Towing arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle, comprising: a tow arm mounting part configured to mount a tow arm; a side beam on the rear of which the tow arm mounting part is mounted; and a rear pillar connected to the upper rear portion of the side beam.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0176382, filed on December 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a traction arm mounting structure. Background Technology

[0004] The statements in this section are merely background information in relation to the invention and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] A traction arm suspension is a type of vehicle suspension in which at least one arm or link connects the axle to the pivot point. It is typically used on the rear axle of a vehicle.

[0006] Space frames are used in the chassis design of vehicles and motorcycles. In space frame and tubular chassis, the suspension, engine, and body panels are attached to the skeleton of the tubular frame. The body panels do not have a structural function, whereas in unibody or monocoque designs, the body is used as part of the structure.

[0007] However, in order to apply the traction arm suspension to the space frame, a structure (such as a mounting bracket) is required to provide strength, and the vehicle weight increases.

[0008] The information disclosed in the background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background technology of the present invention, and therefore the information it may contain does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention provides a tow arm mounting structure that can be applied to space frame vehicles and simplifies construction and reduces vehicle weight.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle may include a tow arm mounting portion, a side beam, and a rear pillar, wherein the tow arm mounting portion is configured to mount a tow arm, the side beam includes a rear portion, the tow arm mounting portion is mounted on the rear portion, and the rear pillar is connected to the rear upper part of the side beam.

[0011] The traction arm mounting portion may include an inner bracket and an outer bracket, the inner bracket being connected to the inner side of the side beam and the outer bracket being connected to the outer side of the side beam.

[0012] The side beam, the inner bracket, and the outer bracket can be configured to form an installation space, in which the traction arm is installed.

[0013] The side beam may include an upper part and an interior part, the interior part of which bends from the upper part toward the interior of the vehicle body, the inner bracket may be connected to the interior part of the side beam, and the outer bracket may be connected to the upper part of the side beam.

[0014] The traction arm mounting structure may further include a floor component connected to the interior of the side beam, and the upper portion of the inner support may be connected to the lower portion of the floor component.

[0015] The floor component may include an upwardly curved portion, to which the rear post may be connected.

[0016] The traction arm mounting structure may further include a rear column bracket that supports the rear upper part of the rear column and the side beam.

[0017] The rear column support may include a rear column side portion that is inclined upwards from the rear column toward the side beam.

[0018] The traction arm mounting structure may further include a rear member connected to the side of the side beam, and the outer bracket may be connected to the rear member.

[0019] The side beam may include an upper part and an interior part, the upper part extending from one end of the side beam, the interior part extending from the one end of the side beam and curving toward the interior of the vehicle body from the upper part of the side beam, and the outer bracket may be connected to one end of the rear side member and the one end of the side beam.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tow arm mounting structure suitable for space frame vehicles can reduce vehicle weight while ensuring vehicle body strength with a simple construction.

[0021] Further applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that this specification and specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To better understand the present invention, various embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a space frame vehicle body to which a traction arm mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied;

[0024] Figures 2 to 3 This is a partial perspective view of the traction arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the traction arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 For along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram.

[0027] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 10: Vehicle body 20: Traction arm

[0030] 30: Traction arm mounting section; 32: Inner bracket

[0031] 33: Inner surface of the inner support; 34: Flange of the inner support

[0032] 35: Inner support hole; 38: Outer support.

[0033] 39: First surface of the outer support; 40: Second surface of the outer support

[0034] 41:42: External support side surface

[0035] 44: External support hole; 50: Side beam

[0036] 52: Upper part of the side beam 54: Interior of the side beam

[0037] 60: Floor component; 62: Curved section

[0038] 70: Rear pillar; 80: Rear pillar support

[0039] 84: Rear pillar side 90: Rear side component

[0040] 100: Installation space. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, areas, etc., has been exaggerated for clarity.

[0043] When a component, such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate, is referred to as being "on" another component, this includes not only cases where it is directly on the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two.

[0044] Conversely, when one element is referred to as "directly on another element", there is no intermediate element.

[0045] Throughout the instruction manual, when a component “includes” another component, it means that other components may be included rather than excluded, unless otherwise specifically stated otherwise.

[0046] The following will describe one embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a space frame vehicle body to which a traction arm mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the traction arm mounting structure can be applied to mount a traction arm 20 for the rear wheels on a vehicle body 10 having a space frame.

[0049] Figures 2 to 3 This is a partial perspective view of the traction arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 5 is a perspective view of the traction arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 5 is along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram.

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the tow arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a tow arm mounting part 30, a side beam, and a rear pillar 70. The tow arm mounting part 30 mounts the tow arm 20 to the vehicle body 10. The tow arm mounting part 30 is mounted at the rear of the side beam, and the rear pillar 70 is connected to the rear upper part of the side beam 50. The rear pillar 70 may be referred to as a C-pillar.

[0051] The traction arm mounting part 30 may include an inner bracket 32 ​​connected to the inside of the side beam 50 and an outer bracket 38 connected to the outside of the side beam 50.

[0052] The side beam 50, inner bracket 32 ​​and outer bracket 38 can form an installation space 100, in which the traction arm 20 is installed.

[0053] The side beam 50 includes an upper side beam 52 and an inner side beam 54 that curves from the upper side beam 52 into the interior of the vehicle body 10. An inner bracket 32 ​​is connected to the inner side beam 54, and an outer bracket 38 can be connected to the upper side beam 52.

[0054] Components 52 and 54 extend from the end 51 of the side beam 50, such that the interior 54 of the side beam, the upper part 52 of the side beam, the inner bracket 32 ​​and the outer bracket 38 can form an installation space 100.

[0055] The towing arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a floor member 60, which is connected to the inside of the side beam 50, and the upper part of the inner bracket 32 ​​can be connected to the lower part of the floor member 60.

[0056] The inner support 32 includes an inner surface 33, an inner flange 34, and an inner hole 35. The inner surface 33 forms an installation space 100. The inner flange 34 is connected to the lower part of the floor component 60. The inner hole 35 is formed in the inner surface 33. The traction arm 20 can be installed through the inner hole 35.

[0057] The towing arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a rear side member 90, which is coupled to the side of the side beam 50, and an outer bracket 38 can be coupled to the rear side member 90.

[0058] One end 91 of the rear member 90 and one end 51 of the side beam 50 can be joined together to the outer bracket 38. Since the end 91 of the rear member 90 and the end 51 of the side beam 50 form the same profile, the outer bracket 38 can be joined thereto. For example, the end 91 of the rear member 90 and the end 51 of the side beam 50 can be welded together to the outer bracket 38, and the welding area of ​​the outer bracket 38 is relatively wide, thus allowing for a secure connection.

[0059] The outer bracket 38 may include a first outer bracket surface 39 and a second outer bracket surface 40. The first outer bracket surface 39 forms an installation space 100, and the second outer bracket surface 40 connects to the end 91 of the rear side member 90 and the end 51 of the side beam 50. Furthermore, the outer bracket 38 may further include outer bracket side surfaces 41 and 42, which are vertically arranged to connect the first outer bracket surface 39 and the second outer bracket surface 40. The outer bracket side surfaces 41 and 42 connect the first outer bracket surface 39 and the second outer bracket surface 40, allowing road loads transmitted from the tow arm 20 to be distributed to the vehicle body 10 via the outer bracket 38. The outer bracket side surface 41, located in the upper portion, connects to the upper part 52 of the side beam. An outer bracket hole 44 is formed in the first outer bracket surface 39, allowing the tow arm 20 to be installed through the outer bracket hole 44.

[0060] The floor component 60 includes an upwardly curved portion 62, to which the rear post 70 can be connected.

[0061] EV vehicles are being developed in accordance with emissions regulations and are equipped with high-capacity batteries, increasing their weight compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Here, EV vehicles encompass the concepts of hybrid electric vehicles, battery storage EV vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell EV vehicles.

[0062] Considering the stable installation of large-capacity batteries and vehicle layout, a method was adopted to install the large-capacity batteries under the vehicle body. If the large-capacity batteries are installed under the vehicle body, the floor components can be arranged on the exterior of the vehicle.

[0063] In a tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention, a floor member 60 may be connected to a side beam 50, and a curved portion 62 may extend to the upper rear side of the vehicle body 10. For example... Figures 3 to 5 Strength of the rear pillar 70 and the floor member 60 can be provided by connecting the side of the rear pillar 70 to the side of the curved portion 62.

[0064] The towing arm mounting structure of a space frame vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a rear pillar bracket 80, which supports the rear upper portion of the rear pillar 70 and the side beam 50, thereby increasing the strength of the rear pillar 70 and the side beam 50.

[0065] refer to Figure 5 The rear pillar support 80 may include a rear pillar side portion (84; dashed line) that slopes from the rear pillar 70 toward the upper rear portion of the side beam 50. That is, a portion of the rear pillar support 80 is sloped to increase the strength of the rear pillar 70 and the side beam 50.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, a traction arm mounting structure suitable for space frame vehicles has an inner bracket 32, an outer bracket 38, and a portion of a side beam 50 forming a mounting space 100 for mounting a traction arm 20, thereby providing vehicle body strength with a simple construction while reducing vehicle weight.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, a traction arm mounting structure suitable for a space frame vehicle has a rear pillar 70 connected to the upper part of the mounting space 100, and a floor member 60 supporting the rear pillar 70, such that road loads transmitted from the traction arm 20 can be appropriately distributed to the vehicle body 10.

[0068] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments which are now considered to be practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle, the tow arm mounting structure comprising: A traction arm mounting section, configured for mounting a traction arm; The side beam has the traction arm mounting part installed on its rear part; as well as The rear column connects to the upper rear part of the side beam. The traction arm mounting portion includes: An inner support, which is connected to the inner side of the side beam; and An external support, which is connected to the outside of the side beam. The side beam, the inner bracket, and the outer bracket are configured to form an installation space, and the traction arm is installed in the installation space. The side beam includes: Upper part of the side beam; and The side beam curves inward from its upper part toward the interior of the vehicle body. The internal support is connected to the interior of the side beam. The external support is connected to the upper part of the side beam.

2. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a floor member connected to the interior of the side beam. in, The upper portion of the inner support is connected to the lower portion of the floor component.

3. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The floor component includes an upwardly curved portion, and the rear post is connected to the curved portion.

4. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a rear pillar bracket supporting the rear pillar and the upper rear portion of the side beam.

5. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The rear column support includes a rear column side portion that slopes upwards from the rear column toward the side beam.

6. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a rear member connected to one side of the side beam. in, The outer support is connected to the rear component.

7. The tow arm mounting structure for a space frame vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The side beam includes an upper portion and an interior portion, the upper portion extending from one end of the side beam, and the interior portion extending from the one end of the side beam and curving towards the interior of the vehicle body from the upper portion. The outer support is connected to one end of the rear member and one end of the side beam.

Images