Assembled structure
The assembly structure with guide grooves on frame components addresses assembly errors and protects harnesses by ensuring correct fit and concealment, enhancing vehicle safety and aesthetics during transformations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies fail to prevent assembly errors and damage to harnesses, such as wiring and pipes, during the transformation of vehicles between driving and transportation modes, leading to potential leakage, rust, and breakage.
A reversible assembly structure with guide grooves on frame components that match the cross-sectional shape of the harnesses, ensuring correct assembly and protecting the harnesses from damage by allowing them to be hidden within the frame components.
Prevents incorrect assembly and protects harnesses from damage, maintaining the integrity of the vehicle's components during transformation, reducing the risk of leakage and breakage, and enhancing safety and aesthetics.
Smart Images

Figure 2026085171000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0006] , , ,
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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembled structure.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fitting-prevention connector including a male and a female connector that are fitted to each other. An anti-misalignment projection is provided on the fitting portion of one connector, and an anti-misalignment engaging groove corresponding to the anti-misalignment projection is provided on the fitting portion of the other connector. The fitting-prevention connector is configured such that the contour shapes of both fitting portions are formed point-symmetric with respect to the center of the fitting surface depending on the number and positions of the anti-misalignment projections and the anti-misalignment engaging grooves provided on both fitting portions, and can be fitted in both front and back directions only to a specific corresponding mating connector.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose any measures for attaching a harness including power lines and signal lines to a predetermined position without assembly errors, rather than the connector portion.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an assembled structure capable of preventing misassembly of a harness.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The assembly structure according to this disclosure comprises a main body that can be reversibly transformed between a first form and a second form by changing the assembly state of a plurality of frame parts, guide grooves provided on each frame part that are continuous when a plurality of frame parts are assembled, and a harness that does not protrude from the guide groove when fitted into the guide groove.
[0007] The cross-sectional shape of the guide groove corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the harness.
[0008] The frame component is a hollow member, and the guide groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the frame component.
[0009] The first embodiment is a drivable driving configuration in which a plurality of the frame components are assembled so that they cannot move relative to each other, and the second embodiment is a transportable transportation configuration in which a plurality of the frame components are separated.
[0010] The multiple frame components are connected via a link mechanism, and the main body transforms between a first form and a second form by moving the multiple frame components relative to each other around the link mechanism, the first form being a drivable driving form with the multiple frame components assembled, and the second form being a transportable transport form with one frame component folded toward the other frame components. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an assembly structure that can prevent incorrect assembly of harnesses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows the driving configuration (first configuration) of a vehicle to which the assembled structure of the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows a vehicle transport configuration (second configuration) to which the assembly structure of the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the guide groove configuration. [Figure 4]This diagram shows the connection point between the first frame component and the third frame component, viewed from the direction of arrow A. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the clamping member of the frame component is provided. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates other examples of guide groove configurations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary.
[0014] Furthermore, the invention claimed in the patent is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means to solve the problem. The xyz Cartesian coordinates shown in the drawings are for convenience in explaining the positional relationships of the components. Typically, the positive z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy-plane is the horizontal plane.
[0015] This disclosure relates to an assembly structure applicable, for example, to a frame-type vehicle in which a body is mounted on a ladder frame. The assembly structure constitutes a ladder-shaped ladder frame, which is a skeletal member of the frame-type vehicle. Such a vehicle is typically reversibly transformed between a driving configuration (first configuration) and a transport configuration (second configuration).
[0016] Normally, vehicles generate NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) when the engine and other drive components are operating or when going over bumps. If gasoline or other fuel lines rub against each other due to strong vibrations, the lines may break and leak. In particular, gasoline, the liquid fuel of an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine), is highly flammable, so even a small amount of leakage during the deformation process, such as when folding or transporting the vehicle, can be extremely dangerous.
[0017] Also, in common with ICE and BEV, every time the vehicle is deformed during driving, transportation, or transformation, it is wasteful to drain and refill the engine oil, brake oil, and coolant. Therefore, there is a desire to safely transform the vehicle while keeping the liquid enclosed.
[0018] Also, in the case of a motorcycle, when turning the handlebars, the brake pipes and motor wiring connected to the tire side are pulled and may break, so measures are taken to give flexibility to the wires and pipes. Thus, in order to prevent damage to the wiring, etc., it is necessary to select parts where the wiring, etc. can be bent without problems according to the usage environment, and also consider the surrounding structure of the wiring, etc.
[0019] In a vehicle that can be deformed between a driving mode and a transportation mode, there is a risk that the bent parts of the wiring and pipes will get caught and damaged during disassembly and assembly. Also, when reassembling the harness removed during disassembly, there is concern that assembly errors may occur.
[0020] Also, high rust resistance and high strength are required for the underfloor of the vehicle. This is because it must withstand muddy water and snow-melting agents (sodium chloride) splashed up by the tires from adhering to the underfloor structures and causing rust, or impact from flying stones bounced up by the torque of the tires. If the wiring and pipes are used in an exposed state, rust will occur or damage due to flying stones will occur. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a vehicle structure in which such events are less likely to occur for the wiring and pipes. ?
[0018]
[0021] Embodiment
[0018] <Assembly Structure>
[0018] It should be noted that there seems to be an extra " " in the original text which is not properly closed in the given structure. This might cause some confusion in the translation. Also, the repeated " ", "
[0018] ", " " tags in the middle of the translation might need to be double-checked for their intended usage in the overall context.Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the configuration of an assembled structure according to an embodiment. Here, vehicle 10 is used as an example. In Figures 1 and 2, only the assembled structure is shown, and the body is not depicted. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the driving configuration (first configuration) of vehicle 10 to which the assembled structure of the embodiment is applied. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the transport configuration (second configuration) of vehicle 10 to which the assembled structure of the embodiment is applied. In Figures 1 and 2, the front direction of the vehicle is represented by the symbol FR, and the rear direction of the vehicle is represented by the symbol RR. Also, the right side in the vehicle width direction is represented by the symbol RH, and the left side in the vehicle width direction is represented by the symbol LH. Typically, vehicle 10 is transported in transport configuration, assembled at the destination and changed to a driving configuration, and then driven in driving configuration.
[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 has a pair of side frames 14, each including a first frame component 11, a second frame component 12, and a third frame component 13. The first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 are extruded materials. Here, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 are assumed to be different parts. However, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 may be the same part.
[0023] The first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 constitute a side frame 14 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. A pair of side frames 14 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. A frame cloth (not shown) is stretched between the pair of side frames 14 in the vehicle width direction to form a ladder frame.
[0024] A body mount (not shown) is attached to a pair of side rails. A body (not shown) having a floor panel is mounted on the body mount. Components necessary for the vehicle 10 to run are mounted on the floor panel. For example, at least the drive unit of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the first frame component 11 of the floor panel. Although not shown in Figure 1, a battery, engine, motor, etc. are mounted on the floor panel. In addition, vehicle components such as seats necessary for the running configuration, and tools necessary for changing the configuration, may be mounted on the floor panel.
[0025] A second frame component 12 is provided on the FR side of the vehicle 10, and a third frame component 13 is provided on the RR side. The second frame component 12 and the third frame component 13 are arranged so as to sandwich the first frame component 11.
[0026] At least one of a front wheel and a rear wheel (not shown) is attached to the second frame component 12 and the third frame component 13. For example, the front wheel is attached to the second frame component 12 and the rear wheel is attached to the third frame component 13. In the transport configuration, the front wheel and rear wheel may not be attached to the second frame component 12 and the third frame component 13, and may be attached when the vehicle is assembled at the destination and transformed into a running configuration. In this case, the front wheel and rear wheel may be transported together with the vehicle 10 or procured locally.
[0027] Furthermore, a steering wheel and accelerator pedal may be provided on the second frame component 12 of the floor panel when the vehicle is transformed into a driving configuration at the destination.
[0028] As an example, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 are connected via link mechanisms to form the "main body." In the example shown in Figure 1, the first frame component 11 and the second frame component 12, and the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13 are connected by link mechanisms so that they can move relative to each other. The "main body" can be transformed between a driving form and a transport form by moving the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 relative to each other around the link mechanisms.
[0029] The driving configuration is a drivable configuration formed by assembling multiple frame components. As shown in Figure 1, in the driving configuration, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 are assembled to maintain a flat surface, making the vehicle 10 drivable. For example, the driver sits in a seat (not shown) on the first frame component 11 and operates the vehicle 10 by operating the steering wheel and accelerator pedal located on the second frame component 12.
[0030] The transport configuration is a transportable configuration in which one frame component is folded toward another frame component. As shown in Figure 2, in the transport configuration, the second frame component 12 and the third frame component 13 remain folded toward the first frame component 11, making the vehicle 10 transportable. In the transport configuration, the second frame component 12 and the third frame component 13 are positioned opposite each other, forming a U-shape when viewed from the y-direction.
[0031] As another example, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 may be fitted together to form the "main body." In this example, the first frame component 11 and the second frame component 12, and the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13 are connected so that they cannot move relative to each other. In this case, the driving configuration is a drivable configuration in which the multiple frame components are assembled as described above. The transport configuration is a transportable configuration in which the multiple frame components are separated.
[0032] A harness 15 is attached to each of the opposing surfaces of a pair of side frames 14. The harness 15 includes, for example, wires and cables for signal and power supply, as well as pipes and rubber hoses. The harness 15 includes strip members, linear members, and bundles of these members.
[0033] Front lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc., are essential equipment for vehicle 10, regardless of the vehicle's power source, such as ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The harness 15 may include power lines connecting the aforementioned battery to the front lights, rear lights, etc., which are powered by the battery. These power lines are wires that operate the lights in response to signals from the driver to turn them on or off.
[0034] Furthermore, the harness 15 is not limited to wiring that connects the battery and the lights. The harness 15 may include power lines that supply electricity to all electric components that make up the vehicle, such as car air conditioners, car navigation systems, sensors and cameras essential for autonomous driving, etc. In other words, any wiring that connects a "power source" such as a storage battery or generator to an "electric component" that operates on electricity can be applied to the assembly structure of the embodiment.
[0035] Furthermore, the harness 15 is not limited to power lines; it may also be a signal line that transmits and receives signals to instruct the lights to turn on and off. Since the current and voltage flowing through the signal line are lower than those of the power line, thinner diameter wires are often used. For this reason, signal lines are more easily physically broken than power lines, and it is preferable to apply the signal line to the assembly structure of the embodiment. The harness 15 may also be a flexible pipe for liquid fuel, engine oil, brake oil, coolant, etc.
[0036] Furthermore, if the vehicle 10 is foldable by a linkage mechanism, in the driving configuration, the part of the harness 15 that is extended when folded is in a flexed state. In other words, in the driving configuration, the harness 15 has some play. In the transport configuration, the harness 15 is in a taut state. In other words, as the harness 15 transforms from the driving configuration to the transport configuration, it changes from a flexed state to a taut state. By using this configuration, damage to the harness 15 can be suppressed.
[0037] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 can reversibly change between a driving configuration and a transport configuration while the liquid remains sealed in the piping. Therefore, the trouble of draining and refilling the liquid in the piping each time the vehicle 10 is changed is eliminated.
[0038] Both ends of the harness 15 are connected to and fixed to connector components provided at predetermined locations on the vehicle 10. In addition, the portion of the harness 15 other than its ends is fixed at its passing point by clamp members 17 (see Figure 4).
[0039] <Frame parts> Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the guide groove 16. In Figure 3, the BB, CC, and DD cross-sections of Figure 1 are shown as viewed from the direction of the arrows. The BB cross-section is the cross-section of the second frame component 12, the CC cross-section is the cross-section of the first frame component 11, and the DD cross-section is the cross-section of the third frame component 13. Figure 4 shows the connection point between the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13 as viewed from the direction of arrow A.
[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 are each hollow rectangular tubular members. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle 10. Guide grooves 16 are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13. As shown in Figure 1, the guide grooves 16 provided on the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 of one side frame 14 are provided on the surface facing the other side frame 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner surface").
[0041] Each frame component is formed such that one adjacent frame component is inserted into the other. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the inner circumference of the third frame component 13 is larger than the outer circumference of the first frame component 11, so that the first frame component 11 can be inserted into the third frame component 13.
[0042] The link mechanism may be, for example, the fitting portion between the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. The link mechanism may have a fastening portion (not shown) that fastens the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. The fastening portion is typically composed of a bolt and a nut. The first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13 may be configured to be rotatable around the central axis of the fastening portion. For example, in the fitting portion, the third frame component 13 and the first frame component 11 may be machined to be rotatable around the central axis of the fastening portion. Note that the link mechanism is not limited to the examples described above.
[0043] The first frame component 11 may be press-fitted into the third frame component 13. This allows the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13 to be integrated so that they cannot move relative to each other. Alternatively, a gap may be provided between adjacent frame components, and the frame components may be connected via reinforcements. The frame components and reinforcements may be fixed together, for example, by bolting.
[0044] The guide groove 16 is continuous when the first frame part 11, the second frame part 12, and the third frame part 13 are assembled. In Figure 4, the third frame part 13 and the first frame part 11 are assembled by fitting the first frame part 11 into the hollow part of the third frame part 13. At this time, the guide groove 16 of the first frame part 11 and the guide groove 16 of the second frame part 12 extend in a straight line.
[0045] The harness 15 fits into the guide groove 16. The cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 16 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the harness 15. For example, referring to the BB cross section in Figure 3, the second frame component 12 is provided with a guide groove 16 with a semicircular cross-section. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the harness 15 is circular.
[0046] Referring to the CC section, the first frame component 11 is provided with a guide groove 16 having a triangular cross-section. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the harness 15 is triangular. Referring to the DD section, the third frame component 13 is provided with a guide groove 16 having a trapezoidal cross-section. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the harness 15 is trapezoidal.
[0047] Thus, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 16 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the harness 15. For example, if a harness 15 with a circular cross-section is mistakenly assembled into a guide groove 16 with a triangular cross-section, the harness 15 will protrude from the end face of the frame component, making it clear that it has been assembled incorrectly. This configuration prevents errors in the assembly of wiring and piping such as power lines / signal lines in a vehicle 10 that can be folded and disassembled. Furthermore, it makes disassembly and assembly easy regardless of the skill level or language proficiency of the worker performing the assembly.
[0048] It is not necessary to ensure that the shape of the harness 15 and the guide groove 16 match for all harnesses 15. For example, the shape of the harness 15 and the guide groove 16 for systems that are critical to the driver's life when the vehicle 10 is in operation, such as motor and brake control systems, may be strictly matched, while the matching standard for the shape of the guide groove 16 may be relaxed for harnesses 15 for systems such as room lights and air conditioners. In other words, a poka-yoke structure for assembling the harness 15 using the guide groove 16 can be adopted depending on the intended use of the harness 15.
[0049] Furthermore, different harnesses 15 may be fitted into the guide grooves 16 of the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13, respectively, or a single harness 15 with different cross-sectional shapes in different parts may be fitted into a guide groove 16 that extends in a straight line.
[0050] As shown in Figure 4, clamp members 17 are provided on the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. The clamp members 17 secure the harness 15, which is fitted into the guide groove 16, to the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. The clamp members 17 are, for example, resin clips, U-shaped bolts, or U-shaped bolts.
[0051] In the example shown in Figure 4, one clamp member 17 is provided on both the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. Note that multiple clamp members 17 may be provided on both the first frame component 11 and the third frame component 13. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the location where the clamp member 17 is provided. Figure 5 shows cross-sectional views of the first frame component 11 and the second frame component 12 as an example. In Figure 5, the EE section is the cross-section of the location where the clamp member 17 is provided on the second frame component 12, and the FF section is the cross-section of the location where the clamp member 17 is provided on the third frame component 13.
[0052] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, when the harness 15 is fitted into the guide groove 16, the guide groove 16 does not protrude from the harness 15. In other words, the harness 15 fitted into the guide groove 16 is not visible from the top or bottom view. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the harness 15 from mud splashes and flying stones.
[0053] Furthermore, by providing guide grooves 16 on the opposing inner surfaces of the side frame 14, the harness 15 can be hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance. However, if there is little external influence, the harness 15 may protrude from the guide grooves 16.
[0054] Figure 6 shows other configuration examples of the guide groove 16. Figure 6 shows the C'-C' section, another example of the CC section in Figure 1, and the D'-D' section, another example of the DD section. For comparison, Figure 6 also shows the BB section in Figure 1.
[0055] Referring to the BB cross section, the guide groove 16 is formed in the center of the second frame component 12 in the height direction (z direction). In contrast, referring to the C'-C' cross section, the guide groove 16 is located above (+z side) the center of the first frame component 11 in the height direction. The guide groove 16 may be formed at any location on the inner surface of the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, or the third frame component 13.
[0056] Referring to the D'-D' section, the guide groove 16 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow third frame component 13. In the example shown in the D'-D' section, the harness 15 is positioned to pass through the interior of the third frame component 13. This prevents the harness 15 from being damaged by mud splashes or flying stones. Furthermore, since it is configured so that a person cannot touch the harness 15, the risk of electric shock to a person is suppressed. In other words, the guide groove 16 can be formed at any location on the frame component, as long as the harness 15 is designed not to protrude from the guide groove 16.
[0057] The guide groove 16 may be provided in a position visible from the outside of the vehicle 10. The guide groove 16 may be on the outer surface of the side frame 14 that faces the inner surface, or on the top or bottom surface.
[0058] Furthermore, on the RH side and LH side, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 may each be made from the same material. For example, the first frame component 11, the second frame component 12, and the third frame component 13 may each have guide grooves 16 of the same shape provided at the same position.
[0059] Furthermore, while the above example used hollow rectangular tubular members for each frame component, it is not limited to this. For example, to increase the rigidity of the ladder frame, each frame component may be a solid rectangular prism-shaped member.
[0060] In Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is used as an example of an assembled structure, but the assembled structure is not limited to a vehicle 10. The assembled structure can be reversibly transformed between a first form and a second form by changing the assembly state of multiple frame parts. For example, the vehicle 10 can be a bus, truck, passenger car, motorcycle, single-seater car, drone, etc., regardless of its use.
[0061] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its intent. [Explanation of symbols]
[0062] 10 vehicles 11. First frame part 12. Second frame part 13. Third frame part 14 Side Frames 15 Harness 16 guide grooves 17 Clamp Member
Claims
1. The main body can be reversibly transformed between a first form and a second form by changing the assembly state of multiple frame parts, Each frame component is provided with a guide groove that forms a continuous groove when multiple frame components are assembled, A harness that does not protrude from the guide groove when fitted into the guide groove, Equipped with, Assembled structure.
2. The cross-sectional shape of the guide groove corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the harness. The assembled structure according to claim 1.
3. The aforementioned frame component is a hollow member, The guide groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the frame component. The assembled structure according to claim 1.
4. The first embodiment is a drivable configuration in which a plurality of the frame components are assembled in such a way that they cannot move relative to each other. The second embodiment is a transportable form in which a plurality of the frame components are separated. The assembled structure according to claim 1.
5. Multiple frame components are connected via a link mechanism. The main body transforms between the first and second forms by moving a plurality of the frame components relative to each other around the link mechanism. The first embodiment described above is a drivable vehicle configuration in which multiple frame components are assembled, The second embodiment is a transportable transport configuration in which one frame component is folded toward the other frame component. The assembled structure according to claim 1.