Connection structure for vehicle body

Abstract

A connection structure of a vehicle body includes: a front vehicle body module including a fixed portion fixed to a front portion of a lower vehicle body; a rear vehicle body module including a variable portion attachable and detachable with a rear portion of the lower vehicle body and a rear portion of the front vehicle body module, the rear vehicle body module having a predetermined shape; a plurality of fixed part connectors mounted on a rear edge of the front vehicle body module; and a plurality of variable part connectors mounted on a variable part roof beam and a variable part center pillar connected to a front edge of the rear body module, in which the variable part connectors are connected with the fixed part connectors.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0125384, filed on September 20, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to vehicle bodies. Background Art

[0004] Recently, the automotive industry is introducing a new concept for realizing the vision of future mobility that is people-centric and vibrant future cities. One of these future mobility solutions is purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), which are a form of purpose-based mobility.

[0005] An example of a PBV may be an environmentally friendly mobile vehicle based on an electric vehicle (EV). Such a PBV may provide users with various customized services while moving from a departure point to a destination in an unmanned autonomous driving manner.

[0006] The body of such a PBV is composed of an underbody (also referred to in the art as a rolling chassis or a skateboard) and an upper body assembled to the underbody.

[0007] Here, the upper body may be configured in various forms according to the type of customized service of the PBV. For example, the PBV may be used as a hailing type vehicle in which a passenger compartment is respectively arranged at the front and rear of the upper body. In addition, the PBV may be used as a cab type vehicle in which a passenger compartment is arranged only at the front of the upper body. In addition, the PBV may be used as a delivery type vehicle in which a passenger compartment is arranged at the front of the upper body and a luggage compartment is arranged at the rear.

[0008] However, if the structure of the upper vehicle body is developed separately according to various customized services of PBV as described above, the manufacturing cost may increase.

[0009] The matters described in this background technology section are prepared to enhance understanding of the background of the embodiments of the present invention and may include matters beyond the known prior art. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a vehicle body and a specific embodiment relates to a connection structure of a vehicle body such as a PBV.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a connection structure of a vehicle body that can be replaced with various types of vehicle bodies according to the type of customized service of a PBV.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection structure of the vehicle body may include: a front vehicle body module, which is a fixed part fixed to the front part of the lower vehicle body; a rear vehicle body module, which is a variable part that can be attached and detached from the rear part of the lower vehicle body and the rear part of the front vehicle body module, and the rear vehicle body module has a predetermined shape; a plurality of fixed part connectors installed on the rear edge of the front vehicle body module; and a plurality of variable part connectors installed on the variable part roof beam and the variable part center pillar connected to the front edge of the rear vehicle body module, and connected to the fixed part connectors.

[0013] The rear vehicle body module may include: a variable portion roof panel connected to the variable portion roof beam; and a variable portion cover panel connected to the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel, and the variable portion center pillar.

[0014] The variable portion connecting member may be installed at an inner side of a variable portion closing section formed by the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel, the variable portion center pillar, and the variable portion cover panel.

[0015] The fixed portion connection piece may be connected to the variable portion connection piece through a through hole formed in the variable portion cover plate.

[0016] The rear body module may further include a sealing plug mounted on the variable portion cover plate to seal between an edge of the through hole and the fixed portion connector.

[0017] The front body module may include: a fixed portion roof beam and a fixed portion center pillar connected to the rear edge of the front body module; a fixed portion roof panel connected to the fixed portion roof beam; and a fixed portion cover panel connected to the fixed portion roof beam, the fixed portion roof panel and the fixed portion center pillar.

[0018] The fixing portion connecting member may be installed on the fixing portion cover plate at the outer side of the fixing portion closed section formed by the fixing portion roof beam, the fixing portion roof panel, the fixing portion center pillar and the fixing portion cover plate.

[0019] The front vehicle body module may further include a plurality of fixing portion bulkheads installed at an inner side of the fixing portion closing section and connected to the fixing portion connecting member.

[0020] The fixing portion bulkhead may be connected to the fixing portion roof rail and the fixing portion cover panel at an upper side of the front vehicle body module.

[0021] The fixing portion bulkhead may be connected to the fixing portion center pillar and the fixing portion cover panel at a side of the front vehicle body module.

[0022] The rear vehicle body module may further include a plurality of variable portion bulkheads installed at an inner side of the variable portion closing section and connected to the variable portion connecting member at an inner side of the variable portion closing section.

[0023] The variable section bulkhead may be connected to the variable section roof rail, the variable section roof panel, and the variable section cover panel at an upper side of the rear body module.

[0024] The variable section bulkhead may be connected to the variable section center pillar and the variable section cover panel at a side of the rear body module.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection structure of the vehicle body may include: a front vehicle body module, which is a fixed part fixed to the front part of the lower vehicle body; a rear vehicle body module, which is a variable part that can be attached and detached from the rear part of the lower vehicle body and the rear part of the front vehicle body module, and the rear vehicle body module has a predetermined shape; a plurality of fixed part connectors installed on the rear edge of the front vehicle body module; a plurality of variable part connectors installed on the variable part roof beam and the variable part center pillar connected to the front edge of the rear vehicle body module, and connected to the fixed part connectors; and a variable part reinforcement unit connected to the variable part roof beam and the variable part center pillar.

[0026] The variable portion reinforcement unit may include: a main beam extension member connected to both ends of the variable portion roof beam in the vehicle width direction and connected to the variable portion center pillar; a roof side beam connected to the main beam extension member in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a sub-beam extension member connected to the main beam extension member, the roof side beam and the variable portion center pillar.

[0027] The roof side rail may include a flange portion connected to the main rail extension member, and may have a closed cross-section in a square shape.

[0028] The variable portion reinforcement unit may include a pillar extension member connected to a lower portion of the variable portion center pillar and connected to the variable portion floor panel.

[0029] The connection structure of the vehicle body according to the exemplary embodiment may further include a floor extending member connected to the variable portion cross member formed on the variable portion floor panel and connected to the pillar extending member.

[0030] The connection structure of the vehicle body according to the exemplary embodiment may further include: a fixed portion connector reinforcement unit mounted on a rear edge of the front vehicle body module; and a variable portion connector reinforcement unit mounted on a front edge of the rear vehicle body module.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, cost savings may be achieved by configuring a vehicle body to suit various customized services of a PBV.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the connection strength and the skeleton strength of the front and rear vehicle body modules that are detachable from each other can be ensured, and the installation strength of the connection structure can be ensured.

[0033] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or predicted according to the exemplary embodiments will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects expected according to the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the specific implementation methods described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Since these drawings are used for reference in explaining exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the technical idea of ​​the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure of a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front vehicle body module and a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a front vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Sectional view along line AA.

[0040] Figure 6 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 9 is along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line CC in FIG.

[0044] Fig.10 is along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line DD in FIG.

[0045] FIG. 11A to FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a connection structure of a front body module and a rear body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a diagram illustrating a variable portion reinforcement unit of a rear vehicle body module applied to a connection structure of a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] The following reference numerals may be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to describe various features of embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] 1: Lower body 3: Upper body

[0049] 10: Front body module 10a: Fixing part

[0050] 11: Fixed part center pillar 13: Fixed part roof panel

[0051] 15: Fixed roof beam 17: Fixed cover

[0052] 19: Fixed part closing section 20: Fixed part connecting piece

[0053] 30: Fixed part connector reinforcement unit 31: Fixed part partition

[0054] 40: rear body module 40a: variable part

[0055] 41: Variable roof panel 43: Variable floor panel

[0056] 44a: variable cross member 44b: floor extension member

[0057] 45: Variable roof beam 46: Variable center pillar

[0058] 47: variable part cover 48: through hole

[0059] 49: variable part closing section 50: variable part connecting piece

[0060] 55: Sealing plug 60: Variable part connection reinforcement unit

[0061] 61: variable part partition plate 70: variable part reinforcement unit

[0062] 71: Main beam extension member 73: Roof side beam

[0063] 75: Sub-beam extension member 77: Column extension member

[0064] 81: Closed section 83: Flange

[0065] 100: Body connection structure

[0066] The accompanying drawings referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but should be understood as presenting a slightly simplified representation of various preferred features that illustrate the basic principles of embodiments of the present invention. The specific design features of embodiments of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended use and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the idea or scope of the present invention.

[0068] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” indicate the presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but may also include and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0070] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0071] In this specification, the terms "connected", "combined", etc. refer to a physical relationship between two parts, wherein the parts are directly connected to each other by welding, rivets, self-piercing rivets (SPR), flow drill screws (FDS), structural adhesives, etc., or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate parts.

[0072] As used herein, "vehicle," "vehicle," "automobile" or other similar terms as used herein generally refer to passenger cars, sports cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles including passenger cars, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicle-based PBVs, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure of a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle body connection structure 100 may be applied to, for example, a purpose-based motor vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a “PBV”).

[0076] PBVs can be used as living module vehicles based on electric vehicles, providing various services to occupants while moving from one place to a destination in an unmanned self-driving manner.

[0077] In one example, the PBV can be manufactured as a single-box design with a large interior space. The PBV can also apply facing seats to the interior space.

[0078] The bodies of such PBVs are suitable for small-volume production of various vehicle models with a small number of components and can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0079] The body of the PBV includes a skateboard-type lower body 1 (generally referred to as a “rolling chassis” or “chassis frame” by those skilled in the art) and an upper body 3 assembled to the lower body 1 .

[0080] The lower vehicle body 1 may be equipped with components such as a battery assembly and a drive motor. In addition, the upper vehicle body 3 may include a spacious passenger room and a luggage room.

[0081] In this specification, “the front-rear direction of the vehicle body” may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, “the vehicle width direction” may be defined as the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and “the up-down direction” may be defined as the height direction of the vehicle body.

[0082] In this specification, the “upper end”, “upper part” or “upper surface” of a component refers to the end, part or surface of the component relatively higher in the figure, and the “lower end”, “lower part” or “lower surface” of a component refers to the end, part or surface of the component relatively lower in the figure.

[0083] In addition, in this specification, an end of a component (e.g., one end or the other end, etc.) means an end of the component in any direction, and an end portion of a component (e.g., one end portion or the other end portion, etc.) means a portion of the component including the end.

[0084] The vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the exemplary embodiment may be a structure in which various types of upper vehicle bodies 3 may be applied to the lower vehicle body 1 according to the type of customized service of the PBV.

[0085] A vehicle body connection structure 100 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a front vehicle body module 10 and a rear vehicle body module 40 as an upper vehicle body 3 .

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the front body module 10 includes a front passenger compartment of a cab type. The front body module 10 may be fixed to a front portion of the lower body 1 .

[0087] The front body module 10 may be connected to the front portion of the lower body 1 in a vertical direction through a body mounting unit known to those skilled in the art. The front body module 10 may be provided as a fixing portion 10a fixed to the front portion of the lower body 1 .

[0088] The front vehicle body module 10 as described above includes a front side structure, a front roof structure, and a front floor structure which are combined with each other.

[0089] The front side structure may include a fixing portion center pillar 11. The fixing portion center pillar 11 is arranged at both sides of the vehicle at the rear edge of the front body module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0090] The front roof structure may include a fixed portion roof panel 13 .

[0091] In an embodiment, the rear body module 40 includes a rear passenger room or a luggage room. The rear body module 40 is removably disposed at the rear of the lower body 1 and at the rear of the front body module 10.

[0092] The rear body module 40 can be attached and detached from the rear of the lower body 1 in a vertical direction. In addition, the rear body module 40 can be attached or detached from the rear of the front body module 10 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The rear body module 40 can be manufactured in various shapes according to the purpose of the PBV.

[0093] The rear body module 40 may be provided as a detachable variable portion 40 a at the rear of the lower body 1 and the rear of the front body module 10 .

[0094] The rear body module 40 may form a rear passenger compartment at the rear of the vehicle body. In addition, the rear body module 40 may form a vehicle body 3 of a vehicle model together with the front body module 10 .

[0095] In addition, the rear vehicle body module 40 may form a luggage room at the rear of the vehicle body. In addition, the rear vehicle body module 40 may form a delivery type upper vehicle body 3 together with the front vehicle body module 10 .

[0096] The rear body module 40 as described above includes a rear side structure, a rear roof structure, and a rear floor structure which are combined with each other.

[0097] The rear roof structure may include a variable portion roof panel 41 .

[0098] The rear floor structure may include a variable floor panel 43 .

[0099] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front vehicle body module and a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0100] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the vehicle body connection structure 100 further includes a plurality of fixed portion connections 20 and a plurality of variable portion connections 50 .

[0101] The fixed portion connector 20 and the variable portion connector 50 are configured to be attached to and detached from the front body module 10 and the rear body module 40 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0102] The fixed portion connector 20 is installed on the rear edge of the front body module 10 . Also, the variable portion connector 50 is installed on the front edge of the rear body module 40 .

[0103] The fixed part connection member 20 and the variable part connection member 50 can be connected to each other or separated from each other. In one example, the fixed part connection member 20 and the variable part connection member 50 can be mechanically locked or unlocked manually or automatically.

[0104] In another example, the fixed portion connector 20 and the variable portion connector 50 may be locked or unlocked mechanically, and may also be locked or unlocked by magnetic force and electromagnetic force.

[0105] In another such example, the fixed part connector 20 may include a magnetic module including a combination of a circular magnet, a linear magnet, a coil, and a locking member rotated by the operation of a motor. In addition, the variable part connector 50 is locked or unlocked with the fixed part connector 20 by the magnetic force and electromagnetic force generated from the fixed part connector 20, and the armature block (e.g., a steel block) is mechanically locked or unlocked with the locking member.

[0106] Furthermore, the fixed portion connector 20 and the variable portion connector 50 may be configured to be lockable or unlockable to each other in various methods that are apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0107] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 6 The mounting structure of the fixing portion connector 20 for the front vehicle body module 10 will be described in detail.

[0108] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a front vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a front vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the front vehicle body module 10 according to the embodiment includes a fixing portion roof rail 15 and a fixing portion cover plate 17 .

[0110] The fixed portion roof beam 15 is arranged at the rear edge of the front body module 10 in the vehicle width direction. The fixed portion roof beam 15 is connected to the upper portion of the fixed portion center pillar 11. And, the fixed portion roof beam 15 is combined with the fixed portion roof panel 13. In one example, the fixed portion roof beam 15 may be provided in an "L" shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0111] The fixing portion cover plate 17 is combined with the fixing portion center pillar 11 , the fixing portion roof panel 13 , and the fixing portion roof rail 15 .

[0112] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG. Figure 6 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG.

[0113] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the mutually connected fixing portion center pillar 11, fixing portion roof panel 13, fixing portion roof beam 15 and fixing portion cover plate 17 can form a fixing portion closed section 19. In addition, the fixing portion connector 20 can be installed on the fixing portion cover plate 17 outside the fixing portion closed section 19.

[0114] The front vehicle body module 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a fixing portion connector reinforcement unit 30 installed at the rear edge.

[0115] The fixing part connector reinforcement unit 30 is configured to install the fixing part connector 20 on the fixing part cover plate 17 outside the fixing part closing section 19. Also, the fixing part connector reinforcement unit 30 is configured to ensure the installation strength of the fixing part connector 20 and disperse the load concentrated on the fixing part connector 20.

[0116] The fixing portion connecting member reinforcing unit 30 includes a plurality of fixing portion partition plates 31 installed at the inner side of the fixing portion closing section 19. The fixing portion partition plates 31 are connected to the fixing portion connecting member 20 with the fixing portion cover plate 17 therebetween.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixing portion bulkhead 31 is connected to the fixing portion roof rail 15 and the fixing portion cover 17 at the upper side of the front vehicle body module 10 .

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown, the fixing portion bulkhead 31 is connected to the fixing portion center pillar 11 and the fixing portion cover 17 at the side of the front vehicle body module 10 .

[0119] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 7 to 10 The mounting structure of the variable section connector 50 for the rear vehicle body module 40 will be described in detail.

[0120] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a rear vehicle body module of a connection structure applied to a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the rear vehicle body module 40 according to the embodiment includes a variable portion roof rail 45 , a variable portion center pillar 46 , and a variable portion cover panel 47 .

[0122] The variable portion roof rail 45 is arranged in the vehicle width direction at the front edge of the rear body module 40. The variable portion center pillar 46 is arranged in the vehicle width direction at both sides of the vehicle at the front edge of the rear body module 40.

[0123] The variable portion roof beam 45 is connected to the upper portion of the variable portion center pillar 46. Also, the variable portion roof beam 45 is connected to the variable portion roof panel 41. In one example, the variable portion roof beam 45 may be provided in an "L" shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0124] The variable portion cover panel 47 is connected to the variable portion roof panel 41 , the variable portion roof rail 45 , and the variable portion center pillar 46 .

[0125] Fig. 9 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line CC in FIG. Fig.10 is along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line DD in FIG.

[0126] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the variable portion roof panel 41 , the variable portion roof beam 45 , the variable portion center pillar 46 and the variable portion cover panel 47 connected to each other may form a variable portion closed section 49 .

[0127] And, the variable portion connecting member 50 is installed inside the variable portion closing section 49. That is, the variable portion connecting member 50 is installed on the variable portion roof rail 45 and the variable portion center pillar 46 inside the variable portion closing section 49.

[0128] Reference Figures 7 to 10 , the rear vehicle body module 40 according to the embodiment further includes a variable portion connecting member reinforcing unit 60 installed at the front edge.

[0129] The variable section connection member reinforcement unit 60 is configured to install the variable section connection member 50 inside the variable section closing section 49 . Also, the variable section connection member reinforcement unit 60 is configured to ensure the installation strength of the variable section connection member 50 and to disperse the load concentrated on the variable section connection member 50 .

[0130] The variable section connection member reinforcement unit 60 includes a plurality of variable section partition plates 61 installed at the inner side of the variable section closing section 49. The variable section partition plates 61 are connected to the variable section connection member 50 at the inner side of the variable section closing section 49.

[0131] like Fig. 9 As shown, the variable portion bulkhead 61 is connected to the variable portion roof panel 41 , the variable portion roof beam 45 , and the variable portion cover panel 47 at the upper side of the rear vehicle body module 40 .

[0132] like Fig.10 As shown, the variable portion bulkhead 61 is connected to the variable portion center pillar 46 and the variable portion cover 47 at the side of the rear vehicle body module 40 .

[0133] FIG. 11A to FIG. 12B 1 is a diagram showing a connection structure of a front vehicle body module and a rear vehicle body module applied to a connection structure of a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0134] Reference FIG. 11A to FIG. 12B A plurality of through holes 48 are formed in the variable portion cover plate 47 . The through holes 48 are formed at positions corresponding to the variable portion connectors 50 .

[0135] The front body module 10 and the rear body module 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be connected in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body by the fixed portion connector 20 and the variable portion connector 50 .

[0136] That is, the fixed part connector 20 is inserted into the through hole 48 of the variable part cover plate 47 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, the fixed part connector 20 can be connected to the variable part connector 50 inside the variable part closing section 49.

[0137] like Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B As shown, a portion of the fixing portion connecting member 20 is connected to the fixing portion cover plate 17 outside the fixing portion closing section 19 formed by the fixing portion roof panel 13 , the fixing portion roof beam 15 and the fixing portion cover plate 17 .

[0138] Furthermore, a part of the variable portion connecting member 50 is connected to the inner side of the variable portion closing section 49 formed by the variable portion roof panel 41 , the variable portion roof beam 45 , and the variable portion cover panel 47 .

[0139] Therefore, a portion of the fixed portion connector 20 may be connected to a portion of the variable portion connector 50 through the through hole 48 of the variable portion cover plate 47 .

[0140] Furthermore, the remaining portion of the fixing portion connecting member 20 is connected to the fixing portion cover plate 17 at the outer side of the fixing portion closing section 19 formed by the fixing portion center pillar 11 and the fixing portion cover plate 17 .

[0141] And, the remaining part of the variable portion connecting member 50 is connected to the inner side of the variable portion closing section 49 formed by the variable portion center pillar 46 and the variable portion cover plate 47 .

[0142] Therefore, the remaining portion of the fixed portion connector 20 may be connected to the remaining portion of the variable portion connector 50 through the through hole 48 of the variable portion cover plate 47 .

[0143] Furthermore, the rear vehicle body module 40 further includes a sealing plug 55. The sealing plug 55 is installed at the edge of the through hole 48 of the variable portion cover plate 47.

[0144] The sealing plug 55 is configured to seal between the edge of the through hole 48 and the fixing part connector 20. In one example, the sealing plug 55 may be formed of a rubber material.

[0145] Reference Figure 8The rear vehicle body module 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a variable portion reinforcement unit 70 connected to the variable portion roof beam 45 and the variable portion center pillar 46 .

[0146] The variable part reinforcement unit 70 is configured to reinforce the frame strength of the rear body module 40 and the mounting strength of the variable part connection member 50, and to form a closed-shaped load path at the front edge of the rear body module 40. Also, the variable part reinforcement unit 70 is configured to form a load path along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at the front edge of the rear body module 40.

[0147] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 2 is a diagram illustrating a variable portion reinforcement unit of a rear vehicle body module applied to a connection structure of a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0148] Reference Figure 8 , Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The variable portion reinforcement unit 70 according to the embodiment may include a main beam extension member 71 , a roof side beam 73 , a sub-beam extension member 75 , and a pillar extension member 77 .

[0149] The main beam extension members 71 are respectively connected to both ends in the vehicle width direction of the variable portion roof beam 45. The main beam extension member 71 is connected to the variable portion center pillar 46.

[0150] The roof side rail 73 is connected to the main beam extension member 71 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. In one example, the roof side rail 73 includes a closed cross section 81 in a square shape and a flange portion 83 connected to the main beam extension member 71.

[0151] The sub-beam extension member 75 is connected to the main beam extension member 71 , the roof side rail 73 , and the variable portion center pillar 46 .

[0152] And, the pillar extension member 77 is connected to the lower portion of the variable portion center pillar 46 and the variable portion floor panel 43. The pillar extension member 77 is connected to the floor extension member 44b connected to the variable portion cross member 44a formed on the variable portion floor panel 43.

[0153] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 13B The operation of the vehicle body connecting structure 100 constructed as described above will be described.

[0154] First, in the embodiment, the fixing portion connecting member 20 is connected to the fixing portion cover plate 17 at the outer side of the fixing portion closing section 19 of the front body module 10 .

[0155] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the variable portion connecting member 50 is connected to the inner side of the variable portion closing section 49 of the rear body module 40 .

[0156] Here, the front body module 10 is fixed to the front portion of the lower body 1. Also, the rear body module 40 is separated from the front body module 10 as described above.

[0157] In this state, the rear body module 40 moves downward from the rear side of the lower body 1 and moves toward the front body module 10 .

[0158] Then, the fixed part connecting member 20 is inserted into the through hole 48 of the variable part cover plate 47 from the rear side. Therefore, the fixed part connecting member 20 is connected to the variable part connecting member 50 at the inner side of the variable part closing section 49.

[0159] Here, a space between an edge of the through hole 48 connected to the inner side of the variable portion closing section 49 and the fixed portion connecting piece 20 is sealed by a sealing plug 55 .

[0160] Therefore, the fixed portion connecting member 20 and the variable portion connecting member 50 connected to each other are embedded inside the variable portion closing section 49 and are not exposed to the outside.

[0161] As a result, the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment can prevent the fixed portion connection member 20 and the variable portion connection member 50 from being contaminated by foreign matter such as dust.

[0162] Furthermore, in the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment, since the sealing plug 55 closes and seals the variable portion closing section 49 , water tightness can be improved.

[0163] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the fixing portion partition plate 31 connected to the fixing portion connecting piece 20 is installed at the inner side of the fixing portion closing section 19 .

[0164] Here, the fixing portion bulkhead 31 is connected to the fixing portion roof beam 15 and the fixing portion cover panel 17 , and the fixing portion roof beam 15 and the fixing portion cover panel 17 are connected to the fixing portion roof panel 13 .

[0165] Also, the fixing portion bulkhead 31 is connected to the fixing portion center pillar 11 and the fixing portion cover plate 17 .

[0166] Therefore, a closed cross section in a square shape may be formed in the region where the fixing portion connector 20 is connected.

[0167] Therefore, the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment can disperse the load concentrated on the fixing portion connection member 20 while ensuring the installation strength of the fixing portion connection member 20 .

[0168] In addition, the fixing portion bulkhead 31 may block moisture flowing into the fixing portion roof rail 15 and the fixing portion center pillar 11 .

[0169] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the variable section partition plate 61 connected to the variable section connection member 50 is installed at the inner side of the variable section closing section 49 .

[0170] Here, the variable portion bulkhead 61 is connected to the variable portion roof panel 41 , the variable portion roof beam 45 , and the variable portion cover panel 47 . Also, the variable portion bulkhead 61 is connected to the variable portion center pillar 46 and the variable portion cover panel 47 .

[0171] Therefore, a closed cross section in a square shape may be formed in the region where the variable portion connection member 50 is connected.

[0172] Therefore, the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment can disperse the load concentrated on the variable section connection member 50 while ensuring the mounting strength of the variable section connection member 50 .

[0173] Furthermore, the variable portion bulkhead 61 may block moisture that flows into the variable portion roof rail 45 and the variable portion center pillar 46 .

[0174] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the variable portion reinforcement unit 70 connected to the variable portion roof rail 45 and the variable portion center pillar 46 is provided.

[0175] The variable portion reinforcement unit 70 may form a load path in a closed shape at the front edge of the rear vehicle body module 40 , and may form a load path in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0176] Therefore, the variable portion reinforcement unit 70 may increase the frame strength of the rear vehicle body module 40 and the mounting strength of the variable portion connector 50 .

[0177] According to the vehicle body connection structure 100 , in a state where the front body module 10 as the fixing portion 10 a is connected to the front of the lower body 1 , the rear body module 40 as the variable portion 40 a may be connected to the rear of the lower body 1 and the rear of the front body module 10 .

[0178] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the vehicle body connection structure 100 replaces the rear vehicle body module 40 of a predetermined shape according to the type of customized service (eg, use case) of the PBV, and thus, the PBV can be used as a pickup type vehicle or a delivery type vehicle.

[0179] Therefore, the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment can reduce the cost generated by changing the structure of the upper vehicle body 3 of the vehicle body to accommodate various customized services of the PBV.

[0180] In addition, the vehicle body connection structure 100 according to the embodiment may smoothly disperse the load input to the front and rear vehicle body modules 10 and 40 connected to each other, thereby improving the collision performance and torsional strength of the vehicle body.

[0181] While the embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle body connection structure, the connection structure comprising: a front vehicle body module including a fixing portion fixed to a front portion of a lower vehicle body; a rear body module including a variable portion that can be attached to and detached from a rear portion of the lower body and a rear portion of the front body module, the rear body module having a predetermined shape; a plurality of fixing portion connectors mounted on a rear edge of the front body module; and A plurality of variable portion connecting members are mounted on the variable portion roof beam and the variable portion center pillar connected to the front edge of the rear body module, wherein the variable portion connecting members are connected to the fixed portion connecting members.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The rear body module comprises: a variable portion roof panel connected to the variable portion roof beam; and A variable portion cover panel is connected to the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel and the variable portion center pillar.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, wherein: The variable portion connecting member is installed at an inner side of a variable portion closing section defined by the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel, the variable portion center pillar, and the variable portion cover panel.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, wherein: The fixed portion connecting member is connected to the variable portion connecting member through a through hole provided in the variable portion cover plate.

5. The connection structure according to claim 4, wherein: The rear vehicle body module further includes a sealing plug mounted on the variable portion cover plate to perform sealing between an edge of the through hole and the fixed portion connector.

6. The connection structure according to claim 3, wherein: The rear vehicle body module further includes a plurality of variable portion bulkheads installed at an inner side of the variable portion closing section and connected to the variable portion connecting member at an inner side of the variable portion closing section.

7. The connection structure according to claim 6, wherein: The variable portion bulkhead is connected to the variable portion roof rail, the variable portion roof panel, and the variable portion cover panel at an upper side of the rear body module, and is connected to the variable portion center pillar and the variable portion cover panel at a side of the rear body module.

8. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The front body module comprises: A fixed portion roof beam and a fixed portion center pillar connected to the rear edge of the front body module; a fixed portion roof panel connected to the fixed portion roof beam; and A fixed portion cover plate is connected to the fixed portion roof beam, the fixed portion roof panel and the fixed portion center pillar.

9. The connection structure according to claim 8, wherein: The fixing portion connecting member is installed on the fixing portion cover plate at the outer side of a fixing portion closed section defined by the fixing portion roof beam, the fixing portion roof panel, the fixing portion center pillar and the fixing portion cover plate.

10. The connection structure according to claim 9, wherein: The front vehicle body module further includes: a plurality of fixing portion bulkheads installed at an inner side of the fixing portion closing section and connected to the fixing portion connecting member.

11. The connection structure according to claim 10, wherein: The fixing portion bulkhead is connected to the fixing portion roof rail and the fixing portion cover at an upper side of the front vehicle body module, and is connected to the fixing portion center pillar and the fixing portion cover at a side of the front vehicle body module.

12. A vehicle body connection structure, the connection structure comprising: a front vehicle body module including a fixing portion fixed to a front portion of a lower vehicle body; a rear body module including a variable portion that can be attached to and detached from a rear portion of the lower body and a rear portion of the front body module, the rear body module having a predetermined shape; A plurality of fixing portion connectors mounted on the rear edge of the front body module; a plurality of variable section connecting members mounted on a variable section roof beam and a variable section center pillar connected to a front edge of the rear body module, wherein the variable section connecting members are connected to the fixed section connecting members; and A variable portion reinforcement unit is connected to the variable portion roof rail and the variable portion center pillar.

13. The connection structure according to claim 12, wherein: The variable portion reinforcement unit comprises: a main beam extension member connected to both ends of the variable portion roof beam in the vehicle width direction and connected to the variable portion center pillar; a roof side rail connected to the main beam extension member in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and A sub-beam extension member is connected to the main beam extension member, the roof side rail and the variable portion center pillar.

14. The connection structure according to claim 13, wherein: The roof side rail includes a flange portion connected to the main rail extension member and has a closed cross-section in a square shape.

15. The connection structure according to claim 14, wherein: The variable portion reinforcement unit includes a pillar extension member connected to a lower portion of the variable portion center pillar and connected to a variable portion floor panel.

16. The connection structure according to claim 15, further comprising: A floor extension member is connected to the variable portion cross member arranged on the variable portion floor panel and is connected to the pillar extension member.

17. The connection structure according to claim 12, further comprising: A fixing portion connecting member reinforcement unit mounted on a rear edge of the front body module; as well as A variable portion connecting member reinforcement unit is mounted on a front edge of the rear body module.

18. A vehicle comprising: A vehicle body, comprising a lower vehicle body and an upper vehicle body coupled to the lower vehicle body, wherein the upper vehicle body comprises: a front vehicle body module including a fixing portion coupled to a front portion of the lower vehicle body; a rear body module having a predetermined shape and including a variable portion detachably coupled to a rear portion of the lower body and a rear portion of the front body module, the rear body module comprising: a variable portion roof rail connected to a front edge of the rear body module; a variable portion roof panel connected to the variable portion roof beam; a variable center pillar connected to a front edge of the rear body module; and a variable portion cover plate connected to the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel and the variable portion center pillar; a plurality of fixing portion connectors mounted on a rear edge of the front body module; and A plurality of variable portion connecting members are mounted on the variable portion roof beam and the variable portion center pillar, wherein the variable portion connecting members are connected to the fixed portion connecting members.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein: The front body module comprises: A fixed portion roof beam and a fixed portion center pillar connected to the rear edge of the front body module; a fixed portion roof panel connected to the fixed portion roof beam; and A fixed portion cover plate is connected to the fixed portion roof beam, the fixed portion roof panel and the fixed portion center pillar.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein: The variable portion connecting member is installed on the inner side of the variable portion closed section defined by the variable portion roof beam, the variable portion roof panel, the variable portion center pillar and the variable portion cover panel; The rear vehicle body module further includes: a plurality of variable portion bulkheads installed at an inner side of the variable portion closing section and connected to the variable portion connecting member at an inner side of the variable portion closing section; The variable section bulkhead is connected to the variable section roof beam, the variable section roof panel, and the variable section cover panel at the upper side of the rear body module, and is connected to the variable section center pillar and the variable section cover panel at the side of the rear body module; The fixing part connecting member is installed on the fixing part cover plate outside the fixing part closed section defined by the fixing part roof beam, the fixing part roof plate, the fixing part center pillar and the fixing part cover plate; The front vehicle body module further includes: a plurality of fixing portion partitions installed at the inner side of the fixing portion closing section and connected to the fixing portion connecting member; and The fixing portion bulkhead is connected to the fixing portion roof rail and the fixing portion cover at an upper side of the front vehicle body module, and is connected to the fixing portion center pillar and the fixing portion cover at a side of the front vehicle body module.

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