Body body joining structure

Abstract

An embodiment of a vehicle body joint structure includes: a front vehicle body module fixed to a front portion of a lower vehicle body, where the front vehicle body module is a fixed portion; a rear vehicle body module detachably coupled to the front vehicle body module and a rear portion of the lower vehicle body, in which the rear vehicle body module is a variable portion having any one of a plurality of predetermined shapes; a fixed part joining beam connected to the front body module; a variable part joining beam connected to the rear body module; and an engaging unit in the form of a block, in which the fixed part engaging beam and the variable part engaging beam are inserted into the block in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the engaging unit is fastened to the fixed part engaging beam and the variable part engaging beam.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0180571, filed on December 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle body. Specifically, it relates to a joining structure of a vehicle body. Background Art

[0004] Recently, the automotive industry is introducing a new concept regarding the future mobility vision for realizing a human-centered dynamic future city. One of these future mobility solutions is a Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) as a purpose-based mobility solution.

[0005] An example of a PBV can be an environmentally friendly mobile vehicle based on an electric vehicle (EV). The PBV can provide various customized services to users during the movement from a starting point to an ending point in an unmanned autonomous driving method.

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

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

[0008] The PBV can be used only as a hailing vehicle or a delivery vehicle, but if the user can change its use, the usage time of the vehicle can be significantly increased.

[0009] In other words, if the use of the vehicle can be easily changed, the front passenger cabin (including the driver's seat of the upper vehicle body) and the lower vehicle body are manufactured in a general configuration, and if the rear part of the upper vehicle body is configured to be easily replaceable, the usability of the vehicle can be increased while reducing costs.

[0010] The content described in this background art section is for enhancing the understanding of the background of the embodiments of the present invention and may include content other than known prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a vehicle body. The specific implementation relates to a joining structure that can be applied to the production of various types of vehicle bodies.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a joining structure for a vehicle body that can be easily transformed into various types of vehicle bodies to increase the usability of PBVs.

[0013] The joining structure of a vehicle body according to an embodiment may include: a front body module as a fixing part fixed to the front part of a lower body; a rear body module as a variable part having a predetermined shape that can be detached from the front body module and the rear part of the lower body; a fixing part joining beam connected to the front body module; a variable part joining beam connected to the rear body module; and a joining unit in the form of a block, wherein the fixing part joining beam and the variable part joining beam are inserted into the joining unit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and joined to the fixing part joining beam and the variable part joining beam.

[0014] Each of the fixing part joining beam and the variable part joining beam may include: a body fastening part having a closed cross-section; and a block fastening part extending in a rib shape from the body fastening part to fit into the joining unit and join with the joining unit.

[0015] The joining unit may include: a main joining block connecting the fixing part joining beam and the variable part joining beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a corner joining block connecting one end of the fixing part joining beam and one end of the variable part joining beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0016] The main joining block may be formed in an H-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0017] The main joining block may include main joining grooves formed on both sides of the main joining block and configured to cooperate with the block fastening part in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0018] The corner joining block may include: a first block part having an H-shaped cross-sectional shape that connects the end of the fixing part joining beam and the end of the variable part joining beam arranged along the vehicle width direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a second block part extending from the first block part to connect the end of the fixing part joining beam and the end of the variable part joining beam arranged along the vertical direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0019] The first block part may include first joining grooves formed on both sides along the vehicle width direction.

[0020] The second block part may include second joining grooves formed on both sides along the vertical direction.

[0021] The first block part may be fastened to the fixing part joining beam and the variable part joining beam in the vertical direction of the vehicle body by fastening members.

[0022] The second block portion can be fastened to the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam in the vehicle width direction by fastening members.

[0023] The fixed portion joint beam can be connected to the fixed portion side structure, the fixed portion roof structure, and the fixed portion floor structure of the front body module.

[0024] The variable portion joint beam can be connected to the variable portion side structure, the variable portion roof structure, and the variable portion floor structure of the rear body module.

[0025] The fixed portion roof structure can include a fixed portion roof side rail and a fixed portion roof panel member connected to each other.

[0026] The variable portion roof structure can include a variable portion roof side rail and a variable portion roof panel member connected to each other.

[0027] The body fastening portion can be fastened to the fixed portion roof side rail and the variable portion roof side rail by fastening members.

[0028] The main joint block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion roof side rail, the variable portion roof side rail, the fixed portion roof panel member, and the variable portion roof panel member can be fastened to each other by fastening members.

[0029] The roof weatherstrip can be installed on the roof flange portions formed on each of the fixed portion roof panel member and the variable portion roof panel member.

[0030] The roof molding member can be installed between the fixed portion roof panel member and the variable portion roof panel member.

[0031] The fixed portion floor structure can include a fixed portion floor panel member.

[0032] The variable portion floor structure can include a variable portion floor panel member.

[0033] The body fastening portion can be fastened to the fixed portion floor panel member and the variable portion floor panel member by fastening members.

[0034] The main joint block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion floor panel member, and the variable portion floor panel member can be fastened to each other by fastening members.

[0035] The floor weatherstrip can be installed on the floor flange portions formed on each of the fixed portion floor panel member and the variable portion floor panel member.

[0036] The lower cover plate can be connected to the fixed portion floor panel member and the variable portion floor panel member.

[0037] The fixed portion side structure can include a fixed portion pillar assembly.

[0038] The variable portion side structure can include a variable portion pillar assembly.

[0039] The body fastening portion can be fastened to the fixed portion strut assembly and the variable portion strut assembly along the vehicle width direction and the front-rear direction of the body by fastening members.

[0040] The main engagement block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion strut assembly, and the variable portion strut assembly can be fastened to each other along the vehicle width direction by fastening members.

[0041] The side weatherstrip can be installed on the side flange portions formed on each of the fixed portion strut assembly and the variable portion strut assembly.

[0042] The side molding member can be installed between the fixed portion strut assembly and the variable portion strut assembly.

[0043] In the body joint structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the PBV can be easily changed into various types of bodies to increase the usability of the PBV and reduce the manufacturing cost of the PBV.

[0044] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or expected due to the embodiments of the present invention will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the specific embodiments 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 embodiments to be described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] These drawings are only for reference when explaining the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the technical concept of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a body joint structure according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figures 2 to 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a body joint structure according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a fixed portion joint beam and a variable portion joint beam applied to a body joint structure according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a main engagement block of an engagement unit applied to a body joint structure according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 sectional view taken along line A-A.

[0051] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line B-B.

[0052] Figure 9is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 4 .

[0053] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a view showing a corner joint block of a joint unit of a joint structure applied to a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0054] The following reference numerals can be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to describe various features of embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] 1: Lower vehicle body 3: Upper vehicle body

[0056] 10: Front body module 10a: Fixed portion

[0057] 11: Fixed portion side structure 13: Fixed portion pillar assembly

[0058] 14, 44: Side flange portions 21: Fixed portion roof structure

[0059] 23: Fixed portion roof side rail 25: Fixed portion roof panel

[0060] 26, 56: Roof flange portions 31: Fixed portion floor structure

[0061] 33: Fixed portion floor panel 34, 64: Floor flange portions

[0062] 40: Rear body module 40a: Variable portion

[0063] 41: Variable portion side structure 43: Variable portion pillar assembly

[0064] 51: Variable portion roof structure 53: Variable portion roof side rail

[0065] 55: Variable portion roof panel 61: Variable portion floor structure

[0066] 63: Variable portion floor panel 100: Joint structure of vehicle body

[0067] 110: Fixed portion joint beam 111, 211: Vehicle body fastening portions

[0068] 113, 213: Closed cross-sections 131, 231: Block fastening portions

[0069] 210: Variable portion joint beam 310: Joint unit

[0070] 311: Main joint block 313: Main joint groove

[0071] 331: Corner joint block 351: First block portion

[0072] 353: First engaging groove 371: Second block portion

[0073] 373: Second engaging groove 411: Roof weatherstrip

[0074] 413: Roof molding member 431: Floor weatherstrip

[0075] 433: Lower cover plate 451: Side weatherstrip

[0076] 453: Side molding member

[0077] 511 - 513, 611 - 614, 711 - 715, 811 - 812: Fastening members

[0078] The accompanying drawings referred to above are not necessarily to scale, but are to be understood as presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features showing the basic principles of the embodiments of the present invention. The specific design features of the embodiments (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Detailed embodiments

[0079] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments of the present invention at all.

[0080] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0081] In addition, in the following detailed description, when components are in a similar relationship, the names of the components are divided into first, second, etc. to distinguish them, and the following description does not have to be limited to this order.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "comprise" and / or "include" indicate the presence of the specified features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but they may also include one or more other features, wholes, or steps. It should also be understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of elements, operations, components, and / or groups consisting of them.

[0083] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0084] In this specification, the term "connection" represents the physical relationship between two components, where the components are directly connected to each other by welding, riveting, self-piercing rivets (SPR), flow drill screws (FDS), structural adhesives, etc., or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components.

[0085] As used herein, "vehicle", "motor vehicle", "automobile", or other similar terms as used herein generally refer to passenger vehicles, sports cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles including passenger cars, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, PBVs based on electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., in addition to petroleum fuels derived from natural resources).

[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the joining structure of a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 , the vehicle body to which the joining structure 100 according to an embodiment can be applied can be used, for example, in a purpose-based mobile vehicle (purpose-built vehicle: hereinafter referred to as "PBV").

[0089] The PBV can be used as a life module vehicle based on an electric vehicle, which provides various customized services to users during the period of moving from the starting point to the destination.

[0090] For example, the PBV can be manufactured using a one-box design with a spacious interior space. In addition, the PBV can have facing-type seats applied to the interior space.

[0091] The vehicle body of the PBV is suitable for small-batch production of various vehicle types with a small number of parts and can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes.

[0092] In addition, the vehicle body of the PBV includes a lower vehicle body 1 of the skateboard type (which is also commonly referred to as "rolling chassis" or "chassis frame" by those skilled in the art) and an upper vehicle body 3 assembled to the lower vehicle body 1.

[0093] The lower vehicle body 1 can accommodate components such as a battery assembly and a drive motor. And the upper vehicle body 3 can be a body-in-white (BIW) body connected to the lower vehicle body 1 and can include a passenger compartment and a luggage compartment with a spacious interior space.

[0094] 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.

[0095] In addition, in this specification, the "upper end portion", "upper part", or "upper surface" of a component indicates the relatively upper end portion, part, or surface of the component in the figure, and the "lower end portion", "lower part", or "lower surface" of the component indicates the relatively lower end portion, part, or surface of the component in the figure.

[0096] In addition, in this specification, the end portion of a component (e.g., one end portion or the other (other) end portion, etc.) indicates the end portion of the component in any one direction, and the end portion part of the component (e.g., one end portion part) or the other (another) end portion part, etc.) indicates the part of the component including the end portion.

[0097] The joining structure 100 according to an embodiment is a structure in which the upper vehicle body 3 of various shapes and uses can be applied to the lower vehicle body 1 according to the customization service type of the PBV.

[0098] The joining structure 100 according to an embodiment includes the upper vehicle body 3 assembled to the lower vehicle body 1 and includes a front body module 10 and a rear body module 40.

[0099] Figures 2 to 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the joining structure of the vehicle body according to an embodiment. Figures 2 to 4 Shows one side of the vehicle body, the rear portion of the front body module 10, and the front portion of the rear body module 40.

[0100] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , in the embodiment, the front body module 10 includes a cab-style front compartment. The front body module 10 can be fixed to the front portion of the lower vehicle body 1.

[0101] The front body module 10 can be mounted to the front portion of the lower vehicle body 1 in the vertical direction via a body mounting unit known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The front body module 10 can be a fixing portion (fixing part) 10a fixed to the front portion of the lower vehicle body 1. The fixing portion 10a is a component connected to the lower vehicle body 1 and is a component that is not replaced even if the intended use of the vehicle changes.

[0102] The front body module 10 includes a fixing portion side structure 11, a fixing portion roof structure 21, and a fixing portion floor structure 31 that are connected to each other.

[0103] The fixed - side - part structure 11 is provided on both sides of the front - body module 10 in the vehicle width direction. The fixed - roof - part structure 21 connects the upper parts of the fixed - side - part structures 11 in the vehicle width direction. The fixed - floor - part structure 31 connects the lower parts of the fixed - side - part structures 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0104] The fixed - side - part structure 11 includes a fixed - pillar assembly 13. The fixed - roof - part structure 21 includes a fixed - roof side rail 23 and a fixed - roof panel member 25 that are connected to each other. In addition, the fixed - floor - part structure 31 includes a fixed - floor panel member 33.

[0105] The rear - body module 40 includes a rear passenger compartment or a luggage compartment. The rear - body module 40 can be connected to the rear part of the under - body 1.

[0106] The rear - body module 40 can be connected to the rear part of the under - body 1 via a body - mounting unit known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The rear - body module 40 is a replaceable (or detachable) component according to the intended use of the vehicle, and thus corresponds to a variable part (replaceable part) 40a.

[0107] The rear - body module 40 includes a variable - side - part structure 41, a variable - roof - part structure 51, and a variable - floor - part structure 61.

[0108] The variable - side - part structure 41 is provided on both sides of the rear - body module 40 in the vehicle width direction. The variable - roof - part structure 51 connects the upper parts of the variable - side - part structures 41 in the vehicle width direction. The variable - floor - part structure 61 connects the lower parts of the variable - side - part structures 41 in the vehicle width direction.

[0109] The variable - side - part structure 41 includes a variable - pillar assembly 43.

[0110] The variable - roof - part structure 51 includes a variable - roof side rail 53 and a variable - roof panel member 55 that are connected to each other.

[0111] The variable - floor - part structure 61 includes a variable - floor panel member 63.

[0112] The joining structure 100 according to an embodiment provides a structure that can be generally used for various vehicle types. Various vehicle types mean various configurations of the variable part 40a, such as a passenger vehicle as a tool for transporting passengers, a delivery vehicle for transporting goods, and a special vehicle such as an ambulance.

[0113] Reference Figures 2 to 4 According to an embodiment, the joining structure 100 includes a fixed - part joining beam 110, a variable - part joining beam 210, and a joining unit 310.

[0114] The fixed - part joining beam 110 is respectively connected to the fixed - part side structure 11, the fixed - part roof structure 21, and the fixed - part floor structure 31 of the front body module 10.

[0115] The fixed - part joining beam 110 is arranged in the fixed - part side structure 11 along the vertical direction, and is arranged in the fixed - part roof structure 21 and the fixed - part floor structure 31 along the vehicle width direction.

[0116] The variable - part joining beam 210 is respectively connected to the variable - part side structure 41, the variable - part roof structure 51, and the variable - part floor structure 61 of the rear body module 40.

[0117] The variable - part joining beam 210 is arranged in the variable - part side structure 41 along the vertical direction, and is arranged in the variable - part roof structure 51 and the variable - part floor structure 61 along the vehicle width direction.

[0118] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the fixed - part joining beam and the variable - part joining beam of the joining structure applied to the body according to the embodiment.

[0119] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , according to this embodiment, respectively, the fixed - part joining beam 110 includes a body fastening part 111 and a block fastening part 131, and the variable - part joining beam 210 includes a body fastening part 211 and a block fastening part 231.

[0120] The body fastening part 111 of the fixed - part joining beam 110 is connected to the fixed - part side structure 11, the fixed - part roof structure 21, and the fixed - part floor structure 31 of the front body module 10.

[0121] The body fastening part 211 of the variable - part joining beam 210 is connected to the variable - part side structure 41, the variable - part roof structure 51, and the variable - part floor structure 61 of the rear body module 40.

[0122] The body fastening part 111 and the body fastening part 211 respectively have a closed cross - section 113 and a closed cross - section 213 formed along the length direction. In one example, the closed cross - section 113 and the closed cross - section 213 can be formed into a rectangular cross - section shape.

[0123] The block fastening part 131 and the block fastening part 231 are configured to be fastened to the joining unit 310 described below. The block fastening part 131 and the block fastening part 231 respectively extend in a rib - like shape from the body fastening part 111 and the body fastening part 211, and can be fastened to the joining unit 310.

[0124] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the main joining block of the joining unit of the joining structure applied to the body according to the embodiment.

[0125] ReferenceFigures 2 to 6 , in an embodiment, the joining unit 310 is configured to connect the fixed - part joining beam 110 and the variable - part joining beam 210 along the front - rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0126] The fixed - part joining beam 110 and the variable - part joining beam 210 can be fastened to the joining unit 310 along the front - rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0127] The joining unit 310 includes a main joining block 311 and a corner joining block 331 (see Figure 10 ).

[0128] The main joining block 311 can connect the middle part of the fixed - part joining beam 110 and the middle part of the variable - part joining beam 210 along the front - rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0129] As Figure 6 shown, the main joining block 311 can be set as a block having an H - shaped cross - sectional shape. The main joining block 311 includes main joining grooves 313 formed on both sides.

[0130] The main joining grooves 313 can cooperate with the block fastening parts 131 of the fixed - part joining beam 110 and the block fastening parts 231 of the variable - part joining beam 210 along the front - rear direction of the vehicle body. And the main joining block 311 can be fastened to the block fastening parts 131, 231 fitted into the main joining grooves 313 with each other.

[0131] The corner joining block 331 can connect the corner of the fixed - part joining beam 110 and the corner of the variable - part joining beam 210 in the front - rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0132] The structure of the corner joining block 331 will be described in detail later.

[0133] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 7 to 9 the connection structure of the front - body module 10 and the rear - body module 40 applied to the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0134] Figure 7 is a cross - sectional view taken along line A - A of Figure 3 .

[0135] With reference to Figure 7 , in an embodiment, the fixed - part roof structure 21 of the front - body module 10 and the variable - part roof structure 51 of the rear - body module 40 can be connected along the front - rear direction of the vehicle body through the fixed - part joining beam 110, the variable - part joining beam 210, and the main joining block 311.

[0136] The vehicle - body fastening part 111 of the fixed - part joining beam 110 can be fastened to the fixed - part roof side beam 23 of the fixed - part roof structure 21 along the vertical direction of the vehicle body via a fastening member 511.

[0137] The vehicle body fastening portion 211 of the variable portion joining beam 210 can be fastened to the variable portion roof side beam 53 of the variable portion roof structure 51 in the vehicle body vertical direction via a fastening member 512.

[0138] The block fastening portion 131 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 and the block fastening portion 231 of the variable portion joining beam 210 are respectively inserted into the main joining groove 313 of the main joining block 311 in the vehicle body front-rear direction.

[0139] The main joining block 311 and the block fastening portions 131, 231 can be fastened to each other in the vehicle body vertical direction via a fastening member 513. The fastening member 513 is fastened to the fixed portion roof side beam 23 and the fixed portion roof panel member 25, and can be fastened to the variable portion roof side beam 53 and the variable portion roof panel member 55.

[0140] The fastening members 511, 512 and 513 can include a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0141] Respectively, a roof flange portion 26 is formed on the fixed portion roof panel member 25, a roof flange portion 56 is formed on the variable portion roof panel member 55, and a roof weatherstrip 411 is installed on the roof flange portion 26 and the roof flange portion 56.

[0142] A roof molding member 413 is installed between the fixed portion roof panel member 25 and the variable portion roof panel member 55.

[0143] The roof weatherstrip 411 and the roof molding member 413 are configured to seal between the fixed portion roof structure 21 and the variable portion roof structure 51. The roof molding member 413 can press on the roof weatherstrip 411.

[0144] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line B-B.

[0145] Refer to Figure 8 , in an embodiment, the fixed portion floor structure 31 of the front vehicle body module 10 and the variable portion floor structure 61 of the rear vehicle body module 40 can be connected in the vehicle body front-rear direction through the fixed portion joining beam 110, the variable portion joining beam 210 and the main joining block 311.

[0146] The vehicle body fastening portion 111 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 can be fastened to the fixed portion floor panel member 33 of the fixed portion floor structure 31 in the vehicle body vertical direction via a fastening member 611.

[0147] The vehicle body fastening portion 211 of the variable portion joining beam 210 can be fastened to the variable portion floor panel member 63 of the variable portion floor structure 61 in the vehicle body vertical direction via a fastening member 612.

[0148] The block fastening portion 131 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 and the block fastening portion 231 of the variable portion joining beam 210 are respectively inserted into the main joining groove 313 of the main joining block 311 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0149] The main joining block 311 and the block fastening portions 131 and 231 can be fastened to each other along the vertical direction of the vehicle body via the fastening member 613. The fastening member 613 can fasten the fixed portion bottom plate member 33 and the variable portion bottom plate member 63.

[0150] Respectively, a bottom plate flange portion 34 is formed on the fixed portion bottom plate member 33, a bottom plate flange portion 64 is formed on the variable portion bottom plate member 63, and a bottom plate weatherstrip 431 is installed on the bottom plate flange portions 34 and 64.

[0151] The lower cover plate 433 is connected to the fixed portion bottom plate member 33 and the variable portion bottom plate member 63. The lower cover plate 433 can be fastened to the fixed portion bottom plate member 33 and the variable portion bottom plate member 63 via the fastening member 614.

[0152] The bottom plate weatherstrip 431 and the lower cover plate 433 are configured to seal between the fixed portion bottom plate structure 31 and the variable portion bottom plate structure 61. The lower cover plate 433 can press the bottom plate weatherstrip 431.

[0153] The fastening members 611, 612, 613, and 614 can include a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0154] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line C-C.

[0155] Refer to Figure 9 , in one embodiment, the fixed portion side structure 11 of the front body module 10 and the variable portion side structure 41 of the rear body module 40 can be connected along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body by the fixed portion joining beam 110, the variable portion joining beam 210, and the main joining block 311.

[0156] The vehicle body fastening portion 111 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 can be fastened to the fixed portion pillar assembly 13 of the fixed portion side structure 11 along the vehicle width direction via the fastening member 711. The vehicle body fastening portion 111 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 can be fastened to the fixed portion pillar assembly 13 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body via the fastening member 712.

[0157] The vehicle body fastening portion 211 of the variable portion joining beam 210 can be fastened to the variable portion pillar assembly 43 of the variable portion side structure 41 along the vehicle width direction via the fastening member 713. The vehicle body fastening portion 211 of the variable portion joining beam 210 can be fastened to the variable portion pillar assembly 43 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body via the fastening member 714.

[0158] The block fastening portions 131 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 and the block fastening portions 231 of the variable portion joining beam 210 are respectively inserted into the main joining grooves 313 of the main joining block 311 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0159] The main joining block 311 and the block fastening portions 131, 231 can be fastened to each other in the vehicle width direction via a fastening member 715. The fastening member 715 is fastened to the fixed portion support assembly 13 and the variable portion support assembly 43.

[0160] The fastening members 711, 712, 713, 714, and 715 can include a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0161] Respectively, a side flange portion 14 is formed on the fixed portion support assembly 13, a side flange portion 44 is formed on the variable portion support assembly 43, and a side weatherstrip 451 is mounted on the side flange portions 14, 44.

[0162] A side molding member 453 is mounted between the fixed portion support assembly 13 and the variable portion support assembly 43.

[0163] The side weatherstrip 451 and the side molding member 453 are configured to seal between the fixed portion side structure 11 and the variable portion side structure 41. The side molding member 453 can press the side weatherstrip 451.

[0164] The reference numeral 11a denotes the front door assembly of the fixed portion side structure 11.

[0165] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a view showing a corner joining block of a joining unit of a joining structure applied to a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0166] Reference Figures 2 to 4 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 According to an embodiment, the corner joining block 331 includes a first block portion 351 and a second block portion 371.

[0167] The first block portion 351 is configured to connect the ends of the fixed portion joining beam 110 and the variable portion joining beam 210 arranged in the vehicle width direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The first block portion 351 can be provided as a block having an H-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0168] The first block portion 351 includes first joining grooves 353 formed on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The two first joining grooves 353 can respectively accommodate the block fastening portions 131, 231 of the fixed portion joining beam 110 and the variable portion joining beam 210 arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0169] The second block portion 371 is configured to connect the end portions of the fixed portion joint beam 110 and the variable portion joint beam 210 that are arranged along the vertical direction of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0170] The second block portion 371 extends from the first block portion 351 and may be provided as a block having an H-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second block portion 371 includes second joint grooves 373 formed in the vertical direction on both sides.

[0171] The second joint grooves 373 may cooperate with the block fastening portions 131, 231 of the fixed portion joint beam 110 and the variable portion joint beam 210 arranged in the vertical direction.

[0172] The first block portion 351 may be fastened to the block fastening portions 131, 231 of the fixed portion joint beam 110 and the variable portion joint beam 210 arranged in the vehicle width direction along the vertical direction of the vehicle body via fastening members 811.

[0173] The second block portion 371 may be fastened to the block fastening portions 131, 231 of the fixed portion joint beam 110 and the variable portion joint beam 210 arranged in the vertical direction along the vehicle width direction via fastening members 812.

[0174] The second block portion 371 may be configured in the vertical direction with respect to the first block portion 351.

[0175] The fastening members 811 and 812 may include a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0176] Hereinafter, the assembly process and operation of the joint structure 100 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail.

[0177] Reference Figures 1 to 11 , in the embodiment, a lower vehicle body 1 of the vehicle body is provided.

[0178] Moreover, a front vehicle body module 10 and a rear vehicle body module 40 are provided as an upper vehicle body 3 to be assembled to the lower vehicle body 1.

[0179] The front vehicle body module 10 includes a fixed portion side structure 11, a fixed portion roof structure 21, and a fixed portion floor structure 31. The rear vehicle body module 40 includes a variable portion side structure 41, a variable portion roof structure 51, and a variable portion floor structure 61.

[0180] In the front vehicle body module 10, the fixed portion joint beam 110 is fastened to each of the fixed portion side structure 11, the fixed portion roof structure 21, and the fixed portion floor structure 31.

[0181] In addition, in the rear vehicle body module 40, the variable portion joint beam 210 is fastened to each of the variable portion side structure 41, the variable portion roof structure 51, and the variable portion floor structure 61.

[0182] Respectively, the fixed part joint beam 110 includes a vehicle body fastening part 111 and a block fastening part 131, and the variable part joint beam 210 includes a vehicle body fastening part 211 and a block fastening part 231.

[0183] The vehicle body fastening part 111 of the fixed part joint beam 110 is fastened to the fixed part roof side beam 23 of the fixed part roof structure 21, the fixed part floor panel 33 of the fixed part floor structure 31, and the fixed part pillar assembly 13 of the fixed part side structure 11.

[0184] And the vehicle body fastening part 211 of the variable part joint beam 210 is fastened to the variable part roof side beam 53 of the variable part roof structure 51, the variable part floor panel 63 of the variable part floor structure 61, and the variable part pillar assembly 43 of the variable part side structure 41.

[0185] In this state, the front body module 10 is connected to the front part of the lower body 1 in the vertical direction. The front body module 10 can be configured to be fixed to the fixed part 10a at the front part of the lower body 1 through the vehicle body mounting unit.

[0186] A rear body module 40 having various shapes according to the intended use is provided on the rear part of the lower body 1.

[0187] The main joint block 311 and the corner joint block 331 of the joint unit 310 are provided. The corner joint block 331 includes a first block part 351 and a second block part 371 connected to each other.

[0188] The block fastening part 131 of the fixed part joint beam 110 and the block fastening part 231 of the variable part joint beam 210 are respectively inserted into the main joint groove 313 of the main joint block 311 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0189] At the same time, the block fastening parts 131 and 231 of the fixed part joint beam 110 and the variable part joint beam 210 arranged along the vehicle width direction are fitted into the first joint groove 353 of the first block part 351.

[0190] In addition, the block fastening parts 131 and 231 of the fixed part joint beam 110 and the variable part joint beam 210 arranged in the vertical direction are fitted into the second joint groove 373 of the second block part 371.

[0191] In this state, the main joint block 311, the block fastening part 131, the block fastening part 231, the fixed part roof side beam 23, the fixed part roof panel 25, the variable part roof side beam 53, and the variable part roof panel 55 are fastened to each other by fastening members 513 (see Figure 7 ).

[0192] Further, the main engagement block 311, the block fastening portions 131 and 231, the fixed portion bottom plate member 33, and the variable portion bottom plate member 63 are fastened to each other by a fastening member 613 (see Figure 8 ).

[0193] In addition, the main engagement block 311, the block fastening portions 131 and 231, the fixed portion strut assembly 13, and the variable portion strut assembly 43 are fastened to each other by a fastening member 715 (see Figure 9 ).

[0194] The first block portion 351 is fastened to the block fastening portions 131 and 231 of the fixed portion engagement beam 110 and the variable portion engagement beam 210 disposed along the vehicle width direction via a fastening member 811 (see Figure 11 ).

[0195] The second block portion 371 is fastened to the block fastening portions 131 and 231 of the fixed portion engagement beam 110 and the variable portion engagement beam 210 disposed in the vertical direction via a fastening member 812 (see Figure 11 ).

[0196] In this state, the roof weatherstrip 411 is installed on the roof flange portion 26 of the fixed portion roof plate member 25 and the roof flange portion 56 of the variable portion roof plate member 55, and the roof molding member 413 is installed between the fixed portion roof plate member 25 and the variable portion roof plate member 55 (see Figure 7 ).

[0197] Respectively, the bottom weatherstrip 431 is installed on the bottom flange portion 34 of the fixed portion bottom plate member 33 and the bottom flange portion 64 of the variable portion bottom plate member 63, and the lower cover plate 433 is fastened to the fixed portion bottom plate member 33 and the variable portion bottom plate member 63 (see Figure 8 ).

[0198] In addition, respectively, the side weatherstrip 451 is installed on the side flange portion 14 of the fixed portion strut assembly 13 and the side flange portion 44 of the variable portion strut assembly 43, and the side molding member 453 is installed between the fixed portion strut assembly 13 and the variable portion strut assembly 43 (see Figure 9 ).

[0199] The rear body module 40 is vertically connected to the rear portion of the lower body 1 by a body mounting unit. Thus, the rear body module 40 can be configured to be connected to the variable portion 40a at the rear of the front body module 10.

[0200] According to the embodiments of the joining structure 100 described so far, the front body module 10, which is a fixing part 10a connected to the front part of the lower body 1, can remain unchanged, while the rear body module 40, which is a variable part 40a, can be connected to the front body module 10 and the rear part of the lower body 1.

[0201] Therefore, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment can replace the rear body module 40 of a predetermined shape according to the type of customization service (e.g., usage scenario) of the PBV.

[0202] Therefore, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment can easily change the structure of the upper body 3 of the vehicle body according to the purpose of use of the PBV, and can reduce the manufacturing cost of the PBV.

[0203] In addition, according to an embodiment of the joining structure 100, in one example, the fixing part joining beam 110, the variable part joining beam 210, the main joining block 311, and the corner joining block 331 can be manufactured from aluminum extrusions.

[0204] Therefore, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment can reduce the weight of the PBV.

[0205] In addition, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment includes a corner joining block 331 that connects the corner of the fixing part joining beam 110 to the corner of the variable part joining beam 210. The fixing part joining beam 110 and the variable part joining beam 210 each have a closed cross-section 113 and a closed cross-section 213.

[0206] Therefore, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment can ensure the joining strength and connection robustness between the front body module 10 and the rear body module 40.

[0207] In addition, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment includes a roof weatherstrip 411, a roof molding member 413, a floor weatherstrip 431, a lower cover plate 433, a side weatherstrip 451, and a side molding member 453.

[0208] Therefore, the joining structure 100 according to the embodiment can ensure the watertight performance of the PBV.

[0209] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with currently considered viable exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, they are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle body joint structure, the joint structure comprising: a front body module fixed to the front portion of the lower body, wherein the front body module is a fixed portion; a rear body module detachably coupled to the front body module and the rear portion of the lower body, wherein the rear body module is a variable portion having any one of a plurality of predetermined shapes; a fixing portion engaging a beam connected to the front body module; a variable section engagement beam connected to the rear body module; and A block-shaped joint unit, wherein the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam are inserted into the joint unit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the joint unit is fastened to the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam.

2. The joining structure according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam each include: a vehicle body fastening portion having a closed cross section; and A block fastening portion extends from the vehicle body fastening portion in a rib shape to fit into and be fastened to the engaging unit.

3. The joining structure according to claim 2, wherein: The joining unit comprises: a main joint block connecting the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and A corner joint block connects an end portion of the fixed portion joint beam and an end portion of the variable portion joint beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

4. The joining structure according to claim 3, wherein: The main engaging block has an H-shaped cross-sectional shape.

5. The joining structure according to claim 3, wherein: The main engaging block includes main engaging grooves arranged at both sides of the main engaging block and configured to cooperate with the block fastening portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

6. The joining structure according to claim 3, wherein: The corner joint block comprises: a first block having an H-shaped cross-sectional shape, the first block connecting an end portion of the fixed portion joint beam and an end portion of the variable portion joint beam arranged in a vehicle width direction in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and A second block having an H-shaped cross-sectional shape extends from the first block to connect an end portion of the fixed portion joint beam and an end portion of the variable portion joint beam arranged in a vertical direction in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

7. The joining structure according to claim 6, wherein: The first block includes first engaging grooves provided along the vehicle width direction at both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and The second block includes second engaging grooves provided along the vertical direction at both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

8. The joining structure according to claim 6, wherein: The first block is fastened to the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam in a vertical direction by a first fastening member; and The second block is fastened to the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam in the vehicle width direction by a second fastening member.

9. The joining structure according to claim 3, wherein: The fixing portion engagement beam is connected to a fixing portion side structure, a fixing portion roof structure, and a fixing portion floor structure of the front body module; and The variable section joining beam is connected to a variable section side structure, a variable section roof structure, and a variable section floor structure of the rear body module.

10. The joining structure according to claim 9, wherein: The fixed part roof structure comprises a fixed part roof side beam and a fixed part roof panel connected to each other; The variable portion roof structure includes a variable portion roof side beam and a variable portion roof panel connected to each other; The vehicle body fastening portion is fastened to the fixed portion roof side rail and the variable portion roof side rail by a third fastening member; and The main engaging block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion roof side rail, the variable portion roof side rail, the fixed portion roof panel, and the variable portion roof panel are fastened to each other by a fourth fastening member.

11. The joining structure according to claim 10, further comprising: a roof weather strip installed on a roof flange portion provided on each of the fixed-portion roof panel and the variable-portion roof panel; as well as A roof molding member is installed between the fixed portion roof panel and the variable portion roof panel.

12. The joining structure according to claim 9, wherein: The fixed part bottom plate structure comprises a fixed part bottom plate member; The variable portion bottom plate structure includes a variable portion bottom plate member; The vehicle body fastening portion is fastened to the fixed portion floor panel and the variable portion floor panel by a fifth fastening member; and The main engaging block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion floor panel, and the variable portion floor panel are fastened to one another by a sixth fastening member.

13. The joining structure according to claim 12, further comprising: a floor weather strip installed on a floor flange portion provided on each of the fixed portion floor panel and the variable portion floor panel; as well as A lower cover plate is connected to the fixed portion bottom plate member and the variable portion bottom plate member.

14. The joining structure according to claim 9, wherein: The fixing part side structure includes a fixing part support assembly; The variable section side structure includes a variable section strut assembly; The vehicle body fastening portion is fastened to the fixed portion pillar assembly and the variable portion pillar assembly in the vehicle width direction by a seventh fastening member, and is fastened to the fixed portion pillar assembly and the variable portion pillar assembly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body by an eighth fastening member; and The main engaging block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion strut assembly, and the variable portion strut assembly are fastened to each other in the vehicle width direction by a ninth fastening member.

15. The joining structure according to claim 14, further comprising: a side weather strip installed on a side flange portion provided on each of the fixed portion pillar assembly and the variable portion pillar assembly; as well as A side molding member is installed between the fixed portion pillar assembly and the variable portion pillar assembly.

16. A vehicle comprising: A vehicle body, the vehicle body comprising an upper vehicle body and a lower vehicle body arranged on the upper vehicle body, wherein the upper vehicle body comprises: a front body module fixed to the front portion of the lower body, wherein the front body module is a fixing portion and includes a fixing portion side structure, a fixing portion roof structure, and a fixing portion floor structure; a rear body module detachably coupled to the front body module and the rear portion of the lower body, wherein the rear body module is a variable portion having any one of a plurality of predetermined shapes and includes a variable portion side structure, a variable portion roof structure, and a variable portion floor structure; a fixing portion engaging a beam connected to the front body module; a variable section engagement beam connected to the rear body module; and A block-form joint unit, wherein the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam are inserted into the joint unit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the joint unit is fastened to the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam each include: a vehicle body fastening portion having a closed cross section; and A block fastening portion extends from the vehicle body fastening portion in a rib shape to fit into and be fastened to the engaging unit.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The joining unit comprises: a main joint block connecting the fixed portion joint beam and the variable portion joint beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and A corner joint block connects an end portion of the fixed portion joint beam and an end portion of the variable portion joint beam in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein: The fixed part roof structure comprises a fixed part roof side beam and a fixed part roof panel connected to each other; The variable portion roof structure includes a variable portion roof side beam and a variable portion roof panel connected to each other; The vehicle body fastening portion is fastened to the fixed portion roof side rail and the variable portion roof side rail by a first fastening member; and The main engaging block, the block fastening portion, the fixed portion roof side rail, the variable portion roof side rail, the fixed portion roof panel, and the variable portion roof panel are fastened to each other by a second fastening member.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising: a roof weather strip installed on a roof flange portion provided on each of the fixed-portion roof panel and the variable-portion roof panel; as well as A roof molding member is installed between the fixed portion roof panel and the variable portion roof panel.

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