Vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly which comprises a front longitudinal beam extending in the length direction of a vehicle and configured to define a cavity inside the front longitudinal beam; and a main reinforcement member disposed in the cavity of the front side member and including a bent portion.

Description

Vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0152948, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a front side member assembly for vehicles, and more specifically, to a front side member assembly for vehicles designed to mitigate injury to passengers in the event of a vehicle collision. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, various types of vehicles, such as multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and electric vehicles, have adopted cab-forward designs to expand interior space and improve performance.

[0005] Compared to existing vehicle designs, the forward cab design allows the cowl panel to be positioned further forward, resulting in a relatively short front overhang.

[0006] Furthermore, to accommodate the forward-leaning cab design, the windshield can be positioned further forward, aligned with the bulkhead (e.g., the windshield is matched to the bulkhead to accommodate the forward-leaning cab design), and must comply with domestic / North American windshield regulations. These regulations aim to prevent windshield damage in the event of a collision / impact to ensure structural support for airbag deployment. Airbags should be developed to reduce the amount of vehicle body deformation (dynamic deformation) during a collision. If the amount of body deformation is reduced, the body can absorb relatively less impact energy, and the remaining impact energy can be transferred to the passenger compartment (cabin). Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently reduce body deformation (i.e., body deformation) to prevent windshield damage.

[0007] Because existing front longitudinal beam assemblies exhibit uneven body deformation during a collision, it is difficult to achieve uniform deformation while complying with regulations.

[0008] The information described above in this background section is intended to help understand the background of the inventive concept and may include technical concepts that cannot be considered prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a front longitudinal beam assembly for a vehicle, which is designed to induce controlled or uniform deformation of the vehicle body in the event of a collision / impact, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of passenger injury.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly, comprising: a front longitudinal beam extending along the length direction of the vehicle and configured to define a cavity therein; and a main reinforcing member disposed in the cavity of the front longitudinal beam and including a bend.

[0012] The front longitudinal beam may include a recess, and the recess is opposite to the bend of the main stiffener.

[0013] The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly may also include an auxiliary reinforcing member attached to the bend of the main reinforcing member.

[0014] The bent portion of the main reinforcing member may have a V-shaped structure.

[0015] The main reinforcing member may include a front inclined wall and a rear inclined wall disposed opposite to the front inclined wall. The front and rear inclined walls may form a V-shaped bend.

[0016] The front and rear inclined walls can be symmetrical relative to the recessed portion of the front longitudinal beam.

[0017] The main reinforcing member may further include: a front flat wall extending from the front inclined wall to the front end of the front longitudinal beam, and a rear flat wall extending from the rear inclined wall to the rear end of the front longitudinal beam. The front flat wall and the rear flat wall may be fixed to the front longitudinal beam.

[0018] The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly may also include: a front mounting member disposed at the front of the front longitudinal beam; and a rear mounting member disposed at the rear of the front longitudinal beam.

[0019] The vehicle's front longitudinal beam assembly may also include: a front bulkhead aligned with the front mount; and a rear bulkhead aligned with the rear mount.

[0020] The front mounting bracket can be fixed to the front bulkhead, and the rear mounting bracket can be fixed to the rear bulkhead.

[0021] The bent portion of the main reinforcing member may have a W-shaped structure.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly includes: a front longitudinal beam extending along the length direction of the vehicle, the front longitudinal beam being configured to define an internal space; a main reinforcing member disposed within the internal space of the front longitudinal beam and including a pair of walls connected to form an angle; and a cover fixed to the front longitudinal beam and configured to enclose the internal space of the front longitudinal beam. Specifically, the pair of walls are fixed to the cover and the front longitudinal beam and are configured to absorb external impact energy.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pair of walls includes: a first wall; and a second wall arranged opposite to the first wall. The first and second walls are configured to form a V-shaped structure.

[0024] In another embodiment, the main reinforcing member further includes: an intermediate flat wall between and fixed to the first and second walls; a front flat wall extending from the first wall to the front end of the front longitudinal beam; and a rear flat wall extending from the second wall to the rear end of the front longitudinal beam. Specifically, the front and rear flat walls are fixed to the front longitudinal beam, and the intermediate flat wall is fixed to the cover.

[0025] In another embodiment, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly further includes an auxiliary reinforcing member attached to a pair of walls of the main reinforcing member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the front longitudinal beam includes a first deformable portion configured to deform in response to external impact energy. An auxiliary reinforcing member is disposed between a pair of walls of the main reinforcing member and includes a second deformable portion configured to deform in response to external impact energy. Specifically, the first deformable portion of the front longitudinal beam is aligned with the second deformable portion of the auxiliary reinforcing member. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a bottom view as seen from the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a front longitudinal beam assembly of a vehicle attached to the front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a side view of a front longitudinal beam assembly installed at the front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0035] 10: Vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly

[0036] 11: Front longitudinal beam

[0037] 11a: Depression

[0038] 11d: Cavity

[0039] 12: Main reinforcing member

[0040] 13: Front partition

[0041] 14: Rear partition

[0042] 15: Auxiliary reinforcing components

[0043] 15a: Depression

[0044] 15b: Anterior flange

[0045] 15c: Rear flange

[0046] 15d: Intermediate flange

[0047] 16: Cover

[0048] 17: Front Mount

[0049] 18: Rear-mounted components

[0050] 21: Anterior inclined wall

[0051] 22: Back slope wall

[0052] 23: Front flat wall

[0053] 24: Rear flat wall

[0054] 25: Flat wall in the middle

[0055] 32: Main reinforcing member

[0056] 41: First Anterior Inclined Wall

[0057] 42: First rear inclined wall

[0058] 43: Second Anterior Inclined Wall

[0059] 44: Second rear inclined wall

[0060] 45: Front flat wall

[0061] 46: Back flat wall. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the invention, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted.

[0063] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used to describe elements in embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent characteristics, order, or sequence of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having such a meaning unless explicitly defined in this invention as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0064] When describing the components, devices, elements, etc. of the present invention as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, the component, device, or element shall be regarded as being "configured" to satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG1, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may include: a front longitudinal beam 11 extending along the length direction of the vehicle body, and a main reinforcing member 12 disposed in the internal space (e.g., cavity 11d) of the front longitudinal beam 11 and configured as deformable.

[0066] The front longitudinal beam 11 may internally define a cavity 11d. The front longitudinal beam 11 may include an inner wall facing the interior of the vehicle, a top wall facing the top of the vehicle, and a bottom wall facing the bottom of the vehicle. The inner wall, top wall, and bottom wall of the front longitudinal beam 11 may extend along the length of the vehicle, and the cavity 11d of the front longitudinal beam 11 may be defined by the inner wall, top wall, and bottom wall, and the cavity 11d is open to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a recess 11a (i.e., a first deformable portion) may be provided on the inner sidewall of the front longitudinal beam 11, and this recess 11a may extend along the vehicle height direction. In the event of a collision / impact, the front longitudinal beam 11 is easily deformable at the recess 11a. In other words, the front longitudinal beam 11 may be configured to facilitate deformation at the recess to enhance energy absorption capacity during a collision. The recess 11a may be formed at a location that triggers deformation of the front longitudinal beam 11. For example, the recess 11a may be formed in the middle of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0068] The front longitudinal beam 11 may include a front end 11b facing the front of the vehicle and a rear end 11c facing the rear of the vehicle.

[0069] The main reinforcing member 12 may be arranged or installed in the cavity 11d of the front longitudinal beam 11, and the main reinforcing member 12 may extend along the length of the front longitudinal beam 11. The main reinforcing member 12 may include a bend, which has a V-shaped structure. The bend may be arranged at a predetermined position on the main reinforcing member 12 to induce deformation of the front longitudinal beam 11. In the event of a vehicle collision / impact, when the impact energy is transmitted to the front longitudinal beam 11, the main reinforcing member 12 may deform at the V-shaped bend, thereby inducing uniform and controllable deformation of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0070] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the main reinforcing member 12 may include a pair of walls connected at an angle. The pair of walls includes a first wall 21 (e.g., a front inclined wall) adjacent to the front end 11b of the front longitudinal beam 11, and a second wall 22 (e.g., a rear inclined wall) adjacent to the rear end 11c of the front longitudinal beam 11. The front inclined wall 21 may be arranged opposite to the rear inclined wall 22, such that the front inclined wall 21 and the rear inclined wall 22 can form a V-shaped bend, and the front inclined wall 21 may be symmetrical to the rear inclined wall 22.

[0071] The recess 11a of the front longitudinal beam 11 may be formed along the width direction of the front longitudinal beam 11 and face the bend of the main reinforcing member 12. Referring to FIG2, the front inclined wall 21 and the rear inclined wall 22 may be symmetrical with respect to the recess 11a of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0072] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the main reinforcing member 12 may further include a front flat wall 23 extending from the front inclined wall 21 toward the front end 11b of the front longitudinal beam 11, and a rear flat wall 24 extending from the rear inclined wall 22 toward the rear end 11c of the front longitudinal beam 11. The front flat wall 23 and the rear flat wall 24 may be fixed to the front longitudinal beam 11 by means of fasteners, welding, etc.

[0073] Referring to FIG3, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may include a cover 16 covering the opening (i.e., the interior space) of the front longitudinal beam 11. The cover 16 may be a plate extending along the length direction of the front longitudinal beam 11, and the cover 16 may be fixed to the front longitudinal beam 11 by means of fasteners, welding, etc., thereby covering the opening of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0074] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the main reinforcing member 12 may further include an intermediate flat wall 25 located between the front inclined wall 21 and the rear inclined wall 22. The intermediate flat wall 25 may be fixed to the cover 16.

[0075] Referring to Figure 2, in the width direction of the front longitudinal beam 11, the recess 11a of the front longitudinal beam 11 can be aligned with the middle part of the middle flat wall 25 of the main reinforcing member 12.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may further include a front mounting member 17 disposed at the front of the front longitudinal beam 11, and a rear mounting member 18 disposed at the rear of the front longitudinal beam 11. Mounting members 17 and 18 refer to mechanical components (e.g., bolts, nuts, brackets, fasteners, or connectors) used to connect or fasten components together.

[0077] Referring to Figure 2, the front mounting member 17 and the rear mounting member 18 can be disposed on the bottom wall of the front longitudinal beam 11. According to an embodiment, the front mounting member 17 can be a stud bolt protruding downward from the front bottom wall of the front longitudinal beam 11. The rear mounting member 18 can be a nut mounted on the rear bottom wall of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may further include a front partition 13 and a rear partition 14 disposed in the cavity 11d of the front longitudinal beam 11. The front partition 13 and the rear partition 14 may be fixed to the front longitudinal beam 11 and the cover 16 by means of fasteners, welding or the like.

[0079] The front partition 13 can be aligned with the front mounting member 17, and the rear partition 14 can be aligned with the rear mounting member 18. Referring to Figure 3, the front mounting member 17 can be fixed to the front partition 13, and correspondingly, the front mounting member 17 can be securely fixed to the front part of the front longitudinal beam 11 via the front partition 13. The rear mounting member 18 can be fixed to the rear partition 14, and correspondingly, the rear mounting member 18 can be securely fixed to the rear part of the front longitudinal beam 11 via the rear partition 14.

[0080] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may further include an auxiliary reinforcing member 15 mounted on the bent portion of the main reinforcing member 12.

[0081] The auxiliary reinforcing member 15 may have a sidewall extending parallel to the inner wall of the front longitudinal beam 11 on the bend of the main reinforcing member 12, such that the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 can be mounted on the bend of the main reinforcing member 12. With this configuration, the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 can prevent excessive deformation of the front longitudinal beam 11 due to the bend of the main reinforcing member 12, and in the event of a vehicle collision / impact, the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 can absorb the impact energy transmitted to the main reinforcing member 12. Accordingly, when impact energy is transmitted to the front longitudinal beam 11 and the main reinforcing member 12, the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 can be configured to support the front longitudinal beam 11, enabling it to achieve a controllable deformation mode in response to the impact energy.

[0082] Referring to Figure 3, the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 may include a front flange 15b fixed to the front inclined wall 21 of the main reinforcing member 12, a rear flange 15c fixed to the rear inclined wall 22 of the main reinforcing member 12, and a middle flange 15d fixed to the middle flat wall 25 of the main reinforcing member 12.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3, the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 may have a recess 15a (i.e., a second deformable portion), and this recess 15a may extend along the width direction of the auxiliary reinforcing member 15. Referring to Figure 2, the recess 15a of the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 may be aligned with the recess 11a of the front longitudinal beam 11. Accordingly, the recess 15a of the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 may induce deformation of the auxiliary reinforcing member 15.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, a pair of front longitudinal beam assemblies 10 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle body, and each front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may extend from the dashboard 3 toward the front of the vehicle. The rear end of the front longitudinal beam 11 of each front longitudinal beam assembly 10 may be fixed to the dashboard 3, and the front end of the front longitudinal beam 11 may be fixed to the crash box 5. The front bumper 6 may be mounted laterally relative to the pair of crash boxes 5 to disperse impact forces.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5, the front mounting bracket 7a for the front subframe 7 can be mounted on the front mounting member 17, and the mounting bracket 8a for the power electronics (PE) component 8 can be mounted on the rear mounting member 18.

[0086] Figure 6 illustrates a main reinforcing member 32 with a W-shaped bend in a vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 6, the main reinforcing member 32 may include: a first front inclined wall 41, a second front inclined wall 43 symmetrically connected to the first front inclined wall 41, a front flat wall 45 extending from the second front inclined wall 43 toward the front of the vehicle, a first rear inclined wall 42 symmetrically connected to the first front inclined wall 41, a second rear inclined wall 44 symmetrically connected to the first rear inclined wall 42, and a rear flat wall 46 extending from the second rear inclined wall 44 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0087] Accordingly, the main reinforcing member 32 may have a W-shaped bend formed by the first front inclined wall 41, the second front inclined wall 43, the first rear inclined wall 42, and the second rear inclined wall 44. During a vehicle collision / impact, when impact energy is transferred to the front longitudinal beam 11, the main reinforcing member 32 may deform at the W-shaped bend. Consequently, this may induce uniform or controlled deformation of the front longitudinal beam 11.

[0088] According to the embodiment, a front auxiliary reinforcing member can be installed between the first front inclined wall 41 and the second front inclined wall 43, and a rear auxiliary reinforcing member can be installed between the first rear inclined wall 42 and the second rear inclined wall 44.

[0089] According to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the main reinforcing member and the auxiliary reinforcing member having the bending portion can induce uniform or controllable deformation of the front longitudinal beam and effectively absorb impact energy. The material, thickness, etc. of the main reinforcing member 12 or 32 and / or the auxiliary reinforcing member 15 can be determined according to the required or permissible amount of deformation of the vehicle body.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front longitudinal beam assembly may be designed to include a main reinforcing member with a bend in the cavity 11d of the front longitudinal beam, such that in the event of a collision or impact, the front longitudinal beam assembly can induce a predictable and uniform deformation pattern of the vehicle body, thereby significantly reducing or minimizing the risk of passenger injury.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary reinforcing member can be installed on the bent portion of the deformable main reinforcing member, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the front longitudinal beam and absorbing impact energy, thereby improving the crashworthiness of the vehicle body.

[0092] In summary, although the present invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly, comprising: A front longitudinal beam extending along the length of the vehicle, the front longitudinal beam being configured to define a cavity therein; And the main reinforcing member, which is arranged in the cavity of the front longitudinal beam and includes a bend.

2. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The front longitudinal beam includes a recessed portion, and the recessed portion is opposite to the bent portion of the main reinforcing member.

3. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 1 further includes an auxiliary reinforcing member, the auxiliary reinforcing member being attached to the bent portion of the main reinforcing member.

4. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The bent portion of the main reinforcing member has a V-shaped structure.

5. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The main reinforcing member includes a front inclined wall and a rear inclined wall disposed opposite to the front inclined wall, and the front inclined wall and the rear inclined wall form the bending portion.

6. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The front inclined wall and the rear inclined wall are symmetrical with respect to the recess of the front longitudinal beam.

7. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The main reinforcing member further includes: a front flat wall extending from the front inclined wall to the front end of the front longitudinal beam, and a rear flat wall extending from the rear inclined wall to the rear end of the front longitudinal beam, and both the front flat wall and the rear flat wall are fixed to the front longitudinal beam.

8. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A front mounting component is installed at the front of the front longitudinal beam; And a rear mounting component located at the rear of the front longitudinal beam.

9. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 8, further comprising: A front bulkhead aligned with the front mounting member; and a rear bulkhead aligned with the rear mounting member.

10. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The front mounting member is fixed to the front partition, and the rear mounting member is fixed to the rear partition.

11. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The bent portion of the main reinforcing member has a W-shaped structure.

12. A vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly, comprising: A front longitudinal beam extending along the length of the vehicle, the front longitudinal beam being configured to define an internal space; The main reinforcing member is arranged in the interior space of the front longitudinal beam and includes a pair of walls connected to form an angle. and a cover, which is fixed to the front longitudinal beam and configured to enclose the internal space of the front longitudinal beam, wherein the pair of walls are fixed to the cover and the front longitudinal beam and configured to absorb external impact energy.

13. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The pair of walls includes: a first wall; and a second wall arranged opposite to the first wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall are configured to form a V-shaped structure.

14. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The main reinforcing member further includes: a middle flat wall disposed between the first wall and the second wall and fixed to the first wall and the second wall; a front flat wall extending from the first wall to the front end of the front longitudinal beam; and a rear flat wall extending from the second wall to the rear end of the front longitudinal beam, wherein the front flat wall and the rear flat wall are both fixed to the front longitudinal beam, and the middle flat wall is fixed to the cover.

15. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly of claim 12, further comprising an auxiliary reinforcing member attached to the pair of walls of the main reinforcing member.

16. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The auxiliary reinforcing member includes a deformable portion configured to deform in response to external impact energy.

17. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The front longitudinal beam includes a first deformable portion configured to deform in response to external impact energy, and wherein the auxiliary reinforcing member is disposed between the pair of walls of the main reinforcing member and includes a second deformable portion configured to deform in response to external impact energy.

18. The vehicle front longitudinal beam assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The first deformable portion of the front longitudinal beam is aligned with the second deformable portion of the auxiliary reinforcing member.

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