Vehicle body

Abstract

A vehicle body of a vehicle includes a first member extending in a shape having an internal space and having an open side, and a second member coupled to the first member, and the second member has a closed surface at an end portion thereof, the end portion with the closed surface is inserted into the internal space of the first member through the open side of the first member, and the closed surface of the end portion of the second member and at least one side wall are in surface contact with the first member.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The vehicle body must be designed to house the vehicle's various internal equipment and to effectively absorb impact loads to protect the vehicle's occupants when the vehicle is subjected to an impact.

[0003] Existing vehicles require space to house the engine or battery, as well as space to install the wheels, suspension, steering unit, and other components that drive the vehicle. Since wheel arches, suspensions mounted on each wheel, steering units connecting the corresponding wheels, and drive units that transmit driving force occupy a significant amount of space within the vehicle body, the body design must take these components into account to absorb impacts applied to the vehicle. Furthermore, as the number of devices to be considered increases, the manufacturing and assembly processes of the vehicle body become more complex and time-consuming.

[0004] However, in recent years, in-wheel systems, such as drive units, steering units, and reducers, have been developed, with the drive unit, steering unit, and reducer integrated into each wheel of the vehicle. In such in-wheel systems, the vehicle body must be designed differently from existing bodies because it is not necessary to connect the suspension, steering unit, and drive unit to each wheel. Therefore, when a vehicle adopts an in-wheel system, it is necessary to develop a body with wheel arch space, sufficient rigidity to ensure the body, and the ability to further simplify manufacturing and assembly processes.

[0005] The foregoing is intended only to help understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to imply that the present invention falls within the scope of related technologies known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a vehicle body. A specific embodiment relates to a vehicle body having an in-wheel platform, the vehicle body having a structure through which body components are connected. The vehicle body according to embodiments of the invention can ensure collision stiffness between open-side components, maintain connection stiffness between components, and simplify the assembly process.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention address problems arising in related technologies and provide a vehicle body with an in-wheel platform, the vehicle body having a structure through which various body components are connected. In the vehicle body, open-side components are connected using flanges and closed surfaces formed on the open-side components. Therefore, the vehicle body can ensure collision stiffness between open-side components, maintain connection stiffness between components, and simplify the assembly process.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body includes: a first member extending in a shape having an interior space and having one side open; and a second member having a closed surface at its end and connected to the first member, the end having the closed surface being inserted into the interior space of the first member through the open side of the first member. The second member may be connected to the first member, and the closed surface of the end of the second member and one or more sidewalls are in surface contact with the first member.

[0009] The first component may include a flange unit disposed on one side thereon. The flange unit may include an upper flange and a lower flange spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction relative to the open side of the first component. The second component may be coupled to the first component in a state of being inserted between the corresponding flanges of the flange unit.

[0010] Multiple flanges of the flange unit can extend in the longitudinal direction of the second member and cover and support the top and bottom surfaces of the second member.

[0011] The closed surface at the end of the second component can be connected to the inner wall of the first component. One or more side surfaces of the second component adjacent to the closed surface can contact one or more flange faces of the flange unit.

[0012] The second member may extend in a shape with an internal space, one side of the second member is open, and one side wall of the second member extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at the end.

[0013] The extended and bent portion of one side wall of the second component can be inserted into the internal space of the first component and connected to the inner side wall of the first component while in contact with the inner side wall surface of the first component.

[0014] The vehicle body may further include multiple shock absorber housings that cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels and are located on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The end of a first member may be connected to the bottom of a corresponding shock absorber housing. The first member may extend downward and bend to connect a corresponding shock absorber housing among the multiple shock absorber housings in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The first component can be located at the front and rear of the vehicle. The second component can be located below the shock absorber housing, and the end of the second component can be connected to the first component located at the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0016] The vehicle body may further include multiple shock absorber housings that cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels and are located at the front and rear of the vehicle. The end of a first member may be connected to the bottom of a corresponding shock absorber housing, and the first member may extend downward and bend to connect the corresponding shock absorber housings among the multiple shock absorber housings in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0017] The first component can be located on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The second component can be located below the shock absorber housing, and the end of the second component is connected to the first component located on the right and left sides of the vehicle.

[0018] The first component and the second component can be connected by bolting the first component and the second component at multiple points.

[0019] The first component and the second component can be connected by bolting the first component and the second component together at the end of the second component or at the flange unit.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle body for a vehicle with an in-wheel platform has a structure through which various body components are connected. In the vehicle body, open-side components are connected using flanges and closed surfaces formed on the open-side components. Therefore, the vehicle body can ensure impact stiffness between open-side components, maintain connection stiffness between components, and simplify the assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a view showing a first component and a second component in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a view showing a first and a second component connected to each other in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a second component in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein one side wall of the second component extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at its end; and

[0025] Figure 4 This is a view showing a plurality of shock absorber housings connected by a first member and a second member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1This is a view showing a first component and a second component in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a view showing a first and a second component connected to each other in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a second component in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein one side wall of the second component extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at its end. Figure 4 This is a view showing a plurality of shock absorber housings connected by a first member and a second member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a view showing the first and second components of the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a first and a second component connected to each other in a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first component 100 and a second component 200. The first component 100 extends in a shape having an interior space, and one side of it is open. The second component 200 has a closed surface at its end. The second component 200 is coupled to the first component 100, with its closed end inserted into the interior space of the first component 100 through the open side of the first component 100. The second component 200 is coupled to the first component 100, wherein the closed surface of the end of the second component 200 and one or more sidewalls are in contact with the surface of the first component 100.

[0028] The vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention is for vehicles utilizing an in-wheel system, different from existing vehicles, wherein a drive shaft, steering unit, etc., is not required to connect between the wheels. Therefore, a shock absorber (not shown) and a shock absorber housing 300 are disposed on top of each wheel. A first component 100 or a second component 200 can be coupled to the corresponding shock absorber housing 300 to connect to the corresponding vehicle body component or to the corresponding vehicle body component to maintain collision stiffness and assembly stiffness, thereby forming an in-wheel system vehicle body.

[0029] On the other hand, in the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first component 100 includes a flange unit 110 disposed on one side thereon. The flange unit 110 includes an upper flange and a lower flange spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction relative to the open side of the first component 100. The second component 200 can be coupled to the first component 100 in a state of being inserted between the respective flanges of the flange unit 110.

[0030] Specifically, in the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flange unit 110 is configured such that a plurality of flanges are in the longitudinal direction of the second member 200 (i.e., in...). Figure 1 and Figure 2The second component 200 extends in the transverse direction of the first component 100. Multiple flanges can cover and support the top and bottom surfaces of the second component 200. Additionally, in the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the invention, the second component 200 can be coupled to the first component 100, with the closed surface of the end of the second component 200 coupled to the inner wall of the first component 100, and one or more side surfaces of the second component 200 contacting one or more flange faces of the flange unit 110 of the first component 100.

[0031] Since multiple flanges extend in the longitudinal direction of the second member 200, the flange unit 110 of the first member 100 has a "C" shape to surround (or retain) the end of the second member 200 fitted to the first member 100. Because the first member 100 is connected to the second member 200 through surface contact not only with the closed surface of the second member 200 but also with the top and bottom surfaces of the second member 200, sufficient assembly rigidity and impact rigidity can be ensured through the connection between the first member 100 and the second member 200. Furthermore, due to the flange unit 110, when the first member 100 and the second member 200 are connected to each other, the flange unit 110 can provide sufficient area for connection with the top and bottom surfaces of the second member 200.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a second member in the body of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein one side wall of the second member extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at its end. In the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, the second member 200 extends in a shape having an interior space, and one side of it is open. One side wall extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at end 210.

[0033] Specifically, both the first component 100 and the second component 200 can be formed with an internal space and an open side. The advantage of this open-side structure is that even in situations where joining components is difficult, tools can be easily and simply introduced through the open side of each component to join them. However, compared to a closed-side component without an open side, the open-side component may have lower impact stiffness or lower assembly stiffness. One sidewall of the end 210 of the second component 200 extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side, thereby forming a closed surface at the end. When the second component 200 is joined to the first component 100, not only the closed surface on the end 210 of the second component 200, but also multiple portions such as the top and bottom surfaces can be joined to the first component 100, thereby enhancing both impact stiffness and assembly stiffness.

[0034] Here, one side wall of the end of the second member 200 extends and bends 90° to cover a portion of the open side, and the remaining portion of the side wall of the end contacts the inner wall of the interior space of the second member 200. The extension can be provided on both sides of the closed surface of the end of the second member 200 or on the portion that contacts the inner wall of the interior space by carbon dioxide (CO2) welding.

[0035] Furthermore, in the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the extended and bent portion of one side wall of the second member 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the first member 100 and connected to the inner side wall of the first member 100 while contacting the inner side wall surface of the first member 100. Because one side wall of the second member 200 is extended and bent, the open end of the second member 200 has a closed quadrilateral or square structure. Additionally, the closed surface of the end 210, as well as the top and bottom surfaces, are connected to the flange unit 110 of the first member 100 while contacting the flange unit 110 surface of the first member 100. Therefore, assembly rigidity and impact rigidity between components can be ensured, and the assembly process can be simplified.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating a plurality of shock absorber housings connected by a first member and a second member 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 further includes a plurality of shock absorber housings 300 that cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels. The plurality of shock absorber housings 300 may be disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The end of the first member 100 may be coupled to the bottom of the shock absorber housing 300, and the first member 100 may extend downward and bend to connect the plurality of shock absorber housings 300 in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Additionally, the first member 100 may be disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle, and the end 210 of the second member 200 located below the shock absorber housings 300 may be connected to the first member 100 located at the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0037] Specifically, the first component 100 can connect to the shock absorber housing 300 in the lateral direction of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the front and rear collision stiffness of the vehicle and dispersing the impact between the shock absorber housing 300 and other vehicle body components. In the same manner, the second component 200 can connect to the first component 100, thereby enhancing the collision stiffness of the shock absorber housing 300 and the first component 100 and dispersing the impact between the various vehicle body components.

[0038] On the other hand, the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of shock absorber housings 300 that cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels. The plurality of shock absorber housings 300 may be disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle. The end of a first member 100 may be coupled to the bottom of the shock absorber housing 300 and extends downward and bends to connect the plurality of shock absorber housings 300 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Additionally, the first member 100 may be disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle, and the end 210 of a second member 200 located below the shock absorber housing 300 may be connected to the first member 100 located on the right and left sides of the vehicle.

[0039] Specifically, the first component 100 can connect to the shock absorber housing 300 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the side impact stiffness of the vehicle and dispersing the impact between the shock absorber housing 300 and other vehicle body components. In the same manner, the second component 200 can connect to the first component 100, thereby enhancing the impact stiffness of the shock absorber housing 300 and the first component 100 and dispersing the impact between the various vehicle body components.

[0040] Furthermore, the first component 100 is not limited to a component connecting multiple shock absorber housings 300. Instead, the first component 100 can utilize multiple flange units 110 to form multiple connection points when connected to other vehicle body components, other first components 100, or second components 200, thereby ensuring collision stiffness and assembly stiffness. In addition, since the first component 100 has a structure open on one side, it makes surface contact with other vehicle body components when connected to the outer surface of the first component 100. At the same time, the first component 100 allows tools to be introduced into the internal space through the open side, making it easy to connect the first component 100 to other vehicle body components.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first component 100 and the second component 200 can be connected to each other by bolting the first component 100 and the second component 200 at multiple points. Additionally, the first component 100 and the second component 200 can be connected to each other by bolting the first component 100 and the second component 200 at the end 210 of the second component 200 or at the flange unit 110.

[0042] As described above, when the components are connected, surface contact can be formed through the flange unit 110 of the first component 100 and the end 210 of the second component 200 to ensure collision stiffness and assembly stiffness. At the same time, each component can be assembled at multiple points forming surface contact by simple methods such as bolt fastening. Therefore, the vehicle body can be assembled simply and quickly by humans or robots without the need for large equipment or complex processes.

[0043] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described 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 the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle body, comprising: Multiple first components, each extending in a shape having an internal space, each first component having an open side; A plurality of second components are each connected to at least one of the plurality of first components. Each second component has a closed surface at its end. The end of the second component with the closed surface is inserted into the interior space of the first component through the open side of the first component. The closed surface and at least one sidewall of the end of the second component are in contact with the surface of the first component. as well as Multiple shock absorber housings cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels. These housings are located on the right and left sides of the vehicle body. The end of each first member is connected to the bottom of the corresponding shock absorber housing, and each first member extends downward and bends to connect to a corresponding shock absorber housing in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. The first component is disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle body, the second component is located below the shock absorber housing, and the end of the second component is connected to the first component disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle body. The first component includes a flange unit, the flange unit including a plurality of flanges having an upper flange and a lower flange spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction relative to the open side of the first component, and the second component is inserted into the internal space of the first component between the respective upper and lower flanges of the flange unit.

2. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The upper and lower flanges of the flange unit extend in the longitudinal direction of the second member and respectively cover and support the top and bottom surfaces of the second member.

3. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The closed surface at the end of the second member is connected to the inner wall of the first member, and at least one side surface of the second member adjacent to the closed surface is in contact with at least one flange face of the plurality of flanges of the flange unit.

4. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first component and the second component are bolted together at the end of the second component having the closed surface or at the flange unit.

5. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The second member extends in a shape having an internal space, one side of the second member is open, and one side wall of the second member extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side to form the closed surface.

6. The vehicle body according to claim 5, wherein, A portion of one side wall of the second component is inserted into the internal space of the first component and is connected while in contact with the inner side wall of the first component.

7. The vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first component and the second component are connected by bolts at multiple points.

8. The body of a vehicle, comprising: Multiple first components, each extending in a shape having an internal space, each first component having an open side; A plurality of second components are each connected to at least one of the plurality of first components. Each second component has a closed surface at its end. The end of the second component with the closed surface is inserted into the interior space of the first component through the open side of the first component. The closed surface and at least one sidewall of the end of the second component are in contact with the surface of the first component. as well as Multiple shock absorber housings cover and support the tops of shock absorbers connected to the wheels. These housings are located on the right and left sides of the vehicle body. The end of each first member is connected to the bottom of the corresponding shock absorber housing, and each first member extends downward and bends to connect to a corresponding shock absorber housing in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. The first component is disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle body, the second component is located below the shock absorber housing, and the end of the second component is connected to the first component disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle body.

9. The vehicle body according to claim 8, wherein, The shock absorber housings are disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle body, the end of each of the first components is connected to the bottom of the corresponding shock absorber housing, and each of the first components extends downward and bends to connect the corresponding shock absorber housing among the plurality of shock absorber housings in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

10. The vehicle body according to claim 9, wherein, The first component is disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle body, the second component is located below the shock absorber housing, and the end of the second component is connected to the first component disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle body.

11. The vehicle body according to claim 8, wherein, The first component and the second component are connected by bolts at multiple points.

12. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body according to any one of the preceding claims; The wheels are located near the lower part of the vehicle body; Shock absorber housing, covering and supporting the top of the shock absorber connected to the wheel; The first component, connected to the shock absorber housing, extends in a shape having an internal space and has an open side; as well as A second component is connected to the first component, and the second component has a closed surface at its end, the end having the closed surface being inserted into the interior space of the first component through the open side of the first component, and the closed surface and at least one sidewall of the end of the second component are in contact with the surface of the first component.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The first component includes a flange unit on one side of the first component, the flange unit including a plurality of flanges having an upper flange and a lower flange spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction relative to the open side of the first component, and the second component is inserted into the internal space of the first component between the respective upper flange and lower flange of the flange unit.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The upper and lower flanges of the flange unit extend in the longitudinal direction of the second member and respectively cover and support the top and bottom surfaces of the second member.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The closed surface at the end of the second member is connected to the inner wall of the first member, and at least one side surface of the second member adjacent to the closed surface is in contact with at least one flange face of the plurality of flanges of the flange unit.

16. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The first component and the second component are bolted together at the end of the second component having the closed surface or at the flange unit.

17. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The second member extends in a shape having an internal space, one side of the second member is open, and one side wall of the second member extends and bends to cover a portion of the open side to form the closed surface.

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