Vehicle body structure for producing various vehicle types

Abstract

A vehicle body structure for various vehicle types includes a vehicle body including a front side portion, a rear side portion, and an intermediate region connecting the front side portion and the rear side portion, the intermediate region having a door mounting portion and an intermediate region inner panel connected to the door mounting portion disposed therein.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0001464, filed on Jan. 4, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, the automotive industry has been introducing new concepts of future mobility visions to realize a people-centered and vibrant future city. One solution for future mobility is a purpose-built vehicle (PBV), as a purpose-based mobility mode.

[0005] An example of a PBV is an eco-friendly mobile vehicle based on an electric vehicle (EV). These PBVs can provide various customized services for users while traveling from a starting point to a destination in an autonomous driving mode with or without a driver.

[0006] PBVs can be configured in various forms according to the type of customized service. For example, a PBV can be used as a call-type vehicle with a cabin configured to transport passengers. In addition, a PBV can be used as a cab-type vehicle, in which the cabin is only configured at the front of the upper body, or as a delivery-type vehicle, in which the cabin is configured at the front of the upper body and the cargo compartment is configured at the rear.

[0007] The process of completing side supplementation by assembling the side outer, extension, side reinforcement, and quarter parts on a vehicle body assembly line is called side construction.

[0008] In the case of a PBV call-type vehicle, the front part of the vehicle body (FR area; reinforcement), the inner panel of the call side, the side beam, and the rear part of the vehicle body (RR area; rear quarter) are connected together to complete the internal structure, and then side supplementation is completed by assembling it with external panel assembly parts.

[0009] A space for installing a door is formed between the side inner panel and the side beam between the front part and the rear part of the vehicle body.

[0010] In the case of a PBV delivery-type vehicle, a doorless area is created in the cargo compartment space enclosed by the side outer panel without a door. The doorless part requires a structure that supports and supplements the side shell with vehicle body internal components, which is defined as the intermediate area.

[0011] That is to say, the PBV delivery vehicle has an intermediate area for the doorless part, and the delivery structure connecting it is reflected in the FR area and the RR area, and then each unit is connected to form a side supplement. The PBV delivery vehicle requires a reinforcement structure to achieve the strength of the outer panel.

[0012] The PBV hailing vehicle and the delivery vehicle have dual components, so the mold cost and the fixture cost will be incurred twice, which may lead to excessive management costs.

[0013] The information included in this background art section is intended to facilitate an understanding of the background of the embodiments of the present invention and may include matters other than conventional techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology pertains. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure. Certain embodiments relate to a vehicle body structure for producing multiple vehicle models.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle body structure that can produce multiple vehicle models by unifying the side structures of hailing vehicles and delivery vehicles.

[0016] There is provided a vehicle body structure for producing multiple vehicle models. The vehicle body structure according to an exemplary embodiment may include a vehicle body including a front side part, a rear side part, and a mid-zone connecting the front side part and the rear side part and having a door mounting portion formed therein and a mid-zone inner panel connected to the door mounting portion.

[0017] The door mounting portion may include an inner flange to which the mid-zone inner panel is connected.

[0018] The mid-zone inner panel may include a mid-zone panel flange formed on the outer side of the mid-zone inner panel and matching the inner flange.

[0019] The mid-zone inner panel may include an outer panel support portion formed to protrude outward from the vehicle body.

[0020] The body structure according to an exemplary embodiment may further include a side reinforcement that supports the inner panel of the intermediate region.

[0021] The side reinforcement may connect the inner panel of the intermediate region to the front side portion and the rear side portion.

[0022] The body structure according to an exemplary embodiment may further include a joint member that mounts the side reinforcement to the vehicle body.

[0023] The joint member may include a joint body that surrounds the side reinforcement and a joint flange formed to connect the side reinforcement to the inner panel of the intermediate region, the front side portion, and the rear side portion.

[0024] The side reinforcement may be a tubular structure.

[0025] A rack may be attached to the side reinforcement.

[0026] An interior cover may be attached to the side reinforcement.

[0027] The shape of the inner panel of the intermediate region may be formed by the internal shape of the door mounting portion.

[0028] The body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment may produce multiple vehicle models, such as sedan-type vehicles and delivery-type vehicles, by unifying the side structure of the vehicle.

[0029] The body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment may reduce the mold cost and fixture cost of vehicle production by unifying the side structure of the vehicle, and may reduce the management cost.

[0030] The body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment does not require an additional structure to enhance the strength of the outer shell when applied to a delivery-type vehicle.

[0031] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or expected from the embodiments of the present invention are directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects predicted according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be disclosed in the detailed description provided later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Since these drawings are used for reference when explaining the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the technical idea of the embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a side view showing a body structure according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view showing an inner panel of an intermediate region and the intermediate region of a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 is a partial side view showing an inner panel of an intermediate region and the intermediate region of a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a side reinforcement applicable to a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0039] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII.

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the installation of a bracket applicable to a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0041] The following drawing identifiers may be used in conjunction with the drawings to describe various features of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] 10: Vehicle body 20: Vehicle body side

[0043] 22: Front side portion 24: Rear side portion

[0044] 26: Intermediate region 28: Door mounting portion

[0045] 30: Inner flange 40: Inner panel of intermediate region

[0046] 42: Outer panel support portion 44: Outer panel of intermediate region

[0047] 48: Intermediate region panel flange 50: Side reinforcement

[0048] 60, 62: Joint members 64, 65: Joint bodies

[0049] 68, 69: Joint flanges 70: Bracket

[0050] 80: Inner cover 90: Outer panel

[0051] It should be understood that the above drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] For example, specific design features of embodiments of the present invention, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and the usage environment. Detailed Embodiments

[0053] 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 implement the present invention.

[0054] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0055] To clearly explain the embodiments of the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components.

[0056] For ease of explanation, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, and the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings. To clearly show each part and region, the thickness is shown by magnification.

[0057] 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 is not necessarily limited to this order.

[0058] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to include a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but it may include other components unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0059] In addition, terms such as parts, portions, devices, etc. described in the specification refer to an integrated unit that performs at least one function or operation.

[0060] When we say that a part, such as a layer, film, region, or plate, is "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other part, but also the case where there are other parts between them.

[0061] On the contrary, when an element is said to be "directly on another element", there is no intermediate element between them.

[0062] In this specification, the term "connected" represents a 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.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "vehicle", "vehicular", "automobile" or other similar terms used herein generally refer to passenger cars, sports cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, including passenger cars, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicle-based PBVs, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., other than petroleum fuels derived from resources).

[0064] 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.

[0065] In addition, in this specification, the "upper end", "upper part", or "upper surface" of a component represents the relatively higher end, part, or surface of the component in the figure, and the "lower end", "lower part", or "lower surface" of the component represents the relatively lower end, part, or surface in the figure.

[0066] In addition, in this specification, the end of a component (e.g., one end or the other end, etc.) represents the end of the component in any one direction, and the end portion of the component (e.g., one end portion or the other end portion, etc.) represents the part of the component including the end.

[0067] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 is a side view showing a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a vehicle body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment can be applied to the side portion 20 of the vehicle body 10.

[0070] The vehicle body 10 may include a front side portion 22, a rear side portion 24, and an intermediate region 26 connecting the front side portion 22 and the rear side portion 24.

[0071] The front side portion 22 is a structure forming the front part of the vehicle body 10, and may be configured to include, for example, a front door, a front window, etc.

[0072] The rear side portion 24 is a structure forming the rear part of the vehicle body 10, and may include, for example, a rear quarter panel.

[0073] The intermediate region 26 may be provided with a door mounting portion 28 on which a door is mounted for passengers to get on and off the vehicle.

[0074] That is to say, the vehicle body 10 may be a vehicle body applied to a ride-hailing vehicle for transporting passengers.

[0075] To produce delivery type PBVs and hailing type PBVs, separate molds and jigs are required, which increases the cost of double production and may lead to excessive management costs.

[0076] Therefore, if the bodies of delivery type PBVs and hailing type PBVs are co-produced, the production cost can be reduced and the productivity can be increased.

[0077] According to one embodiment, a body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models may include an intermediate area inner panel 40 connected to a door mounting portion 28.

[0078] That is, a body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to one embodiment can produce a delivery type PBV by connecting the intermediate area inner panel 40 to a body 10 for producing a hailing type vehicle.

[0079] The door mounting portion 28 may be formed with an inner flange 30 to which the intermediate area inner panel 40 is connected.

[0080] The inner flange 30 can be used in a structure in close contact with a door (not shown) of a hailing type vehicle, or can be used in a structure for connecting the intermediate area inner panel 40 of a delivery type vehicle.

[0081] The intermediate area inner panel 40 may include an intermediate area panel flange 48 formed on the outer side of the intermediate area inner panel 40 and matching the inner flange 30.

[0082] The shape of the intermediate area inner panel 40 may be formed to be the inner shape of the door mounting portion 28.

[0083] That is, the intermediate area panel flange 48 is formed to be the same or similar shape as the inner flange 30 and can be tightly connected to the inner flange 30.

[0084] This allows the intermediate area inner panel 40 to be stably connected to the door mounting portion 28.

[0085] The intermediate area inner panel 40 can have a mounting function for an inner cover and can be used as a strength member of an outer panel without a separate additional structure. In addition, the intermediate area inner panel 40 can be attached to the body to produce a vehicle with a door to achieve a doorless body according to the assembly type structure concept.

[0086] Figure 3 is a side view of the intermediate area inner panel and the intermediate area showing a body structure according to one embodiment, Figure 4is a partial side view showing the inner panel of the middle region and the middle region of the vehicle body structure according to an embodiment.

[0087] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a side reinforcement that can be applied to the vehicle body structure according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is along Figure 3 cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0088] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , the vehicle body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment may further include a side reinforcement 50 that supports the inner panel 40 of the middle region.

[0089] The side reinforcement 50 may connect the inner panel 40 of the middle region, the front side portion 22, and the rear side portion 24.

[0090] The side reinforcement 50 may support the inner panel 40 of the middle region and act as a shock beam that absorbs impact loads in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0091] In addition, the side reinforcement 50 may increase the overall strength of the vehicle body by connecting the front side portion 22 and the rear side portion 24.

[0092] The side reinforcement 50 may be a tubular structure.

[0093] The side reinforcement 50 may support the strength of the vehicle body 10 in a simple shape and may be applied to vehicle bodies of various specifications by changing the length.

[0094] The accompanying drawings show two side reinforcements 50 installed in parallel, but this is not a limitation. One or three or more side reinforcements may be installed according to the requirements of consumers or the vehicle body strength conditions.

[0095] The vehicle body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to an embodiment may further include joint members 60 and 62 for mounting the side reinforcement 50 to the vehicle body 10.

[0096] The joint members 60 and 62 may include joint bodies 64 and 65 that surround the side reinforcement 50, and joint flanges 68 and 69 that are formed for connecting the side reinforcement 50 to the inner panel 40 of the middle region, the front side portion 22, and the rear side portion 24.

[0097] The joint members 60 and 62 may stably connect the side reinforcement 50 to the inner panel 40 of the middle region. In addition, the joint members 60 and 62 are connected to the inner panel 40 of the middle region, the front side portion 22, and the rear side portion 24, thereby improving the joint strength between the inner panel 40 of the middle region and the front side portion 22 and the rear side portion 24.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a body structure that can be produced in multiple vehicle models does not require separate components to be added to the front side portion 22 and the rear side portion 24 to block the middle region of the PBV doorless portion.

[0099] That is, a body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to one embodiment can produce a PBV without doors without additional structural changes to the front side portion and the rear side portion of the PBV with doors.

[0100] Therefore, a body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to one embodiment can simplify the structure, prevent the dualization of production specifications, and provide an assembled doorless structure without changing the front side portion and the rear side portion.

[0101] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII. Figure 3 of.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the inner panel 40 in the middle region may include an outer panel support portion 42 formed to protrude outward from the vehicle body 10.

[0103] A body structure capable of producing multiple vehicle models according to one embodiment may further include an outer panel 90 forming the appearance of the vehicle body 10, and the outer panel support portion 42 may support the outer panel 90.

[0104] For example, the outer panel support portion 42 and the outer panel 90 may be connected by welding to stably support the outer panel 90.

[0105] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a bracket applicable to a body structure according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to Figure 8 , the bracket 70 may be connected to the side reinforcement 50.

[0107] For a delivery vehicle, a bracket for supporting the cargo 71 may be required, and a separate structure may be required to stably install the bracket.

[0108] However, the body structure according to one embodiment can install the bracket 70 using the side reinforcement 50 without a separate additional structure, thereby simplifying the structure and improving market competitiveness.

[0109] For example, the bracket 70 may be connected to the side reinforcement 50 using bolts.

[0110] The drawings show two brackets 70 installed, but the embodiment is not limited to two, and various numbers and sizes of brackets may be installed according to the number of side reinforcements 50, consumer requirements, etc.

[0111] The inner cover 80 can be combined with the side reinforcement member 50.

[0112] By mounting the inner cover 80 on the side reinforcement member 50 which is a rigid member, the space utilization rate of the cargo hold can be improved, and stable mounting can be achieved.

[0113] According to the vehicle body structure according to one embodiment, the protruding portion for loading goods in the cargo hold space of a delivery vehicle can be reduced to improve the space utilization rate.

[0114] In addition, according to the vehicle body structure according to one embodiment, brackets for loading objects can be mounted on the side reinforcement member without adding a separate structure according to the needs of consumers or the like, thereby improving the market competitiveness.

[0115] In addition, according to the vehicle body structure according to one embodiment, by unifying the side structures of a taxi and a delivery vehicle, the productivity can be improved and the production cost can be reduced.

[0116] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with currently considered practical embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments 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 body structure for multiple vehicle models, the body structure comprising: A body, the body including a front side portion, a rear side portion, and an intermediate region connecting the front side portion and the rear side portion and having a door mounting portion provided therein; And An intermediate region inner panel, the intermediate region inner panel being connected to the door mounting portion.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The door mounting portion includes an inner flange, and the intermediate region inner panel is connected to the inner flange.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2, wherein, The intermediate region inner panel includes an intermediate region panel flange, the intermediate region panel flange being provided on the outer side of the intermediate region inner panel and matching the inner flange.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein The intermediate region inner panel includes an outer panel support portion protruding outward from the body.

5. The body structure according to claim 1, further comprising a side reinforcement member configured to support the intermediate region inner panel.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, wherein, The side reinforcement member connects the intermediate region inner panel to the front side portion and the rear side portion.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 6 further includes a joint member, wherein, The side reinforcement member is mounted to the body through the joint member.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 7, wherein The joint member includes: A joint body that surrounds the side reinforcement member; and A connecting flange that connects the side reinforcement member to the intermediate region inner panel, the front side portion, and the rear side portion.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, wherein, The side reinforcement member is a tubular structure.

10. The body structure according to claim 5, further comprising a bracket connected to the side reinforcement member.

11. The body structure according to claim 5, further comprising an inner cover connected to the side reinforcement member.

12. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of the intermediate region inner panel matches the internal shape of the door mounting portion.

13. A vehicle, comprising: A body, the body including a body side portion, the body side portion including: A front side portion; An intermediate region connected to the rear of the front side portion; and A rear side portion connected to the rear of the intermediate region, wherein the front side portion, the intermediate region, and the rear side portion extend in the longitudinal direction of the body; A door mounting portion provided in the intermediate region and including an inner flange; and An intermediate region inner panel connected to the inner flange.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The vehicle is a delivery vehicle.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The vehicle is a ride-hailing vehicle.

16. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The intermediate region inner panel includes an intermediate region panel flange, the intermediate region panel flange being provided on the outer side of the intermediate region inner panel and matching the inner flange.

17. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The shape of the intermediate region inner panel matches the internal shape of the door mounting portion.

18. The vehicle according to claim 13, further comprising a side reinforcement member connecting the intermediate region inner panel, the front side portion, and the rear side portion.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, further comprising: A bracket connected to the side reinforcement member; And An inner cover connected to the side reinforcement member.

20. A method of manufacturing multiple vehicles, the method comprising: Assembling a first vehicle, the first vehicle including a first body having a front side portion, a rear side portion, and an intermediate region connecting the front side portion and the rear side portion and having a door mounting portion provided therein, the first body further including an intermediate region inner panel connected to the door mounting portion; Assemble a second vehicle, the second vehicle including a second body having a front side portion, a rear side portion, and an intermediate region connecting the front side portion and the rear side portion and having a door mounting portion provided therein, the second body further including an inner panel of the intermediate region connected to the door mounting portion; Wherein, the first vehicle is a first vehicle model, and the second vehicle is a second vehicle model different from the first vehicle model.

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