Vehicle structure

Abstract

A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) includes a portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) extending along a longitudinal direction (106), wherein the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) includes: a first member (122) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), and a second member (124) extending along the longitudinal direction (106). The first member (122) is configured to face the interior (126) of the vehicle, and the second member (124) is configured to face the exterior (128) of the vehicle. The first member (122) and the second member (124) are attached to each other to form an enclosed space (138) between them. The portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) includes a first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) of a waveform located in the enclosed space (138).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle structure including a longitudinally extending portion, wherein the portion includes a first member extending along the longitudinal direction and a second member extending along the longitudinal direction. The first member is configured to face the interior of the vehicle, and the second member is configured to face the exterior of the vehicle. The first member and the second member are connected to each other to form an enclosed space. Background Technology

[0002] In the design of the frame portion of a motor vehicle, there is a trade-off between weight and strength. An advantageous way to achieve a good trade-off is to make the frame portion from one or more sheet metal or metal alloy sheets, which are shaped to the desired form, such as the outline of a hat.

[0003] Typically, the frame of a motor vehicle is formed to have a certain degree of rigidity because it may be subjected to various impacts from the outside. At the same time, some frame parts should be allowed to deform to absorb impacts when subjected to overload, for example, due to a collision with an external object (e.g., another vehicle or a stationary object, such as a tree). An example of a frame part is the vehicle's side beam structure or bumper or bumper beam, which should allow deformation to absorb impacts while maintaining rigidity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of this invention have discovered that the frame portion, for example, as described above, can be further improved, such as in a vehicle structure.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to improve the frame portion or vehicle structure.

[0006] The above and other objectives are achieved by providing a vehicle structure including a longitudinally extending portion, wherein the portion includes:

[0007] The first member extending along the longitudinal direction, and

[0008] A second member extending along the longitudinal direction;

[0009] The first component is configured to face the interior of the vehicle.

[0010] The second component is configured to face the exterior of the vehicle.

[0011] The first component and the second component are attached to each other, such that the first component and the second component form a closed space.

[0012] The portion includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members located within the enclosed space, the first tubular reinforcing members having a longitudinal extension extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Wherein, the first tubular reinforcing member is corrugated and includes corrugations, and

[0014] The corrugations of the first tubular reinforcing member include annular ridges and annular grooves.

[0015] The advantage of the innovative first tubular reinforcing member in a vehicle structure lies in providing favorable deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact and prevent penetration during collisions (such as side or lateral impacts) while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. With the help of the innovative first tubular reinforcing member, the weight and cost of the vehicle structure can be reduced while still maintaining or even improving its rigidity and strength. The vehicle structure's performance in a collision is improved, for example, because the vehicle structure can deform in a more controlled and predictable manner. The advantage of a vehicle structure including the innovative first tubular reinforcing member is that it provides an improved vehicle structure.

[0016] The vehicle structure can be a vehicle structure for a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, an electric vehicle with one or more batteries, or a hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle can be a car or a truck. The term "enclosed space" also includes spaces that are generally or substantially enclosed. For example, there may be one or more small openings in the walls forming the enclosed space and / or at the ends of portions of the vehicle structure.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, each of the annular ridges extends transversely to the longitudinal direction, and wherein each of the annular grooves extends transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the annular ridge and the annular groove form or construct the first tubular reinforcing member. This embodiment has the advantage of further improving the vehicle structure's performance in a collision. Therefore, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member may have one or more portions without the annular ridge and annular groove.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, the cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member forms an elliptical ring. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. This embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Therefore, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. The elliptical ring may have a small diameter (which may be referred to as the minor axis) that passes through the center of the elliptical shape and through the shortest portion of the elliptical shape defined or limited by the elliptical ring. The elliptical ring may have a large diameter (which may be referred to as the major axis) that passes through the center of the ellipse or elliptical shape and through the longest portion of the elliptical shape defined or limited by the elliptical ring. In some embodiments, the large diameter may point towards the first member and the second member. These embodiments further enhance the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Therefore, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member may form a circular ring. The elliptical ring cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member provides increased extension, such as increased extension in the direction of a potential collision, and increases rigidity and strength with less material compared to a circular ring cross-section.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the cross-section of each of the annular ridges forms an elliptical ring, and wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the annular grooves forms an elliptical ring.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, the cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member forms an elliptical ring. This embodiment has the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. The elliptical ring may have a small diameter (which may be referred to as the minor axis) passing through the center of the elliptical shape and through the shortest portion of the elliptical shape defined or limited by the elliptical ring, and the elliptical ring may have a large diameter (which may be referred to as the major axis) passing through the elliptical ring. In some embodiments, the large diameter may point towards the first member and the second member. These embodiments further improve the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Therefore, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the cross-section of each annular ridge forms an elliptical ring, wherein the cross-section of each annular groove forms an elliptical ring.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the first tubular reinforcing member has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein each annular ridge has a recess at a first location on the outer surface. This embodiment is advantageous in that it provides favorable deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the recesses at the first location are aligned with each other longitudinally. This embodiment has the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts, for example, because deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the stiffness and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each annular ridge has a recess at a second location on the outer surface. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing favorable deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the second position is opposite to the first position. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts, for example, because deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the stiffness and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the recesses at the second location are aligned with each other longitudinally. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing favorable deformation for the vehicle structure to absorb impacts, for example, because deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the stiffness and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the annular ridge and annular groove form a smooth waveform extending longitudinally along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the first tubular reinforcing member is seamless, for example, without one or more welds. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Furthermore, by being seamless, for example without one or more welds, the weight of the first tubular reinforcing member can be reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle structure while maintaining or even improving its rigidity and strength. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. However, the first tubular reinforcing member of this embodiment can still be attached to the first or second member by welding or weld joints. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member may be formed from two or more curved members, which are connected to each other, for example, by welding (e.g., by weld joints) or by any other connection method.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, each annular ridge protrudes more towards the first member and towards the second member than the portion of the annular ridge extending between the first and second members. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts, for example, because deformation can be adjusted, designed, and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. For example, the annular ridge protrudes more towards the location of maximum force during a collision. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. When each of the first and second members has a longitudinally extending compartment and each compartment has a bottom surface, each annular ridge can protrude more towards the bottom surface of the first member and towards the bottom surface of the second member than the portion of the annular ridge extending between the bottom surfaces of the first and second members.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the size of each annular ridge gradually increases from the portion of the annular ridge extending between the first and second members toward the first member and toward the second member. This embodiment has the advantage of providing advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. When each of the first and second members has a longitudinally extending compartment, and each compartment has a bottom surface, the size of each annular ridge gradually increases from the portion of the annular ridge extending between the first and second members toward the bottom surface of the first member and toward the bottom surface of the second member.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second components has a longitudinally extending compartment, wherein the first and second components are attached to each other such that the compartments, together with the first and second components, form the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the aforementioned large diameter may point towards the bottom surface of the first and second components.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, each of the first member and the second member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is located on one side of the bottom surface and the second sidewall is located on the opposite side of the bottom surface, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the first member and the bottom surface of the first member define a compartment of the first member, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the second member and the bottom surface of the second member define a compartment of the second member, wherein the first sidewall of the first member is attached to the first sidewall of the second member, and wherein the second sidewall of the first member is attached to the second sidewall of the second member.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, each of the first and second components has a first sidewall and a second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is located on one side of the bottom surface and the second sidewall is located on the opposite side of the bottom surface, wherein the first and second walls of the first component and the bottom surface of the first component define a compartment of the first component, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the second component and the bottom surface of the second component define a compartment of the second component, wherein each of the first and second components has a first flange attached to the first sidewall, wherein each of the first and second components has a second flange attached to the second sidewall, wherein the first flange of the first component is attached to the first end flange of the second component, and wherein the second flange of the first component is attached to the second end flange of the second component.

[0035] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the portion includes one or more second tubular reinforcing members located in the enclosed space;

[0036] The second tubular reinforcing member has a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0037] The second tubular reinforcing member is corrugated and includes corrugations.

[0038] The second tubular reinforcing member forms an internal space, and

[0039] The first tubular reinforcing member is located in the internal space formed by the second tubular reinforcing member.

[0040] The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides favorable deformation for the vehicle structure to absorb impacts, for example, because deformation can be adjusted, designed, and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that it further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision.

[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member extends along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision.

[0042] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, a second tubular reinforcing member surrounds a first tubular reinforcing member. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the invention, the corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member include ridges and grooves.

[0044] Each ridge of the second tubular reinforcing member is aligned with one of the annular ridges of the first tubular reinforcing member.

[0045] The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides favorable deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that it further improves the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. However, for alternative embodiments, the ridge of the second tubular reinforcing member and the annular ridge of the first tubular reinforcing member can be arranged in other ways.

[0046] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each slot of the second tubular reinforcing member is aligned with one of the annular slots of the first tubular reinforcing member. This embodiment offers the advantage of providing favorable deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. Therefore, this embodiment further enhances the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision. However, in alternative embodiments, the slots of the second tubular reinforcing member and the annular slots of the first tubular reinforcing member can be arranged in other ways.

[0047] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, one or more of the first tubular reinforcing member and the second tubular reinforcing member are formed from one or more plates, such as metal plates of a metal alloy. This is an efficient way to produce the first tubular reinforcing member.

[0048] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, one or more of the first tubular reinforcing member and the second tubular reinforcing member comprise or are composed of metal or metal alloy. This is an efficient way to produce a robust first tubular reinforcing member.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second components is formed of a plate, such as a metal plate or a metal alloy plate. This is an efficient way to produce the first and second components.

[0050] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second components comprises, or is composed of, metal or metal alloy. This is an efficient way to produce robust first and second components.

[0051] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second components is one of a hat-shaped profile and a U-shaped profile. This is an efficient way to produce the first and second components and provide an enclosed space.

[0052] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the vehicle structure is a vehicle side structure, wherein the portion is a side portion. This vehicle structure is suitable for use as a vehicle side structure of a vehicle, thereby improving the performance of the vehicle side structure in lateral or side-impact collisions. Thus, an improved vehicle side structure is provided. However, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle structure can be applied and mounted elsewhere on the vehicle, such as the front of the vehicle, and can be present in part of the bumper, the rear of the vehicle, or other locations within the vehicle. The vehicle structure can be used, for example, for electric or hybrid vehicles, but of course, it can also be used only for conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. The vehicle structure can be configured to protect the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle structure can be located on one or more sides of the battery located in the vehicle.

[0053] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the portion is a side beam portion, wherein the side beam portion extends longitudinally along the vehicle body and is disposed on one side of the vehicle body. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure with a side beam portion for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure. The innovative first tubular reinforcing member is particularly advantageous for the side beam portion of the vehicle structure, where impact absorption is required in certain collisions. However, in alternative embodiments, instead of a side beam portion, this portion or side may be a side beam portion, a bumper portion, or a beam portion configured to be located elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0054] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the side beam portion is attached to one or more crossbeams of the vehicle body. This further improves the rigidity of the vehicle structure.

[0055] The above-described features and embodiments of the vehicle structure can be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.

[0056] Other advantageous embodiments of the vehicle structure according to the invention, as well as other advantages of the embodiments of the invention, will emerge from the dependent claims and the detailed description of the embodiments.

[0057] Brief description of the attached figures

[0058] For illustrative purposes, the invention will now be described in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar drawings are used for similar components, wherein:

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member according to a first embodiment of a vehicle structure based on the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the first tubular reinforcing member according to a second embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the first tubular reinforcing member according to a third embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member is shown.

[0063] Figure 5 It is included in the present invention. Figure 1 A partial schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure with a first tubular reinforcing member;

[0064] Figure 6 yes Figure 5An enlarged view of a portion of the vehicle structure, showing the location of the first tubular reinforcing member of the vehicle structure;

[0065] Figure 7 yes Figure 8 A schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure;

[0066] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Includes Figure 1 A cross-section of the assembly portion of the first embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first tubular reinforcing member;

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly portion of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle structure including two first tubular reinforcing members;

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly portion of a fifth embodiment of a vehicle structure including two first tubular reinforcing members, which are relative to... Figure 9 The two first tubular reinforcing members are arranged in different positions.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of two tubular reinforcing members according to a sixth embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment;

[0071] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 and 12 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the second tubular reinforcing member;

[0072] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Schematic perspective views of the second tubular reinforcing member from different angles;

[0073] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 and 14 A partial perspective view of the vehicle structure;

[0074] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An enlarged view of a part of the vehicle's structure;

[0075] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure;

[0076] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the assembled parts of the vehicle structure;

[0077] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member according to another embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention;

[0078] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment;

[0079] Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member, an alternative version of the vehicle structure according to the invention; and

[0080] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Cross-sectional diagram of the version. Detailed Implementation

[0081] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 5 to 8 A portion 102 of the vehicle structure 100 according to the first insert includes a first tubular reinforcing member 104. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 has a longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extension extends in the longitudinal direction 106. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may comprise, or be composed of, a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or any other suitable material. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be formed from one or more plates, such as a metal plate or metal alloy plate, such as an aluminum plate, or any other suitable material, which can be processed by stamping hardening. Alternative manufacturing methods are mentioned below. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 of the illustrated embodiment is a smooth, wavy shape in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0082] The first tubular reinforcing member 104 is corrugated and includes corrugations 118, 120, wherein the corrugations 118, 120 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 include annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120. Each annular ridge 118 forms a ring. Each annular groove 120 forms a ring. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be corrugated substantially along its entire longitudinal direction or length. Thus, the annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120 may form or construct the first tubular reinforcing member 104. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may have one or more portions without annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 includes a plurality of annular ridges 118, such as five or ten annular ridges 118 or more, and a plurality of annular grooves 120, such as five or ten annular grooves 110 or more. Through these innovative corrugations, vehicle structures 100, 400, 500 (see...) are realized. Figures 8 to 10 The vehicle structure exhibits favorable deformation to absorb impacts while maintaining or improving its rigidity and strength (see [reference]). Figures 8 to 10 ).

[0083] Reference Figure 1 Each annular ridge 118 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction 106. Each annular groove 120 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction 106. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 8 The cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 forms an elliptical ring. The cross-section of each annular ridge 118 forms an elliptical ring, and the cross-section of each annular groove 120 forms an elliptical ring. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 8 The cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 can form an elliptical ring. The cross-section of each annular ridge 118 can form an elliptical ring, and the cross-section of each annular groove 120 can form an elliptical ring. The shape of the elliptical ring may differ slightly from a perfect ellipse. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member can form a circular ring. The shape of the circular ring may differ slightly from a perfect circle.

[0084] refer to Figure 1 The annular ridge 118 and the annular groove 120 form a smooth waveform that extends along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0085] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The first tubular reinforcing member 104 is seamless, for example, without one or more welds. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be formed of two or more curved members, which are connected to each other, for example by welding (e.g., by weld seams or weld points) or by any other connection method.

[0086] refer to Figure 1 The first tubular reinforcing member 104 has an inner surface 119 and an outer surface 121. The inner surface 119 may be referred to as a concave surface. The outer surface 121 may be referred to as a convex surface. A “concave surface” also includes surfaces that may deviate from a perfectly concave surface. A “convex surface” also includes surfaces that may deviate from a perfectly convex surface. In this disclosure, when referring to the annular ridge 118 and the annular groove 120, it refers to the outer surface 121 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104, i.e., the annular ridge 118 and the annular groove 122 are formed on the outer surface 121 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104. It should be understood that the corresponding annular ridge and annular groove may be formed on the inner surface 119 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104.

[0087] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may have one or more attachment tabs 166, 168 for attachment to the first member 122 or the second member 124, as will be described in further detail below. However, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may not have any attachment tabs, or may have one or more attachment tabs 666, 668 of different designs, for example, as Figure 2An embodiment of the first tubular reinforcing member 604 is schematically shown. Otherwise, Figure 2 The features of the first tubular reinforcing member 604 shown can correspond to Figure 1 The features of the second tubular reinforcing member 104 shown are therefore not disclosed in further detail, but include, for example, annular ridge 618, annular groove 620, inner surface 619 and outer surface 621.

[0088] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a first tubular reinforcing member 304 according to a third embodiment of a vehicle structure based on the present invention. (As stated above...) Figure 1 The first tubular reinforcing member 304 has an annular ridge 318 and an annular groove 320, and has an inner surface 319 and an outer surface 321. At the outer surface 322, each annular ridge 312 has a recess 323 at a first position 325. The recesses 323 at the first position 325 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. At the outer surface 321, each annular ridge 318 can have a recess 327 at a second position 329. The second position 319 can be opposite to the first position 322, thereby providing a peanut-shaped cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 304. The recesses 327 at the second position 329 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. Furthermore, at the outer surface 321, each annular groove 320 can have a recess 331 at a third position 333, wherein the recesses 331 at the third position 323 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. Furthermore, at the outer surface 321, each annular groove 320 may have a recess 335 at a fourth position 337, wherein the recesses 335 at the fourth position 347 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. A third position 333 may be opposite to the fourth position 357. The recess 323 of the annular ridge 318 at the first position 325 may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction 106 with the recess 331 of the annular groove 320 at the third position 333. The recess 327 of the annular ridge 318 at the second position 329 may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction 106 with the recess 335 of the annular groove 320 at the fourth position 337. For example, each recess 323, 327, 331, 335 may be a depression, notch, or groove. Otherwise, the first tubular reinforcing member 304 is characterized as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can correspond to Figure 1 The features of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 shown are therefore not repeated here. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 304 may have recesses 323, 327, 331, 335 at one, two, or three of the following locations on the outer surface 321: first location 325; second location 329; third location 333; and fourth location 337.

[0089] The first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can be manufactured by various methods. As described above, the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can be formed, for example, from a sheet, such as by compression molding. As described above, the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can be formed from two or more bent members, which are formed by compression molding of one or more sheets and subsequently joined together. Optionally, the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can be formed by hydroforming, gas forming (molding blow molding), such as hot metal gas forming (HMGF), such as from a tube. Other methods for manufacturing the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 are also possible. Each of the aforementioned first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can be described as a tube 104, 606, or 304, wherein the tube 104, 614, or 304, or the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 601, or 304, has a wall 117, 617, or 317, which is provided with or includes annular ridges 118, 618, or 318 and annular grooves 120, 620, or 320.

[0090] Reference 5 to Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a vehicle structure 100 according to the present invention, which includes... Figure 1 The first tubular reinforcing member 104. Vehicle structure 100 can be a vehicle structure for a motor vehicle, such as a car or truck. (Reference) Figures 5 to 8 As shown, vehicle structure 100 includes a portion 102 extending along a longitudinal direction 106. Portion 102 has a first member 122 extending along the longitudinal direction 106. Portion 102 includes a second member 124 extending along the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 122 is configured to face the inner side 126 of a vehicle (e.g., an automobile). The second member 124 is configured to face the outer side 128 of the same vehicle. Therefore, when vehicle structure 100 is installed, the first member 122 can face the inner side 126 of the vehicle, while the second member 124 can face the outer side 128 of the same vehicle. Each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may have compartments 130 and 132 extending along the longitudinal direction 106.

[0091] refer to Figure 8The first component 122 and the second component 124 are connected to each other such that the first component 122 and the second component 124 form an enclosed space 138. The term "enclosed space" 138 in this disclosure also includes spaces that are substantially or generally enclosed. For example, one or more small openings may be present in the wall forming the enclosed space 138 and / or at the end of a portion 102 of the vehicle structure 100, but the space 138 is still considered enclosed. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first component 122 and the second component 124 are connected to each other such that compartments 130, 132 and the first and third components 122, 134 form or define the enclosed space 138. The first component 122 and the second component 124 may be connected to each other, for example, by welding, adhesive, or mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets) or any other suitable fastening means. Each of the first component 122 and the second component 124 may comprise, or be made of, metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or any other suitable material. Each of the first component 122 and the second component 124 can be formed of a plate, such as a metal plate or a metal alloy plate, such as an aluminum plate, which can be processed by stamping hardening.

[0092] Reference 5 to Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 is or includes a hat outline. However, in other embodiments, each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may alternatively include a U-shaped outline or any other suitable outline. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 has a first sidewall 140, 142 and a second sidewall 144, 146. The first sidewalls 140, 142 are located on one side of the bottom surfaces 134, 136, and the second sidewalls 144, 146 are located on the opposite side of the bottom surfaces 134, 136. The first wall 140 and the second wall 144 of the first member 122, as well as the bottom surface 134 of the first member 122, define or form a compartment 130 of the first member 122. The first wall 142, the second wall 146 of the second member 124, and the bottom surface 136 of the second member 124 define or form a compartment 132 of the second member 124 in a corresponding manner. Reference Figures 5 to 8Each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 has a first flange 148, 150, which is attached (e.g., integrally formed) to a first sidewall 140, 142. Each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 has a second flange 152, 154, which is attached (e.g., integrally formed) to a second sidewall 144, 146. The first flange 148 of the first member 122 can be connected to the first flange 150 of the second member 124, for example, by welding or adhesive. The second flange 152 of the second member 124 can be connected to the second flange 154 of the second member 124, for example, by welding or adhesive. However, other connection methods are also possible, such as those described above.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment, each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may have a U-shaped profile. Then, the first sidewall 140 of the first member 122 may be attached to the first sidewall 142 of the second member 124, for example, by welding, and the second sidewall 144 of the first member 122 may be attached to the second sidewall 146 of the second member 124, for example, by welding. However, other attachment methods are also possible, such as those described above.

[0094] Part 102 includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members 104, in Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, it is located within the enclosed space 138. Figures 5 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, portion 102 includes a first tubular reinforcing member 104. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 extends longitudinally 106. It should be understood that one or more additional portions or one or more additional members may be placed between the first member 122 and the second member 124, and / or between the first member 122 or the second member 122, or located on the outer side 128 of the vehicle, especially when the vehicle is assembled.

[0095] refer to Figure 8The elliptical or elliptical ring formed by the cross-section of the annular ridge 118 or the cross-section of the annular groove 120 may have a small diameter d1 (which may be referred to as the minor axis) that passes through the center c of the ellipse or ellipse and through the shortest portion of the ellipse or ellipse defined or restricted by the elliptical or elliptical ring. The elliptical or elliptical ring may have a large diameter d2 (which may be referred to as the major axis) that passes through the center c of the elliptical or elliptical shape and through the longest portion of the ellipse or ellipse defined or restricted by the elliptical or elliptical ring. In some embodiments, the large diameter d2 may point towards the first member 122 and the second member 124. When each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 has compartments 130, 132 extending along the longitudinal direction 106, and each compartment 130, 132 has a bottom surface 134, 136, the large diameter d2 may point towards the bottom surfaces 134, 136 of the first member 122 and the first member 124. The large diameter d2 can form an angle α with the bottom surfaces 134, 136 of the first member 122 or the second member 124, wherein the angle α can be between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, for example between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, such as between 85 degrees and 95 degrees, for example, approximately 90 degrees. Compared with the first tubular reinforcing member having a circular annular cross-section, the elliptical or elliptical annular cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 provides an increased extension of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 in the direction of a potential collision or impact, and provides improved rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure 100, but with less material.

[0096] refer to Figure 8 An elliptical or elliptical ring formed by the cross-section of the annular ridge 118 can be defined having two vertex portions 156, 158 or pointed portions 156, 158, which are more prominent or pointed than any other vertex of the elliptical or elliptical ring between the two vertex portions 156, 156. Each vertex portion 156, 158 of the elliptical or elliptical ring can point to the first member 122 or the second member 124. Each vertex portion 156, 158 of the elliptical or elliptical ring can point to the bottom surface 134, 136 of the first or second member 122, 124 when each of the first and second members 122, 124 has a compartment 130, 132 extending along the longitudinal direction 106, and each compartment 130 and 132 has a bottom surface 134, 136.

[0097] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8The first tubular reinforcing member 104 can be attached to either the first member 122 or the second member 124 via the aforementioned attachment tabs 166, 168. The attachment tabs 166, 166 can be attached to one of the first member 122 and the second member 124 by welding (e.g., solder joints, adhesives, or mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets) or any other suitable fastening device). However, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 can be attached to one of the first member 122 and the second member 124 via any other structure or device. For example, one or more annular ridges 118 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 can be attached to one of the first member 122 and the second member 124 by welding (e.g., solder joints, adhesives, or mechanical locking structures or any other suitable fastening device), for example, to the bottom surfaces 134, 136 of one of the first member 122 and the second member 124.

[0098] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first tubular reinforcing member 304 shown, and Figure 9 The assembly portion 402 of the fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure 400 shown can be defined as a ring formed by the cross-section of the annular ridge 318 having two principal vertex portions 356, 358 or principal tip portions 356, 358, which are more prominent or sharper than any other vertex of the ring present between the two principal vertex portions 356, 358. Each principal vertex portion 356, 358 may point to the first member 122 or the second member 124. (Reference) Figure 10 In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle structure 500 shown, each major vertex portion 356, 358 of the ring may point to one of the first sidewalls 140, 142 and the second sidewalls 1144, 146 of the first member 122 or the second member 124.

[0099] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In embodiments of vehicle structures 400 and 500, portions 402 and 502 may include two or more first tubular reinforcing members 304. (The last part, "leaves in...", appears to be an error and is left untranslated.) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the figure. Each first tubular reinforcing member 304 may correspond to any of the embodiments of the first tubular reinforcing member 304 described above, for example Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first tubular reinforcing member 304 is therefore not described in detail here. (See reference...) Figure 9 When the vehicle structure 400 is installed, the two first tubular reinforcing members 304 can be stacked on top of each other when viewed along the longitudinal direction 106. (Reference) Figure 10When the vehicle structure 500 is installed, when viewed along the longitudinal direction 106, the two first tubular reinforcing members 304 can be arranged side by side, i.e., laterally. In an alternative embodiment, this portion may include three, four, or more first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, 304. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 shown can be any other form of first tubular reinforcing member 104. Different versions of the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, and 304 can also be mixed within the same enclosed space 138.

[0100] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates two tubular reinforcing members 704, 200 according to a sixth embodiment of the vehicle structure 700 of the present invention. The first tubular reinforcing member 704 of the two tubular reinforcing members 704, 200 may correspond to any of the above embodiments. (Except for the first tubular reinforcing member 704.) Figure 11 and 12 The illustrated embodiment includes one or more second tubular reinforcing members 200 located within an enclosed space 138 formed by the first member 122 and the second member 124. Figure 11 and 12 The illustrated embodiment provides a second tubular reinforcing member 200.

[0101] refer to Figure 11 and 12 The second tubular reinforcing member 200 has a longitudinal extension extending along the longitudinal direction 106. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 is corrugated and includes corrugations. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 forms an internal space 255. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and 12 The first tubular reinforcing member 704 is located within the internal space 255 formed by the second tubular reinforcing member 200. It should be understood that the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be different from... Figures 11 to 18 Other design methods are shown.

[0102] refer to Figure 11 and 12 In some embodiments, the longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first tubular reinforcing member 704, for example, along the entire longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the second tubular reinforcing member 200 surrounds the first tubular reinforcing member 704.

[0103] refer to Figures 11 to 18In some embodiments, the corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include ridges 242, 244, 246, 248 and grooves 250, 252, 254, 256. Each ridge 242, 244, 246, 248 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be aligned with one of the annular ridges 318 of the first tubular reinforcing member 304; in some embodiments, each groove 250, 252, 254, 256 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be aligned with one of the annular grooves 320 of the first tubular reinforcing members 304, 704.

[0104] refer to Figures 13 to 18 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 An embodiment of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 and Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first tubular reinforcing member 304 is schematically shown in isolation to illustrate the mounting of the first tubular reinforcing member 704 and the second tubular reinforcing member 200 to a portion 204 of the vehicle structure 202. However, it should be understood that the first tubular reinforcing members 704, 104, 604, 304 according to any of the above embodiments can be inserted into the second tubular reinforcing member 200.

[0105] refer to Figures 13 to 18 The second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include a third reinforcing member 218 and a fourth reinforcing member 220. Each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 extends along the same longitudinal direction 106. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include, or be made of, metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or any other suitable material. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be formed from one or more plates, such as metal plates or metal alloy plates, such as aluminum plates, or any other suitable material, which may be processed by stamping hardening. Each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be formed from a plate, such as a metal plate, such as aluminum plates, or any other suitable material, which may be processed by stamping hardening. Each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be smoothly wavy in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0106] refer to Figures 13 to 18Each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have a first leg 222, 224 extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. Each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have a second leg 226, 228 extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. Each of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 has a foot 230, 232, 234, 236 extending along the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, the foot 230 of the first leg 222 may be defined as being located at the end of the first leg 22, or the foot 230 of the first leg 222 may form the end of the first leg 222. For some embodiments, the foot 234 of the second leg 226 may be defined as being located at the end of the second leg 226, or the foot 234 of the second leg 226 may form the end of the second leg 226.

[0107] refer to Figures 13 to 18 Each foot 230, 232, 234, 236 can be configured in various ways. See the reference diagram. Figures 13 to 18 In this configuration, each foot 230, 232, 234, 236 can be a curved portion of the end of the corresponding leg 222, 224, 226, 228. However, the foot can also be a straight portion of the end of the corresponding leg 222, 224, 226, 228. (See reference...) Figure 13 and 14 The feet 230, 232, 234, and 236 can form a wave shape including multiple fins, but this is not necessary.

[0108] refer to Figure 18 The feet 230 and 234 of the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 can be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming an internal space 258 between the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. The first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming an internal space 259 between the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and 18 The internal space 258 formed between the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 and the internal region 259 formed between the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 can form the internal space 255 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200.

[0109] refer to Figures 13 to 18The first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 engage in the third head segment 238, which may also be referred to as the third head portion. The first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 engage in the fourth head segment 240, which may also be referred to as the fourth head portion. In some embodiments, the third head segment 238 may be referred to as the first head segment 238, and the fourth head segment 240 may be referred to as the second head segment 240. The “connection” relative to each head segment 238, 240 and the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 means that the two legs 221, 224, 226, 288 (i.e., the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228) are connected or attached to each other in the third reinforcing member 218 or the fourth reinforcing member 220. The legs 222, 224, 226, 228 of each of the head segments 238, 240 and the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be described as forming a U-shape, with feet 230, 232, 234, 236 at each end of the U-shape. Therefore, each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 can have a U-shaped cross-section. However, other shapes are also possible, such as a V-shaped cross-section. For some embodiments, the head segments 238, 240 can be defined as being located at the ends of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228, which are distinct from or relative to the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 that comprise or form the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228.

[0110] refer to Figures 13 to 18Each of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 is corrugated in the longitudinal direction 106 to form a smooth wave shape and includes corrugations 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256. Each of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 may be corrugated along its entire longitudinal direction or its entire length. The corrugations 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256 of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 of each of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 include ridges 242, 24, 246, 248 and grooves 250, 252, 254, 256. Each of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 may include multiple ridges 242, 244, 246, 248, such as five ridges 242, 244, 246, 248 or more, and multiple slots 250, 252, 254, 256, such as five slots 250, 252, 254, 256 or more. The ridges 242, 244 and slots 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218 extend from the third head segment 238 to the corresponding feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. The ridges 246, 248 and slots 254, 256 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 extend from the fourth head segment 240 to the corresponding feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Thus, each of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 may have a smooth, wavy shape.

[0111] refer to Figures 13 to 18 The third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the fourth reinforcing member 220. The foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the foot 232 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220, for example by welding, adhesive, or a mechanical locking structure (e.g., rivets) or other suitable fastening device. The foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the foot 22 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220, for example by welding, adhesive, or a mechanical locking structure (e.g., rivets) or other suitable fastening device. The feet 230 and 234 may be attached along their entire longitudinal length or as an extension along the longitudinal direction 106 to the opposite feet 232 and 236.

[0112] refer to Figure 18 As described above, the third reinforcing member 218 may define an internal space 258 between the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. The head segment 240 and the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be outside the internal space 258 defined by the third reinforcing member 218. (See reference...) Figure 18As described above, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may define an internal space 259 between the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. The entire third reinforcing member 218 may be located outside the internal space 259 defined by the fourth reinforcing member 220. This situation is... Figures 13 to 18 The embodiments are shown.

[0113] refer to Figures 13 to 18 The third reinforcing member 218 may have a plurality of connecting tongues 257a, 257b configured to connect to the first member 208 and / or the second member 210, which are described in more detail below. The plurality of connecting tongues 257a, 257b of the third reinforcing member 218 may be disposed at at least one of the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. The fourth reinforcing member 220 may have a first connecting tongue 261a at a first end and a second connecting tongue 261b at a second end, configured to connect to the first member 208 and / or the second member 210, which are described in more detail below. The first connecting tongue 261a and the second connecting tongue 261b of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be disposed at a fourth head segment 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. In an alternative embodiment, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have connecting tongues 257a, 257b, and the third reinforcing member 218 may have a first connecting tongue 261a and a second connecting tongue 261b. The connecting tongues 257a, 257b, 261a, and 261b can be integrally formed with one of the third reinforcing members 218 and the fourth reinforcing members 220 (i.e., formed as a unit between the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220), or connected to one of the third reinforcing members 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 by welding, such as adhesives or mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets) or any other suitable fastening device.

[0114] refer to Figures 13 to 18A vehicle structure 202 is shown, to which a second tubular reinforcing member 200 and a first tubular reinforcing member 304 are attached; the first tubular reinforcing member 304 may be applied; the vehicle structure 202 may include a portion 204 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The portion 104 may have a first member 208 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The portion 204 may have a second member 210 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 210 is configured to face the interior 212 of the vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle, such as an automobile). The second member 210 is configured to face the exterior 214 of the same vehicle. The first member 208 and the second member 210 are attached to each other to form a substantially enclosed space 216 between them, e.g., an enclosed space 216. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may be connected to each other, for example by welding, adhesive, or mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets) or any other suitable fastening device. Each of the first member 208 and the second member 210 may be formed of a sheet, such as a sheet of metal, e.g., an aluminum sheet, which may be processed by stamping hardening. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first member 208 and the second member 210 is or includes a hat outline, but in other embodiments it may be or includes a U-shaped outline, or may include any other suitable outline.

[0115] refer to Figures 13 to 18 The third head segment 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 can face one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, while the feet 230 and 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 can face the other of the first member 208 and the second member 210. (See reference) Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, the third head segment 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 faces the second member 210, while the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 face the first member 208. However, the situation may also be reversed. The fourth head segment 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may face one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, while the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may face the other of the first member 208 and the second member 210. (See reference...) Figure 18In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth head segment 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 faces the first member 208, while the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 face the second member 210. However, the situation may also be reversed. The fact that the third head segment 238 faces one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, while the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 may face the other of the first member 208 and the second member 210, does not necessarily mean that there is an empty space between the third head segment 238 or the feet 230, 234 and the first member 208 or the second member 210. Instead, there may be other members or units between them. The fact that the fourth head segment 240 faces one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, while the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 face the other of the first member 208 and the second member 210, does not necessarily mean that there is an empty space between the fourth head segment 240 or the feet 232, 236 and the first member 208 or the second member 220. Conversely, there may be other components or units between them.

[0116] refer to Figure 18 The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be connected to at least one of the first member 208 and the second member 210. The fourth reinforcing member 220 can be indirectly connected to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via the third reinforcing member 218. Alternatively, the third reinforcing member 218 can be indirectly attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via the fourth reinforcing member 220. (See reference...) Figures 3 to 18 The third reinforcing member 218 can be attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via a plurality of connecting tongues 257a and 257b, wherein the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be directly attached to the other of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via the first attachment tongue 261a and the second attachment tongue 261b.

[0117] refer to Figure 18 Each of the first member 208 and the second member 210 may have a compartment 260, 262. Each compartment 260, 262 has a bottom surface 264, 266 and extends along the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may be interconnected such that the compartments 260, 262 form a substantially enclosed space 216. The third head segment 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be located in one of the compartments 260, 262, while the fourth head segment 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be located in the other of the compartments 260, 262. In one embodiment, the third head segment 238 is located in the compartment 262 of the second member 210, while the fourth head segment 240 is located in the compartment 260 of the first member 208.

[0118] refer to Figure 17 and 18 Each of the first component 208 and the second component 210 may have first sidewalls 268, 270 and second sidewalls 272, 274. Each of the first component 208 and the second component 210 may have first flanges 276, 278 attached to the first sidewalls 278, 270. Each of the first component 208 and the second component 210 may have second flanges 280, 282 attached to the second sidewalls 272, 274. The first component 208 and the second component 210 can be connected to each other via opposing flanges of the first flanges 276, 278 and the second flanges 280, 282, for example by welding, adhesive, or mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets) or any other suitable fastening device. The feet 230, 232, 234, 236 of at least one of the first component 208 and the second component 210 of the third reinforcing component 218 and the fourth reinforcing component 220 (e.g., the third reinforcing component 216 in the illustrated embodiment) are attached to at least one of the first flanges 276, 278 and the second flanges 280, 282 via a plurality of connecting tongues 257a, 257b. Furthermore, one of the third head segment 238 and the fourth head segment 240, such as the fourth head segment 240 in the illustrated embodiment, can be attached to the bottom surface 264, 266 of one of the compartments 260, 262. More specifically, one of the third head segment 238 and the fourth head segment 240 may be attached to the bottom surface 264 of one of the compartments 260 of the first member 208. More specifically, the fourth head segment 240 may be connected to the bottom surface 264 of the compartment 260 of the first member 208, for example, via a first connecting tongue 261a and a second connecting tongue, 261b. (See reference...) Figures 13 to 18 Assembly of part 204 can be performed by first attaching the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 to each other, then attaching them to one of the first member 20 and the second member 210, and then attaching the first member 20 and the second member 210 to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the third head segment 238 may also be attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, for example, to the second member 208.

[0119] refer to Figures 13 to 18 Each ridge 242 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 can be aligned with one of the ridges 244 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. Thus, a non-serrated relationship can be defined between the ridges 242 of the first leg 222 and one ridge 244 of the second leg 226 of the same (third) reinforcing member 218.

[0120] refer to Figures 13 to 18Each ridge 246 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be aligned with one of the ridges 248 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Thus, a non-zigzag relationship can be defined between the ridges 246 of the first leg 244 and the edges 248 of the second leg 228 of the same (fourth) reinforcing member 220.

[0121] refer to Figures 13 to 18 Each slot 250 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 can be aligned with one of the slots 252 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. Thus, a non-zigzag relationship can be defined between the slots 250 of the first leg 222 and the slots 252 of the second leg 226 of the same (third) reinforcing member 218.

[0122] refer to Figures 13 to 18 Each slot 254 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 can be aligned with one of the slots 256 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Thus, a non-zigzag relationship can be defined between the slots 254 of the first leg 244 and the slots 256 of the second leg 228 of the same (fourth) reinforcing member 220.

[0123] refer to Figures 13 to 18 The third head segment 238 may be corrugated, wherein the first legs 122, 126 and the second legs 222, 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 and the third head segment 238 may include corrugations in the third reinforcing member 218, the corrugations including ridges 242, 244 and grooves 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218. Each of the ridges 242, 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 extends from the foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 through the third head segment 238 to the foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. Each of the grooves 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218 extends from the foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 through the third head segment 238 to the foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. It should be noted that the third head segment 238 is not flat.

[0124] refer to Figures 13 to 18The fourth head segment 240 may be corrugated, wherein the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220, as well as the fourth head segment 240, may include corrugations in the fourth reinforcing member 220, including ridges 246, 248 and grooves 254, 256. The foot 232 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 can extend through the fourth head segment 240 to the foot 236 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. It should be noted that the fourth head segment 240 is not flat.

[0125] refer to Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, each ridge 246, 248 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 protrudes more in the fourth head segment 240 than in the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. "Protrudes" means that the ridge 240 in each ridge 246, 248 is larger than that in the feet 232, 236. Furthermore, in Figure 18 In the example shown, the dimensions of each ridge 246, 248 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 gradually increase from the feet 232, 236 to the head segment 240. When viewed along the longitudinal direction 106, the waveform of the fourth reinforcing member 220 forms the member thickness d of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Figure 18 In this embodiment, the thickness d of the fourth head 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 is greater than the thickness d of the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. This is advantageous because the stress during a collision impact may be greatest at the fourth head segment 240 than at the feet 232, 246 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. However, in an alternative embodiment, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be provided without changing the thickness d, such as... Figure 18 As shown, and as disclosed and discussed above. In other alternative embodiments, each ridge 242, 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 may protrude more in the third head segment 238 than at the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the dimensions of each ridge 242, 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 gradually increase from the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 to the third head segment 238.

[0126] refer to Figures 13 to 18The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have different dimensions. Thus, the deformation behavior of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts, as well as the rigidity and strength of the vehicle structure, can be further customized and adapted to specific applications. In some embodiments, the head segment 240 of the smaller reinforcing member 220 may face the first member 208. However, in some embodiments, the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be equal in size, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 11 and 12 As shown.

[0127] Reference image Figure 19 and 20 The diagram schematically illustrates a first tubular reinforcing member 804 of portion 802 of another embodiment of the vehicle structure 800 according to the present invention. (As described above...) Figure 1 The first tubular reinforcing member 804 has an annular ridge 818 and an annular groove 820. The first tubular reinforcing member 804 has an inner surface 819 and an outer surface 821. At the outer surface 822, each annular ridge 814 has a recess 823 at a first position 825. The recesses 823 at the first position 825 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. At the outer surface 821, each annular ridge 818 can have a recess 827 at a second position 829, which can provide a cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 804. The recesses 827 at the second position 829 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0128] refer to Figure 19 and 20 In some embodiments, each annular groove 820 may have a recess 831 at a third position 833 on its outer surface 821. The recesses 833 at the third position 833 may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction 106. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each annular groove 820 may have a recess 835 at a fourth position 837 on its outer surface 822. The recesses 835 at the fourth position 837 may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction 106. The third position 833 may be opposite the fourth position 817.

[0129] refer to Figure 19 and 20 In some embodiments, in the longitudinal direction 106, the recess 823 of the annular ridge 818 at the first position 825 may be substantially aligned with the recess 831 of the annular groove 820 at the third position 833. The recess 827 of the annular ridge 818 at the second position 829 may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction 106 with the recess 835 of the annular groove 820 at the fourth position 837.

[0130] refer to Figure 19 and 20For example, each recess 823, 827, 831, 835 may include or be described as a depression, notch, or groove. Otherwise, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 The features of the first tubular reinforcing member 804 shown can correspond to Figure 1 and 3 The features of the first tubular reinforcing members 104 and 304 shown are therefore not repeated here. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 804 may have recesses 823, 827, 831, and 835 at one, two, or three of the following locations on the outer surface 821: first location 825; second location 829; third location 833; and fourth location 837.

[0131] refer to Figure 19 and 20 The first tubular reinforcing member 804 can be described as having a waist 890 or a waist region.

[0132] refer to Figure 21 and 22 The diagram schematically shows the first tubular reinforcing member 904 of a portion 902 of an alternative version of the vehicle structure 900. Figure 21 and 22 The features of the first tubular reinforcing member 904 in the middle can be substantially corresponding to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The first tubular reinforcing member 804 is characterized, for example, Figure 21 and 22 The first tubular reinforcing member 904 has a ridge 918 and a groove 920, and the first tubular reinforcing member 904 has an inner surface 919 and an outer surface 921. Figure 21 and 22 The first tubular reinforcing member 904 may include recesses 923, 927, 931, 935 located at one, two, three, and / or four positions of the group consisting of: a first position 925; a second position 929; a third position 933; and a fourth position 937, which are substantially similar to... Figure 19 and 20 The first tubular reinforcing member 904 shown is configured in a corresponding manner. However, in the waist portion 990 or the waist region, Figure 21 and 22 The first tubular reinforcing member 904 shown in the figure does not have a groove 920 and a ridge 918, that is, in Figure 21 and Figure 22 The first tubular reinforcing member 904 has no groove 922 or ridge 918 at its waist 990 or waist region. The waist 990 or waist region of the first tubular reinforcing member 904 can be described as flat, for example, in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0133] Each of the aforementioned vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 can be a vehicle side structure 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, or 900, and the corresponding portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, and 902 can be side portions 102, 401, 502, 702, 802, and 902. However, vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 can be applied to and installed in other parts of the vehicle, such as the front of the vehicle, and can be present in part of the bumper, the rear of the vehicle, or other places within the vehicle. Vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 can be used, for example, in electric or hybrid vehicles, and of course, can also be used only in conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. Vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 can be configured, for example, to protect one or more batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle in the event of a collision. Therefore, vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 can be located on one or more sides of the battery. Vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 effectively protect the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle in the event of a collision. Vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 provide effective protection against pole impacts or collisions. Vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 are effective in preventing pole intrusion into the vehicle interior in the event of a pole impact.

[0134] Each of the described portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, and 902 is advantageously used as a side beam portion 102, 401, 502, 702, 802, or 902. Therefore, each embodiment of the disclosed portions 102, 402, 501, 702, 802, and 902 can be a side beam portion 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, or 902. The side beam portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, and 902 are configured to extend along the longitudinal direction 106 of the vehicle body and are configured to be disposed on one side of the vehicle body. Advantageously, the side beam portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, and 902 are configured to be attached to one or more crossbeams 162, 164, such as two crossbeams 162 or 164 of the vehicle body. However, in alternative embodiments, instead of the side beam portion, the portion or side can be a side beam portion, a bumper portion, or a crossbeam portion configured to be located elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0135] The features of the different embodiments of the vehicle structure disclosed above can be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.

[0136] This invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments shown, but can be modified and altered in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) comprising a portion (102; 402; 502) extending longitudinally (106); 702; 802), where, The portion (102; 402；502； 702; 802) include: The first member (122) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), and A second member (124) extending along the longitudinal direction (106); The first component (122) is configured to face the interior (126) of the vehicle. The second component (124) is configured to face the exterior (128) of the vehicle. The first component (122) and the second component (124) are attached to each other, such that the first component (122) and the second component (124) form a closed space (138). The portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) located in the enclosed space (138), the first tubular reinforcing member (104, 604; 304; 704) having a longitudinal extension extending along the longitudinal direction (106). Wherein, the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) is corrugated and includes corrugations, and Wherein, the corrugations of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) include annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 828) and annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820); The portion (702) includes one or more second tubular reinforcing members (200) located in the enclosed space (138); The second tubular reinforcing member (200) has a longitudinal extension extending along the longitudinal direction (106). The second tubular reinforcing member (200) is corrugated and includes corrugations. The second tubular reinforcing member (200) forms an internal space (255), and The first tubular reinforcing member (704) is located in the internal space (255) formed by the second tubular reinforcing member (200).

2. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 818) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (106), and wherein each of the annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (106).

3. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 818) and the annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820) form the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804).

4. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604) forms an elliptical ring.

5. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of each of the annular ridges (118; 618) forms an elliptical ring, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the annular grooves (120; 620) forms an elliptical ring.

6. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of each of the annular ridges (118; 618) forms an elliptical ring, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the annular grooves (120; 620) forms an elliptical ring.

7. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, The first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704; 804) has an inner surface (319; 819) and an outer surface (321; 821), and wherein, at the outer surface (311; 822), each of the annular ridges (318; 818) has a recess (323; 823) at a first position (325; 825).

8. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 7, wherein, The recesses (323; 823) at the first positions (325; 825) are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction (106).

9. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 7, wherein, At the outer surface (321; 821), each of the annular ridges (318; 818) has a recess (327; 827) at a second position (329; 829).

10. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 9, wherein, The second position (329; 829) is opposite to the first position (325; 825).

11. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The recesses (327; 827) at the second position (329; 829) are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction (106).

12. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, The annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 818) and the annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820) form a smooth waveform that extends along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) in the longitudinal direction (106).

13. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, The first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) is seamless.

14. The vehicle structure (700) according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) extends along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member (704).

15. The vehicle structure (700) according to claim 14, wherein, The second tubular reinforcing member (200) surrounds the first tubular reinforcing member (704).

16. The vehicle structure (700) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein, The corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) include ridges (242, 244, 246, 248) and grooves (250, 252, 254, 256), and In this embodiment, each of the ridges (242, 244, 246, 248) of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) is aligned with one of the annular ridges (318) of the first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704).

17. The vehicle structure (700) according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the grooves (250, 252, 254, 256) of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) is aligned with one of the annular grooves (320) of the first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704).

18. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) and the second tubular reinforcing member (200) are formed of one or more plates.

19. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) and the second tubular reinforcing member (200) comprise or are composed of metal or metal alloy.

20. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first component (122) and the second component (124) is formed of a plate.

21. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first component (122) and the second component (124) comprises or is composed of a metal or metal alloy.

22. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first component (122) and the second component (124) is one of a hat-shaped profile and a U-shaped profile.

23. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle structure (200; 400; 700; 700) is a vehicle side structure (100, 400; 500), and wherein the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) is a side portion (102, 402, 502, 702, 802).

24. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein, The portions (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) are side beam portions (102, 402, 502, 702, 802), and wherein the side beam portions (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) are configured to extend in the longitudinal direction (106) of the vehicle body and are configured to be disposed on one side of the vehicle body.

25. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 24, wherein, The side beam portions (102; 402; 502; 702, 802) are configured to be attached to one or more crossbeams (162, 164) of the vehicle body.

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