving member has an insertion piece that is inserted into the insertion hole,
The railcar is characterized in that the insertion piece is inserted into the insertion hole and the insertion piece is fixed to the base plate portion by the fixing device. 3. The railway vehicle according to claim 2,
The window frame receiving member further has a main body portion extending in one direction,
The insert piece is formed to protrude outward from one edge of the main body portion,
The main body is provided with a female screw type fastening device,
The window frame is fixed to the window frame support member via the fastening device.