1
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, rule 13]
TITLE: “REAR BODY STRUCTURE FOR AUTOMOBILE”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which
it is to be performed.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to automotive body structures, and more
particularly, to a rear body structure behind the rear seat of an automobile.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Body structure of the automobile, also referred to as the Body-in-white (BIW) is the
structure of the automobile on which moving parts such as, doors, hoods, and deck lids as
well as fenders, the motor, chassis sub-assemblies, or trim are installed. The body
structure bears the entire sum of loads acting on the automobile. Further, various forces
acting upon the automobile, during operation for example but not limited to moving,
turning, hitting a bump and the like, are also born by the body structure. Various
performance and safety related parameters, such as automobile vibrations and the like, of
the automobile depend on how the body structure reacts to such forces acting thereon.
The rear part of the body structure plays a particularly important part in the
maneuverability of the automobile, and therefore a good torsional resistance of the same
is typically desired. Presently available ways to impart the desired torsional resistance
result in increase on weight. Accordingly, the presently available ways of imparting the
desired torsional resistance also result in increase of cost.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
The objective of disclosure is to provide a reliable, cost effective, and simple rear body
structure of an automobile that overcomes or obviates the disadvantages associated with
the prior art.
Another objective of the disclosure is to provide a rear body structure of an automobile
that provides improved torsional stiffness.
Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a rear body structure of an
automobile that is lighter in weight.
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Further objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a rear body structure for an
automobile. The rear body structure comprising: a rear panel disposed laterally on
automobile, the rear panel having end portions connected to side panels of the automobile
and a front planer portion, a bottom frame having a pair of longitudinal members and a
set of lateral members connecting the pair of longitudinal members, the side panels being
connected to the pair of longitudinal members of the bottom frame, and a set of tubular
members extending in one of a converging and a diverging manner from the bottom
frame to the rear panel, wherein first end portions of at least a pair of tubular members of
the set of tubular members being connected to a box section on the front planer portion,
and second end portions of the pair of tubular members of the set of tubular members
being connected to the bottom frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a rear body of an automobile, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the rear body of the
automobile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the rear body of the
automobile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a rear body of an automobile, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the rear body of the
automobile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective partial view of the automobile, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a
preferred embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
same.
FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate perspective views of a portion of a rear body 102
(also referred to as a “rear body structure 102”) of an automobile 100, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a
perspective view of the portion of a rear body 102 of an automobile 100, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The automobile 100 may be a
passenger car that is closed at top. Although the present disclosure is defined with respect
to a passenger car, various aspects of the present disclosure may also be intended to be
applied to a sports utility vehicle (SUV), a commercial vehicle and the like.
The body structure 102 is also referred to as the Body-In-White (BIW), and on this
various parts such as, doors, hoods, and deck lids as well as fenders, the motor, chassis
sub-assemblies, or trim are installed. The body structure 102 is supported on wheels (not
illustrated) which enable movement of the automobile 100 on a surface (not illustrated).
It may herein be noted that the automobile 100 may be a front wheel, rear wheel or a four
wheel drive, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the
automobile 100 may be driven by an internal combustion engine running on petrol,
diesel, gasoline or the like, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The body structure 102 is formed from a front body structure and a rear body structure.
The rear body structure 102, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure
includes a rear panel 106. The rear panel 106 may be also referred to as a transverse box
section 106 or a parcel shelf 106.
The rear panel 106, is disclosed in figures may be disposed laterally on the automobile
100. The rear panel 106 includes lateral end portions 108, 110 connected to side panels
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112, 114 (also referred to as “vertical panels”) respectively, of the automobile 100. In
one embodiment, the lateral end portions 108, 110 of the rear panel 106 may be
connected to the side panels 112, 114 by spot welding, bolting, or by any other joining
process known in the art.
Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the rear panel 106 includes a top planer portion 116 and
a front planer portion 118 substantially perpendicular to the top planer portion 116. The
front planer portion 118 includes a plurality of through holes, such as hole 120, 122.
The rear panel 106 further includes a bottom frame 124. The bottom frame 124 is
connected to a bottom surface of the top planer portion 116. As per the present
embodiment, the bottom frame 124 is spot welded to the bottom surface of the top planer
portion 116, such that a rectangular cross section (also referred to as a “box-section”) is
formed by a portion of the top planer portion 116, the front planer portion 118, and the
bottom frame 124. Such rectangular cross section (“box-section”) type configuration of
the rear panel 106 imparts torsional rigidity thereto.
In one embodiment, a reinforcement member 126 may also be provided within the
rectangular cross section formed by the portion of the top planer portion 116, the front
planer portion 118, and the bottom frame 124. The reinforcement member 126 may have
an L-shaped configuration, and it may be positioned in alignment with the front planer
portion 118. As per the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG.
1 through 3, the reinforcement member 126 is positioned proximate to the center 128 of
the rectangular cross section. Further, the reinforcement member 126 includes a pair of
holes aligned with the holes 120, 122 of the front planer portion 118.
The body structure 102 of the automobile further includes a bottom frame 130 having a
pair of longitudinal members 132, 134 and a set of lateral members such as a lateral
member 136. The lateral members, such as a lateral member 136 are positioned laterally
to connect the pair of longitudinal members 132 134. Typically, the pair of longitudinal
members 132, 134 and the set of lateral members is used for mounting of various
automobile subassemblies and components.
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Further, the body structure 102 includes a set of tubular members. In the described
embodiment of the present disclosure, the set of tubular member may be two tubular
members such, as a first tubular member 200, and a second tubular member 202.
However, in alterative embodiment of the present disclosure, the set of tubular members
may have fewer of more tubular members, without deviating from the scope of the
present disclosure. The set of tubular members extend from the bottom frame 130 to the
rear panel. Typically, each tubular members of the set of tubular members has a hollow
elongated configuration.
As per the first embodiment of the present disclosure, best shown in FIG. 1 through 3, the
first tubular member 200 and the second tubular member 202 connect the bottom frame
130 to the rear panel 106, in a diverging configuration. In other words, the first tubular
member 200 and the second tubular member 202 connect the bottom frame 130 to the
rear panel 106, in a V-shaped configuration.
More specifically, each of the first tubular member 200 and the second tubular member
202 include a first end portion connected to the rear panel 106 and a second end portion
connected to the bottom frame 130. Particularly, the first tubular member 200 includes a
first end portion 204 connected to the rear panel 106, an elongated body portion 206 and
the bottom end portion 208 connected to the bottom frame 130.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the first end portion 204 of the first tubular
member 200, with the rear panel 106, is at the box section, and through the one of the
pair of holes 120 and the reinforcement member 126. In alternative embodiments,
connecting cap may be provided at the first end portion 204 to facilitate connection of the
first end portion 204 with the rear panel 106.
Again as best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the bottom end portion 208 of the first
tubular member 200, with the bottom frame 130 is at one of the longitudinal members,
like, the longitudinal members 132. The connection, in one embodiment, is through a
reinforcement member 133 adapted to be provided with the longitudinal members 132.
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Similarly, the second tubular member 202, being structurally similar to the first tubular
member 200, includes a first end portion 210 connected to the rear panel 106, an
elongated body portion 212 and the bottom end portion 214 (second end portion 214)
connected to the bottom frame 130.
The connection of the first end portion 210 of the second tubular member 202, with the
rear panel 106, is at the box section, and through the one of the pair of holes 122 and the
reinforcement member 126. In alternative embodiments, connecting cap may be
provided at the first end portion 204 to facilitate connection thereof with the rear panel
106.
Again as best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the bottom end portion 212 of the
second tubular member 202, with the bottom frame 130 is at one of the longitudinal
members, like, the longitudinal members 134. Such connection, in one embodiment, is
through a reinforcement member 135 adapted to be provided with the longitudinal
members 134.
As per the second embodiment of the present disclosure, best shown in FIG. 4 through 6,
the first tubular member 200 and the second tubular member 202 connect the bottom
frame 130 to the rear panel 106, in a converging configuration. In other words, the first
tubular member 200 and the second tubular member 202 connect the bottom frame 130 to
the rear panel 106, in an inverted V-shaped configuration.
More specifically, each of the first tubular member 200 and the second tubular member
202 include a first end portion connected to the rear panel 106 and a second end portion
connected to the bottom frame 130. Particularly, the first tubular member 200 includes a
first end portion 204 connected to the rear panel 106, an elongated body portion 206 and
the bottom end portion 208 connected to the bottom frame 130.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the first end portion 204 of the first tubular
member 200, with the rear panel 106, is at the box section towards a distal end portion
towards a side panel. In alternative embodiments, connecting cap may be provided at the
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first end portion 204 to facilitate connection of first end portion 204 with the rear panel
106.
Again as best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the bottom end portion 208 of the first
tubular member 200, with the bottom frame 130 is at the lateral member 136. Such
connection, in one embodiment, is through a reinforcement member adapted to be
provided with the lateral member 136
Similarly, the second tubular member 202, being structurally similar to the first tubular
member 200, includes a first end portion 210 connected to the rear panel 106, an
elongated body portion 212 and the bottom end portion 212 (second end portion 212)
connected to the bottom frame 130.
The connection of the first end portion 210 of the second tubular member 202, with the
rear panel 106, is at the box section, is at the box section towards a distal end portion
towards a side panel. In alternative embodiments, connecting cap may be provided at the
first end portion 204 to facilitate connection thereof with the rear panel 106.
Again as best shown in FIG. 3, the connection of the bottom end portion 212 of the
second tubular member 202, with the bottom frame 130 is at the lateral member 136.
Such connection, in one embodiment, is through a reinforcement member adapted to be
provided with the lateral member 136.
Such connections of the first tubular member 200 and the second tubular member 202
impart torsional rigidity to the vehicle. The first tubular member 200 and the second
tubular member 202 of the rear frame member are also light weight. Further, the first
tubular member 200 and the second tubular member 202 also provide to be less
expensive as compared to other methods for torsional rigidity.
The foregoing description provides specific embodiments of the present disclosure. It
should be appreciated that these embodiment are described for purpose of illustration
only, and that numerous other alterations and modifications may be practiced by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is
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intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come
within the scope of the disclosure as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
Referral Numerals Description
102 Rear body, Body structure
100 Automobile
106 Rear panel
108 End portion
110 End portion
112 Side panel
114 Side panel
116 Top planer portion
118 Front planer portion
120 Hole
122 Hole
124 Bottom panel
126 Reinforcement member
130 Bottom frame
132 Longitudinal member
134 Longitudinal member
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135 Reinforcement member
200 First tubular member
202 Second tubular member
204 First end portion of first tubular member
206 Elongated body portion of first tubular member
208 Bottom end portion of first tubular member
210 First end portion of second tubular member
212 Elongated body portion of second tubular member
214 Bottom end portion of second tubular member
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We claim:
1. A body structure 102 for an automobile 100, the body structure 102 comprising:
a rear panel 106 disposed laterally on the automobile 100, the rear panel 106
having end portions connected to side panels 112 of the automobile 100 and a
front planer portion 118,
a bottom frame 130 having a pair of longitudinal members 132, 134 and a
set of lateral members connecting the pair of longitudinal members, the side
panels 112 being connected to the pair of longitudinal members 132, 134 of the
bottom frame 130, and,
a set of tubular members 200, 202 extending in one of a converging and a
diverging manner from the bottom frame 130 to the rear panel 106, wherein first
end portions of at least a pair of tubular members of the set of tubular members
200, 202 being connected to a box section on the front planer portion 118, and
second end portions of the pair of tubular members of the set of tubular members
200, 202 being connected to the bottom frame 130.
2. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of tubular members
includes a first tubular member 200 and a second tubular member 202.
3. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tubular member
200 and the second tubular member 202 are positioned in a V-shaped
configuration.
4. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tubular member
200 and the second tubular member 202 are positioned in an inverted V-shaped
configuration.
5. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a bottom panel
124 connected to the rear panel 106 to form a box shaped configuration.
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6. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 5, further a reinforcing member is
provided within the box shaped configuration formed by the bottom panel 124
and the rear panel 106.
7. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front planer portion of
the rear panel 106 includes a plurality of through holes, the first end portion of the
set of tubular members 200, 202 being connected to the rear panel 106 through
the said holes.
8. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein second end portions of a
pair of tubular members is connected to a reinforcing member 135 on the pair of
longitudinal members of bottom frame 130.
9. The body structure 102 as claimed in claim 1, wherein second end portions of a
pair of tubular members is connected to a reinforcing member 135 on the lateral
member of the bottom frame 130.