REAR VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE

Abstract

Rear vehicle body structure (100) of a vehicle comprising a lower body (10) having two chassis frames (11) and an upper body (20) connected to the lower body (10), the rear vehicle body structure (100) comprising: a reinforcing element (30) coupled to an upper surface of a rear floor plate (27) positioned on a rear side of the upper body (20) and connected to both chassis frames (11) of the lower body (10) through the rear floor plate (27), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective posterior quarter section (25) of the upper body (20), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective wheel arch (26) of the respective rear quarter section (25), and wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective rear column (23) of the upper body (20).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle body structure. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a rear vehicle body structure of a purpose-built vehicle (PBV). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Recently, the automotive industry has introduced a new concept of future mobility visions for realizing a people-centered, dynamic city of the future. One of these future mobility solutions is a PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle) as a form of purpose-built mobility.

[0003] The PBV is an environmentally friendly mobility solution that offers passengers tailored services on the ground during their journey to their destination. It can also determine the optimal route and manage cluster travel for any situation using electric vehicle-based and artificial intelligence.

[0004] The vehicle body of a PBV consists of a lower body (also known in the industry as a rolling chassis or skateboard) and an upper body attached to the lower body.

[0005] The battery module is mounted on the lower body. Alternatively, the upper body can be a space frame, consisting of a skeleton constructed by welding a steel plate or tube, which is attached to the lower body via a cabin section.

[0006] The rear body structure of such a PBV accommodates a rear seat on the wheel arch side. Accordingly, to prevent a submarine effect, the conventional floor panel of the vehicle body must be arranged with an upward slope. However, when the floor panel is arranged upwards, it is difficult to configure the rear pillar and rear side element, thus complicating the implementation of the vehicle body to prevent a submarine effect.

[0007] Furthermore, a rear-end collision can lead to a deterioration in the strength of the vehicle's body frame and its impact behavior, as the connection strength between the lower and upper bodies may be insufficient and the battery module may be damaged.

[0008] From US 11 192 586 B2 and US 11 173 965 B2, a rear vehicle body structure of a vehicle is known, comprising a lower body having two chassis frames and an upper body connected to the lower body, wherein the rear vehicle body structure includes: a reinforcing element coupled to an upper surface of a rear floor plate positioned on a rear side of the upper body and connected to both chassis frames of the lower body through the rear floor plate.

[0009] US Patent 11,052,949 B2 discloses a rear vehicle body structure comprising: a right and a left pair of frame members, each extending in a front-to-rear direction and incorporating a shock absorber support; rear wheel wells; a rear floor panel; a rear crossmember upper section connecting the right and left pairs of frame members at one front of the shock absorber support sections; front reinforcements provided along the inside of the vehicle cabin of each of the rear wheel wells and extending in an up-and-down direction at the front of the shock absorber support sections; and a reinforcement element attached to each of the frame members, comprising a reinforcement element main body reinforcing the shock absorber support section and a reinforcement element coupling section connecting the upper part of the rear crossmember and the front reinforcement.

[0010] US Patent 10,093,176 B2 describes the rear structure of a vehicle body comprising a lower crossmember connected to the underside of a rear floor panel and an upper crossmember connected along the lower crossmember to the top of the rear floor panel. The lower crossmember forms a closed section with the rear floor panel and is connected to front mounting sections on both sides. The upper crossmember also forms a closed section with the rear floor panel. A rear flange of the lower crossmember and a front flange of the upper crossmember are connected to each other so that they fit over the rear floor panel.

[0011] US Patent 8,191,961 B2 describes a rear vehicle body structure in which a damper support section supporting an upper end section of a suspension damper is provided on a rear wheel arch, with a first bracing element connecting a front section of the damper support section and a rear side frame, and a second bracing element connecting a rear section of the damper support section and the rear side frame.

[0012] Furthermore, US 7 063 368 B2 shows a seat storage structure for electric vehicles with a swivel drive mechanism for pivoting a seat cushion between a sitting position and a storage position, wherein the swivel drive mechanism is provided on the floor of a vehicle near a wheel well and comprises a group of reduction gears arranged in a gearbox housing or bracket, as well as an actuator for driving the group of reduction gears, which is placed vertically on one side of the gearbox housing or bracket, and a striker pin for locking the seat cushion in the sitting position.

[0013] The information provided above, which is disclosed in this background section, is intended only to provide a better understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not part of the prior art and is already known to a person skilled in the art in the technical field. OVERVIEW

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a rear vehicle body structure that increases the skeletal strength at the rear of the vehicle body and improves rear-end collision behavior. This object is achieved by a rear vehicle body structure having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are found in the dependent claims.

[0015] A rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a lower body and an upper body coupled to the lower body, may include a reinforcing element coupled to an upper surface of a rear floor plate provided on the rear of the upper body and connected to both chassis frames of the lower body through the rear floor plate. Each end of the reinforcing element is connected to a respective rear quarter section of the upper body, each end of the reinforcing element is connected to a respective wheel arch of the respective rear quarter section, and each end of the reinforcing element is connected to a respective rear pillar of the upper body.

[0016] In the rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, a quarter reinforcement element can be coupled to the wheel arch through both chassis frames in the upward and downward direction.

[0017] In the rear vehicle body structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, a rear seat can be mounted on the reinforcement element.

[0018] In the rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement element can form a seat mounting surface of a mountain shape, inclined forwards and backwards.

[0019] In the rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element can overlap the rear of both chassis frames in the upward and downward direction.

[0020] In the rear body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement element, both rear pillars of the upper body and the two chassis frames of the lower body can be connected as a ring with the quarter reinforcement element through the wheel arch.

[0021] In the rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element can comprise a first section forming the rear seat mounting surface and overlapping both chassis frame frames in the upward and downward directions; a second section integrally connected to the first section and forming the front seat mounting surface; and a third section integrally connected to both sides of the second section and coupled to both rear upper body pillars.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention can increase the strength of the rear lateral skeleton of the lower and upper body and improve the rear-impact behavior of the vehicle.

[0023] Furthermore, the following detailed description directly or indirectly describes effects that can be obtained or expected from embodiments of the present invention. That is to say, various effects expected from embodiments of the present invention are described in the detailed description below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings are provided as a reference in the description of embodiments of the present invention, and the basic idea of ​​the present invention should not be explained solely by the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a view showing an example of a vehicle to which a rear vehicle body structure can be applied according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 4 are views showing a rear vehicle body structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a reinforcement element connection structure attached to a rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EXECUTION FORMS

[0025] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. As a person skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the basic idea or scope of the present invention.

[0026] Components that are not relevant to the description are omitted in order to make the present invention obvious, and identical reference numerals are used to describe identical components throughout this disclosure.

[0027] The size and thickness of each configuration shown in the drawings are arbitrarily represented for better understanding and to facilitate description, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the thickness of layers, films, plates, areas, etc. are exaggerated for clarity.

[0028] In the following detailed description, the designations of components that are in the same relationship are divided into "first", "second" and the like, but the present invention is not limited to the order in the following description.

[0029] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word "include" and variations such as "includes" or "comprehensive" are understood to imply the inclusion of the elements mentioned, but not the exclusion of other elements.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms “... unit”, “... means”, “... part” and “... element” described in the revelation mean units of a general configuration that perform at least one function or operation.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 is a view showing an example of a vehicle to which a rear vehicle body structure can be applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 1. An embodiment of the present invention can be applied, for example, to a special vehicle (hereinafter referred to as PBV).

[0033] The PBV is an electric-based, environmentally friendly, mobile vehicle that provides tailored services to a single occupant during travel to a destination on the ground. The PBV is capable of adjusting its route and route for any situation and can also be a box-shaped vehicle with a spacious interior.

[0034] This PBV comprises a lower body 10 (also referred to in the technical field as a rolling chassis) of the skateboard type and an upper body 20 attached to the lower body 10.

[0035] A battery assembly 1 can be mounted on the lower body 10, and the lower body 10 forms a chassis frame 11 on both sides. A drive motor (not shown in the drawing) can be installed on the rear of both chassis frames 11. Accordingly, a motor mounting bracket 13 is provided on the rear of the chassis frame 11 for mounting a drive motor.

[0036] The upper body 20 is a body coupled to the lower body 10, forming a cabin in the central section between the front and rear sections. It can, for example, be a space frame consisting of a skeleton constructed from connected steel plates or tubes.

[0037] The upper body 20 forms a side assembly 21 on both sides. The side assembly 21 is combined with the two chassis frames 11 of the lower body 10. This side assembly 21 forms a front column 22 at the front part, a rear column 23 at the rear part, and a central column 24 between the front part and the rear part.

[0038] The side assembly 21 forms rear quarter sections 25 on both sides of the rear section. A wheel arch 26 is also formed in the rear quarter section 25. Furthermore, the rear floor plate 27 is installed in the upper body 20 between the rear quarter sections 25. The rear floor plate 27 is connected to the rear of the chassis frame 11.

[0039] In the industry, a vehicle width direction is designated as the L-direction, a vehicle body longitudinal direction (a front and rear direction of the vehicle body) as the T-direction, and a vehicle body height direction as the H-direction. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, instead of the LTH directions described above, the constituent elements are described below by defining the vehicle width direction, the vehicle body longitudinal direction, and the vehicle height direction.

[0040] Furthermore, an end (a page end or the other page end) can be defined below as the end of any page and a specific section (one-page part or as the end of the other page) that includes the end.

[0041] The rear vehicle body structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure that is able to increase the skeletal strength of the rear side of the vehicle body and improve the rear collision, i.e., impact behavior of the vehicle body.

[0042] Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 4 are views showing a rear vehicle body structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 comprises a rear vehicle body structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention essentially a reinforcing element 30 which is provided at the rear of the upper body 20.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element 30 serves to increase the strength of the vehicle body at the rear and to improve the rear-impact characteristics of the vehicle body. The reinforcing element 30 is provided as a plate that is bent and shaped into a predetermined form.

[0045] The reinforcement element 30 is coupled to the upper side of the rear base plate 27 and is connected via the rear base plate 27 to both chassis frames 11 of the lower body 10. Hereinafter, the two chassis frames 11 refer to the parts on the rear side of the chassis frame 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the reinforcement element 30, as described above, is connected to both chassis frames 11 of the lower body 10 by the rear base plate 27, and the rear base plate 27 engages with both chassis frames 11 by an engagement part 29.

[0047] The engagement part 29 can engage with the chassis frame 11 and the rear base plate 27 as a screw and nut via a bracket 29a attached to the chassis frame 11. In this case, the reinforcement element 30 is coupled to both sides of the rear base plate 27 attached to the chassis frame 11 via the engagement part 29.

[0048] The configuration and connection structure of the reinforcement element 30 are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings together with the drawings disclosed above.

[0049] Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a reinforcement element connection structure applied to a rear vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 The reinforcing element 30 is connected at both ends to both rear quarter sections 25 of the upper body 20. The parts at both ends of the reinforcing element 30 are welded to the wheel arch 26 of the two rear quarter sections 25.

[0051] And the reinforcement element 30 is coupled at both ends to the two rear columns 23 of the upper body 20. The remainder of both ends of the reinforcement element 30 is welded to the base of the two rear columns 23.

[0052] The reinforcement element 30 is welded to the wheel arch 26 and the rear pillar 23 via flanges 31 provided on both sides. Additionally, in the wheel arch 26, a quarter reinforcement element 28 is coupled in the wheel arch 26 in the above illustration by both the two chassis frames 11 and the rear floor plate 27 of the lower body 10 in the upward and downward directions.

[0053] Furthermore, the reinforcement element 30 described above is installed such that it overlaps the upper surface of the chassis frame 11 in the upward and downward direction through the rear base plate 27. That is, the reinforcement element 30 overlaps in the upward and downward direction on the rear of the chassis frame 11 on the aforementioned engine support part 13.

[0054] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element 30 forms a rigid section 63 for the protection of a drive motor 61, which is attached to the motor support part 13 in the chassis frame 11.

[0055] On the other hand, a rear seat 71 is mounted on the reinforcement element 30 on the side of the wheel arch 26. In order to mount the rear seat 71 on the reinforcement element 30, the reinforcement element 30 thus forms seat mounting surfaces 41 and 42 in the shape of a forward and backward inclined hill.

[0056] In particular, the reinforcing element 30 comprises a first section 51, a second section 52 and a third section 53, which are integrally connected in one piece.

[0057] The first section 51 is a part that overlaps both chassis frames 11 in the upward and downward direction and forms the seat mounting surface 41 at the rear. Both ends of the first section 51 are coupled to the wheel arch 26.

[0058] The second section 52 is integrally connected to the first section 51 and forms the seat mounting surface 42 on the front. Both ends of the second section 52 are coupled to the wheel arch 26.

[0059] The third section 53 is integrally connected to both sides of the second section 52 and is coupled to the wheel arch 26 and the two rear pillars 23.

[0060] Here, the seat mounting surface 41 of the rear supports the rear of the rear seat 71, and the rear of the rear seat 71 can be engaged with the rear floor plate 27 via a first mounting element 73, such as a bolt or screw.

[0061] And the front seat mounting surface 42 supports the front of the rear seat 71, and the front of the rear seat 71 can be engaged with the front seat mounting surface 42 by a second mounting element 75, such as a hook.

[0062] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element 30 forms a ring-shaped structure 81 to increase the strength of the rear of the vehicle body (referring to Fig. 8).

[0063] The ring-shaped structure 81 has a structure in which the reinforcing element 30, the two rear pillars 23, and the two chassis frames 11 are connected in a ring shape. This ring-shaped structure 81 can be connected to the aforementioned quarter-reinforcing element 28 via the wheel arch 26.

[0064] The operational effects of the rear vehicle body structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, are described in detail below with reference to the drawings disclosed above.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element 30 is first attached, which is coupled to the top of the rear base plate 27 on the back of the upper body 20 and is connected via the rear base plate 27 to the two chassis frames 11 of the lower body 10.

[0066] The two ends of the reinforcement element 30 are connected to the wheel arch 26 of the rear quarter section 25 and the two rear pillars 23, where the quarter reinforcement element 28 is coupled in the upward and downward direction. Furthermore, the reinforcement element 30 is installed such that it overlaps the rear of the chassis frame 11 at the engine support section 13 in the upward and downward direction.

[0067] Accordingly, the reinforcing element 30 forms the rigid section 63 on the rear of the chassis frame 11 to protect the drive motor 61, which is mounted on the motor support part 13 in the chassis frame 11.

[0068] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage to the battery assembly 1 while the drive motor 61 attached to the motor carrier part 13 penetrates the receiving space of the battery assembly 1 during a rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[0069] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing element 30, the two rear columns 23 and the two chassis frames 11 form the ring-shaped structure 81, which is connected to the quarter reinforcing element 28 through the wheel arch 26.

[0070] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the chassis frame 11 and the two rear pillars 23 are connected by the reinforcement element 30 and a path to the quarter reinforcement element 28 of the wheel arch 26 is formed, thereby increasing the entry point strength of the reinforcement element 30 and the strength behind the vehicle body.

[0071] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement element 30 serves as a seat transverse element for attaching the rear seat 71, and the rear seat 71 can be attached to the seat mounting surfaces 41 and 42 in the form of a forward and backward inclined mountain of the reinforcement element 30.

[0072] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, by attaching the rear seat 71 to the reinforcement element 30, the occupant moves downwards in the front area of ​​the vehicle during a collision, thereby preventing a submarine phenomenon in which injuries such as a bowel rupture occur.

[0073] While this invention has been described in connection with what are currently considered practical embodiments, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained in the basic ideas and scope of the appended claims. Description of the reference symbols 1 Battery assembly 10 Lower body 11 Chassis frame 13 Engine mount part 20 upper body 21 Side assembly 22 front pillar 23 rear pillar 24 Central column 25 rear quarter 26 wheel arch 27 rear floor plate 28 Quarter reinforcement element 29 Intervention part 29a bracket 30 Reinforcing element 31 flange 41, 42 Seat mounting area 51, 52, 53 first, second and third section 61 Drive motor 63 rigid section 71 Rear seat 73, 75 first and second mounting element 81 ring-shaped structure 100 rear vehicle body structure

Claims

[1] Rear vehicle body structure (100) of a vehicle comprising a lower body (10) having two chassis frames (11) and an upper body (20) connected to the lower body (10), wherein the rear vehicle body structure (100) comprises: a reinforcing element (30) coupled to an upper surface of a rear floor plate (27) positioned on a rear side of the upper body (20) and connected to both chassis frames (11) of the lower body (10) through the rear floor plate (27), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective posterior quarter section (25) of the upper body (20), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective wheel arch (26) of the respective rear quarter section (25), and wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective rear column (23) of the upper body (20). [2] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the two quarter reinforcement elements (28) is coupled to the respective wheel arch (26) by a respective chassis frame (11) in an upward and downward direction. [3] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein a rear seat (71) is mounted on the reinforcement element (30). [4] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcement element (30) forms a seat mounting surface (41, 42) with a mountain shape inclined towards a front and a rear of the reinforcement element (30). [5] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element (30) overlaps with a rear side of both chassis frames (11) in an upward and downward direction. [6] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcement element (30), both rear pillars (23) of the upper body (20) and both chassis frames (11) of the lower body (10), which are annular in shape, are connected to each quarter reinforcement element (28) through the respective wheel arch (26). [7] Rear vehicle body structure (100) according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcement element (30) comprises: a first section (51) which forms the seat mounting surface (41) of the rear and overlaps both chassis frames (11) in an upward and downward direction; a second section (52) which is integrally connected to the first section (51) and forms the seat mounting surface (42) of the front; and a third section (53) which is integrally connected to both sides of the second section (52) and coupled to both rear columns (23) of the upper body (20). [8] Vehicle, comprising: a lower body (10) with two chassis frames (11); an upper body (20) coupled to the lower body (10); and a rear vehicle body structure (100), comprising: a reinforcing element (30) coupled to an upper surface of a rear floor plate (27) located on a rear side of the upper body (20), and connected to both chassis frames (11) of the lower body (10) through the rear floor plate (27), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective posterior quarter section (25) of the upper body (20), wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective wheel arch (26) of the respective rear quarter section (25), and wherein each end of the reinforcement element (30) is connected to a respective rear column (23) of the upper body (20). [9] Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein each of the two quarter reinforcement elements (28) is connected to the respective wheel arch (26) by a respective chassis frame (11) in an upward and downward direction. [10] Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein a rear seat (71) is mounted on the reinforcement element (30). [11] Vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the reinforcement element (30) forms a seat mounting surface (41, 42) with a mountain shape inclined towards a front and a rear of the reinforcement element (30). [12] Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing element (30) overlaps with a rear side of the two chassis frames (11) in an upward and downward direction. [13] Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the reinforcement element (30), the two rear pillars (23) of the upper body (20) and the two ring-shaped chassis frames (11) of the lower body (10) are connected to each quarter reinforcement element (28) through the respective wheel arch (26). [14] Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element (30) comprises: a first section (51) which forms the seat mounting surface (41) of the rear and overlaps both chassis frames (11) in an upward and downward direction; a second section (52) which is integrally connected to the first section (51) and forms the seat mounting surface (42) of the front; and a third section (53) which is integrally connected to both sides of the second section (52) and coupled to both rear columns (23) of the upper body (20).

Images