Automobile rear floor assembly with reinforcing structure
By designing a reinforced structure composed of left longitudinal beam, right longitudinal beam, front transverse beam, middle transverse beam and rear transverse beam, combined with arc-shaped protective cover and reinforcement plate, the problems of stress concentration and local deformation of traditional automobile rear floor structures during collision are solved, the overall strength and stiffness are improved, taking into account the needs of lightweight, and the safety performance and reliability of the automobile are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422634013.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-30
AI Technical Summary
Traditional automobile rear floor structures are prone to stress concentration and local deformation during collision, which affects collision safety performance and fails to effectively take into account the needs of lightweighting.
A reinforced structure consisting of the left longitudinal beam, the right longitudinal beam, the front transverse beam, the middle transverse beam and the rear transverse beam is adopted, combined with the arc-shaped protective cover and reinforcement plate, and a continuous frame is formed through welding or bolted connection to optimize the energy absorption path.
It significantly enhances the strength and stiffness of the overall structure, reduces the risk of local deformation, improves the safety performance and lightweight effect of the car, and optimizes the collision energy absorption path.
Smart Images

Figure CN223200148U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobiles, in particular to an automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure. Background Art
[0002] With the booming development and continuous evolution of the global automotive industry, safety, energy conservation, environmental protection, and intelligent technology have become core issues driving the sector forward. Against this backdrop, lightweighting strategies, an inevitable trend in future development, aim to effectively reduce vehicle weight while ensuring overall structural safety. The rear floor, a key component of the vehicle's body structure, has a crucial impact on the safety, stability, and durability of the entire vehicle.
[0003] The rear floor frame of a traditional vehicle typically consists of left and right rear floor side beams and two or more rear floor cross members, welded together in a crisscross pattern through a series of cross member connectors. This complex welded structure, particularly the rear floor frame assembly, bears the heavy responsibility of supporting critical structures such as the rear seats and trunk, placing extremely high demands on torsional stiffness, strength, and durability. Furthermore, the rear floor frame plays a crucial role in rear-end collisions, with its structural strength and stability directly impacting passenger safety and protection.
[0004] However, traditional automotive rear floors are typically manufactured using spot welding techniques to combine multiple sheet metal components into a single assembly. This can easily lead to stress concentration and localized deformation during a collision, posing a potential threat to the vehicle's crash safety performance. This structural flaw not only compromises the vehicle's overall safety capabilities but also poses an immeasurable risk to passenger safety.
[0005] Therefore, in response to the above problems, exploring and developing a new type of automobile rear floor underfloor beam assembly structure to improve the collision safety performance of the automobile rear floor has become an important issue that needs to be urgently solved in the current automotive technology field. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of the present utility model is to provide an automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:
[0008] A vehicle rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure includes a rear floor frame, wherein the rear floor frame is composed of a left longitudinal beam and a right longitudinal beam, and a front cross beam, a middle cross beam and a rear cross beam arranged between the left longitudinal beam and the right longitudinal beam; the two ends of the front cross beam, the middle cross beam and the rear cross beam are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam and the right longitudinal beam respectively; a rear floor front section panel and a rear floor rear section panel are horizontally arranged above the rear floor frame, wherein the rear floor front section panel and the rear floor rear section panel are fixedly connected end to end; a rear floor rear section panel is provided with a rear floor skirt inner panel at one end away from the rear floor front section panel, wherein the rear floor skirt inner panel is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the rear end of the rear floor rear section panel; a left protective cover and a right protective cover are respectively provided on both sides of the rear floor front section panel, wherein the left protective cover and the right protective cover are arc-shaped structures; the lower end of the left protective cover is fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam, wherein the lower end of the right protective cover is fixedly connected to the right longitudinal beam.
[0009] Preferably, the front cross beam is in a "U"-shaped structure, wherein a groove is provided along its length; both side edges of the groove extend outward and are provided with bent edges, wherein the bent edges are fixedly connected to the lower end of the front panel of the rear floor.
[0010] Preferably, a first support arm is provided in the middle of the front cross beam, wherein the first support arm is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front panel of the rear floor.
[0011] Preferably, a second support arm is provided below one end of the front cross beam, wherein a diagonal support rod is provided on the second support arm; one end of the diagonal support rod is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front cross beam, wherein the other end of the diagonal support rod is fixedly connected to the second support arm.
[0012] Preferably, the middle cross beam is provided at the connection between the front section panel of the rear floor and the rear section panel of the rear floor, wherein the middle cross beam is fixedly connected to the front section panel of the rear floor and the rear section panel of the rear floor respectively.
[0013] Preferably, both ends of the middle cross beam are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam and the right longitudinal beam respectively, and a first reinforcing plate is provided in the middle of the middle cross beam.
[0014] Preferably, the rear cross beam is in an "L"-shaped structure, wherein the upper end of the vertical side of the rear cross beam is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear section panel of the rear floor; the outer side wall of the vertical side of the rear cross beam is fixedly connected to the inner panel of the rear floor skirt, wherein the lower end of the inner panel of the rear floor skirt is fixedly connected to the horizontal side of the rear cross beam.
[0015] Preferably, a second reinforcing plate and a third reinforcing plate are respectively provided at the connections between the two ends of the rear cross beam and the left longitudinal beam and the right longitudinal beam, wherein the rear ends of the second reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the rear floor skirt inner plate.
[0016] Preferably, the front end of the second reinforcing plate extends forward and is fixedly connected to the left protective cover, wherein the front end of the third reinforcing plate extends forward and is fixedly connected to the right protective cover.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention realizes the structural continuity of the rear floor frame through the carefully designed front cross member, middle cross member and rear cross member, and their fixed connection with the left longitudinal member and the right longitudinal member, thereby significantly enhancing the strength and rigidity of the overall structure. This design reduces the stress concentration phenomenon during collision, reduces the risk of local deformation, and thus improves the safety performance of the vehicle; the "U"-shaped structure and groove design of the front cross member, and the matching first support arm, second support arm and diagonal brace, not only increase the stability of the structure, but also optimize the energy absorption path during collision; wherein, the middle cross member is located at the junction of the front and rear section panels, playing a key transition and supporting role, and the addition of the first reinforcement plate further enhances the strength of this area, the "L"-shaped structure of the rear cross member and its fixed connection with the inner panel of the rear floor skirt, form It forms a solid rear protection structure, which effectively resists impact from the rear; the arc-shaped structural design of the left and right protective shields is not only beautiful, but also provides additional protection in side collisions; the second reinforcement plate, the third reinforcement plate and their connection with the left and right protective shields not only strengthen the connection point between the rear cross beam and the longitudinal beam, but also expand the protection range and improve the side impact resistance; through optimizing the structural design, the utility model takes into account the lightweight requirements while ensuring safety performance; the fixed connection between the various components adopts an efficient connection method, which reduces unnecessary materials and weight, and is in line with the development trend of lightweight automobiles; it effectively solves the shortcomings of the traditional rear floor structure in collision safety, improves the strength and rigidity of the overall structure, optimizes the collision energy absorption path, and takes into account the lightweight requirements, providing a strong guarantee for the safety and reliability of the automobile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the rear floor frame of the utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the new rear floor frame as seen from above;
[0022] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the front crossbeam of the utility model.
[0023] Among them: 1. Rear floor frame; 101. Left longitudinal beam; 102. Right longitudinal beam; 103. Front cross beam; 104. Middle cross beam; 105. Rear cross beam; 2. Front section panel of rear floor; 3. Rear section panel of rear floor; 4. Rear floor skirt inner panel; 5. Left protective cover; 6. Right protective cover; 7. Groove; 8. Bending edge; 9. First support arm; 10. Second support arm; 11. Diagonal brace; 12. First reinforcement plate; 13. Second reinforcement plate; 14. Third reinforcement plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:
[0026] A rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure for an automobile includes a left longitudinal beam 101 and a right longitudinal beam 102, wherein a front crossbeam 103, a middle crossbeam 104 and a rear crossbeam 105 are sequentially arranged between the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102; the ends of the front crossbeam 103, the middle crossbeam 104 and the rear crossbeam 105 are respectively fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102, and form a rear floor frame 1; a rear floor front section panel 2 and a rear floor rear section panel 3 are horizontally arranged above the rear floor frame 1, wherein the rear floor The front section panel 2 and the rear section panel 3 of the rear floor are fixedly connected end to end; the rear section panel 3 of the rear floor is provided with a rear floor skirt inner panel 4 at one end away from the front section panel 2 of the rear floor, wherein the rear floor skirt inner panel 4 is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the rear end of the rear section panel 3 of the rear floor; a left protective cover 5 and a right protective cover 6 are respectively provided on both sides of the rear floor front section panel 2, wherein the left protective cover 5 and the right protective cover 6 are arc-shaped structures; the lower end of the left protective cover 5 is fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam 101, wherein the lower end of the right protective cover 6 is fixedly connected to the right longitudinal beam 102.
[0027] In the above scheme, the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102 serve as the main supporting structure of the rear floor frame 1, wherein the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102 are arranged in parallel, providing longitudinal strength and stability for the entire rear floor; the front cross beam 103, the middle cross beam 104 and the rear cross beam 105, these three cross beams are respectively located between the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102, they are closely connected to the longitudinal beams by welding or other fixing methods (such as bolt connection), and together constitute the basic frame of the rear floor; the front cross beam 103, the middle cross beam 104 and the rear cross beam 105 not only enhance the lateral strength of the rear floor, but also provide installation points for various components on the rear floor; the rear floor front panel 2 and the rear floor rear panel are connected. The section panel 3 is horizontally arranged above the rear floor frame 1 and is connected end to end by welding, covering the entire rear floor area, among which the rear floor front section panel 2 and the rear floor rear section panel 3 not only provide the floor plane inside the car, but also enhance the overall rigidity of the rear floor; the rear floor skirt inner panel 4, this vertically arranged plate is fixedly connected to the rear end of the rear floor rear section panel 3, providing additional protection and support for the edge of the rear floor; the two arc-shaped protective covers 5 and the right protective cover 6 are respectively installed on both sides of the rear floor front section panel 2, among which the left protective cover 5 and the right protective cover 6 are fixedly connected to the longitudinal beam, providing protection for the sides of the rear floor and reducing the risk of damage in side collisions.
[0028] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 As an embodiment of the present invention, the front cross beam 103 has a "U"-shaped structure, wherein the front cross beam 103 is provided with a groove 7 along its length direction; both sides of the groove 7 extend outward and are provided with bent edges 8, wherein the bent edges 8 are fixedly connected to the lower end of the front section panel 2 of the rear floor.
[0029] In the above-described solution, the "U"-shaped structure and the bent edge 8 design significantly enhance the strength and rigidity of the front cross member 103, providing a more stable support for the rear floor. The opening direction of the "U"-shaped structure is generally toward the front or top of the vehicle, depending on the overall layout and design requirements of the vehicle. The design of the groove 7 helps to guide the absorption and dispersion of energy during a collision, thereby improving the collision safety performance of the vehicle. The depth, width and number of the grooves 7 are precisely calculated and optimized based on the collision safety performance and lightweight requirements of the vehicle. The two sides of the groove 7 extend outward and are provided with bent edges 8. These bent edges 8 not only increase the contact area between the front cross member 103 and the front section of the rear floor panel 2, but also provide additional fixing points to enhance the firmness of the connection. The shape and size of the bent edge 8 are customized according to the structure and fixing method of the front section of the rear floor panel 2 to ensure the best connection effect and assembly accuracy. Through reasonable material selection and structural design, the "U"-shaped front cross member 103 not only meets the strength requirements but also achieves lightweight, which helps to reduce the curb weight of the vehicle.
[0030] Please participate Figure 5 As an embodiment of the present utility model, a first support arm 9 is provided in the middle of the front cross beam 103, wherein the first support arm 9 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front panel 2 of the rear floor; a second support arm 10 is provided below one end of the front cross beam 103, wherein a diagonal support rod 11 is provided on the second support arm 10; one end of the diagonal support rod 11 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front cross beam 103, wherein the other end of the diagonal support rod 11 is fixedly connected to the second support arm 10.
[0031] In the above-described scheme, the first support arm 9 is designed and installed in the middle position of the front crossbeam 103, and its main purpose is to provide additional support for the front section panel 2 of the rear floor, thereby enhancing the overall rigidity and stability of the structure; wherein the shape and size of the first support arm 9 will be customized according to the structure, material and expected load conditions of the front section panel 2 of the rear floor; the lower end of the first support arm 9 is connected to the lower end of the front section panel 2 of the rear floor by welding, bolting or other suitable fixing methods to ensure that the connection is firm and reliable and can withstand the expected load and vibration while maintaining the integrity of the structure; the second support arm 10 is installed below one end of the front crossbeam 103, and its function is to further increase the support area of the front crossbeam 103 and improve the stability of the structure; the diagonal brace 11 is designed as an oblique support structure connecting the lower end of the front crossbeam 103 and the second support arm 10, and its main function is to provide additional rigidity and torsional resistance, wherein the length, angle and cross-sectional size of the diagonal brace 11 will be optimized according to the relative position, material and expected load conditions of the front crossbeam 103 and the second support arm 10.
[0032] See also Figure 3 As an embodiment of the present invention, a middle cross beam 104 is arranged at the connection between the rear floor front panel 2 and the rear floor rear panel 3, wherein the middle cross beam 104 is fixedly connected to the rear floor front panel 2 and the rear floor rear panel 3 respectively; the two ends of the middle cross beam 104 are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102 respectively, wherein a first reinforcing plate 12 is provided in the middle position of the middle cross beam 104.
[0033] In the above-described solution, the center cross member 104 is precisely positioned at the junction of the front rear floor panel 2 and the rear rear floor panel 3. This location is chosen to strengthen the connection between the two panels and improve the rigidity and stability of the entire rear floor structure. The center cross member 104 is fixedly connected to the front rear floor panel 2 and the rear rear floor panel 3 respectively by welding, bolting, or other appropriate fixing methods. These connection methods ensure the firmness and reliability of the connection between the center cross member 104 and the rear floor panel. The ends of the center cross member 104 are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal member 101 and the right longitudinal member 102 respectively. This connection is usually achieved by welding, bolting, or riveting, etc., in order to strengthen the structural connection between the center cross member 104 and the longitudinal members of the vehicle body and improve the rigidity and anti-roll capability of the entire vehicle body. The first reinforcement plate 12 is positioned in the middle of the center cross member 104. Its shape and size are customized according to the cross-sectional shape and material of the center cross member 104 and the expected load conditions. The main purpose of the first reinforcement plate 12 is to improve the bending resistance of the center cross member 104 when subjected to bending loads.
[0034] Please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As an embodiment of the present invention, the rear cross beam 105 has an "L"-shaped structure, wherein the upper end of the vertical side of the rear cross beam 105 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear section panel 3 of the rear floor; the outer side wall of the vertical side of the rear cross beam 105 is fixedly connected to the rear floor skirt inner panel 4, wherein the lower end of the rear floor skirt inner panel 4 is fixedly connected to the horizontal side of the rear cross beam 105.
[0035] In the above-mentioned solution, the rear cross member 105 is designed as an "L"-shaped structure, consisting of vertical and horizontal sides. This design not only provides good structural strength, but also helps to optimize material usage and reduce weight. The opening direction of the "L" shape is usually toward the rear of the vehicle, which depends on the overall layout and design requirements of the vehicle. The upper end of the vertical side of the rear cross member 105 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear floor rear section panel 3. This connection method ensures the structural continuity between the rear cross member 105 and the rear floor rear section panel 3, and improves the stability of the entire rear floor structure. The connection methods usually include welding, bolting or riveting. The specific selection depends on the material type, design requirements and manufacturing process; the outer wall of the vertical side of the rear cross beam 105 is fixedly connected to the rear floor skirt inner panel 4. This connection strengthens the structural connection between the rear cross beam 105 and the side of the vehicle body, improves the vehicle's anti-roll ability and overall rigidity, and the connection methods also include welding, bolt connection or riveting, etc., to ensure that the connection is firm and reliable; the horizontal side of the rear cross beam 105 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear floor skirt inner panel 4. This connection further strengthens the structural connection between the rear cross beam 105 and the rear floor skirt inner panel 4, and improves the stability and durability of the entire rear floor structure.
[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As an embodiment of the present utility model, a second reinforcing plate 13 and a third reinforcing plate 14 are respectively provided at the connection between the two ends of the rear cross beam 105 and the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102, wherein the rear ends of the second reinforcing plate 13 and the third reinforcing plate 14 are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the rear floor skirt inner panel 4; the front end of the second reinforcing plate 13 extends forward and is fixedly connected to the left protective cover 5, wherein the front end of the third reinforcing plate 14 extends forward and is fixedly connected to the right protective cover 6.
[0037] In the above-described solution, a second reinforcing plate 13 and a third reinforcing plate 14 are provided at the connection points between the two ends of the rear cross member 105 and the left longitudinal member 101 and the right longitudinal member 102, respectively. The main purpose of the second reinforcing plate 13 and the third reinforcing plate 14 is to enhance the connection strength between the rear cross member 105 and the left longitudinal member 101 and the right longitudinal member 102, thereby improving the rigidity and stability of the entire vehicle body structure. The rear ends of the second reinforcing plate 13 and the third reinforcing plate 14 are fixedly connected to the two ends of the rear floor skirt inner panel 4, respectively. This connection method ensures the structural continuity between the second reinforcing plate 13 and the third reinforcing plate 14 and the rear floor skirt inner panel 4, further enhancing the overall stability of the rear floor structure. The design of the second reinforcing plate 13 and the third reinforcing plate 14 optimizes the distribution of loads on the rear cross beam 105 and the left longitudinal beam 101 and the right longitudinal beam 102, reducing local stress and deformation; the front end of the second reinforcing plate 13 extends forward and is fixedly connected to the left protective cover 5. This connection not only strengthens the structural connection between the rear cross beam 105 and the left protective cover 5, but also helps to improve the side collision safety of the vehicle; the front end of the third reinforcing plate 14 also extends forward and is fixedly connected to the right protective cover 6, playing a similar role, thereby improving the stability and safety of the entire vehicle body structure, ensuring that the vehicle has good handling and ride comfort, and at the same time improving side collision safety.
[0038] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a rear floor frame (1), wherein the rear floor frame (1) is composed of a left longitudinal beam (101) and a right longitudinal beam (102), and a front cross beam (103), a middle cross beam (104) and a rear cross beam (105) arranged between the left longitudinal beam (101) and the right longitudinal beam (102); the two ends of the front cross beam (103), the middle cross beam (104) and the rear cross beam (105) are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam (101) and the right longitudinal beam (102) respectively; a rear floor front section panel (2) and a rear floor rear section panel (3) are horizontally arranged above the rear floor frame (1), wherein the rear floor front section panel (2 ) and the rear floor rear section panel (3) are fixedly connected end to end; the rear floor rear section panel (3) is provided with a rear floor skirt inner panel (4) at one end away from the rear floor front section panel (2), wherein the rear floor skirt inner panel (4) is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the rear end of the rear floor rear section panel (3); the rear floor front section panel (2) is provided with a left protective cover (5) and a right protective cover (6) on both sides, wherein the left protective cover (5) and the right protective cover (6) are arc-shaped structures; the lower end of the left protective cover (5) is fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam (101), wherein the lower end of the right protective cover (6) is fixedly connected to the right longitudinal beam (102).
2. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front cross beam (103) is in a U-shaped structure, wherein the front cross beam (103) is provided with a groove (7) along its length direction; both sides of the groove (7) extend outwards and are provided with bent edges (8), wherein the bent edges (8) are fixedly connected to the lower end of the front section panel (2) of the rear floor.
3. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first support arm (9) is provided in the middle of the front cross beam (103), wherein the first support arm (9) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front section panel (2) of the rear floor.
4. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second support arm (10) is provided below one end of the front cross beam (103), wherein an oblique support rod (11) is provided on the second support arm (10); one end of the oblique support rod (11) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the front cross beam (103), wherein the other end of the oblique support rod (11) is fixedly connected to the second support arm (10).
5. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle cross beam (104) is arranged at the connection between the rear floor front section panel (2) and the rear floor rear section panel (3), wherein the middle cross beam (104) is fixedly connected to the rear floor front section panel (2) and the rear floor rear section panel (3) respectively.
6. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two ends of the middle cross beam (104) are fixedly connected to the left longitudinal beam (101) and the right longitudinal beam (102), respectively, wherein a first reinforcing plate (12) is provided in the middle of the middle cross beam (104).
7. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear cross beam (105) is in an "L"-shaped structure, wherein the upper end of the vertical side of the rear cross beam (105) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear section panel (3) of the rear floor; the outer side wall of the vertical side of the rear cross beam (105) is fixedly connected to the rear floor skirt inner panel (4), wherein the lower end of the rear floor skirt inner panel (4) is fixedly connected to the horizontal side of the rear cross beam (105).
8. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: A second reinforcing plate (13) and a third reinforcing plate (14) are respectively provided at the connection points between the two ends of the rear cross beam (105) and the left longitudinal beam (101) and the right longitudinal beam (102), wherein the rear ends of the second reinforcing plate (13) and the third reinforcing plate (14) are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the rear floor skirt inner plate (4).
9. The automobile rear floor assembly with a reinforced structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The front end of the second reinforcing plate (13) extends forward and is fixedly connected to the left protective cover (5), wherein the front end of the third reinforcing plate (14) extends forward and is fixedly connected to the right protective cover (6).