Side beam for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a side beam for a vehicle, comprising a side beam frame, which comprises a hollow portion, a connecting frame, which is arranged in the hollow portion in the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame and comprises a flange which is joined to the side beam frame, and a reinforcing frame, which is arranged in the hollow portion in the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame, is joined to the connecting frame and has unit sections, which have a variable height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a side beam for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] To be clear, the content described in this section is only provided as background information in relation to the present invention and should not be construed as including prior art.

[0003] Side beams used in vehicles can protect passengers by absorbing collision energy in a side impact.

[0004] Side beams used in environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles, can protect not only passengers but also batteries located beneath the floor surface. Batteries may have a larger volume compared to other vehicle components, and consequently, vehicles equipped with such batteries can have narrower lateral space than vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines.

[0005] Therefore, side beams used in environmentally friendly vehicles are required to absorb as much collision energy as possible in a narrow space, and in order to improve the energy efficiency of environmentally friendly vehicles, the side beams are required to have minimal weight.

[0006] For this reason, extruded aluminum materials have been used in the side beams of environmentally friendly vehicles. However, there is a continuous demand for improved collision energy absorption capacity and weight reduction.

[0007] (Patent Document 1) KR 20-1998-0043143 U (September 25, 1998) Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a side beam that has improved collision energy absorption efficiency and reduced weight.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a side beam that, compared with conventional side beams, has increased stiffness, reduced manufacturing costs including molding costs, and improved ease of assembly.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a side beam for a vehicle formed in such a manner as to achieve the objectives described above.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, a side beam for a vehicle is provided, the side beam comprising: a side beam frame including a hollow portion; a connecting frame disposed in the hollow portion along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame and including a flange engaging with the side beam frame; and a reinforcing frame disposed in the hollow portion along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame, the reinforcing frame engaging with the connecting frame and having unit segments having variable heights.

[0014] The connecting frame may include a connecting portion that extends across the hollow portion and can at least partially contact the reinforcing frame.

[0015] The unit segment may include: a planar portion, which includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion, wherein the first planar portion is configured to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame and the second planar portion is configured at a position lower than the first planar portion; and an inclined portion, which is connected to the planar portion and is inclined.

[0016] Beneficial effects

[0017] With the structure described above, the side beam according to the present invention can improve collision energy absorption efficiency and reduce weight.

[0018] In addition, the side beam according to the invention can provide increased stiffness, reduced manufacturing costs including molding costs, and improved ease of assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a side beam according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the side beam according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the connection frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a reinforcing frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a reinforcing structure included in a side beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a reinforcing structure included in the side beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the side beam according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken by line A-A'.

[0026] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the side beam according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken by line B-B'.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a reinforcing structure included in the side beam according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a reinforcing structure included in the side beam according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of a reinforcing structure included in the side beam according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a reinforcing structure included in a side beam, according to an exemplary embodiment of the related invention.

[0031] Figure 13 The illustration shows the application of a side impact to the vehicle's body structure, including... Figure 12 The figure shows an experimental view of a portion of the reinforcing structure of the present invention, wherein, Figure 13 (a) in the diagram is a schematic cross-sectional view before the impact is applied, and Figure 13 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view after the impact is applied.

[0032] Figure 14 The illustration shows the application of a side impact to the vehicle's body structure, including, for example... Figure 5 The figure shown is an experimental view of a portion of the reinforcing structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein, Figure 14 (a) in the diagram is a schematic cross-sectional view before the impact is applied, and Figure 14 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view after the impact is applied. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, specific embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit of the invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the invention can readily devise other embodiments or other regressive inventions that are included within the scope of the spirit of the invention by adding, modifying, or deleting other components within the spirit of the invention, and such embodiments are also included within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0034] In the following text, and in the accompanying figures, the X-axis represents the width direction of the side beam, the Y-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the side beam, and the Z-axis represents the height direction of the side beam. Additionally, only a portion of the configuration extending along the longitudinal direction of the side beam may be illustrated.

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shows a perspective view of the side beam in the width direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a perspective view taken from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle, based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the side beam is installed in the vehicle. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view viewed from the inside out.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the side beam may include a side beam frame 300, a connecting frame 100, and a reinforcing frame 200.

[0037] The side beam frame 300 may include a hollow portion S formed therein, and may have a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] For example, the side beam frame 300 may include a first side beam frame 310 and a second side beam frame 320, the first side beam frame 310 being disposed on the inner side of the vehicle, and the second side beam frame 320 being joined to the first side beam frame 310 and disposed on the outer side of the vehicle.

[0039] The side beam frame 300 can be formed as a single component. However, for ease of assembly and manufacturing, the side beam frame 300 may include a first side beam frame 310 and a second side beam frame 320, and may have a joint 330, where the first side beam frame 310 and the second side beam frame 320 are integrally joined to each other. The joint 330 may include a first joint 331 and a second joint 332 located at different positions in the height direction.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the side beam may further include an outer frame 400, which is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle and connected to the second side beam frame 320. The outer frame 400 may be the exterior of the vehicle, or it may be another frame structure disposed on the outer side of the second side beam frame 320, rather than the exterior.

[0041] The connecting frame 100 can be arranged in the hollow part S along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame 300, and can be joined to the side beam frame 300.

[0042] The connecting frame 100 can be connected to the side beam frame 300 and the reinforcing frame 200, which will be described below, and can be easier to assemble compared to the case where the reinforcing frame 200 is directly joined to the side beam frame 300.

[0043] For example, when the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 are joined before the connecting frame 100 and the side beam frame 300 are joined, the shapes of the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 can facilitate joining, such as welding, compared to the case where the reinforcing frame 200 is directly joined to the side beam frame 300, and the angles of the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 can facilitate the joining operation.

[0044] Furthermore, the reinforcing frame 200 and the side beam frame 300 can be joined to each other by connecting frame 100 instead of being directly joined by welding or the like, thereby reducing the gap G between the reinforcing frame 200 and the side beam frame 300 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 This minimizes side impacts. Therefore, side impacts can be more effectively transmitted to and absorbed by the reinforcing frame 200.

[0045] The reinforcing frame 200 can be set in the hollow part S along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame 300, can be joined to the connecting frame 100, and can have a unit segment u with a variable height.

[0046] The reinforcing frame 200 can be installed in the hollow portion S of the side beam frame 300, thereby improving the impact absorption capacity of the vehicle in side collisions and protecting components included in electric vehicles, such as the battery installed inside the side beam.

[0047] By setting the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 to be spaced apart from the upper and lower surfaces of the side beam frame 300, respectively, the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 can be positioned in the central region in the Z-axis direction to achieve maximum deformation load in the event of a side collision when an impact is applied in the X-axis direction, thereby improving collision energy absorption efficiency and achieving maximum vehicle weight reduction.

[0048] For example, at least one of the side beam frame 300, the reinforcing frame 200, and the connecting frame 100 may be made of steel.

[0049] Therefore, the mechanical strength of the side beams used in vehicles can be improved. Furthermore, compared to side beams made of aluminum with the same weight (not shown), the collision energy absorption capacity can be further improved. Thus, compared to side beams made of aluminum, a side beam for a vehicle with improved collision energy absorption capacity can be achieved, while preventing an increase in the overall load on the vehicle.

[0050] For example, the reinforcing frame 200 or the connecting frame 100 can be formed from a single steel plate. The reinforcing frame 200 or the connecting frame 100 can be formed by bending the single steel plate. Therefore, the mechanical strength of the reinforcing frame 200 or the connecting frame 100 can be further improved, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing frame 200 may have any value having a tensile strength greater than or equal to 1180 MPa and a yield strength greater than or equal to 850 MPa and less than or equal to 1060 MPa.

[0052] When a side beam for a vehicle is formed of steel as described above, its collision energy absorption capacity can be at least equal to or greater than that of a side beam for a vehicle of the same weight formed of aluminum.

[0053] Therefore, when the side beams are made of aluminum, the weight can be reduced while the collision energy absorption efficiency can be improved to the same or higher level.

[0054] According to the side beam for a vehicle of the present invention as described above, when a load is applied in the X-axis direction, the side beam for the vehicle can be facilitated to undergo compressive deformation in the X-axis direction, and its impact absorption capacity can be improved. Therefore, the impact transmitted to the space where the battery for the vehicle (not shown) is located and the space where passengers are housed can be minimized.

[0055] In the following text, refer to Figure 3 Describe the connection framework, and refer to Figure 4 Describe the enhanced framework.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a connecting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connecting frame may have a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction and may have the same shape that is repeated in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] For example, the connecting frame 100 may include flanges 102 and 103 that engage with the inner surface of the side beam frame 300, and a connecting portion 101 that is configured to be parallel to the width direction of the side beam and to contact the reinforcing frame 200 in at least a portion of the area.

[0058] The connecting frame 100 may have flanges 102 and 103 that are to be surface-fitted to the side beam frame 300. Additionally, the connecting portion 101 extending across the hollow portion S of the side beam can increase stiffness against side impacts. For example, the connecting portion 101 may be formed parallel to the width direction. Compared to a case where the connecting portion 101 is not formed parallel to the width direction, a connecting portion 101 formed parallel to the width direction can have a shorter length and reduced weight.

[0059] For example, the flanges 102 and 103 of the connecting frame 100 may include a first flange 102 that engages with the first side beam frame 310 and a second flange 103 that engages with the second side beam frame 320. Engaging at both sides of the side beam frame 300 and the connecting frame 100 can increase the joint strength.

[0060] For example, the first flange 102 and the second flange 103 may extend from the connecting portion 101, and the first flange 102 and the second flange 103 may extend in different directions relative to the height direction.

[0061] The first flange 102 and the second flange 103 may be formed to extend from the connecting portion 101 and may be integrally formed with each other. When the first flange 102 extends in a direction increasing in the height direction, the second flange 103 may extend in a direction decreasing in the height direction. Conversely, when the first flange 102 extends in a direction decreasing in the height direction, the second flange 103 may extend in a direction increasing in the height direction. The first flange 102 and the second flange 103 may extend in different directions, thereby maintaining the flanges engaged with the side beam frame 300 even when the side beam frame 300 deforms due to external impacts or torsion. However, the first flange 102 and the second flange 103 may extend in the same direction, and are not limited to extending in different directions as described above.

[0062] For example, the first flange 102 and the second flange 103 can be formed together with the connecting portion 101 from a single steel plate, and can be formed by a bending process.

[0063] The connecting frame 100 can be formed from a single steel plate. The connecting portion 101, the first flange 102, and the second flange 103 can be integrally formed with each other and can be manufactured by bending the steel plate. Compared with processes such as stamping, the connecting frame 100 can be manufactured simply by performing a bending process to form the connecting portion 101 and the flanges, thereby reducing costs.

[0064] For example, a first through hole 104 may be formed in the connecting portion 101.

[0065] The first through-hole 104 formed in the connecting portion 101 may be a hole formed to align with the through-hole of the reinforcing frame 200, which will be described below, to facilitate positional alignment during engagement. A locating pin of the assembly jig may pass through the first through-hole 104 to align the connecting frame 100 with the reinforcing frame 200. Additionally, the first through-hole 104 may be used to remove cavitation or to allow smooth flow of the electrodeposition coating solution during electrodeposition coating of the vehicle body.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a reinforcing frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The reinforcing frame 200 can have a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction, and unit segments u with the same shape can be repeatedly formed in the longitudinal direction. This configuration is used to simultaneously achieve weight reduction and improved collision energy absorption efficiency against side impacts.

[0068] For example, the reinforcing frame 200 may include repeating unit segments u, and each unit segment u may include planar portions 101 and 103 and inclined portions 102 and 104 respectively connected to the planar portions 101 and 103.

[0069] Planar portions 101 and 103 may include a first planar portion 201 and a second planar portion 203. The first planar portion 201 may be configured parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame 300, and the second planar portion 203 may be configured at a position lower than the first planar portion 201.

[0070] Inclined portions 102 and 104 can be connected to planar portions 101 and 103 respectively. Inclined portions 102 and 104 can be inclined and may include a first inclined portion 202 and a second inclined portion 204. The first inclined portion 202 can be connected to the first planar portion 201 and can be inclined downwards. The second inclined portion 204 can be connected to the second planar portion 203 and can be inclined upwards.

[0071] As the unit segment u is repeated, the first planar portion 201, the first inclined portion 202, the second planar portion 203, and the second inclined portion 204 can constitute the unit segment u, and can be arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction and repeated in the vertical direction.

[0072] The unit segment u can be formed solely through a bending process, thereby reducing costs compared to processes using stamping or molding.

[0073] For example, the lengths of the first planar portion 201 and the second planar portion 203 in the longitudinal direction can be the same. However, the first planar portion 201 and the second planar portion 203 can be made parallel to each other without restriction.

[0074] The first inclined portion 202 and the second inclined portion 204 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the first planar portion 201 or the second planar portion 203. However, the first inclined portion 202 and the second inclined portion 204 may not be formed symmetrically when the inclination angle θ1 formed between the extension line of the first planar portion 201 and the first inclined portion 202 and the inclination angle θ2 formed between the extension line of the second planar portion 203 and the second inclined portion 204 are different from each other.

[0075] For example, the angle of inclination θ formed between the extension of the first planar portion 201 and the inclined portion 101 or 103, or the angle of inclination θ formed between the extension of the second planar portion 203 and the inclined portion 101 or 103, can be 40° to 80°.

[0076] When greater energy absorption is required, the tilt angle θ can be set closer to 80°, and when minimal weight is required, the tilt angle θ can be set closer to 40°. When the tilt angle θ exceeds 80°, the weight may become excessive, and when the tilt angle θ is less than 40°, energy absorption may not be achieved at the desired level. In this invention, weight reduction and energy absorption can be achieved at an appropriate level when approximately 60° is typically used. However, as described above, the angle can be set to be adjusted according to the desired level of energy absorption and weight reduction.

[0077] For example, a second through hole 205 may be formed in the first planar portion 201, and a third through hole 206 may be formed in the second planar portion 203.

[0078] In the plurality of first through holes 104, some of the first through holes 104 may be located at the same position along the longitudinal and width directions as the second through holes 205 formed in the first planar portion 201, and other first through holes 104 may be located at the same position along the longitudinal and width directions as the third through holes 206 formed in the second planar portion 203.

[0079] The second through hole 205 or the third through hole 206 can be conveniently positioned by allowing the positioning pins of the assembly fixture for the reinforcing frame 200 and the connecting frame 100 to pass through the second through hole 205 or the third through hole 206 and be aligned with the first through hole 104. Furthermore, when multiple reinforcing frames 200 are provided, the positional determination between each reinforcing frame 200 can also be facilitated. Additionally, the second through hole 205 or the third through hole 206 can be used to remove cavitation or to allow smooth flow of the electrodeposition coating solution during electrodeposition coating of the vehicle body.

[0080] When the reinforcing frame 200 and the connecting frame 100 are joined together by welding or the like, the joining can be performed at locations where through holes are not formed by spot welding, laser welding, or the like. Here, the locations of the joint portions caused by welding or the like that are not structurally formed can be easily identified using the second through hole 205 and the third through hole 206.

[0081] In the following detailed description, multiple reinforcing frames 200 or multiple connecting frames 100 may be provided. In the following description, the structures of the reinforcing frames 200 and connecting frames 100 are defined as reinforcing structures.

[0082] Figure 5 The illustration shows a perspective view of a reinforcing structure in a side beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a reinforcing frame and a connecting frame, excluding the side beam frame. Figure 6 The diagram shows Figure 5 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the reinforced structure, including the reinforcing frame and the connecting frame.

[0083] For example, multiple reinforcing frames 200 can be provided, and the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can contact each other. The first reinforcing frame 210 is one of the multiple reinforcing frames 200, and the second reinforcing frame 220 is a different reinforcing frame from the first reinforcing frame 210. Furthermore, the length of the unit segment u of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the length of the unit segment u of the second reinforcing frame 220 can be the same.

[0084] In addition, multiple connecting frames 100 can be provided. The first connecting frame 110 can contact the first planar portion 211. The first connecting frame 110 can be one of the multiple connecting frames 100. The second connecting frame 120 can contact the second planar portion 223. The second connecting frame 120 is a connecting frame different from the first connecting frame 110 among the multiple reinforcing frames 200.

[0085] The side beam according to the first embodiment may include a side beam frame 300, and two reinforcing frames 200 and two connecting frames 100 included in the reinforcing structure 10.

[0086] The second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 211 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can contact each other. The first reinforcing frame 210 is one of the two reinforcing frames 200, and the second reinforcing frame 220 is another reinforcing frame 200 different from the first reinforcing frame 210. Furthermore, the length of the unit segment u of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the length of the unit segment u of the second reinforcing frame 220 can be the same.

[0087] The two reinforcing frames 200 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220, and the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 are the contact surfaces between the two reinforcing frames 200.

[0088] Additionally, the side beam may include a first connecting frame 110 and a second connecting frame 120. The first connecting frame 110 is one of the two connecting frames 100, and the second connecting frame 120 is the other connecting frame 100. The first connecting frame 110 may contact and be fixed to the first reinforcing frame 210, and the second connecting frame 120 may contact and be fixed to the second reinforcing frame 220. Furthermore, similar to the reinforcing frame 200, the first connecting frame 110 and the second connecting frame 120 may be formed relative to the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220, where the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 are contact surfaces between the two reinforcing frames 200.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 A detailed description of the side beam according to the first embodiment is provided. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates along Figure 5 The cross section intercepted by line A-A' in the diagram, and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates along Figure 5 The cross-sections taken by line B-B' in the diagram illustrate the state including the side beam frame and the outer frame.

[0090] The first through hole 104 of the first connecting frame 110 can be referred to as the first-1 through hole 114, and the first through hole 104 of the second connecting frame 120 can be referred to as the first-2 through hole 124. Additionally, the second through hole 205 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can be referred to as the second-1 through hole 215, and the second through hole 205 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can be referred to as the second-2 through hole 225. Furthermore, the third through hole 206 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can be referred to as the third-1 through hole 216, and the third through hole 206 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can be referred to as the third-2 through hole 226.

[0091] Figure 7 The diagram shows the aligned cross-sections of the first-1 through hole 114 of the first connecting frame 110, the second-1 through hole 215 of the first reinforcing frame 210, the first-2 through hole 124 of the second connecting frame 120, and the third-2 through hole 226 of the second reinforcing frame 220.

[0092] The outer surface 112a of the first flange 112 of the first connecting frame 110 can be engaged with the inner surface 311 of the hollow portion S of the first side beam frame 310. Additionally, the outer surface 113a of the second flange 113 of the first connecting frame 110 can be engaged with the inner surface 321 of the hollow portion S of the second side beam frame 320. Furthermore, the outer surface 123a of the second flange 123 of the second connecting frame 120 can be engaged with the inner surface 311 of the hollow portion S of the first side beam frame 310, and the outer surface 122a of the first flange 122 of the second connecting frame 120 can be engaged with the inner portion of the hollow portion S of the second side beam frame 320.

[0093] The joint between the side beam frame 300 and the connecting frame 100 can be performed using structural adhesives. However, the joint can also be performed by welding, and there are no restrictions on other joint methods.

[0094] The upper surface 211a of the first planar portion 211 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the lower surface 111b of the connecting portion 111 of the first connecting frame 110, and the lower surface 223b of the second planar portion 223 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can contact the upper surface 121a of the connecting portion 121 of the second connecting frame 120. Furthermore, the upper surface 111a of the connecting portion 111 of the side beam frame 300 and the first connecting frame 110, and the lower surface 121b of the connecting portion 121 of the side beam frame 300 and the second connecting frame 120 can be non-contacting and can be spaced apart, thereby allowing the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 to achieve maximum deformation load when an impact occurs in the X-axis direction during a side collision.

[0095] The joint between the connecting frame 100 and the reinforcing frame 200 can be performed by welding such as spot welding, laser welding or arc welding, and the joint can also be performed using structural adhesives.

[0096] As described above, the first connecting frame 110 and the first side beam frame 310, or the second connecting frame 120 and the second side beam frame 320, can be spaced apart from each other. However, the thickness of the connecting frame 100 can be small and its shape can be simple, and accordingly, the gap G can be minimized, thereby facilitating structural assembly and joining by welding or the like, while effectively transferring energy due to lateral collisions.

[0097] Figure 8 The diagram shows the cross-section of the first-1 through hole 114, the third-1 through hole 216, the second-2 through hole 225, and the first-2 through hole 124 aligned.

[0098] Referring to the cross-section taken along line B-B', the outer surface 112b of the first flange 112 of the first connecting frame 110 can be joined to the inner surface 311 of the hollow portion S of the first side beam frame 310, the outer surface 113b of the second flange 113 of the first support frame 110 can be joined to the inner surface 321 of the hollow portion S of the second side beam frame 320, the outer surface 123b of the second flange 123 of the second connecting frame 120 can be joined to the inner surface 311a of the hollow portion S of the first side beam frame 310, and the outer surface 122b of the first flange 122 of the second connecting frame 120 can be joined to the inner surface 321 of the hollow portion S of the second side beam frame 320.

[0099] However, a contact surface can be formed between the first reinforcing frame 210 and the second reinforcing frame 220, and the first reinforcing frame 210 and the second reinforcing frame 220 can be formed symmetrical in the height direction with respect to the contact surface. The lower surface 213b of the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the upper surface 221a of the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220, and the joint between the contact surfaces can be performed by various joining methods such as spot welding.

[0100] In addition, the dimensions of the empty space between the upper surface 213a of the second planar portion 213 of the first connecting frame 110 and the first reinforcing frame 210, and the dimensions of the empty space between the lower surface 221b of the first planar portion 221 of the second connecting frame 120 and the second reinforcing frame 220 can vary according to the tilt angle θ.

[0101] In addition, similar to the cross section taken along line A-A', gaps G can be formed in the cross section taken along line B-B' between the side beam frame 300 and the first reinforcing frame 210 and between the side beam frame 300 and the second reinforcing frame 220.

[0102] In the following description, in the second to fourth embodiments, the shapes and structures of the various configurations of the reinforcing frame 200 and the connecting frame 100 may be the same as those described in the first embodiment, and there may be differences in arrangement, size, etc.

[0103] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a side beam according to the second embodiment, and also shows an exploded view of the connecting frame and reinforcing frame after removing the side beam frame.

[0104] The side beam reinforcement structure 20 according to the second embodiment may include three connecting frames 100 and two reinforcing frames 200.

[0105] For example, multiple reinforcing frames 200 can be provided. The second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the first surface of the connecting portion 111. The first reinforcing frame 210 is one of the multiple reinforcing frames 200. The first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can contact the second surface of the connecting portion 121. The second reinforcing frame 220 is a reinforcing frame different from the first reinforcing frame 210 among the multiple reinforcing frames 200. The second surface of the connecting portion 121 is parallel to the first surface of the connecting portion 121.

[0106] According to the second embodiment, a third connecting frame 130 may also be provided, which is a connecting frame 100 disposed / placed between the first reinforcing frame 210 and the second reinforcing frame 220. Therefore, in the side beam according to the second embodiment, the first connecting frame 110, the first reinforcing frame 210, the third connecting frame 130, the second reinforcing frame 220, and the second connecting frame 120 may be provided in sequence.

[0107] Unlike the first embodiment where the lower surface of the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 and the upper surface of the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 are in contact with each other, in this embodiment the lower surface of the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the upper surface of the connecting portion 131 of the third connecting frame 130, and the upper surface of the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 and the lower surface of the connecting portion 131 of the third connecting frame 130 can contact each other.

[0108] Therefore, the stiffness against side impacts can be increased, and the connection between the side beam frame 300 and the reinforcing structure can be strengthened.

[0109] Figure 10 An exploded view of the side beam reinforcement structure according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0110] The reinforcing structure 30 according to the third embodiment may include two connecting frames 100 and a reinforcing frame 200. A first reinforcing frame 210, serving as a reinforcing frame 200, may be disposed between the first connecting frame 110 and the second connecting frame 120.

[0111] The upper surface of the first planar portion 211 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the lower surface of the connecting portion 111 of the first connecting frame 110, and the lower surface of the second planar portion 223 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact and engage with the upper surface of the connecting portion 121 of the second connecting frame 120.

[0112] In this case, compared with the first or second embodiment, the connection between the side beam frame 300 and the reinforcing structure can be enhanced, while facilitating weight reduction.

[0113] Figure 11 An exploded view of the reinforcing structure according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0114] The side beam reinforcement structure 40 according to the fourth embodiment may include two reinforcement frames 200 and a connecting frame 100.

[0115] In this case, a first reinforcing frame 210, a third connecting frame 130, and a second reinforcing frame 220 can be provided, and the first connecting frame 110 can be joined at the central portion of the hollow portion S of the side beam frame 300 and thus can be joined to the side beam frame 300.

[0116] The lower surface of the second planar portion 213 of the first reinforcing frame 210 can contact the upper surface of the connecting portion 131 of the third connecting frame 130, and the upper surface of the first planar portion 221 of the second reinforcing frame 220 can contact the lower surface of the connecting portion 131 of the third connecting frame 130. In this configuration, the energy absorption capacity due to side impacts can be improved and the weight can be reduced.

[0117] In all embodiments of the invention, the joining between structures can be performed by welding or by applying a structural adhesive. However, various joining methods such as riveting, self-piercing riveting, and flow drill thread joining can also be used.

[0118] Furthermore, the number of reinforcing frames 200 and the number of connecting frames 100, as well as their internal arrangement structure, are not limited to the example embodiments described above, and can be arranged in various ways.

[0119] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the reinforcing structure included in the relevant side beams.

[0120] The reinforcing structure 50 of the associated side beam can extend in the longitudinal direction and may not include a connecting frame, but may have a reinforcing frame having a unit structure different from the unit structure of the present invention and extending in the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame. Furthermore, the plurality of reinforcing frames 510 and 520 may not be arranged in the vertical direction, but may be connected to each other in the width direction from the inner side to the outer side. Additionally, the side beam frame is directly joined to the reinforcing frames 510 and 520.

[0121] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the deformation caused by lateral impact in the relevant side beam structure, and... Figure 14The figure illustrates the deformation caused by lateral impact in a side beam structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein... Figure 13 (a) and Figure 14 Figure (a) in the diagram illustrates the state before the collision occurs, and Figure 13 (b) and Figure 14 Figure (b) shows the deformation state after the collision.

[0122] exist Figure 13 (a) Figure 13 (b) Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 In (b) of the diagram, the second side beam frame or a corresponding configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is excluded, and the internal structure of the first side beam frame is schematically illustrated as part of the battery frame. The interior of the battery frame indicates the battery space for mounting batteries for an electric vehicle.

[0123] Reference Figure 13 As can be seen in (b), the impact was not adequately absorbed by the reinforcing structure of the side beam, resulting in deformation in the lower battery space. Therefore, the battery may be susceptible to impact and potentially pose a safety risk.

[0124] In comparison, refer to Figure 14 As can be seen in (b), the reinforcing structure is fully crumpled and absorbs impacts effectively, thus preventing deformation within the battery space.

[0125] Specifically, in the side beam reinforcement structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the mass is formed to be 15.1 kg, the energy absorption (total internal energy) due to the side impact can be 27.2 kJ, and the energy absorption per unit mass (total internal energy / mass) can be 1.80 kJ / kg. When such a side impact is applied, in the section where the inward deformation is most severe at a predetermined reference time, for example 45 milliseconds (ms) after the impact, the displacement of the first side beam frame 310 can be 52.5 mm, and the displacement of the second side beam frame 320 can be 107.3 mm.

[0126] In contrast, Figure 12 In the reinforced structure illustrated, when the mass is 13.9 kg, the energy absorbed due to a side impact can be 22.8 kJ, and the energy absorbed per unit mass (total internal energy / mass) can be 1.64 kJ / kg. Upon such a side impact, in the section where the inward deformation is most severe at a predetermined reference time, for example, 45 ms after the impact, the displacement of the first side beam frame can be 51.3 mm, and the displacement of the second side beam frame can be 104.0 mm.

[0127] Based on the above results, in the reinforcing structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the energy absorption per unit mass can be increased compared to the associated reinforcing structure. Although there may be significant differences in the displacement of the second side beam frame 320, the internal reinforcing structure can effectively compress and absorb energy. Therefore, the displacement of the second side beam frame 320 can be reduced compared to the displacement of the associated structure, thereby safely protecting the internal vehicle body configuration, particularly the battery of an electric vehicle.

[0128] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0129] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0130] 10: Reinforcing structure according to the first embodiment; 20: Reinforcing structure according to the second embodiment.

[0131] 30: Reinforcing structure according to the third embodiment; 40: Reinforcing structure according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0132] 50: Reinforcing structure according to the relevant example implementation; 100: Connecting frame

[0133] 101: Connecting part; 102: First flange

[0134] 103: Second flange; 104: First through hole

[0135] 110: First connecting frame; 120: Second connecting frame

[0136] 130: Third connecting frame; 200: Reinforcing frame

[0137] 201: First planar portion; 202: First inclined portion

[0138] 203: Second planar portion; 204: Second inclined portion

[0139] 205: Second through hole; 206: Third through hole

[0140] 210: First reinforcement frame; 220: Second reinforcement frame

[0141] 300: Side beam frame; 310: First side beam frame

[0142] 320: Second side beam frame; 330: Side beam frame joint.

[0143] 400: Outer frame; 510, 520: Related reinforcing frames

[0144] S: Hollow section; U: Unit segment

[0145] θ: tilt angle

Claims

1. A side beam for a vehicle, the side beam comprising: A side beam frame, wherein the side beam frame includes a hollow portion; A connecting frame is disposed in the hollow portion along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame and includes a flange that engages with the side beam frame; as well as A reinforcing frame is disposed in the hollow portion along the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame, joined to the connecting frame, and has unit segments having variable heights.

2. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting frame includes a connecting portion that extends across the hollow portion and at least partially contacts the reinforcing frame.

3. The side beam according to claim 2, wherein, The side beam frame includes: A first side beam frame, the first side beam frame being disposed on the inner side of the vehicle; and A second side beam frame, which is joined to the first side beam frame and disposed on the outer side of the vehicle, Furthermore, the flange of the connecting frame includes a first flange that engages with the first side beam frame and a second flange that engages with the second side beam frame.

4. The side beam according to claim 3, wherein, The first flange and the second flange extend from the connecting portion, and the first flange and the second flange extend in different directions relative to the height direction.

5. The side beam according to claim 4, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are formed by a bending process.

6. The side beam according to claim 2, wherein, The unit segment includes: The planar portion includes a first planar portion disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side beam frame and a second planar portion disposed at a position lower than the first planar portion; and The inclined portions are connected to the planar portions and are inclined.

7. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, The angle formed between the extension of the first planar portion and the inclined portion, and the angle formed between the extension of the second planar portion and the inclined portion, are both between 40° and 80°.

8. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple reinforcement frames are provided. The second planar portion of the first reinforcing frame, which is one of the plurality of reinforcing frames, contacts the first planar portion of the second reinforcing frame, which is a different reinforcing frame from the first reinforcing frame. Furthermore, the lengths of the unit segments of the first reinforcing frame and the second reinforcing frame are the same.

9. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple reinforcement frames are provided. The second planar portion of the first reinforcing frame, which is one of the plurality of reinforcing frames, contacts the first surface of the connecting portion, and The first planar portion of the second reinforcing frame, which is a different reinforcing frame from the first reinforcing frame among the plurality of reinforcing frames, contacts the second surface of the connecting portion, wherein the second surface of the connecting portion is parallel to the first surface of the connecting portion.

10. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple connection frames are provided. The first connecting frame, which is one of the plurality of connecting frames, contacts the first planar portion, and The second connecting frame, which is different from the first connecting frame among the plurality of reinforcing frames, contacts the second planar portion.

11. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the side beam frame, the reinforcing frame, and the connecting frame is made of steel.

12. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing frame or the connecting frame is formed from a single steel plate.

13. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, A plurality of first through holes are formed in the connecting portion. Some of the first through holes and the second through holes formed in the first planar portion are located at the same positions in the longitudinal and width directions, and The other first through holes in the plurality of first through holes are located at the same position along the longitudinal direction and the width direction as the third through hole formed in the second planar portion.

Images