Safety enhanced center pillar structure for vehicle

Abstract

A safety enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle includes: a reinforced outer portion disposed on an inner side of a center pillar of the vehicle; a reinforcing inner portion disposed on an inner side of the vehicle so as to be spaced apart from the reinforcing outer portion; and a connecting member. A connecting member is positioned between the reinforcing outer portion and the reinforcing inner portion and connects the reinforcing outer portion and the reinforcing inner portion to each other. A portion of the connecting member is positioned above an upper horizontal surface of the side beam outer portion. Thus, the connecting member forms a predetermined distance together with the upper horizontal surface of the side sill outer portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a safety-enhancing center pillar structure for a vehicle, which can prevent a lower portion of the vehicle contacting a side member from being pushed into a passenger compartment of the vehicle during a side collision. Background Art

[0002] Description of Related Technology

[0003] The center pillar 110 is provided to connect a roof 120 and a side member 130 of the vehicle 100 when viewed from the side of the vehicle 100 .

[0004] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the center pillar 110 are connected to the roof 120 and the side member 130 , respectively, thereby forming a lateral structure of the vehicle 100 .

[0005] In particular, when the vehicle 100 experiences a side collision, the collision load is applied to the connection portion of the center pillar 110 and the side member 130. Therefore, the center pillar 110 requires a stiffer structure.

[0006] like Figure 2 As described, in order to strengthen the rigidity of the center pillar 110 toward the inner side of the center pillar 110, the reinforcement outer portion 121 and the reinforcement inner portion 122 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle 100. The lower portions of the reinforcement outer portion 121 and the reinforcement inner portion 122 are joined to each other on the upper horizontal surface of the side member outer portion 131 of the side member 130.

[0007] Here, there is no structure that firmly supports the space formed between the reinforcement outer portion 121 and the reinforcement inner portion 122. Therefore, there arises a problem that the side member 130 penetrates into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 during a side collision.

[0008] For example, in the case where the obstacle B is caused to hit the side of the vehicle 100 in order to test the side collision of the vehicle 100 , the cross-sectional structure of the side beam 130 formed by the side beam outer portion 131 and the side beam inner portion 132 collapses.

[0009] Furthermore, the lower end portion (L2) of the obstacle B is positioned at a higher height than the upper horizontal surface (L1) of the side beam outer portion 131 (see Figure 2 h1 in). Therefore, the connection portion of the center pillar 110 and the side beam 130 is easily bent, and thus the lower end portion of the center pillar 110 and the side beam 130 are pushed into the passenger compartment.

[0010] Therefore, there arises a problem in that the risk of injury to passengers increases due to a reduction in the living space in the passenger compartment. Summary of the invention

[0011] The purpose of the present disclosure is to address or solve the above-mentioned problems. A safety-enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle is provided. When the vehicle experiences a side collision, the structure is capable of supporting, i.e., resisting, the side collision load at the connection portion of the center pillar and the side beam. Therefore, the structure is capable of preventing the side beam from being crumpled or squeezed and pushed into the passenger compartment. Using the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the survival space of the passengers can be ensured, thereby reducing the risk of passenger injury.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a safety-enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle is provided. The structure may include: a reinforced outer portion, which is disposed on the inner side of the center pillar of the vehicle; a reinforced inner portion, which is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle in a manner spaced apart from the reinforced outer portion; and a connecting member, which is positioned between the reinforced outer portion and the reinforced inner portion and connects the reinforced outer portion and the reinforced inner portion to each other. A portion of the connecting member may be positioned above the upper horizontal surface of the side beam outer portion of the side beam. Therefore, the connecting member may form a predetermined distance together with the upper horizontal surface of the side beam outer portion.

[0013] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connection member may form a closed cross-section surrounded or defined by the side outer reinforcement outer portion, the reinforcement inner portion, and the side beam outer portion.

[0014] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connection member may be formed in a manner of gradually bending downward toward the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the connection member may be coupled to the reinforcement inner portion and the reinforcement outer portion, respectively.

[0015] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connection member may be joined to surfaces of the reinforcement outer portion and the reinforcement inner portion formed in the height direction of the vehicle by welding.

[0016] In a safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connecting member may include: an upper connecting portion, which is connected to the reinforced inner portion in the height direction of the vehicle; an extending portion, which extends inwardly from the lower end of the upper connecting portion in the width direction of the vehicle; an intermediate connecting portion, which extends downwardly from the end of the extending portion and is connected to the side beam connecting portion of the reinforced inner portion; a connecting portion, which extends inwardly from the lower end of the intermediate connecting portion in the width direction of the vehicle and connects the reinforced inner portion and the reinforced outer portion to each other; and a lower connecting portion, which extends from the end of the connecting portion in the height direction of the vehicle and is joined to the reinforced outer portion.

[0017] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connecting member may be a seat belt retractor mounting bracket, on which the seat belt retractor may be mounted.

[0018] In the safety enhanced center pillar structure, the upper coupling portion may be coupled to the seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforced inner portion in a height direction of the vehicle.

[0019] In the safety-enhancing center pillar structure, the extending portion may be seated on a seating portion formed in such a manner as to extend in a width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of a seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforcement inner portion.

[0020] In the safety-enhancing center pillar structure, the extending portion may be disposed above a disposing portion formed in such a manner as to extend in a width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of a seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforced inner portion.

[0021] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, support beads may be formed on the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in a length direction of the vehicle.

[0022] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, a gusset may be protrudingly formed between an upper coupling portion and an extending portion of a seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

[0023] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, a gusset may be protrudingly formed between the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

[0024] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connection member may include: an upper connection portion connected to a seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforced inner portion in a height direction of the vehicle; an extension portion extending inwardly from a lower end of the upper connection portion in a width direction of the vehicle and connected to the reinforced outer portion; an intermediate connection portion extending downwardly from an end of the extension portion and joined to the reinforced inner portion; a connection portion extending inwardly from a lower end of the intermediate connection portion in a width direction of the vehicle and connecting the reinforced outer portion and a side beam connection portion forming a lower portion of the reinforced inner portion to each other; and a lower connection portion extending from an end of the connection portion in a height direction of the vehicle and connected to a connection surface of the side beam. The connection portion may be positioned above an upper horizontal surface of the side beam outer portion, and the extension portion may be positioned above the connection portion.

[0025] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, the connecting member may be a seat belt retractor mounting bracket, on which the seat belt retractor may be mounted.

[0026] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, support ribs may be formed on the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in a length direction of the vehicle.

[0027] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure, a gusset may be protrudingly formed between an upper coupling portion and an extending portion of a seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

[0028] In the safety-enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, which adopts the configuration described herein, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket can form a closed cross section together with the reinforced outer portion, the reinforced inner portion and the side beam outer portion. Therefore, the connection portion of the center pillar and the side beam can be prevented from being wrinkled or squeezed in a collision, thereby preventing the cross section of the side beam from collapsing.

[0029] Therefore, a phenomenon in which the side member is rotated and pushed into the inside of the vehicle can be prevented, thereby enhancing the safety of passengers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A side view illustrating a known lateral structure of a vehicle.

[0031] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the lateral structure taken along line II.

[0032] Figure 3 For explanation Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a state in which a side member of a lateral structure is crumpled or squeezed during a lateral collision.

[0033] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view illustrating a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 To illustrate the effects of Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the state of the safety enhanced center column structure.

[0035] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating a seat belt retractor mounting bracket for use in a safety-enhancing center pillar structure of a vehicle according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 To illustrate the Figure 6 A perspective view of a state where a seat belt retractor mounting bracket is pre-fastened to a reinforced outer portion of a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle.

[0037] Figure 8 A three-dimensional perspective view illustrating a state in which a reinforced inner portion according to the present disclosure is fastened in a safety-enhancing center pillar structure of a vehicle.

[0038] Fig. 9 The present invention is a three-dimensional perspective view for explaining a state in which a seat belt retractor mounting bracket according to the present disclosure is assembled in a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle.

[0039] Figure 10-12 2 are respective cross-sectional views each illustrating a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be considered in this article to be "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function. In addition, the terms "reinforced" and "reinforcing" as used herein are interchangeable to mean that an element is reinforced or an element reinforces another element. In addition, the term "portion" may be used in this article to define a part, panel, fragment, section, wall, etc. of any part of a vehicle body, side beam, or center pillar structure. Therefore, the marked parts may be referred to as parts, panels, fragments, sections, walls, etc. when appropriate.

[0041] The safety-enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle according to the present disclosure may include a reinforced outer portion 21 disposed on the inner side of the center pillar outer portion 11 of the vehicle. The structure also includes a reinforced inner portion 22 disposed on the inner side of the vehicle in a manner spaced apart from the reinforced outer portion 21. The structure also includes a connecting member 40 positioned between the reinforced outer portion 21 and the reinforced inner portion 22 and connecting the reinforced outer portion 21 and the reinforced inner portion 22 to each other. A portion of the connecting member 40 is positioned above the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side beam outer portion 31. Therefore, the connecting member 40 forms a gap of a predetermined distance 'c' together with the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side beam outer portion 31.

[0042] The center pillar 10 may connect the roof 120 and the side beam 30 of the vehicle to each other. In the center pillar 10, the center pillar outer portion 11 and the center pillar inner portion may be arranged in a manner of connecting the roof and the side beam 30 of the vehicle. The reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 are used to reinforce the rigidity of the center pillar 10, and may be arranged between the center pillar outer portion 11 and the center pillar inner portion.

[0043] The reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 may be disposed on an inner side of the center pillar outer portion 11 and an inner side of the vehicle, respectively, thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the center pillar 10 .

[0044] The reinforcing inner portion 22 may include a seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a, a placement portion 22b, and a side beam coupling portion 22c. The seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a on which the seat belt retractor is mounted may be formed to extend in the height direction of the vehicle. The placement portion 22b may be formed in such a manner as to extend outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle at least partially or entirely from the lower end of the seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a. The side beam coupling portion 22c may be formed to extend downwardly at least partially or entirely from the end of the placement portion 22b and be joined to the side beam 30.

[0045] The side beam 30 may include a side beam outer portion 31 and a side beam inner portion 32. The side beam outer portion 31 may have a cross-section that may bulge toward the outside of the vehicle. The side beam inner portion 32 may have a cross-section that bulges toward the inside of the vehicle. Upper end portions of the side beam outer portion 31 and the side beam inner portion 32 may be connected to each other. In addition, lower end portions of the respective side beam outer portion 31 and the side beam inner portion 32 may be connected to each other. These connections may form the side beam 30 into a structure having a hollow closed cross-section, thereby forming an end portion of a lateral surface or side of the vehicle. A reinforcing member 33 may be additionally provided between the side beam outer portion 31 and the side beam inner portion 32. The reinforcing member 33 may enable the side beam outer portion 31 and the side beam inner portion 32 to support each other, that is, the member 33 may provide support therebetween. A plurality of reinforcing members 33 may be provided, such as Figure 7 Depicted.

[0046] The reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 may be connected to the side beam 30 to reinforce the rigidity of the center pillar 10. For example, the reinforcement outer portion 21 may be coupled to an outer surface of the side beam outer portion 31, and the reinforcement inner portion 22 may be coupled to an upper horizontal surface 31a of the side beam outer portion 31.

[0047] In particular, according to the present disclosure, a connection member 40 may be provided to connect the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 to each other.

[0048] The connection member 40 may be disposed at a predetermined distance 'c' from the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side member outer portion 31, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0049] One side and the other side of the connection member 40 may be respectively coupled to the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 in such a manner that a portion of the connection member 40 forms a predetermined distance 'c' together with the upper horizontal surface 31 a of the side beam outer portion 31 .

[0050] Therefore, a portion of the connection member 40 may be positioned above the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side sill outer portion 31. With this positioning, the connection member 40 forms a predetermined distance 'c' together with the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side sill outer portion 31. As a result, a closed cross section may be additionally formed above the side sill 30.

[0051] By positioning a portion of the connecting member 40 above the side beam outer portion 31, the connecting member 40 can form a closed cross section together with the reinforcement outer portion 21, the reinforcement inner portion 22, and the side beam outer portion 31. Adding a closed cross section to the connecting portion of the center pillar 10 and the side beam 30 can increase the rigidity of the connecting portion of the center pillar 10 and the side beam 30, thereby enhancing stability during a side collision.

[0052] The connection member 40 may be formed in a manner of being gradually bent downward toward the outside of the vehicle as a whole. An upper end portion 41 of the connection member 40 may be fastened to the reinforcement inner portion 22 , and a lower end portion 45 thereof may be coupled to the reinforcement outer portion 21 .

[0053] The connection member 40 may be coupled to the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 by welding. In this case, it may be advantageous that the connection member 40 is coupled to surfaces of the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 formed in the height direction of the vehicle, that is, surfaces of the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 perpendicular to the width direction of the vehicle by welding.

[0054] At this time, the connection member 40 may be a seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 on which a retractor of a seat belt of the first row of the vehicle is mounted. The seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 for mounting the retractor may be provided and connected to the center pillar 10. Using the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40, the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 may be connected to each other, thereby increasing the rigidity of the connection portion of the center pillar 10 and the side member 30.

[0055] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 is shown.

[0056] The seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed in such a manner that its portions are bent in a stepped manner in the height direction of the vehicle, thereby having a multi-stage structure. As an example, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed to adopt a multi-stage structure in which its height increases from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0057] In one embodiment, and in more detail, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may include an upper coupling portion 41 coupled to the seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a of the reinforcing inner portion 22 in the height direction of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 40 may also have an extension portion 42 that at least partially (if not entirely) extends outwardly from the lower end of the upper coupling portion 41 in the width direction of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 40 may also have an intermediate coupling portion 43 that at least partially (if not entirely) extends downwardly from an end portion of the extension portion 42 and is coupled to the side beam coupling portion 22c of the reinforcing inner portion 22 of the side beam structure. The mounting bracket 40 may also have a connecting portion 44 that at least partially (if not entirely) extends outwardly from the lower end of the intermediate coupling portion 43 in the width direction of the vehicle and connects the reinforcing inner portion 22 and the reinforcing outer portion 21 to each other. The mounting bracket 40 may also have a lower coupling portion 45 that at least partially (if not entirely) extends downwardly from the end of the connecting portion 44 and is joined to the reinforcing outer portion 21 of the center pillar structure.

[0058] In this case, the connection portion 44 may be positioned above the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side member outer portion 31 so that the connection portion 44 is spaced apart from the upper horizontal surface. As a result, a closed cross section may be additionally formed above the side member 30, thereby improving shock absorption performance against a side collision.

[0059] The extending portion 42 may be seated on a seating portion 22 b formed in such a manner as to extend in the width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of a seat belt retractor mounting portion 22 a of the reinforcement inner portion 22 .

[0060] The support rib 46 may be formed on the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40. The support rib 46 may be formed on the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in the length direction of the vehicle. In other words, the support rib 46 may be formed on the middle coupling portion 43 and the connecting portion 44 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in the length direction of the vehicle. The support rib 46 formed on the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may support the collision load F applied from the lateral surface of the vehicle during a lateral collision. Therefore, the rigidity of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 in the width direction of the vehicle is thereby enhanced.

[0061] In addition, a gusset 47 may be formed on the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40. The gusset 47 may be formed on a portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 where the lower end of a surface extending in the height direction of the vehicle is continuous with a surface parallel to the ground or extending in the width direction of the vehicle. In other words, the gusset 47 may be protrudingly formed between the upper coupling portion 41 and the extending portion 42 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40, or may be protrudingly formed between the middle coupling portion 43 and the connecting portion 44 thereof. The gusset 47 may prevent a phenomenon in which the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 is bent or deformed toward the outside of the vehicle. One or more gussets 47 may be provided at each bend to reinforce the mounting bracket 40.

[0062] The seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed to adopt a multi-stage structure. A surface of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 formed in the height direction of the vehicle may be used to couple the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 to the reinforcement outer portion 21 or the reinforcement inner portion 22 .

[0063] For example, the upper coupling portion 41 and the middle coupling portion 43 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 can be used to couple the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 to the reinforced inner portion 22 by welding. In addition, the lower coupling portion 45 thereof can be used to couple the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 to the reinforced outer portion 21 by welding.

[0064] In this case, if Figure 7 As illustrated, the lower coupling portion 45 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may first be coupled to the reinforced outer portion 21. Figure 8 As illustrated, when the reinforced inner portion 22 is coupled to the reinforced outer portion 21, the upper coupling portion 41 and the middle coupling portion 43 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may also be coupled to the reinforced inner portion 22. When the reinforced inner portion 22 is coupled to the reinforced outer portion 21, the edges thereof may be coupled using the structural adhesive 23.

[0065] The connecting portion 44 is a portion of the surface of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 extending generally horizontally or formed parallel to the ground, and may be positioned at a distance from the side beam outer portion 31 so as to additionally form a closed cross section above the side beam 30 .

[0066] In the safety enhanced center pillar structure of the vehicle according to the present disclosure, as described above, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may form a closed cross section surrounded or defined by the reinforcement outer portion 21 , the reinforcement inner portion 22 , and the side member outer portion 31 .

[0067] The height of the closed cross section formed in this way can support, ie resist, the collision load F applied to the lateral surface of the vehicle. This height is increased during a lateral collision, thereby enhancing stability.

[0068] For example, the upper horizontal surface of the closed cross section, ie, the connecting portion 44, may be positioned at a position lower than the obstacle B (see FIG. 1 ) that strikes the vehicle during a side impact test. Figure 4 ) at a higher height than the lower end. In other words, reference Figure 4 , the upper horizontal surface (L1) of the closed cross section formed by the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be positioned at a position higher by a height h2 than the lower end portion (L2) of the obstacle B. Therefore, although a collision load F is applied to the lateral surface of the vehicle during a lateral collision, the side member outer portion 31 and the side member inner portion 32 constituting the side member 30 may maintain a cross-sectional shape and thus may support or resist the collision load F. In addition, the connection portion of the center pillar 10 and the side member outer portion 31 may be wrinkled or squeezed and thus a phenomenon in which the side member 30 rotates may be prevented.

[0069] Therefore, a space required for the survival of passengers in the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be sufficiently ensured, thereby enhancing the safety of passengers in the vehicle during a side collision.

[0070] Figure 10-12 2 are views each illustrating a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] exist Figure 10-12 7, a modified shape of the connecting member, that is, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 is described. Constituent elements other than the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0072] In each of the embodiments, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed in a curved shape in the height direction of the vehicle. A surface of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 formed in the height direction of the vehicle may be coupled to the reinforcing outer portion 21 or the reinforcing inner portion 22. A substantially horizontal surface or a portion parallel to the ground may be positioned at a distance from the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side member outer portion 31.

[0073] exist Fig.10In the illustrated embodiment, the extension portion 42 of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may be formed in such a manner as to be positioned above the seating portion 22b of the reinforced inner portion 22. The seating portion 22b may be formed in such a manner as to extend in the width direction of the vehicle from the lower end of the seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a of the reinforced inner portion 22. The extension portion 42 may be positioned above the seating portion 22b. A closed cross section may also be additionally formed between the extension portion 42 and the seating portion 22b. Therefore, the collision load F generated due to the side collision may be additionally supported during a side collision.

[0074] Fig.11 A view for explaining an example in which the lower coupling portion 45 forming the lower end portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 is bent upward. In this case, the extension portion 42 and the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side member outer portion 31 can be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the collision load F can be supported during a side collision.

[0075] Fig.12 A view for explaining an example in which the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 is formed in a zigzag shape, i.e., has a zigzag shape. In other words, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 formed in a zigzag shape may include an upper coupling portion 41 coupled to the seat belt retractor mounting portion 22a of the reinforcement inner portion 22 in the height direction of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 40 may further include an extension portion 42 extending outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of the upper coupling portion 41 and connected to the reinforcement outer portion 21. The mounting bracket 40 may further include an intermediate coupling portion 43 extending downwardly from an end of the extension portion 42 and joined to the reinforcement inner portion 22. The mounting bracket 40 may further include a connection portion 44 extending inwardly in the width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of the intermediate coupling portion 43 and connecting the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the side beam coupling portion 22c forming the lower portion of the reinforcement inner portion 22 to each other. The mounting bracket 40 may further include a lower coupling portion 45 extending from an end of the connection portion 44 in the height direction of the vehicle and coupled to a coupling surface 31 b of the side member outer portion 31 of the side member 30 to which the side member inner portion 32 is coupled.

[0076] The connection portion 44 may be positioned above the upper horizontal surface 31a of the side member outer portion 31 to additionally form a closed cross section above the side member 30. In this case, the extension portion 42 may be positioned above the connection portion 44 to additionally form a closed cross section.

[0077] Fig.121 is a view for explaining a support rib 46 and a gusset 47 of a safety-enhanced center pillar structure of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, the support rib 46 may be formed on the middle connecting portion 43 and the connecting portion 44 in a manner of protruding to a predetermined height in the length direction of the vehicle. The gusset 47 may be protrudingly formed between the upper connecting portion 41 and the extending portion 42.

[0078] exist Figure 10-12 In the illustrated embodiment, the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40 may also be formed in a curved manner along the height direction of the vehicle and may connect the reinforcement outer portion 21 and the reinforcement inner portion 22 to each other. Therefore, a closed cross section supporting a connection portion of the center pillar 10 and the side member 30 may be additionally formed by the seat belt retractor mounting bracket 40, the reinforcement outer portion 21, the reinforcement inner portion 22, and the side member outer portion 31.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be carried out in various other specific forms without departing from the inventive concept of the present disclosure and without changing the technical spirit or basic features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A safety-enhanced center pillar structure for a vehicle, the center pillar structure comprising: a center pillar of the vehicle; a reinforced outer portion on the inner side of said center column; a reinforced inner portion on an inner side of the vehicle, the reinforced inner portion being spaced apart from the reinforced outer portion; and a connecting member which is positioned between the reinforced outer portion and the reinforced inner portion and connects the reinforced outer portion and the reinforced inner portion to each other, wherein a portion of the connecting member is positioned above an upper horizontal surface of a side member outer portion of the side member, and wherein the connection member forms a predetermined distance together with the upper horizontal surface of the outer portion of the side beam.

2. The center column structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member forms a closed cross-section surrounded by the reinforcement outer portion, the reinforcement inner portion, and the side beam outer portion.

3. The center column structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member is gradually bent downward in a direction toward an outer side of the vehicle, and wherein an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the connecting member are coupled to the reinforcing inner portion and the reinforcing outer portion, respectively.

4. The center column structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connection member is coupled to surfaces of the reinforcement outer portion and the reinforcement inner portion formed in a height direction of the vehicle by welding.

5. The center column structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member comprises: an upper coupling portion coupled to the reinforced inner portion in a height direction of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outwardly from a lower end of the upper coupling portion in a width direction of the vehicle; an intermediate coupling portion extending downward from an end of the extending portion and coupled to a side member coupling portion of the reinforced inner portion; a connecting portion extending outwardly from a lower end of the intermediate coupling portion in the width direction of the vehicle and connecting the reinforcing inner portion and the reinforcing outer portion to each other; and A lower coupling portion extends from an end portion of the connecting portion in the height direction of the vehicle and is joined to the reinforcing outer portion.

6. The center column structure according to claim 5, wherein: The connecting member is a seat belt retractor mounting bracket configured to mount a seat belt retractor thereon.

7. The center column structure according to claim 6, wherein: The upper coupling portion is coupled to a seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforced inner portion in the height direction of the vehicle.

8. The center column structure according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting portion is positioned above and spaced apart from the upper horizontal surface of the side sill outer portion.

9. The center column structure according to claim 7, wherein: The extending portion is seated on a seating portion extending from a lower end of the seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforcing inner portion in the width direction of the vehicle.

10. The center column structure according to claim 7, wherein: A closed cross section is formed between the extending portion and the seating portion.

11. The center column structure according to claim 6, wherein: Support ribs are formed on the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in the length direction of the vehicle.

12. The center column structure according to claim 6, wherein: A gusset is protrusively formed between the upper coupling portion and the extending portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

13. The center column structure according to claim 6, wherein: A gusset is protrusively formed between the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

14. The center column structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member comprises: an upper coupling portion coupled to a seat belt retractor mounting portion of the reinforced inner portion in a height direction of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outwardly in the width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of the upper coupling portion and connected to the reinforcing outer portion; an intermediate coupling portion extending downwardly from an end of the extending portion and joined to the reinforced inner portion; a connecting portion extending inwardly in the width direction of the vehicle from a lower end of the intermediate connecting portion and connecting the reinforcing outer portion and a side member connecting portion forming a lower portion of the reinforcing inner portion to each other; and a lower coupling portion extending from an end portion of the connecting portion in the height direction of the vehicle and coupled to a coupling surface of the side member, wherein the connecting portion is positioned above an upper horizontal surface of the side sill outer portion, and the extending portion is positioned above the connecting portion.

15. The center column structure according to claim 14, wherein: The connecting member is a seat belt retractor mounting bracket configured to mount a seat belt retractor thereon.

16. The center column structure according to claim 15, wherein: Support ribs are formed on the intermediate coupling portion and the connecting portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket in such a manner as to protrude to a predetermined height in the length direction of the vehicle.

17. The center column structure according to claim 15, wherein: A gusset is protrusively formed between the upper coupling portion and the extending portion of the seat belt retractor mounting bracket.

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