A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel and automobile

Abstract

A vehicle body structure and automobile with improved side panel stiffness, belonging to the field of automotive component technology, is disclosed. By fixing the rear wheel cavity rubber block to the CD pillar assembly, a soft connection is achieved between the side panel and the CD pillar assembly, providing Y-axis support to the side panel and improving its static and dynamic stiffness transfer functions. This results in a 1.54 dB reduction in rear-seat noise under rough road conditions at 60 km / h, improving passenger comfort. Simultaneously, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces traditional reinforcing sheets; this design, combining increases and decreases, along with the lightweight design of the rubber block, achieves improved performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically relating to a vehicle body structure and automobile that improves the rigidity of the side panel outer body. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of national economic development, consumers' demand for quality cars, especially families, has surged. While these consumers have strong economic power, they also have discerning requirements regarding the car's appearance, interior space, safety, and driving comfort. To achieve a better three-row driving experience, OEMs generally increase the vehicle's length, width, and height, in addition to optimizing layout and integrating parts to improve usable interior space. However, this method also brings drawbacks. The rear of the side panel is a visible area and cannot be welded or riveted to the interior sheet metal, so this area is usually relatively soft. When the vehicle's length and height increase to a certain extent, the softness of the rear side panel becomes particularly noticeable, leading to issues such as easy deformation under pressure and increased noise at high speeds. At this point, the commonly used method of applying reinforcing films to the rear of the side panel to increase its rigidity becomes less effective. The reference solution involves using an inner side panel coated with expanding adhesive and then bonding it to the outer side panel. However, due to factors such as the more complex rear shape of the outer side panel compared to the door, welding and manufacturing errors, and the uncontrollable range of expansion coefficient of the expanding adhesive, this solution is prone to causing deformation in the adhesive-coated area of ​​the outer side panel, resulting in appearance quality issues. Therefore, how to improve the rigidity of the outer side panel in a vehicle body structure while keeping costs under control has become an urgent problem for all OEMs.

[0003] To achieve a better three-row driving and riding experience, OEMs, in developing mid-to-high-end models, have generally increased the vehicle's length, width, and height, in addition to optimizing the layout and integrating parts to improve interior space. However, this approach has its drawbacks. When the vehicle's length and height increase to a certain level, such as in this example where the rear side panel's length reaches 1099mm and its height reaches 527.2mm, exceeding all competing models on the market, the commonly used method of applying reinforcing films to the rear area of ​​the side panel to improve its rigidity becomes largely ineffective. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle body structure and automobile that improves the rigidity of the side panel outer shell, so as to solve the technical problem that the method of improving the rigidity of the side panel outer shell by applying reinforcing film in the prior art is not effective.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0006] A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side outer panel includes: a side outer panel, a rear wheel cavity rubber block, and a CD pillar assembly; the rear wheel cavity rubber block is fixed on the CD pillar assembly and located between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly, thereby achieving a soft connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the rear wheel cavity rubber block includes a rubber block skeleton and EVA; the main structure of the rubber block skeleton is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, and a reinforcing diagonal rib is provided in the middle of the rubber block skeleton. The outer surface of the rubber block skeleton is covered with a layer of EVA, and the side panel and the CD pillar assembly are softly connected through EVA.

[0008] Preferably, the EVA covering the outer side of the rubber block skeleton has a 4.5mm gap with the area that needs to be supported by the side panel and CD pillar assembly. When the car body passes through the painting and baking workshop, the EVA covering the rubber block skeleton foams and expands, filling the reserved gap space and forming a soft connection with the side panel and CD pillar assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the material of the adhesive block skeleton is glass fiber nylon.

[0010] Preferably, the EVA covers the outside of the glue block skeleton, with a width of 18-20 mm and a thickness of 3-5 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the EVA is foamed and expanded at a temperature of 160°C for 20 minutes.

[0012] Preferably, the rear wheel cavity rubber block is provided with mounting clips A, B, and C; and the rear wheel cavity rubber block is fixed to the CD pillar assembly by mounting clips A, B, and C.

[0013] Preferably, the CD pillar assembly includes a lower reinforcing beam of the C pillar and an inner plate of the C pillar, with mounting clip A being snapped onto the lower reinforcing beam of the C pillar; mounting clips B and C are both snapped onto the inner plate of the C pillar.

[0014] An automobile, comprising a body structure for enhancing the rigidity of the side panel as described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This application discloses a vehicle body structure for improving the stiffness of the side outer panel. By fixing the rear wheel cavity rubber block to the CD pillar assembly, a soft connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly is achieved, providing Y-axis support to the side outer panel and improving both the static and dynamic stiffness transfer functions. This results in a 1.54 dB reduction in rear-seat noise on rough roads at 60 km / h, enhancing passenger comfort. Furthermore, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces traditional reinforcing sheets; this design, combining increases and decreases, along with the lightweight design of the rubber block, improves performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

[0017] Furthermore, the main structure of the rubber block skeleton is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, which reduces the weight and cost of the rubber block itself while meeting the functional requirements. The addition of reinforcing diagonal ribs enhances the reliability of the rubber block skeleton in the Y and Z directions, forming a functionally stable rubber block skeleton. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the outer side panel according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side outer panel according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the CD pillar assembly of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a front view of the rear wheel cavity rubber block of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a side view of the rear wheel cavity rubber block of the present invention.

[0025] The components are: 1-Side panel outer panel; 2-Rear wheel cavity rubber block; 3-CD pillar assembly; 4-C pillar inner panel; 5-C pillar lower reinforcing beam; 6-Rear wheel cover outer panel; 7-Rubber block skeleton; 8-EVA; 9-Reinforcing diagonal rib; AA mounting clip; BB mounting clip; CC mounting clip; aA mounting clip corresponding to the diameter. The round hole; the diameter corresponding to the bB mounting clip. The round hole; the diameter corresponding to the cC mounting clip. The round hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0033] See Figure 1 This application discloses a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side outer panel, including: a side outer panel 1, a rear wheel cavity rubber block 2, and a CD pillar assembly 3; the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is fixed to the CD pillar assembly 3, achieving a soft connection between the side outer panel 1 and the CD pillar assembly 3. This provides Y-direction support to the side outer panel, solving the long-standing problem that the side outer panel in the rear region of the side panel lacks connection to the inner panel assembly, requiring reinforcement patches to be applied to the side outer panel itself to improve rigidity. This reduces rear-seat noise and improves passenger comfort; simultaneously, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces traditional reinforcing patches, and this design of increasing rigidity and decreasing weight achieves improved performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

[0034] In some embodiments, the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 includes a rubber block skeleton 7 and EVA8; the main structure of the rubber block skeleton 7 is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, which achieves weight reduction and cost reduction of the rubber block itself while meeting the functional requirements. The rubber block skeleton 7 is also provided with reinforcing diagonal ribs in the middle, and the outer surface of the rubber block skeleton 7 is covered with a layer of EVA8. The side outer panel 1 and the CD pillar assembly 3 are flexibly connected through EVA8.

[0035] In some embodiments, the material of the plastic block skeleton 7 is glass fiber nylon. Compared with pure nylon, glass fiber nylon, due to the reinforcement of glass fibers, has significantly improved mechanical strength and rigidity. Its strength can even rival that of many metal materials, making it extremely strong and durable. Furthermore, glass fiber nylon has extremely high surface hardness, making it resistant to wear and an ideal wear-resistant material. Although the addition of glass fibers may make the material more brittle in some directions, with proper design and processing, it can maintain good toughness and effectively resist damage from external forces. Glass fiber nylon has a high softening point, allowing it to maintain good performance in high-temperature environments. Simultaneously, fiber-reinforced nylon can reduce water absorption, enabling it to operate in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. The addition of glass fibers restricts the movement between plastic polymer chains, greatly reducing shrinkage and significantly improving dimensional stability.

[0036] The EVA8 is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, which has excellent low-temperature resistance. Even at a low temperature of -50℃, it can still maintain good flexibility and toughness, and has good chemical stability, anti-aging and ozone resistance. This allows it to maintain stable performance in various chemical environments. The processing temperature is 20-30℃ lower than that of LDPE, which helps to reduce energy consumption and production costs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the EVA8 covers the outside of the adhesive block skeleton 7, with a width of 18-20 mm and a thickness of 3-5 mm. Preferably, the width is 20 mm and the thickness is 4 mm.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is provided with mounting clips A, B, and C; and the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is fixed to the CD pillar assembly 3 by mounting clips A, B, and C. The CD pillar assembly 3 includes a lower reinforcing beam 5 and an inner plate 4 of the C pillar. Mounting clip A is snapped onto the lower reinforcing beam 5 of the C pillar; mounting clips B and C are both snapped onto the inner plate 4 of the C pillar.

[0039] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side outer panel is proposed. A rear wheel cavity rubber block is added between the side outer panel 1 and the CD pillar assembly 3. The connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly is achieved through the mounting clips on the rear wheel cavity rubber block and the EVA covering the outer surface of the rubber block, providing Y-direction support to the side outer panel and improving the static and dynamic stiffness transfer functions of the side outer panel. This solves the long-standing problem that the side outer panel in the rear area of ​​the side panel has no connection with the inner panel assembly and can only improve the rigidity of the side outer panel by attaching reinforcing patches to the side outer panel itself.

[0040] In some embodiments, a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side outer panel includes a rear wheel cavity rubber block added between the side outer panel 1 and the CD pillar assembly 3. The connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly is achieved through the mounting clips on the rear wheel cavity rubber block and the EVA8 covering its outer surface, providing Y-axis support to the side outer panel and improving its static and dynamic stiffness transfer functions. This solves the long-standing problem of the lack of connection between the side outer panel and the inner panel assembly in the rear area of ​​the side, which previously required reinforcing patches to be applied to the side outer panel itself to improve its rigidity. The rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 includes a rubber block frame 7 and EVA8. The main structure of the rubber block frame 7 is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, achieving weight reduction and cost reduction of the rubber block itself while meeting functional requirements. The rubber block frame 7 also has reinforcing diagonal ribs in the middle, and its outer surface is covered with a layer of EVA8, enabling a soft connection between the side outer panel 1 and the CD pillar assembly 3 through the EVA8.

[0041] This application also discloses a vehicle body structure including a body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0042]

Example 1

[0043] This invention discloses a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer shell, comprising the following components: 1. Side panel outer shell; 2. Rear wheel cavity rubber block; 3. C-pillar assembly; 4. C-pillar inner panel; 5. Lower C-pillar reinforcing crossbeam; 6. Rear wheel arch outer panel; 7. Rubber block frame; 8. EVA. See also... Figure 3The rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is fixed to the CD pillar assembly 3 via three mounting clips (A, B, and C). Simultaneously, the outer surface of the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is covered with a layer of EVA8. After foaming and expanding in the painting and baking workshop, this EVA forms a soft connection with the side outer panel 1, the C pillar inner panel 4, the C pillar lower reinforcing beam 5, and the rear wheel arch outer panel 6, achieving a soft connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly. This provides Y-axis support to the side outer panel, improving its static and dynamic stiffness transfer function. In a rough road scenario at 60 km / h, rear passenger noise is reduced by 1.54 dB, improving passenger comfort. Furthermore, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces the traditional reinforcing sheet; this design, combining increases and decreases, along with the lightweight design of the rubber block, improves performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

[0044]

Example 2

[0045] This invention discloses a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer shell, comprising the following components: 1. Side panel outer shell; 2. Rear wheel cavity rubber block; 3. C-pillar assembly; 4. C-pillar inner panel; 5. Lower C-pillar reinforcing crossbeam; 6. Rear wheel arch outer panel; 7. Rubber block frame; 8. EVA. See also... Figure 4 The present invention is fixed to the CD pillar assembly 3 by the three mounting clips A, B, and C on the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2. Among them, the mounting clip A on the rubber block is installed on the diameter of the reinforcing beam 5 under the C pillar. On the round hole a, the mounting clip B of the rubber block is installed on the inner panel of the C-pillar with a diameter of 4. The mounting clip C, which comes with the rubber block, is installed on the inner plate of the C-pillar with a diameter of 4 on the round hole b. The rear wheel cavity rubber block is securely mounted on the CD pillar assembly 3 via three snap-fit ​​fasteners.

[0046] See Figure 5 The rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is mainly composed of a rubber block skeleton 7 and EVA 8. The rubber block skeleton 7 is made of glass fiber nylon, and the EVA 8 is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The main structure of the rubber block skeleton 7 is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, which reduces the weight and cost of the rubber block itself while meeting functional requirements. At the same time, the three reinforcing diagonal ribs 9 in the middle enhance the reliability of the rubber block in the Y and Z directions, forming a functionally stable rubber block skeleton 7.

[0047] See Figure 6The outer side of the rubber block skeleton 7 is covered with a layer of EVA8 with a width of 20mm and a thickness of 4mm. A 4.5mm gap is reserved between the EVA8 and the areas requiring support, such as the side outer panel 1, C-pillar inner panel 4, C-pillar lower reinforcing beam 5, and rear wheel arch outer panel 6. When the car body passes through the painting and baking workshop, the EVA8 covering the rubber block skeleton 7 foams and expands at 160℃ for 20 minutes, filling the reserved gap space and forming a soft connection with the aforementioned sheet metal parts. This achieves a soft connection between the side outer panel and the C-pillar assembly, providing Y-direction support to the side outer panel and improving its static and dynamic stiffness transfer function. In a rough road scenario at 60km / h, the rear seat noise is reduced by 1.54dB, improving passenger comfort. Simultaneously, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces the traditional reinforcing sheet. This design, combining increases and decreases, along with the lightweight design of the rubber block, improves performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

[0048]

Example 3

[0049] This invention discloses a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer shell, comprising the following components: 1. Side panel outer shell; 2. Rear wheel cavity rubber block; 3. C-pillar assembly; 4. C-pillar inner panel; 5. Lower C-pillar reinforcing crossbeam; 6. Rear wheel arch outer panel; 7. Rubber block frame; 8. EVA. See also... Figure 3 The rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is fixed to the CD pillar assembly 3 via three mounting clips (A, B, and C). Simultaneously, the outer surface of the rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is covered with a layer of EVA8. After foaming and expanding in the painting and baking workshop, this EVA forms a soft connection with the side outer panel 1, the C pillar inner panel 4, the C pillar lower reinforcing beam 5, and the rear wheel arch outer panel 6, achieving a soft connection between the side outer panel and the CD pillar assembly. This provides Y-axis support to the side outer panel, improving its static and dynamic stiffness transfer function. In a rough road scenario at 60 km / h, rear passenger noise is reduced by 1.54 dB, improving passenger comfort. Furthermore, the rear wheel cavity rubber block replaces the traditional reinforcing sheet; this design, combining increases and decreases, along with the lightweight design of the rubber block, improves performance while minimizing cost and weight increases.

[0050] See Figure 5 The rear wheel cavity rubber block 2 is mainly composed of a rubber block skeleton 7 and EVA 8. The rubber block skeleton 7 is made of glass fiber nylon, and the EVA 8 is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The main structure of the rubber block skeleton 7 is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, which reduces the weight and cost of the rubber block itself while meeting functional requirements. At the same time, the three reinforcing diagonal ribs 9 in the middle enhance the reliability of the rubber block in the Y and Z directions, forming a functionally stable rubber block skeleton 7.

[0051] In summary, the vehicle body structure disclosed in this application, which enhances the stiffness of the side panel outer shell, achieves a flexible connection between the side panel outer shell and the CD pillar assembly by cleverly utilizing rear wheel cavity rubber blocks and fixing them to the CD pillar assembly. This design not only provides stable Y-axis support for the side panel outer shell but also significantly enhances its static and dynamic stiffness transmission characteristics. In practical applications, when the vehicle is traveling at 60 km / h on a rough road surface, this improvement reduces rear-seat noise by 1.54 dB, greatly improving passenger comfort and experience.

[0052] It is worth mentioning that this design uses rear wheel well blocks instead of traditional reinforcing sheets. This replacement not only retains the necessary structural reinforcement function, but also achieves performance improvement while minimizing the increase in cost and weight through a clever design that combines enhancement and reduction, as well as lightweighting of the blocks. This design approach, which emphasizes both performance and economic efficiency, undoubtedly provides a new direction for the automotive industry.

[0053] Furthermore, the design of the rubber block frame utilizes a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure as its main body. This design effectively reduces the weight of the rubber blocks themselves while maintaining the required functionality, thus lowering costs. To further enhance the robustness of the rubber block frame, reinforcing diagonal ribs were added. These ribs not only strengthen the stability of the rubber block frame in the Y and Z directions but also ensure that the entire rubber block frame remains stable and reliable under various forces. Ultimately, a rubber block frame that is both functionally powerful and structurally robust was constructed, providing solid support for the vehicle body structure.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer body, characterized in that, include: Side panel (1), rear wheel cavity rubber block (2) and CD pillar assembly (3); the rear wheel cavity rubber block (2) is fixed on the CD pillar assembly (3) and located between the side panel (1) and the CD pillar assembly (3), so as to realize the soft connection between the side panel (1) and the CD pillar assembly (3); The rear wheel cavity rubber block (2) includes a rubber block skeleton (7) and EVA (8); the main structure of the rubber block skeleton (7) is a lightweight horizontal and vertical hollow structure, and the middle of the rubber block skeleton (7) is also provided with a reinforcing diagonal rib (9). The outer surface of the rubber block skeleton (7) is covered with a layer of EVA (8), and the side panel (1) and the CD pillar assembly (3) are softly connected through EVA (8). The EVA (8) covering the outer side of the rubber block skeleton (7) has a gap reserved between it and the area that needs to be supported by the side panel (1) and the CD pillar assembly (3). When the car body passes through the painting and baking workshop, the EVA (8) covering the rubber block skeleton (7) foams and expands, filling the reserved gap space and forming a soft connection with the side panel (1) and the CD pillar assembly (3).

2. The vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the glue block skeleton (7) is glass fiber nylon.

3. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The EVA (8) covers the outside of the glue block skeleton (7), with a width of 18~20mm and a thickness of 3~5mm.

4. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The EVA (8) was foamed and expanded at a temperature of 160°C for 20 minutes.

5. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear wheel cavity rubber block (2) is provided with mounting clips A, B and C; and the rear wheel cavity rubber block (2) is fixed to the CD pillar assembly (3) by mounting clips A, B and C.

6. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The CD pillar assembly (3) includes a C-pillar lower reinforcing beam (5), and an A mounting clip is fixed to the C-pillar lower reinforcing beam (5).

7. A vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel outer body according to claim 5, characterized in that, The CD pillar assembly (3) also includes a C pillar inner panel (4); both the B mounting clip and the C mounting clip are snapped and fixed onto the C pillar inner panel (4).

8. A car, characterized in that, Including a vehicle body structure for improving the rigidity of the side panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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