roof of the vehicle body

Abstract

A roof of a vehicle body includes a plurality of assembly beams spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle and extending in a front-rear direction, a first roof beam provided between the assembly beams, the first roof beam extending toward the assembly beams in the lateral direction and being detachably mounted to the assembly beams, and a second roof beam extending in a predetermined shape according to a type of the vehicle body and being detachably mounted to an end portion of each of the assembly beams at an end portion thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a body roof that can be easily designed and manufactured to accommodate various body types. Background Technology

[0002] When designing a traditional monocoque body, multiple molded parts are combined. Monocoque bodies exhibit excellent rigidity, but it is difficult to achieve vehicles with a wide variety of designs, or to universally integrate some parts of a monocoque body across different types of vehicles using monocoque design technology.

[0003] In traditional monocoque structures, the entire front pillar can be designed using a single stretch die for both internal and external components. However, monocoque structures are not easily adaptable to connect with other parts, thus requiring the design and development of new dies for each vehicle.

[0004] In small-batch mass production systems or production systems using smart factories, frequent design changes are required, which leads to a sharp increase in the number of molds and thus high production costs.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a new body or column structure that can ensure excellent rigidity and high compatibility with other parts, while overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional technologies.

[0006] The information disclosed in the Background section of this disclosure is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an endorsement or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes related technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle body roof that facilitates connection and replacement between the components constituting the vehicle body roof, exhibits high compatibility between the components, and ensures assembly rigidity.

[0008] According to this disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing a vehicle body roof comprising: a plurality of assembly rails spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle and extending in the longitudinal direction; a first roof rail disposed between the plurality of assembly rails, the first roof rail extending laterally toward the plurality of assembly rails and detachably mounted to the plurality of assembly rails; and a second roof rail extending in a predetermined shape according to the type of vehicle body, the second roof rail being detachably mounted at its end to the end of each of the plurality of assembly rails.

[0009] The vehicle body roof may also include a column beam positioned beneath each of the multiple assembly beams. This column beam may extend vertically and be detachably mounted to the first top beam.

[0010] The column beam may include a pair of sidewalls extending vertically and arranged opposite each other in the front-back direction, as well as an outer portion connecting the pair of sidewalls.

[0011] The column beam may include a contact portion that extends from the upper end of the outer side portion and surrounds the outer surface of a corresponding assembly beam among a plurality of assembly beams. With the contact portion in contact with and surrounding the corresponding assembly beam among the plurality of assembly beams, the contact portion can be mounted to the corresponding assembly beam among the plurality of assembly beams by fastening bolts or rivets.

[0012] Each of the multiple assembled beams, or the second top beam, may include a fastener extending downward therefrom to contact the sidewall portion of the column beam. With the sidewall portion aligned with the fastener, the sidewall portion can be mounted to the fastener by fastening with multiple bolts or rivets.

[0013] Each of the plurality of assembled beams may include a beam groove formed in its inner surface, the beam groove facing the first top beam, to extend in a front-rear direction. The first top beam may include a flange formed at a corresponding end of the first top beam to extend in a front-rear direction. The flange may be provided with a sliding portion projecting therefrom to insert into the beam groove.

[0014] With the sliding part slidably installed in the beam groove, the flange of the first top beam can be fixed to the corresponding assembly beam in the multiple assembly beams by fastening multiple bolts or rivets.

[0015] Multiple second top beams can be provided. The vehicle body roof may also include a support beam disposed between the second top beams and extending laterally toward the second top beams to connect to them.

[0016] The support beam can be formed with a rectangular cross-section and outwardly curved ends, wherein the rectangular cross-section has an open side.

[0017] Each second top beam may be provided with a fixing part, on which a support beam is located, and the support beam can be connected to each second top beam through the fixing part in such a way that the support beam is bolted to the fixing part while it is located on the fixing part.

[0018] A fitting portion may be formed at the end of each of the multiple assembly beams, such that the fitting portion protrudes in the direction in which the multiple assembly beams extend. An insertion portion may be formed at the end of each second top beam, the insertion portion facing the end of a corresponding assembly beam among the multiple assembly beams, for insertion into the fitting portion.

[0019] The assembly part and the insertion part can be formed to have the same cross-sectional shape. With the insertion part inserted into the assembly part, the assembly part and the insertion part can be fixed to each other by fastening multiple bolts or rivets at multiple locations on their periphery. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This shows a view of the top of the vehicle body according to this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a view showing an embodiment of the second top beam;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a view showing another embodiment of the second top beam;

[0024] Figure 4 This shows a view of the column beams;

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing the installation of assembled beams and column beams;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a view showing the installation of the assembled beam and the first top beam;

[0027] Figures 8 to 10 This is a view used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beam and the first top beam;

[0028] Figure 11 These are views used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beams and support beams; and

[0029] Figures 12 to 14 This is a view used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beam and the second top beam. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description, an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle body according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This shows a view of the vehicle body top according to this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view showing an embodiment of the second top beam. Figure 3 This is a view showing another embodiment of the second top beam. Figure 4 This shows a view of the column beams. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view showing the installation of the assembled beams and columns. Figure 7 This is a view showing the installation of the assembled beam and the first top beam. Figures 8 to 10 This is a view used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beam and the first top beam. Figure 11 These are views used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beams and support beams, and Figures 12 to 14 This is a view used to illustrate the installation of the assembly beam and the second top beam.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body roof according to the present invention includes: a plurality of assembly beams 100 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle and extending in the longitudinal direction; a first top beam 200 disposed between the assembly beams 100, extending toward the assembly beams 100 in the lateral direction, and detachably mounted to the assembly beams 100; and a second top beam 300 extending in a specific shape according to the type of vehicle body, and detachably mounted at its end to the end of each assembly beam 100. Depending on the type of vehicle body, a plurality of assembly beams 100 may be provided in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The components constituting the vehicle body roof according to this disclosure are connected to each other using multiple joints. The vehicle body roof is connected to the vehicle body floor plate that forms the vehicle body bottom, and is connected to multiple components to form the vehicle body.

[0034] In the vehicle body roof of this disclosure, assembly beams 100 extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged in pairs and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The assembly beams 100 can be connected to other parts and can be provided with reinforcing material 110 to ensure rigidity.

[0035] The paired assembly beams 100 are connected via a first top beam 200. The first top beam 200 can be detachably mounted to the assembly beams 100 and can change shape depending on the type of vehicle body. Each of the assembly beams 100, the first top beam 200, and the second top beam 300 can be formed with a hollow closed cross section to ensure their rigidity and can be made of a rigid material.

[0036] In this manner, the first top beam 200 is connected to the assembly beam 100, and the second top beam 300 is mounted to the end of each assembly beam 100. The second top beam 300 has a specific shape depending on the type of vehicle body. The second top beam 300 can be attached to the end of each assembly beam 100 and can be formed into any different shape depending on the type of vehicle body. For example, in the case of a passenger car body, the second top beam 300 can be formed as follows: Figure 2 The shape shown, in the case of a hatchback-type vehicle, the second top beam 300 can be formed as... Figure 3 The shape shown is acceptable. Furthermore, the shape of the second top beam 300 can be determined considering various other body types, such as truck bodies or bus bodies. Additionally, the second top beam 300 can have a glass support 320 for supporting the windshield. This configuration can be formed by laser welding or seam welding.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure also includes a column beam 400 disposed below the assembly beam 100, extending vertically, and detachably mounted to the first top beam 200. The column beam 400 includes a pair of sidewall portions 410 extending vertically and arranged opposite each other in a longitudinal direction, and an outer portion 420 connecting these pair of sidewall portions 410. Therefore, the column beam 400 is formed with an open cross-section to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity. That is, the column beam 400 consists of a pair of sidewall portions 410 and an outer portion 420 connecting these pair of sidewall portions 410, thus having an open cross-section with an open side. Each sidewall portion 410 may have a curved end extending from the sidewall portion. The upper ends of the sidewall portions 410 and the upper ends of the outer portions 420 of the column beam 400 contact the lower end of the assembly beam 100, thereby ensuring the rigidity supporting the assembly beam 100. Furthermore, the column beam 400 can be detachably mounted to the assembly beam 100, thus allowing for interchangeability depending on the type of vehicle body.

[0038] In this way, the first top beam 200, the second top beam 300, and the pillar beam 400 are installed onto the assembly beam 100 to form a body roof for a specific type of vehicle body. Furthermore, various body types can be achieved by changing the length and shape of these parts. Moreover, the assembly beam 100, the first top beam 200, the second top beam 300, and the pillar beam 400 are detachably mounted to each other and can be used interchangeably in different types of vehicle bodies. Therefore, the compatibility between parts is improved, allowing for selective changes in the type of vehicle body.

[0039] The following describes the mounting structure of the assembly beam 100, the first top beam 200, the second top beam 300 and the column beam 400 as described above in accordance with this disclosure.

[0040] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the column beam 400 includes a contact portion 430 that extends from the upper end of the outer side portion 420 and surrounds the outer surface of the assembled beam 100. With the contact portion 430 in contact with the assembled beam 100 to surround the assembled beam, the contact portion 430 can be mounted to the assembled beam 100 by fastening bolts or rivets B.

[0041] Thus, with the upper ends of the outer side portion 420 and the upper ends of the sidewall portion 410 of the column beam 400 contacting the lower end of the assembly beam 100, and the contact portion 430 extending from the upper end of the outer side portion 420 surrounding the assembly beam 100, the column beam 400 can be fixed to the assembly beam 100 by fastening bolts or rivets B. In this document, the contact portion 430 extending from the upper end of the outer side portion 420 of the column beam 400 can extend smoothly upwards to surround the outer and upper surfaces of the assembly beam 100. The outer and upper surfaces of the assembly beam 100 can be formed to be curved, and the contact portion 430 can also be formed to be curved in the same shape as the outer and upper surfaces of the assembly beam 100 to make surface contact with the outer and upper surfaces of the assembly beam, thereby ensuring contact stiffness between the assembly beam 100 and the contact portion 430. With the contact portion 430 in contact with the assembly beam 100, the column beam 400 can be secured to the assembly beam 100 via fastening bolts or rivets B through the contact portion 430. Bolts or rivets B can pass through the upper surface of the assembly beam 100 and the contact portion 430 for fastening. Multiple bolts or rivets B can be fastened at multiple locations to ensure sufficient fastening rigidity.

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the assembly beam 100 or the second top beam 300 has a fastening portion 120 that extends downward from the assembly beam or the second top beam and contacts the side wall portion 410 of the column beam 400. With the side wall portion 410 aligned with the fastening portion 120, the side wall portion 410 is mounted to the fastening portion 120 by fastening bolts or rivets B.

[0043] The fastening portion 120 extends to contact the side wall portion 410 of the column beam 400, which is then mounted to the assembly beam 100. With the side wall portion 410 aligned with the fastening portion 120, the side wall portion 410 is secured to the fastening portion 120 by fastening bolts or rivets B. The fastening portion 120 may be configured to extend from the assembly beam 100 or the second top beam 300. Specifically, the fastening portion 120 extends obliquely from the second top beam 300 toward the column beam 400 in an inclined direction to further ensure the assembly rigidity between the second top beam 300 and the column beam 400.

[0044] The fastener 120 may be integrally formed with the assembly beam 100 or the second top beam 300. Alternatively, the fastener 120 may be provided separately from the assembly beam 100 or the second top beam 300 to connect the column beam 400 to the assembly beam 100 or the second top beam 300.

[0045] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, the assembled beam 100 has a beam groove 111 formed in its inner surface, facing the first top beam 200 and extending in the front-rear direction. The first top beam 200 has a flange 210 formed at a corresponding end of the first top beam and extending in the front-rear direction. The flange 210 has a sliding portion 211 protruding from the flange to be inserted into the beam groove 111.

[0046] The first top beam 200 is movable in the front-rear direction and slidably assembled to the assembly beam 100. That is, since the beam groove 111 is formed in the assembly beam 100 in the front-rear direction, and the sliding portion 211 is formed at the flange portion 210 of the first top beam 200 to insert into the beam groove 111, the first top beam 200 can be slidably assembled to the assembly beam 100 such that the sliding portion 211 moves within the beam groove 111. Because the first top beam 200 has a closed cross-section to ensure manufacturability and rigidity, the flange portion 210 can be formed at the corresponding end of the first top beam to bend and extend in the front-rear direction, and the sliding portion 211 can be formed at the flange portion 210. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, in order to prevent the sliding part 211 from separating from the beam groove 111, the beam groove 111 can be formed as a recessed region 111a and a sliding region 111b with different widths. Similar to the shape of the beam groove 111, the sliding part 211 can be formed as having an insertion section 211a and a sliding section 211b.

[0047] With the sliding portion 211 slidably installed in the beam groove 111, the flange portion 210 of the first top beam 200 can be fixed to the assembled beam 100 by fastening bolts or rivets B. That is, with the sliding portion 211 of the flange portion 210 slidably assembled and temporarily fitted into the beam groove 111 in the assembled beam 100, the first top beam 200 can be fixed to the assembled beam 100 by fastening bolts or rivets B.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, multiple holes H1 can be formed through the flange portion 210 and the sliding portion 211, through which bolts or rivets B are fastened to the first top beam 200. Multiple holes H2 can also be formed in the beam groove 111, through which bolts or rivets B are fastened to the beam groove. Therefore, with the first top beam 200 slidably assembled and temporarily fitted to the assembly beam 100, and with the holes H1 formed in the flange portion 210 and the sliding portion 211 aligned with the holes H2 formed in the beam groove 111, the flange portion 210 is fixed to the assembly beam 100 by fastening bolts or rivets B into the holes H1 and H2. In this way, the first top beam 200 can be fixed to the assembly beam 100.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, similar to the assembly beam 100, multiple second top beams 300 can be provided. This disclosure may also include support beams 500 disposed between the second top beams 300 and extending laterally toward the second top beams 300 to connect to them.

[0050] In this way, multiple second top beams 300 can be provided, such that each second top beam 300 is connected to a corresponding assembly beam 100. Multiple second top beams 300 and the support beams 500 connecting these second top beams can be integrated into a single component.

[0051] like Figure 11 As shown, the support beam 500 can be formed with a rectangular cross-section and outwardly bent ends, wherein the rectangular cross-section has an open side. That is, the support beam 500 can be formed with a "[" shaped cross-section, and the two ends of the open side can be bent outward to form flanges 510. In this way, since the support beam 500 is formed with an open cross-section, sufficient rigidity can be ensured and deformations such as bending can be prevented.

[0052] Furthermore, the second top beam 300 may be provided with a fixing portion 520, on which the support beam 500 is located. The support beam 500 can be bolted to the fixing portion 520 while located on the fixing portion 520. That is, the support beam 500 can be connected to the second top beam 300 via the fixing portion 520.

[0053] Specifically, the fixing portion 520 can be connected to the second top beam 300 by laser welding or seam welding, and the support beam 500 can be bolted to the fixing portion 520 while positioned on the fixing portion. In this way, the support beam 500 can be securely connected to the second top beam 300. The fixing portion 520 can extend in a direction facing each other among the multiple second top beams 300, and can be formed with the same shape as the support beam 500, so that the support beam 500 can be stably positioned on the fixing portion 520. The fixing portion 520 can extend to a length that allows the end of the support beam 500 to be located on the fixing portion. Multiple nuts can also be provided so that the support beam 500 can be bolted to the fixing portion 520 while positioned on the fixing portion. As described above, fixing portions 520 are provided at each of the multiple second top beams 300, and the support beam 500 is connected to the second top beam 300 via the fixing portions 520 to integrate into a single component, thus allowing the support beam 500 to be easily installed onto the second top beam 300.

[0054] like Figures 12 to 14As shown, an assembly portion 130 can be formed at the end of the assembly beam 100 to protrude in the direction of extension of the assembly beam 100, and an insertion portion 310 can be formed at the end of the second top beam 300, facing the end of the assembly beam 100, so that the insertion portion is inserted into the assembly portion 130. Therefore, the assembly beam 100 and the second top beam 300 are connected to each other only by inserting the insertion portion 310 into the assembly portion 130 in the front-rear direction, thereby ensuring assemblability between the assembly beam 100 and the second top beam 300. Alternatively, the assembly portion 130 can be formed at the second top beam 300, and the insertion portion 310 can be formed at the assembly beam 100. Furthermore, each of the assembly beam 100 and the second top beam 300 can be formed with a hollow closed cross section, such that the assembly portion 130 can be assembled through the assembly beam 100, and the insertion portion 310 can be assembled into the end of the second top beam 300. In this way, by forming an assembly beam 100 and a second top beam 300, and then assembling part 130 and insertion part 310 are respectively assembled into the hollow part of the assembly beam 100 and the hollow part of the second top beam 300. The assembly beam 100 may be provided with the assembly part 130, and the second top beam 300 may be provided with the insertion part 310.

[0055] The assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310 can be formed to have the same cross-sectional shape. With the insertion part 310 inserted into the assembly part 130, the insertion part 310 and the assembly part 130 can be fixed to each other by fastening bolts or rivets B at multiple locations on their circumferences. The assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310 can be formed in various shapes. The assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310 can have a circular cross-section to improve their assemblability. Thus, with the insertion part 310 inserted into the assembly part 130 and the second top beam 300 temporarily fixed to the assembly beam 100, the assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310 are fixed to each other by fastening bolts or rivets B. Each of the assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310 can have multiple holes into which bolts or rivets B are fastened. These holes can be arranged at regular angular intervals on the periphery of each assembly part 130 and the insertion part 310. These holes are arranged at regular angular intervals of 90° to improve assemblability and ensure assembly rigidity.

[0056] As described above, various body types can be achieved by adjusting the lengths and shapes of the assembly beam 100, first top beam 200, second top beam 300, column beam 400, and support beam 500 according to the desired body type. Furthermore, the assembly beam 100, first top beam 200, second top beam 300, column beam 400, and support beam 500 can be easily interchanged in different body types. Therefore, new vehicle designs can be developed more easily, and small-batch production systems can be implemented more efficiently.

[0057] As is evident from the above description, this disclosure provides a vehicle body roof that facilitates connection and replacement between the components constituting the vehicle body roof, exhibits high compatibility between components, and ensures assembly rigidity.

[0058] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roof of a vehicle, comprising: Multiple assembly beams, which are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle and extend in the longitudinal direction; A first top beam is disposed between the plurality of assembly beams, the first top beam extends toward the plurality of assembly beams in the transverse direction, and is detachably mounted to the plurality of assembly beams; as well as A second top beam, extending in a predetermined shape according to the vehicle body type, wherein the ends of the second top beam are detachably mounted to the ends of each of the plurality of assembly beams. Each of the plurality of assembled beams includes a beam groove located on the inner surface of each of the plurality of assembled beams, the beam groove facing the first top beam and extending in the front-rear direction. The first top beam includes a flange at a corresponding end of the first top beam, the flange extending in the front-rear direction, and The flange portion includes a sliding portion that protrudes into the groove of the beam.

2. The vehicle body roof according to claim 1, further comprising a column beam disposed below each of the plurality of assembly beams, The column beam extends vertically and is detachably mounted to the first top beam.

3. The vehicle roof according to claim 2, wherein, The column beams include: A pair of sidewall portions extending along the vertical direction and disposed opposite to each other in the front-back direction; and The outer sides of the pair of sidewalls are connected.

4. The vehicle roof according to claim 3, wherein, The column beam includes a contact portion that extends from the upper end of the outer side portion and surrounds the outer surface of a corresponding assembly beam among the plurality of assembly beams, and The bolts or rivets are extended through the contact portion and the corresponding assembly beam among the plurality of assembly beams for fastening, such that the contact portion is installed onto the corresponding assembly beam while it is in contact with and surrounding the corresponding assembly beam among the plurality of assembly beams.

5. The vehicle roof according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of assembled beams, or the second top beam, includes a fastening portion that extends downward and thus contacts the sidewall portion of the column beam. The bolts or rivets are extended through the sidewall portion and the fastening portion for fastening, such that the sidewall portion is installed onto the fastening portion when the sidewall portion is aligned with the fastening portion.

6. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, wherein, Bolts or rivets are extended through the flange of the first top beam and the corresponding assembly beam of the plurality of assembly beams for fastening, such that the flange and the corresponding assembly beam are connected to each other in a state where the sliding portion is slidably disposed in the groove of the beam.

7. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, wherein, The second top beam includes a plurality of second top beams, and The vehicle body roof also includes a support beam disposed between the plurality of second top beams and extending toward the plurality of second top beams in the lateral direction to connect to the plurality of second top beams.

8. The vehicle roof according to claim 7, wherein, The support beam has a rectangular cross-section with an open side, and each of the two ends of the support beam has an outwardly curved shape.

9. The vehicle roof according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the plurality of second top beams includes a fixed portion, and the support beam is located on the fixed portion. The support beam is connected to each of the plurality of second top beams via the fixed portion, such that the support beam is securely connected to the fixed portion when it is positioned on the fixed portion.

10. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of assembled beams includes: An assembly portion located at the end of each of the plurality of assembly beams, the assembly portion protruding in the direction in which the plurality of assembly beams extend; and An insertion portion is located at the end of each of the plurality of second top beams, the insertion portion facing the end of a corresponding one of the plurality of assembly beams and extending through the assembly portion.

11. The vehicle roof according to claim 10, wherein, The assembly part and the insertion part have the same cross-sectional shape, and In the state where the insertion part is disposed in the assembly part, the assembly part and the insertion part are securely connected to each other by fastening bolts or rivets along the periphery of the connected assembly part and the insertion part.

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