Side structure of a vehicle body

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a side structure for a vehicle body. The side structure can include a main side body including a rear quarter assembly at a rear portion of the main side body, a variable member optionally connectable to a rear portion of the rear quarter assembly, and a common member connectable to the rear portion of the rear quarter assembly according to a first configuration and connectable to a rear portion of the variable member according to a second configuration.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0042551, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 2, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0100175, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 24, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a vehicle body. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the automotive industry has been introducing new concepts for the vision of future mobility to realize people-centered, vibrant future cities. One of these future mobility solutions is the dedicated personal vehicle (PBV) for destination-based mobility.

[0004] A PBV is an example of an environmentally friendly motor vehicle based on an electric vehicle (EV). Such a PBV can provide users with a variety of customized services during the journey from the origin to the destination.

[0005] Depending on the user's usage scenario, PBVs can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. For example, PBVs can be used as taxis or delivery vehicles.

[0006] This PBV is equipped with various side structures, each with a different rear overhang depending on the intended use and specific application scenario.

[0007] For example, a PBV can have a side structure of a base body type with a defined rear overhang, and a PBV can have a side structure of a long body type with a rear overhang greater than that of the side structure of the base body type.

[0008] The side structures of the basic body type and the long body type are custom-designed from the initial design stage. Therefore, the development cycle and tooling investment costs of the various components used to manufacture the side structures may increase depending on the specifications.

[0009] The information disclosed in the Background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art that is already known, available, or in use. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure relates to a vehicle body, and more specifically, to a side structure of a vehicle body and the production of various vehicle bodies.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle body side structure that maximizes the versatility of a basic vehicle body side structure while being easily adaptable to a long vehicle body side structure.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle body side structure may include: i) a main side body including a rear quarter assembly disposed at the rear of the main side body; ii) a variable module selectively engaged to the rear of the rear quarter assembly; and iii) a universal module selectively engaged to the rear of the rear quarter assembly or the rear of the variable module.

[0013] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the variable module can be a rear sidewall extension member.

[0014] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the general module may be a rear pillar component.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, the variable module can be joined to the rear of the rear side assembly in a mating engagement manner along the width direction.

[0016] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the universal module can be joined to the rear of the variable module in a mating engagement manner along the width direction.

[0017] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, the rear side assembly may include a main joint formed in the vertical direction at the rear.

[0018] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the general module may include a rear pillar member.

[0019] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the rear pillar member may include a universal joint formed in the vertical direction at the front.

[0020] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, the main joint and the general joint can be joined to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment having the same shape and having a matching surface formed therein.

[0021] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the variable module may include a rear sidewall extension member.

[0022] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the rear sidewall extension member may include a front variable joint and a rear variable joint, the front variable joint being formed vertically at the front to engage with a main joint, and the rear variable joint being formed vertically at the rear to engage with a universal joint.

[0023] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, the main joint and the front variable joint can be joined to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment having the same shape and having a matching surface formed therein.

[0024] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, the universal joint and the rear variable joint can be joined to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment having the same shape and having a matching surface formed therein.

[0025] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, each of the main joint, the universal joint, the front variable joint, and the rear variable joint may include a matching segment with a concave-convex shape, wherein matching protrusions and matching grooves are alternately formed in the vertical direction.

[0026] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle side structure may further include an optional module that is selectively engaged with the upper part of the universal module.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle side structure, an optional module may include a rear pillar extension member that is connected to a roof structure of different sizes.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the main side body and the universal module that are joined to each other can be configured as the basic side structure of the basic vehicle body.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, in the vehicle body side structure, the main side body, variable module, and general module that are joined to each other can be configured as a variable side structure of a variable body.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle side structure can achieve the performance of a long body with an increased rear overhang, while reducing the R&D cycle, design workload, tooling investment costs and manufacturing costs required to produce multiple body sizes.

[0031] Furthermore, the effects that can be obtained or foreseen from the disclosed exemplary embodiments are described directly or indirectly in the following detailed description. That is, various effects expected from the disclosed exemplary embodiments will be described in the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0032] These accompanying drawings are used to describe the disclosed embodiments, and therefore the technical ideas of the disclosed embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A side view of the vehicle body of a PBV according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A side view of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of an example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the joint structure between the main side body and the general module, as shown in an example of an application to a vehicle side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 6 A perspective view of another example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of another example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the joint structure between the main side body and the variable module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0041] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view is shown of another example of the joint structure between a variable module and a universal module applied to a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10 Side views of one and another example of a vehicle body side structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0043] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various features illustrating the underlying principles of exemplary embodiments. For example, certain design features of exemplary embodiments, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and usage environment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the embodiments. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented with various modifications and variations and are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for describing particular exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0046] It should also be understood that, as used herein, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used in this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] As used in this specification, the term "joint" refers to the physical relationship between two components that are directly connected to each other by welding, self-piercing rivets (SPR), self-tapping screws (FDS), structural adhesives, etc., or indirectly connected by one or more intermediate components.

[0048] As used herein, the terms “vehicle,” “automobile,” “motor vehicle,” or other similar expressions generally refer to passenger vehicles, including sedans, sports cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, and may also include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric private vehicles (PBVs), hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., vehicles powered by fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

[0049] The disclosed embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 A side view of a PBV body with a body side structure applied according to an embodiment is shown.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the vehicle body side structure 100 can be applied to, for example, the body 1 of a special purpose vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "PBV").

[0052] PBV can be used as a living module based on electric vehicles, which provides users with a variety of customized services during the journey from the point of origin to the destination.

[0053] In one example, the PBV can be manufactured using a single-cab design with a relatively spacious interior. In another example, the interior space of the PBV may include multiple rows of seats, facing seats, or seats with fold-down cushions.

[0054] Depending on the intended use and specific application scenario of the PBV, the body of the PBV can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes.

[0055] Furthermore, the body 1 of the PBV can be used as a variety of vehicle types. For example, it can be used as a taxi to transport passengers, a delivery vehicle to transport goods, and a special vehicle such as an ambulance.

[0056] In this disclosure, the reference orientation used by the components described below may be based on the vehicle body and set to the vehicle body's front-to-back direction (e.g., the vehicle body length direction or longitudinal direction), width direction (e.g., the lateral direction or the left-to-right direction), and vertical direction (e.g., the height direction).

[0057] In this disclosure, the terms “upper end,” “upper part,” “upper end,” or “upper surface” of an assembly can refer to an end, section, segment, or surface of an assembly located relatively above in the drawings, while the terms “lower end,” “lower part,” “lower end,” or “lower surface” of an assembly can refer to an end, section, segment, or surface of an assembly located relatively below in the drawings.

[0058] In this disclosure, the term "end" of a component (e.g., first end, second end, or opposite end) may refer to the endpoint of the component in a given direction, while the term "end" of a component (e.g., first end, second end, opposite end, front end, or rear end) may refer to a portion of the component including the endpoint.

[0059] On the other hand, as described above, in the embodiments, the body 1 of the PBV can be a basic body 1a or a variable body 1b.

[0060] In this document, as described in the embodiments, the basic body 1a and the variable body 1b can be bodies with different rear overhangs, depending on the intended use and specific application scenario of the PBV.

[0061] The basic body 1a can be defined as a body manufactured according to predetermined specifications, such as a short body type with a flat-top structure rather than a high-top structure.

[0062] The variable body 1b can be defined as a body manufactured to specifications different from the base body 1a, and for example, it can have a larger rear overhang than the base body 1a, and can be constructed as a long body type including a high roof structure.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the body side structure 100 of the body 1 suitable for this PBV may include side structures 10a and 10b, which are located on the opposite lateral sides of the base body 1a and the variable body 1b, respectively, according to the vehicle width direction.

[0064] In the following text, the side structure 10a provided in the base body 1a is referred to as the base side structure 10a, and the side structure 10b provided in the variable body 1b is referred to as the variable side structure 10b.

[0065] As described herein, each of the basic side structure 10a and the variable side structure 10b may include a basic side outer plate 11a and a variable side outer plate 11b.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the vehicle side structure 100 can provide a structure that maximizes the versatility of the basic side structure 10a of the basic vehicle body 1a while being easily transformed into a variable side structure 10b of a variable vehicle body 1b.

[0067] In other words, if the basic side structure 10a of the basic body 1a is made into a universal structure, and the basic side structure 10a can be easily changed into the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b, then the practicality of the vehicle can be increased while reducing costs.

[0068] Figure 2 A side view of the vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment is shown.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the vehicle body side structure 100 may include a main side body 20, which is disposed on the basic side structure 10a.

[0070] Furthermore, according to embodiments, the vehicle side structure 100 may include a universal module 30, a variable module 50, and an optional module 70. In various embodiments, the universal module 30 may be referred to as a universal component 30, the variable module 50 may be referred to as a variable component 50, and the optional module 70 may be referred to as an optional component 70.

[0071] In this embodiment, the main body 20 can be defined as a basic body component that will not be replaced even if the specifications (or vehicle type) of the PBV change according to the intended use and specific usage scenario.

[0072] In an embodiment, the main body 20 may include a front pillar member 12, a middle pillar member 13, and a rear side assembly 15 arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

[0073] Here, the rear side enclosure assembly 15 may be located at the rear of the main side body 20. The rear side enclosure assembly 15 may include a side enclosure pillar member 16 and a rear side enclosure member 17, with the rear side enclosure member 17 connected to the side enclosure pillar member 16.

[0074] The front pillar component 12, the middle pillar component 13, and the rear side assembly 15 of the main side body 20 can be universally adapted to the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b.

[0075] The universal module 30 can be used for both the basic side structure 10a of the basic body 1a and the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b.

[0076] The general module 30 can be defined as a general component that remains unchanged even when the PBV specification is modified according to the intended use and specific use case.

[0077] The general module 30 can be combined with the main side body 20 to form the basic side structure 10a of the basic body 1a.

[0078] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment is shown, and Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of an example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment is shown.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment, the general module 30 can be combined with the rear side enclosure assembly 15 of the main side body 20 in the basic side structure 10a.

[0080] The universal module 30 can be engaged with the rear of the rear side panel assembly 15. That is, the universal module 30 can be engaged with the rear of the rear side panel member 17.

[0081] In one embodiment, this general module 30 may include a rear column member 31.

[0082] In this document, as described above, the front pillar, center pillar, side pillar, and rear pillar are defined for ease of understanding and can be A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, and D-pillars used in industry.

[0083] The rear pillar member 31 can be joined to the rear of the rear side panel member 17. In addition, the rear pillar member 31 can be joined to the rear of the rear side panel member 17 in a mating engagement manner (also known as a "fitting engagement manner") along the width direction.

[0084] In embodiments, a mating engagement or fitting engagement method can be defined as an engagement method in which the shapes (e.g., concave and convex profiles) of two pairs of components interlock and engage with each other in a complementary manner. For example, in a pair of mating components, the first component may have a concave groove, while the second component may have a convex protrusion. In this case, the combination of the two mating components can be referred to as a mating engagement or fitting engagement method, in which the convex protrusion is inserted into the concave groove.

[0085] Therefore, the rear side panel member 17 of the rear side panel assembly 15 may be provided with a main joint 21. In addition, the rear pillar member 31 of the universal module 30 may include a universal joint 33.

[0086] In one embodiment, a main joint 21 may be formed at the rear of the rear side enclosure member 17 in a vertical direction.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the rear side enclosure member 17 may include a first matching segment 23, which is arranged vertically at the rear of the rear side enclosure member 17.

[0088] The first matching segment 23 may include a first matching protrusion 25 and a first matching groove 27, which are formed in an alternating concave-convex pattern along the vertical direction at the rear of the rear side enclosure member 17.

[0089] The first matching protrusion 25 and the first matching groove 27 can be formed into shapes that extend inward and outward along the vehicle width direction. The first matching protrusion 25 and the first matching groove 27 may include a first matching surface 29 formed in the concave and convex regions.

[0090] In addition, a universal joint 33 can be formed at the front of the rear column member 31 of the universal module 30 in a vertical direction.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the general joint 33 may include a second matching section 34, which is arranged vertically at the front of the rear column member 31.

[0092] The second matching segment 34 may include a second matching protrusion 35 and a second matching groove 37, the second matching protrusion 35 and the second matching groove 37 being formed in an alternating concave-convex pattern along the vertical direction at the front of the rear column member 31.

[0093] The second matching protrusion 35 and the second matching groove 37 can be formed into shapes that extend inward and outward along the vehicle width direction. The second matching protrusion 35 and the second matching groove 37 may include a second matching surface 39 formed on the uneven area.

[0094] As described above, the first matching segment 23 of the main joint 21 and the second matching segment 34 of the general joint 33 may have the same shape.

[0095] Therefore, the first mating segment 23 and the second mating segment 34 can be mated to each other along the vehicle width direction via the first mating surface 29 and the second mating surface 39. Furthermore, after the first mating segment 23 and the second mating segment 34 are aligned, they can be joined along the vehicle width direction, for example, by welding.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the variable module 50 may be configured to form the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b together with the general module 30 of the main side body 20 and the basic side structure 10a.

[0097] In this embodiment, the variable module 50 can be defined as a replaceable component that can be adapted to the intended use of the PBV and various vehicle types. Hereinafter, the term "various vehicle types" refers to different configurations of the variable module 50, which may include, for example, taxis, delivery vehicles, or special-purpose vehicles.

[0098] Furthermore, the components of the variable module (50), as well as the length of the variable module (50) in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and the width in the longitudinal direction, can be modified in various ways according to the specifications of the variable side structure 10b.

[0099] Figure 6 A perspective view of another example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment is shown, and Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of another example of a vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment is shown.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The variable module 50 can be engaged with the rear side assembly 15 of the main body 20 and can be engaged with the universal module 30.

[0101] The variable module 50 can be engaged with the rear side panel member 17 of the rear side panel assembly 15, and can also be engaged with the rear pillar member 31 of the universal module 30.

[0102] Here, the front of the variable module 50 can be engaged with the main joint 21 of the rear side member 17. In addition, the rear of the variable module 50 can be engaged with the general joint 33 of the rear column member 31.

[0103] In one embodiment, the variable module 50 may include a rear sidewall extension member 51.

[0104] The front portion of the rear side panel extension member 51 can be joined to the main joint 21 in a mating manner along the vehicle width direction. In addition, the rear portion of the rear side panel extension member 51 can be joined to the universal joint 33 in a mating manner along the vehicle width direction.

[0105] Therefore, the rear side extension member 51 may include a front variable joint 53 and a rear variable joint 63.

[0106] In one embodiment, the front variable joint 53 may be formed vertically at the front of the rear side extension member 51 so as to engage with the main joint 21.

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the front variable joint 53 may include a third matching section 54, which is vertically arranged along the front of the rear side extension member 51.

[0108] The third matching segment 54 may include a third matching protrusion 55 and a third matching groove 57, wherein the third matching protrusion 55 and the third matching groove 57 are formed alternately in a concave-convex pattern along the front part of the rear side surrounding member 51 in a vertical direction.

[0109] The third matching protrusion 55 and the third matching groove 57 can be formed into shapes that extend inward and outward along the vehicle width direction. The third matching protrusion 55 and the third matching groove 57 may include a third matching surface 59 formed in the concave and convex regions.

[0110] As described above, the first matching segment 23 of the main joint 21 and the third matching segment 54 of the front variable joint 53 may have the same shape.

[0111] Therefore, the first matching segment 23 and the third matching segment 54 can be matched with each other along the vehicle width direction via the first matching surface 29 and the third matching surface 59. Furthermore, after the first matching segment 23 and the third matching segment 54 are aligned, they can be joined along the vehicle width direction, for example, by welding.

[0112] In one embodiment, the variable joint 63 may be formed vertically at the rear of the rear side extension member 51 so as to engage with the general joint 33 of the rear column member 31.

[0113] like Figure 9 As shown, the rear variable joint 63 may include a fourth matching segment 64, which is vertically arranged along the rear of the rear side extension member 51.

[0114] The fourth matching segment 64 may include a fourth matching protrusion 65 and a fourth matching groove 67, which are formed alternately in a concave-convex pattern along the rear of the rear side surrounding member 51 in a vertical direction.

[0115] The fourth matching protrusion 65 and the fourth matching groove 67 can be formed to extend inward and outward along the vehicle width direction. The fourth matching protrusion 65 and the fourth matching groove 67 may include a fourth matching surface 69 formed on the uneven area.

[0116] As described above, the second matching segment 34 of the general joint 33 and the fourth matching segment 64 of the rear variable joint 63 may have the same shape.

[0117] Therefore, the second mating segment 34 and the fourth mating segment 64 can be mated to each other along the vehicle width direction via the second mating surface 39 and the fourth mating surface 69. Furthermore, after the second mating segment 34 and the fourth mating segment 64 are aligned, they can be joined along the vehicle width direction, for example, by welding.

[0118] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the optional module 70 can be selectively coupled to the upper part of the universal module 30, which is typically adapted to the basic side structure 10a of the base vehicle body 1a (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both.

[0119] In the following text, the optional module 70 connected to the upper part of the general module 30 applied to the basic side structure 10a will be referred to as the first optional module 71. The optional module 70 connected to the upper part of the general module 30 applied to the variable side structure 10b will be referred to as the second optional module 72.

[0120] In this document, each of the first optional module 71 and the second optional module 72 may be configured with different specifications according to the roof structure of the base body 1a and the variable body 1b.

[0121] Figure 10 Side views of one and another example of the vehicle body side structure according to an embodiment are shown.

[0122] Reference Figure 10 In one embodiment, the first optional module 71 may include a first rear post extension member 73, which is connected to the upper part of the rear post member 31 of the general module 30 in the base side structure 10a.

[0123] The first rear pillar extension member 73 can be welded to the upper part of the rear pillar member 31. The first rear pillar extension member 73 can be connected to the base roof structure 3 installed on the base vehicle body 1a.

[0124] In this paper, the basic roof structure 3 can provide a standard roof structure that does not require a high roof design, such as a flat roof structure.

[0125] In one embodiment, the second optional module 72 may include a second rear column extension member 74, which is connected to the upper part of the rear column member 31 of the general module 30 in the variable side structure 10b.

[0126] The second rear pillar extension member 74 can be welded to the upper part of the rear pillar member 31. The second rear pillar extension member 74 can be connected to the variable roof structure 5 provided on the variable body 1b.

[0127] In this paper, the variable roof structure 5 can provide a high roof module that provides a high roof configuration that, for example, differs in specifications from the basic roof structure 3.

[0128] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 10 The assembly process and operation of the vehicle body side structure 100 constructed as described above according to the embodiment are described in detail.

[0129] First, in the embodiment, a main side body 20 can be provided, which includes a front column component 12, a middle column component 13 and a rear side assembly 15.

[0130] In this embodiment, the following components may be provided: a general module 30, including a rear pillar member 31; a variable module 50, including a rear side extension member 51; a first optional module 71, including a first rear pillar extension member 73; and a second optional module 72, including a second rear pillar extension member 74.

[0131] In this document, the rear side enclosure assembly 15 of the main side body 20 may include a rear side enclosure member 17, and the rear side enclosure member 17 may include a main joint 21.

[0132] In addition, the rear pillar member 31 of the universal module 30 may include a universal joint 33, and the rear side extension member 51 of the variable module 50 may include a front variable joint 53 and a rear variable joint 63.

[0133] In this state, the assembly process of the basic side structure 10a of the basic body 1a can be performed.

[0134] During this process, the general module 30 can be engaged with the rear side assembly 15 of the main body 20.

[0135] The rear side panel member 17 of the rear side panel assembly 15 and the rear pillar member 31 of the universal module 30 can be joined in a matching manner along the vehicle width direction through the main joint 21 and the universal joint 33 formed in the same shape.

[0136] In this document, the main engagement portion 21 may include first mating segments 23, and each of the first mating segments 23 may include a first mating protrusion 25 and a first mating groove 27. Furthermore, the general engagement portion 33 may include second mating segments 34, and each of the second mating segments 34 may include a second mating protrusion 35 and a second mating groove 37.

[0137] The first matching protrusion 25 and the first matching groove 27 can be engaged with the second matching protrusion 35 and the second matching groove 37 along the vehicle width direction through the first matching surface 29 and the second matching surface 39.

[0138] As described above, the first matching segment 23 of the main joint 21 and the second matching segment 34 of the universal joint 33 can be joined by welding along the vehicle width direction.

[0139] Next, the first rear column extension member 73 of the first optional module 71 can be engaged with the upper part of the rear column member 31 of the general module 30.

[0140] Therefore, the assembly of the basic side structure 10a can be completed by attaching the general module 30 to the rear side assembly 15 of the main body 20 and then attaching the first optional module 71 to the upper part of the general module 30.

[0141] On the other hand, in an embodiment, the process of assembling the variable side structure 10b of the variable body 1b can be performed.

[0142] During this process, the variable module 50 can be engaged with the rear side assembly 15 of the main body 20.

[0143] The rear side panel member 17 of the rear side panel assembly 15 and the rear side panel extension member 51 of the variable module 50 can be joined in a matching manner along the vehicle width direction through the main joint 21 and the front variable joint 53 formed in the same shape.

[0144] In this document, the main engagement portion 21 may include first mating segments 23, and each of the first mating segments 23 may include a first mating protrusion 25 and a first mating groove 27. Additionally, the front variable engagement portion 53 may include third mating segments 54, and each of the third mating segments 54 may include a third mating protrusion 55 and a third mating groove 57.

[0145] The first matching protrusion 25 and the first matching groove 27 can engage with the third matching protrusion 55 and the third matching groove 57 along the vehicle width direction through the first matching surface 29 and the third matching surface 59.

[0146] As described above, the first matching segment 23 of the main joint 21 and the third matching segment 54 of the front variable joint 53 can be joined by welding along the vehicle width direction.

[0147] Subsequently, the rear pillar member 31 of the general module 30 can be engaged with the rear side extension member 51 of the variable module 50.

[0148] The rear side extension member 51 and the rear pillar member 31 can be joined together in a matching manner along the vehicle width direction by means of the rear variable joint 63 and the universal joint 33, which are formed in the same shape.

[0149] In this document, the general engagement portion 33 may include second mating segments 34, and each of the second mating segments 34 may include a second mating protrusion 35 and a second mating groove 37. Furthermore, the rear variable engagement portion 63 may include fourth mating segments 64, and each of the fourth mating segments 64 may include a fourth mating protrusion 65 and a fourth mating groove 67.

[0150] The second matching protrusion 35 and the second matching groove 37 can engage with the fourth matching protrusion 65 and the fourth matching groove 67 along the vehicle width direction through the second matching surface 39 and the fourth matching surface 69.

[0151] As described above, the second matching segment 34 of the universal joint 33 and the fourth matching segment 64 of the rear variable joint 63 can be joined by welding along the vehicle width direction.

[0152] Next, the second rear column extension member 74 of the second optional module 72 can be engaged with the upper part of the rear column member 31 of the general module 30.

[0153] Therefore, the assembly of the variable side structure 10b can be completed by attaching the variable module 50 to the rear side assembly 15 of the main body 20, attaching the general module 30 to the variable module 50, and further attaching the second optional module 72 to the upper part of the general module 30.

[0154] Based on the vehicle body side structure 100 assembled through the above series of assembly processes, a basic side structure 10a of the basic vehicle body 1a can be provided, in which the universal module 30 is joined to the main side body 20.

[0155] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the vehicle side structure 100 can provide a variable side structure 10b for a variable vehicle body 1b, in which the variable module 50 and the universal module 30 are coupled to the main side body 20 of the base vehicle body 1a.

[0156] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the vehicle side structure 100 can allow the main side body 20 of the base vehicle 1a to be shared to the maximum extent, while making it easy to convert to a variable side structure 10b of a variable vehicle 1b with a rear overhang greater than that of the base vehicle 1a.

[0157] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the vehicle side structure 100 can achieve the long body performance of a variable body 1b with increased rear overhang, while reducing the R&D cycle, design workload, tooling investment cost and manufacturing cost required to produce multiple body specifications.

[0158] Furthermore, the vehicle body side structure 100 according to the embodiment can ensure the compatibility and scalability of body components based on the intended use of the PBV and various usage scenarios, thereby improving the utilization rate of the PBV, enabling responsiveness to the multi-specification PBV market, and allowing hybrid or modular production based on body specifications.

[0159] While the disclosed embodiments have been described in conjunction with embodiments that are now considered feasible, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto, but rather are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A side structure of a vehicle body, comprising: The main body includes a rear side enclosure assembly, which is located at the rear of the main body; A variable component that can be optionally connected to the rear of the rear side enclosure assembly; as well as A general-purpose component, capable of being connected to the rear of the rear side assembly according to a first configuration, and to the rear of the variable component according to a second configuration.

2. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein, The variable component includes a rear sidewall extension member, and the general component includes a rear pillar member.

3. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein, The general-purpose component is interlockably connected to the rear of the rear side panel assembly along the vehicle width direction.

4. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein, The variable component is interlocked to the rear portion of the rear side panel assembly along the vehicle width direction, and the general component is interlocked to the rear portion of the variable component along the vehicle width direction.

5. The side structure according to claim 1, wherein, The rear side panel assembly includes a main joint that is vertically arranged at the rear of the rear side panel assembly, and the universal component includes a rear pillar member that includes a universal joint that is vertically arranged at the front of the universal component.

6. The side structure according to claim 5, wherein, The main joint and the general joint can be connected to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment, the matching segment having a matching surface and being identical in shape.

7. The side structure according to claim 5, wherein, The variable component includes a rear sidewall extension member, which includes a front variable joint and a rear variable joint. The front variable joint is arranged vertically at the front of the rear sidewall extension member, and the rear variable joint is arranged vertically at the rear of the rear sidewall extension member. The front variable joint can be connected to the main joint, and the rear variable joint can be connected to the universal joint.

8. The side structure according to claim 7, wherein, The main joint and the front variable joint can be connected to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment, the matching segment having a matching surface and being identical in shape.

9. The side structure according to claim 7, wherein, The universal joint and the rear variable joint can be connected to each other along the vehicle width direction by a matching segment having a matching surface and being identical in shape.

10. The side structure according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the main joint, the universal joint, the front variable joint, and the rear variable joint includes a mating segment having a protrusion and a groove, the protrusion and the groove being arranged alternately in a vertical direction.

11. The side structure of claim 1, further comprising an optional component capable of being connected to the upper part of the general component.

12. The side structure according to claim 11, wherein, The optional component includes a rear pillar extension member that can be connected to the roof structure.

13. A side structure of a vehicle body, comprising: The main side body includes a rear side enclosure assembly located at the rear of the main side body. The main side body is configured for a first type of special purpose vehicle (PBV) and a second type of PBV, wherein the second type of PBV has different dimensions from the first type of PBV. A variable component is provided for the first type of PBV, wherein the variable component is connectable to the rear of the rear side enclosure assembly of the main body of the first type of PBV; and A general-purpose component, configured for use with either the first type of PBV or the second type of PBV. The general-purpose component can be connected to the rear of the variable component of the first type of PBV, or The universal component can be connected to the rear of the rear side assembly of the main side body of the second type PBV, and the main side body and the universal component provide a basic side structure for the basic body of the second type PBV.

14. The side structure according to claim 13, wherein, The main side body, the variable component, and the general component provide a variable side structure for the variable body of the first type of PBV.

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