Vehicle frame

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle frame." The vehicle frame includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail that are elongate along a vehicle longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one another along a vehicle lateral axis. The vehicle frame includes a cross rail that is elongate along the vehicle lateral axis between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The cross rail includes a first recess and a second recess that are both proximate to the first frame rail and spaced apart from one another along the vehicle lateral axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various aspects disclosed herein generally relate to the vehicle frame. Background Technology

[0002] During a vehicle collision (such as a side impact), the vehicle's body and / or frame may deform and intrude into the passenger compartment. This intrusion can be measured during crashworthiness testing, for example, according to FMVSS No. 214. This can be beneficial for designing vehicles (e.g., the vehicle's frame) to limit such intrusion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A vehicle frame includes a first frame longitudinal beam and a second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle. The vehicle frame includes a crossbeam extending along the transverse axis of the vehicle between the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam. The crossbeam includes a first groove and a second groove, both of which are adjacent to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0004] The first groove can extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0005] The second groove can extend along the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0006] The crossbeam may include a middle section, and the first groove and the second groove may be located between the middle section and the first frame longitudinal beam, and the bending strength of the crossbeam at the first groove may be less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the middle section.

[0007] The crossbeam may include a third groove and a fourth groove, both of which are close to the second frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0008] The bending strength of the crossbeam at each of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves may be less than the bending strength of the crossbeam in the intermediate portion between the first and second grooves and the third and fourth grooves.

[0009] The crossbeam may include a top surface and a rear surface, with a first groove on the top surface and a second groove on the rear surface.

[0010] The vehicle frame may include a body mount extending a first distance from a first frame longitudinal beam away from a second frame longitudinal beam. The crossbeam may extend a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half the first distance.

[0011] The crossbeam can extend at least 30 mm away from the second frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis from the first frame longitudinal beam.

[0012] The crossbeam can be a single piece.

[0013] The crossbeam may be without a support bracket.

[0014] A vehicle includes a first frame longitudinal beam and a second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extending along the vehicle's longitudinal axis and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis. The vehicle includes a shock absorber tower bracket fixed relative to the first frame longitudinal beam. The vehicle includes a crossbeam extending from the first frame longitudinal beam to the second frame longitudinal beam at a rearward position relative to the shock absorber tower bracket. The crossbeam includes a first recess and a second recess, both of which are adjacent to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0015] The vehicle may include a seat supported by the longitudinal beams of the first frame directly above the crossbeams.

[0016] The vehicle may include a body support extending from a first frame longitudinal beam, and wherein a crossbeam extends from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from a second frame longitudinal beam, such that during an NHTSA rigid pole side impact test, the crossbeam is impacted in front of the body support.

[0017] The crossbeam may include a third groove and a fourth groove, both of which are close to the second frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0018] The bending strength of the beam at each of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves is less than the bending strength of the beam in the middle portion between the first and second grooves and between the third and fourth grooves.

[0019] The crossbeam may include a top surface and a rear surface, a first groove may be located on the top surface, and a second groove may be located on the rear surface.

[0020] The vehicle may include a body support extending a first distance from a first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from a second frame longitudinal beam. A crossbeam may extend a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half the length of the first distance.

[0021] The crossbeam can extend at least 30 mm away from the second frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis from the first frame longitudinal beam.

[0022] The crossbeam can be a single piece. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle with a chassis.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a side view of a vehicle with a frame.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the chassis.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of part of the frame.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a part of the frame.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a frontal cross-section of a part of the frame.

[0029] Figure 7 It is a top-view cross-section of a part of the frame.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a top view of a vehicle with a frame and struts for side impact testing.

[0031] Figure 9 It is the cross-section of the vehicle's frame and struts during a side impact test. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout several views, the frame 20 for vehicle 22 includes a first frame longitudinal beam 24 and a second frame longitudinal beam 26, which extend along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1 and are spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. The frame 20 includes a crossbeam 28, which extends along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 between the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The crossbeam 28 includes a first recess 30 and a second recess 32, both of which are adjacent to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. The numerical adjectives "first," "second," etc., are used only as identifiers and are not intended to indicate order or relative importance.

[0033] The frame 20 is designed to deform in a controlled manner to limit the amount of intrusion into the passenger compartment 34 of the vehicle 22, for example, during a side impact. For example, during a side impact, the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 can cause bending of the crossbeam 28 near the first frame longitudinal beam 24. "Near the first frame longitudinal beam 24" means closer to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 than to the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, between the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the centerline CL of the vehicle's longitudinal extension. As an example of proximity, the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 can cause bending at one-quarter of the crossbeam 28 closest to the first frame longitudinal beam 24. Similarly, the crossbeam 28 may include a third recess 58 and a fourth recess 60 near the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 cause bending of the crossbeam 28 near the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, at one-quarter of the crossbeam 28 closest to the second frame longitudinal beam 26.

[0034] Vehicle 22 can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc.

[0035] Vehicle 22 defines a longitudinal axis A1, extending between the front and rear of vehicle 22. Vehicle 22 defines a lateral axis A2, extending between the left and right sides of vehicle 22. Vehicle 22 defines a vertical axis A3, extending between the top and bottom of vehicle 22. The longitudinal axis A1, lateral axis A2, and vertical axis A3 may be perpendicular to each other. Vehicle 22 defines a longitudinally extending centerline CL, for example, extending along the longitudinal axis A1 and located midway between the right and left sides of the vehicle. Front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right can be relative to the orientation of the operator of vehicle 22. Front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right can also be relative to the orientation of controls used to operate vehicle 22 (e.g., dashboard, etc.). When the wheels of vehicle 22 are all parallel to each other, front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right can be relative to the forward direction of travel.

[0036] Vehicle 22 includes a body 36. The body 36 surrounds a passenger compartment 34 to accommodate the occupants of vehicle 22, if any. The passenger compartment 34 includes one or more seats 38. Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the diagram, seat 38 is shown as a bucket seat, but seat 38 can be of other types. The position and orientation of seat 38 and its components can be adjusted by the occupant. One or more of seats 38 can be supported directly above crossbeam 28 by first frame longitudinal beams 24, as shown in the diagram. Figure 2As shown. In other words, one or more of the seats 38 may be spaced apart from the crossbeam 28 along the vehicle's vertical axis A3 and aligned with the crossbeam 28 along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. For example, one or more of the seats 38 and the crossbeam 28 may be equidistant from the front of the vehicle 22. In such a configuration, the crossbeam 28 restricts the deformation of the vehicle body 36 along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 at the seats 38, for example, during a side impact.

[0037] The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 can support other vehicle components, such as the body 36, seats 38, engine, etc. The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 extend along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. For example, the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 can extend from the front of the vehicle 22 to the rear of the vehicle 22. The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 are spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 may include inward-facing surfaces 40 facing each other. The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 may include outward-facing surfaces 42 facing away from each other. The first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 can be metal or any suitable material.

[0038] The frame 20 may include one or more body support members 44, such as Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 8 As shown. A body support member 44 connects the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 to the vehicle body 36. For example, a portion of the body support member 44 may connect the first frame longitudinal beam 24 to the vehicle body 36, while other portions of the body support member 44 may connect the second frame longitudinal beam 26 to the vehicle body 36. The body support member 44 extends from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26. For example, one or more body support members 44 may extend from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and away from the second frame longitudinal beam 26. As another example, one or more body support members 44 may extend from the second frame longitudinal beam 26 and away from the first frame longitudinal beam 24. In other words, the body support member 44 may extend outward from the outward-facing surface 42 of the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, away from the longitudinally extending centerline CL of the vehicle 22. The body support member 44 may be metal or any suitable material. The body support 44 can be fixed to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, by fasteners, welding, etc. As another example, the body support 44 and the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 can be integral.

[0039] One or more body support members 44 may extend a first distance D1 from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26. For example, the first distance D1 may be from the outward-facing surface 42 of the first frame longitudinal beam 24 or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 to the distal end 46 of the body support member 44. The first distance D1 may be measured along the vehicle's transverse axis A2.

[0040] Vehicle 22 may include one or more shock absorber tower brackets 48, such as Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8 As shown. The shock absorber tower bracket 48 connects the frame 20 (e.g., the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26) to the suspension system of the vehicle 22. For example, the shock absorber tower bracket 48 may connect to shock absorbers and coil-over spring shock absorbers. The shock absorber tower bracket 48 may be fixed relative to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26. For example, one or more shock absorber tower brackets 48 may extend from the first frame longitudinal beam 24. As another example, one or more shock absorber tower brackets 48 may extend from the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The shock absorber tower bracket 48 may be metal or any suitable material. The shock absorber tower bracket 48 may be fixed to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, via fasteners, welding, etc. As another example, the shock absorber tower bracket 48 and the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 may be integral.

[0041] A crossbeam 28 extends along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 between the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The crossbeam 28 can be secured to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, via fasteners, welding, etc. The crossbeam 28 can extend outward along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 from the midpoint between the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 (e.g., from the longitudinally extending centerline CL). For example, the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26 may each include an opening 50. The crossbeam 28 can extend through the opening 50. In other words, the crossbeam 28 extends through the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The crossbeam 28 can be secured to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 at the opening 50, for example, via fasteners, welding, etc.

[0042] The crossbeam 28 extends from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 to the second frame longitudinal beam 26 at a position relative to the shock absorber tower bracket 48 at the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the crossbeam 28 is located behind the shock absorber tower bracket 48 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. Positioning the crossbeam 28 behind the shock absorber tower bracket 48 reduces intrusion into the passenger compartment 34, for example, during a side collision.

[0043] The crossbeam 28 may be hollow. The cross section of the crossbeam 28 may be a rectangle perpendicular to the vehicle's transverse axis A2, or any other suitable shape. The crossbeam 28 may include outer surfaces, such as a top surface 52, a bottom surface 54, a front surface 56, and a rear surface 59, for example, relative to the vehicle's vertical axis A3 and longitudinal axis A1. The crossbeam 28 may be steel or any suitable material.

[0044] The crossbeam 28 includes a first groove 30 and a second groove 32. The crossbeam 28 may include a third groove 58. The crossbeam 28 may include a fourth groove 60. When sufficient compressive force is applied, such as during a vehicle side impact, the grooves 28, 30, 58, and 60 cause local bending of the crossbeam 28 and reduce local wrinkling.

[0045] Both the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 are close to the first frame longitudinal beam 24. In other words, the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 are closer to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 than the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. The first recess 30 and the second recess 32 may be closer to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 than the longitudinally extending centerline CL. The first recess 30 and the second recess 32 are spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. For example, the first recess 30 may be closer to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 than the second recess 32 is closer to it, or the first recess 30 may be further away from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 than the second recess 32 is further away from it. Both the third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 may be close to the second frame longitudinal beam 26, for example, along the vehicle's transverse axis A2. The third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 may be closer to the second frame longitudinal beam 26 than the longitudinally extending centerline CL. The third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 may be spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis A2.

[0046] The first recess 30 may extend along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1. For example, the first recess 30 may be located on the top surface 52 of the crossbeam 28 and extend between the front surface 56 and the rear surface 59. As another example, the first recess 30 may be located on the bottom surface 54 of the crossbeam 28 and extend between the front surface 56 and the rear surface 59 (not shown). Similarly, the third recess 58 may extend along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1.

[0047] The second recess 32 may extend along the vehicle's vertical axis A3. For example, the second recess 32 may be located on the rear surface 59 of the crossbeam 28 and extend between the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 54. As another example, the second recess 32 may be located on the front surface 56 of the crossbeam 28 and extend between the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 54 (not shown). Similarly, the fourth recess 60 may extend along the vehicle's vertical axis A3.

[0048] The crossbeam 28 may be without grooves opposite to the first recess 30, the second recess 32, the third recess 58, and / or the fourth recess 60. For example, when the first recess 30 is located on the top surface 52, the bottom surface 54 (e.g., along the vehicle's vertical axis A3) opposite the top surface 52 at the first recess 30 may be without a groove. As another example, when the second recess 32 is located on the rear surface 59, the front surface 56 (e.g., along the vehicle's longitudinal axis A1) opposite the rear surface 59 at the second recess 32 may be without a groove. The absence of grooves opposite to the first recess 30, the second recess 32, the third recess 58, and / or the fourth recess 60 in the crossbeam 28 causes deformation of the crossbeam 28 at the first recess 30, the second recess 32, the third recess 58, and / or the fourth recess 60 before deformation occurs at the locations opposite the recesses 30, 32, 58, and 60, for example, during a vehicle side impact, thereby causing the crossbeam 28 to bend.

[0049] The crossbeam 28 may include a middle portion 62. The middle portion 62 may be located between the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 and between the third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60. In other words, the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 may be located at one end of the middle portion 62, and the third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 may be located at opposite ends of the middle portion 62. For example, the first recess 30 and the second recess 32 may be located between the middle portion 62 and the first frame longitudinal beam 24, and the third recess 58 and the fourth recess 60 may be located between the middle portion 62 and the second frame longitudinal beam 26.

[0050] The crossbeam 28 can be a single, homogeneous block of material, meaning it is held together without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives. For example, the crossbeam 28 can be a single piece of rolled or extruded steel, formed by forging, pressing, machining, etc. For example, a single-piece crossbeam 28 can provide more predictable deformation characteristics compared to a crossbeam 28 comprising two pieces of material fixed together. In an alternative example of a single piece, the crossbeam 28 can be formed from separately formed components that are subsequently fixed together.

[0051] The crossbeam 28 may be without support brackets. For example, the crossbeam 28 may not include reinforcements, i.e., secondary beams fixed to the crossbeam 28. As another example, the crossbeam 28 may not include additional plates or other structures fixed to the crossbeam 28, for example, via fasteners, welding, etc., to provide increased strength. The absence of support brackets helps reduce the cost, weight, etc., of the crossbeam 28, for example, when the recesses 30, 32, 58, 60 provide characteristics for the crossbeam 28 to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment 34, for example, during a side collision.

[0052] The crossbeam 28 is designed to induce bending at the grooves 30, 32, 58, and 60. To induce bending, the bending strength of the crossbeam 28 at the first groove 30 is less than its bending strength at the intermediate portion 62. For example, the crushing strength of the first groove 30 may be lower than the crushing strength of the bottom surface 54 opposite to the first groove 30, and the crushing strength of the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 54 may be the same at the intermediate portion 62. The lower crushing strength can provide increased deformation of the first groove 30, for example, when the crossbeam 28 is compressed during a side impact of a vehicle. This difference in crushing strength can induce bending. The lower crushing strength of the first groove 30 can be provided by a thickness of the first groove 30 that is less than the thickness of the bottom surface 54 opposite to the first groove 30, stress concentration areas at the first groove 30, etc. Similarly, the bending strength of the crossbeam 28 at each of the second groove 32, the third groove 58 and the fourth groove 60 may be less than the bending strength of the middle portion 62 of the crossbeam 28.

[0053] The crossbeam 28 can extend from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 away from the second frame longitudinal beam 26. The crossbeam 28 can also extend from the second frame longitudinal beam 26 along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 and away from the first frame longitudinal beam 24. In other words, the crossbeam 28 can extend outward along the vehicle's transverse axis A2 from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26.

[0054] The crossbeam 28 may extend a second distance D2 from the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26. For example, the second distance D2 may be from the outward-facing surface 42 of the first frame longitudinal beam 24 or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 to the distal end 64 of the crossbeam 28. The second distance D2 may be measured along the vehicle's transverse axis A2.

[0055] The second distance D2 helps the crossbeam 28 limit the amount of deformation of the vehicle body 36 during a side impact. The second distance D2 allows the crossbeam 28 to engage the strut P before one or more of the body supports 44 engage the strut P (e.g., ...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the strut P is used in vehicle crashworthiness testing. For example, the crossbeam 28 can be extended such that during an NHTSA rigid pole side impact test, such as during a side impact test according to FMVSS No. 214, the crossbeam 28 is impacted before the body support 44. The second distance D2 allows the crossbeam 28 to engage the strut P after a certain amount of deformation of the body 36, etc. For example, the second distance D2 can be at least half the length of the first distance D1. As another example, the second distance D2 can be at least 30 mm.

[0056] During a vehicle collision, such as a side impact between strut P and vehicle 22 in an NHTSA rigid pole side impact test, compressive forces are applied to crossbeam 28. Figure 9 As shown, compressive forces can cause relatively high deformation and bend at the first groove 30, the second groove 32, the third groove 58, and / or the fourth groove 60. The bend at the grooves 30, 32, 58, and 60 allows for less deformation of the body 36 compared to the bend at the intermediate portion 62. For example, for any given bend angle, the distance between the distal ends 64 of the crossbeams 28 will be greater for bends at the grooves 54, 56, 58, and 60 than for bends at the intermediate portion 62. As another example, the proximity of the grooves 54, 56, 58, and 60 to the first frame longitudinal beam 24 or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 can allow the intermediate portion 62 to engage with the first frame longitudinal beam 24 and / or the second frame longitudinal beam 26 after bend, for example, providing further resistance to deformation.

[0057] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to describe the nature of words rather than to limit them. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0058] According to the present invention, a vehicle frame is provided, comprising: a first frame longitudinal beam and a second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis of the vehicle; and a crossbeam extending between the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam along a transverse axis of the vehicle, the crossbeam including a first groove and a second groove, both the first groove and the second groove being adjacent to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the second groove extends along the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam includes a middle portion, a first groove and a second groove are located between the middle portion and the first frame longitudinal beam, and the bending strength of the crossbeam at the first groove is less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the middle portion.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam includes a third groove and a fourth groove, both of which are close to the second frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the bending strength of the crossbeam at each of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves is less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the intermediate portion between the first and second grooves and the third and fourth grooves.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam may include a top surface and a rear surface, with a first groove located on the top surface and a second groove located on the rear surface.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a body support member extending a first distance from a first frame longitudinal beam away from a second frame longitudinal beam, and wherein a crossbeam extends a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half of the first distance.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam extends at least 30 mm away from the second frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis from the first frame longitudinal beam.

[0067] According to the embodiment, the crossbeam is integral.

[0068] According to the embodiment, the crossbeam has no support bracket.

[0069] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided having: a first frame longitudinal beam and a second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis of the vehicle; a shock absorber tower bracket fixed relative to the first frame longitudinal beam; and a crossbeam extending from the first frame longitudinal beam to the second frame longitudinal beam at a position relative to the shock absorber tower bracket at the rear of the vehicle, the crossbeam including a first groove and a second groove, both the first groove and the second groove being close to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a seat supported by a first frame longitudinal beam directly above a crossbeam.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a body support extending from a first frame longitudinal beam, wherein a crossbeam extends from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, such that during an NHTSA rigid pole side impact test, the crossbeam is impacted in front of the body support.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam includes a third groove and a fourth groove, both of which are close to the second frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the bending strength of the crossbeam at each of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves is less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the intermediate portion between the first and second grooves and the third and fourth grooves.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam may include a top surface and a rear surface, with a first groove located on the top surface and a second groove located on the rear surface.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a body support member extending a first distance from a first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from a second frame longitudinal beam, and wherein a crossbeam extends a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half the length of the first distance.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam extends at least 30 mm away from the second frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis from the first frame longitudinal beam.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the crossbeam is integral.

Claims

1. A vehicle frame, comprising: First frame longitudinal beam and second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle. as well as A crossbeam extending along the vehicle's transverse axis between the first and second frame longitudinal beams, the crossbeam including a first groove and a second groove, both of which are close to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's transverse axis. The first groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the second groove extends along the vertical axis of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossbeam includes a middle portion, the first groove and the second groove are located between the middle portion and the first frame longitudinal beam, and the bending strength of the crossbeam at the first groove is less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the middle portion.

3. The vehicle frame of claim 1, further comprising a body support extending a first distance from the first frame longitudinal beam away from the second frame longitudinal beam, and wherein the crossbeam extends a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half of the first distance.

4. The vehicle frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossbeam is integral.

5. The vehicle frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossbeam has no support bracket.

6. The vehicle frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the crossbeam includes a top surface and a rear surface, the first groove is located on the top surface, and the second groove is located on the rear surface.

7. A vehicle comprising: First frame longitudinal beam and second frame longitudinal beam, the first frame longitudinal beam and the second frame longitudinal beam extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle. The shock absorber tower bracket is fixed relative to the first vehicle frame longitudinal beam; as well as A crossbeam extends from the first frame longitudinal beam to the second frame longitudinal beam at a position relative to the shock absorber tower bracket at the rear of the vehicle. The crossbeam includes a first groove and a second groove, both of which are close to the first frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle. The first groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the second groove extends along the vertical axis of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a body support extending from the first frame longitudinal beam, wherein the crossbeam extends from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, such that the crossbeam is impacted in front of the body support during an NHTSA rigid pole side impact test.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the crossbeam includes a third groove and a fourth groove, both of which are adjacent to the second frame longitudinal beam and spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the bending strength of the crossbeam at each of the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove is less than the bending strength of the crossbeam at the intermediate portion between the first and second grooves and the third and fourth grooves.

11. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a body support extending a first distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, and wherein the beam extends a second distance from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam, the second distance being at least half the first distance.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the crossbeam extends at least 30 mm away from the first frame longitudinal beam along the vehicle's transverse axis away from the second frame longitudinal beam.

13. The vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising a seat supported directly above the crossbeam by the first frame longitudinal beam.

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