Vehicle structure
By adopting the design of corrugated tubular reinforcement members in the vehicle structure, the problem that traditional vehicle frame parts are difficult to absorb impact when they provide rigidity is solved, achieving more effective energy absorption and kinematic control, while reducing weight and cost.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380060374.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-08
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
AI Technical Summary
The conventional vehicle frame portion is difficult to provide sufficient deformation to absorb impact when it is provided sufficiently rigid, and the production process is complex.
A vehicle structure with a longitudinal extension extending in a longitudinal direction is adopted, the structure including a first member and a second member attached to each other to form a closed space, and one or more tubular reinforcement members are provided in the closed space. These tubular reinforcement members are corrugated, including corrugated portions, and provide a zigzag or alternating structure through positioned component sections.
While maintaining or improving the rigidity and strengthening of the vehicle structure, it is achieved to provide favorable deformation to absorb impact, effectively control the kinematics and load distribution of the vehicle structure during collision, improve the energy absorption capacity during collision, and reduce the weight and cost of the vehicle structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN119731075A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle structure, the vehicle structure comprising a portion having a longitudinal extension extending in a longitudinal direction. The portion comprises a first member having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction and a second member having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction. The first member and the second member are attached to each other so that the first member and the second member form a closed space. Background Art
[0002] In the design of a frame part of a motor vehicle, a trade-off between weight and strength is required. For example, one advantageous way to obtain a good compromise is to produce the frame part from one or more metal sheets or metal alloy sheets formed into the desired shape (e.g. a hat-shaped profile).
[0003] Generally speaking, the frame parts of a motor vehicle should be formed to have a certain rigidity because they may be subjected to various impacts from the outside. At the same time, some frame parts should be allowed to deform to absorb the impact when overloaded, for example, due to a collision with an external object (e.g., another vehicle or a stationary object (e.g., a tree, etc.)). An example of a vehicle frame part that should be allowed to deform to absorb the impact while maintaining its rigidity is a vehicle side sill beam structure or a bumper or bumper beam. Summary of the invention
[0004] The inventors of the present invention have found that conventional vehicle frame parts have defects, such as those described above. For example, some conventional solutions provide sufficient rigidity but cannot provide sufficient deformation to absorb impact. For example, the production of some conventional vehicle frame parts is complicated.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to alleviate or resolve the disadvantages and problems of conventional solutions.
[0006] These and other objects are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above objects and other objects are achieved by a vehicle structure, the vehicle structure comprising a portion having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction, wherein the portion comprises:
[0008] a first member having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction, and
[0009] a second member having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction,
[0010] wherein the first member is configured to face the interior of the vehicle,
[0011] wherein the second member is configured to face the outside of the vehicle,
[0012] The first member and the second member are attached to each other so that the first member and the second member form a closed space.
[0013] wherein the portion comprises one or more tubular reinforcement members located in the enclosed space,
[0014] wherein the tubular reinforcement member has a longitudinal extension extending along the longitudinal direction,
[0015] wherein the tubular reinforcement member is corrugated and includes a corrugated portion,
[0016] wherein the tubular reinforcement member comprises two or more member sections positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction, and
[0017] Among them, one of the component segments protrudes outward along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction and protrudes inward along a third direction, and the third direction is transverse to the first direction and the second direction, while another component segment of the component segments adjacent to the one of the component segments protrudes inward along the first direction and the second direction and protrudes outward along the third direction.
[0018] By means of the innovative configuration of the tubular reinforcement member, the corrugated tubular reinforcement member may be described as having or forming two or more undulations that are out of phase with each other but are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction or in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the tubular reinforcement member. The two or more undulations may be described as providing a zigzag (or alternating) structure or appearance of the corrugated tubular reinforcement member and / or mutually adjacent member sections, i.e., when one longitudinal side of the tubular reinforcement member bulges outwardly at a cross section somewhere in the longitudinal extension of the tubular reinforcement member, the other longitudinal side of the tubular reinforcement member bulges inwardly at the same cross section, but the situation is diametrically opposite at subsequent cross sections in the longitudinal direction.
[0019] An advantage of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is that a favorable deformation of the vehicle structure is provided to absorb impacts, while maintaining or increasing the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure in order to prevent penetration during a collision (e.g., a lateral or side collision). An advantage of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is that the kinematics and load distribution of the vehicle structure can be effectively controlled during a collision, i.e., the manner in which the vehicle structure deforms and / or collapses during a collision can be effectively controlled. An advantage of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is that the energy absorption capacity of the vehicle structure during a collision is improved, for example, the vehicle structure provides a high energy absorption capacity during a collision, while still having sufficient rigidity and reinforcement to prevent external objects from penetrating into the vehicle during a collision.
[0020] The vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention has the advantage that the production process of the tubular reinforcement member is facilitated compared to conventional solutions. The vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention has the advantage that the assembly process of the vehicle structure is facilitated compared to conventional solutions including tubular reinforcement members with a circular cross section. For example, the tubular reinforcement member of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect is relatively small in volume, thus providing a vehicle structure that is relatively small in volume compared to conventional tubular reinforcement members with a circular cross section and conventional solutions including such conventional tubular reinforcement members, but at the same time has sufficient strength and can sufficiently prevent foreign objects from intruding into the vehicle in the event of a collision.
[0021] An advantage of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention is that the weight and cost of the vehicle structure can be reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. An advantage of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision is improved, for example because the vehicle structure can deform in a more controlled and predictable manner, thereby providing an improved vehicle structure.
[0022] The vehicle structure may be a vehicle structure for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric vehicle having one or more batteries, or a hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a car or a truck. The vehicle structure may be configured to protect the battery of the electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, for example, in the event of a collision. The vehicle structure may be located on one or more sides of the battery within the vehicle. The vehicle structure is effective to protect the battery, the driver, and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle in the event of a collision.
[0023] The vehicle structure is effective as protection against pole collisions or impacts. The vehicle structure effectively prevents the pole from intruding into the vehicle during a pole collision. Thus, the vehicle structure provides effective anti-intrusion performance, i.e., in the event of a collision, the vehicle structure effectively prevents foreign objects from intruding into the vehicle. This is an important aspect regarding battery protection.
[0024] The above-mentioned "enclosed space" also includes a substantially or essentially closed space. For example, there may be one or more small openings in the wall forming the enclosed space and / or at the end of the part of the vehicle structure.
[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the tubular reinforcement member includes one or more flat areas extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the tubular reinforcement member. The advantage of this embodiment is that the production process of the tubular reinforcement member is further facilitated. The advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, compared with the traditional solution including a tubular reinforcement member with a circular cross-section, the assembly process of the vehicle structure is further facilitated. For example, the flat area can be used to effectively attach the tubular reinforcement member to one of the first member and the second member. The advantage of this embodiment is that the tubular reinforcement member is smaller in volume, thereby providing a smaller vehicle structure, but has sufficient strength and can fully prevent external objects from intruding into the car during a collision. The advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one of the component sections protrudes outwardly and inwardly in the first and second directions and inwardly in the third direction, while another component section of the component sections adjacent to the one of the component sections protrudes inwardly and outwardly in the first and second directions and outwardly in the third direction. The advantage of this embodiment is that the production process of the tubular reinforcement member is further facilitated, especially because the tubular reinforcement member can be easily positioned in the mold when forming the tubular reinforcement member. The advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision can be more effectively customized, so that the vehicle structure can be deformed in a more controllable and more predictable manner. The advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one of the component sections protrudes outwardly in the first direction and the second direction and protrudes inwardly in the third direction and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, while another component section of the component sections adjacent to the one of the component sections protrudes inwardly in the first direction and the second direction and protrudes outwardly in the third direction and in the fourth direction. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision can be more effectively customized, so that the vehicle structure can deform in a more controllable and more predictable manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the corrugated portion of the tubular reinforcement member comprises an annular ridge, wherein the one of the member sections protruding outwardly and inwardly and the other of the member sections jointly comprise the same of the annular ridges. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the annular ridge extends at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction. While maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure, the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the corrugated portion of the tubular reinforcement member comprises an annular groove, wherein the one of the member sections protruding outwardly and inwardly and the other of the member sections jointly comprise the same annular groove in the annular groove. The advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. The advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision is further improved. The advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the annular groove extends at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or increasing the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the annular ridge and the annular groove form one or more undulations extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal extension of the tubular reinforcement member. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the annular ridge and the annular groove form a tubular reinforcement member. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or increasing the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one of the component sections protrudes outwardly and inwardly in the first and second directions and inwardly in the third and fourth directions, while another component section of the component sections adjacent to the one of the component sections protrudes inwardly and outwardly in the first and second directions and outwardly in the third and fourth directions. The advantage of this embodiment is that the production process of the tubular reinforcement member is further facilitated. The advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a collision can be more effectively customized, so that the vehicle structure can be deformed in a more controlled and more predictable manner. The advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the tubular reinforcement member comprises one or more flat areas for attaching the tubular reinforcement member to one or more of the first member and the second member. An advantage of this embodiment is that the assembly process of the vehicle structure is further facilitated, since the tubular reinforcement member can be easily attached to one or more of the first member and the second member at the flat areas, for example without any additional brackets. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0036] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the member section forms one or more undulations extending in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal extension of the tubular reinforcement member. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0037] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the member sections form tubular reinforcement members. This embodiment has the advantage that the deformation of the vehicle structure for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or increasing the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This embodiment has the advantage that the performance of the vehicle structure in the event of a collision is further improved. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0038] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the tubular reinforcement member forms one or more openings for welding so as to attach the tubular reinforcement member to one or more of the first member and the second member. This embodiment has the advantage that the assembly process of the vehicle structure is further facilitated. This embodiment has the advantage that a further improved vehicle structure is provided.
[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the tubular reinforcement member is formed by hydroforming, hot air forming, extrusion or from one or more sheets. This is an efficient method of producing the tubular reinforcement member.
[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the tubular reinforcement member is made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. This is an efficient way to produce a strong tubular reinforcement member.
[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one or more of the first component and the second component is formed from a plate.This is an efficient way to produce the first component and the second component.
[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one or more of the first and second components are formed from one or more plates by hot press forming, or formed from one or more plates by cold working. This is an efficient method for producing the first and second components.
[0043] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one or more of the first and second components are made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. This is an efficient way to produce strong first and second components.
[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, one or more of the first component and the second component comprises one of the following group:
[0045] • Hat-shaped profile; and
[0046] • U-shaped profile.
[0047] This is an efficient method of producing the first member and the second member and providing a closed space.
[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the vehicle structure is a vehicle side structure, wherein the portion is a side portion. The vehicle structure is suitable for application as a vehicle side structure of a vehicle, thereby improving the performance of the vehicle side structure in a lateral or side impact. Thus, an improved vehicle side structure is provided. However, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle structure may be applied and mounted elsewhere in the vehicle, for example, at the front of the vehicle and may be part of a bumper, at the rear of the vehicle or elsewhere within the vehicle.
[0049] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the portion is a side sill portion, wherein the longitudinal extension of the side sill portion is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and is configured to be arranged at the side of the body. The advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure with a side sill portion for absorbing impact is provided, while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. The innovative first reinforcing member is particularly advantageous for the side sill portion of the vehicle structure, which should absorb impact in the event of certain collisions. However, in alternative embodiments, in addition to the side sill portion, the portion or side portion can also be a side beam portion, a bumper portion or a beam portion configured to be located elsewhere in the vehicle.
[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the first aspect, the side sill beam portion is configured to be attached to one or more cross beams of the vehicle body. Thereby, the rigidity of the vehicle structure can be further increased.
[0051] The above-described features and embodiments of the vehicle structure may be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.
[0052] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a method for producing a vehicle structure comprising a portion having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction, wherein the portion comprises:
[0053] a first member having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction, and
[0054] a second member having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction,
[0055] wherein the first member is configured to face the interior of the vehicle,
[0056] wherein the second member is configured to face the outside of the vehicle,
[0057] The first member and the second member are attached to each other so that the first member and the second member form a closed space.
[0058] Wherein, the method comprises:
[0059] producing one or more tubular reinforcement members by one of hydroforming and hot air forming; and
[0060] One or more tubular reinforcement members are placed in the enclosed space.
[0061] An advantage of the method according to the second aspect is that the production process of the tubular reinforcement member is facilitated compared to conventional solutions. Therefore, an advantage of the method according to the second aspect is that the production process of a vehicle structure comprising a tubular reinforcement member is facilitated. An advantage of the method according to the second aspect is that the weight and / or cost of the vehicle structure can be reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure.
[0062] Further advantageous embodiments of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect and of the method according to the second aspect as well as further advantages of embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the detailed description of embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] The invention will now be described in more detail for illustrative purposes by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for like parts and in which:
[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a tubular reinforcement member of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the present invention;
[0065] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic top perspective view of a tubular reinforcement member of;
[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0067] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another schematic side view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0068] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic bottom view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0070] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the middle tubular reinforcement member taken along AA;
[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure according to a first aspect of the present invention;
[0072] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the assembled vehicle structure;
[0073] Fig.10 Located in a closed space Figure 4 and Figure 8 A partial side view of a tubular reinforcement member showing Figures 11 to 13 Multiple planes of cross-sectional views;
[0074] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken from DD in FIG.
[0075] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken from EE in FIG.
[0076] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.10 Sectional view taken in FF;
[0077] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.10 Sectional view taken at GG;
[0078] Fig.15 is a schematic top perspective view of a tubular reinforcement member of a second embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the present invention;
[0079] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Another schematic top perspective view of a tubular reinforcement member of;
[0080] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A schematic side view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0081] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 Another schematic side view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0082] Fig.19 yes Fig.15 A schematic top view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0083] Fig. 20 yes Fig.15 A schematic bottom view of a tubular reinforcement member;
[0084] Fig.21yes Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of a tubular reinforcement member taken along BB;
[0085] Fig. 22 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure according to a first aspect of the present invention;
[0086] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of the assembled vehicle structure;
[0087] Fig.24 Located in a closed space Fig.18 and Fig. 22 A partial side view of a tubular reinforcement member showing Figure 25 to Figure 28 Multiple planes of cross-sectional views;
[0088] Fig.25 yes Fig. 22 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken from DD in FIG.
[0089] Fig.26 yes Fig. 22 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken from EE in FIG.
[0090] Fig. 27 yes Fig. 22 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken from FF in FIG.
[0091] Fig.28 yes Fig. 22 The assembled vehicle structure is along the Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken at GG in FIG. 1 ; and
[0092] Fig.29 is a schematic flow chart illustrating aspects of an embodiment of a method according to the second aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0093] refer to Figures 1 to 14 , schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a vehicle structure 100 according to the first aspect of the invention and aspects of an embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention.
[0094] refer to Figures 8 to 14 The vehicle structure 100 includes a portion 102 having a longitudinal extension 104 extending along a longitudinal direction 106 (see Figure 8 ). The portion 102 comprises a first member 108 having a longitudinal extension 110 extending along the longitudinal direction 106 (see Figure 8). The portion 102 includes a second member 112 having a longitudinal extension 114 extending along the longitudinal direction 106 (see Figure 8 ). The first member 108 is configured to face the interior 116 of the vehicle. The second member 112 is configured to face the exterior 118 of the vehicle. The first member 108 and the second member 112 are attached to each other so that the first member 108 and the second member 112 form an enclosed space 120. Therefore, when the vehicle structure 100 is installed, the first member 108 can face the interior 116 of the vehicle, and the second member 112 can face the exterior 118 of the same vehicle.
[0095] The "enclosed space" 120 in the present disclosure also includes a space that is substantially or essentially enclosed. For example, there may be one or more small openings in the walls forming the enclosed space 120 and / or at the ends of the portion 102 of the vehicle structure 100, but the space 120 is still considered to be enclosed. For example, the first member 108 and the second member 112 may be attached to each other by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, or continuous welding), mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets), adhesives, or any other suitable fastening means.
[0096] refer to Figures 1 to 14 , portion 102 includes one or more tubular reinforcement members 122a located in enclosed space 120. Figures 8 to 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the portion 102 includes one tubular reinforcement member 122a. However, for other embodiments, the portion 102 may include two or more tubular reinforcement members 122a. The tubular reinforcement member 122a has a longitudinal extension 124 extending along the longitudinal direction 106 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). The tubular reinforcement member 122a is corrugated and includes corrugated portions 126, 128 (see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 ). For some embodiments, the corrugations 126, 128 may be defined as including ridges 126 and grooves 128. For some embodiments, one or more of the ridges 126 and grooves 128 may be defined as extending at least partially transverse to the longitudinal direction 106.
[0097] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5, the tubular reinforcement member 122a includes two or more member sections 130a, 130b positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction 106. It can be described that the two or more member sections 130a, 130b are positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction 106. The component segment 130a of one of the component segments 130a, 130b protrudes outward along a first direction 132 (for example, along an upward direction 132) and a second direction 134 opposite to the first direction 132 (for example, along a downward direction 134) and protrudes inward along a third direction 136 (for example, along a lateral direction 136), wherein the third direction 136 is transverse to the first direction 132 and the second direction 134, while the other component segment 130b of the component segments 130a, 130b adjacent to the component segment 130a of one of the component segments 130a, 130b protrudes inward along the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and protrudes outward along the third direction 136. The fact that two component sections 130a, 130b are adjacent to each other means that the other component section 130b of the component sections 130a, 130b is located next to or in contact with the component section 130a of one of the component sections 130a, 130b. For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement member 122a may include five or more component sections 130a, 130b, for example ten or more component sections 130a, 130b, such as fifteen or more component sections 130a, 130b, for example twenty or more component sections 130a, 130b, which are positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction 106.
[0098] For some embodiments, the corrugated tubular reinforcement member 122a may be defined or described as forming two or more undulations, such as three or four undulations, that are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 106 or in the direction of the longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a, and / or are out of phase with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, the two or more undulations may be defined or described as providing a zigzag or alternating structure or appearance to the corrugated tubular reinforcement member 122a and / or, for example, member segments 130a, 130b that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, it may be defined or described that the tubular reinforcement member 122a has two or more longitudinal sides, such as three or four longitudinal sides, and one (or more) of the longitudinal sides of the tubular reinforcement member 122a bulges outward at a cross section of the longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a, while another (or two) of the longitudinal sides of the tubular reinforcement member 122a bulges inward at the same cross section, and the opposite is true at subsequent cross sections in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, it may be defined or described that in the longitudinal direction 106, or when viewed along the longitudinal sides of the tubular reinforcement member 122a in the longitudinal direction 106, the wavy portion of one of the longitudinal sides of the tubular reinforcement member 122a is displaced in the longitudinal direction 106 relative to the wavy portion of another (or two) of the longitudinal sides of the tubular reinforcement member 122a (e.g., another adjacent longitudinal side of the longitudinal side or two other adjacent longitudinal sides).
[0099] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement member 122a can include one or more flat regions 138 that extend substantially along the entire longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a. Figures 1 to 14In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular reinforcement member 122a includes one flat area 138 that extends substantially along the entire longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a. However, for other embodiments, the tubular reinforcement member 122a may include two or more flat areas, such as two or more flat areas that are spaced apart. For some embodiments, the flat area 138 may be used to attach the tubular reinforcement member 122a to one 108, 112 of the first member 108 and the second member 112, such as by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, or continuous welding), mechanical locking structures (e.g., rivets), adhesives, or any other suitable fastening means. For some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the above-mentioned flat area 138, the tubular reinforcement member 122a may include, for example, one or more flat or planar areas 140 outside the above-mentioned flat area 138, for attaching the tubular reinforcement member 122a to one or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112, for example by welding (e.g., laser welding or spot welding), a mechanical locking structure (e.g., rivets), an adhesive, or any other suitable fastening means.
[0100] refer to Figures 1 to 14 For some embodiments, the member segments 130a, 130b may form one or more undulations extending along the longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement member 122a may be formed or constructed by the member segments 130a, 130b.
[0101] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement member 122a may form one or more openings 142, 144 for welding so as to attach the tubular reinforcement member 122a to one or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112, such as by laser welding or spot welding. The openings 142, 144 may be located at one of the two end portions of the tubular reinforcement member 122a, or at any position between the two end portions of the tubular reinforcement member 122a.
[0102] refer to Figures 1 to 14For some alternative embodiments, instead of the flat area 138 extending along the entire longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a, one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges outward in the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges inward in the third direction 136 and a fourth direction 146 opposite to the third direction 136 (for example, in another lateral direction 146), while the other member segment 130b of the member segments 130a, 130b adjacent to the one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges inward in the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges outward in the third direction 136 and the fourth direction 146. For some of the alternative embodiments, the corrugations 126, 128 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a may include an annular ridge, wherein one of the outwardly protruding and inwardly protruding member segments 130a, 130b and the other of the member segments 130a, 130b together include the same annular ridge in the annular ridge. The annular ridge may extend at least partially transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. For some of the alternative embodiments, the corrugations 126, 128 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a may include an annular groove, wherein the one of the outwardly protruding and inwardly protruding member segments 130a, 130b and the other of the member segments 130a, 130b together include the same annular groove in the annular groove. The annular groove may extend at least partially transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. The annular ridges and annular grooves can form one or more undulations extending along the longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a in the longitudinal direction 106. The annular ridges and annular grooves can form the tubular reinforcement member 122a. For some of the alternative embodiments without the flat areas 138, the tubular reinforcement member 122a can still include one or more of the flat areas 140 for attaching the tubular reinforcement member 122a to one or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112.
[0103] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Fig. 9 , the longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcement member 122a can be described as extending in the direction 106 along the longitudinal central axis 148 around which the tubular reinforcement member 122a is surrounded. The three or four directions 132, 134, 136, 146 can be related to or associated with the longitudinal central axis 148. The above-mentioned "outward" and "inward" can be relative to the longitudinal central axis 148. "Outward" can be in a direction away from the longitudinal central axis 148, while "inward" can be in a direction toward the longitudinal central axis 148.
[0104] refer to Figures 15 to 28, schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a vehicle structure 300 according to the first aspect of the invention and other aspects of the embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect of the invention. Several features of the second embodiment of the vehicle structure 300 may be Figures 1 to 14 The features of the first embodiment of the vehicle structure 100 correspond to those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again here to avoid repetition. Figures 15 to 28 The vehicle structure 300 and Figures 1 to 14 The vehicle structure 100 in the embodiment of the present invention is different in that it has a modified tubular reinforcement member 122b, wherein one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges outwardly and inwardly along the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges inwardly along the third direction 136, while the other member segment 130b of the member segments 130a, 130b adjacent to the one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges inwardly and outwardly along the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges outwardly along the third direction 136. For some alternative embodiments, instead of the flat area 138 extending along the entire longitudinal extension 124 of the tubular reinforcing member 122b, one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges outward and inward along the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges inward along the third direction 136 and the fourth direction 146, while the other member segment 130b of the member segments 130a, 130b adjacent to the one of the member segments 130a, 130b bulges inward and outward along the first direction 132 and the second direction 134 and bulges outward along the third direction 136 and the fourth direction 146.
[0105] For some embodiments, it can be described that when the member segments 130a, 130b bulge inwardly, the groove 128 is formed. It can be described that when the member segments 130a, 130b bulge outwardly, the ridge 126 is formed.
[0106] refer to Figures 1 to 28For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement members 122a-b may be hydraulically formed, hot air formed, extruded, formed from one or more sheets, formed from one or more sheets by hot press forming, or formed from one or more sheets by cold working. However, other methods may also be used to produce the tubular reinforcement members 122a-b. For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement members 122a-b may be made of a material including or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, such as aluminum or steel or a material including aluminum or steel. For some embodiments, the tubular reinforcement members 122a-b may be made of a material including or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite material, such as a fiber reinforced polymer, such as a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). However, other materials are also feasible. One or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112 may be formed from a sheet, formed from one or more sheets by hot press forming, or formed from one or more sheets by cold working. One or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112 can be made of a material including or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, such as aluminum. However, other materials are also feasible. For some embodiments, one or more of the first member 108 and the second member 112 can include one of the following groups: a hat-shaped profile; and a U-shaped profile.
[0107] For some embodiments, the following types of materials may be used for one or more of the tubular reinforcement members 122a-b and the first member 108 and the second member 112, or for any other element or member included in the vehicle structure 100; 300:
[0108] There are several known ultra high strength steels (UHSS) for hot stamping and hardening. The blank may be made of, for example, coated or uncoated boron steel, such as Usibor® (22MnB5) available from ArcelorMittal.
[0109] Usibor® 1500 is an example of 22MnB5 steel. The composition of Usibor® is summarized as follows by weight percentage (the rest is iron (Fe) and unavoidable impurities):
[0110] Maximum carbon (C) content (%): 0.25
[0111] Maximum silicon (Si) content (%): 0.4
[0112] Maximum manganese (Mn) content (%): 1.4
[0113] Maximum phosphorus (P) content (%): 0.03
[0114] Maximum sulfur (S) content (%): 0.01
[0115] Aluminum (Al) content (%): 0.01-0.1
[0116] Maximum titanium (Ti) content (%): 0.05
[0117] Maximum niobium (Nb) content (%): 0.01
[0118] Maximum copper (Cu) content (%): 0.20
[0119] Maximum boron (B) content (%): 0.005
[0120] Maximum chromium (Cr) content (%): 0.35
[0121] Usibor ® The yield strength of 1500P is, for example, 1100 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength is 1500 MPa.
[0122] Usibor ® 2000 is another higher strength boron steel. ® The yield strength of 2000 can reach more than 1400MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength can reach more than 1800MPa. ® The composition of 2000 is summarized as follows by weight percentage (the rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):
[0123] Maximum carbon (C) content (%): 0.36
[0124] Maximum silicon (Si) content (%): 0.8
[0125] Maximum manganese (Mn) content (%): 0.8
[0126] Maximum phosphorus (P) content (%): 0.03
[0127] Maximum sulfur (S) content (%): 0.01
[0128] Aluminum (Al) content (%): 0.01-0.06
[0129] Maximum titanium (Ti) content (%): 0.07
[0130] Maximum niobium (Nb) content (%): 0.07
[0131] Maximum copper (Cu) content (%): 0.20
[0132] Maximum boron (B) content (%): 0.005
[0133] Maximum chromium (Cr) content (%): 0.50
[0134] Maximum Molybdenum (Mb) content (%): 0.50
[0135] In addition to the ultra-high strength steels mentioned above, more ductile steels can be used in areas of the structural framework where energy needs to be absorbed. These steels can be used in the hot stamping process, but will not obtain a martensitic microstructure in the process. Examples of suitable more ductile steels include Ductibor ® 500、Ductibor ® 1000 and CRL-340LA.
[0136] Another material used in hot stamping is Ductibor ® 500. Ductibor ® 500 is a more ductile steel and is more effective at absorbing energy during impact. ® The yield strength of 500 can reach 400MPa or higher and the ultimate tensile strength can reach 550MPa or higher.
[0137] Ductibor ® The composition of 500 is summarized as follows by weight percentage (the rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):
[0138] Maximum carbon (C) content (%): 0.1
[0139] Maximum silicon (Si) content (%): 0.5
[0140] Maximum manganese (Mn) content (%): 1.7
[0141] Maximum phosphorus (P) content (%): 0.03
[0142] Maximum sulfur (S) content (%): 0.025
[0143] Aluminum (Al) content (%): 0.015-0.2
[0144] Maximum titanium (Ti) content (%): 0.09
[0145] Maximum niobium (Nb) content (%): 0.10
[0146] Maximum copper (Cu) content (%): 0.20
[0147] Maximum boron (B) content (%): 0.001
[0148] Maximum chromium (Cr) content (%): 0.20
[0149] With Usibor ® 1500 and Usibor® Compared with 2000, Ductibor ® 1000 is another material used in hot stamping to increase elongation. ® The yield strength of 1000 can reach 800MPa or higher, and the ultimate tensile strength can reach 1000MPa or higher. ® The composition of 1000 is summarized by weight percentage as follows (the rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):
[0150] Maximum carbon (C) content (%): 0.10
[0151] Maximum silicon (Si) content (%): 0.6
[0152] Maximum manganese (Mn) content (%): 1.8
[0153] Maximum phosphorus (P) content (%): 0.03
[0154] Maximum sulfur (S) content (%): 0.01
[0155] Aluminum (Al) content (%): 0.01-0.1
[0156] Maximum titanium (Ti) content (%): 0.05
[0157] Maximum niobium (Nb) content (%): 0.10
[0158] Maximum copper (Cu) content (%): 0.20
[0159] Maximum boron (B) content (%): 0.005
[0160] Maximum chromium (Cr) content (%): 0.20
[0161] Each of the above-mentioned vehicle structures 100, 300 can be a vehicle side structure, and the corresponding part 102 can be a side part. However, the vehicle structure 100, 300 can be applied and installed in other positions of the vehicle, such as at the front of the vehicle and can be part of the bumper, at the rear of the vehicle or elsewhere in the vehicle. The vehicle structure 100, 300 can be used for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, for example, and of course can also be used for ordinary vehicles with only internal combustion engines. The vehicle structure 100, 300 can be configured to protect one or more batteries of the electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, for example, in the event of a collision. Therefore, the vehicle structure 100, 300 can be located on one or more sides of the battery. The vehicle structure 100, 300 effectively protects the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle in the event of a collision. The vehicle structure 100, 300 is effective as a protection against a pole collision or impact. The vehicle structure 100, 300 effectively prevents the pole from intruding into the car in the event of a pole collision.
[0162] For some embodiments, the portion 102 is a side sill portion, wherein the longitudinal extension 104 of the side sill portion 102 is configured to extend along a longitudinal direction 106 of a body of the vehicle and is configured to be disposed at a side of the body. Fig. 9 For some embodiments, the side sill beam portion 102 may be configured to be attached or attachable to one or more cross beams 400 of a vehicle body, such as two cross beams of a vehicle body. However, in alternative embodiments, the portion or side portion may be a side beam portion, a bumper portion, or a beam portion configured to be located elsewhere in the vehicle, in addition to the side sill beam portion.
[0163] Features of the different embodiments of vehicle structures disclosed above may be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.
[0164] refer to Fig.29 , in a flow chart schematically illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a method according to a second aspect of the invention for producing a vehicle structure 100, 300 comprising a portion 102 having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal direction 104, wherein the portion 102 comprises:
[0165] a first member 108 having a longitudinal extension 110 extending along the longitudinal direction 106, and
[0166] a second component 112 having a longitudinal extension 114 extending along the longitudinal direction 106,
[0167] The first member 108 is configured to face the interior 116 of the vehicle.
[0168] The second member 112 is configured to face the exterior 118 of the vehicle.
[0169] The first member 108 and the second member 112 are attached to each other so that the first member 108 and the second member 112 form a closed space 120.
[0170] Among them, the method includes:
[0171] producing 501 one or more tubular reinforcement members 122a-b by one of hydroforming and hot air forming; and
[0172] One or more tubular reinforcement members 122a - b are placed 502 within the enclosed space 120 .
[0173] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, the present invention relates to and covers all different embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle structure (100; 300), comprising a portion (102) having a longitudinal extension (104) extending along a longitudinal direction (106), wherein: The part (102) comprises: a first member (108) having a longitudinal extension (110) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), and a second member (112), the second member having a longitudinal extension (114) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the first member (108) is configured to face the interior (116) of the vehicle, wherein the second member (112) is configured to face the exterior (118) of the vehicle, wherein the first component and the second component (108, 112) are attached to each other so that the first component and the second component (108, 112) form a closed space (120), wherein the portion (102) comprises one or more tubular reinforcing members (122a; 122b) located in the enclosed space (120), wherein the tubular reinforcing member (122a; 122b) has a longitudinal extension (124) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), The tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) is corrugated and comprises corrugated portions (126, 128). wherein the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) comprises two or more member sections (130a, 130b) positioned one after another along the longitudinal direction (106), and One of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes outward in a first direction (132) and a second direction (134) opposite to the first direction (132), and protrudes inward in a third direction (136), wherein the third direction (136) is transverse to the first direction and the second direction (132, 134), and another component section (130b) of the component sections (130a, 130b) adjacent to the one of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes inward in the first direction and the second direction (132, 134), and protrudes outward along the third direction (136).
2. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 1, wherein: The tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) comprises one or more flat regions (138) extending along the entire longitudinal extension (124) of the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b).
3. The vehicle structure (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: One of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes outward and inward along the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes inward along the third direction (136), while another component section (130b) of the component sections (130a, 130b) adjacent to the one of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes inward and outward along the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes outward along the third direction (136).
4. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 1, wherein: One of the component segments (130a, 130b) protrudes outward along the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes inward along the third direction (136) and a fourth direction (146) opposite to the third direction (136), while another component segment (130b) of the component segments (130a, 130b) adjacent to the one of the component segments (130a, 130b) protrudes inward along the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes outward along the third direction and the fourth direction (136, 146).
5. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 4, wherein: The corrugated portion (126, 128) of the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) comprises annular ridges, and The one component section (130a) of the component sections (130a, 130b) protruding outward and the other component section (130b) of the component sections (130a, 130b) protruding inwardly comprises the same one of the annular ridges.
6. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 5, wherein: The annular ridge extends at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction (106).
7. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The corrugated portion (126, 128) of the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) comprises an annular groove, and The one component section (130a) of the component sections (130a, 130b) protruding outward and the other component section (130b) of the component sections (130a, 130b) protruding inwardly jointly comprises the same annular groove of the annular grooves.
8. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 7, wherein: The annular groove extends at least partially transversely to the longitudinal direction (106).
9. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The annular ridge and the annular groove form one or more undulations extending in the longitudinal direction (106) along the longitudinal direction (124) of the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b).
10. The vehicle structure (300) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein: One of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes outward and inward in the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes inward in the third direction and the fourth direction (136, 146), while another component section (130b) of the component sections (130a, 130b) adjacent to the one of the component sections (130a, 130b) protrudes inward and outward in the first direction and the second direction (132, 134) and protrudes outward in the third direction and the fourth direction (136, 146).
11. The vehicle structure (100; 300) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein: The tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) includes one or more flat areas (140) for attaching the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) to one or more of the first and second members (108, 112).
12. The vehicle structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The member sections (130a, 130b) form one or more undulations extending in the longitudinal direction (106) along the longitudinal extension (124) of the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b).
13. The vehicle structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The tubular reinforcement member (122; 122b) forms one or more openings (142, 144) for welding to attach the tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) to one or more of the first and second members (108, 112).
14. The vehicle structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The tubular reinforcement member (122a; 122b) is hydroformed, hot air formed, extruded or formed from one or more plates.
15. A method for producing a vehicle structure (100; 300), the vehicle structure comprising a portion (102) having a longitudinal extension (104) extending along a longitudinal direction (106), wherein: The part (102) comprises: a first member (108) having a longitudinal extension (110) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), and a second member (112), the second member having a longitudinal extension (114) extending along the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the first member (108) is configured to face the interior (116) of the vehicle, wherein the second member (112) is configured to face the exterior (118) of the vehicle, wherein the first component and the second component (108, 112) are attached to each other so that the first component and the second component (108, 112) form a closed space (120), Wherein, the method comprises: producing (501) one or more tubular reinforcement members (122a; 122b) by one of hydroforming and hot air forming; and The one or more tubular reinforcement members (122a; 122b) are placed (502) in the enclosed space (120).