side sill

Abstract

A side beam (100) includes a side beam inner member (10), a side beam outer member (20), and a reinforcing member (30). The reinforcing member (30) is disposed in a space (S) formed by the side beam inner member (10) and the side beam outer member (20). A top plate (31) of the reinforcing member (30) is disposed at a position closer to a top plate (11) of the side beam inner member (10) than a joint portion (41, 42) of the side beam inner member (10) and the side beam outer member (20). Flanges (331, 332) of the reinforcing member (30) are joined to portions of the side beam inner member (10) and the side beam outer member (20) other than the flanges (131, 132, 231, 232). In the reinforcing member (30), when a width of the top plate (31) is set as L and a height of a longitudinal wall (321, 322) is set as H, L < H.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to side beams for vehicle bodies. Background Technology

[0002] A side beam is a structural component used in the body of automobiles and other vehicles. It is positioned on the side of the vehicle body and extends in the longitudinal direction. For example, in the event of a side collision, the side beam deforms to absorb the impact load.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a side skirt (side beam) for an electric vehicle. The side skirt of Patent Document 1 includes an inner side skirt member (inner side beam member), an outer side skirt member (outer side beam member), and a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member has a closed cross-section. The reinforcing member is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer side skirt members, occupying a large proportion of that space.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-526816 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] As described in Patent Document 1, the side beam is required to have resistance to side impacts (crash resistance performance). Therefore, reinforcing members are provided within the space formed by the inner and outer members of the side beam. By providing multiple reinforcing members, the crash resistance performance of the side beam can be improved. However, in this case, the number of components of the side beam increases, and the weight of the side beam increases.

[0009] The problem solved by this disclosure is to maintain good crashworthiness for side beams used in vehicle bodies and to make the side beams lightweight.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The side beam for a vehicle body disclosed herein includes an inner side beam member, an outer side beam member, and a reinforcing member. The inner side beam member includes a first top plate, a pair of first longitudinal walls, and a pair of first flanges. The first longitudinal walls are connected by the first top plate. The first flanges are disposed on the opposite side of the first top plate with respect to the first longitudinal walls. The outer side beam member includes a second top plate, a pair of second longitudinal walls, and a pair of second flanges. The second top plate is opposite to the first top plate. The second longitudinal walls are connected by the second top plate. The second flanges are disposed on the opposite side of the second top plate with respect to the second longitudinal walls. The second flanges are respectively engaged with the first flanges. When the side beam is assembled to the vehicle body, the outer side beam member is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, compared to the inner side beam member. The reinforcing member is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer side beam members. The cross-section of the reinforcing member perpendicular to the length direction of the side beam is an open cross-section. The reinforcing member includes a third top plate, a pair of third longitudinal walls, and a pair of third flanges. The third top plate is positioned closer to the first top plate than the joint between the first and second flanges. The third longitudinal wall is connected by the third top plate. The third longitudinal wall extends from the third top plate toward the second top plate. The third flange is positioned opposite the third top plate to the third longitudinal wall. The third flange joins portions of the inner and outer members of the side beams, excluding the first and second flanges. In the reinforcing members, when the width of the third top plate is L and the height of the third longitudinal wall is H, L < H.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to maintain good crashworthiness for the side beams used in the vehicle body and to make the side beams lightweight. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the side beam according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The sectional view of the side beam shown.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam of a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in another variation of the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam of a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in the fourth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in the fifth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam of a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in another variation of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in another variation of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in another variation of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam in another variation of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 These are the reaction force-displacement curves for Example 1 and the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The side beam for the vehicle body of the embodiment includes an inner side beam member, an outer side beam member, and a reinforcing member. The inner side beam member includes a first top plate, a pair of first longitudinal walls, and a pair of first flanges. The first longitudinal walls are connected by the first top plate. The first flanges are disposed on the opposite side of the first top plate with respect to the first longitudinal walls. The outer side beam member includes a second top plate, a pair of second longitudinal walls, and a pair of second flanges. The second top plate is opposite to the first top plate. The second longitudinal walls are connected by the second top plate. The second flanges are disposed on the opposite side of the second top plate with respect to the second longitudinal walls. The second flanges are respectively engaged with the first flanges. When the side beam is assembled to the vehicle body, the outer side beam member is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, compared to the inner side beam member. The reinforcing member is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer side beam members. The cross-section of the reinforcing member perpendicular to the length direction of the side beam is an open cross-section. The reinforcing member includes a third top plate, a pair of third longitudinal walls, and a pair of third flanges. The third top plate is positioned closer to the first top plate than the joint between the first and second flanges. The third longitudinal wall is connected by the third top plate. The third longitudinal wall extends from the third top plate toward the second top plate. The third flange is positioned on the opposite side of the third top plate with respect to the third longitudinal wall. The third flange joins the portions of the inner and outer members of the side beams, excluding the first and second flanges. In the reinforcing members, when the width of the third top plate is L and the height of the third longitudinal wall is H, L < H (first structure).

[0030] In the first structure, the reinforcing member is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer members of the side beam and has a shape that protrudes towards the inner member. Specifically, the reinforcing member includes: a top plate (third top plate) disposed at a position closer to the inner member than the joint between the inner and outer members; a pair of longitudinal walls (third longitudinal walls) extending from the top plate towards the outer member; and a flange (third flange) engaging the inner and / or outer members. Because the reinforcing member has a shape that protrudes towards the inner member, the flange on the input side of the impact load in the reinforcing member is easily deformed during a side impact of the vehicle body, i.e., when a collision load is input from the outer member side and the side beam deforms. More specifically, in the reinforcing member, a deformation occurs such that the pair of flanges separate in the width direction of the top plate. Furthermore, in the reinforcing member, the width L of the top plate is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls. Therefore, in the reinforcing member, deformation such that the longitudinal walls approach each other in the width direction of the top plate is easily generated before deformation in the height direction of the longitudinal walls is completed. Furthermore, by positioning the top plate of the reinforcing member closer to the top plate side of the inner member of the side beam than the joint between the inner and outer members of the side beam, the longitudinal walls of the reinforcing member become relatively longer, thus making it easier for the longitudinal walls of the reinforcing member to deform when a collision load is input from the outer member side of the side beam. As a result, contact (self-contact) between the longitudinal walls of the reinforcing member is easily generated. For example, after the reaction force of the side beam reaches its peak relative to the collision load, self-contact occurs in the reinforcing member, thereby suppressing the reduction of the reaction force. Therefore, the collision resistance of the side beam can be improved.

[0031] As described above, in the side beam of the first structure, the reinforcing member is prone to self-contact during a side collision with the vehicle body. This improves the side beam's crashworthiness, thus reducing the need for additional reinforcing members within the space formed by the inner and outer side beam members. Therefore, the number of side beam components can be reduced, enabling weight reduction of the side beam.

[0032] Thus, according to the first structure, it is possible to maintain good crashworthiness for the side beams used in the vehicle body and to make the side beams lightweight.

[0033] In the side beams of the first structure, at least one of the third flanges may include a base and an end. The base protrudes outward from the third longitudinal wall toward the outside of the reinforcing member. The end bends from the base toward the side of the first top plate (second structure).

[0034] In the second structure, at least one flange (the third flange) of the reinforcing member includes, in addition to a base protruding outward from the longitudinal wall (the third longitudinal wall) towards the outside of the reinforcing member, an end portion bending from the base towards the top plate (the first top plate) of the inner member of the side beam. Both the base and the end portion of the flange of the reinforcing member can serve as joints for engagement with either the inner or outer member of the side beam. That is, the flange of the reinforcing member can be engaged with either the inner or outer member of the side beam either by its base or its end portion. In this case, the degree of freedom in assembling the inner member, the outer member, and the reinforcing member is increased.

[0035] Furthermore, by reinforcing the flange bending of the reinforcing member, it is difficult for the reinforcing member to tilt within the inner and outer members of the side beam during a side collision. Therefore, it is easy to generate stable self-contact of the reinforcing member, and the side beam can easily exert good crash resistance performance.

[0036] In the side beams of the first or second structure, the reinforcing members may also be formed by multiple metal plates (the third structure).

[0037] In the case of reinforcing members formed from a single metal sheet, there are situations where forming can be difficult, depending on the shape of the reinforcing member. In contrast, in the third structure, the reinforcing member is formed from multiple metal sheets. In this case, forming can be performed on each metal sheet, so even reinforcing members that are difficult to form from a single metal sheet can be manufactured more easily.

[0038] In the side beams of the first or second structure, the reinforcing member may also be formed from a single metal plate (the fourth structure).

[0039] In the fourth structure, the reinforcing member is formed from a single metal sheet. That is, the reinforcing member is formed from a single metal sheet. In this case, compared to the case where the reinforcing member is formed from multiple metal sheets, the number of manufacturing steps required for the reinforcing member can be reduced.

[0040] In any of the side beams of structures 1 to 4, at least one of the third longitudinal walls may have a shape that is recessed toward the inside of the reinforcing member at least locally when viewed in a section perpendicular to the length direction (structure 5).

[0041] In the fifth structure, when viewed in a section perpendicular to the length of the side beam, the longitudinal wall of the reinforcing member (the third longitudinal wall) has a partially or entirely inwardly concave shape. In this case, when a collision load is applied to the side beam from the side of the outer member, the reinforcing member is prone to deformation such that the longitudinal wall folds from the bottom of the concave portion. Therefore, self-contact of the reinforcing member is more likely to occur, and the impact resistance of the side beam is more easily improved.

[0042] Alternatively, the side beams of any of the structures 1 through 5 may also include auxiliary reinforcing members. These auxiliary reinforcing members are, for example, disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer members of the side beam. In this case, the auxiliary reinforcing member is engaged with at least one of the inner, outer, and reinforcing members (structure 6).

[0043] In the side beams of the 6th structure, an auxiliary reinforcing member may also be placed between the 2nd top plate and the reinforcing member (the 7th structure).

[0044] In structures 6 and 7, in addition to the aforementioned reinforcing members, auxiliary reinforcing members are also disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer members of the side beam. These auxiliary reinforcing members, for example, can suppress deformation in the side beam other than the portion where the reinforcing members generate self-contact. In this case, self-contact of the reinforcing members is easily and stably generated, and the side beam more easily exhibits good impact resistance.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same or equivalent structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and the same descriptions are not repeated.

[0046] <First Embodiment>

[0047] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the side beam 100 according to the first embodiment. The side beam 100 is used in the body of an automobile or the like. The side beam 100 has an elongated shape. The side beam 100 is assembled to the body and disposed on the lower side of the body. When assembled to the body, the side beam 100 extends in the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the body.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The side beam 100 includes an inner side beam component 10, an outer side beam component 20, and a reinforcing component 30.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 form the main body of the side beam 100. Both the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 are elongated strip-shaped components. The inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 extend in the length direction of the vehicle when the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body. The inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 are typically formed from sheet metal. They can also be formed from sheet steel. The inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 can be manufactured, for example, by press forming.

[0050] When the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body, the inner member 10 of the side beam is positioned inside the side beam 20 in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the vehicle body. The inner member 10 of the side beam includes a top plate 11, a pair of longitudinal walls 121 and 122, and a pair of flanges 131 and 132.

[0051] The roof panel 11 connects to the longitudinal walls 121 and 122. More specifically, the longitudinal wall 121 is connected to the roof panel 11 via a ridge portion 141. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the longitudinal wall 121, the longitudinal wall 122 is connected to the roof panel 11 via a ridge portion 142. Ridge portions 141 and 142 are the corner portions between the longitudinal walls 121 and 122 and the roof panel 11, respectively. The longitudinal walls 121 and 122 are arranged opposite to each other. When the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body, the longitudinal walls 121 and 122 are opposite each other in the vertical direction (vehicle height direction) of the vehicle body, and are connected to each other by the roof panel 11 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] Flanges 131 and 132 are disposed on the opposite side of the top plate 11 relative to the longitudinal walls 121 and 122. One flange 131 is connected to one longitudinal wall 121 via a ridge portion 151. The ridge portion 151 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 121 and the flange 131. The other flange 132 is connected to another longitudinal wall 122 via a ridge portion 152. The ridge portion 152 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 122 and the flange 132. Flanges 131 and 132 protrude from the longitudinal walls 121 and 122 toward the outer side of the side beam inner member 10.

[0053] The outer side beam member 20 is positioned on the outer side of the inner side beam member 100 in the vehicle width direction when the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body. The outer side beam member 20 includes a roof plate 21, a pair of longitudinal walls 221 and 222, and a pair of flanges 231 and 232.

[0054] The roof plate 21 faces the roof plate 11 of the side beam inner member 10. When the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body, the roof plate 21 is located on the outer side of the roof plate 11 in the vehicle width direction. The roof plate 21 connects to the longitudinal walls 221 and 222. More specifically, the longitudinal wall 221 is connected to the roof plate 21 via a ridge portion 241. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the longitudinal wall 221, the longitudinal wall 222 is connected to the roof plate 21 via a ridge portion 242. Ridge portions 241 and 242 are the corner portions between the longitudinal walls 221 and 222 and the roof plate 21, respectively. The longitudinal walls 221 and 222 are arranged facing each other. When the side beam 100 is assembled to the vehicle body, the longitudinal walls 221 and 222 face each other in the vehicle height direction and are connected to the outer side of the roof plate 21 in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] Flanges 231 and 232 are disposed on the opposite side of the top plate 21 relative to the longitudinal walls 221 and 222. One flange 231 is connected to one longitudinal wall 221 via a ridge portion 251. The ridge portion 251 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 221 and the flange 231. The other flange 232 is connected to another longitudinal wall 222 via a ridge portion 252. The ridge portion 252 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 222 and the flange 232. Flanges 231 and 232 protrude from the longitudinal walls 221 and 222 toward the outer side of the side beam outer member 20.

[0056] The reinforcing member 30 is disposed between the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 of the side beam. The reinforcing member 30 includes a top plate 31, a pair of longitudinal walls 321 and 322, and a pair of flanges 331 and 332.

[0057] The top plate 31 connects to the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. The longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are arranged opposite to each other. The flanges 331 and 332 are arranged on the opposite side of the top plate 31 with respect to the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. The flanges 331 and 332 protrude from the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 toward the outside of the reinforcing member 30.

[0058] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The shown is a sectional view of the side beam 100 when it is cut perpendicularly to its length direction. Hereinafter, the section perpendicular to the length direction of the side beam 100, the inner member 10 of the side beam, the outer member 20 of the side beam, and the reinforcing member 30 will be referred to simply as the section.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 The flanges 231 and 232 of the outer side beam member 20 are respectively joined to the flanges 131 and 132 of the inner side beam member 10. The flanges 231 and 232 of the outer side beam member 20 are, for example, welded to the flanges 131 and 132 of the inner side beam member 10. The inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 form a hollow closed section through mutual joining. The reinforcing member 30 is disposed within the space S formed by the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20.

[0060] In this embodiment, a single reinforcing member 30 is provided within the space S. The reinforcing member 30 extends along the length of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 within the space S. In this length direction, the length of the reinforcing member 30 is, for example, 15% or more and 100% or less of the length of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20. More preferably, the length of the reinforcing member 30 is 50% or more of the length of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20.

[0061] Alternatively, multiple reinforcing members 30 may be provided within the space S. When multiple reinforcing members 30 are arranged in the length direction of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20 within the space S, the total length of the multiple reinforcing members 30 in this length direction is, for example, 15% or more and 100% or less of the length of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20. Preferably, the total length of the multiple reinforcing members 30 in the length direction is 50% or more of the length of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20.

[0062] The reinforcing member 30 is a member with an open cross-section. That is, the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30 that is perpendicular to the length direction of the side beam 100 is an open cross-section.

[0063] The reinforcing member 30 has a cap shape that protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam in cross-section. The top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is positioned closer to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 than the joint 41 of the flange 131 of the inner member 10 and the flange 231 of the outer member 20. Furthermore, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is positioned closer to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 than the joint 42 of the flange 132 of the inner member 10 and the flange 232 of the outer member 20. In other words, in cross-section of the side beam 100, when the space S is divided into two spaces S1 on the inner member 10 side and S2 on the outer member 20 side by an imaginary straight line (double-dotted line) connecting the joints 41 and 42, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is positioned within the space S1 on the inner member 10 side.

[0064] The joint 41, for example, in a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100, can be defined as the end of the space on the S side of the contact area between the flange 131 of the inner member 10 of the side beam and the flange 231 of the outer member 20 of the side beam. The joint 42, for example, in a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100, can be defined as the end of the space on the S side of the contact area between the flange 132 of the inner member 10 of the side beam and the flange 232 of the outer member 20 of the side beam.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In this example, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is positioned opposite the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam with a gap between them. That is, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is not joined to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam.

[0066] In the reinforcing member 30, one longitudinal wall 321 is connected to the top plate 31 via a ridge portion 341. Another longitudinal wall 322 is connected to the top plate 31 on the opposite side of the longitudinal wall 321 via a ridge portion 342. Ridge portions 341 and 342 are the corners between the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 and the top plate 31, respectively. The ridge portions 341 and 342 may also be arc-shaped, for example, in the cross-section of the side beam 100. In this case, the ridge portions 341 and 342 may also have a radius of curvature of 3 mm or more. For example, the ridge portions 341 and 342 may have a radius of curvature of 150 mm or less. In the cross-section of the side beam 100, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 extend from the top plate 31 toward the top plate 21 side of the outer member 20 of the side beam. The longitudinal walls 321 and 322 may extend either parallel or non-parallel in the cross-section of the side beam 100. The angle (open angle) formed by the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can be greater than 90° and less than 180°. When the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 extend parallel in the cross-section of the side beam 100, the open angle of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 is 180°. When the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are separated from each other as they move away from the top plate 31 in the cross-section of the side beam 100, the open angle of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 is less than 180°. The longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can also have a flat shape overall. However, reinforcing ribs can also be formed in the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, for example, recessed to the inside or protruding to the outside of the reinforcing member 30.

[0067] In the reinforcing member 30, one flange 331 is connected to a longitudinal wall 321 via a ridge portion 351. Another flange 332 is connected to another longitudinal wall 322 via a ridge portion 352. The ridge portion 351 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 321 and the flange 331. The ridge portion 352 is the corner between the longitudinal wall 322 and the flange 332. The ridge portions 351 and 352 may also be arc-shaped, for example, in the cross-sectional view of the side beam 100. In this case, the ridge portions 351 and 352 may also have a radius of curvature of 3 mm or more. For example, the ridge portions 351 and 352 may have a radius of curvature of 150 mm or less. In this embodiment, the flanges 331 and 332 protrude from the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 toward the outside of the reinforcing member 30. The reinforcing member 30 is a member with a single open cross-section, therefore the top ends of the flanges 331 and 332 become free ends.

[0068] The flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30 are engaged with portions of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232. Specifically, one flange 331 of the reinforcing member 30 is engaged with at least one of the longitudinal wall 121 of the inner side beam member 10, the top plate 21 of the outer side beam member 20, and the longitudinal wall 221 of the outer side beam member 20. The other flange 332 of the reinforcing member 30 is engaged with at least one of the longitudinal wall 122 of the inner side beam member 10, the top plate 21 of the outer side beam member 20, and the longitudinal wall 222 of the outer side beam member 20. In this embodiment, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30 are engaged with the outer side beam member 20. More specifically, the flanges 331 and 332 are directly engaged with the top plate 21 of the outer side beam member 20. The method of joining the reinforcing member 30 to the inner member 10 of the side beam and / or the outer member 20 of the side beam is, for example, welding.

[0069] In the reinforcing member 30, when the width of the top plate 31 is defined as L and the height of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 is defined as H, L < H. In the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30, for example, when the direction corresponding to the vehicle height direction is defined as the width direction of the reinforcing member 30, the width L of the top plate 31 is the straight-line distance in the width direction from the rounded end of the top plate 31 side of one ridge portion 341 to the rounded end of the top plate 31 side of the other ridge portion 342. In the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30, for example, when the direction corresponding to the vehicle width direction is defined as the height direction of the reinforcing member 30, the height H1 of the longitudinal wall 321 is the straight-line distance in the height direction from the rounded end of the longitudinal wall 321 side of the ridge portion 341 to the rounded end of the longitudinal wall 321 side of the ridge portion 351. The height H2 of the longitudinal wall 322 is the straight-line distance in the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30 from the rounded end of the longitudinal wall 322 side of the ridge portion 342 to the rounded end of the longitudinal wall 322 side of the ridge portion 352 in the height direction. The maximum value of H1 and H2 can be set as the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. In the example of this embodiment, the height H2 of the longitudinal wall 322 is equal to the height H1 of the longitudinal wall 321. Here, the rounded ends of the ridge portions 341, 342, 351, and 352 are set as the rounded ends at the outer surface of the reinforcing member 30.

[0070] The width L of the top plate 31 and the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 need to satisfy L / H < 1.00, but preferably L / H ≤ 0.75, and more preferably L / H ≤ 0.60.

[0071] In the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30, when the angle formed by the longitudinal wall 321 on the inner surface side of the reinforcing member 30 relative to the width direction (vehicle height direction) of the reinforcing member 30 is denoted as α, and the angle formed by the longitudinal wall 322 on the inner surface side of the reinforcing member 30 relative to the width direction of the reinforcing member 30 is denoted as β, the sum of the lengths of the longitudinal wall 321 and the longitudinal wall 322 can be substantially expressed by H1 / sinα + H2 / sinβ. Furthermore, in the cross-section of the reinforcing member 30, the distance between the flanges 331 and 332 in the width direction of the reinforcing member 30 can be substantially expressed by L + H1 / tanα + H2 / tanβ. Preferably, the reinforcing member 30 is configured such that the combined length of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 in its cross-section is greater than the sum of the width L of the top plate 31 and the width-direction distance of the flanges 331 and 332. That is, preferably, the reinforcing member 30 is configured in such a way that H1 / sinα+H2 / sinβ>L+(L+H1 / tanα+H2 / tanβ).

[0072] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30 is formed from a single metal plate. The reinforcing member 30 may also be formed from a single steel plate. The plate thickness of the reinforcing member 30 may be the same as or different from the plate thickness of the inner side beam member 10 and / or the outer side beam member 20. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the reinforcing member 30 may be the same as or different from the tensile strength of the inner side beam member 10 and / or the outer side beam member 20. The reinforcing member 30 can be manufactured, for example, by press forming.

[0073] [Effect]

[0074] In the side beam 100 of this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30 is disposed within the space S formed by the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20. The reinforcing member 30 has a shape that protrudes from the side beam outer member 20 side toward the side beam inner member 10 side when the side beam 100 is viewed in cross-section. Therefore, when the side beam 100 deforms due to a side impact of the vehicle body and a collision load is input from the side beam outer member 20 side, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30 are easily deformed, resulting in deformation such that the flanges 331 and 332 separate in the width direction (vehicle height direction) of the reinforcing member 30. In addition, because the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is disposed at a position closer to the top plate 11 side of the inner side beam member 10 than the joints 41 and 42 of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 of the reinforcing member 30 are relatively longer, and therefore the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are easily deformed. The height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 is greater than the width L of the top plate 31. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30 is prone to deformation in the width direction of the top plate 31, i.e., in the direction where the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are close together. This allows for self-contact between the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 within the reinforcing member 30. After the reaction force of the side beam 100 reaches its peak relative to the impact load, this self-contact of the reinforcing member 30 suppresses the reduction of the reaction force. As a result, the impact resistance of the side beam 100 is improved.

[0075] In the side beam 100 of this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30 is easily self-contacted during a side collision of the vehicle body, which can be expected to improve the collision resistance performance. Therefore, in the space S formed by the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20, there is less need to provide additional reinforcing members besides the reinforcing member 30. Therefore, the number of components in the side beam 100 can be reduced, and the side beam 100 can be made lighter. That is, the side beam 100 according to this embodiment can maintain good collision resistance performance and achieve lightweighting.

[0076] In the side beam 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the reinforcing member 30 is configured such that H1 / sinα + H2 / sinβ > L + (L + H1 / tanα + H2 / tanβ). In this case, the lengths (section line lengths) of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 of the reinforcing member 30 in cross-section can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, when the side beam 100 deforms due to a side impact load input from the side of the outer member 20 of the side beam, it is easier for the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 to come into contact with each other (self-contact) in the reinforcing member 30.

[0077] In the reinforcing member 30, the width L of the top plate 31 and the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 satisfy L / H < 1.00. Preferably, the width L of the top plate 31 and the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 satisfy L / H ≤ 0.75, and more preferably L / H ≤ 0.60. As a result, the impact resistance of the side beam 100 can be improved with greater weight efficiency.

[0078] <Second Implementation>

[0079] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100A of the second embodiment. The side beam 100A of this embodiment differs from the side beam 100 of the first embodiment in the shape of the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the side beam 100 of the first embodiment, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30 protrude from the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 toward the outside of the reinforcing member 30. In a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100 assembled to the vehicle body, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30 extend substantially in the vehicle height direction. On the other hand, as... Figure 3 As shown, in the side beam 100A of this embodiment, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A are folded back towards the inner member 10 of the side beam.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, a flange 331 of the reinforcing member 30A includes a base 331a and an end portion 331b. The base 331a is positioned closer to the longitudinal wall 321 than the end portion 331b, and protrudes outward from the longitudinal wall 321 side toward the outside of the reinforcing member 30A. In a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100 assembled to the vehicle body, the base 331a extends substantially in the vehicle height direction. The base 331a is connected to the longitudinal wall 321 via a ridge portion 351. The end portion 331b is continuously disposed from the base 331a. The end portion 331b bends from the base 331a toward the top plate 11 side of the inner member 10 of the side beam. Figure 3 In the example, the flange 331 is provided along the top plate 21, the ridge portion 241, and the longitudinal wall 221 of the side beam outer member 20.

[0082] At least one of the base 331a and the end 331b engages with a portion of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232. More specifically, at least one of the base 331a and the end 331b engages with at least one of the longitudinal wall 121 of the inner side beam member 10, the top plate 21 of the outer side beam member 20, and the longitudinal wall 221 of the outer side beam member 20. Figure 3As shown, the end 331b of the flange 331 can also be directly joined to the longitudinal wall 221 of the side beam outer member 20 by welding, for example. The base 331a of the flange 331 can also be directly joined to the top plate 21 of the side beam outer member 20 by welding, for example.

[0083] In this embodiment, the other flange 332 of the reinforcing member 30A also includes a base 332a and an end 332b. In the reinforcing member 30A, the structures of flanges 331 and 332 are substantially the same, therefore, a detailed description of the structure of flange 332 is omitted.

[0084] exist Figure 3 In the example, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A are both joined to the outer member 20 of the side beam. However, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, at least one of the flanges 331 and 332 may also be joined to the inner member 10 of the side beam.

[0085] exist Figure 4 In the example, in the cross-section of side beam 100A, the flanges 331 and 332 of reinforcing member 30A are asymmetrical. In one flange 331, end 331b engages with the longitudinal wall 121 of the inner member 10 of the side beam. In the cross-section of side beam 100A, end 331b is curved relative to base 331a and extends along the longitudinal wall 221 of outer member 20 and inner member 10 of side beam. In contrast, in the other flange 332, end 332b engages with the longitudinal wall 222 of outer member 20 of side beam. The bases 331a and 332a of flanges 331 and 332 are spaced apart from the top plate 21 of outer member 20 of side beam.

[0086] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the reinforcing member 30A is positioned across the space S1 on the side of the inner member 10 and the space S2 on the side of the outer member 20 in the cross-section of the side beam 100A. On the other hand, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the reinforcing member 30A is arranged such that it is confined within the space S1 on the side of the inner member 10 of the side beam when viewed in section of the side beam 100A. Figure 5 In the example shown, the ends 331b and 332b of the flanges 331 and 332 are respectively joined to the longitudinal walls 121 and 122 of the inner member 10 of the side beam.

[0087] exist Figures 3-5 In the examples shown, the reinforcing member 30A is configured such that it protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam when viewed in section of the side beam 100A, and the width L of the top plate 31 is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. Therefore, the side beam 100A of this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the side beam 100 of the first embodiment.

[0088] In the side beam 100A of this embodiment, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A each have a shape that folds back towards the inner member 10 of the side beam. In this case, the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A can be used to increase the potential joint portions for engagement with the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 of the side beam. That is, the flange 331 of the reinforcing member 30A can be engaged with the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam using either its base 331a or its end 331b. Similarly, the flange 332 of the reinforcing member 30A can be engaged with the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam using either its base 332a or its end 332b. Therefore, the degree of freedom in assembling the inner member 10, the outer member 20, and the reinforcing member 30A is increased.

[0089] By bending the ends 331b and 332b of the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A toward the inner member 10 of the side beam, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are supported, making it difficult for the reinforcing member 30A to tilt within the space S during a side collision of the vehicle body. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30A can easily and stably generate self-contact, and the side beam 100A can easily exert good collision resistance performance.

[0090] exist Figures 3-5 In the example shown, both flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30A have a shape that folds back towards the inner member 10 of the side beam. However, only one of flanges 331 and 332 may have a shape that folds back towards the inner member 10 of the side beam. That is, only flange 331 may include a base 331a and an end 331b that bends towards the inner member 10 of the side beam relative to the base 331a, or only flange 332 may include a base 332a and an end 331b that bends towards the inner member 10 of the side beam relative to the base 332a.

[0091] <Third Implementation>

[0092] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100B according to the third embodiment. The side beam 100B of this embodiment differs from the side beams 100 and 100A of other embodiments in that the reinforcing member 30B is formed by multiple metal plates 361 and 362.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, the reinforcing member 30B is formed by multiple metal plates 361 and 362. Figure 6In the example shown, metal plate 361 forms a portion of the top plate 31, a longitudinal wall 321, and a flange 331 in the reinforcing member 30B. Metal plate 362 forms a portion of the top plate 31, another longitudinal wall 322, and another flange 332 in the reinforcing member 30B. Metal plate 362 is joined to metal plate 361 at the location of the top plate 31. Metal plates 361 and 362 are joined, for example, by welding. Metal plates 361 and 362 can be joined either with their end faces abutting each other (butt joint) or with their ends overlapping each other (overlap joint). Metal plates 361 and 362 can also be joined, for example, after being individually formed into a predetermined shape by pressing.

[0094] Metal plates 361 and 362 can also be steel plates. The thickness of metal plates 361 and 362 can be the same or different. Furthermore, the tensile strength of metal plates 361 and 362 can be the same or different.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the example, the reinforcing member 30B is formed by two metal plates 361 and 362. However, the reinforcing member 30B can also be formed by three or more metal plates. In addition, the joint position of the metal plates can be appropriately changed.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the reinforcing member 30B is formed of metal plates 361, 362, and 363. Metal plate 361 primarily forms the top plate 31 and longitudinal walls 321 and 322 in the reinforcing member 30B. Metal plates 362 and 363 primarily form the flanges 331 and 332 of the reinforcing member 30B, respectively. The flanges 331 and 332 may also have a shape folded back towards the inner member 10 of the side beam, similar to the second embodiment. Metal plates 362 and 363 are joined to metal plate 361, for example, by welding. Metal plates 362 and 363 can be joined to metal plate 361 either butt-jointed or overlapped. Metal plates 361, 362, and 363 may also be joined after being individually formed into a predetermined shape by pressing.

[0097] exist Figure 7 In the examples, metal plates 361, 362, and 363 can also be steel plates. The thickness of metal plates 361, 362, and 363 can be the same or different. In addition, the tensile strength of metal plates 361, 362, and 363 can be the same or different.

[0098] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7In the examples shown, the reinforcing member 30B is configured such that it protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam when viewed in section of the side beam 100B, and the width L of the top plate 31 is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. Therefore, the side beam 100B of this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the side beams 100 and 100A of other embodiments.

[0099] In the side beam 100B of this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30B is formed from multiple metal plates. In this case, each metal plate can be formed. Therefore, even if the reinforcing member 30B has a shape that is difficult to form from a single metal plate, the reinforcing member 30B can be manufactured relatively easily.

[0100] However, if it is not difficult to form, the reinforcing members 30 and 30A can also be formed from a single metal sheet. In this case, for example, the reinforcing members 30 and 30A can be formed by a single pressing process, and the joining process between the metal sheets can be omitted, thus reducing the manufacturing time required for the reinforcing members 30 and 30A.

[0101] <Fourth Implementation>

[0102] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100C according to the fourth embodiment. The side beam 100C of this embodiment differs from the side beams 100, 100A, and 100B of other embodiments in the shape of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 of the reinforcing member 30C.

[0103] In other embodiments, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 of the reinforcing members 30, 30A, and 30B extend substantially in a straight line when viewed in section. On the other hand, as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 have a shape that is recessed into the inside of the reinforcing member 30C at least partially when viewed in cross-section of the side beam 100C.

[0104] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 bend midway, thus forming an inwardly concave shape. The longitudinal walls 321 and 322 bend inward in the width direction of the reinforcing member 30C at their middle portions. Consequently, curved ridges 321a and 322a are formed in the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, respectively.

[0105] The curved ridge portions 321a and 322a extend along the length of the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 of the side beam. The angle formed at the outer surface of the reinforcing member 30C between the portion of the longitudinal wall 321 closer to the inner member 10 than the curved ridge portion 321a and the portion closer to the outer member 20 than the curved ridge portion 321a is less than 180°. Similarly, the angle formed at the outer surface of the reinforcing member 30C between the portion of the longitudinal wall 322 closer to the inner member 10 than the curved ridge portion 322a and the portion closer to the outer member 20 than the curved ridge portion 322a is less than 180°. The distance A1 between the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 at the positions of the curved ridge portions 321a and 322a in the width direction (vehicle height direction) of the reinforcing member 30C is smaller than the distance A2 between the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 at the positions of the rounded ends (sides of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322) of the ridge portions 351 and 352 in the width direction of the reinforcing member 30C.

[0106] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30C is also configured such that it protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam when viewed in section of the side beam 100C, and the width L of the top plate 31 is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. Therefore, the side beam 100C of this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the side beams 100, 100A, and 100B of other embodiments.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in cross-section of the side beam 100C, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 have a shape that is recessed towards the inside of the reinforcing member 30. In this case, when a collision load is input to the side beam 100C from the side of the outer member 20 due to a side impact of the vehicle body, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are prone to deforming in a manner that folds from the bottom of the concave portion. Figure 8 In the example shown, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can deform by folding from the curved ridge portions 321a and 322a. As a result, it is easier for the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 to come into contact with each other (self-contact) in the reinforcing member 30B, and the impact resistance of the side beam 100C is also easier to improve.

[0108] exist Figure 8In the example shown, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are bent so that they are integrally recessed into the reinforcing member 30C. However, the method of making at least a portion of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 recessed into the reinforcing member 30C is not limited to this. For example, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can be partially made concave by providing at least one reinforcing rib, or the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can be partially or entirely made into a bent shape recessed into the reinforcing member 30C. The concave portion of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 can be provided in such a way that it can become the bending starting point when the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 deform due to the input of a collision load from the side beam outer member 20. The concave portion can be provided at the center of the reinforcing member 30C in the height direction (vehicle width direction) of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, or at a location other than the center. Furthermore, in the height direction of the reinforcing member 30C, the position of the concave portion provided on one longitudinal wall 321 can be the same as or different from the position of the concave portion provided on the other longitudinal wall 322. Preferably, as follows... Figure 8 As shown in the example, at least one curved ridge portion 321a and 322a are formed in the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, respectively.

[0109] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 are symmetrical in the cross-section of the side beam 100C, but they can also be asymmetrical. For example, in the height direction of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, the position of the curved ridge portion 321a of one longitudinal wall 321 may differ from the position of the curved ridge portion 322a of the other longitudinal wall 322. Alternatively, only one of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 may have a curved ridge portion. That is, in the cross-section of the side beam 100C, only one of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 may have a shape that is recessed towards the inside of the reinforcing member 30C at least partially.

[0110] <Fifth Implementation>

[0111] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the side beam 100D according to the fifth embodiment. The side beam 100D of this embodiment differs from the side beams 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C of the other embodiments in that it also includes at least one auxiliary reinforcing member 50.

[0112] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, the side beam 100D includes multiple auxiliary reinforcing members 50. The auxiliary reinforcing members 50 are respectively disposed between the top plate 21 of the outer member 20 of the side beam and the reinforcing member 30D. Figure 9In this configuration, auxiliary reinforcing members 50 are respectively arranged along the longitudinal walls 321, 322 and flanges 331, 332 of the reinforcing member 30D. The auxiliary reinforcing members 50 may also be joined to the reinforcing member 30D by welding, for example. Preferably, the auxiliary reinforcing members 50 extend along the reinforcing member 30D in the length direction of the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 of the side beam.

[0113] The auxiliary reinforcing member 50 can also be joined to the outer member 20 of the side beam. In this case, the reinforcing member 30D can also be joined to the outer member 20 of the side beam via the auxiliary reinforcing member 50. The reinforcing member 30D can be joined directly or indirectly to the portion of the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232. The direct joining of the reinforcing member 30D to the portion of the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232, means that the direct joint (e.g., weld) between the reinforcing member 30D and the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam exists in the portion of the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232. The part of the reinforcing member 30D indirectly joined to the inner member 10 or outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232, refers to the direct joint (e.g., welded part) between the auxiliary reinforcing member 50 and the inner member 10 or outer member 20 of the side beam, existing in the inner member 10 or outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232. The part of the inner member 10 or outer member 20 of the side beam, excluding flanges 131, 132, 231, and 232, is, for example, the longitudinal walls 121 and 122 of the inner member 10, the top plate 21 of the outer member 20, or the longitudinal walls 221 and 222 of the outer member 20.

[0114] The auxiliary reinforcing members 50 are typically formed from metal sheets. They may also be formed from steel sheets. The thickness of the auxiliary reinforcing member 50 may be the same as or different from that of the reinforcing member 30D. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the auxiliary reinforcing member 50 may be the same as or different from that of the reinforcing member 30D. The auxiliary reinforcing members 50 can be manufactured, for example, by compression molding.

[0115] The shape of the auxiliary reinforcing member 50 is not limited to Figure 9 The example shown. The auxiliary reinforcing member 50 may, for example, have a substantially cap shape when viewed in section of the side beam 100D. Furthermore, the position of the auxiliary reinforcing member 50 is not limited to... Figure 9The example shown illustrates this. The auxiliary reinforcing members 50 can be disposed within the space S formed by the inner member 10 or the outer member 20 of the side beam. However, it is preferable that the auxiliary reinforcing members 50 are disposed in a manner that supports the reinforcing member 30D. Multiple auxiliary reinforcing members 50 can be disposed within the space S, or a single auxiliary reinforcing member 50 can be provided.

[0116] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30D is also configured such that it protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam when viewed in section of the side beam 100D, and the width L of the top plate 31 is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. Therefore, the side beam 100D of this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the side beams 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C of other embodiments.

[0117] In the side beam 100D of this embodiment, in addition to the reinforcing member 30D, an auxiliary reinforcing member 50 is also provided. The auxiliary reinforcing member 50 can suppress deformation in the side beam 100D other than the portion where the reinforcing member 30D makes self-contact. Figure 9 In the example shown, the reinforcing member 30D is supported on the flanges 331 and 332 by the auxiliary reinforcing member 50. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30D is less likely to tilt during a side impact, and it easily and stably generates self-contact. Thus, the side beam 100D easily exhibits good crashworthiness.

[0118] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made as long as they do not depart from its spirit.

[0119] In the side beam 100 of the first embodiment, in the vehicle width direction, one flange 131 of the side beam inner member 10 is positioned substantially at the same location as the other flange 132. However, as Figure 10As shown, the positions of the flanges 131 and 132 of the inner side beam member 10 can also differ in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the positions of the flanges 231 and 232 of the outer side beam member 20 also differ in the vehicle width direction. Even when the positions of the flanges 131 and 231 of the inner side beam member 10 and the flanges 132 and 232 of the outer side beam member 20 are offset in the vehicle width direction, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is also positioned in the space S1 on the side of the inner side beam member 10, closer to the imaginary straight line (double-dotted line) connecting the joints 41 and 42 of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20, when the side beam 100 is viewed in section, it is still positioned in the space S1 on the side of the inner side beam member 10, closer to the imaginary straight line (double-dotted line) connecting the joints 41 and 42 of the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20. Similarly, in other embodiments of the side beams 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, the flange 131 of the inner member 10 and the flange 231 of the outer member 20 of the side beam are staggered from the flange 132 of the inner member 10 and the flange 232 of the outer member 20 of the side beam in the vehicle width direction.

[0120] In the side beam 100 of the first embodiment, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is positioned opposite the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam with a gap between them. However, it is also possible that, as in... Figure 11 As shown, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is joined to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam. Similarly, in other embodiments, the top plates 31 of each of the reinforcing members 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D may be joined to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam. However, from the viewpoint of the assembly sequence of the inner member 10 of the side beam, the outer member 20 of the side beam, and the reinforcing members 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, it is preferable that the top plate 31 is not joined to the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam.

[0121] In the side beam 100 of the first embodiment, a single reinforcing member 30 is disposed within the space S formed by the inner side beam member 10 and the outer side beam member 20. However, it may also be, as Figure 12 As shown, multiple reinforcing members 30 are provided in the space S. The reinforcing members 30 are respectively configured such that they have a shape that protrudes towards the side member 10 of the side beam 100 in cross-section and the width L of the top plate 31 is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322.

[0122] When multiple reinforcing members 30 are disposed within the space S, these reinforcing members 30 can be as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it can be independent, or as... Figure 13 As shown, it is integrated. In Figure 13In the example shown, the flange 332 of one reinforcing member 30 is continuous with the flange 331 of another reinforcing member 30. In each of the reinforcing members 30, the height H1 of one longitudinal wall 321 is different from the height H2 of the other longitudinal wall 322. In this case, the height of the longitudinal wall 321, 322 with the larger height is treated as the height H of the longitudinal wall 321, 322. The longitudinal wall 321, 322 with the smaller height has a height greater than half of the height H.

[0123] In the first embodiment, the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is substantially straight in cross-section of the side beam 100. However, it may also be, as... Figure 14 As shown, at least one recess 311 is provided in the top plate 31. The depth of the recess 311 is less than 1 / 2 of the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322. Similarly, at least one recess 311 may also be provided in the top plate 31 of each of the reinforcing members 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0124] Example

[0125] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail through the examples below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0126] For the side beam 100 of the first embodiment, a side collision simulation analysis was performed using general-purpose software (LS-Dyna, manufactured by Ansys) while changing the L / H ratio. In this analysis, the top plate 11 of the inner member 10 of the side beam was completely fixed, and a forced displacement was applied in the vehicle width direction from the top plate 21 side of the outer member 20 of the side beam to deform the side beam 100. In this analysis, the materials of the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 of the side beam were assumed to be steel plates with a tensile strength of 1180 MPa and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The material of the reinforcing member 30 was assumed to be steel plates with a tensile strength of 980 MPa and a thickness of 2.0 mm. The L / H conditions and the analysis results are shown in Table 1.

[0127] [Table 1]

[0128]

[0129] In Table 1, "weight of the reinforcing member" refers to the weight per unit length of the reinforcing member 30, which is obtained by multiplying the cross-sectional area of ​​the reinforcing member 30 by its density. "Weight efficiency" is the value obtained by dividing the maximum reaction force (load) of the side beam 100 by this weight. In the reinforcing member 30 of the comparative example, the width L of the top plate 11 is equal to the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 (L / H = 1.00). In the reinforcing members 30 of both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the width L of the top plate 11 is less than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 (L / H < 1.00). As shown in Table 1, in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, contact (self-contact) occurs between the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 in the reinforcing member 30 due to the deformation of the side beam 100. On the other hand, in the comparative example, no self-contact occurs in the reinforcing member 30. Therefore, in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the ratio of the maximum reaction force of the reinforcing member 30 to its weight (weight efficiency) is greater than in the comparative example. In Example 2, where L / H ≤ 0.75, the weight efficiency is significantly improved compared to the comparative example. However, in Example 1, where L / H ≤ 0.60, the reinforcing member 30 is lightweight and the maximum reaction force is greatly increased compared to the comparative example, resulting in a particularly improved weight efficiency.

[0130] The reaction force-displacement curves of Example 1 and the comparative example are shown in... Figure 15 .like Figure 15 As shown, in Example 1, the reaction force temporarily reaches its peak due to the self-contact of the reinforcing member 30, and then increases significantly again after initially decreasing. More specifically, in Example 1, after a forced displacement is applied to the side beam 100 from the side of the outer member 20, the reaction force of the side beam 100 reaches its initial peak at the moment when the top plate 31 of the reinforcing member 30 contacts the top plate 11 of the inner member 10. Subsequently, the reaction force decreases slowly, but begins to increase significantly at the moment when the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 of the reinforcing member 30 begin to contact (self-contact). Furthermore, with the longitudinal walls 321 and 322 in contact, their deformation increases, and the reaction force of the side beam 100 again reaches its peak. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the self-contact of the reinforcing member 30 is not generated, therefore, after the reaction force reaches its peak, there is no significant increase in the reaction force.

[0131] As described above, it is confirmed that by having a shape that protrudes towards the inner member 10 of the side beam when the side beam 100 is viewed in section and by having a width L of the top plate 31 that is smaller than the height H of the longitudinal walls 321 and 322, the reinforcing member 30 can generate self-contact during a side collision, thereby improving the impact resistance of the side beam 100 with high weight efficiency.

[0132] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0133] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, side beams; 10, internal components of side beams; 11, (first) top plate; 121, 122, (first) longitudinal walls; 131, 132, (first) flanges; 20, external components of side beams; 21, (second) top plate; 221, 222, (second) longitudinal walls; 231, 232, (second) flanges; 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, reinforcing components; 31, (third) top plate; 321, 322, (third) longitudinal walls; 331, 332, (third) flanges; 331a, 332a, base; 331b, 332b, end; 41, 42, joint; 50, auxiliary reinforcing components.

Claims

1. A side beam, which is a side beam for a vehicle body, wherein, The side beam includes: The side beam internal component includes a first top plate, a pair of first longitudinal walls connected by the first top plate, and a pair of first flanges disposed on the opposite side of the first top plate with respect to the first longitudinal walls; The side beam outer member includes a second top plate opposite to the first top plate, a pair of second longitudinal walls connected by the second top plate, and a pair of second flanges disposed on the opposite side of the second top plate with respect to the second longitudinal walls and respectively engaged with the first flange, and is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the side beam inner member when the side beam is assembled to the vehicle body; and The reinforcing member is disposed within the space formed by the inner member and the outer member of the side beam, and its cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the side beam is an open cross-section. The reinforcing member comprises: The third top plate is positioned closer to the first top plate side than the junction of the first flange and the second flange; A pair of third longitudinal walls, connected by the third top plate, extending from the third top plate toward the second top plate; and A pair of third flanges, disposed on the opposite side of the third top plate with respect to the third longitudinal wall, engage portions of the inner and outer members of the side beam, excluding the first and second flanges. In the reinforcing member, when the width of the third top plate is set as L and the height of the third longitudinal wall is set as H, L < H.

2. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the third flanges includes a base protruding from the third longitudinal wall toward the outside of the reinforcing member and an end bending toward the first top plate from the base.

3. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member is formed of multiple metal plates.

4. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member is formed from a single metal plate.

5. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the said length direction, at least one of the third longitudinal walls has a shape that is recessed toward the inside of the reinforcing member at least partially.

6. The side beam according to claim 1, wherein, The side beam also includes an auxiliary reinforcing member disposed within the space and engaged with at least one of the inner member of the side beam, the outer member of the side beam, and the reinforcing member.

7. The side beam according to claim 6, wherein, The auxiliary reinforcing member is disposed between the second top plate and the reinforcing member.

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