VEHICLE THAT FEATURES A FRONT AND A REAR VEHICLE STRUCTURE

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure. The front vehicle structure comprises a left first pillar and a right first pillar. The rear vehicle structure comprises a left second pillar and a right second pillar. Each of the left first pillars and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels. Each of the right first pillars and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels. A plurality of left interface bodies. Each left interface body is coupled to the other of the left first pillar and the left second pillar and accommodated in a respective left channel. A plurality of right interface bodies. Each right interface body is coupled to the other of the right first pillar and the right second pillar and accommodated in a respective right channel.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a front and a rear vehicle structure. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Conventional vehicle assembly processes are typically linear processes involving the sequential construction of a vehicle body structure, referred to as a body-in-white, followed by painting the body structure, and then securing vehicle components, such as a powertrain assembly, suspension assemblies, and an instrument panel assembly, to a vehicle structure (e.g., a monocoque structure) as the vehicle structure moves along an assembly line. The assembly of vehicle components to the vehicle structure can be slowed due to limited access to the vehicle structure at various points along the assembly line.

[0004] The present disclosure addresses these problems related to accessing the vehicle structure to secure vehicle components thereto as the vehicle structure moves along the assembly line. SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle including a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left interface bodies, a plurality of right interface bodies, a plurality of left mounting structures, and a plurality of right mounting structures. The front vehicle structure includes a left first pillar and a right first pillar. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening and includes a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening. One of the left first pillar and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels. One of the right first pillar and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels.Each left interface body is coupled to the other of the left first column and the left second column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outside of the left first column and the left interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column. Each right interface body is coupled to the other of the right first column and the right second column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outside of the right first column and the right interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column.Each left attachment structure extends at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures together. Each right attachment structure extends at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures together.

[0007] In variations of the vehicle of the preceding paragraph, which may be implemented individually or in any combination: each left mounting structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; each right mounting structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; each left mounting structure includes a first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar, and first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar;each right mounting structure includes a second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar, and second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar; the first and second bolts have an adhesive coating; the left second pillar has a first outer surface with a first elongated groove formed therein, the right second pillar has a second outer surface with a second elongated groove formed therein, the first elongated bolt plate is received in the first elongated groove such that the first elongated bolt plate is flush with the first outer surface, the second elongated bolt plate is received in the second elongated groove such that the second elongated bolt plate is flush with the second outer surface;each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a first end and a second end, and if the first end is located closer to a front of the vehicle than the second end, each left interface body tapers from the second end toward the first end; each right interface body of the plurality of right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end, and if the third end is located closer to the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, each right interface body tapers from the fourth end toward the third end; one left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near an upper portion of the left first pillar, and another left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near a lower portion of the left first pillar;each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a plurality of sides, at least one side of the plurality of sides has an adhesive coating; one or more vehicle components are secured to the front vehicle structure; the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe; one or more vehicle components are secured to the rear vehicle structure; and the one or more vehicle components include a rear engine, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.;

[0008] In another vehicle, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle including a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, a left mounting structure, and a right mounting structure. The front vehicle structure includes a left first pillar and a right first pillar. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening and includes a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening. The left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels.Each tapered interface body is coupled to the left first column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outward from the left first column and the left tapered interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column. Each right tapered interface body is coupled to the right first column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outward from the right first column and the right tapered interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column.The left mounting structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures together. The right mounting structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures together.

[0009] In variations of the vehicle of the preceding paragraph, which may be implemented individually or in any combination: the left mounting structure further includes a first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar; the right mounting structure further includes a second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar; the first and second bolts have an adhesive coating; one or more vehicle components are secured to the front vehicle structure; the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe; one or more vehicle components are secured to the rear vehicle structure;and the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.;

[0010] In another vehicle, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle including a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, a left mounting structure, and a right mounting structure. The front vehicle structure includes a left first pillar and a right first pillar. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening and includes a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening. The left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels.Each tapered interface body is coupled to the left first pillar and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second pillar is located outward of the left first pillar and the left tapered interface bodies prevent the left second pillar from moving further outward relative to the left first pillar. Each right tapered interface body is coupled to the right first pillar and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second pillar is located outward of the right first pillar and the right tapered interface bodies prevent the right second pillar from moving further outward relative to the right first pillar. The left mounting structure includes a first elongated bolt plate and first fasteners.The first elongated bolt plate has first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar. The first fasteners extend at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to further secure the front and rear vehicle structures together. The right mounting structure includes a second elongated bolt plate and second fasteners. The second elongated bolt plate has second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar. The second fasteners extend at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to further secure the front and rear vehicle structures together. One or more first vehicle components are secured to the front vehicle structure.The one or more first vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe. One or more second vehicle components are secured to the rear vehicle structure. The one or more second vehicle components include a rear engine, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It is understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DRAWINGS

[0012] In order that the disclosure may be fully understood, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle including a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the front vehicle structure of the vehicle of Fig. 1, with vehicle components removed for clarity; Fig. 3 is a side view of the front vehicle structure of the vehicle of Fig. 1, with vehicle components secured thereto; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the front vehicle structure of the vehicle of Fig. 1, with vehicle components secured thereto; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the rear vehicle structure of the vehicle of Fig. 1, with vehicle components secured thereto; Fig. 6 is a side view of the rear vehicle structure of the vehicle of Fig. 1, with vehicle components secured thereto; Fig. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the front vehicle structure of Fig. 1 and a section of the rear vehicle structure Fig. 1; Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the front vehicle structure portion of Fig. 1, which is attached to the section of the rear vehicle structure made of Fig. 1 is coupled; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an interface block for coupling the section of the front vehicle structure of Fig. 1 to the section of the rear vehicle structure Fig. 1 according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the front vehicle structure portion of Fig. 1, which is attached to the section of the rear vehicle structure made of Fig. 1, along the line 9A-9A, which is in Fig. 7B, which illustrates interface blocks partially received in channels of the rear vehicle structure; Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view similar Fig. 9A, which illustrates the interface blocks that are completely embedded in the channels of the rear vehicle structure Fig. 1 are included; and Fig. 10A-10C are perspective views of the front vehicle structure from Fig. 1 and the rear vehicle structure Fig. 1, which are assembled together according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] The drawings described in this document are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that corresponding reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicle 10, such as an electric vehicle, is provided. In the example provided, the electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other examples, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle. In still other examples, the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.

[0016] With additional reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 7A, the vehicle 10 includes a front vehicle structure 12 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 7A), a rear vehicle structure 14 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 7A), a plurality of left interface bodies or blocks 16 (schematically shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 7A), a plurality of right interface bodies (not shown), a left attachment structure 20 ( Fig. 7A) and a right attachment structure (not shown). The front vehicle structure 12 is located closer toward a front of the vehicle 10 than the rear vehicle structure 14 and is coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14, as described in more detail below. In one example, the front vehicle structure 12 is manufactured using a plurality of stamped parts secured together, e.g., by welding, adhesive, or fasteners. In another example, the front vehicle structure 12 is manufactured using a casting process. Referring to Fig. 2, the front vehicle structure 12 includes, among other things, a pair of hinge pillars 24a, 24b, a pair of inner rails 26a, 26b, a pair of upper rails 28a, 28b, and a bumper (not shown). Each inner rail 26a, 26b extends from a lower portion of a respective hinge pillar 24a, 24b to the bumper. Each inner rail 26a, 26b may also be arcuate and wrap around a front wheel 25 ( Fig. 1) of the vehicle 10 and form a portion of a respective front wheel house. The upper rails 28a, 28b are positioned above the pair of inner rails 26a, 26b and extend from an upper portion of a respective hinge pillar 24a, 24b toward a front of the vehicle 10. The bumper extends in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and is secured to front ends of the pair of inner rails 26a, 26b.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a front subframe 30 is positioned beneath the front vehicle structure 12 and secured to the pair of inner rails 26a, 26b of the front vehicle structure 12. The front subframe 30 may support one or more components of the vehicle 10, such as a front engine 31 ( Fig. 4) and front suspension components 32, which may also be coupled to the front vehicle structure 12. The front motor 31 is powered by a battery pack (not specifically shown) to drive the front wheels 25 ( Fig. 1; only one wheel is shown in the figure). The front suspension components 32 provide a smooth ride by absorbing energy from various road irregularities while driving. The front suspension components 32 may include, for example, upper and lower steering arms, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and ball joints. It is also understood that other components may be coupled to the front vehicle structure 12, such as an instrument panel structure 35 and electronics (e.g., inverters, AC-DC converters, and DC-DC converters). Referring to Fig. 7A, each hinge post 24a, 24b includes a plurality of first passages 38a extending therethrough and a plurality of second passages 38b extending therethrough.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7A, the rear vehicle structure 14 includes rocker panels 40, roof rails 42, and a plurality of pillars (e.g., a pair of front pillars 44a, a pair of mid-pillars 44b, a pair of rear pillars 44c, and a pair of hinged pillars 44d, 44e). The rocker panels 40 extend longitudinally in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and may be configured to support the battery pack (not specifically shown) on the rear vehicle structure 14. Each rocker panel 40 is made of a metal material, such as aluminum, and may be secured to a respective side of the battery pack using, for example, fasteners, adhesives, welding, or any other suitable attachment means.

[0019] Each roof rail 42 is positioned on a side of the rear vehicle structure 14 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Each roof rail 42 includes one or more structural elements that extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Each front pillar 44a extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and from a respective roof rail 42 downward to a respective hinge pillar 44d, 44e. Each center pillar 44b extends in a vertical direction from a respective roof rail 42 to a respective rocker panel 40. Each rear pillar 44c extends from one end of a respective roof rail 42 toward a rear of the vehicle 10. The front pillars 44a, the center pillars 44b, the hinge pillars 44d, 44e, the rocker panels 40, and the roof rails 42 cooperate to define door openings 50 in the rear vehicle structure 14. Doors 51 ( Fig. 1) are rotatably coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14 and movable between a closed position in which the doors 51 are disposed within the door openings 50 and an open position in which the doors 51 are removed from the door openings 50.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 7A, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the hinge column 44d extends in a vertical direction ( Fig. 7A) from one end of a respective front pillar 44a to one end of a respective rocker panel 40. In the illustrated example, the hinge pillar 44d has an outer side 58a facing away from the front vehicle structure 12 (e.g., an outward direction) when the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are coupled together, and an inner side 58b facing the front vehicle structure 12 (e.g., an inward direction) when the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are coupled together. The hinge pillar 44d includes an outer surface 52 on the outer side 58a having an elongated groove or recess 54 formed therein ( Fig. 9A). In some forms, the hinge post 44d may not include the elongated recess 54 formed therein. The hinge post 44d includes a plurality of channels 60 formed therein on the inner surface 58b, which are configured to receive respective interface blocks 16, as described in more detail below. Openings 61 may be in communication with respective channels 60 formed in the hinge post 44d and may open through the inner surface 58b.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 9A, the hinge pillar 44d includes one or more first passages 56a extending therethrough and one or more second passages 56b extending therethrough. Each first passage 56a of the first passages 56a is horizontally aligned with a first passage 36a of a respective hinge pillar 24a when the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are coupled together. Likewise, each second passage 56b of the second passages 56b is horizontally aligned with a second passage 36b of a respective hinge pillar 24a, 24b when the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are coupled together. At least one of the first passages 56a and at least one of the second passages 56b are located in the elongated recess 54 formed in the hinge column 24 (ie, the passages 56a, 56b open through the elongated recess 54).In some forms, at least one of the first passages 56a and at least one of the second passages 56b may also be located in a recess 55 formed in a respective sill 40. In the illustrated example, the recess 54 of the hinge pillar 24 and the recess 55 of the sill 40 cooperate to form a T-shape. The structure and function of the hinge pillar 44e may be similar or identical to those of the hinge pillar 44d and therefore will not be described again in detail.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a rear subframe 70 is secured to the rear vehicle structure 14 and may support one or more components of the vehicle 10, such as a rear motor 71, which may also be coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14. The rear motor 71 is powered by the battery pack (not specifically shown) to drive rear wheels 25 (only one in Fig. 1) of a set of rear wheels. It should also be understood that other components may be coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14, such as a vehicle floor (not shown), rear suspension components, and the battery pack. The vehicle floor may support one or more vehicle seats 72 or rows of seats. The rear suspension components provide a smooth ride by absorbing energy from various road imperfections while driving. The rear suspension components may include, for example, upper and lower steering arms, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and ball joints. The battery pack may be rechargeable and may include lithium-ion batteries or any other suitable electrical power storage devices. The battery pack may be disposed and stored at various locations on the rear vehicle structure 14.In this manner, the battery pack is supported by the rear vehicle structure 14 and is removed from a passenger compartment (not shown) and cargo spaces (not shown) of the vehicle 10, therefore it does not occupy space that would otherwise be available for passengers or cargo.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 7A, Fig. 8, Fig. 9B, the plurality of left interface bodies 16 is attached to the hinge column 24a ( Fig. 7A and Fig. 9B) and spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated example, the plurality of left interface bodies 16 are aligned with each other in a vertical direction. In some forms, the left interface bodies 16 may not be vertically aligned with each other (i.e., the left interface bodies 16 may be offset from each other). In some configurations, the left interface bodies 16 are secured to the hinge pillar 24a using mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, and / or screws. In other configurations, the front vehicle structure 12 may be manufactured using a casting process such that the left interface bodies 16 are integrally formed as part of the front vehicle structure 12.Each left interface body 16 is received in a respective channel 60 of the hinge pillar 44d, as described in more detail below, such that the hinge pillar 44d is located outwardly of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the left interface body 16 prevents the hinge pillar 44d from moving further outward relative to the hinge pillar 24a.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 8, each left interface body 16 includes a body portion 76 and a flange portion 78 secured to the body portion 76. The body portion 76 is secured to the hinge pillar 24a and has a first end 79a and a second end 79b. The first end 79a is located closer toward the front of the vehicle 10 than the second end 79b. In the illustrated example, the body portion 76 is tapered from the second end 79b toward the first end 79a (i.e., the second end 79b has a width greater than a width of the first end 79a). The body portion 76 includes a plurality of sides 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e. At least a portion of a side of the plurality of sides 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e may include an adhesive coating 81.In the illustrated example, at least portions of side 80a and side 80b include an adhesive coating 81, although sides 80c, 80d, and 80e may also include an adhesive coating without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The plurality of right interface bodies (not shown) are coupled to the hinge post 24b. The structure and function of the right interface bodies are similar or identical to those of the left interface bodies 16 described above and therefore will not be described again in detail.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 7A and Fig. 9B, the left attachment structure 20 extends at least partially through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 together. In the illustrated example, the left attachment structure 20 includes a bolt plate 84 and a plurality of fasteners 86. In the illustrated example, the bolt plate 84 has a T-shape and has a square-shaped cross-section. In other shapes, the bolt plate 84 may have a different shape (e.g., I-shape) and may have a rectangular-shaped cross-section, a circular cross-section, or any suitable other shaped cross-section.The bolt plate 84 includes a vertical portion 84a disposed within the recess 54 in the hinge post 44d, and a horizontal portion 84b disposed within the recess 55 in the sill 40. In this manner, the bolt plate 84 is flush with the outer surface 52 of the hinge post 44d (. Fig. 9B).

[0026] The bolt plate 84 also includes a plurality of bolts 84c extending therefrom and at least partially through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and through the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14. In other words, the bolts 84c extend through the first passages 56a of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 and at least partially through the first passages 38a of the hinge pillar 24 of the front vehicle structure 12. In the illustrated example, surfaces of the bolts 84c include an adhesive coating. Fasteners 86 extend through the bolt plate 84, through the second passages 56b of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14, and through the second passages 38b of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, further securing the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 together.Nuts 85 may be secured to fasteners 86. In some forms, bolt plate 84 may be omitted from left mounting structure 20, and left mounting structure 20 may include only fasteners extending through hinge pillar 44d of rear vehicle structure 14 and through hinge pillar 24a of front vehicle structure 12. The structure and function of the right mounting structure are similar or identical to those of the left mounting structure 20 described above and therefore will not be described again in detail.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 9A, 9B and 10A-10C, the assembly of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 to each other is described in detail. First, as in Fig. 10A, the rear vehicle structure 14 is positioned adjacent the front vehicle structure 12, and the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are aligned along an X-direction. The front vehicle structure 12 may include one or more vehicle components secured thereto, as described above, and the rear vehicle structure 14 may include one or more vehicle components secured thereto, as described above.

[0028] Next, as in Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B, one of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 is moved toward the other of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 such that the left interface blocks 16 are received in respective channels 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14 ( Fig. 9B) and the right interface blocks (not shown) are received in respective channels 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14. It is understood that between the hinge pillars 24a, 44d, when the left interface blocks 16 are partially received in the respective channels 60 ( Fig. 9A), and a gap exists between the hinge columns 24b, 44e when the right interface blocks are received in the respective channels 60. As soon as the left interface blocks 16 are completely received in the respective channels 60 ( Fig. 9B), the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 engages the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, and the adhesive coating on the left interface blocks 16 fills the space between the left interface blocks 16 and the hinge pillar 44d. Once the right interface blocks are fully received in the respective channels 60, the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 similarly engages the hinge pillar 24b of the front vehicle structure 12, and the adhesive coating on the right interface blocks fills the space between the right interface blocks and the hinge pillar 44e.

[0029] A pair of guide pins (not specifically shown) extends rearwardly from the pair of hinge pillars 24 of the front vehicle structure 12 toward the rear vehicle structure 14 and is received in respective grooves (not shown) in the rear vehicle structure 14 as the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 move toward each other. In this manner, the pair of guide pins aligns the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 in a Z-direction before the left interface blocks 16 are received into respective channels 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14 and the right interface blocks (not shown) are received into respective channels 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14.

[0030] Next, as in Fig. 9B and Fig. 10C, the left attachment structure 20 extends at least partially through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 together. Likewise, the right attachment structure (not shown) extends at least partially through the hinge pillar 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 together. Once the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are secured together, the doors 51 ( Fig. 1) are secured to the rear vehicle structure 14 and body panels 96 ( Fig.1) to the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14. The body panels 96 cover the left mounting structure 20 and the right mounting structure (not shown) such that they are not visible from outside the vehicle 10.

[0031] A sealing member (not shown) may be coupled (e.g., bonded) to a respective hinge pillar 24a, 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 and engages a respective hinge pillar 44d, 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 when the front and rear vehicle structures are secured together, thereby preventing fluid and debris from entering the area including the left blocks 16 and left mounting structure 20 and the right blocks (not shown) and right mounting structure (not shown).

[0032] The vehicle 10 of the present disclosure provides the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 that are secured together at the hinge pillars 24a, 24b, 44e, 44d after each vehicle structure 12, 14 has been assembled. That is, the front vehicle structure 12 is accessible from multiple sides and areas to secure one or more vehicle components thereto during the assembly process.

[0033] Likewise, the rear vehicle structure 14 is accessible from multiple sides and areas to secure one or more vehicle components thereto during the assembly process. After the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 have been constructed, the front and rear structures 12, 14 are conveniently secured to one another as described above. In this way, the assembly process of the vehicle 10 is enhanced.It should be understood that, although the present disclosure describes the left interface blocks 16 as being part of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, and the channels 60 as being formed in the hinge pillar 44e of the rear structure 14, one, more than one, or all of the left interface blocks 16 may be part of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14, and the corresponding channels 60 may be formed in the hinge pillars 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, one, more than one, or all of the right interface blocks (not shown) may be part of the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14, and the corresponding channels may be formed in the hinge pillars 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Unless expressly stated otherwise herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word "about" or "approximately" when describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desirable for various reasons, including industrial practice, material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances, and testability.

[0035] As used in this document, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logical (A OR B OR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0036] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus variations that do not depart from the essence of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0037] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening, and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein one of the left first pillar and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and wherein one of the right first pillar and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels;a plurality of left interface bodies, each left interface body coupled to the other of the left first column and the left second column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outside of the left first column and the left interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column; a plurality of right interface bodies, each right interface body coupled to the other of the right first column and the right second column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outside of the right first column and the right interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column;a plurality of left attachment structures, each left attachment structure extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; and a plurality of right attachment structures, each right attachment structure extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other.

[0038] According to one embodiment: each left mounting structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; and each right mounting structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other.

[0039] According to one embodiment: each left mounting structure includes a first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar, and first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar; and each right mounting structure includes a second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar, and second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first and second bolts have an adhesive coating.

[0041] According to one embodiment: the left second pillar has a first outer surface with a first elongated groove formed therein; the right second pillar has a second outer surface with a second elongated groove formed therein; the first elongated bolt plate is received in the first elongated groove such that the first elongated bolt plate is flush with the first outer surface; and the second elongated bolt plate is received in the second elongated groove such that the second elongated bolt plate is flush with the second outer surface.

[0042] According to one embodiment: each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a first end and a second end; if the first end is closer to a front of the vehicle than the second end, each left interface body tapers from the second end toward the first end; and each right interface body of the plurality of right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end; if the third end is closer to the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, each right interface body tapers from the fourth end toward the third end.

[0043] According to one embodiment, one left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near an upper portion of the left first column and another left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near a lower portion of the left first column.

[0044] According to one embodiment, each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a plurality of sides, wherein at least one side of the plurality of sides has an adhesive coating.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0049] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening, and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels;a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, each left tapered interface body coupled to the left first column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outward from the left first column and the left tapered interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column; a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, each right tapered interface body coupled to the right first column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outward from the right first column and the right tapered interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column;a left mounting structure including a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; and a right mounting structure including a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other.

[0050] According to one embodiment: the left mounting structure further includes a first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar; and the right mounting structure includes a second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first and second bolts have an adhesive coating.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0056] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening, and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels;a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, each left tapered interface body coupled to the left first column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outward from the left first column and the left tapered interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column; a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, each right tapered interface body coupled to the right first column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outward from the right first column and the right tapered interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column;a left mounting structure including a first elongated bolt plate and first fasteners, the first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar, the first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to further secure the front and rear vehicle structures together; a right mounting structure including a second elongated bolt plate and second fasteners, the second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar, the second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to further secure the front and rear vehicle structures together;one or more first vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure, the one or more first vehicle components including a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe; and one or more second vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure, the one or more second vehicle components including a rear engine, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein one of the left first pillar and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels and wherein one of the right first pillar and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels; a plurality of left interface bodies, each left interface body coupled to the other of the left first column and the left second column and received in a respective left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second column is located outwardly of the left first column and the left interface bodies prevent the left second column from moving further outwardly relative to the left first column; a plurality of right interface bodies, each right interface body coupled to the other of the right first column and the right second column and received in a respective right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second column is located outwardly of the right first column and the right interface bodies prevent the right second column from moving further outwardly relative to the right first column; at least one left attachment structure, each left attachment structure extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other; and at least one right attachment structure, each right attachment structure extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to one another. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each left mounting structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other. [3] The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein each right mounting structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front and rear vehicle structures to each other. [4] A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: each left mounting structure includes a first elongated bolt plate having first bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar, and first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar; and each right mounting structure includes a second elongated bolt plate having second bolts extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar, and second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar. [5] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the first and second bolts have an adhesive coating. [6] A vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: the left second pillar has a first outer surface with a first elongated groove formed therein, and the first elongated bolt plate is received in the first elongated groove such that the first elongated bolt plate is flush with the first outer surface. [7] A vehicle according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: the right second pillar has a second outer surface with a second elongated groove formed therein, and the second elongated bolt plate is received in the second elongated groove such that the second elongated bolt plate is flush with the second outer surface. [8] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a first end and a second end, the first end is closer toward a front of the vehicle than the second end, and each left interface body is tapered from the second end toward the first end. [9] The vehicle of claim 1 or 7, wherein each right interface body of the plurality of right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end, the third end is located closer toward the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, and each right interface body is tapered from the fourth end toward the third end. [10] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein one left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near an upper portion of the left first pillar and another left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near a lower portion of the left first pillar. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a plurality of sides, at least one side of the plurality of sides having an adhesive coating. [12] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure. [13] The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front engine, and a front subframe. [14] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure. [15] The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the one or more vehicle components include a rear engine, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

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