Patent Description:
In general, a vehicle body must be designed to allow various components in the vehicle to be mounted thereon and, when a collision impact is applied to the vehicle, to efficiently absorb the collision impact and thus to protect passengers in the vehicle from the collision impact.

A conventional vehicle requires a space in which an engine or a battery is mounted and a space in which wheels, a suspension device, a steering device and the like for driving the vehicle are mounted. Accordingly, because wheel housings for accommodating the wheels, the suspension device provided at the wheels, the steering device connecting the wheels to each other, the drive device for supplying driving force and the like occupy a considerable amount of space, the vehicle body must be designed to provide sufficient space to accommodate the components and to absorb impacts applied to the vehicle. Furthermore, as the number of associated components increases, the process of manufacturing and assembling the vehicle is increasingly complicated, and the time required to perform the process is increased.

In recent years, an in-wheel system, in which a drive unit, a steering unit, a reduction gear and the like are mounted, has been developed. In the in-wheel system, because there is no need to connect the individual wheels to each other, the vehicle body must also be designed differently from a conventional vehicle. Accordingly, when a vehicle adopts the in-wheel system, there is a need to develop a vehicle body capable of providing space for wheel housings, ensuring sufficient rigidity of the vehicle body and simplifying a process of manufacturing and assembling the vehicle body.

The details described as the background art are intended merely for the purpose of promoting understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be construed as an acknowledgment of the prior art that is previously known to those of ordinary skill in the art. <CIT> describes a MacPherson strut tower for a passenger car which is made in one piece. <CIT> describes a suspension attachment member which is formed by a single light-metal casting. <CIT> describes a rear vehicle body structure of a vehicle including a wheel house; a side frame; a suspension having a damper; and a suspension housing connecting the side frame with the wheel house. <CIT> describes a vehicle body floor with a floor panel with a bulging portion. <CIT> describes a rear vehicle body reinforcing structure.

The present invention relates to a vehicle body. Particular embodiments relate to a vehicle body of an in-wheel platform vehicle, which includes a plurality of shock absorber housings positioned above respective wheels of the vehicle, each of the shock absorber housings being configured to cover and support a corresponding shock absorber connected to the wheel. The invention relates to a vehicle body as claimed in claim <NUM> and to a vehicle body as claimed in claim <NUM>.

Embodiments the present invention can solve problems in the art, and an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle body of an in-wheel platform vehicle including a plurality of shock absorber housings, which are positioned above respective wheels of the vehicle and each of which includes a projection projecting upwards from the lower end thereof and having an internal space therein, in which a shock absorber connected to the wheel is disposed in the internal space in the projection and is coupled to the shock absorber so as to cover and support the shock absorber.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle body includes a plurality of shock absorber housings adapted to cover and support respective shock absorbers connected to wheels of a vehicle, wherein each of the shock absorber housings includes a projection which projects upwards from a lower end of the shock absorber housing and has an internal space therein, and the lower end of each of the shock absorber housings or the projection is coupled to the shock absorber in a state in which the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space in the projection.

The internal space in the shock absorber housing may be configured to have a cylindrical shape, and the lower end of each of the shock absorber housings or the projection may be coupled to the shock absorber via a side surface or an upper surface of the internal space in the state in which the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space in the projection.

The lower end of the shock absorber housing may be provided along a periphery thereof with a flange unit including a plurality of flanges, which are vertically spaced apart from each other so as to define a space therebetween, and the shock absorber housing may be coupled to a vehicle body member in the state in which the vehicle body member is fitted into the space in the flange unit.

The shock absorber housing may be coupled to the vehicle body member or the shock absorber via an upper surface, a lower surface or a side surface of the space in the flange unit in the state in which the vehicle body member is fitted into the space in the flange unit.

The vehicle body member may be configured to extend in a longitudinal direction and to have a closed surface at an end thereof, and the closed surface, an upper surface or a lower surface of the vehicle body member may be coupled to the flange unit in a surface-contact state.

The vehicle body member may be configured to extend with an internal space therein and to have an open surface, and may be coupled to the flange unit using a tool introduced through the open surface.

A pillar member, which connects a front shock absorber housing to a rear shock absorber housing so as to define a cabin, may be coupled to the shock absorber housing, may be coupled at an end thereof to the lower end of the shock absorber housing, and may be supported by or coupled to a side wall of the projection of the shock absorber housing at an inner surface thereof.

A support member connecting the shock absorber housing to the pillar member may be coupled to the shock absorber housing, and the support member may be coupled at one end thereof to one side of the lower end of the shock absorber housing, may extend upwards therefrom, and may be coupled at an upper end thereof to a side surface of the pillar member.

The lower end of the shock absorber housing may be provided with a coupler projecting upwards from the lower end, and the support member may be supported by or coupled to a side surface of the coupler or to an outer surface of the projection.

The shock absorber housing may be coupled to a front or rear lower truss member, which extends downwards and is then bent so as to connect a plurality of front or rear shock absorber housings to each other in the width direction of the vehicle, or to a lateral lower truss member, which extends downwards and is then bent so as to connect a plurality of lateral shock absorber housings to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Each of the plurality of shock absorber housings may be provided thereunder with a floor member, and may be supported by the floor member via a plurality of connection members.

The connection members may be coupled at upper ends thereof to lower surfaces of corners of the shock absorber housing that face an inside of the vehicle, may extend downwards while being inclined in the outward direction of the shock absorber housing, and may be coupled at lower ends thereof to an upper surface of the floor member.

The lower end of each of the shock absorber housings may include a plurality of corners, one of which has a cut portion configured to have an obtuse angle.

The plurality of shock absorber housings may include four shock absorber housings positioned at lateral sides of front and rear sides of the vehicle, and each of the shock absorber housings may be oriented and assembled such that a cut portion thereof faces an outside of the vehicle.

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a shock absorber housing of the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a side elevation view illustrating the shock absorber housing of the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a vehicle body member and a connection member are coupled to the shock absorber housing. <FIG> is a view illustrating the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention in which four shock absorber housings are provided at lateral sides of the front and rear sides of the vehicle.

The vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of shock absorber housings <NUM>, which cover and support respective shock absorbers connected to the wheels of the vehicle. Each of the shock absorber housings <NUM> includes a projection <NUM>, which projects upwards from the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> with an internal space therein. The lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> or the projection <NUM> is coupled to the shock absorber in the state in which the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space in the projection <NUM>.

The internal space in the shock absorber housing <NUM> is configured to have a cylindrical shape, and the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> or the projection <NUM> may be coupled to the shock absorber through the side surface or the upper surface of the internal space in the state in which the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space in the projection <NUM>.

Unlike conventional vehicles, the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to be applied to a vehicle adopting an in-wheel system, and does not require a drive shaft or a steering device to be connected to the wheels. Accordingly, each of the wheels of the vehicle is provided with the shock absorber and the shock absorber housing <NUM>, which are disposed above the wheel. The shock absorber housing <NUM> includes the projection <NUM>, which projects with the internal space therein such that the shock absorber is positioned in the internal space in the projection <NUM>. Since the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space and is coupled to the inner wall of the shock absorber housing <NUM> and supported thereby, the shock absorber housing <NUM> protects the wheel of the vehicle and the shock absorber disposed above the wheel.

In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorber housing <NUM> is provided at the lower end thereof with a flange unit <NUM> composed of a plurality of flanges, which are formed along the outer periphery of the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> and are vertically spaced apart from each other. The shock absorber housing <NUM> may be coupled to a vehicle body member <NUM> in the state in which the vehicle body member <NUM> is fitted into the space between the flanges of the flange unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the shock absorber housing <NUM> may be coupled to the vehicle body member <NUM> or the shock absorber through the upper surface, the lower surface or the side surface of the space in the flange unit in the state in which the vehicle body member <NUM> is fitted into the space in the flange unit <NUM>.

Specifically, the shock absorber housing <NUM> includes the lower end and the projection <NUM> projecting from the lower end. The lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> is provided with the flange unit <NUM>, including a plurality of flanges, which are vertically spaced apart from each other so as to define the space having a 'U'-shaped cross-section therebetween. One of various vehicle body members <NUM> is coupled in the space through an open surface of the flange unit. The vehicle body member <NUM> is also configured to have an open cross-section so as to correspond to the space, and is fitted into the space and is coupled to the flange unit <NUM> of the shock absorber housing <NUM>.

The vehicle body member <NUM> is configured to extend longitudinally, and has a closed surface at the end thereof. The closed surface, the upper surface, the lower surface or the side surface of the vehicle body member <NUM> may be coupled to the flange unit <NUM> in the surface-contact state. The vehicle body member <NUM> may be configured to extend with an internal space therein and to be open at one surface thereof, whereby the vehicle body member <NUM> is coupled to the flange unit <NUM> using a tool introduced into the internal space through the open surface.

Specifically, because the vehicle body member <NUM> is fitted into the flange unit <NUM> so as to be assembled therewith and is open at one surface thereof so as to have an open cross-section, the vehicle body member <NUM> is in surface contact with the inner surface of the space of the flange unit <NUM> when the vehicle body member <NUM> is coupled to the flange unit <NUM>. The vehicle body member <NUM> is fitted into the space in the flange unit <NUM>, and is coupled to the inner surface of the space through bolting using a tool introduced through the open surface of the vehicle body member <NUM>. This coupling method makes it possible to maintain the rigidity of the vehicle itself and the coupling rigidity between the members when the shock absorber housing <NUM> is coupled to the vehicle body member <NUM>, and enables a human or a robot to conveniently and easily assemble the members.

In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pillar member <NUM>, which connects a front shock absorber housing <NUM> to a rear shock absorber housing <NUM> so as to define the cabin, is coupled to the shock absorber housing <NUM>. The pillar member <NUM> is coupled at an end thereof to the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, and is coupled at the inner surface thereof to the side wall of the projection <NUM> of the shock absorber housing <NUM> and is supported thereby.

Specifically, the pillar member <NUM> is bent upwards at the lateral side of the vehicle and extends upwards therefrom so as to increase the collision rigidity of the vehicle in a lateral collision and to define the cabin room, and connects the individual shock absorber housings <NUM> to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The pillar member <NUM> is coupled at the lower end thereof to the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM>. Specifically, the pillar member <NUM> is coupled to the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> through the space in the flange unit <NUM>, and the inner surface of the pillar member <NUM> is coupled to the side wall of the projection <NUM> and is supported thereby, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the vehicle and the coupling rigidity between the pillar member <NUM> and the shock absorber housing <NUM>.

In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a support member <NUM>, which connects the shock absorber housing <NUM> to the pillar member <NUM> and supports them, may be coupled to the shock absorber housing <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be coupled at one end thereof to one side of the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, and may extend upwards therefrom. The support member <NUM> may be coupled at the upper end thereof to the side surface of the pillar member <NUM>. The lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> may be provided with a coupler <NUM>, which projects upwards from the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, and the lower end of the support member <NUM> may be coupled to the side surface of the coupler <NUM> or the outer surface of the projection <NUM>, and may be supported thereby.

Consequently, since the pillar member <NUM> is not only coupled at the end thereof to the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> but is also supported at the inner surface thereof by the side wall of the projection <NUM>, which has an 'L'-shaped cross-section and projects upwards, it is possible to support a greater load by means of the projection <NUM> of the shock absorber housing <NUM> when an impact is applied to the vehicle body. Furthermore, because the support member <NUM> is coupled to the side surface of the coupler <NUM> provided at the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> or the outer side surface of the projection <NUM> in the surface-contact state, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the rigidity of the vehicle body and the coupling rigidity between the members.

In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, a front or rear lower truss member <NUM>, which extends downwards and is then bent so as to connect a plurality of front or rear shock absorber housings <NUM> to each other in the width direction of the vehicle, or a lateral lower truss member <NUM>, which extends downwards and is then bent so as to connect a plurality of lateral shock absorber housings <NUM> to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, may be coupled to the shock absorber housing <NUM>.

Specifically, the pillar member <NUM> is coupled at the lower end thereof to the shock absorber housing <NUM>. Here, because the pillar member <NUM> is more securely coupled to the shock absorber housing <NUM> in an anteroposterior direction by means of the support member <NUM>, when a load is applied to the pillar member <NUM>, the pillar member <NUM> distributes or transmits the load to the shock absorber housing <NUM>, to the front or rear lower truss member <NUM> coupled to the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> so as to increase collision rigidity in anteroposterior and lateral directions, and to the lateral lower truss member <NUM> via the support member <NUM>. Similarly, when a load is applied to the shock absorber housing <NUM>, the front or rear lower truss member <NUM> or the lateral lower truss member <NUM>, the load is distributed to the various members, thereby minimizing the impact caused by the load.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the vehicle body member and the connection member are coupled to the shock absorber housing. <FIG> is a view illustrating the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention in which four shock absorber housings are provided at lateral sides of the front and rear sides of the vehicle. In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of shock absorber housings <NUM> may be provided thereunder with a grid-shaped floor member <NUM>, and each of the shock absorber housings <NUM> may be supported by the floor member <NUM> via a plurality of connection members <NUM>. Each of the connection members <NUM> may be coupled at the upper end thereof to the corners among the corners of a corresponding shock absorber housing <NUM> that faces the inside of the vehicle, may extend downwards therefrom while being inclined in the outward direction of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, and may be coupled at the lower end to the upper surface of the floor member <NUM>.

Specifically, the connection member <NUM> may be coupled at the upper end thereof to the lower surface of the corners that face the inside of the vehicle, among the plurality of corners of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, may extend downwards therefrom while being inclined in the outward direction of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, and may be coupled at the lower end thereof to the upper surface of the floor member <NUM>. Since the connection member <NUM> extends downwards while being inclined in the outward direction of the shock absorber housing <NUM>, it is possible to ensure the maximum space under the shock absorber housing <NUM> in which the wheel is positioned. Furthermore, since the connection member <NUM> supports, at the upper end thereof, the shock absorber housing <NUM>, the wheel of an in-wheel system vehicle is capable of being normally rotated and moved under the shock absorber housing <NUM>.

In the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower end of the shock absorber housing <NUM> may include a plurality of corners, and one of the corners may be provided with a cut portion, which is formed to have an obtuse angle. Four shock absorber housings <NUM> may be provided at the lateral sides of the front and rear sides of the vehicle such that the cut portions thereof are oriented so as to face the outside of the vehicle.

Specifically, since the shock absorber housings <NUM>, which are positioned at the lateral sides of the front and rear sides of the vehicle, are manufactured to have the same configuration rather than being manufactured to have different configurations, and are mounted only with a changed orientation, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency and to reduce manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since the cut portion of each of the shock absorber housings <NUM> faces the outside of the vehicle so as to provide space for normal operation of the wheel of the in-wheel system vehicle, it is possible to support a load between the various members or to distribute the load in directions of the members, and it is possible to prevent the corner of the shock absorber housing <NUM> from projecting outwards beyond the vehicle.

Claim 1:
A vehicle body comprising:
a plurality of shock absorber housings (<NUM>), each shock absorber housing (<NUM>) adapted to cover and support a respective shock absorber connected to a respective wheel of a vehicle, wherein each of the shock absorber housings (<NUM>) comprises a projection (<NUM>) projecting upwards from a lower end of the shock absorber housing (<NUM>) with an internal space therein, wherein the lower end of the shock absorber housing (<NUM>) or the projection is coupled to the shock absorber such that the shock absorber is disposed in the internal space in the projection (<NUM>), wherein the lower end of each of the shock absorber housings (<NUM>) includes a plurality of corners, wherein one of the corners has a cut portion having an obtuse angle, and wherein the plurality of shock absorber housings (<NUM>) include four shock absorber housings (<NUM>) positioned at lateral sides of front and rear sides of the vehicle, and wherein each of the shock absorber housings (<NUM>) is oriented and assembled such that a corresponding one of the cut portions faces an outside of the vehicle.