Vehicle having front and rear vehicle structures

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle having a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure. A vehicle includes a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure. The front vehicle structure includes a left first pillar and a right first pillar. The rear vehicle structure includes a left second pillar and a right second pillar. One of the left first post and the left second post defines a plurality of left channels. One of the right first post and the right second post defines a plurality of right channels. And a plurality of left interface bodies. Each left interface body is coupled to the other of the left first post and the left second post and received in a respective left channel. And a plurality of right interface bodies. Each right interface body is coupled to the other of the right first post and the right second post and received in a respective right channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle having a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Conventional vehicle assembly processes are typically linear processes that involve sequentially building a vehicle body structure, known as a body-in-white, subsequently painting the vehicle body structure, and then involving securing vehicle components (such as a powertrain assembly, a suspension assembly, and an instrument panel assembly) to the vehicle structure (e.g., a unibody structure) as the vehicle structure moves along an assembly line. Assembly of vehicle components to the vehicle structure may be slowed due to limited access to the vehicle structure at various points along the assembly line.

[0004] The present disclosure addresses these problems associated with accessing a vehicle structure to secure vehicle components thereto as the vehicle structure moves along an assembly line. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left interface bodies, a plurality of right interface bodies, a plurality of left attachment structures and a plurality of right attachment structures. The front vehicle structure comprises a left first column and a right first column. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening, and comprises a left second column that partially defines the left door opening and a right second column that partially defines the right door opening. One of the left first column and the left second column defines a plurality of left channels. One of the right first column and the right second column defines a plurality of right channels. Each left interface body is coupled to the other of the left first column and the left second column and is received in a corresponding left channel in the plurality of left channels, so that the left second column is outside the left first column, and the left interface body prevents the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column. Each right interface body is coupled to the other of the right first column and the right second column and received in a corresponding right channel of the plurality of right channels so that the right second column is outboard of the right first column and the right interface body prevents the right second column from moving further outboard relative to the right first column. Each left attachment structure at least partially extends through the left first column and the left second column to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other. Each right attachment structure at least partially extends through the right first column and the right second column to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

[0007] In a variation of the vehicle of the above paragraphs that may be implemented individually or in any combination: each left attachment structure includes a plurality of first fasteners that extend at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; each right attachment structure includes a plurality of second fasteners that extend at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; each left attachment structure includes: a first elongated stud plate having a first elongated stud plate extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar The second post has a first stud and a second stud having a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein the first stud has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, and the second stud has a second outer surface and a second outer surface. The stud plate is received in the first elongated groove so that the first elongated stud plate is flush with the first outer surface, and the second elongated stud plate is received in the second elongated groove so that the second elongated stud plate is flush with the second outer surface; each of the plurality of left interface bodies includes a first end and a second end, the first end is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the second end, and each left interface body tapers from the second end toward the first end; each of the plurality of right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end, the third end is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, and each right interface body tapers from the fourth end toward the third end The end is tapered; one of the multiple left interface bodies is located near the upper part of the left first pillar, and another left interface body of the multiple left interface bodies is located near the lower part of the left first pillar; each of the multiple left interface bodies includes multiple sides, and at least one of the multiple sides has an adhesive coating; one or more vehicle components are fixed to the front vehicle structure; the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front motor and a front subframe; one or more vehicle components are fixed to the rear vehicle structure; and the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe and a battery pack.

[0008] In another vehicle, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, a left attachment structure and a right attachment structure. The front vehicle structure comprises a left first column and a right first column. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening, and comprises a left second column that partially defines the left door opening and a right second column that partially defines the right door opening. The left second column defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second column defines a plurality of right channels. Each left tapered interface body is coupled to the left first column and received in a corresponding left channel among the plurality of left channels, so that the left second column is outside the left first column, and the left tapered interface body prevents the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column. Each right tapered interface body is coupled to the right first column and received in a corresponding right channel among the plurality of right channels, so that the right second column is outside the right first column, and the right tapered interface body prevents the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column. The left attachment structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other. The right attachment structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

[0009] In a variation of the vehicle of the above paragraphs that may be implemented individually or in any combination: the left attachment structure further comprises a first elongated stud plate having a first stud extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the left first pillar and the left second pillar; the right attachment structure comprises a second elongated stud plate having a second stud extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the right first pillar and the right second pillar; the first stud and the second stud have an adhesive coating; one or more vehicle components are secured to the front vehicle structure; the one or more vehicle components comprise a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front motor and a front subframe; one or more vehicle components are secured to the rear vehicle structure; and the one or more vehicle components comprise a rear motor, a rear subframe and a battery pack.

[0010] In another vehicle, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a front vehicle structure, a rear vehicle structure, a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, a left attachment structure and a right attachment structure. The front vehicle structure comprises a left first column and a right first column. The rear vehicle structure defines a left door opening and a right door opening, and comprises a left second column that partially defines the left door opening and a right second column that partially defines the right door opening. The left second column defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second column defines a plurality of right channels. Each left tapered interface body is coupled to the left first column and received in a corresponding left channel among the plurality of left channels, so that the left second column is outside the left first column, and the left tapered interface body prevents the left second column from moving further outward relative to the left first column. Each right tapered interface body is coupled to the right first column and received in a corresponding right channel among the plurality of right channels, so that the right second column is outside the right first column, and the right tapered interface body prevents the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column. The left attachment structure includes a first elongated stud plate and a first fastener. The first elongated stud plate has a first stud extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the left first column and the left second column. The first fastener extends at least partially through the left first column and the left second column to further fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other. The right attachment structure includes a second elongated stud plate and a second fastener. The second elongated stud plate has a second stud extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the right first column and the right second column. The second fastener extends at least partially through the right first column and the right second column to further fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other. One or more first vehicle components are fixed to the front vehicle structure. The one or more first vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front motor, and a front subframe. One or more second vehicle components are fixed to the rear vehicle structure. The one or more second vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle including a front vehicle structure and a rear vehicle structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a front vehicle structure of a vehicle with vehicle components removed for clarity;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a side view of a front vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle component is secured to the front vehicle structure;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a front vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle component is secured to the front vehicle structure;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a rear vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle component is secured to the rear vehicle structure;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a side view of a rear vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein a vehicle component is secured to the rear vehicle structure;

[0019] Fig. 7A yes Figure 1 part of the front vehicle structure and Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rear vehicle structure;

[0020] Figure 7B yes Figure 1 A portion of the front vehicle structure is coupled to Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of a rear vehicle structure;

[0021] Figure 8 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A portion of the front vehicle structure is coupled to Figure 1 a perspective view of an interface block of a portion of a rear vehicle structure;

[0022] Fig.9A yes Figure 1 A portion of the front vehicle structure is coupled to Figure 1 A portion of the rear vehicle structure along Figure 7B A cross-sectional view taken along line 9A-9A shown in FIG. 1 and showing the interface block partially received in the channel of the rear vehicle structure;

[0023] Fig. 9B is similar to Fig.9A A cross-sectional view showing the interface block fully received in the Figure 1 in the channel of the rear vehicle structure; and

[0024] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10CAccording to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 1 The front vehicle structure and Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear vehicle structures assembled to each other.

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle 10 such as an electric vehicle is provided. In the example provided, the electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other examples, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle. In other examples, the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine.

[0028] Additional references Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Fig. 7A , the vehicle 10 includes a front vehicle structure 12 ( Figure 2 and Fig. 7A )、rear vehicle structure 14( Figure 5 and Fig. 7A ), multiple left interface bodies or blocks 16 (in Figure 2 and Fig. 7A ), a plurality of right interface bodies (not shown), a left attachment structure 20 ( Fig. 7A ) and a right attachment structure (not shown). The front vehicle structure 12 is located closer to the front of the vehicle 10 than the rear vehicle structure 14 and is coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14 as described in more detail below. In one example, the front vehicle structure 12 is manufactured using a plurality of stamped parts that are secured to each other, such as by welding, adhesives, or fasteners. In another example, the front vehicle structure 12 is manufactured using a casting process. Reference Figure 2 The front vehicle structure 12 includes, among other things, a pair of hinge pillars 24a, 24b, a pair of inner longitudinal beams 26a, 26b, a pair of upper longitudinal beams 28a, 28b, and a bumper (not shown). Each inner longitudinal beam 26a, 26b extends from a lower portion of the corresponding hinge pillar 24a, 24b to the bumper. Each inner longitudinal beam 26a, 26b may also be arcuate and surrounds the front wheels 25 ( Figure 1) and form a part of the corresponding front wheel well. The upper side members 28a, 28b are positioned above the pair of inner side members 26a, 26b and extend from the upper portions of the corresponding hinge pillars 24a, 24b toward the front of the vehicle 10. The bumper extends in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and is fixed to the front ends of the pair of inner side members 26a, 26b.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a front subframe 30 is positioned below the front vehicle structure 12 and is secured to a pair of inner longitudinal beams 26a, 26b of the front vehicle structure 12. The front subframe 30 may support one or more components of the vehicle 10, such as a front motor 31 ( Figure 4 ) and the front suspension components 32. The front motor 31 is powered by a battery pack (not specifically shown) to selectively drive the front wheels 25 ( Figure 1 ; only one wheel is shown in the figure). The front suspension components 32 provide a smooth ride by absorbing the energy of various road bumps while driving. The front suspension components 32 may include, for example, upper and lower control arms, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and ball joints. It should also be understood that other components may be coupled to the front vehicle structure 12, such as an instrument panel structure 35 and electronic devices (e.g., inverters, AC-DC converters, and DC-DC converters). Reference Fig. 7A Each hinge pillar 24a, 24b includes a plurality of first apertures 38a extending therethrough and a plurality of second apertures 38b extending therethrough.

[0030] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig. 7A , the rear vehicle structure 14 includes a rocker 40, a roof rail 42, and a plurality of pillars (e.g., a pair of front pillars 44a, a pair of center pillars 44b, a pair of rear pillars 44c, and a pair of hinge pillars 44d, 44e). The rocker 40 extends longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and may be configured to mount a battery pack (not specifically shown) to the rear vehicle structure 14. Each rocker 40 is made of a metal material such as aluminum and may be fixed to a corresponding side of the battery pack using, for example, fasteners, adhesives, welding, or any other suitable attachment means.

[0031] Each roof rail 42 is positioned on one side of the rear vehicle structure 14 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Each roof rail 42 includes one or more structural members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Each front pillar 44a extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and extends downward from the corresponding roof rail 42 to the corresponding hinge pillars 44d, 44e. Each center pillar 44b extends in the vertical direction from the corresponding roof rail 42 to the corresponding rocker 40. Each rear pillar 44c extends from the end of the corresponding roof rail 42 toward the rear of the vehicle 10. The front pillar 44a, the center pillar 44b, the hinge pillars 44d, 44e, the rocker 40 and the roof rail 42 cooperate to define a door opening 50 in the rear vehicle structure 14. The door 51 ( Figure 1 ) is rotatably coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14 and is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the door 51 is disposed within the door opening 50 and in which the door 51 is removed from the door opening 50.

[0032] refer to Fig. 7A , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the hinge column 44d is in the vertical direction ( Fig. 7A ) extends from the end of the corresponding front pillar 44a to the end of the corresponding rocker 40. In the example shown, the hinge pillar 44d has an outer side 58a facing away from the front vehicle structure 12 (e.g., in the outboard direction) when the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are coupled to each other, and an inner side 58b facing the front vehicle structure 12 (e.g., in the inboard direction) when the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are coupled to each other. The hinge pillar 44d includes an outer surface 52 at the outer side 58a, the outer surface having an elongated groove or recess 54 ( Fig.9A ). In some forms, the hinge post 44d may not include the elongated recess 54 formed therein. The hinge post 44d includes a plurality of channels 60 formed therein at the inner side 58b, the plurality of channels being configured to receive corresponding interface blocks 16, as will be described in more detail below. The openings 61 may communicate with corresponding channels 60 formed in the hinge post 44d and may open to the inner side 58b.

[0033] refer to Fig.9A, the hinge pillar 44d includes one or more first holes 56a extending therethrough and one or more second holes 56b extending therethrough. When the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are coupled to each other, each of the first holes 56a is horizontally aligned with the first hole 36a of the corresponding hinge pillar 24a. Similarly, when the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are coupled to each other, each of the second holes 56b is horizontally aligned with the second hole 36b of the corresponding hinge pillar 24a, 24b. At least one of the first holes 56a and at least one of the second holes 56b are located in an elongated recess 54 formed in the hinge pillar 24 (i.e., the holes 56a, 56b open into the elongated recess 54). In some forms, at least one of the first holes 56a and at least one of the second holes 56b may also be located in a recess 55 formed in the corresponding rocker 40. In the example shown, the recess 54 of the hinge pillar 24 and the recess 55 of the rocker 40 cooperate to form a T-shape. The structure and function of the hinge pillar 44e may be similar or identical to that of the hinge pillar 44d and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The rear subframe 70 is fixed to the rear vehicle structure 14 and can support one or more components of the vehicle 10, such as a rear motor 71 that can also be coupled to the rear vehicle structure 14. The rear motor 71 is powered by a battery pack (not specifically shown) to selectively drive the rear wheels 25 ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the figure). It should also be understood that other components can be connected to the rear vehicle structure 14, such as a vehicle floor (not shown), rear suspension components, and a battery pack. The vehicle floor can support one or more vehicle seats 72 or multiple rows of seats. The rear suspension components provide a smooth ride by absorbing the energy of various road bumps while driving. The rear suspension components may include, for example, upper and lower control arms, springs, shock absorbers, struts, and ball joints. The battery pack may be rechargeable and may include lithium-ion batteries or any other suitable power storage unit. The battery pack may be disposed in and mounted to various locations of the rear vehicle structure 14. In this way, the battery pack is supported by the rear vehicle structure 14 and is away from the passenger compartment (not shown) and cargo compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and therefore, does not occupy space that could otherwise be used for passengers or cargo.

[0035] refer to Fig. 7A , Figure 8 , Fig. 9B , the plurality of left interface bodies 16 are connected to the hinge pillar 24a ( Fig. 7A and Fig. 9B) and are spaced apart from each other. In the example shown, the plurality of left interface bodies 16 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction. In some forms, the left interface bodies 16 may not be vertically aligned with each other (i.e., the left interface bodies 16 may be offset from each other). In some configurations, for example, the left interface bodies 16 are fixed to the hinge pillar 24a using mechanical fasteners (such as bolts, rivets and / or screws). In other configurations, the front vehicle structure 12 can be manufactured using a casting process so that the left interface bodies 16 are integrally formed as part of the front vehicle structure 12. Each left interface body 16 is received in a corresponding channel 60 of the hinge pillar 44d, as will be described in more detail below, so that the hinge pillar 44d is outboard of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, and the left interface body 16 prevents the hinge pillar 44d from moving further outboard relative to the hinge pillar 24a.

[0036] refer to Figure 8 , each left interface body 16 includes a main body portion 76 and a flange portion 78 fixed to the main body portion 76. The main body portion 76 is fixed to the hinge pillar 24a and has a first end 79a and a second end 79b. The first end 79a is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle 10 than the second end 79b. In the example shown, the main body portion 76 tapers from the second end 79b toward the first end 79a (that is, the width of the second end 79b is greater than the width of the first end 79a). The main body portion 76 includes a plurality of side surfaces 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e. At least a portion of one of the plurality of side surfaces 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e may include an adhesive coating 81. In the example shown, at least a portion of the side surface 80a and the side surface 80b includes an adhesive coating 81, but without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the side surfaces 80c, 80d and 80e may also include an adhesive coating. The plurality of right interface bodies (not shown) are coupled to the hinge pillar 24b. The structure and function of the right interface body are similar or identical to the structure and function of the left interface body 16 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0037] refer to Fig. 7A and Fig. 9B, the left attachment structure 20 extends at least partially through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 to each other. In the example shown, the left attachment structure 20 includes a stud plate 84 and a plurality of fasteners 86. In the example shown, the stud plate 84 has a T-shape and has a square cross-section. In other forms, the stud plate 84 may have a different shape (e.g., an I-shape) and may have a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, or a cross-section of any other suitable shape. The stud plate 84 includes a vertical portion 84a disposed within a recess 54 in the hinge pillar 44d and a horizontal portion 84b disposed within a recess 55 in the lower side rail 40. In this manner, the stud plate 84 is flush with the outer surface 52 of the hinge pillar 44d ( Fig. 9B ).

[0038] The stud plate 84 also includes a plurality of studs 84c extending therefrom and at least partially through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and through the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14. In other words, the studs 84c extend through the first holes 56a of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 and at least partially through the first holes 38a of the hinge pillar 24 of the front vehicle structure 12. In the example shown, the surface of the studs 84c includes an adhesive coating. The fasteners 86 extend through the stud plate 84, through the second holes 56b of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14, and through the second holes 38b of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, thereby further securing the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 to each other. The nuts 85 may be secured to the fasteners 86. In some forms, the stud plate 84 may be omitted from the left attachment structure 20, and the left attachment structure 20 may include only fasteners that extend through the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 and through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12. The structure and function of the right attachment structure are similar or identical to the structure and function of the left attachment structure 20 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0039] refer to Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , the assembly of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 with each other will be described in detail. Fig. 10A , the rear vehicle structure 14 is positioned adjacent to the front vehicle structure 12, and the front and rear vehicle structures 12, 14 are aligned with each other along the X direction. The front vehicle structure 12 may include one or more vehicle components secured thereto as described above, and the rear vehicle structure 14 may include one or more vehicle components secured thereto as described above.

[0040] Then, if Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , one of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 is moved toward the other of the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 so that the left interface block 16 is received in the corresponding channel 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14 ( Fig. 9B ), and the right interface block (not shown) is received in the corresponding channel 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14. It should be understood that when the left interface block 16 is partially received in the corresponding channel 60 ( Fig.9A ), there is a gap between the hinge posts 24a, 44d, and when the right interface block is received in the corresponding channel 60, there is a gap between the hinge posts 24b, 44e. Once the left interface block 16 is fully received in the corresponding channel 60 ( Fig. 9B ), the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 engages the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12, and the adhesive coating on the left interface block 16 fills the space between the left interface block 16 and the hinge pillar 44d. Similarly, once the right interface block is fully received in the corresponding channel 60, the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 engages the hinge pillar 24b of the front vehicle structure 12, and the adhesive coating on the right interface block fills the space between the right interface block and the hinge pillar 44e.

[0041] A pair of guide pins (not specifically shown) extend rearwardly from the pair of hinge pillars 24 of the front vehicle structure 12 toward the rear vehicle structure 14, and when the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are moved toward each other, the pair of guide pins are received in corresponding grooves (not shown) of the rear vehicle structure 14. In this way, the pair of guide pins align the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 with each other in the Z direction before the left interface block 16 is received in the corresponding channel 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14 and the right interface block (not shown) is received in the corresponding channel 60 of the rear vehicle structure 14.

[0042] Then, if Fig. 9B and Fig. 10C As shown in the figure, the left attachment structure 20 at least partially extends through the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 to each other. Similarly, the right attachment structure (not shown) at least partially extends through the hinge pillar 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 and the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 to secure the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 to each other. Once the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 are secured to each other, the door 51 ( Figure 1 ) is fixed to the rear vehicle structure 14, and the body panel 96 ( Figure 1) are secured to the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14. The body panel 96 covers the left attachment structure 20 and the right attachment structure (not shown) so that they are hidden from view from the exterior of the vehicle 10.

[0043] A sealing member (not shown) may be coupled to (e.g., bonded to) respective hinge pillars 24a, 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 and, when the front and rear vehicle structures are secured to one another, engage respective hinge pillars 44d, 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14 to prevent fluid and debris from entering an area including the left block 16 and left attachment structure 20 and a right block (not shown) and right attachment structure (not shown).

[0044] The vehicle 10 of the present disclosure provides a front vehicle structure 12 and a rear vehicle structure 14 that are secured to one another at hinge pillars 24a, 24b, 44e, 44d after each vehicle structure 12, 14 has been assembled. That is, during the assembly process, the front vehicle structure 12 can be approached from multiple sides and areas to secure one or more vehicle components thereto. Similarly, during the assembly process, the rear vehicle structure 14 can be approached from multiple sides and areas to secure one or more vehicle components thereto. After the front vehicle structure 12 and the rear vehicle structure 14 have been assembled, as described above, the front structure 12 and the rear structure 14 are conveniently secured to one another. In this way, the assembly process of the vehicle 10 is enhanced. It should be understood that although the present disclosure describes the left interface block 16 as being part of the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 and the channel 60 formed in the hinge pillar 44e of the rear structure 14, one, more than one, or all of the left interface blocks 16 may be part of the hinge pillar 44d of the rear vehicle structure 14, and the corresponding channel 60 may be formed in the hinge pillar 24a of the front vehicle structure 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, one, more than one, or all of the right interface blocks (not shown) may be part of the hinge pillar 44e of the rear vehicle structure 14, and the corresponding channel may be formed in the hinge pillar 24b of the front vehicle structure 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics when describing the scope of the present disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are desirable for a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0046] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0047] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which comprises: a front vehicle structure, the front vehicle structure comprising a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure, the rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening and comprising a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein one of the left first pillar and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and wherein one of the right first pillar and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels; a plurality of left interface bodies, wherein each left interface body is connected to the other of the left first pillar and the left second pillar and is received in a corresponding left channel of the plurality of left channels, so that the left second pillar is outside the left first pillar and the left interface body blocks the The left second column moves further outward relative to the left first column; a plurality of right interface bodies, each of which is connected to the other of the right first column and the right second column and is received in a corresponding right channel among the plurality of right channels, so that the right second column is outside the right first column and the right interface body prevents the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column; a plurality of left attachment structures, each of which at least partially extends through the left first column and the left second column to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; and a plurality of right attachment structures, each of which at least partially extends through the right first column and the right second column to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

[0049] According to an embodiment: each left attachment structure includes a plurality of first fasteners, which at least partially extend through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; and each right attachment structure includes a plurality of second fasteners, which at least partially extend through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

[0050] According to an embodiment: each left attachment structure includes: a first slender stud plate, the first slender stud plate having a first stud extending from it and at least partially passing through the left first column and the left second column, and a first fastener, the first fastener extending at least partially through the left first column and the left second column; and each right attachment structure includes: a second slender stud plate, the second slender stud plate having a second stud extending from it and at least partially passing through the right first column and the right second column, and a second fastener, the second fastener extending at least partially through the right first column and the right second column.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the first stud and the second stud have an adhesive coating.

[0052] According to an embodiment: the left second column has a first outer surface, in which a first elongated groove is formed; the right second column has a second outer surface, in which a second elongated groove is formed; the first elongated stud plate is received in the first elongated groove so that the first elongated stud plate is flush with the first outer surface; and the second elongated stud plate is received in the second elongated groove so that the second elongated stud plate is flush with the second outer surface.

[0053] According to an embodiment: each of the multiple left interface bodies includes a first end and a second end, the first end is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the second end, and each left interface body tapers from the second end toward the first end; and each of the multiple right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end, the third end is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, and each right interface body tapers from the fourth end toward the third end.

[0054] According to an embodiment, one left interface body among the plurality of left interface bodies is located near an upper portion of the left first column, and another left interface body among the plurality of left interface bodies is located near a lower portion of the left first column.

[0055] According to an embodiment, each left interface body of the plurality of left interface bodies comprises a plurality of side surfaces, wherein at least one side surface of the plurality of side surfaces has an adhesive coating.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the invention also features one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, a dashboard structure, a front motor, and a front subframe.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the invention also features one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0060] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a front vehicle structure, the front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure, the rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels; a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, wherein each left tapered interface body is coupled to the left first pillar and is received in a corresponding left channel of the plurality of left channels, so that the left second pillar is outside the left first pillar and the left tapered interface body prevents the left second pillar from moving further outward relative to the left first pillar; a plurality of right tapered interface bodies a mouth body, wherein each right conical interface body is connected to the right first column and is received in a corresponding right channel among the plurality of right channels, so that the right second column is outside the right first column and the right conical interface body prevents the right second column from moving further outward relative to the right first column; a left attachment structure, the left attachment structure comprising a plurality of first fasteners, the plurality of first fasteners at least partially extending through the left first column and the left second column to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; and a right attachment structure, the right attachment structure comprising a plurality of second fasteners, the plurality of second fasteners at least partially extending through the right first column and the right second column to fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

[0061] According to an embodiment: the left attachment structure also includes a first slender stud plate, which has a first stud extending from it and at least partially passing through the left first column and the left second column; and the right attachment structure includes a second slender stud plate, which has a second stud extending from it and at least partially passing through the right first column and the right second column.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the first stud and the second stud have an adhesive coating.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the invention also features one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, a dashboard structure, a front motor, and a front subframe.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the invention also features one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

[0067] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a front vehicle structure, the front vehicle structure including a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure, the rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels; a plurality of left tapered interface bodies, wherein each left tapered interface body is coupled to the left first pillar and is received in a corresponding left channel among the plurality of left channels, so that the left second pillar is outside the left first pillar and the left tapered interface body prevents the left second pillar from moving further outward relative to the left first pillar; a plurality of right tapered interface bodies, wherein each right tapered interface body is coupled to the right first pillar and is received in a corresponding right channel among the plurality of right channels, so that the right second pillar is outside the right first pillar and the right tapered interface body prevents the right second pillar from moving further outward relative to the right first pillar; a left attachment structure , the left attachment structure includes a first elongated stud plate and a first fastener, the first elongated stud plate having a first column extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the left first column and the left second column, the first fastener extending at least partially through the left first column and the left second column to further fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; a right attachment structure, the right attachment structure includes a second elongated stud plate and a second fastener, the second elongated stud plate having a second column extending therefrom and at least partially passing through the right first column and the right second column, the second fastener extending at least partially through the right first column and the right second column to further fix the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; one or more first vehicle components fixed to the front vehicle structure, the one or more first vehicle components including a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front motor and a front subframe; and one or more second vehicle components fixed to the rear vehicle structure, the one or more second vehicle components including a rear motor, a rear subframe and a battery pack.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a front vehicle structure, the front vehicle structure comprising a left first pillar and a right first pillar; a rear vehicle structure defining a left door opening and a right door opening and including a left second pillar partially defining the left door opening and a right second pillar partially defining the right door opening, wherein one of the left first pillar and the left second pillar defines a plurality of left channels, and wherein one of the right first pillar and the right second pillar defines a plurality of right channels; a plurality of left interface bodies, wherein each left interface body is coupled to the other of the left first post and the left second post and is received in a corresponding left channel of the plurality of left channels such that the left second post is outboard of the left first post and the left interface body prevents the left second post from further outboard movement relative to the left first post; a plurality of right interface bodies, wherein each right interface body is coupled to the other of the right first post and the right second post and is received in a corresponding right channel of the plurality of right channels such that the right second post is outboard of the right first post and the right interface body prevents the right second post from further outboard movement relative to the right first post; at least one left attachment structure, each left attachment structure extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other; as well as At least one right attachment structure, each right attachment structure extends at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each left attachment structure includes a plurality of first fasteners extending at least partially through the left first pillar and the left second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein each right attachment structure includes a plurality of second fasteners extending at least partially through the right first pillar and the right second pillar to secure the front vehicle structure and the rear vehicle structure to each other.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: Each left attachment structure includes: a first elongated stud plate having a first stud extending therefrom and at least partially through the left first post and the left second post, and a first fastener extending at least partially through the left first post and the left second post; and Each right attachment structure includes a second elongated stud plate having a second stud extending therefrom and at least partially through the right first post and the right second post, and a second fastener extending at least partially through the right first post and the right second post.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the first stud and the second stud have an adhesive coating.

6. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein: The left second post has a first outer surface having a first elongated recess formed therein, and the first elongated stud plate is received in the first elongated recess such that the first elongated stud plate is flush with the first outer surface.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4 or 6, wherein: The right second post has a second outer surface having a second elongated recess formed therein, and the second elongated stud plate is received in the second elongated recess such that the second elongated stud plate is flush with the second outer surface.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of left interface bodies comprises a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the second end, and each left interface body tapers from the second end toward the first end.

9. A vehicle as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein each of the multiple right interface bodies includes a third end and a fourth end, the third end is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the fourth end, and each right interface body tapers from the fourth end toward the third end.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near an upper portion of the left first pillar, and another of the plurality of left interface bodies is located near a lower portion of the left first pillar.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of left interface bodies comprises a plurality of sides, wherein at least one of the plurality of sides has an adhesive coating.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising one or more vehicle components secured to the front vehicle structure.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the one or more vehicle components include a front suspension assembly, an instrument panel structure, a front motor, and a front subframe.

14. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising one or more vehicle components secured to the rear vehicle structure.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the one or more vehicle components include a rear motor, a rear subframe, and a battery pack.

Images