DE10260913A1 - Automobile body has multi-section frame structure with each individual frame module having at least one additional flat surface element providing stability - Google Patents

Abstract

The body (1) has a multi-section frame structure with each individual frame module (2,6,7,8,10,12) having in addition at least one flat surface element connected to the frame structure of the module to provide stability. The frame structure can have a skeleton structure of profiled rods connected through joins. The frame structure is preferably made from aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Description

The invention relates to a body for one Passenger cars with a frame structure, the entirety the frame construction divided into individual sections or modules is.

Come in the manufacture of passenger cars nowadays two different construction methods are used, on the one hand Structure with a self-supporting steel body and the other a frame construction (space frame) with attached components.

In the DE 196 53 509 A1 discloses a frame structure of a vehicle body consisting of node elements and connected, pre-profiled carrier elements. At least one node element is a closed, deformed component made of sheet steel and is deformed as a hydroforming node element by applying an internal high pressure. At least one connecting piece is directly molded onto such a hydroforming node element for a combination with at least one pre-profiled carrier element.

A sill structure for a framework on a vehicle is from the EP 0 568 251 A1 known. The structure comprises at least one extended sill part with an open area and an extended cover part which is adapted to close the open area, the sill part and the cover part being securely connected together.

In the DE 195 00 361 A1 describes another known body for a passenger car, in which the supporting structure of the body is formed by a space frame construction. Cladding parts, in particular below the belt line, which essentially determines the appearance of a small car, are attached to the body, detachably and easily replaceably, whereas profiles running above the belt line expose the space frame construction with its flat side facing outwards and apart from one Paint the body surface immediately.

From the DE 38 09 456 C2 A vehicle body and a method for producing the same is known, in which a plurality of assemblies, for example an engine compartment assembly, a floor assembly and a rear assembly, are prefabricated and result in independent modules. These are then mechanically connected to each other. Even with the one in the DE 196 06 779 A1 presented methods for assembling and coloring a motor vehicle with a self-supporting body, it consists of individual, prefabricated modules that are assembled for final assembly.

Against this background, the The invention has for its object to provide a vehicle body, the from possible few modules put together the modules have great stability even before final assembly.

This problem is solved with a Body according to the characteristics of claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly useful further training the invention.

According to the invention is a body for one Passenger cars provided, which includes a frame structure, which is divided into individual sections and modules. Each one the module also points a surface element that is connected to the frame structure of the module. The Frame construction divided into individual modules is dimensionally stable, because the surface element contributes to the rigidity of a module. The division into the Modules are made in such a way that as many functional parts as possible can be integrated into a module. This allows the vehicle to consist of a few Modules.

The frame construction preferably has a Truss structure from over Connecting knot composite profile bars. The body shape or the appearance of the body is essentially determined by the Truss structure set. This is later an exchange for repairs of surface elements easily possible because the assembled body due to the frame construction in is stable.

The body is particularly advantageous made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, especially in lightweight construction, manufactured. Alternatively, the surface elements be made of plastic so that the plastic surface already is available in paint quality and does not need to be treated further. Reduce these features the total weight of the body and consequently the subsequent fuel consumption.

An advantageous embodiment the body of the invention is in an engine compartment module, a floor module, a pair of body side modules, a roof module and divided a rear end module. So the vehicle can can be assembled from a few functional building modules.

The modules according to the invention are preferred individually prefabricated in such a way that they have all the features Completely functional and Painted according to requirements for final assembly. This means that the modules only need to be assembled for final assembly, making final assembly more cost effective possible is. Assembling can by means of positive and / or non-positive connections respectively.

Advantageously, the subdivision into modules is provided according to the invention in such a way that the sequence of the final assembly of the passenger vehicle is optimized with regard to accessibility for subsequent assembly steps. It is particularly advantageous that all modules that laterally delimit the passenger car can only be installed after all the modules belonging to the interior have been installed executed. This enables a simple and inexpensive assembly of the motor vehicle.

Preferably takes place in a body according to the invention the connection of the individual modules during final assembly by welding. Alternatively, you can the connection also by locking, screwing, riveting, gluing, Clamp or clinch. The preferred connection can thus according to the materials used for the body.

The invention permits numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of these is shown in the drawing and is described below. This partially shows a body according to the invention in a perspective view 1 for a passenger car.

The body 1 is divided into several individual modules. The floor module 2 is in the embodiment presented here in a front sub-module 2a and a rear sub-module 2 B further divided. The rear sub-module 2 B is on the front sub-module 2a mounted so that it is from behind in the direction of the arrow 3 is introduced. Two profile end pieces can be used 4 of the rear module 2 B in corresponding recordings on the front sub-module 2a be introduced. On the two brackets 5 arranged in parallel on the front floor module 2a an engine compartment assembly (not shown) can be attached.

In the figure there is also a roof module 6 shown, at the front end of a cowl module 7 in the direction of the arrow 8th is attached. The cowl module 7 serves to hold the windshield (not shown) and also supports the roof module 6 on the floor module 2a from. At the rear end of the roof module 6 is going in the direction of the arrow 9 a rear end module 10 appropriate. This supports the roof module 6 on the floor module 2 B and includes the rear window and the trunk lid (both not shown). The construction from the roof module 6 , Cowl module 7 and rear end module 10 can now together on the floor module 2 in the direction of the arrow 11 be attached.

Then a body side module 12 in the direction of the arrow 13 be attached to the vehicle body. In this figure is the right side module 12 shown individually, a corresponding left side part (not shown) is mounted on the other, left side of the vehicle. The side module 12 includes the A pillar 14 , the B-pillar 15 and the C pillar 16 , On this module 12 the side doors of the vehicle, not shown, are mounted.

Although the individual modules have been shown in simplified form in the figure presented, the modules are fully functional with all of the equipment features. So it is clear that the side module 12 has the complete interior lining and is already finished.

At this point it should be noted that all parts described above for seen alone and in every combination, especially in the details shown in the drawing are claimed as essential to the invention become. amendments the skilled worker is familiar with this.

1

body

2

Floor module

2a, b

supply modules

3

arrow

4

Profilendstück

5

boom

6

Top module

7

Cowl module

8th

arrow

9

arrow

10

Rear end module

11

arrow

12

Body sides module

13

arrow

14

A column

15

B-pillar

16

C-pillar

Claims (9)

Body ( 1 ) for a passenger car, which comprises a frame structure, the entirety of the frame structure in individual sections or modules ( 2 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 10 . 12 ), from which the body is assembled, characterized in that each individual module ( 2 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 10 . 12 ) additionally has at least one surface element that is connected to the frame structure of the module. Body according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame construction is a truss structure made by connecting nodes composite profile bars having. Body according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that that the frame structure and / or modules made of aluminum or one Aluminum alloy, especially in lightweight construction, are made. Body according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules of the frame construction include an engine compartment module, a floor module ( 2 ), a pair of body side modules ( 12 ), a rear module ( 10 ) and a roof module ( 6 ) include. Body according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the modules are prefabricated independently of one another so that they are fully functional with all equipment features and are available for final assembly according to requirements. Body according to at least one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the division into modules is provided in such a way that in terms of the order of final assembly of the passenger car on accessibility for subsequent Assembly steps is optimized. Body according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all modules laterally delimiting the passenger car ( 12 ) after all the modules belonging to the interior are installed. Body according to at least one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the connection of the individual modules during final assembly by welding he follows. Body according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connection of the individual modules by locking, screwing, riveting, Gluing, clamping or clinching takes place.