KR102744611B1 - Joint structure of vehicle body member - Google Patents

Abstract

A body member connecting structure is disclosed. A body member connecting structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention may include: i) a plurality of body members arranged in different directions on a body structure and manufactured by an aluminum extrusion method and having a closed cross-section; and ii) a joint member joined to a corresponding plurality of body members and manufactured by an aluminum die casting method.

Description

JOINT STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE BODY MEMBER

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a body member connecting structure, and more specifically, to a body member connecting structure to which body members made of aluminum are applied.

As a way to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles, the response to weight reduction of the vehicle body is being emphasized. Accordingly, the automobile industry is focusing on the development of a body structure that can achieve weight reduction while improving strength and rigidity while satisfying the strengthening collision regulations.

Typically, a monocoque type body is made up of multiple body members formed from steel plates using a press method, joined together using welding and structural adhesives.

Here, the body may be formed of a skeleton in which a plurality of body members, such as a side member, a side member, a fender apron upper member, a side sill, and a pillar, are joined along the front-rear direction of the body, the width direction, and the up-down direction.

In the case of conventional steel bodies, body members such as front side members and mount brackets are each manufactured using a press method and joined by welding or bolting. However, since this body structure has low design freedom for body members due to the nature of the press method, it increases the number of parts for structural reinforcement, the cost, and the weight, and there is a limit to increasing the rigidity of the body members.

Meanwhile, recently, methods have been proposed to manufacture body members using lightweight materials other than steel and to connect the body members to each other in order to improve fuel efficiency. For example, methods have been proposed to manufacture body members using lightweight aluminum extrusion or die casting methods and then connect them to other body members.

Furthermore, the automobile industry has recently introduced a new concept of future mobility vision for the realization of a human-centered, dynamic future city. One of these future mobility solutions is the PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) vehicle as a purpose-based mobility.

PBV vehicles are eco-friendly vehicles based on electric vehicles (EVs). These PBV vehicles can provide users with various customized services while traveling from the ground to their destination in an unmanned, autonomous manner. Depending on the type of customized service, PBV vehicles can be configured in various shapes and sizes.

In order to secure the expandability of various shapes and sizes of the body while also being advantageous in producing a lightweight body, such PBV vehicles are applying body members manufactured using aluminum extrusion or die-casting techniques. Accordingly, methods for connecting aluminum body members of various shapes and sizes are being studied in order to construct a lightweight body of a PBV vehicle.

The information contained in this background section has been prepared to promote understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art and are already known to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a body member connection structure capable of reducing the number of body parts, manufacturing cost, and weight, and ensuring the bonding rigidity and connection strength of body members.

A body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include i) a plurality of body members arranged in different directions on a body structure and manufactured by an aluminum extrusion method and having a closed cross-section, and ii) a joint member joined to corresponding plurality of body members and manufactured by an aluminum die casting method.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of body members may be provided with a square cross-sectional shape having a closed section formed inside.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the joint member may include a mounting portion coupled to the body structure arranged in a different direction from the plurality of body members, and a plurality of joint portions branched integrally from the mounting portion and connected to the plurality of body members.

And, a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include i) a plurality of body members arranged in different directions on a body structure and made of aluminum and having a closed cross-section, ii) a joint member made of aluminum and including a plurality of joint parts branched from a mounting part to be connected to corresponding plurality of body members, and iii) a connecting unit that connects the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion may include a mount body having a plurality of straight sections formed in a circular cross-sectional shape.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mount body may be composed of a first part and a second part partitioned by a bulkhead.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of joint parts can be integrally connected to the plurality of straight sections.

Additionally, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mount body may include a plurality of main reinforcing ribs formed in the bulkhead to reinforce the rigidity of the first portion and the second portion.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of main reinforcing ribs are connected to the first portion and the second portion, and can be radially arranged on both sides of the bulkhead.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of joint parts may be connected to the mounting part in an 'H' cross-sectional shape and may include a joint body coupled with the plurality of body members.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the joint body may include a pair of connecting plates respectively connected to inner opposite sides of the plurality of body members, and a reinforcing plate connecting the pair of connecting plates.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs may be formed on both sides of the reinforcing plate.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs are connected to the pair of connecting plates and can be arranged in a grid shape on both sides of the reinforcing plate.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing protrusion may be formed along the reinforcing plate on each of the pair of connecting plates.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of point contact protrusions may be formed on the pair of connecting plates.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastening unit may include a plurality of screws that fasten the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts that are coupled in a male-female manner.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastening unit may further include a foam-type adhesive pad disposed between the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of body members can be manufactured by an aluminum extrusion method.

In addition, in the body member connecting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the joint member can be manufactured by an aluminum die casting method.

Embodiments of the present invention can configure a lightweight vehicle body having a reduced number of parts, reduced manufacturing cost and weight, and can improve the bonding rigidity and connection strength of a plurality of body members.

In addition, the effects that can be obtained or expected by the embodiments of the present invention will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, the various effects expected by the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description to be described later.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or functionally similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a body member connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a body member connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a joint member applied to a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fastening unit applied to a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings illustrating an assembly process of a body member connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It should be understood that the drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present rather simplified representations of various preferred features that illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. For example, the specific design features of the present invention, including specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and usage environment.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “coupled” as used herein indicates a physical relationship between two components in which the components are directly connected to one another, such as by welding, a Self Piercing Rivet (SPR), a Flow Drill Screw (FDS), a structural adhesive, or indirectly connected through one or more intervening components.

The terms “vehicle,” “vehicle,” “automobile” or other similar terms used herein generally include passenger automobiles, including sports cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, and may include hybrid automobiles, electric automobiles, hybrid-electric automobiles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a combined perspective view illustrating a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a body member connecting structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a lightweight body of a vehicle.

For example, the body member connecting structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention has a small number of parts and can be applied to a body manufactured in various shapes and sizes of various vehicle models.

Furthermore, the body member connection structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the body of a purpose built vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a 'PBV vehicle').

In one example, the PBV vehicle can be utilized as an electric vehicle-based life module vehicle that provides various services to passengers while moving from the ground to the destination in an unmanned autonomous manner. Those skilled in the art commonly refer to the life module vehicle as a 'robo-taxi', 'robo-shuttle', or 'hailing vehicle'.

Such a PBV vehicle can be manufactured with a one-box design with a wide interior space. In addition, the PBV vehicle can apply facing-type seats to provide a wide interior space.

In this specification, the reference direction for explaining the components below may be set as the front-rear direction of the body (e.g., body length direction or longitudinal direction), the width direction (e.g., lateral direction or left-right direction), and the up-down direction (e.g., height direction) based on the body.

In this specification, the 'upper part', 'upper part', 'top' or 'upper surface' of a component represents an end, section, section, or surface of the component that is relatively upper in the drawing, and the 'lower part', 'lower part', 'lower part' or 'lower surface' of a component represents an end, section, section, or surface of the component that is relatively lower in the drawing.

Additionally, in the present specification, the term "end" of a component (e.g., one end, the other end, or both ends, etc.) indicates an end of the component in any one direction, and the term "end" of a component (e.g., one end, the other end, both ends, a front end, or a rear end, etc.) indicates a portion of the component that includes that end.

Meanwhile, the body member connecting structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be connected to a front or rear body structure (1), and the body structure (1) can include, for example, a side member and a bumper unit.

The body member connection structure (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the number of body parts, manufacturing cost, and weight, and is configured with a structure capable of securing the bonding rigidity (e.g., skeletal rigidity) and connection strength of the body members.

To this end, the body member connecting structure (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention is basically configured to include a plurality of body members (10), a joint member (30), and a fastening unit (70), and each component is described as follows.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of body members (10) may be arranged in different directions (e.g., body front-rear direction, body width direction, and up-down direction) on the body structure (1).

The above-described plurality of body members (10) may be formed of aluminum material. Furthermore, the above-described plurality of body members (10) may be provided with aluminum extrusions manufactured by an aluminum extrusion method. In one example, each of the above-described plurality of body members (10) may be provided with a square cross-sectional shape having a closed section (11) formed therein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the joint member (30) is configured to connect a plurality of body members (10) to a body structure (1). The joint member (30) can be mounted to the body structure (1). And, the joint member (30) can be coupled (e.g., fastened) to a plurality of corresponding body members (10).

The above joint member (30) may be formed of aluminum material. Furthermore, the above joint member (30) may be provided with an aluminum die-casting material manufactured by an aluminum die-casting method.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a joint member applied to a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the joint member (30) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting portion (31) and a plurality of joint portions (51).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion (31) can be combined with a body structure (1) arranged in different directions from a plurality of body members (10).

This mounting part (31) includes a mount body (35) having a plurality of straight sections (33) formed in a circular cross-sectional shape. The mount body (35) may be composed of a first part (41) and a second part (42) partitioned by a partition wall (37).

Furthermore, the mount body (35) includes a plurality of main reinforcing ribs (43) formed in the bulkhead (37) to reinforce the rigidity of the first part (41) and the second part (42).

The above plurality of main reinforcing ribs (43) are integrally formed on both sides of the bulkhead (37) and are connected to the first part (41) and the second part (42). Here, the above plurality of main reinforcing ribs (43) can be radially arranged on both sides of the bulkhead (37).

And, in the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of joint parts (51) are configured to connect the plurality of body members (10) to the mounting part (31). The plurality of joint parts (51) are integrally branched from the mounting part (31) and can be fastened (e.g., connected) to the plurality of body members (10).

The above plurality of joint parts (51) can be integrally connected to the plurality of straight sections (33) of the mount body (35) in the mounting part (31). Each of these plurality of joint parts (51) includes a joint body (53).

The above joint body (53) is connected to a plurality of straight sections (33) of the mount body (35) in an 'H' cross-sectional shape and can be combined (e.g., fastened) with a plurality of body members (10). The above joint body (53) includes a pair of connecting plates (55) and a reinforcing plate (57).

The above pair of connecting plates (55) are arranged with a set interval so as to face each other in the plurality of straight sections (33) of the mount body (35), and can be respectively connected to the inner sides of the plurality of body members (10).

The above reinforcing plate (57) connects a pair of connecting plates (55) and is designed to reinforce the rigidity of the pair of connecting plates (55). The above reinforcing plate (57) is connected to a pair of connecting plates (55).

Here, each of the pair of connecting plates (55) is formed with a reinforcing projection (61) along the reinforcing plate (57). The reinforcing projection (61) can be formed on the outer surface of the pair of connecting plates (55) facing each other.

Furthermore, a plurality of point contact protrusions (63) are formed on the pair of connecting plates (55). The plurality of point contact protrusions (63) can come into point contact with the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members (10). The plurality of point contact protrusions (63) can be formed on the edge portions of the pair of connecting plates (55) and the reinforcing protrusions (61) mentioned above.

Meanwhile, a plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs (65) may be integrally formed on both sides of the reinforcing plate (57) as described above. The plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs (65) are configured to reinforce the rigidity of the pair of connecting plates (55) and the reinforcing plate (57). The plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs (65) are connected to the pair of connecting plates (55) and may be arranged in a grid shape on both sides of the reinforcing plate (57).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment of the present invention, the fastening unit (70) is configured to fasten a plurality of body members (10) that are connected in a male-female manner to a plurality of joint portions (51) of a joint member (30) to a plurality of joint portions (51).

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fastening unit applied to a body member connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the fastening unit (70) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of screws (71) and a foam-type adhesive pad (73).

The above plurality of screws (71) are configured to fasten a plurality of body members (10) and a plurality of joint parts (51) that are coupled in a male-female manner. The above plurality of screws (71) can fasten a plurality of body members (10) and a pair of connecting plates (55). Here, the above plurality of screws (71) may be FDS (Flow Drill Screw) well known to those skilled in the art.

And, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) is placed between the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members (10) that are joined to each other and the plurality of joint parts (51). The foam-type adhesive pad (73) can be adhered to the outer surfaces of a pair of connecting plates (55) using an adhesive or the like.

Here, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) can be adhered to the outer surfaces of a pair of connecting plates (55) with the reinforcing projections (61) interposed between them. The foam-type adhesive pad (73) can be foamed by heat and can join the inner surfaces of a plurality of body members (10) and a plurality of joint parts (51) with a set bonding force.

Hereinafter, the assembly process of the body member connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings illustrating an assembly process of a body member connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, first, in an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of body members (10) manufactured by an aluminum extrusion method are provided. Then, in an embodiment of the present invention, a joint member (30) manufactured by an aluminum die casting method is provided.

Here, the joint member (30) includes a mounting portion (31) formed integrally and a plurality of joint portions (51). As shown in Fig. 3, the mounting portion (31) includes a mount body (35) composed of a bulkhead (37), a first portion (41), and a second portion (42), and a plurality of main reinforcing ribs (43).

And, each of the plurality of joint parts (51) includes a joint body (53) composed of a pair of connecting plates (55) and a reinforcing plate (57), a reinforcing protrusion (61) formed on the joint body (53), a plurality of point contact protrusions (63), and a plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs (65), as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In this state, as shown in Fig. 6, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) of the fastening unit (70) is adhered to a plurality of joint parts (51). Here, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) can be adhered to the outer surface of a pair of connecting plates (55) with a reinforcing projection (61) therebetween using an adhesive.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plurality of body members (10) are connected to the plurality of joint parts (51) in a male-female manner. Here, the plurality of joint parts (51) to which the foam-type adhesive pads (73) are connected can be inserted into the closed sections (11) of the plurality of body members (10). At this time, the plurality of body members (10) can be connected to the plurality of joint parts (51) while minimizing interference and frictional resistance with the joint body (53) by the plurality of point contact protrusions (63) (see FIG. 3 below) formed on the joint body (53) (see FIG. 3 below).

Here, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) is placed between the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members (10) that are joined to each other and the plurality of joint parts (51), and the plurality of point contact protrusions (63) come into point contact with the inner surfaces on both sides of the plurality of body members (10).

Next, a plurality of screws (71) of the above fastening unit (70) are fastened to a plurality of body members (10) and a plurality of joint parts (51). The plurality of screws (71) are fastened to a plurality of body members (10) and a pair of connecting plates (55).

As described above, when the plurality of body members (10) and the plurality of joint parts (51) are connected to each other and the plurality of body members (10) and the plurality of joint members (30) are heated in an oven at a set temperature, the foam-type adhesive pad (73) foams due to the heat, thereby connecting the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members (10) and the plurality of joint parts (51).

Accordingly, when a series of processes as described above are performed, as shown in FIG. 8, the assembly of the body member connection structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of body members (10) are connected to a joint member (30) by a fastening unit (70), is completed.

According to the body member connection structure (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention as described so far, a plurality of body members (10) manufactured by an aluminum extrusion process can be connected through a joint member (30) manufactured by an aluminum die casting process.

In this way, the body member connection structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can form a lightweight body with a reduced number of parts and reduced manufacturing cost and weight by applying a plurality of body members (10) and joint members (30) formed of aluminum material.

Furthermore, the body member connecting structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the joint rigidity of a plurality of body members (10) through a plurality of main reinforcing ribs (43), reinforcing protrusions (61), a plurality of point contact protrusions (63), and a plurality of sub reinforcing ribs (65) formed on the joint member (30).

Furthermore, the body member connecting structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the bonding rigidity of the plurality of body members (10) by further increasing the bonding strength between the inner surfaces of the plurality of body members (10) and the plurality of joint portions (51) by the foamed adhesive pad (73) foamed by heat.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes all changes that can be easily modified and deemed equivalent by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the embodiments of the present invention.

1: Body structure 10: Body member
11: Closed section 30: Joint member
31: Mounting section 33: Straight section
35: Mount body 37: Bulkhead
41: Part 1 42: Part 2
43: Main reinforcing rib 51: Joint section
53: Joint body 55: Connecting plate
57: Reinforcement plate 61: Reinforcement projection
63: Point contact projection 65: Sub reinforcing rib
70: Fastening unit 71: Screw
73: Foam adhesive pad
100: Body member connection structure

Claims (19)

delete delete delete A plurality of body members, arranged in different directions in the body structure and made of aluminum material and having a closed cross-section;
A joint member made of aluminum, comprising a plurality of joint parts branched from a mounting part to be coupled with the corresponding plurality of body members; and
A fastening unit for fastening the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts;
The above plurality of joint parts are connected to the mounting part in an 'H' cross-sectional shape and include a joint body that is combined with the plurality of body members.
The above joint body includes a pair of connecting plates each of which is connected to the inner sides of the plurality of body members, and a reinforcing plate connecting the pair of connecting plates.
A body member connecting structure in which a plurality of sub-reinforcing ribs are formed on both sides of the above reinforcing plate. In the fourth paragraph,
The above mounting part,
A body member connecting structure including a mount body having a plurality of straight sections formed in a circular cross-sectional shape. In clause 5,
The above mount body is a body member connecting structure consisting of a first part and a second part divided by a bulkhead. In clause 5,
The above plurality of joint parts are a body member connecting structure integrally connected to the above plurality of straight sections. In Article 6,
The above mount body,
A plurality of main reinforcing ribs formed in the bulkhead to reinforce the rigidity of the first part and the second part
A body member connecting structure including: In Article 8,
The above plurality of main reinforcing ribs are,
A body member connecting structure connected to the first part and the second part and radially arranged on both sides of the bulkhead. delete delete delete In the fourth paragraph,
The above multiple sub-reinforcing ribs are,
A body member connecting structure connected to the above pair of connecting plates and arranged in a grid shape on both sides of the above reinforcing plate. In the fourth paragraph,
A body member connecting structure in which a reinforcing projection is formed along the reinforcing plate on each of the above pair of connecting plates. In the fourth paragraph,
A body member connecting structure in which a plurality of point contact protrusions are formed on the above pair of connecting plates. In the fourth paragraph,
The above fastening unit is,
A plurality of screws that connect the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts in a male-female manner
A body member connecting structure including: In Article 16,
The above fastening unit is,
A foam-type adhesive pad arranged between the inner surface of the plurality of body members and the plurality of joint parts.
A body member connecting structure further including: In the fourth paragraph,
The above-mentioned plurality of body members are body member connecting structures manufactured using an aluminum extrusion method. In the fourth paragraph,
The above joint member is a body member connecting structure manufactured using an aluminum die-casting method.

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