Container and van

Abstract

The cargo box comprises a cargo box frame and a surrounding plate, the cargo box frame comprises a front stand column and a rear stand column which are arranged in the X direction, the surrounding plate is arranged on the cargo box frame in a surrounding mode, a storage space is defined by the surrounding plate, and the surrounding plate comprises side surrounding plates arranged between the front stand column and the rear stand column in the X direction. Wherein the container frame is provided with a Y0 datum plane in the Y direction, the rear stand column comprises a side panel arranged in the X direction, the side panel is provided with an air guide part, and the air guide part extends towards the Y0 datum plane. According to the container and the van in the embodiment of the invention, the air guide section is formed at the whole side tail part of the container while the storage space is ensured, so that the design of the low-wind-resistance container is realized, and the energy utilization rate of the van is improved.

Description

Cargo boxes and vans Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of driving technology, and in particular relates to a cargo box and a van. Background Technology

[0002] Box trucks are mainly used for fully sealed transportation of various goods. They have advantages such as maneuverability, ease of operation, high efficiency, large transport capacity, protection from rain, efficient use of space, safety, and reliability.

[0003] The volume of the cargo box in a van is one of the main factors affecting its carrying capacity. A rectangular structure can provide a regular internal space, maximizing storage capacity. However, the corresponding cargo box itself has a relatively high drag coefficient, and will experience significant wind resistance during transportation, especially in windy weather, which will create considerable resistance to the vehicle's forward movement and reduce energy efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the cargo box structure to reduce wind resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cargo box and a van that can form a wind deflector on the entire side and rear of the cargo box while ensuring storage space, thereby achieving a low wind resistance cargo box design and improving the energy utilization rate of the van.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cargo box, including a cargo box frame and side panels. The cargo box frame includes a front column and a rear column arranged along the X direction. The side panels surround the cargo box frame and define a storage space. The side panels include side panels arranged along the X direction between the front column and the rear column. The cargo box frame has a Y0 reference plane in the Y direction. The rear column includes a side panel arranged along the X direction, and the side panel has an air guide extending toward the Y0 reference plane.

[0006] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, in the direction away from the front column, the air guide portion of the side panel is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane, and the angle α between it and the X0 reference plane satisfies: 90°<α<180°.

[0007] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the outer contour surface of the air guide portion of the rear column is not parallel to the outer contour surface of the side panel of the cargo box.

[0008] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the entire side panel constitutes an air guide.

[0009] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the side panel includes a first plate and a second plate disposed along the X direction, the first plate being parallel to the side panel, and the second plate forming an air guide portion and being disposed inclined toward the Y0 reference plane.

[0010] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the number of the first plate and the second plate is one, and the second plate is disposed along the X direction on the side of the first plate away from the side panel; or, the number of at least one of the first plate and the second plate is at least two, and the first plate and the second plate are disposed alternately along the X direction.

[0011] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the extension distance of the air guide towards the Y0 reference plane is L1, and the value range of L1 satisfies: 0mm<L1≤330mm.

[0012] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the dimension of the side panel along the X direction is L2, and the value range of L2 satisfies: 0mm < L2 ≤ 2000mm.

[0013] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the sum of the extension distance L1 of the air guide portion toward the Y0 reference plane and the dimension L2 of the side panel along the X direction satisfies: L1+L2≤2000mm.

[0014] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, in the Y direction, the maximum vertical distance from the side panel to the Y0 reference plane is Y1, and the maximum vertical distance from the side panel of the rear column to the Y0 reference plane is Y2, wherein Y2 is less than or equal to Y1.

[0015] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the cargo box frame has an X0 reference plane in the X direction, the rear uprights are arranged in pairs along the Y direction, the side panel also includes a rear side panel located between the paired rear uprights, the rear uprights also include a rear panel arranged along the Y direction, and the rear panel is parallel to the rear side panel or the X0 reference plane.

[0016] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the side panel and the rear panel are an integral bent structure.

[0017] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the enclosure further includes a top enclosure, which includes a plate body and a plurality of protruding ribs disposed on the plate body. The plurality of protruding ribs are arranged at intervals along the Y direction, and each protruding rib extends along the X direction.

[0018] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the enclosure further includes an arc-shaped plate, and the ends of the top enclosure and the side enclosure that are close to each other are connected by the arc-shaped plate, the arc radius of which is 40mm to 80mm.

[0019] According to any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the cargo box further includes a side skirt panel connected below the side panel, the side skirt panel extending from the front pillar to the rear pillar along the X direction.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a van, including the cargo box of the first aspect embodiment.

[0021] The cargo box and van provided in this application embodiment include a cargo box frame and side panels. The cargo box frame includes front and rear uprights arranged along the X direction, and the side panels surround the cargo box frame and define a storage space. Based on this, the cargo box in this application embodiment improves the structure of the rear uprights, so that the side panels of the rear uprights have air guides. The air guides extend towards the Y0 reference plane and form an air guide section, which can guide the airflow to the rear of the cargo box, thereby improving the airflow distribution at the rear of the cargo box, reducing the tail vortex area, lowering the drag coefficient of the cargo box, and improving the vehicle's energy utilization and driving stability. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cargo box provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a front view of a cargo box provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction in Figure 2;

[0026] Figure 4a shows a speed cloud simulation diagram of a van in operation in the prior art;

[0027] Figure 4b is a speed cloud simulation diagram of a van in operation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rear column provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rear column provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rear column provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 is a front view of a cargo box provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 8.

[0033] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 10-Cargo box;

[0035] 1-Cargo box frame; 11-Front upright; 12-Rear upright; 121-Side panel; 1211-First plate; 1212-Second plate; 122-Rear panel; 123-First connecting plate; 124-Second connecting plate;

[0036] 2-Front panel; 21-Side panel; 22-Rear panel; 23-Top panel; 231-Plate body; 232-Protruding ridge; 24-Curved panel; 25-Side skirt;

[0037] 3-door;

[0038] S1 - Air guide section.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to explain this application and not to limit it. For those skilled in the art, this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a cargo box 10 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0043] This application provides a van, which includes a cab and a cargo box 10 connected to the rear of the cab. The cab is equipped with a driver's cab. The cargo box 10 has a square cavity structure, including a cargo box frame 1 and side panels 2. The side panels 2 are fixed to the cargo box frame 1 and form a closed storage space. Goods can be placed in the storage space and transported through the driver's cab.

[0044] The cargo box 10 is designed with a square cavity structure, which provides a regular internal space and maximizes storage space. However, this results in a relatively high drag coefficient for the cargo box 10. The drag coefficient is one of the important parameters of the cargo box 10. When the drag coefficient is high, it will not only lead to a significant increase in energy consumption, reducing the vehicle's range with a fixed total energy (e.g., a fixed battery capacity), but it will also affect the vehicle's driving stability.

[0045] To reduce the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10 itself, this application also provides a novel cargo box 10, which can be used in a van and as a component of the van. Of course, it can also be manufactured or sold separately as an independent component.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1 and 3 together. Figure 2 shows a front view of the cargo box 10 provided in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along the AA direction in Figure 2.

[0047] This application provides a cargo box 10, which includes a cargo box frame 1 and a side panel 2. The cargo box frame 1 includes a front upright 11 and a rear upright 12 arranged along the X direction. The side panel 2 surrounds the cargo box frame 1 and defines a storage space. The side panel 2 includes a side panel 21 arranged along the X direction between the front upright 11 and the rear upright 12. The cargo box frame 1 has a Y0 reference plane in the Y direction. The rear upright 12 includes a side panel 121 arranged along the X direction, and the side panel 121 has an air guide that extends toward the Y0 reference plane.

[0048] In this paper, the directions are defined with reference to the vehicle coordinate system. For example, the X direction is parallel to the ground and is used to describe the front-to-back direction of the cargo box 10; the Y direction is parallel to the ground and is used to describe the left-to-right direction of the cargo box 10; and the Z direction is parallel to the ground and is used to describe the up-and-down direction of the cargo box 10. In addition, the Y0 reference plane is the left-to-right central symmetry plane of the cargo box 10, the Z0 reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the Y0 reference plane and parallel to the ground, and the X0 reference plane is a plane perpendicular to both the Y0 and Z0 reference planes.

[0049] The cargo box frame 1 refers to the supporting structure of the cargo box 10. Specifically, it is a frame structure used to support the cargo box 10, provide a stable load-bearing environment for the goods, and connect to the chassis of the van. The cargo box frame 1 is formed by welding or bolting together multiple columns, crossbeams, and longitudinal beams. The crossbeams and longitudinal beams constitute the basic skeleton of the cargo box frame 1, providing strength support for the cargo box 10 in the X and Y directions. The columns connect the crossbeams and longitudinal beams and play a role in increasing the overall stability of the cargo box frame 1.

[0050] Among the multiple columns of the cargo box frame 1, the column located in front of the cargo box frame 1 along the X direction is the front column 11, and the column located behind the cargo box frame 1 along the X direction is the rear column 12. The rear column 12 includes a side panel 121 located along the X direction.

[0051] It should be noted that the side panel 121 being set along the X direction does not only mean that the side panel 121 is parallel to the X direction, but it can also mean that the side panel 121 is not parallel to the X direction, but the side panel has a projection in the X direction.

[0052] The side panels 2 are used to connect with the cargo box frame 1 and enclose a closed or semi-closed storage space. The side panels 2 can effectively prevent goods from scattering during transportation due to bumps, sudden braking, etc., ensuring the integrity and safety of the goods. In addition, the side panels 2, together with the crossbeams, longitudinal beams, and columns of the cargo box frame 1, can bear the weight of the goods and various forces generated during vehicle movement, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the cargo box 10.

[0053] The enclosure 2 can be divided into front enclosure 2, rear enclosure 22, side enclosure 21 and top enclosure 23 according to its setting position. The front enclosure 2 refers to the enclosure 2 set in front of the cargo box 10 along the X direction. The rear enclosure 22 refers to the enclosure 2 set in the rear of the cargo box 10 along the X direction. The side enclosure 21 is the enclosure 2 set in the left and right sides of the cargo box 10 along the Y direction. The top enclosure 23 refers to the enclosure 2 set in the top of the cargo box 10 along the Z direction.

[0054] Since the wind will form a vortex at the rear of the vehicle after passing through the side panel 21 during the driving process of the van, the cargo box 10 in this embodiment improves the structure of the rear pillar 12 of the cargo box 10. The rear pillar 12 includes a side panel 121 arranged along the X direction. The side panel 121 has an air guide section S1. The air guide section S1 extends toward the Y0 reference plane and forms an air guide section. The air guide section S1 can guide the airflow to the rear of the cargo box 10, thereby improving the airflow distribution at the rear of the cargo box 10, reducing the tail vortex area, reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10, and improving the energy utilization rate and driving stability of the vehicle.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a speed cloud simulation diagram of a van in operation in the prior art and a speed cloud simulation diagram of a van in operation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] By forming an air guide S1 on the side panel 121 of the rear pillar 12, the air guide S1 can effectively reduce the tail vortex area, that is, the vortex area A2 in Figure 4b is smaller than the vortex area A1 in Figure 4a, reducing the negative pressure area at the rear of the cargo box 10, thereby reducing the wind resistance of the entire vehicle when the van is running.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cargo box 10, by improving the structure of the rear pillar 12, can form a guide section along the Z-direction throughout the entire side and rear of the cargo box 10, thereby changing the overall airflow through the side and rear of the cargo box 10 and significantly reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10. Moreover, compared to adding additional deflectors to the side and rear of the cargo box 10, the method of forming the guide section by adjusting the structure of the rear pillar 12 in this application does not increase the overall length of the van along the X-direction. This solves the problem that the length of the van along the X-direction after adding deflectors may exceed regulatory requirements, and increases the capacity of the cargo box 10 while maintaining the same overall vehicle dimensions, thus improving storage space.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a cross-sectional view of the rear column provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0059] It is understood that the side panel has an air guide S1 extending toward the Y0 reference plane. In some embodiments, the air guide S1 may extend along the Y direction and form a stepped structure to guide the airflow flowing to the rear of the cargo box 10 through the stepped air guide S1, so as to reduce the tail vortex area and reduce the drag coefficient.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a cross-sectional view of the rear column provided in some other embodiments of this application.

[0061] In other embodiments, in a direction away from the front pillar 11, the air guide portion S1 of the side panel 121 is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane, and the angle α between it and the X0 reference plane satisfies: 90°<α<180°.

[0062] Specifically, in the direction away from the front pillar 11, the air guide portion S1 of the side panel 121 is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane, meaning that the air guide portion S1 includes a first end and a second end arranged along the X direction, and the line connecting the first end and the second end is inclined relative to the Y0 reference plane. The outer contour surface of the air guide portion S1 can be an inclined surface integrally inclined toward the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction, or it can be an inclined surface that gradually transitions toward the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction, or it can be an arc-shaped surface that transitions toward the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction.

[0063] The angle α between the air guide S1 and the X0 reference plane can be any value between 90° and 180°, excluding the extreme values ​​of 90° and 180°. The angle α can be any value between 90° and 180°, for example, 95°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 135°, 140°, 150°, 160°, or 170°.

[0064] By tilting the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane, the airflow flowing to the rear of the cargo box 10 can be gradually guided by the air guide S1 to avoid sudden changes in airflow, improve the reliability of airflow transition, reduce the tail vortex area, and lower the drag coefficient.

[0065] As an optional embodiment, the outer contour surface of the air guide S1 can be set as a slope, which facilitates the manufacturing and forming of the rear column 12 and reduces costs. Moreover, compared to setting the air guide S1 as an arc surface, the angle of the slope is easier to adjust, and can be adapted to different spaces and stress conditions according to actual needs, effectively reducing the wind resistance coefficient of the cargo box 10 and improving the energy utilization rate of the van.

[0066] In some alternative embodiments, the outer contour surface of the air guide section S1 of the rear column 12 is not parallel to the outer contour surface of the side panel 21 of the cargo box 10.

[0067] For example, the outer contour surface of the side panel 21 of the cargo box 10 can be parallel to the Y0 reference plane, and the outer contour surface of the air guide S1 of the rear column 12 can be inclined towards the Y0 reference plane, so that when the airflow flows from the side panel 21 to the rear column 12, the airflow direction can be changed by the air guide S1 on the rear column 12 to reduce the tail vortex area and reduce the drag coefficient.

[0068] As an alternative implementation, the entire side panel 121 constitutes an air guide section S1 (not shown in the figure).

[0069] The entire side panel 121 is configured as the air guide section S1, meaning the entire side panel 121 is inclined towards the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction. This simplifies the structure, reduces design difficulty, and makes it easier to process and form, thus improving production efficiency. Furthermore, by configuring the entire side panel 121 as the air guide section S1, the size of the air guide section along the X direction can be increased based on the same size rear column 12. This allows for more uniform airflow guidance and better resistance to airflow impact and vibrations during vehicle movement, improving the reliability of the cargo box 10.

[0070] As another alternative implementation, the side panel 121 includes a first plate 1211 and a second plate 1212 arranged along the X direction. The first plate 1211 is parallel to the side panel 21, and the second plate 1212 forms an air guide S1 and is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane.

[0071] That is, the side panel 121 can also be partially configured as an air guide S1. By configuring the side panel 121 as a first plate 1211 and a second plate 1212, with the second plate 1212 inclined towards the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction, the air guide S1 can be formed through the second plate 1212. Compared to the form where the entire side panel 121 is configured as an air guide S1, by only making a part of the side panel 121 an air guide S1, the position of the air guide area and the angle α between the inclined part of the side panel 121 and the rear panel 122 can be reasonably adjusted, thereby adjusting the airflow guiding effect, effectively reducing the wind resistance coefficient of the cargo box 10, and improving the energy utilization rate of the van.

[0072] The positions of the first plate 1211 and the second plate 1212, as well as the tilt angle of the second plate 1212 toward the Y0 reference plane, can be adjusted according to the airflow guidance requirements.

[0073] In some embodiments, there is one first plate 1211 and one second plate 1212, and the second plate 1212 is disposed along the X direction on the side of the first plate 1211 away from the side panel 121.

[0074] By setting the number of first plates 1211 and second plates 1212 to one, the number of bends can be reduced, making it easier to manufacture the rear pillar 12. Simultaneously, when the number of first plates 1211 and second plates 1212 is set to one, by positioning the first plate 1211 along the X direction closer to the side panel 21 and the second plate 1212 along the X direction closer to the rear panel 22, the front part of the rear pillar 12, i.e., the left and right sides where the first plate 1211 is located, is approximately the same width as the left and right sides of the side panel 21. Meanwhile, the rear part of the rear pillar 12, i.e., the left and right sides where the second plate 1212 is located, is rotated a certain angle in the opposite direction to the Y0 reference plane and is not parallel to the side panel 21. This special design facilitates airflow guidance and creates a stable negative pressure at the rear of the vehicle, reducing the drag coefficient of the van.

[0075] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear column 12 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0076] In some other embodiments, at least one of the first plate 1211 and the second plate 1212 is at least two, and the first plate 1211 and the second plate 1212 are alternately arranged along the X direction.

[0077] In this design, at least one of the first plate 1211 and the second plate 1212 is provided in at least two quantities. For example, there can be two first plate 1211s and one second plate 1212, with the second plate 1212 positioned between the two first plate 1211s along the X-direction to form an air guide section S1 between them. Alternatively, there can be one first plate 1211 and two second plate 1212s, with the first plate 1211 positioned between the two second plate 1212s along the X-direction to form two air guide sections S1. Of course, the number of first plate 1211s and second plate 1212s can also be increased, but correspondingly, the difficulty of forming the rear column 12 will also increase. Therefore, the specific number can be adjusted according to the actual forming conditions and airflow guidance requirements, and this application does not impose a specific limitation on this.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the rear uprights 12 are arranged in pairs and spaced apart along the Y direction. The enclosure 2 also includes a rear enclosure 22 located between the paired rear uprights 12. The rear uprights 12 also include a rear panel 122 disposed on the same side as the rear enclosure 22, and the rear panel 122 is parallel to the rear enclosure or the X0 reference plane. The cargo box 10 in this embodiment has a hexahedral structure, and the storage space forms a square cavity structure, which can provide a regular internal space and maximize storage space.

[0079] In some embodiments, the side panel 121 and the rear panel 122 are integrally bent.

[0080] By integrally bending the side panel 121 and the rear panel 122, the connection gap between them is eliminated, reducing the risk of fatigue failure at the connection point and improving the overall fatigue resistance of the cargo box 10. Furthermore, by making the side panel 121 and the rear panel 122 a single integrated structure, stress is distributed more evenly across the entire rear column 12, allowing the overall structure to better resist deformation and torsion, maintaining the shape and stability of the cargo box 10, and ensuring the safety of goods during transportation.

[0081] Furthermore, the side panel 121 can be bent so that at least part of the side panel 121 extends toward the Y0 reference plane in the Y direction. Compared with mold forming, the above operation can reduce costs and is easier to operate.

[0082] Optionally, the rear column 12 can be made of steel. During the manufacturing of the rear column 12, pressure can be applied to the steel coil using a bending machine, plate rolling machine, etc., to cause the steel coil to bend and deform, thereby achieving the integral bending and forming of the side panel 121 and the rear panel 122.

[0083] In some alternative embodiments, the extension distance of the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane is L1, and the value of L1 is in the range of: 0mm < L1 ≤ 330mm.

[0084] The extension distance L1 of the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane can be obtained by measuring the projected length of the side panel 121 along the Y direction on the X0 plane using a laser rangefinder, tape measure, or other means, or by measuring the actual edge length of the side panel 121 along the Y direction between the farthest end and the nearest end of the Y0 reference plane.

[0085] With a fixed overall dimension of the rear pillar 12 along the Y direction, the extension dimension of the side panel 121 along the Y direction toward the Y0 reference plane will affect the settable dimension of the rear panel 122. Since the rear panel 22 of the cargo box 10 is often equipped with a tailgate 3, the setting of the rear panel 122 needs to ensure the installation requirements of the tailgate 3 hinges so that the tailgate 3 can open wide enough to accommodate cargo. On the other hand, the rear panel 122 also needs to leave enough space to attach a reflector to reflect the light sources (such as headlights) of other vehicles or pedestrians back to the light source direction, meet regulatory requirements, and clearly define the outline of the cargo box 10, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions or crashes.

[0086] Therefore, by extending the side panel 121 along the Y direction towards the Y0 reference plane by a distance L1 greater than 0 mm, an inward-curving air-guiding section can be formed, thereby reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10. Furthermore, by extending the side panel 121 along the Y direction towards the Y0 reference plane by a distance L1 less than or equal to 330 mm, the rear panel 122 can have sufficient space to install functional components such as the tailgate 3 hinge and reflectors, better meeting the usage requirements of the cargo box 10 and improving the reliability of the van.

[0087] Furthermore, the extension distance L1 of the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane is within the range of 0mm < L1 ≤ 20mm. For example, L1 can be set to 10mm, 13.5mm, 15.3mm, 15mm, 20mm, etc., so as to improve airflow and provide sufficient space for the rear panel 122 to install the tailgate 3 hinge and reflector and other functional components, so as to better meet the usage requirements of the cargo box 10 and improve the reliability of the van.

[0088] In some alternative embodiments, the dimension of the side panel 121 along the X direction is L2, and the value of L2 is in the range of: 0mm < L2 ≤ 2000mm.

[0089] The dimension L2 of the side panel 121 along the X direction can be obtained by measuring the projected length of the side panel 121 along the X direction on the Y0 plane using a laser rangefinder, tape measure, or other means, or by measuring the actual edge length between the farthest end and the nearest end of the side panel 21 along the X direction.

[0090] The dimensions of the side panel 121 along the X direction can be selected according to the specifications of the cargo box 10 and the manufacturing conditions of the rear column 12. For example, when the rear column 12 is integrally bent from a steel coil, since the dimensions of the rear column 12 along the Z direction are relatively large, the steel coil is often formed by bending it along the width direction. Since the width of the steel coil is limited, the dimensions of the side panel 121 along the X direction can be selected according to the width of the steel coil.

[0091] Therefore, by making the side panel 121 less than or equal to 2000 mm in the X direction, it is easier to purchase steel coils with suitable conditions and also easier to process, reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the rear column 12 and reducing costs.

[0092] Furthermore, the value range of the dimension L2 of the side panel 121 along the X direction satisfies: 0mm < L2 ≤ 200mm. For example, L2 can be set to 50mm, 60mm, 69mm, 70mm, 80mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, etc.

[0093] In some alternative embodiments, the sum of the extension distance L1 of the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane and the dimension L2 of the side panel 121 along the X direction is less than or equal to 2000 mm.

[0094] By ensuring that the sum of the extension distance L1 of the air guide S1 toward the Y0 reference plane and the dimension L2 of the side panel 121 along the X direction is less than or equal to 2000 mm, it is easier to procure steel coils with suitable conditions. Furthermore, the steel coils can be bent integrally to form an air guide section by bending at least a portion of the side panel 121 toward the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction. This also makes the processing easier, reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the rear column 12, and reduces costs.

[0095] Taking a side panel 121 as an example, it includes a first plate 1211 and a second plate 1212 arranged along the X direction, with the first plate 1211 arranged along the X direction on the side of the side panel 121 close to the side wall 21, and the second plate 1212 arranged along the X direction on the side of the side panel 121 away from the side wall 21.

[0096] As an optional implementation, L1 can be 15.2 mm, L2 can be 69 mm, wherein the dimension a of the first plate 1211 along the X direction can be set to 15.3 mm, the dimension b of the second plate 1212 along the X direction can be set to 53.7 mm, and α is 104°.

[0097] As another alternative implementation, L1 can be 13.3 mm, L2 can be 69 mm, wherein the dimension a of the first plate 1211 along the X direction can be set to 15.7 mm, the dimension b of the second plate 1212 along the X direction can be set to 53.3 mm, and α is 106°.

[0098] Testing showed that by setting the above parameters, the drag coefficient can be reduced by 2 counts (0.002), thereby reducing the energy utilization rate of the van and improving its range. Referring to Figures 1 to 7, in some optional embodiments, the rear pillar 12 further includes a first connecting plate 123. The first connecting plate 123 is disposed along the X direction at the end of the side panel 121 away from the rear panel 122 and is integrally bent with the side panel 121. The rear pillar 12 is connected to the side panel 21 through the first connecting plate 123.

[0099] The first connecting plate 123 can be arranged parallel to the Y direction to facilitate its connection with the side panel 121. Furthermore, by integrally bending the first connecting plate 123 of the rear column 12 with the side panel 121, the connection gap between the side panel 121 and the first connecting plate 123 is eliminated, which is beneficial for stress transfer. This allows the overall structure to better resist deformation and torsion, maintaining the shape and stability of the cargo box 10 and ensuring the safety of goods during transportation.

[0100] Optionally, the first connecting plate 123 may be provided with a flange. The flange is provided by the first connecting plate 123 along the X direction toward the side panel 21. The flange can increase the rigidity of the rear column 12, improve the load-bearing capacity of the rear column 12, and when the cargo box 10 is subjected to external force, the flange can also better disperse the stress and reduce the risk of deformation and damage.

[0101] In some optional embodiments, the rear pillar 12 further includes a second connecting plate 124, which is disposed along the Y direction at one end of the rear panel 122 away from the side panel 121 and is integrally bent with the rear panel 122. The rear pillar 12 is connected to the rear enclosure 22 through the second connecting plate 124.

[0102] The surface of the second connecting plate 124 can be arranged parallel to the X-direction to facilitate its connection with the rear panel 122. Furthermore, by integrally bending the second connecting plate 124 of the rear column 12 with the rear panel 122, the connection gap between the rear panel 122 and the second connecting plate 124 is eliminated, which is beneficial for stress transfer. This allows the overall structure to better resist deformation and torsion, maintaining the shape and stability of the cargo box 10 and ensuring the safety of goods during transportation.

[0103] Optionally, the second connecting plate 124 may be provided with a flange. The flange is provided by the second connecting plate 124 along the Y direction toward the rear panel 22. The flange can increase the rigidity of the rear column 12, improve the load-bearing capacity of the rear column 12, and when the cargo box 10 is subjected to external force, the flange can also better disperse the stress and reduce the risk of deformation and damage.

[0104] Optionally, the rear pillar 12 may also include an inner reinforcing plate, which connects to the first connecting plate 123 and the second connecting plate 124, forming a hollow structure. By providing the inner reinforcing plate, the structural strength of the rear pillar 12 can be increased, improving the load-bearing capacity of the cargo box 10. Furthermore, since the rear pillar 12 is a hollow structure, its weight can be reduced, thereby lowering the weight of the cargo box 10, which in turn reduces overall energy consumption and improves the range of the van.

[0105] In some alternative embodiments, the maximum vertical distance between the side panel 121 and the second connecting plate 124 gradually decreases along the X direction and from the front column 11 to the rear column 12.

[0106] Using the second connecting plate 124 as a reference, by gradually reducing the maximum vertical distance between the side panel 121 and the second connecting plate 124 along the Y direction, after connecting the rear pillar 12 to the side panel 21 and the rear panel 22, the side panel 121 of the rear pillar 12 can be at least partially inclined towards the Y0 reference plane along the Y direction, thereby improving the airflow distribution at the rear of the cargo box, reducing the tail vortex area, reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10, and improving the energy utilization rate and driving stability of the vehicle.

[0107] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7. In some optional embodiments, in the Y direction, the maximum vertical distance from the side panel 21 to the Y0 reference plane is Y1, and the maximum vertical distance from the side panel 121 of the rear column 12 to the Y0 reference plane is Y2, wherein Y2 is less than or equal to Y1.

[0108] When the cargo box 10 is applied to a van, its aerodynamic shape can affect the van's drag during operation. This application reduces the protruding structures on the sides of the cargo box 10 by setting Y2 to be less than or equal to Y1, allowing airflow to pass more smoothly over the sides of the cargo box 10, reducing air resistance, thereby reducing energy consumption during van operation and improving the van's energy utilization rate.

[0109] In some embodiments, the difference between Y1 and Y2 in the Y direction satisfies the following range: -3mm ≤ Y2 - Y1 ≤ 0mm.

[0110] It should be noted that when Y2-Y1 equals 0mm, the outer contour surface of the side panel of the rear column 120 and the outer contour surface of the side panel 210 can be flush in the Y direction to form a continuous and flat side profile. After the side panel 210 and the rear column 120 are connected by welding or high-strength bolts, a smooth transition surface without steps can be formed between the side panel 210 and the rear column 120. Therefore, the separation phenomenon caused by surface abruptness can be reduced when airflow passes through.

[0111] When Y2-Y1 is between -3mm and 0mm (i.e., the side panel of the rear column 120 is retracted relative to the side panel 210), for example, Y2-Y1 = -3mm, Y2-Y1 = -1mm, etc., the airflow can flow more smoothly through the cargo box, reducing the generation of eddies and thus reducing the drag coefficient.

[0112] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9. Figure 8 shows a front view of the cargo box 10 in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view in the BB direction of Figure 8.

[0113] In some optional embodiments, the enclosure 2 further includes a top enclosure 23 disposed above the cargo box 10 along the Z direction. The top enclosure 23 includes a plate 231 and a plurality of protrusions 232 disposed on the plate 231. The plurality of protrusions 232 are arranged at intervals along the Y direction, and each protrusion 232 extends along the X direction.

[0114] Compared to extending the protruding rib 232 along the Y direction, extending the protruding rib 232 along the X direction can reduce the frontal area of ​​the protruding rib 232 during the driving of the van, allowing air to pass more smoothly through the area where the top panel 23 is located, reducing wind resistance, thereby further reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10, reducing the energy utilization rate of the van, and improving the driving range.

[0115] It is understood that the specific structure and number of protrusions 232, as well as the spacing between adjacent protrusions 232, can be adjusted according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0116] In some alternative embodiments, the enclosure 2 further includes an arc-shaped plate 24, with the top enclosure 23 and the side enclosure 21 connected at their closest points via the arc-shaped plate 24, the arc radius of which is 40mm to 80mm.

[0117] By connecting the top panel 23 and the side panels 21 at their closest points with an arc-shaped plate 24, where the radius of the arc 24 is greater than or equal to 40 mm, a large-rounded arc-shaped plate 24 can be formed. This large-rounded arc-shaped plate 24 reduces the frontal area of ​​the van during driving, further reducing the drag coefficient of the cargo box 10. By making the arc-shaped plate 24 less than or equal to 80 mm, the drag coefficient can be reduced while correspondingly increasing storage space and improving the cargo-carrying capacity of the cargo box 10.

[0118] As an alternative implementation, the radius of curvature of the arc plate 24 can be set to one of 40mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, etc., in order to reduce the wind resistance coefficient of the cargo box 10 while taking into account the storage space of the cargo box 10 and improving the performance of the van.

[0119] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7. In some optional embodiments, the cargo box 10 also includes a side skirt panel connected below the side panel 21, which extends along the X direction from the front pillar 11 to the rear pillar 12.

[0120] By setting a side skirt below the side panel 21 of the cargo box 10 and extending the side skirt from the front pillar 11 to the rear pillar 12 along the X direction, the side skirt can have a complete side structure, which can reduce the risk of air entering the lower part of the bottom panel 2 of the cargo box 10 to a certain extent, and allow more air from the side of the cargo box 10 to be directed to the rear of the cargo box 10, effectively reducing the wind resistance of the whole vehicle.

[0121] Optionally, a clearance section is provided at one end of the side skirt near the rear pillar 12, which can reduce the risk of interference between the side skirt 25 and road obstacles (such as bumps, slopes, speed bumps or potholes), and improve the passability, safety and reliability of the van.

[0122] In summary, the cargo box 10 in this embodiment has advantages such as low drag coefficient. Since the van includes the cargo box 10 in the above embodiment, the van also has advantages such as low drag coefficient, low energy consumption and long range, making it easier to promote and apply.

[0123] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cargo box, characterized in that, include: A cargo box frame includes a front column and a rear column arranged along the X direction; a side panel is provided around the cargo box frame and defines a storage space, the side panel includes a side panel arranged along the X direction between the front column and the rear column; wherein, the cargo box frame has a Y0 reference plane in the Y direction, the rear column includes a side panel arranged along the X direction, the side panel has an air guide portion, the air guide portion extends toward the Y0 reference plane.

2. The cargo box according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction away from the front pillar, the air guide portion of the side panel is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane, and the angle α between it and the X0 reference plane satisfies: 90°<α<180°.

3. The cargo box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer contour surface of the air guide section of the rear column is not parallel to the outer contour surface of the side panel of the cargo box.

4. The cargo box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The entire side panel constitutes the air guide section.

5. The cargo box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side panel includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is parallel to the side panel, and the second plate forms the air guide and is inclined toward the Y0 reference plane.

6. The cargo box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the first plate and the second plate is one, and the second plate is disposed along the X direction on the side of the first plate away from the side panel; or, the number of at least one of the first plate and the second plate is at least two, and the first plate and the second plate are disposed alternately along the X direction.

7. The cargo box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The extension distance of the air guide towards the Y0 reference plane is L1, and the value range of L1 satisfies: 0mm<L1≤330mm.

8. The cargo box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The dimension of the side panel along the X direction is L2, and the value of L2 is within the range of: 0mm < L2 ≤ 2000mm.

9. The cargo box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sum of the extension distance L1 of the air guide towards the Y0 reference plane and the dimension L2 of the side panel along the X direction satisfies: L1+L2≤2000mm.

10. The cargo box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In the Y direction, the maximum vertical distance from the side panel to the Y0 reference plane is Y1, and the maximum vertical distance from the side panel of the rear column to the Y0 reference plane is Y2, wherein Y2 is less than or equal to Y1.

11. The cargo box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cargo box frame has an X0 reference plane in the X direction, the rear uprights are arranged in pairs along the Y direction, the side panel also includes a rear side panel located between the paired rear uprights, the rear uprights also include a rear panel arranged along the Y direction, and the rear panel is parallel to the rear side panel or the X0 reference plane.

12. The cargo box according to claim 11, characterized in that, The side panel and the rear panel are an integral bent structure.

13. The cargo box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The enclosure also includes a top enclosure, which includes a plate body and a plurality of protruding ribs disposed on the plate body. The plurality of protruding ribs are arranged at intervals along the Y direction, and each protruding rib extends along the X direction.

14. The cargo box according to claim 13, characterized in that, The enclosure also includes an arc-shaped plate, and the top enclosure and the side enclosure are connected at their closest points via the arc-shaped plate, the arc radius of which is 40mm to 80mm.

15. The cargo box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cargo box also includes a side skirt panel, which is connected to the lower part of the side panel and extends from the front upright to the rear upright along the X direction.

16. A van, characterized in that, Includes the cargo container as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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