Vehicle body

Abstract

A vehicle body of a vehicle includes a plurality of shock absorber housings located at right and left sides of the vehicle body and covering and supporting shock absorbers of the vehicle, in which a lower end of each shock absorber housing is provided with a flange unit including a plurality of flanges provided along an outer periphery of the lower end of the shock absorber housing, and a connecting member connecting the shock absorber housings to each other in a width direction of the vehicle body, in which end portions of the connecting member are fitted between the flanges of the flange unit and coupled to a corresponding one of the shock absorber housings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle body. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a vehicle's body must be designed to allow for the installation of various components within the vehicle and to effectively absorb collision impacts when they are applied to the vehicle, thereby protecting the passengers inside from the effects of a collision.

[0003] Traditional vehicles require space to install an engine or battery, as well as space for the wheels, suspension, steering, and other components that drive the vehicle. Therefore, because wheel arches, suspension systems mounted on the wheels, steering systems connecting the wheels, and drive systems providing propulsion occupy considerable space, the vehicle body must be designed to provide sufficient space to accommodate these components and absorb impacts. Furthermore, with the increasing number of components, the manufacturing and assembly processes for vehicles become increasingly complex, and the time required to perform these processes also increases.

[0004] In recent years, in-wheel systems, which incorporate drive units, steering units, and reduction gears, have been developed. Unlike traditional vehicles, in-wheel systems do not require interconnecting the wheels, necessitating a different vehicle body design. Therefore, when a vehicle adopts an in-wheel system, it is necessary to develop a body that provides space for wheel arches, ensures sufficient body rigidity, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes.

[0005] The background description is intended only to facilitate understanding of the background of this invention and should not be construed as an admission of prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a vehicle body. In particular, this invention relates to a body for an in-wheel platform vehicle, comprising a plurality of shock absorber housings located above each wheel and a connecting member that connects the shock absorber housings located on the right and left sides of the vehicle to each other in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can solve problems in the art, and embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle body for an in-wheel platform vehicle, comprising: a plurality of shock absorber housings located above each wheel; and a connecting member that connects the shock absorber housings located on the right and left sides of the vehicle to each other along the width direction of the vehicle in a state of being assembled to flange units at the lower end of the shock absorber housings, thereby ensuring sufficient collision stiffness and assembly stiffness.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle body, comprising: a plurality of shock absorber housings configured to cover and support shock absorbers of the vehicle; and a connecting member connecting the shock absorber housings located on the right and left sides of the vehicle to each other in the width direction of the vehicle, wherein the lower end of each shock absorber housing is provided with a flange unit including a plurality of flanges along its outer periphery, and the end of the connecting member is fitted between the flanges of the flange unit and connected to a corresponding shock absorber housing.

[0009] With the connecting member assembled in the space between the flanges of the flange unit, each shock absorber housing can be connected to the connecting member via the upper, lower, or side surface of the space formed between the flanges of the flange unit.

[0010] The connecting member can be configured to extend longitudinally and have a closed surface at the end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the connecting member can be connected to the flange unit in a face contact state.

[0011] The connecting member can be constructed to have an internal space and an extended shape, and open at one surface, and connected to the flange unit using a tool introduced through the open surface.

[0012] The connecting member may include at least one connecting member, and the end of at least one connecting member may be assembled between the flanges of the flange unit from the front or rear of the shock absorber and may be connected to the shock absorber housing.

[0013] Each shock absorber housing has a reinforcing member on its side, and the reinforcing member can be installed between the flanges of the flange unit on the side of the shock absorber housing and can be connected to the shock absorber housing or at least one connecting member.

[0014] The reinforcing member can be configured to extend longitudinally and have a closed surface at one end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the reinforcing member can be connected to the side surface of the flange unit or the connecting member in a face contact state.

[0015] The reinforcing member can be constructed to have an internal space and an extended shape, open at one surface, and can be coupled to the side surface of the flange unit or connecting member using a tool introduced through the open surface.

[0016] Multiple shock absorber housings may be provided with a grid-like floor component below, and each of the multiple shock absorber housings may be supported by the floor component through multiple support components.

[0017] Each support member can support the lower end of a corresponding one of multiple shock absorber housings, and the upper end of the support member can be connected to the flange unit and connecting member of the shock absorber housing.

[0018] Each of the multiple shock absorber housings may have a front lower truss member or a rear lower truss member at its lower end. Each front lower truss member or rear lower truss member extends downward and then bends to connect the left or right shock absorber housing to each other in the width direction of the vehicle. The end of each front lower truss member or rear lower truss member may be connected to the flange unit and connecting member of the shock absorber housing.

[0019] Each of the multiple shock absorber housings may have a side lower truss member at its lower end, the side lower truss member extending downward and then bending to connect the side shock absorber housings to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the end of each side lower truss member may be connected to the flange unit and reinforcing member of the shock absorber housing. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a view showing the connection of a connecting member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention to a shock absorber housing;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view showing a connecting member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention being connected to a shock absorber housing;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a view showing a reinforcing member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to a shock absorber housing or at least one connecting member; and

[0024] Figure 4 This is a view showing the vehicle body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a view showing the connection of a connecting member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention to a shock absorber housing. Figure 2 This is a side view showing a connecting member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention being connected to a shock absorber housing. Figure 3 This is a view showing a reinforcing member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention being connected to a shock absorber housing or at least one connecting member. Figure 4 This is a view showing the vehicle body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1This is a view illustrating the connection of a connecting member to a shock absorber housing in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of shock absorber housings 100 covering and supporting shock absorbers; and connecting members 200 connecting the plurality of shock absorber housings 100 disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle in the width direction of the vehicle. Each shock absorber housing 100 has a flange unit 110 consisting of a plurality of flanges at its lower end, these flanges being disposed along the outer periphery of the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100 and perpendicularly spaced from each other. Each connecting member 200 is connected to the shock absorber housing 100 with its end fitted between the flanges of the flange unit 110.

[0028] The shock absorber housing 100 can be connected to the connecting member 200 via the upper, lower, or side surface of the space in which the connecting member 200 is assembled into the space between the flanges of the flange unit 110.

[0029] Unlike conventional vehicles, the vehicle body according to embodiments of the present invention is designed for use in vehicles employing an in-wheel system and does not require a drive shaft or steering mechanism connected to the wheels. Therefore, each wheel of the vehicle has a shock absorber and a shock absorber housing 100 disposed above it. The shock absorber housing 100 is configured to have an internal space and a protruding shape, such that the shock absorber is located within the internal space. Since the shock absorber is disposed within the internal space and connected to and supported by the inner wall of the shock absorber housing 100, the shock absorber housing 100 protects the vehicle's wheels and the shock absorbers disposed above the wheels. Connecting members 200 are connected to the shock absorber housings 100 located on the right and left sides of the vehicle to connect multiple shock absorber housings 100 to each other in the width direction of the vehicle and increase the vehicle's collision stiffness in the event of a side impact.

[0030] Specifically, a flange unit 110 is provided at the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100. This flange unit 110 consists of multiple flanges that are perpendicularly spaced apart to form a space with a "U"-shaped cross-section. A connecting member 200 is connected to the space through the open surface of the flange unit. The connecting member 200 is also configured to have an open cross-section corresponding to the space and is assembled into the space and connected to the flange unit 110 of the shock absorber housing 100.

[0031] Figure 2This is a side view showing a connecting member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention being attached to a shock absorber housing. The connecting member 200 of the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to extend longitudinally and has a closed surface at its end. The closed surface, upper surface, lower surface, or side surface of the connecting member 200 can be attached to the flange unit 110 in a face-to-face contact state. The connecting member 200 can be configured to have an internal space and an extended shape, and open at one surface, thereby allowing the connecting member 200 to be attached to the flange unit 110 using a tool introduced into the internal space through the open surface.

[0032] Specifically, because the connecting member 200 is assembled into the flange unit 110 and is open at one surface to have an open cross-section, when the connecting member 200 is connected to the flange unit 110, the connecting member 200 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the space of the flange unit 110. The connecting member 200 is assembled into the space of the flange unit 110, and tools are introduced into the space through the open surface of the connecting member 200 and connected to the inner surface of the space by bolts. This connection method can maintain the rigidity of the vehicle itself and the connection rigidity between the components when the shock absorber housing 100 is connected to the connecting member 200, and allows people or robots to easily and conveniently assemble the components.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the connection of a reinforcing member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention to a shock absorber housing or at least one connecting member. In the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 200 may include at least one connecting member. At least one connecting member 200 may have its end fitted between the flanges of the flange unit 110 from the front or rear of the shock absorber housing 100 and connected to the shock absorber housing 100. At least one connecting member 200 may be connected to a portion of the shock absorber housing 100 requiring increased stiffness, or connected to the front or rear of the shock absorber housing 100 to increase the side impact stiffness of the vehicle body. Furthermore, at least one connecting member 200 may also be connected to at least one location between the shock absorber housings 100 to increase assembly stiffness.

[0034] In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing member 210 may be provided on the side of the shock absorber housing 100. The reinforcing member 210 may be assembled between the flanges of the flange unit 110 located on the side of the shock absorber housing 100 and connected to the shock absorber housing 100 or at least one connecting member 200.

[0035] Specifically, flange unit 110 is formed along the outer periphery of the lower end of shock absorber housing 100, and connecting member 200 is assembled into and connected to flange unit 110 from the front or rear of shock absorber housing 100. Here, the flange unit 110 at the lower end of shock absorber housing 100 where there is no connecting member 200 remains in an empty space between flanges. Since reinforcing member 210 is assembled into and connected to the space between flanges on the side of shock absorber housing 100, the assembly stiffness between shock absorber housing 100 and connecting member 200 can be increased.

[0036] In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing member 210 may be configured to extend longitudinally and have a closed surface at its end. The closed surface, upper surface, lower surface, or side surface of the reinforcing member 210 may be coupled to the side surface of the flange unit 110 or the connecting member 200 in a face-to-face contact state. The reinforcing member 210 may be configured to have an internal space and an extended shape, and have an open surface, such that the reinforcing member 210 may be coupled to the side surface of the flange unit 110 or the connecting member 200 using a tool introduced through the open surface.

[0037] In other words, the reinforcing member 210 is assembled in the space between the flanges at the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100 where the connecting member 200 is not located, and is connected in a face-to-face contact with the shock absorber housing 100 or the connecting member 200. Furthermore, when the connecting member 200 is connected to the front or rear of the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100, the closed surface of the end of the reinforcing member 210 is connected to the side wall of the front or rear connecting member 200 in face-to-face contact. As a result, the impact stiffness or assembly stiffness between the shock absorber housings 100 and between the front and rear connecting members 200 can be further increased.

[0038] In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of shock absorber housings 100 may be provided with a grid-like floor member 300 below them, and each shock absorber housing 100 may be supported by the floor member 300 via a respective support member 310. Each support member 310 may support the lower end of the corresponding shock absorber housing 100, and the upper end of the support member 310 may be connected to the flange unit 110 and the connecting member 200 of the shock absorber housing 100.

[0039] Specifically, each support member 310 is connected at both ends to the floor member 300 and the shock absorber housing 100 to connect the floor member 300 to the shock absorber housing 100. Here, because the upper end of the support member 310 is connected to the flange unit 110 and the connecting member 200 of the shock absorber housing 100, rather than simply to the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100, the vehicle load is distributed to the floor member 300 and the multiple shock absorber housings 100 located above the floor member 300, thereby further increasing the collision stiffness and assembly stiffness of the vehicle body.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a view showing the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, a front lower truss member or a rear lower truss member 400 may be provided at its lower end, the truss member 400 extending downward and then bending to connect the left or right shock absorber housing 100 to each other in the width direction of the vehicle. The end of the front or rear lower truss member 400 may be connected to the flange unit 110 and the connecting member 200 of the shock absorber housing 100.

[0041] Specifically, the front or rear lower truss member 400 is connected to the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100 to increase collision stiffness and distribute the vehicle load to the various components of the vehicle body in the event of a frontal or rearward collision or a side collision. Here, because the front or rear lower truss member 400 is also connected to the flange unit 110 and the connecting member 200 of the shock absorber housing 100, rather than simply to the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100, the various components of the vehicle body are more firmly connected to each other. Therefore, due to the increased impact resistance of the vehicle body, even high loads can be properly distributed to the various components of the vehicle body.

[0042] In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a side lower truss member 500 may be provided below the shock absorber housing 100. The side lower truss member 500 extends downward and then bends to connect the shock absorber housings located on the sides of the vehicle to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end of the side lower truss member 500 may be connected to the flange unit 110 and the reinforcing member 210 of the shock absorber housing 100.

[0043] Specifically, the side lower truss member 500 is connected to the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100 to increase impact stiffness in the event of a side, front, or rear collision and to distribute the load to the various components of the vehicle body. Here, because the side lower truss member 500 is also connected to the flange unit 110 and the reinforcing member 210 of the shock absorber housing 100, rather than simply to the lower end of the shock absorber housing 100, the various components of the vehicle body are more firmly connected to each other. Therefore, due to the increased impact resistance of the vehicle body, even high loads can be properly distributed to the various components of the vehicle body.

[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle body ensures sufficient body rigidity and assembly rigidity through the connecting member 200, and allows for convenient assembly of various components of the vehicle body via bolt connections or the like using open surfaces. Furthermore, even when the overall width of the vehicle changes, the shock absorber housings 100 can be easily connected to each other in the lateral direction by adjusting the length of the connecting member 200 according to the magnitude of the change in overall width, thereby allowing the vehicle body to be easily applied to various types of vehicles.

[0045] As is evident from the above description, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle body for an in-wheel platform vehicle, comprising: a plurality of shock absorber housings located above each wheel; and a connecting member that connects the shock absorber housings located on the right and left sides of the vehicle to each other along the width direction of the vehicle in a state where they are assembled to flange units at the lower ends of the shock absorber housings, thereby ensuring sufficient collision stiffness and assembly stiffness.

[0046] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle body, comprising: Multiple shock absorber housings are located on the right and left sides of the vehicle body and are used to cover and support the vehicle's shock absorbers, wherein each shock absorber housing is provided with a flange unit at its lower end, the flange unit including multiple flanges disposed along the outer periphery of the lower end of the shock absorber housing; as well as A connecting member connects the shock absorber housings to each other in the width direction of the vehicle body, wherein the ends of the connecting member are fitted between the flanges of the flange unit and connected to a corresponding shock absorber housing. The plurality of flanges are perpendicularly spaced apart to form a space with a "U"-shaped cross-section. The connecting member is connected in the space via the open surface of the flange unit. The connecting member is configured to have an open cross-section corresponding to the space. The connecting member has an internal space and an extended shape, open at one surface, and is connected to the flange unit using a tool introduced through the open surface. The vehicle body is that of an in-wheel platform vehicle, which includes multiple shock absorber housings located above each wheel. The connecting member includes at least one connecting member. The vehicle body further includes a reinforcing member disposed on the side of each of the shock absorber housings, wherein each of the reinforcing members is fitted between the flanges of the flange unit on the side of the shock absorber housing and connected to the shock absorber housing or the at least one connecting member. Each of the reinforcing members extends longitudinally and has a closed surface at one end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the reinforcing member is connected to the side surface of the flange unit or the connecting member in a face-to-face contact state.

2. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, With the connecting member assembled in the space between the flanges of the flange unit, each shock absorber housing is connected to the connecting member via the upper, lower, or side surface of the space formed between the flanges of the flange unit.

3. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting member extends longitudinally and has a closed surface at its end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the connecting member is connected to the flange unit in a face contact state.

4. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The end of at least one connecting member is assembled from the front or rear of the shock absorber between the flanges of the flange unit and connected to the shock absorber housing.

5. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the reinforcing members has an internal space and an extended shape, open at one surface, and is connected to the side surface of the flange unit or the connecting member using a tool introduced through the open surface.

6. The vehicle body according to claim 1, further comprising a side lower truss member disposed at the lower end of each of the plurality of shock absorber housings, wherein, The side lower truss members extend downward and then bend to connect the side shock absorber housings to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the end of each side lower truss member is connected to the flange unit of the shock absorber housing and the reinforcing member.

7. The vehicle body of claim 1, further comprising a grid-like floor member below the plurality of shock absorber housings, and each of the plurality of shock absorber housings being supported by the floor member by a plurality of support members.

8. The vehicle body according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the support members supports the lower end of a corresponding one of the plurality of shock absorber housings, and the upper end of the support member is connected to the flange unit of the shock absorber housing and the connecting member.

9. The vehicle body of claim 1, further comprising a front lower truss member or a rear lower truss member at the lower end of each of the plurality of shock absorber housings, each of the front lower truss members or the rear lower truss members extending downward and then bending to connect the shock absorber housings to each other in the width direction of the vehicle, wherein an end of each of the front lower truss members or the rear lower truss members is coupled to a flange unit of the shock absorber housing and the connecting member.

10. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body, including the grid-like floor components; Shock absorbers; A shock absorber housing is disposed above the grid floor member and on the right and left sides of the vehicle, and the shock absorber housing is used to cover and support the shock absorber; A flange unit is disposed at the lower end of each of the shock absorber housings, and each of the flange units includes a plurality of flanges disposed along the outer periphery of the lower end of the shock absorber housing; as well as A connecting member connects the shock absorber housings to each other in the width direction of the vehicle body, wherein the ends of the connecting member are fitted between the flanges of the flange unit and connected to a corresponding shock absorber housing. The plurality of flanges are perpendicularly spaced apart to form a space with a "U"-shaped cross-section. The connecting member is connected in the space via the open surface of the flange unit. The connecting member is configured to have an open cross-section corresponding to the space. The connecting member has an internal space and an extended shape, open at one surface, and is connected to the flange unit using a tool introduced through the open surface. The vehicle body is that of an in-wheel platform vehicle, which includes multiple shock absorber housings located above each wheel. The connecting member includes at least one connecting member. The vehicle body further includes a reinforcing member disposed on the side of each of the shock absorber housings, wherein each of the reinforcing members is fitted between the flanges of the flange unit on the side of the shock absorber housing and connected to the shock absorber housing or the at least one connecting member. Each of the reinforcing members extends longitudinally and has a closed surface at one end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the reinforcing member is connected to the side surface of the flange unit or the connecting member in a face-to-face contact state.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, With the connecting member assembled in the space between the flanges of the flange unit, each shock absorber housing is connected to the connecting member via the upper surface, lower surface, or side surface of the space formed between the flanges of the flange unit.

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting member extends longitudinally and has a closed surface at its end, and the closed surface, upper surface, lower surface or side surface of the connecting member is connected to the flange unit in a face contact state.

13. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The end of at least one connecting member is assembled from the front or rear of the shock absorber between the flanges of the flange unit and connected to the shock absorber housing.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, Each of the reinforcing members has an internal space and an extended shape, open at one surface, and is connected to the side surface of the flange unit or the connecting member using a tool introduced through the open surface.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, further comprising a side lower truss member disposed at the lower end of each of the shock absorber housings, wherein, The side lower truss members extend downward and then bend to connect the side shock absorber housings to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and the end of each side lower truss member is connected to the flange unit of the shock absorber housing and the reinforcing member.

16. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the shock absorber housings is supported by the floor member by a plurality of support members, and each of the support members supports the lower end of a corresponding one of the plurality of shock absorber housings, and the upper end of the support member is connected to the flange unit of the shock absorber housing and the connecting member.

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