Back panel assembly for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a back panel assembly for a vehicle. The back panel assembly forms a lower portion of a tailgate opening at a rear side of a vehicle body, and includes: a rear floor lower member having one end attached to a rear floor panel provided at the rear side of the vehicle body; a rear cross member having one end coupled to one end of the rear underfloor member; a rear panel covering a rear side of the vehicle body by extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and connecting the other end of the rear floor lower member and the other end of the rear cross member to each other; and a variable member extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and connecting the rear cross member and the back panel to each other, thereby dividing a space formed therebetween into two spaces.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0183612, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 15, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a back panel assembly of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a back panel assembly installed on the side of a rear bumper, where the center portion of a vehicle tailgate opens and closes on the side of the rear bumper. Background art

[0004] Generally, a vehicle may include a trunk space, which is a space for accommodating goods. The trunk space may be separated from the outside by a back panel assembly forming the rear part of the vehicle.

[0005] As Figures 1-3 shown, in a back panel assembly mounted on a chassis frame 1 at the rear side (i.e., the rear part of the vehicle), an under - floor rear member 4 may be installed at the lower end of a rear - floor panel 2 in the center portion of the vehicle tailgate, and a rear cross - member 3 may be coupled and installed on top of the under - floor rear member 4. The back panel may cover the coupled under - floor rear member 4 and rear cross - member 3 from the rear part of the vehicle.

[0006] This back panel assembly structure may form a central surface of the rear - floor panel 2 that extends downward to achieve a low step - height for convenient rear - seat passengers and a low loading height for loading and unloading goods. To cope with this low floor, additional space (e.g., ensuring space S2 in addition to space S1) may be secured, which may result in a large step - difference a - b between the center portion and the side portion of the rear - floor panel 2, thus making it difficult to set the back cross - section using existing methods. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure connectivity with the chassis frame 1 while strengthening the strength of the back panel assembly structure.

[0007] In addition, the vehicle may use a chassis - frame body type that requires a gap of 10 mm or more between the chassis frame 1 and the back - panel assembly structure. However, since the central surface of the rear - floor panel 2 is formed to extend downward, the space (part "A") for forming the rear cross - section on one side may become narrow, making it difficult to set the same rear cross - section as in existing vehicle models.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a back - panel assembly structure that is conducive to coping with a low floor, conducive to the scalability of a purpose - built vehicle (PBV), and capable of meeting the standards of rear - collision rules and bumper - test rules. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention attempts to provide a back panel assembly structure for a low-floor vehicle by adding a variable member between the rear transverse member and the back panel of the vehicle, thereby forming a variable two-box back cross-sectional structure.

[0010] According to an embodiment, there is provided a back panel assembly that forms the lower part of a tailgate opening at the rear side of a vehicle body. The assembly includes: a sub-floor member having one end attached to a rear floor panel provided at the rear side of the vehicle body and extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body; a rear transverse member having one end coupled to one end of the sub-floor member and extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body; a back panel that covers the rear side of the vehicle body by extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body and connects the other end of the sub-floor member and the other end of the rear transverse member to each other; and a variable member that extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle body and connects the rear transverse member and the back panel to each other, thereby dividing the space formed by the sub-floor member, the rear transverse member, and the back panel into two spaces.

[0011] The rear floor panel may extend in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body, and one end of the sub-floor member and one end of the rear transverse member may be coupled to one end of the rear floor panel.

[0012] The side surface of the variable member and the side surface of the rear transverse member may be connected to each other by a variable member connection center partition.

[0013] The side surface of the variable member connection center partition may be welded to the side surface of the variable member and the side surface of the rear transverse member.

[0014] The side surface of the rear transverse member and the side surface of the sub-floor member may be connected to each other by a side partition.

[0015] The front part of the center portion of the variable member may be spot-welded to the surface of the rear transverse member in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

[0016] The rear part of the center portion of the variable member may be spot-welded to the inner surface of the back panel in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

[0017] The position and number (i.e., the number) of the variable members may be changed based on the specifications and shapes of the rear transverse member and the back panel.

[0018] The variable member may include an attachment portion attached to the rear transverse member and the back panel, and an extension portion that bends and extends from the attachment portion.

[0019] The back panel assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may facilitate coping with the low floor and scalability of a PBV by including a central surface of the rear floor panel that is formed downward (i.e., protrudes or extends).

[0020] In addition, the back panel assembly can meet the rear collision rule and bumper test rule standards by enhancing its strength in such a way that a variable member is added between the rear transverse member and the back panel, thereby forming a two-box (i.e., two spaces) back cross-sectional structure, and the vehicle side and the variable member are connected to each other by a side partition.

[0021] In addition, by changing the position and number of the variable members used based on the vehicle size and shape, the back panel assembly can be conveniently and flexibly used for various vehicle models.

[0022] In addition, the back panel assembly can ensure the attachment strength at the narrow part of the side cross-section by connecting the variable member and the center partition to each other. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 A view schematically showing the use of the back panel assembly structure to cope with the vehicle loading space of an existing low-floor vehicle.

[0024] Figure 2 A rear view showing the use of the back panel assembly structure to cope with the rear side of an existing low-floor vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the use of the back panel assembly structure to cope with the rear side of an existing low-floor vehicle.

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the rear side of a vehicle using the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 A rear view showing the rear side of a vehicle using the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 Along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line "B-B" in

[0029] Figure 7 Along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line "C-C" in

[0030] Figure 8 An enlarged view of the side part in the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 9-12 A view showing the connection process of the rear transverse member, the variable member, the center partition, the side partition, and the back panel in the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 Along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken along line "D-D" in

[0033] Figure 14 A view showing a state in which a rear floor panel and a rear floor under member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other.

[0034] Figure 15 Along Figure 14 The cross-sectional view taken along line "E-E" in

[0035] Figure 16 A view showing a state in which a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is fully assembled.

[0036] Figure 17 A view showing a loading path of a welding portion between a back panel assembly structure and a rear cross member and a variable member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 18-21 Views each showing an installation example of a variable member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 22 And Figure 23 Views each showing an installation example of a variable member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in a structure of a rear cross member without a vehicle body.

[0039] <Description of symbols>

[0040] 1: Vehicle body

[0041] 2: Rear floor panel

[0042] 3: Rear cross member

[0043] 4: Rear floor under member

[0044] 5: Back panel

[0045] 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19: Variable members

[0046] 12: Variable member connection center partition

[0047] 14: Side partition. Detailed description of the specific embodiment

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the present invention. The present invention can be modified in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments provided in the specification.

[0049] In addition, in various embodiments, components having the same configuration are representatively described using the same reference numerals in one embodiment, while only components different from one embodiment are described in other embodiments. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be regarded as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0050] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. For the clarity and convenience of the drawings, the dimensions and proportions of the components in the drawings are relatively enlarged or reduced in size. This arbitrary dimension is merely illustrative and not restrictive. In addition, the same reference numerals are used to represent similar features of the same structure, element, or part shown in two or more drawings. When a component is described as being "on" or "above" another component, it should be understood that the component can be directly "on" or "above" the other component, and there can be a third component inserted between them.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention specifically represent one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, various modifications can be made to the diagrams. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific shapes of the illustrated parts and can include, for example, shapes modified during production.

[0052] Hereinafter, the structure of the back panel assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0053] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the rear side (i.e., the rear of the vehicle) of a vehicle body using the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A rear view showing the rear side of a vehicle using the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line "B - B" in Figure 7 Along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line "C - C" in

[0054] Referring to Figures 4-7 , the back panel assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can form the lower part of a tailgate opening at the rear of the vehicle. The back panel assembly includes a lower rear floor member, part or member 4, a rear transverse member, part or member 3, a back panel 5, and a variable part, part or member 10.

[0055] The rear floor panel 2 can be provided at the rear of the vehicle body 1, i.e., one end of the vehicle body 1. The rear floor under member 4 can be attached to one end of the rear floor panel 2. The rear floor under member 4 can extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1, and have a central portion located at one end of the rear floor panel 2 and be connected to two side portions of the vehicle body 1. The rear floor under member 4 can have a lower end protruding rearward from the vehicle body 1.

[0056] The rear lateral member 3 can be coupled to one end of the rear floor under member 4 and extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1. The rear lateral member 3 can have an upper end protruding rearward from the vehicle body 1 and a lower end protruding forward toward the vehicle body 1.

[0057] The back panel 5 can cover the rear of the vehicle body 1 by extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1, and connect the other end of the rear floor under member 4 and the other end of the rear lateral member 3 to each other. The back panel 5 can be attached to the bottom of the upper end of the rear lateral member 3 and the front portion of the lower end of the rear floor under member 4 (see Figure 6 ).

[0058] The variable member 10 can extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1 and connect the rear lateral member 3 and the back panel 5 to each other. The variable member 10 can have two ends respectively attached to the surface of the rear lateral member 3 facing the rear of the vehicle body 1 and the surface of the back panel 5 facing the front of the vehicle body 1, thereby dividing the space formed by the rear floor under member 4, the rear lateral member 3 and the back panel 5 into two (i.e., two spaces).

[0059] As Figure 6 shown, in the central portion of the back panel assembly structure, the rear floor panel 2 can extend in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body 1, and one end of the rear floor under member 4 and one end of the rear lateral member 3 can be welded to one end of the rear floor panel 2.

[0060] The rear floor panel 2 can be connected to one end of the rear lateral member 3 and one end of the rear floor under member 4. The surface height of the rear floor panel 2 at the connection point between the rear lateral member 3 and the rear floor under member 4 can be lower than the surface height of other vehicle models, which is beneficial for dealing with a low floor.

[0061] The variable member 10 can include an attachment portion attached to the rear lateral member 3 and the back panel 5, and an extension portion bent and extending from the attachment portion. The attachment portion and the extension portion can be bent to form an inclination, and the pair of attachment portions can extend in opposite directions along the height of the vehicle body 1. The pair of attachment portions can extend upward from (i.e., with respect to) the vehicle body 1 based on or relative to the rear lateral member 3, and extend downward from (i.e., with respect to) the vehicle body 1 based on or relative to the back panel 5.

[0062] The variable member 10 can be used to divide the space formed by the underfloor rear member 4, the rear cross member 3, and the back panel 5 into two. The variable member 10 can also support the rear cross member 3 and the back panel 5 in this space, thereby enhancing the strength of the back panel assembly.

[0063] As Figure 7 shown, in the side portion of the back panel assembly structure, the back panel 5 can be attached to the bottom of the upper end of the rear cross member 3 and the front portion of the lower end of the underfloor rear member 4. In addition, the back panel 5 can be attached to the members 3 and 4 to cover the variable member connection center partition 12.

[0064] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the side portion in the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring Figure 8 , the side surface of the variable member 10 and the side surface of the rear cross member 3 can be connected to each other by the variable member connection center partition 12. The variable member connection center partition 12 can strengthen the connection between the variable member 10 and the rear cross member 3 and enhance the strength of the back panel assembly.

[0066] In addition, the side surface of the rear cross member 3 and the side surface of the underfloor rear member 4 can be connected to each other by the side partition 14. The side partition 14 can also strengthen the connection between the rear cross member 3 and the underfloor rear member 4 and enhance the strength of the back panel assembly. As Figure 4 shown, the side partition 14 can be provided outward from the vehicle body 1 based on or relative to the side surfaces of the rear cross member 3 and the underfloor rear member 4, respectively, and is connected to the corresponding members 3 and 4.

[0067] Therefore, the variable member 10 and the rear cross member 3 can be connected and supported to each other within the cross section closed by the variable member connection center partition 12, and the rear cross member 3 and the underfloor rear member 4 can be connected and supported to each other outside the cross section closed by the side partition 14. Therefore, these connections and supports enhance the strength of the back panel assembly, thereby helping the back panel assembly structure to meet the rear collision rule and bumper test rule standards.

[0068] Figures 9-12 is a view showing the connection process of the rear cross member, variable member, center partition, side partition, and back panel of the back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 12 line "D-D" in

[0069] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the variable member 10 can be attached and connected to the central portion of the surface of the rear cross member 3 facing the rear of the vehicle body 1 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

[0070] Next, as Figure 11 shown, the side surfaces of the variable member 10 and the side surfaces of the rear transverse member 3 can be connected to each other through a pair of variable member connecting center partitions 12, and a pair of side partitions 14 can be attached to the rear transverse member 3.

[0071] Next, as Figure 12 shown, the back panel 5 can be coupled to cover the assembled components. As Figure 13 shown, the upper end of the back panel 5 can be attached to the bottom of the upper end of the rear transverse member 3, and the central portion of the back panel 5 can be attached to the attachment portion of the variable member 10.

[0072] Figure 14 A view showing a state in which a rear floor panel and a rear underfloor member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other. Figure 15 A sectional view taken along the line “E - E” in Figure 14 . Figure 16 A view showing a state in which a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is fully assembled.

[0073] As Figure 14 shown, the rear underfloor member 4 can be attached to the rear floor panel 2 provided at the rear of the vehicle body 1 by extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1. As Figure 15 shown, one end of the rear underfloor member 4 can be connected to one end of a part of the rear floor panel 2 extending in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body 1.

[0074] As Figure 16 shown, Figures 9-12 the assembled components in Figure 14 can be coupled to the assembled components in

[0075] One end of the rear transverse member 3 and one end of the rear underfloor member 4 can be connected to each other, and the lower inner surface of the back panel 5 can be attached to the other end of the rear underfloor member 4. In addition, the variable member 10 can be attached to the central portion of the back panel 5, thereby connecting the rear transverse member 3 and the back panel 5 to each other, thus forming a structure that divides the space therebetween into two. In addition, the side partition 14 can connect the side surfaces of the rear transverse member 3 and the rear underfloor member 4 to each other.

[0076] Figure 17 A view showing a loading path of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention and a welded portion between a rear transverse member and a variable member.

[0077] As Figure 17As shown, the side surface of the variable member connecting center partition 12 can be welded to the side surface of the variable member 10 and the side surface of the rear transverse member 3 (portion "F").

[0078] In addition, the front portion of the central part of the variable member 10 can be spot-welded to the surface of the rear transverse member 3 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1 (portion "G").

[0079] The impact or load applied to the back panel assembly (shown by the dashed line L in Figure 17 ) can be distributed along the path established by the series connection of the rear transverse member 3, the side partition 14, the underfloor rear member 4, the variable member connecting center partition 12, and the variable member 10.

[0080] The rear portion of the central part of the variable member 10 can be spot-welded to the inner surface of the back panel 5 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 1.

[0081] Figures 18-21 Views each showing an example of the installation of a variable member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The position and number of the variable members 10 can be changed based on the specifications and shapes of the rear transverse member 3 and the back panel 5.

[0083] As Figure 18 shown, three variable members 10, 11, and 13 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 1. The variable member 10, 11, or 13 can include an attachment portion (or a pair of attachment portions) attached to the rear transverse member 3 and the back panel 5, and an extension portion bent and extending from the attachment portion (or the pair of attachment portions). The attachment portion (or the pair of attachment portions) and the extension portion can be bent to form a right angle with each other.

[0084] In addition, the pair of attachment portions can extend in opposite directions along the height of the vehicle body 1. The pair of attachment portions can extend upward with respect to the vehicle body 1 based on or relative to the rear transverse member 3, and extend downward with respect to the vehicle body 1 based on or relative to the back panel 5.

[0085] In addition, as Figure 19 shown, the attachment portion (or the pair of attachment portions) and the extension portion of the variable member 15 can be bent to form an inclination.

[0086] In addition, as Figure 20 shown, a pair of attachment portions of the variable member 16 can extend in the same direction along the height of the vehicle body 1, and extend downward with respect to the vehicle body 1.

[0087] In addition, as Figure 21As shown, a pair of attachment portions of the variable member 17 may extend in opposite directions along the height of the vehicle body 1. The pair of attachment portions may extend downward with respect to or based on the rear cross member 3 with respect to the vehicle body 1, and extend upward with respect to or based on the back panel 5 with respect to the vehicle body 1.

[0088] Figure 22 and Figure 23 are views each showing an installation example of a variable member of a back panel assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in a structure without a rear cross member of the vehicle body.

[0089] As Figure 22 shown, in a structure without a rear cross member of the vehicle body 1, the variable member 18 may be vertically bent, the rear floor panel 2 may extend in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body 1, one end of the rear cross member 3 may be attached to the upper surface of the rear floor panel 2, and the inner surface of the back panel 5 may be directly welded to one end of the rear floor panel 2.

[0090] As Figure 23 shown, in a structure without a rear cross member of the vehicle body 1, the variable member 19 may be inclinedly bent, the rear floor panel 2 may extend in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body 1, one end of the rear cross member 3 may be attached to the upper surface of the rear floor panel 2, and the inner surface of the back panel 5 may be directly welded to one end of the rear floor panel 2.

[0091] As described above, the back panel assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may facilitate coping with the low floor and scalability of the PBV by including a central surface of the rear floor panel formed downward (i.e., protruding or extending).

[0092] In addition, the back panel assembly may meet the rear collision rule and bumper test rule standards by increasing its strength in such a way that: a variable member is added between the rear cross member and the back panel, thereby forming a two-box (i.e., two spaces) back cross-sectional structure, and the vehicle side portion and the variable member are connected to each other by a side partition.

[0093] In addition, by changing the position and number of variable members used based on the vehicle size and shape, the back panel assembly can be conveniently and flexibly used for various vehicle models.

[0094] In addition, the back panel assembly may ensure the attachment strength at the narrow portion of the side cross section by connecting the variable member and the central partition to each other.

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and all equivalent modifications that are easily modified by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A back panel assembly, wherein: The back panel assembly forms a lower portion of a tailgate opening at the rear side of the vehicle body. The back panel assembly comprises: a rear underfloor member having one end attached to a rear floor panel provided at the rear side of the vehicle body and extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle body; a rear cross member having one end coupled to one end of the rear underfloor member and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body; a back panel that covers the rear side of the vehicle body by extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body and connects the other end of the rear underfloor member and the other end of the rear cross member to each other; and A variable member extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle body and connects the rear cross member and the back panel to each other, thereby dividing a space formed by the rear underfloor member, the rear cross member, and the back panel into two spaces.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein The rear floor panel extends in a direction horizontal to the vehicle body, and the one end of the rear underfloor member and the one end of the rear cross member are coupled to one end of the rear floor panel.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A side surface of the variable member and a side surface of the rear cross member are connected to each other through a variable member connecting center bulkhead.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The variable member connects a side surface of the center bulkhead by welding to the side surface of the variable member and the side surface of the rear cross member.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein: A side surface of the rear cross member and a side surface of the rear under-floor member are connected to each other through a side bulkhead.

6. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A front portion of a center portion of the variable member is spot-welded to a surface of the rear cross member in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

7. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A rear portion of a center portion of the variable member is spot-welded to an inner surface of the back panel in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The positions and the number of the variable members are changed based on the specifications and shapes of the rear cross member and the back panel.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The variable component comprises: an attachment portion attached to the rear cross member and the back panel; and An extending portion is bent and extended from the attachment portion.

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