Vehicle structure

By introducing multi-space castings to connect with the subframe and secondary energy-absorbing box in the vehicle structure, and by setting reinforcing ribs and protruding structures, the force transmission path is optimized, which solves the problem of uneven lateral force transmission in small overlap collisions and improves the vehicle's collision resistance and structural stability.

CN223764532UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-06BMW BRILLIANCE AUTOMOTIVE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520420433.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-11
Publication Date
2026-01-06
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In small-overlap collisions, existing technologies are unable to effectively improve the transmission of lateral forces, resulting in the collision force not being transmitted laterally in a timely and uniform manner. The force transmission components are weak and prone to deformation or failure, and the design complexity leads to unstable force transmission effects.

Method used

The multi-space casting is fixedly connected to the subframe and the secondary energy absorption box. The multi-space casting has internal reinforcing ribs and raised structures on the contact surface to form a through space and a multi-level energy absorption mechanism. It is fixed by high-strength bolts to optimize the force transmission path.

Benefits of technology

It improves lateral force transmission performance, enhances the vehicle's collision resistance in small overlap collisions, reduces energy intrusion into the passenger compartment, maintains structural stability and functional integrity, and reduces component weight.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN223764532U_ABST
    Figure CN223764532U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model discloses a vehicle structure which comprises an auxiliary frame, an energy absorption box and a multi-space casting, and the multi-space casting is arranged between the auxiliary frame and the auxiliary energy absorption box and fixedly connected with the auxiliary frame and the auxiliary energy absorption box respectively. A plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged in the multi-space casting, a plurality of protruding structures are arranged on the side, making contact with the auxiliary frame, of the multi-space casting, and the protruding structures are embedded into the auxiliary frame. The vehicle structure can be used for improving the transverse force transmission performance of an automobile under the working condition of small overlapping collision, the sliding strategy in small offset collision tests of American IIHS and China CIASI can be achieved through cooperation with a vehicle body structure, the invasion amount of a passenger compartment can be reduced, the structural rating of the automobile is improved, the purpose of protecting the safety of passengers is achieved, and therefore the safety performance of the whole automobile is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle safety structures, specifically to a vehicle structure. Background Technology

[0002] In actual vehicle use, small overlap collision is characterized by a situation where the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or other object, and the contact area is only a small part of the width of the front of the vehicle, usually 25% or less.

[0003] Because in small overlap collisions, the contact width between the vehicle and the obstacle is relatively small compared to the overall width of the vehicle, and the vehicle avoids the main energy-absorbing components such as the energy-absorbing box and longitudinal beams, the vehicle's kinetic energy will ultimately be converted into the plasticity of the deformable parts of the vehicle and the frictional energy with the ground throughout the entire collision process.

[0004] The plasticity of deformable parts is mainly generated when an object collides with the vehicle in a small overlap collision and is squeezed against the vehicle parts. If an object collides with the front corner of the vehicle and directly impacts the front firewall or A-pillar of the vehicle along the X-direction without the front energy-absorbing component absorbing sufficient energy, it will exert a large force on the firewall or A-pillar, causing them to deform significantly and ultimately encroach on the passenger compartment space, thereby affecting the safety of the occupants.

[0005] Given the characteristics and design challenges of small overlap collisions, simply increasing the structural strength of the passenger compartment to address intrusion would incur significant costs and weight increases. Such weight increases are unacceptable for vehicles, especially current new energy vehicles. Furthermore, the introduction of more components and complex manufacturing processes would reduce the reliability and stability of safety design. Therefore, increasing the Y-axis force (lateral force) transmission between the vehicle and the colliding object, thereby avoiding or reducing direct contact between the A-pillar of the passenger compartment and the colliding object (reducing the X-axis contact force between the colliding object and the vehicle), can effectively solve the occupant safety problem in this scenario.

[0006] From the perspective of lateral force transmission effect, the existing technology has the following problems: there are too few force transmission channels, making it difficult to effectively disperse lateral force, resulting in the collision force not being transmitted laterally to other parts of the vehicle body in a timely and even manner, and the vehicle cannot be laterally deflected; the strength of the force transmission components is relatively small, and the sheet metal welding and other structures often deform or fail first when a large collision force occurs, resulting in a discontinuous force transmission path and failing to achieve the expected lateral vehicle deflection effect; the design of the force transmission components is complex, and the force transmission effect is unstable.

[0007] Therefore, how to effectively improve the transmission effect of lateral force in small overlap collisions is a problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0008] This application provides a vehicle structure to solve the problem of poor lateral force transmission in existing small overlap collisions.

[0009] To solve or partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to one aspect of this application, a vehicle structure is provided, including: a subframe, a secondary energy-absorbing box, and a multi-space casting. The multi-space casting is disposed between the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box and is fixedly connected to the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box respectively. The multi-space casting has multiple reinforcing ribs, which divide the multi-space casting into multiple through spaces. On the contact surface of the multi-space casting connected to the subframe, multiple protruding structures are provided, which are embedded in the subframe.

[0010] In one implementation, the difference in spatial dimensions between any two of the plurality of through spaces is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0011] In one embodiment, multiple reinforcing ribs are arranged in multiple directions.

[0012] In one implementation, the plurality of directions include the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the oblique direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are multiple protrusions extending to the edge of the outer surface of the multi-space casting, and the connecting plate of the subframe is provided with multiple grooves that match the plurality of protrusions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the multi-space casting includes at least two contact surfaces with the subframe, and a plurality of protrusions are disposed on the at least two contact surfaces.

[0015] In one embodiment, the multi-space casting is fixedly connected to the subframe and the sub-energy-absorbing box by a plurality of high-strength bolts.

[0016] In one embodiment, the multi-space casting is an aluminum casting.

[0017] In one embodiment, the secondary energy-absorbing box is provided with multiple energy-absorbing units inside.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0019] The vehicle structure provided in this application includes: a subframe, a secondary energy-absorbing box, and a multi-space casting. The multi-space casting is disposed between the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box and is fixedly connected to the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box respectively. The multi-space casting has multiple reinforcing ribs, which divide the multi-space casting into multiple through spaces. Multiple protruding structures are provided on the contact surface of the multi-space casting on the side connected to the subframe, and the multiple protruding structures are embedded in the subframe. This vehicle structure enhances the lateral force transmission performance of automobiles in small overlap collisions. Specifically, the multi-space casting possesses compressive and tensile strength, serving as an effective support structure between the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box to transmit lateral forces. Reinforcing ribs within the multi-space casting further enhance its mechanical strength, enabling it to better withstand and disperse lateral forces during a collision, preventing structural deformation or damage. During a collision, the multi-space casting undergoes controllable deformation, reliably and stably transmitting lateral forces to the subframe and other critical components. Furthermore, the multi-space casting, in conjunction with the secondary energy-absorbing box, forms a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, improving overall energy absorption and reducing collision energy transmitted to the passenger compartment, thereby enhancing the vehicle's collision resistance. Additionally, the multiple reinforcing ribs within the multi-space casting improve its fatigue resistance, ensuring good structural integrity and function even after multiple collisions. Moreover, the through-type structure and reinforcing rib design of the multi-space casting reduce component weight while maintaining connection strength and stability. Multiple protruding structures of the multi-space casting are embedded in the subframe, further optimizing the transmission path of lateral forces and improving the force transmission efficiency during collisions. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-space casting provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the multi-space casting provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Attached image annotations:

[0024] Subframe 1, Sub-energy absorption box 2, Multi-space casting 3, High-strength bolts 4, Raised structure 31, Reinforcing rib 32, Through space 33, Contact surface 34 Detailed Implementation

[0025] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this application; therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] The terminology used in one or more embodiments of this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the one or more embodiments of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “described,” and “the” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0027] This application provides a vehicle structure. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-space casting provided in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a top view of the multi-space casting provided in this embodiment. The following is in conjunction with... Figures 1-3 The vehicle structure provided in this embodiment will be described in detail. The embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit actual use.

[0028] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the vehicle structure provided in this embodiment includes a subframe 1, a secondary energy-absorbing box 2, and a multi-space casting 3. In this embodiment, the multi-space casting 3 can be an aluminum casting, and it is disposed between the subframe 1 and the secondary energy-absorbing box 2, and fixedly connected to both. The multi-space casting 3 is through-type, and has multiple reinforcing ribs 32, which divide the middle of the multi-space casting 3 into multiple through spaces 33. Multiple protruding structures 31 are provided on the contact surface of the multi-space casting 3 on the side connected to the subframe 1. These protruding structures 31 are embedded in the subframe 1, increasing the connection strength between the multi-space casting 3 and the subframe 1 and ensuring continuous and reliable force transmission. The subframe 1 is provided with a crossbeam for transmitting lateral forces.

[0029] This vehicle structure can be used to improve the lateral force transmission performance of a car under small overlap collision conditions. Specifically, the multi-space casting 3 has compressive and tensile strength, serving as an effective support structure between the subframe 1 and the secondary energy-absorbing box 2, and transmitting lateral forces. The reinforcing ribs 32 inside the multi-space casting 3 further enhance its mechanical strength, enabling it to better withstand and disperse lateral forces during a collision, preventing structural deformation or damage. During a collision, the multi-space casting 3 can undergo controllable deformation, absorbing and dispersing impact energy while increasing the force transmitted laterally by the vehicle, thereby reducing the energy transmitted to other critical components (such as the passenger compartment). Furthermore, the multi-space casting 3 and the secondary energy-absorbing box 2 work together to form a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, improving the overall energy absorption effect and enhancing the vehicle's collision resistance. Additionally, the multiple reinforcing ribs 32 in the multi-space casting 3 improve its fatigue resistance, allowing it to maintain good structural integrity and function even after multiple collisions. The through-structure and reinforcing rib design of the multi-space casting 3 reduce the weight of components while ensuring the strength and stability of the connections. Multiple protruding structures 31 on the multi-space casting 3 are embedded in the subframe 1, which further optimizes the transmission path of lateral forces and improves the force transmission efficiency during collisions.

[0030] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the difference between the spatial dimensions (e.g., cross-sectional area) of any two through spaces 33 is less than a predetermined threshold. That is, the dimensions of the multiple through spaces 33 are relatively uniform. From the perspective of structural strength and force transmission effect, the multi-space casting 3 containing multiple through spaces 33 of relatively uniform size has more advantages when subjected to force, and can better ensure the stability of the structure and the efficiency of force transmission, as detailed below:

[0031] In terms of structural strength, the relatively uniform size of the through spaces 33 allows for a more even distribution of stress across the structure of the multi-space casting 3 when under load. Because each through space 33 has a similar size, the deformation of each part is relatively consistent when subjected to external forces, preventing localized stress concentration. Furthermore, the relatively uniform size of the through spaces 33 results in a more consistent deformation trend across different parts when subjected to external forces, leading to more stable mutual support between the reinforcing ribs 32. Compared to through spaces of uneven size, larger through spaces are more prone to larger deformations under load, which in turn affects smaller through spaces connected to them, resulting in inconsistent deformation of the overall structure and reducing its resistance to deformation. In contrast, uniform through spaces 33 better maintain the shape and dimensional stability of the structure, thereby improving structural strength.

[0032] In terms of force transmission, the relatively uniform size of the through-spaces 33 facilitates the formation of more regular and clear force transmission paths. When external forces act on the multi-space casting 3, the forces can be transmitted more smoothly along the reinforcing ribs 32, reducing disorder and loss during force transmission. For example, in a vehicle collision, the collision force can be transmitted to other parts of the vehicle body in an orderly manner through the uniform through-spaces 33 and reinforcing ribs 32, according to the designed path, improving the efficiency and reliability of force transmission. Furthermore, the uniform through-spaces 33 enable a more reasonable distribution of forces among the various through-spaces 33, with each through-space 33 bearing a relatively balanced force. This avoids uneven force distribution caused by differences in the size of the through-spaces, allowing the entire casting structure to more effectively utilize the load-bearing capacity of each through-space 33 and reinforcing rib 32, fully leveraging the structure's force transmission performance. Conversely, if the through-spaces are not uniform in size, larger through-spaces may bear excessive forces, while smaller through-spaces may not be able to fully utilize their function, affecting the overall force transmission effect.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple reinforcing ribs 32 are arranged in multiple directions, that is, multiple reinforcing ribs 32 are distributed in the multi-space casting 3 along multiple extending directions, so that the above-mentioned through space 33 can be irregular in various shapes. In this embodiment, the multiple directions include the X direction, the Y direction, and the oblique direction. That is, the interior of the multi-space casting 3 is provided with reinforcing ribs 32 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the oblique direction. The X direction refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, that is, the forward and reverse direction of the vehicle. In a frontal collision of the vehicle, the impact force mainly acts along the X direction. The front longitudinal beam and other structures of the vehicle are mainly used to withstand and disperse the impact force in the X direction. The Y direction refers to the lateral direction of the vehicle, that is, perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle. When the vehicle is involved in a side collision, the force is mainly applied along the Y direction. The oblique direction is the direction at a certain angle to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Through this arrangement, the reinforcing ribs 32 can transmit force in the above-mentioned directions while reducing weight. It not only improves the structural strength of the multi-space casting 3, but also optimizes the force transmission path, so that it can more effectively disperse and transmit collision energy during the collision. 8. The reinforcing rib 328 can transmit force in all directions while reducing the weight of the component. This design not only improves the structural strength of the cast aluminum part, but also optimizes the force transmission path, enabling it to more effectively disperse and transmit collision energy during a collision.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, to increase the embedding force between the protruding structure 31 and the subframe 1, the multiple protruding structures 31 can be configured as multiple ridges extending to the edge of the outer surface of the multi-space casting 3. The connecting plate of the subframe 1 is provided with multiple grooves (not shown in the figure) that match the multiple ridges. When the multi-space casting 3 is connected to the subframe 1, the multiple ridges are embedded in the multiple grooves. During a collision, the interlocking structure of the multiple ridges and the connecting plate can better transmit lateral forces, further improving collision safety performance. Furthermore, to further enhance the force transmission effect between the multi-space casting 3 and the subframe 1, the multi-space casting 3 and the subframe 1 include at least two contact surfaces 34, and the multiple protruding structures 31 are provided on at least two contact surfaces 34.

[0035] In this embodiment, the multi-space casting 3 is fixedly connected to the subframe 1 and the energy-absorbing box 2 by multiple high-strength bolts 4. Correspondingly, the outer surface of the multi-space casting 3 is provided with threaded holes that match the high-strength bolts 4. The number and position of the threaded holes are optimized according to the structure of the subframe 1 and the sub-energy-absorbing box 2 to ensure the strength and stability of the connection.

[0036] In this embodiment, the secondary energy-absorbing box 2 is equipped with multiple energy-absorbing units inside. These units can absorb collision energy during a collision, reducing the impact on passengers inside the vehicle. The internal structure of the secondary energy-absorbing box 2 is multi-layered and folded. Each layer of folded unit can deform during a collision to absorb collision energy.

[0037] By using the vehicle structure provided in this embodiment, in practical applications, when a small overlap collision occurs, the collision energy is first transferred to the secondary energy-absorbing box 2. The energy-absorbing unit inside the secondary energy-absorbing box 2 begins to deform and absorb part of the collision energy. At the same time, the collision energy is transferred to the crossbeam on the subframe 1 through the multi-space casting 3 and the high-strength bolts 4. The crossbeam transfers the lateral force to the entire subframe 1 structure. Therefore, this vehicle structure can be used to improve the lateral force transfer performance of the vehicle under small overlap collision conditions, thereby improving the stability of the vehicle during the collision process. Specifically, the multi-space casting 3 possesses compressive and tensile strength, serving as an effective support structure between the subframe 1 and the secondary energy-absorbing box 2 to transmit lateral forces. Internal reinforcing ribs 32 further enhance the casting's mechanical strength, enabling it to better withstand and disperse lateral forces during collisions, preventing structural deformation or damage. During a collision, the multi-space casting 3 undergoes controllable deformation, reliably and stably transmitting lateral forces to the subframe 1 and other critical components. Furthermore, the multi-space casting 3, working in conjunction with the secondary energy-absorbing box 2, forms a multi-stage energy absorption mechanism, improving overall energy absorption and reducing collision energy transmitted to the passenger compartment, thereby enhancing the vehicle's collision resistance. Additionally, the multiple reinforcing ribs 32 within the multi-space casting 3 improve its fatigue resistance, ensuring good structural integrity and function even after multiple collisions. Moreover, the through-type structure and reinforcing rib design of the multi-space casting 3 reduce component weight while maintaining connection strength and stability. Multiple protruding structures 31 of the multi-space casting 3 are embedded in the subframe 1, further optimizing the transmission path of lateral forces and improving the force transmission efficiency during a collision. Furthermore, the installation position of the multi-space casting 3 is between the subframe and the secondary energy-absorbing box. This installation position comprehensively balances most vehicle safety performance conditions. For example, this installation position avoids the deformation zones of the main and secondary energy-absorbing boxes, does not affect low-speed collision performance, and can effectively improve the deformation of the front bumper beam in MPDB conditions.

[0038] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present application. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure, characterized in that, The application relates to a subframe, a sub-energy-absorbing box and a multi-space casting, wherein the multi-space casting is arranged between the subframe and the sub-energy-absorbing box and is fixedly connected with the subframe and the sub-energy-absorbing box; a plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged in the multi-space casting, and the reinforcing ribs divide the multi-space casting into a plurality of through spaces; a plurality of convex structures are arranged on a contact surface of the multi-space casting on a side connected with the subframe, and the convex structures are embedded in the subframe. A difference between space sizes of any two through spaces in the plurality of through spaces is less than a predetermined threshold value.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by The plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged along a plurality of directions.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by The plurality of directions include an X direction, a Y direction and an oblique direction.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, characterized by The plurality of convex structures are a plurality of convex strips extending to edges of an outer surface of the multi-space casting, and a plurality of grooves matched with the plurality of convex strips are arranged on a connecting plate of the subframe.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by The multi-space casting and the subframe include at least two contact surfaces, and the plurality of convex structures are arranged on the at least two contact surfaces.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by The multi-space casting is fixedly connected with the subframe and the energy-absorbing box through a plurality of high-strength bolts.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by The multi-space casting is an aluminum casting.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by An inside of the energy-absorbing box is provided with a plurality of energy-absorbing units.

9. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized by ​