A B-pillar area steel-aluminum alloy structure and automobile

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of automobile technology and provides a steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar region and an automobile. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar region includes a B-pillar assembly and an extruded aluminum sill side beam. The B-pillar assembly includes a B-pillar outer panel, a B-pillar upper inner panel, and a B-pillar lower inner panel. The B-pillar upper inner panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel are fixed to the B-pillar outer panel. The lower ends of the B-pillar outer panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel are both fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam. The B-pillar assembly also includes a lower inner panel reinforcement. The lower inner panel reinforcement is disposed between the B-pillar outer panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel, with the upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement being fixed to the B-pillar lower inner panel and the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement being fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam. The present invention can improve the connection strength of the lower region of the B-pillar assembly, reducing the risk of fracture or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam during a vehicle collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of automobiles, and in particular relates to a steel-aluminum alloy structure in a B-pillar area and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles (NEVs), users are demanding increasingly high range, making it a key competitive metric for major automakers. While improving the performance of the "three electrics," lightweighting the vehicle body is also crucial. Aluminum, due to its low density, can replace steel in traditional vehicle structures, thereby achieving vehicle weight reduction. Steel-aluminum hybrid bodies are currently a preferred choice for many NEVs. Furthermore, with increasing consumer demand for vehicle safety and increasingly stringent collision regulations, the latest version of the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) will adjust the test conditions for side impacts. The barrier weight for side impacts will be increased from 1,400 kg to 1,700 kg, and the barrier impact speed will be increased from 50 km / h to 60 km / h, resulting in an approximately 75% increase in impact energy. At the same time, the side impact barrier has been increased in height by 50mm and width by 115mm. As a result, compared to previous testing methods, the vehicle's sill structure cannot contact the barrier during side impact testing. The barrier's impact area is concentrated entirely on the vehicle's B-pillar and door area, making the connection between the B-pillar and the sill susceptible to damage and causing the sill to roll over. Therefore, from a vehicle body structural design perspective, the ability of the B-pillar assembly and the sill connection area to withstand impact energy must be improved.

[0003] A Chinese patent (application number 202010705786.2) discloses a connection structure between the B-pillar of a vehicle body and the lower body rocker beam, including a B-pillar outer panel, a B-pillar reinforcement plate, a B-pillar inner cover plate and a rocker beam. The lower connecting plate is located on the lower side of the main body, and a bent extension plate is provided on the lower side of the connecting plate. The B-pillar reinforcement plate is fixed to the inner side of the B-pillar outer panel. The B-pillar inner cover plate includes an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate connected up and down. The upper cover plate is placed on the upper inner side of the B-pillar reinforcement plate, and the lower cover plate is placed on the lower inner side of the B-pillar reinforcement plate. The plate edges of the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are connected and fixed to the edges of the B-pillar outer panel and the B-pillar reinforcement plate. The lower connecting plate and the bent extension plate are connected and fixed to the outer panel of the rocker beam. The lower end of the lower cover plate is connected and fixed to the top panel of the rocker beam.

[0004] The aforementioned patent creates a large cavity at the junction of the B-pillar and the lower sill beam to improve side impact performance. However, the patent fails to consider the significantly larger opening in the lower inner panel of the B-pillar due to the installation of the seatbelt retractor. Consequently, the patent still fails to meet the connection strength requirements between the B-pillar and the sill beam under the new collision regulations. Furthermore, the patent fails to effectively address the rollover issue of aluminum sill beams under the new collision regulations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area and a vehicle to solve the problem pointed out in the background art that the existing technology cannot meet the connection strength requirements between the B-pillar and the door sill side beam under the new collision regulations.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, a steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area is provided, comprising a B-pillar assembly and an extruded aluminum sill side beam, the B-pillar assembly comprising a B-pillar outer panel, a B-pillar upper inner panel and a B-pillar lower inner panel, the B-pillar upper inner panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel being fixed to the B-pillar outer panel, the lower end of the B-pillar outer panel and the lower end of the B-pillar lower inner panel being both fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam, the B-pillar assembly further comprising a lower inner panel reinforcement, the lower inner panel reinforcement being arranged between the B-pillar outer panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel, the upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement being fixed to the B-pillar lower inner panel, and the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement being fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the lower inner panel of the B-pillar, the outer panel of the B-pillar and the lower inner panel reinforcement are fixedly connected to the extruded aluminum door sill side beam, and the inner panel reinforcement is connected to the lower inner panel of the B-pillar. This can greatly improve the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the door sill side beam, and reduce the risk of breakage or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam when the vehicle collides.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, further, the steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area also includes a front seat mounting beam and a door sill connector, and the door sill connector is used to connect the front seat mounting beam and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the front seat mounting crossbeam and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam are connected, so that the front seat mounting crossbeam supports the extruded aluminum door sill side beam. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the impact energy can be transmitted from the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam to the front seat mounting crossbeam, forming a force transmission structure, thereby effectively reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum door sill side beam rolling over when the vehicle is hit from the side.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, further, a sill side impact reinforcement is installed on the side of the extruded aluminum sill edge beam facing the front seat mounting crossbeam, and a sill connecting edge and a crossbeam connecting edge are provided on the sill connecting member. The sill connecting edge is fixed to the sill side impact reinforcement by bolts, and the crossbeam connecting edge is fixed to the front seat mounting crossbeam by bolts.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection strength between the extruded aluminum sill side beam and the front seat mounting crossbeam can be improved, so that the front seat mounting crossbeam can effectively support the extruded aluminum sill side beam, further reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum sill side beam rolling over when the vehicle is in a side collision.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, further, the interiors of the extruded aluminum sill side beam and the sill side impact reinforcement are both designed as through-cavity structures, and reinforcing ribs are provided in the cavity structures of the extruded aluminum sill side beam and the sill side impact reinforcement.

[0014] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solution and designing the cavity structure, the weight of the extruded aluminum sill side beam and the sill side impact reinforcement can be reduced, thereby meeting the lightweight requirements of the vehicle body; by arranging reinforcing ribs in the cavity structure, the strength of the extruded aluminum sill side beam and the sill side impact reinforcement can be improved, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the extruded aluminum sill side beam.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, further, the lower inner panel reinforcement is an arc-shaped plate structure, and the upper part of the lower inner panel reinforcement is provided with an upper connecting edge of the reinforcement adapted to the lower inner panel of the B-pillar, and the upper connecting edge of the reinforcement is fixed on the side of the lower inner panel of the B-pillar facing the outer panel of the B-pillar; the lower part of the lower inner panel reinforcement is provided with a lower connecting edge of the reinforcement adapted to the extruded aluminum sill side beam, and the lower connecting edge of the reinforcement is fixed to the oblique edge of the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam by bolts.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the lower inner panel reinforcement is connected between the lower inner panel of the B-pillar and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam, which can not only improve the connection strength of the connection part between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam, but also make the process simple, manufacturing convenient, and more practical.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, further, the lower end of the lower inner panel of the B-pillar is provided with a lower inner panel lower connecting edge I, a lower inner panel lower connecting edge II and a lower inner panel lower connecting edge III adapted for the extruded aluminum sill side beam, the inner panel lower connecting edge I and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge II are respectively arranged on both sides of the lower inner panel of the B-pillar and are fixed to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam by a plurality of bolts, and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III is fixed to the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam by FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when assembling the B-pillar lower inner panel and the extruded aluminum sill side beam, the worker secures the lower inner panel lower connecting edge I and lower inner panel lower connecting edge II to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam via bolts, and secures the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III to the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam via FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws. Connecting the B-pillar lower inner panel and the extruded aluminum sill side beam in this manner creates a more secure connection between the two, thereby improving the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam. Furthermore, the connection process is simple, manufacturing is convenient, and the vehicle is highly practical. Furthermore, because the B-pillar lower inner panel has an overall inverted "T" shape, and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge I and lower inner panel lower connecting edge II are located on either side of the B-pillar lower inner panel, the force applied to the lower portion of the B-pillar assembly is more uniform and stable, thereby improving the overall support capacity of the B-pillar assembly.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, further, the lower end of the B-pillar outer panel is provided with an outer panel lower connecting edge adapted to the extruded aluminum sill side beam, and the outer panel lower connecting edge is fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam on the side away from the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III by FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer panel lower connecting edge of the B-pillar outer panel and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III of the B-pillar lower inner panel are respectively connected to the two sides of the extruded aluminum sill side beam, and the reinforcement lower connecting edge of the lower inner panel reinforcement is connected to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam. The three connecting edges cooperate with each other, which can further enhance the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the sill side beam, and further reduce the risk of fracture or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam when the vehicle collides.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, further, the upper end of the lower inner panel of the B-pillar is provided with a lower inner panel upper connecting edge, the lower end of the upper inner panel of the B-pillar is provided with an upper inner panel lower connecting edge, and the lower inner panel connecting edge is fixed to the upper inner panel lower connecting edge by bolts.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, it is easy to assemble and connect the lower inner panel of the B-pillar and the upper inner panel of the B-pillar, the process is simple, and the practicality is strong.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, further, the horizontal height of the connection part between the lower inner panel of the B-pillar and the upper inner panel of the B-pillar is set based on the H point of the vehicle, and a patch plate adapted to the shape of the upper inner panel of the B-pillar is fixed on the upper inner panel of the B-pillar, and the patch plate is attached to the side of the upper inner panel of the B-pillar facing the outer panel of the B-pillar.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, further, the interior of the B-pillar assembly has a collision reinforcement cavity surrounded by the B-pillar outer panel, the B-pillar upper inner panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, further, an outer panel reinforcement is fixed on the B-pillar outer panel in the collision reinforcement cavity.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, further, the outer panel reinforcement includes an outer panel upper reinforcement and an outer panel lower reinforcement, and the outer panel upper reinforcement and the outer panel lower reinforcement are both welded to the B-pillar outer panel, and the outer panel reinforcement corresponds to the upper part of the collision reinforcement cavity, and the outer panel lower reinforcement corresponds to the lower part of the collision reinforcement cavity.

[0027] In a second aspect, a car is provided, comprising a car body and a B-pillar region steel-aluminum alloy structure as described in any one of the first aspects, wherein the B-pillar region steel-aluminum alloy structure is arranged on the car body.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the sill side beam can be improved, and the risk of breakage or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam when the vehicle collides can be reduced, which can meet the requirements of the new collision regulations; at the same time, the front seat mounting crossbeam supports the extruded aluminum sill side beam. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the impact energy can be transmitted from the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam to the front seat mounting crossbeam, forming a force transmission structure, thereby effectively reducing the risk of rollover of the extruded aluminum sill side beam when the vehicle is hit from the side; and the yield strength of the upper inner panel of the B-pillar can be improved. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the lower inner panel of the B-pillar below the H point of the vehicle is deformed first to absorb the collision energy, thereby improving the protection performance for the occupants in the vehicle.

[0029] The invention using the above technical solution has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0030] 1. By fixing the B-pillar lower inner panel, B-pillar outer panel, and lower inner panel reinforcement to the extruded aluminum sill side beam, and connecting the inner panel reinforcement to the B-pillar lower inner panel, the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the sill side beam can be greatly improved, reducing the risk of fracture or detachment at the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam in the event of a vehicle collision, and can meet the requirements of the new collision regulations.

[0031] 2. By connecting the outer panel lower connecting edge of the B-pillar outer panel and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III of the B-pillar lower inner panel to the two sides of the extruded aluminum sill side beam, and connecting the lower connecting edge of the lower inner panel reinforcement to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam, the three connecting edges work together to further enhance the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly and the sill side beam, further reducing the risk of fracture or detachment at the connection between the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum sill side beam in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0032] 3. The front seat mounting crossbeam and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam are connected through the door sill connector and the door sill side impact reinforcement, so that the front seat mounting crossbeam supports the extruded aluminum door sill side beam. When the vehicle is hit by a side impact, the impact energy can be transferred from the B-pillar assembly and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam to the front seat mounting crossbeam, forming a force transmission structure, thereby effectively reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum door sill side beam rolling over in the event of a side impact.

[0033] 4. By arranging the B-pillar upper inner panel and the B-pillar lower inner panel in sections based on the H-point of the vehicle, and making the strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel greater than that of the B-pillar lower inner panel, when the vehicle is hit from the side, the upper section of the B-pillar assembly is less likely to deform due to the higher strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel area, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the occupants in the vehicle; while the lower section of the B-pillar assembly is more likely to deform due to the B-pillar lower inner panel area, and can preferentially absorb a portion of the collision energy, thereby reducing damage to the vehicle interior and harm to the occupants in the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive work. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and the drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the B-pillar lower inner panel and the B-pillar assembly are separated in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of AA;

[0038] Figure 4 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2A partial enlarged view of the

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the B-pillar assembly after the B-pillar lower inner panel is separated in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the middle BB;

[0041] The main component symbols are described as follows:

[0042] 100. B-pillar assembly; 110. B-pillar outer panel; 111. Outer panel lower connecting edge; 120. B-pillar upper inner panel; 121. Upper inner panel lower connecting edge; 122. Patch plate; 130. B-pillar lower inner panel; 131. Lower inner panel lower connecting edge I; 132. Lower inner panel lower connecting edge II; 133. Lower inner panel lower connecting edge III; 134. Lower inner panel upper connecting edge; 140. Lower inner panel reinforcement; 141. Reinforcement upper connecting edge; 142. Reinforcement lower connecting edge; 150. Outer panel reinforcement; 160. Outer panel lower reinforcement; 200. Extruded aluminum sill side beam; 210. Sill side impact reinforcement; 300. Front seat mounting crossbeam; 400. Sill connector; 410. Sill connecting edge; 420. Crossbeam connecting edge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are only schematic diagrams, not actual drawings. They should not be understood as limiting the present invention. In order to better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the figures may be omitted, enlarged or reduced, and do not represent the dimensions of the actual product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the figures.

[0044] The same or similar numbers in the figures of the embodiments of the present invention correspond to the same or similar parts. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship, they are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the figure. This is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing the position relationship in the figures are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area, which mainly includes a B-pillar assembly 100 and an extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200. The upper end of the B-pillar assembly 100 is connected to the upper crossbeam of the vehicle side panel, and the lower end of the B-pillar assembly 100 is connected to the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200. The B-pillar assembly 100 includes a B-pillar outer panel 110, a B-pillar upper inner panel 120, and a B-pillar lower inner panel 130. The B-pillar upper inner panel 120 and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 are fixed to the B-pillar outer panel 110, and the lower ends of the B-pillar outer panel 110 and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 are both fixed to the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, in order to improve the connection strength of the connection portion between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200, the B-pillar assembly 100 further includes a lower inner panel reinforcement 140. The lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is disposed between the B-pillar outer panel 110 and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, and the upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is fixed to the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, while the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is fixed to the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200. By fixing the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, the B-pillar outer panel 110, and the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 to the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200, and connecting the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 to the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the rocker side beam can be greatly improved, reducing the risk of fracture or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200 in the event of a vehicle collision, and meeting the requirements of new collision regulations.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is an arcuate plate-like structure, similar to a "U" shape. An upper reinforcement connecting edge 141 is integrally formed on the upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement 140, which adapts to the B-pillar lower inner panel 130. When the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is assembled with the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, the upper reinforcement connecting edge 141 is fixed to the side of the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 facing the B-pillar outer panel 110 by spot welding. A lower reinforcement connecting edge 142 is integrally formed on the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement 140, which adapts to the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. When the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is assembled with the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, the lower reinforcement connecting edge 142 is fixed to the upper oblique edge of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 by bolting. By configuring in this way, the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is connected between the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, which can not only improve the connection strength of the connection portion between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, but also make the process simple, the manufacturing convenient, and the practicality strong.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 has an overall inverted "T" structure. The lower end of the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 is integrally formed with a lower inner panel lower connecting edge I131, a lower inner panel lower connecting edge II132, and a lower inner panel lower connecting edge III133 that adapt to the extruded aluminum door sill side beam 200. The lower inner panel lower connecting edge I131 and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge II132 are respectively disposed on either side of the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and extend horizontally to either side. The lower inner panel lower connecting edge III133 is disposed between the lower inner panel lower connecting edge I131 and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge II132 and extends along the lower side. When assembling the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, workers bolt the lower inner panel lower connecting edge I131 and lower inner panel lower connecting edge II132 to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, and use FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws to secure the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III133 to the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. This method of connecting the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 provides a more secure connection, thereby improving the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. Furthermore, the connection process is simple, manufacturing is convenient, and the practicality is high. In addition, since the lower inner panel 130 of the B-pillar is an inverted "T"-shaped structure as a whole, and the lower connecting edge I131 and the lower connecting edge II132 of the lower inner panel are respectively arranged on both sides of the lower inner panel 130 of the B-pillar, the force on the lower part of the B-pillar assembly 100 is more uniform and stable, which can improve the overall supporting capacity of the B-pillar assembly 100.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the lower end of the B-pillar outer panel 110 is integrally formed with an outer panel lower connecting edge 111 that adapts to the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, and the outer panel lower connecting edge 111 extends downward. When assembling the B-pillar outer panel 110 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, the staff fixes the outer panel lower connecting edge 111 on the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 away from the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III133 through FDS hot-melt self-tapping connection. By such an arrangement, the outer panel lower connecting edge 111 of the B-pillar outer panel 110 and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III133 of the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 are respectively connected to the two sides of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, and the reinforcement lower connecting edge 142 of the lower inner panel reinforcement 140 is connected to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. The three connecting edges cooperate with each other, which can further enhance the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the sill side beam, further reduce the risk of fracture or detachment of the connection portion between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 when the vehicle collides, thereby meeting the requirements of the new collision regulations.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, to address the issue of rollover of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 under new collision regulations, the steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area also includes a front seat mounting crossbeam 300 and a sill connector 400. The sill connector 400 is used to connect the front seat mounting crossbeam 300 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. The sill connector 400 connects the front seat mounting crossbeam 300 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, allowing the front seat mounting crossbeam 300 to support the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200. When the vehicle is involved in a side collision, the impact energy can be transferred from the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 to the front seat mounting crossbeam 300, forming a force transmission structure, thereby effectively reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum sill side beam rolling over in a side collision.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a sill side impact reinforcement 210 is mounted on the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 facing the front seat mounting crossbeam 300. The sill connector 400 is provided with a sill connecting edge 410 and a crossbeam connecting edge 420. When assembling the sill connector 400, the sill connecting edge 410 is bolted to the sill side impact reinforcement 210, and the crossbeam connecting edge 420 is also bolted to the front seat mounting crossbeam 300. This arrangement enhances the connection strength between the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 and the front seat mounting crossbeam 300, enabling the front seat mounting crossbeam 300 to effectively support the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200, further reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum sill side beam rolling over in the event of a side impact.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the interiors of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 and the sill side reinforcement 210 are designed as transversely continuous hollow structures, and reinforcing ribs are provided within the hollow structures of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 and the sill side reinforcement 210. The hollow structure design reduces the weight of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 and the sill side reinforcement 210, meeting the lightweight requirements of the vehicle body. The provision of reinforcing ribs within the hollow structure increases the strength of the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200 and the sill side reinforcement 210, reducing the risk of damage to the extruded aluminum sill side beam 200.

[0053] It is understood that when a vehicle is involved in a side collision, the B-pillar assembly 100 may be deformed due to the impact energy, and the deformed portion of the B-pillar assembly 100 may be squeezed into the vehicle interior, causing injury to the occupants. Therefore, in this embodiment, to minimize injury to the occupants in the event of a side collision, the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 are arranged in sections, thereby segmenting the B-pillar assembly 100. The B-pillar upper inner panel 120 is the upper section of the B-pillar assembly 100 and may preferably be made of a material with a slightly higher yield strength to enhance its hardness. The B-pillar lower inner panel 130 is the lower section of the B-pillar assembly 100 and may preferably be made of a material with a slightly higher elongation, making the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 more susceptible to deformation than the B-pillar upper inner panel 120. Furthermore, the connection between the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 is located at the same level as the vehicle's H-point. This structural design positions the stiffer B-pillar upper inner panel 120 above the vehicle's H-point, while the more deformable B-pillar lower inner panel 130 is positioned below it. In the event of a side collision, the upper section of the B-pillar assembly 100 is less susceptible to deformation due to the higher strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120, reducing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. The lower section of the B-pillar assembly 100, on the other hand, is more susceptible to deformation due to the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, preferentially absorbing some of the collision energy, thereby minimizing damage to the vehicle's interior and injuries to vehicle occupants.

[0054] It should be noted that the selection of materials for the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 can be specifically determined based on simulation test structures.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a lower inner panel upper connecting edge 134 is provided at the upper end of the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, and an upper inner panel lower connecting edge 121 is provided at the lower end of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120. When assembling the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the B-pillar upper inner panel 120, a worker secures the lower inner panel connecting edge 134 to the upper inner panel lower connecting edge 121 using bolts. This method of connecting the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 and the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 is simple to manufacture and highly practical.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, to structurally enhance the yield strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 and make it less susceptible to deformation than the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, a patch plate 122 that matches the shape of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 is fixed to the B-pillar upper inner panel 120. The patch plate 122 is attached to the side of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 that faces the B-pillar outer panel 110 and is fixed to the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 by welding. Providing the patch plate 122 on the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 structurally enhances the yield strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 and makes it less susceptible to deformation than the B-pillar lower inner panel 130, thereby further reducing damage to the vehicle and injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of a side collision. Directly enhancing the yield strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 from a structural perspective is more convenient for production than enhancing the yield strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 from a material perspective.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, to ensure that the B-pillar assembly 100 meets both lightweight requirements and high strength, in this embodiment, the B-pillar outer panel 110, the B-pillar upper inner panel 120, and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 are all designed in a "J" shape. The interior of the B-pillar assembly 100 defines a collision reinforcement cavity enclosed by the B-pillar outer panel 110, the B-pillar upper inner panel 120, and the B-pillar lower inner panel 130. This collision reinforcement cavity design ensures that the B-pillar assembly 100 as a whole meets both lightweight requirements and high strength, thereby improving the side impact performance of the B-pillar assembly 100.

[0058] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, to further enhance the overall strength of the B-pillar assembly 100, an outer panel reinforcement is secured within the collision reinforcement cavity of the B-pillar outer panel 110. The outer panel reinforcement primarily strengthens the B-pillar outer panel 110, thereby enhancing the overall strength of the B-pillar assembly 100 and improving the side impact performance of the B-pillar assembly 100.

[0059] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer panel reinforcement includes an upper outer panel reinforcement 150 and a lower outer panel reinforcement 160. Both outer panel reinforcement 150 and lower outer panel reinforcement 160 are welded to the side of the B-pillar outer panel 110 located within the collision reinforcement cavity. The upper outer panel reinforcement 150 corresponds to the upper portion of the collision reinforcement cavity, that is, the area above the H-point of the vehicle; the lower outer panel reinforcement 160 corresponds to the lower portion of the collision reinforcement cavity, that is, the area below the H-point of the vehicle. This design not only enhances the overall strength of the B-pillar assembly 100, enabling it to withstand relatively minor side collisions, but also allows the lower section of the B-pillar assembly 100 (i.e., the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 below the vehicle's H-point) to deform preferentially in the event of a relatively major side collision, thereby absorbing the collision energy, while the upper section of the B-pillar assembly 100 (i.e., the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 above the vehicle's H-point) will not deform easily, thereby providing better protection for the vehicle occupants.

[0060] An embodiment of the present application also provides a car, which includes a car body and the above-mentioned B-pillar area steel-aluminum alloy structure, and the B-pillar area steel-aluminum alloy structure is arranged on the car body. By providing the above-mentioned steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area on the vehicle body, the connection strength between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the rocker side beam can be improved, reducing the risk of fracture or detachment of the connection between the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200 during a vehicle collision, thereby meeting the requirements of the new collision regulations; at the same time, the front seat mounting crossbeam 300 supports the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the impact energy can be transferred from the B-pillar assembly 100 and the extruded aluminum rocker side beam 200 to the front seat mounting crossbeam 300, forming a force transmission structure, thereby effectively reducing the risk of the extruded aluminum rocker side beam rolling over during a vehicle side collision; and the yield strength of the B-pillar upper inner panel 120 can be increased. When the vehicle is hit from the side, the B-pillar lower inner panel 130 below the H point of the vehicle is preferentially deformed to absorb the impact energy, thereby improving the protection performance for the vehicle occupants.

[0061] The above describes in detail the steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area and the automobile provided by the present invention. The description of the specific embodiments is intended only to facilitate understanding of the method and core concepts of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

[0062] It should be noted that references in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0063] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “over” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something,” but also includes “on something” with intervening features or layers therebetween, and “above” or “over” includes not only the meaning of “above” or “over,” but also includes “above” or “over” with no intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0064] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A steel-aluminum alloy structure in a B-pillar area, comprising a B-pillar assembly (100) and an extruded aluminum door sill side beam (200), wherein the B-pillar assembly (100) comprises a B-pillar outer panel (110), a B-pillar upper inner panel (120) and a B-pillar lower inner panel (130), wherein the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) and the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) are fixed to the B-pillar outer panel (110), and the lower end of the B-pillar outer panel (110) and the lower end of the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) are both fixed to the extruded aluminum door sill side beam (200), characterized in that: The B-pillar assembly (100) further includes a lower inner panel reinforcement (140), which is arranged between the B-pillar outer panel (110) and the B-pillar lower inner panel (130), and the upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement (140) is fixed to the B-pillar lower inner panel (130), and the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement (140) is fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200); a sill side impact reinforcement (210) is installed on one side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200), and the interiors of the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200) and the sill side impact reinforcement (210) are both designed as through cavity structures, and reinforcing ribs are provided in the cavity structures of the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200) and the sill side impact reinforcement (210).

2. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 1, characterized in that: The B-pillar region steel-aluminum alloy structure further comprises a front seat mounting crossbeam (300) and a door sill connector (400), wherein the door sill connector (400) is used to connect the front seat mounting crossbeam (300) and the extruded aluminum door sill side beam (200).

3. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 2, characterized in that: The threshold connecting member (400) is provided with a threshold connecting edge (410) and a crossbeam connecting edge (420), the threshold connecting edge (410) is fixed to the threshold side impact reinforcement member (210) by bolts, and the crossbeam connecting edge (420) is fixed to the front seat mounting crossbeam (300) by bolts.

4. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower inner panel reinforcement (140) is an arc-shaped plate structure. The upper portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement (140) is provided with a reinforcement upper connecting edge (141) adapted to the B-pillar lower inner panel (130), and the reinforcement upper connecting edge (141) is fixed to the side of the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) facing the B-pillar outer panel (110); the lower portion of the lower inner panel reinforcement (140) is provided with a reinforcement lower connecting edge (142) adapted to the extruded aluminum door sill side beam (200), and the reinforcement lower connecting edge (142) is fixed to the upper oblique side of the extruded aluminum door sill side beam (200) by bolts.

5. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower end of the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) is provided with a lower inner panel lower connecting edge I (131), a lower inner panel lower connecting edge II (132) and a lower inner panel lower connecting edge III (133) adapted to the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200); the inner panel lower connecting edge I and the lower inner panel lower connecting edge II (132) are respectively arranged on both sides of the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) and fixed to the upper side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200) by a plurality of bolts; the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III (133) is fixed to the side of the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200) by FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws.

6. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower end of the B-pillar outer panel (110) is provided with an outer panel lower connecting edge (111) adapted to the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200), and the outer panel lower connecting edge (111) is fixed to the extruded aluminum sill side beam (200) on a side away from the lower inner panel lower connecting edge III (133) by FDS hot-melt self-tapping screws.

7. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar region according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The upper end of the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) is provided with a lower inner panel upper connecting edge (134), the lower end of the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) is provided with an upper inner panel lower connecting edge (121), and the lower inner panel upper connecting edge (134) is fixed to the upper inner panel lower connecting edge (121) by bolts.

8. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 7, characterized in that: The horizontal height of the connection portion between the B-pillar lower inner panel (130) and the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) is set based on the H point of the vehicle, and a patch plate (122) adapted to the shape of the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) is fixed on the B-pillar upper inner panel (120), and the patch plate (122) is attached to the side of the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) facing the B-pillar outer panel (110).

9. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 8, characterized in that: The interior of the B-pillar assembly (100) comprises a collision reinforcement cavity surrounded by the B-pillar outer panel (110), the B-pillar upper inner panel (120) and the B-pillar lower inner panel (130).

10. The steel-aluminum alloy structure in the B-pillar area according to claim 9, characterized in that: An outer panel reinforcement is fixed on the B-pillar outer panel (110) in the collision reinforcement cavity.

11. The B-pillar area steel-aluminum alloy structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The outer panel reinforcement comprises an outer panel upper reinforcement (150) and an outer panel lower reinforcement (160), both of which are welded to the B-pillar outer panel (110), and the outer panel upper reinforcement (150) corresponds to the upper portion of the collision reinforcement cavity, and the outer panel lower reinforcement (160) corresponds to the lower portion of the collision reinforcement cavity.

12. An automobile, characterized in that: The automobile comprises an automobile body and a B-pillar region steel-aluminum alloy structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the B-pillar region steel-aluminum alloy structure is arranged on the automobile body.

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