Side pedal mounting structure and vehicle

By introducing a collapsible section into the side pedal mounting structure, the mounting seat can collapse and deform when subjected to external impact, solving the problem of insufficient impact energy absorption in the prior art and improving the safety of the power battery and the vehicle's range.

CN224184201UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-30
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing vehicle side step mounting structure cannot effectively absorb impact energy when hit by external objects, leading to the risk of the power battery being crushed by the side step and the vehicle door sill. This problem is even more serious when the power battery capacity and size are increased.

Method used

A side tread mounting structure was designed, wherein the mounting base includes a collapsible part that collapses and deforms when the sill beam is subjected to lateral pressure. The two sides of the mounting base move closer to each other to absorb impact energy, and the sill beam can complete the crushing deformation as expected, thus avoiding insufficient impact energy caused by excessive rigidity of the mounting base.

Benefits of technology

It effectively absorbs impact energy, reduces the risk of the power battery being damaged by impact, increases the capacity and size expansion space of the power battery, and enhances the vehicle's safety and range.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224184201U_ABST
    Figure CN224184201U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides a side pedal mounting structure and a vehicle, the side pedal mounting structure comprises a doorsill beam and a mounting seat arranged on the bottom side of the doorsill beam, the mounting seat comprises a collapsible part, and the collapsible part is configured to be collapsed and deformed when the doorsill beam is subjected to lateral pressure. The two sides, arranged back to back in the preset vehicle width direction, of the installation base get close to each other along with collapse deformation of the collapse part. When the doorsill beam is impacted and extruded by an external object, the mounting base is collapsed and invalid through collapsing deformation of the collapsing part, the mounting base does not influence sufficient deformation of the doorsill beam and absorbs impact energy, the doorsill beam can normally finish collapsing deformation, and the situation that the doorsill beam absorbs insufficient impact energy due to the fact that the rigidity strength of the mounting base is too high is avoided. Therefore, the power battery is prevented from being impacted and damaged by the threshold beam and the mounting seat, the accident risk of explosion and combustion of the power battery is reduced, the capacity and the size of the power battery are further enlarged, and the side pedal mounting structure can be compatible with the power battery with larger capacity and size.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Side step mounting structure and vehicle Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of transportation technology, and in particular to a side step mounting structure and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle side steps, also known as welcome steps, allow occupants to step on them for easy entry and exit. To reliably support occupants and prevent the side steps from detaching from the vehicle sill, current side step installation structures have significant rigidity and strength redundancy. When the vehicle sill is impacted by external objects, it cannot adequately absorb impact energy and undergo crushing deformation. This results in the battery pack under the vehicle being compressed by the impact of the side steps and the vehicle sill. This problem becomes particularly severe when the battery capacity and size are increased. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a side step mounting structure and vehicle, which aims to solve the problem that the vehicle door sill cannot be crushed and deformed to absorb impact energy when it is hit, so as to eliminate the risk of the power battery being squeezed by the side step and the vehicle door sill.

[0004] The side step mounting structure of this utility model includes a sill beam and a mounting seat located on the bottom side of the sill beam. The mounting seat includes a collapsible part, which is designed to collapse and deform when the sill beam is subjected to lateral pressure. The two sides of the mounting seat, which are set opposite each other along a preset vehicle width direction, move closer to each other as the collapsible part collapses and deforms.

[0005] Compared to existing technologies, the side pedal mounting structure of this invention can cause the mounting seat to collapse and fail when the sill beam is impacted and squeezed by an external object. The mounting seat does not affect the sill beam from fully deforming and absorbing impact energy. The sill beam can complete the crushing deformation as designed, avoiding insufficient impact energy absorption by the sill beam due to excessive rigidity of the mounting seat. This prevents the power battery from being damaged by the impact of the sill beam and mounting seat, reduces the risk of power battery explosion and combustion, and allows for further expansion of the capacity and size of the power battery. Therefore, the side pedal mounting structure of this invention can be compatible with larger capacity power batteries.

[0006] In some embodiments, the mounting base further includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, wherein the first mounting portion, the collapsible portion, and the second mounting portion are arranged sequentially along a preset vehicle width direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the first mounting portion is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible portion, and the minimum thickness of the second mounting portion is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible portion.

[0008] In some implementations, the collapsible portion forms a bending groove that extends in the same direction as the sill beam.

[0009] In some implementations, the collapsible portion is recessed on the side closer to the bottom of the sill beam to form a bending groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the mounting base has a front end and a rear end disposed opposite to each other along a preset vehicle length direction, wherein: the bending groove has a first stop distance to the front end; and / or, the bending groove has a second stop distance to the rear end.

[0011] In some embodiments, a reinforcing flange is provided at the front end and / or rear end. The reinforcing flange includes a first flange, a second flange, and a third flange that are integrally connected. The first flange is located at the end of the first mounting part, the second flange is located at the end of the collapsible part, and the third flange is located at the end of the second mounting part. The dimension of the second flange along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the first flange along the preset vehicle height direction, and the dimension of the second flange along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the third flange along the preset vehicle height direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sill beam includes a first partition wall that protrudes from the bottom side of the sill beam and forms a stepped corner space, and the mounting seat is disposed in the stepped corner space.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sill beam also includes an inner sidewall, which is spaced apart from the first partition wall along a preset vehicle width direction. The first partition wall is fixedly connected to the side of the mounting seat that is relatively far from the inner sidewall. When the sill beam is subjected to lateral pressure, the first partition wall is concave and close to the inner sidewall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the threshold beam further includes an outer side wall, an outer energy-absorbing rib, and an inner energy-absorbing rib. The outer side wall is located on the side of the first partition wall opposite to the inner side wall. The outer energy-absorbing rib connects the outer side wall to the first partition wall, and the inner energy-absorbing rib connects the inner side wall to the first partition wall. The mechanical strength of the inner energy-absorbing rib is less than that of the outer energy-absorbing rib.

[0015] In some implementations, a reinforcing beam extending in the same direction as the sill beam is provided on the outer side of the sill beam.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mounting base is welded to the sill beam, and the fusion joint between the mounting base and the sill beam is interrupted at the collapsible part, forming a weld gap.

[0017] The vehicle of this utility model includes a vehicle body, a side step, and a side step mounting structure. The sill beam is located on the vehicle body, and the side step is connected to the side of the mounting seat opposite to the sill beam.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vehicle also includes a battery pack located at the bottom of the vehicle body. The battery pack includes a load-distributing beam and a load-transfer beam. The load-distributing beam extends along a predetermined vehicle width direction. One end of the load-transfer beam is connected to the load-distributing beam, and the other end is disposed opposite to the inner side of the mounting base.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the vehicle of this utility model removes the limitation of the mounting bracket on the sill beam's absorption of impact energy. The sill beam can fully absorb impact energy when it is hit and squeezed by external objects, so that the change in impact energy of external objects is converted into crushing deformation of the sill beam. The risk of the power battery being damaged by the impact of the sill beam and mounting bracket is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of explosion and combustion of the power battery. Therefore, the vehicle can be equipped with a larger capacity and larger size power battery. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a partial structural cross-sectional view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the side pedal mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mounting base of the side pedal mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the side pedal mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a partial vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 is a first assembly schematic diagram of the side pedal mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 is a second assembly schematic diagram of the side pedal mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10. Threshold beam; 11. Bottom side; 111. Depth-limiting positioning groove; 1111. Groove bottom wall; 1112. Groove side wall; 12. Inner side wall; 13. Outer side wall; 14. First energy-absorbing chamber; 15. Second energy-absorbing chamber; 16. Third energy-absorbing chamber; 17. First partition wall; 18. Second partition wall; 19. Energy-absorbing rib; 191. Outer energy-absorbing rib; 192. Middle energy-absorbing rib; 193. Inner energy-absorbing rib; 20. Mounting base; 201. Mounting plate; 202. Limiting groove; 21, First mounting part; 22, Second mounting part; 23, Collapsible part; 231, Bending groove; 24, Front end; 25, Rear end; 26, Reinforcing flange; 261, First flange; 262, Second flange; 263, Third flange; 30, Reinforcing beam; 41, Side step; 42, Linkage mechanism; 43, Side step seat; 50, Battery pack; 51, Load distribution beam; 52, Load transfer beam; 53, Side beam; 60, Fastening connector; 70, Fusion part. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] This utility model provides a side step mounting structure and a vehicle. The side step mounting structure is used to connect the vehicle side step and the vehicle body. The vehicle side step, also known as a vehicle welcome step, allows drivers and passengers to step on it for easy entry and exit. Vehicle side steps are widely used in SUV and MPV models. Referring to Figure 1, the side step mounting structure includes a sill beam 10 and a mounting seat 20 fixed to the sill beam 10. The vehicle includes a side step assembly and a vehicle body. The sill beam 10 is mounted on the bottom of the vehicle body. The vehicle body part for mounting the sill beam 10 can be the vehicle floor, the vehicle side panel, etc. The side step assembly includes a side step 41 connected to the mounting seat 20.

[0031] The side step assembly can be a fixed side step or a movable side step. When the side step assembly is a fixed side step, the side step 41 is directly fixedly connected to the side of the mounting base 20 facing away from the sill beam 10, or indirectly fixedly connected to the mounting base 20 through the side step seat 43; when the side step assembly is a movable side step, the side step assembly also includes the side step seat 43, the linkage mechanism 42 and the drive mechanism.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1-2 and 4, the side pedal seat 43 is fixedly connected to the side of the mounting base 20 facing away from the sill beam 10. The drive mechanism can be a motor connected to the linkage mechanism 42. The linkage mechanism 42 is hinged to the side pedal seat 43 and the vehicle side pedal 41, and together with the side pedal seat 43 and the vehicle side pedal 41, it forms a four-bar linkage 42.

[0033] In some embodiments, the vehicle also includes a battery pack 50 disposed under the vehicle floor. The battery pack 50 is the vehicle's power battery and includes two side beams 53 arranged opposite each other along a preset vehicle width direction. The side beams 53 protect the internal cells of the battery pack 50. Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the preset vehicle width direction is the Y-axis direction of the vehicle coordinate system. Two sets of side pedal assemblies and side pedal mounting structures are respectively configured. The sill beams 10 of the two sets of side pedal mounting structures are adjacent to the two side beams 53, and the battery pack 50 is located between the two sill beams 10. Both the side beams 53 and the sill beams 10 extend along a preset vehicle length direction, which is the X-axis direction of the vehicle coordinate system. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the vehicle coordinate system are mutually perpendicular.

[0034] In the side step mounting structure of this utility model, the mounting base 20 is fixedly disposed on the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. The bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 is located on the side of the sill beam 10 facing away from the door and towards the ground. The mounting base 20 includes a collapsible portion 23. The structural strength of the collapsible portion 23 is weaker than that of other parts of the mounting base 20, so the mounting base 20 is more prone to strength failure at the collapsible portion 23 under external load. Specifically, the collapsible portion 23 is designed to collapse and deform when the sill beam 10 is subjected to lateral pressure. This collapse deformation allows the two sides of the mounting base 20 that are facing away from each other to move closer together along the preset vehicle width direction, thereby reducing the size of the mounting base 20 in the preset vehicle width direction. Compared with the prior art, the collapsible portion 23 in this utility model enables the mounting base 20 to absorb impact energy. The mounting bracket 20 is positioned opposite each other along the preset vehicle width direction on two sides, one of which is the side of the mounting bracket 20 that is relatively closer to the battery pack 50, and the other is the side of the mounting bracket 20 that is relatively farther away from the battery pack 50.

[0035] In the side step mounting structure of this utility model, the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 is provided with a machined positioning structure, which is obtained through mechanical subtraction. The mounting base 20 and the machined positioning structure have mutually compatible structural shapes. The mounting base 20 is fixedly provided with a fastening connector 60 for connecting the side step 41. The mounting base 20 and the machined positioning structure cooperate with each other to form a pre-fixed connection with the sill beam 10. Finally, the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10 are welded together. The fixed cooperation between the mounting base 20 and the machined positioning structure can eliminate the need for welding fixtures for welding the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10, thereby reducing the welding cost of the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10. This utility model improves the assembly connection method between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10, realizing that one mounting base 20 is compatible with multiple sill beams 10 corresponding to different vehicle heights. In the case of different vehicle heights, the difference in the side step mounting structure of each vehicle model lies in the structural shape of the machined positioning structure. The difference in the machined positioning structure is achieved by controlling the amount of material removed during the mechanical subtraction process. In the existing technology, sheet metal brackets are used as mounting bases. The sheet metal brackets are fitted around the outer periphery of the sill beam, and the sheet metal brackets and sill beams are spot welded together. The sill beams of different car models are processed from different sill base materials, and different sheet metal brackets and spot welding fixtures need to be designed to adapt to the sill beams of different car models with different heights.

[0036] Specifically, a unified design can be used for the mounting base 20 and a door sill base material. The door sill base material is machined to create a positioning structure adapted to a specific vehicle height, resulting in a door sill beam 10 adapted to the corresponding vehicle height, and ultimately, a side step mounting structure adapted to the corresponding vehicle height. If a new vehicle model is launched later, the new model can still use the side step mounting structure obtained from the previously designed mounting base 20 and door sill base material, without needing to develop a new mounting base 20 and door sill beam 10 for the new model.

[0037] Referring to Figures 2 and 6-7, the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 has a depth-limiting positioning groove 111 for accommodating the mounting base 20. The groove opening of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 faces the ground. The machined positioning structure includes a groove bottom wall 1111 and a groove side wall 1112 of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111. The groove bottom wall 1111 faces the ground and fits against the side of the mounting base 20 facing away from the ground. The groove side wall 1112 forms an angle with the groove bottom wall 1111 and is fixedly engaged with the outer edge of the mounting base 20. The depth-limiting positioning groove 111 can be obtained by milling or by grinding the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. The machining method is not limited. The mounting base 20 is welded to the sill beam 10. The fusion part 70 between the two is a weld that extends along the outer edge of the mounting base 20 and connects to the groove side wall 1112 of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0038] With this setup, it is easier to achieve differentiation in machining positioning structures. By simply controlling the material reduction during the machining of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 and controlling the depth of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111, a sill beam 10 adapted to the height of a specific vehicle model can be obtained. The greater the depth of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111, the farther the bottom wall of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 is from the ground, the higher the installation height of the mounting seat 20, and the higher the height of the side pedal assembly from the ground. Only one welding fixture needs to be designed to meet the positioning requirements for welding connection between the mounting seat 20 and different sill beams 10. Pre-fixation between the mounting seat 20 and the sill beam 10 is easier to achieve. As the mounting seat 20 is pushed into the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 along the depth direction of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111, the groove sidewall 1112 of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 and the outer edge of the mounting seat 20 gradually engage.

[0039] In other embodiments, the machining positioning structure is not limited to the depth-limited positioning groove 111, but can also be a positioning structure with both recesses and protrusions. Accordingly, the mounting base 20 includes a protrusion-recession combination structure that matches the machining positioning structure. The machining positioning structure and the mounting base 20 can be interlocked or spliced, such as mortise and tenon joints. The machining positioning structure can also be a positioning boss. Accordingly, the mounting base 20 has a positioning groove on the side facing away from the ground for the positioning boss to be inserted. In different vehicle models, the height of the mounting base 20 is determined by the height of the positioning boss. The positioning boss is formed by the boss base protruding from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. By mechanically subtracting material from the end of the boss base closest to the ground, a positioning boss that fits the height of a specific vehicle model is obtained.

[0040] Optionally, the depth direction of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 is the Z-axis direction of the vehicle coordinate system, and the bottom wall of the depth-limiting positioning groove 111 is a plane parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the vehicle coordinate system; both the sill beam 10 and the mounting base 20 are made of aluminum and connected by aluminum arc welding. Replacing the existing spot welding connection with arc welding results in a strip-shaped weld seam 70, which improves the connection strength between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10, significantly enhancing the overall mechanical performance of the side pedal mounting structure; replacing the existing steel mounting base 20 and sill beam 10 with aluminum mounting base 20 and sill beam 10 improves the corrosion and rust resistance of the side pedal mounting structure.

[0041] Lateral pressure refers to the pressure acting on the mounting base 20 and the outer wall 13 of the sill beam 10 along the Y-axis of the vehicle coordinate system. When the vehicle undergoes a side pole impact test, the side pole applies lateral pressure to the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10. Under the action of lateral pressure, the sill beam 10 exhibits a deformation tendency where the outer wall 13 moves closer to the inner wall 12, and the size of the sill beam 10 decreases along the Y-axis of the vehicle coordinate system. The inner wall 12 and the outer wall 13 of the sill beam 10 are arranged sequentially along the Y-axis of the vehicle coordinate system and face away from each other. When sill beams 10 are provided on both sides of the vehicle, the outer walls 13 of the two sill beams 10 are the side walls of the two sill beams facing away from each other; the inner wall 12 of the sill beam 10 is located on the side of the sill beam 10 that is relatively closer to the battery pack 50, and the outer wall 13 is located on the side of the sill beam 10 that is relatively farther away from the battery pack 50.

[0042] The side step mounting structure of this utility model can cause the mounting seat 20 to collapse and fail when the sill beam 10 is impacted or squeezed by an external object through the collapse deformation of the collapsible part 23. While meeting the mechanical performance requirements for daily getting in and out of the vehicle, the rigidity and strength of the mounting seat 20 are slightly reduced. The sill beam 10 typically serves as an energy-absorbing component in a vehicle. It contains an energy-absorbing chamber. When the side of the vehicle is impacted or compressed by an external object, the sill beam 10 can deform promptly under external load and absorb impact energy. During this process, the energy-absorbing chamber is compressed. The collapsible portion 23 allows the mounting base 20 to absorb energy and deform in a timely manner, reducing its size along the preset vehicle width direction. This prevents the mounting base 20 from being too rigid and strong, thus avoiding obstruction of the energy-absorbing chamber's compression and ensuring the sill beam 10 absorbs sufficient impact energy. This protects the battery pack 50 from damage after impact with the sill beam 10, reducing the risk of battery pack 50 explosion. Simultaneously, the mounting base 20's energy-absorbing deformation prevents rigid displacement that could impact and compress the battery pack 50. Furthermore, the distance between the mounting base 20 and the battery pack 50 can be reduced, increasing the battery pack 50's size along the preset vehicle width direction to improve battery capacity. This side pedal mounting structure is suitable for vehicles with longer driving ranges.

[0043] In the existing side step mounting structure, the mounting seat 20 has high rigidity and strength. When the sill beam 10 is impacted and squeezed by an external object, the size reduction of the mounting seat 20 along the preset vehicle width direction is limited. The mounting seat 20 will limit the degree of compression of the energy absorption chamber. The sill beam 10 does not absorb enough impact energy, causing the mounting seat 20 and the sill beam 10 to gain momentum and move closer to the battery pack 50. The battery pack 50 is at great risk of being damaged by the impact of the sill beam 10 and the mounting seat 20. Therefore, the existing technology can only leave more safety gaps between the side beam 53 of the battery pack 50 and the sill beam, thus sacrificing the volume of the battery pack 50 and the vehicle's driving range.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2-4, in some embodiments, the mounting base 20 further includes a first mounting portion 21 and a second mounting portion 22. The first mounting portion 21, the collapsible portion 23, and the second mounting portion 22 are arranged sequentially along a preset vehicle width direction. The first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are used to connect the side pedal 41. Alternatively, the side pedal 41 can be directly fixedly connected to the first mounting portion 21, or directly fixedly connected to the second mounting portion 22. Or, the side pedal seat 43 can be fixedly connected to the first mounting portion 21, and fixedly connected to the second mounting portion 22, with the side pedal 41 and the side pedal seat 43 also fixedly connected. Optionally, both the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are fixedly provided with fastening connectors 60 for connecting the side pedal seat 43. The fastening connectors 60 are rivet nuts riveted to the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22.

[0045] There are multiple press-fit nuts, all of the same specification. Both the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 have press-fit holes for inserting the press-fit nuts. In some embodiments, the side pedal assembly includes a side pedal seat 43 and a fastening mounting member connected to the side pedal seat 43. The fastening mounting member is used to fix the fastening connector 60, thereby fixing the side pedal seat 43 to the mounting base 20. When the fastening connector 60 is a press-fit nut, the fastening mounting member is a bolt, and the bolt is threadedly connected to the press-fit nut.

[0046] In other embodiments, the side step seat 43 can be omitted, and the side step assembly becomes a fixed side step. The fastening mounting component directly fixes the vehicle side step to the mounting base 20 by connecting the fastening connector 60. In addition, the fastening connector 60 can also be multiple other types of similar and same-specification parts. The fastening mounting component is not limited to bolts. Using similar and same-specification fastening connectors 60 can solve the problem of incorrect installation of fastening connectors 60. Workers do not need to identify and distinguish the type and specification of fastening connectors 60, which improves the installation efficiency of the side step assembly and shortens the vehicle assembly cycle.

[0047] Furthermore, the side pedal mounting structure has a connecting engagement portion for connecting and fastening the mounting components. This connecting engagement portion allows the side pedal assembly to be mounted on the side pedal mounting structure, and is entirely provided by the fastening connector 60. Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-7, the fastening connector 60 is a press-fit nut riveted to the mounting base 20. The connecting engagement portion is the threaded hole of the press-fit nut. The side pedal assembly engages with the threaded hole of the press-fit nut via bolts. That is, the bolts are used to connect the side pedal assembly so that all the threaded holes for mounting the side pedal assembly on the side pedal mounting structure are formed by the threaded holes of the fastening connector 60. The bolts do not form a direct connection with the sill beam 10 or other structures in the side pedal mounting structure.

[0048] Compared to the prior art where the connecting parts are provided by multiple components of the side pedal mounting structure, the above embodiment integrates all connecting parts into the same part, shortens the dimensional chain between the fastening mounting part and the side pedal mounting structure, avoids the difficulty of the fastening mounting part being stably connected to the connecting parts formed by multiple components due to the processing errors of each connecting part, reduces the assembly difficulty between the side pedal mounting structure and the side pedal assembly, and reduces the vehicle assembly cycle.

[0049] Specifically, in terms of structural rigidity and strength, the first mounting part 21 is stronger than the collapsible part 23, and the second mounting part 22 is stronger than the collapsible part 23. When an external load is applied to the mounting base 20, the external load is transmitted to the collapsible part 23 through the first mounting part 21 or through the second mounting part 22. The collapsible part 23 will collapse and deform before the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22. With this configuration, when an external object impacts or squeezes the sill beam 10 and the mounting base 20, the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 can fold closer together as the collapsible part 23 collapses and deforms. This avoids the wavy stacking deformation of the mounting base 20 under lateral pressure, thereby minimizing the size of the mounting base 20 along the preset vehicle width direction after collapse, and thus minimizing the constraint of the collapsed mounting base 20 on the deformation of the sill beam 10 and the absorption of impact energy.

[0050] Optionally, referring to Figure 3, the first mounting portion 21, the collapsible portion 23, and the second mounting portion 22 are integrally formed homogeneous plate structures. The minimum thickness of the first mounting portion 21 is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible portion 23, and the minimum thickness of the second mounting portion 22 is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible portion 23. With this configuration, in terms of structural rigidity and strength, the first mounting portion 21 is stronger than the collapsible portion 23, and the second mounting portion 22 is stronger than the collapsible portion 23. When the mounting base 20 is subjected to lateral pressure acting along the Y-axis of the vehicle coordinate system, the collapsible portion 23 collapses and deforms first, forming a bent ridge, so that the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 fold against each other.

[0051] It is understood that in other embodiments, the first mounting part 21 is provided with a reinforcing rib on the side near or away from the ground, the second mounting part 22 is provided with a reinforcing rib on the side near or away from the ground, and the collapsible part 23 is not provided with a reinforcing rib on either the side near the ground or the side away from the ground.

[0052] Further, referring to Figure 3, and also to Figures 1 and 4, the collapsible portion 23 is recessed on the side closest to the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 to form a bending groove 231. The bending groove 231 makes the thickness of the collapsible portion 23 less than the thickness of the first mounting portion 21 and the thickness of the second mounting portion 22. When lateral pressure is applied to the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion 22 of the mounting base 20, the bending groove 231 can induce the collapsible portion 23 to bulge out in a direction away from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10, thereby forming a bent ridge.

[0053] With this configuration, the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 can be folded together to form a V-shaped angle with an opening facing the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. The first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 are farther away from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 than before the mounting seat 20 collapses. They can provide a spring force to the side pedal seat 43 away from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. Under the action of this spring force, the linkage mechanism 42 and the side pedal 41 are pushed away from the battery pack 50, reducing the risk of the battery pack 50 being impacted and squeezed by the side pedal assembly on the side closer to the ground.

[0054] Furthermore, the mounting base 20 has a front end 24 and a rear end 25 arranged opposite to each other along a preset vehicle length direction. The bending groove 231 has a first cutoff distance to the front end 24 and a second cutoff distance to the rear end 25, meaning that the bending groove 231 does not penetrate through the front end 24 and the rear end 25. This arrangement avoids a significant decrease in the rigidity and strength of the mounting base 20 due to the bending groove 231 penetrating through the front end 24 and the rear end 25. In other words, the mounting base 20 can still meet the mechanical performance requirements for daily entry and exit of passengers, ensuring that when a person steps on the side step 41, the rigidity and strength of the mounting base 20 are sufficient, and the collapsible part 23 will not collapse or deform under the force of the side step seat 43.

[0055] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 6, the mounting base 20 also includes a reinforcing flange 26 located at least one of the front end 24 and the rear end 25. The first mounting portion 21, the collapsible portion 23, the second mounting portion 22, and the reinforcing flange 26 are integrally formed. The reinforcing flange 26 specifically includes a first flange 261, a second flange 262, and a third flange 263 connected integrally. The first flange 261 is located at the end of the first mounting portion 21 and is bent away from the sill beam 10. The second flange 262 is located at the collapsible portion. The end of the second mounting part 23 is bent away from the sill beam 10. The third flange 263 is located at the end of the second mounting part 22 and is bent away from the sill beam 10. The dimension of the second flange 262 along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the first flange 261 along the preset vehicle height direction, and the dimension of the second flange 262 along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the third flange 263 along the preset vehicle height direction. The preset vehicle height direction is the Z-axis direction of the vehicle coordinate system, as shown in Figures 1-6 and Figures 7. Preferably, the mounting base 20 is an aluminum part, which can be obtained by extrusion, die forging, casting, or stamping processes.

[0056] This design strengthens the overall rigidity and strength of the mounting base 20 by reinforcing the flange 26, enabling the mounting base 20 to meet the mechanical performance requirements of passengers getting in and out of the vehicle daily. At the same time, it achieves a difference in the mechanical performance gain of the first mounting part 21, the collapsible part 23, and the second mounting part 22 by different flanges. The mechanical performance gain obtained by the collapsible part 23 through the second flange 262 is less than the mechanical performance gain obtained by the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 through the first flange 261 and the third flange 263, ensuring that the collapsible part 23 can collapse first.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, the first mounting part 21, the second mounting part 22, and the collapsible part 23 form an integral mounting plate 201. The front end 24 and the rear end 25 are the two sides of the mounting plate 201 that are set opposite to each other along the preset vehicle length direction. Both the front end 24 and the rear end 25 are provided with reinforcing flanges 26. Both reinforcing flanges 26 are bent relative to the mounting plate 201 in a direction away from the sill beam 10. The two reinforcing flanges 26 and the side of the mounting plate 201 opposite to the sill beam 10 form a limiting groove 202.

[0058] In some embodiments, the side pedal seat 43 is adapted to the groove wall structure of the limiting groove 202, and the side pedal seat 43 can be locked and fixed within the limiting groove 202 by two reinforcing flanges 26. With this configuration, before connecting the side pedal seat 43 and the mounting base 20 using the fastening mounting member, the side pedal seat 43 can be placed into the limiting groove 202 to pre-fix the side pedal seat 43, restricting its degree of freedom of movement and preventing accidental movement of the side pedal seat 43 when connecting the fastening mounting member and the fastening connector 60. This eliminates the need for workers to maintain the relative position between the side pedal seat 43 and the mounting base 20.

[0059] In other embodiments, the side pedal seat 43 is omitted, and the side pedal 41 is directly fixed to the mounting seat 20 by fastening mounting members. The side pedal 41 includes a locking part that is adapted to the groove wall structure of the limiting groove 202. The locking part can be locked and fixed by two reinforcing flanges 26 in the limiting groove 202.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the sill beam 10 also includes a first partition wall 17, a second partition wall 18, and multiple energy-absorbing ribs 19 located between the inner wall 12 and the outer wall 13. The outer wall 13, the first partition wall 17, the second partition wall 18, and the inner wall 12 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a preset vehicle width direction. A first energy-absorbing chamber 14 is formed between the first partition wall 17 and the outer wall 13, a second energy-absorbing chamber 15 is formed between the first partition wall 17 and the second partition wall 18, and a third energy-absorbing chamber 16 is formed between the second partition wall 18 and the inner wall 12. Energy-absorbing ribs 19 connect the first partition wall 17 and the outer wall 13. In addition, energy-absorbing ribs 19 are also connected between the first partition wall 17 and the second partition wall 18, and between the second partition wall 18 and the inner wall 12. When the sill beam 10 is cut by a plane parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis of the vehicle coordinate system, the end face of the sill beam 10 is grid-shaped.

[0061] When lateral pressure is applied to the sill beam 10, the first energy-absorbing chamber 14, the second energy-absorbing chamber 15, and the third energy-absorbing chamber 16 can be compressed respectively. The impact energy is absorbed by the deformation of the outer side wall 13, the first partition wall 17, the second partition wall 18, the inner side wall 12, and the energy-absorbing rib 19. The first energy-absorbing chamber 14, the second energy-absorbing chamber 15, and the third energy-absorbing chamber 16 are arranged sequentially along the preset vehicle width direction, so that the sill beam 10 can absorb the impact energy step by step, prolonging the energy absorption deformation time of the sill beam 10, thereby improving the ability of the sill beam 10 to withstand lateral pressure impact.

[0062] Optionally, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the energy-absorbing rib 19 includes an outer energy-absorbing rib 191, a middle energy-absorbing rib 192, and an inner energy-absorbing rib 193. The outer energy-absorbing rib 191 connects the outer sidewall 13 and the first partition wall 17, the middle energy-absorbing rib 192 connects the first partition wall 17 and the second partition wall 18, and the inner energy-absorbing rib 193 connects the second partition wall 18 and the inner sidewall 12. In terms of structural rigidity and strength, the outer energy-absorbing rib 191, the middle energy-absorbing rib 192, and the inner energy-absorbing rib 193 decrease sequentially. The inner energy-absorbing rib 193 is configured as a bent rib, and the center of curvature of the inner energy-absorbing rib 193 is located on the side of the inner energy-absorbing rib 193 that is relatively far away from the mounting base 20.

[0063] With this configuration, when lateral pressure is applied to the sill beam 10, the compressive deformation capacity of the first energy-absorbing chamber 14, the second energy-absorbing chamber 15, and the third energy-absorbing chamber 16 increases in that order. The third energy-absorbing chamber 16 is the easiest to compress and deform first, followed by the second energy-absorbing chamber 15, and then the first energy-absorbing chamber 14. Thus, the sill beam 10 absorbs impact energy step by step, and the first partition wall 17 and the second partition wall 18 can deform inward and approach the inner side wall 12 before the outer side wall 13.

[0064] It is understandable that the number of energy absorption chambers can be two or more. When there are two energy absorption chambers, the two energy absorption chambers are located on both sides of the first partition wall 17, one of which is located between the first partition wall 17 and the outer wall 13, and the other is located between the first partition wall 17 and the inner wall 12.

[0065] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, the first partition wall 17 and the first energy-absorbing chamber 14 protrude relative to the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10, forming a stepped angle space between the first partition wall 17 and the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10. The mounting seat 20 is located within this stepped angle space. With this configuration, the distance from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 to the ground is greater than the distance from the first energy-absorbing chamber 14 to the ground. Therefore, the stepped angle space raises the mounting height of the mounting seat 20 and the side step assembly, making the side step mounting structure more suitable for vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as SUVs.

[0066] Referring again to Figure 1, to avoid the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the sill beam 10 due to the stepped corner space, thereby causing a decrease in the bending and torsional resistance of the sill beam 10, the side pedal mounting structure also includes a reinforcing beam 30 fixed to the outer wall 13 of the sill beam 10. Both the sill beam 10 and the reinforcing beam 30 extend along the X-axis of the vehicle coordinate system. With this arrangement, compared to a single sill beam 10, the reinforcing beam 30 can compensate for the rigidity and strength performance of the sill beam 10, and the whole formed by the reinforcing beam 30 and the sill beam 10 has stronger bending and torsional resistance. Preferably, the sill beam 10 and the reinforcing beam 30 are integrally formed and welded together, and both are aluminum parts obtained through an extrusion process.

[0067] Referring again to Figures 1 and 4, the first partition wall 17 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 20 on the side furthest from the inner wall 12. When the sill beam 10 and the mounting base 20 are subjected to lateral pressure, the third energy-absorbing chamber 16 and the second energy-absorbing chamber 15 compress and deform before the first energy-absorbing chamber 14 at the moment the force begins to be applied. The second partition wall 18 and the first partition wall 17 immediately undergo concave deformation and move closer to the inner wall 12. The center of curvature of the second partition wall 18 is located on the side of the second partition wall 18 facing away from the inner wall 12, and the center of curvature of the first partition wall 17 is located on the side of the first partition wall 17 facing away from the inner wall. On one side of 12, at the moment the force begins, the side of the mounting base 20 that is relatively far from the inner wall 12 is driven by the first partition wall 17 and obtains an instantaneous acceleration away from the ground. Under the loading of this instantaneous acceleration, the one of the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 that is relatively far from the inner wall 12 generates an initial velocity that bends upward around the collapsible part 23. This causes the collapsible part 23 to bulge out in a direction away from the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 and form a bent ridge, and the first mounting part 21 and the second mounting part 22 to form a V-shaped angle with the opening facing the bottom side 11 of the sill beam 10 after being folded together.

[0068] In some embodiments, the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10 are welded together. The welding connection method can be a brazing connection, that is, there is a strip-shaped weld between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10. Of course, other types of welding methods can also be formed between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10, such as spot welding. The weld and the spot weld are both called the fusion part 70. The fusion part 70 makes the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10 inseparable.

[0069] Optionally, the fusion portion 70 is interrupted at the collapsible portion 23, forming a welding gap, meaning that no fusion portion 70 is formed between the collapsible portion 23 and the sill beam 10. This arrangement avoids the welding between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10 affecting the collapsible portion 23's collapse deformation, ensuring that the collapsible portion 23 deforms sufficiently under external loads, so that the mounting base 20 can quickly and sufficiently reduce its size along the preset vehicle width direction under lateral pressure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the battery pack 50 further includes a load-distributing beam 51 and a load-transfer beam 52. Two load-distributing beams 51 are configured, extending along a preset vehicle width direction. The two load-distributing beams 51 respectively form two opposite sides of the battery pack 50 along a preset vehicle length direction. Two side beams 53 are configured, perpendicular to the load-distributing beams 51, forming two opposite sides of the battery pack 50 along a preset vehicle width direction. One end of the load-transfer beam 52 is connected to the load-distributing beam 51, and the other end is opposite to the inner side of the mounting base 20 and connected to the side beam 53. The inner side of the mounting base 20 is the side of the mounting base 20 that is relatively close to the battery pack 50. The load-distributing beam 51, the load-transfer beam 52, and the side beam 53 together form a polygonal battery frame to protect the battery cells inside the battery pack 50.

[0071] With this configuration, the cells inside the battery pack 50 are fully protected. When an external object impacts the sill beam 10 and the mounting base 20 with a large kinetic energy, the load transfer beam 52, which is loaded by the mounting base 20, can transfer the impact energy to the side beam 53 and the load distribution beam 51. The load distribution beam 51 bears more impact energy and generates compressive stress inside. Therefore, the load distribution beam 51 can withstand a large impact load and is less likely to cause a significant reduction in the size of the battery frame along the preset vehicle width direction. The cells inside the battery pack 50 are less likely to be squeezed.

[0072] Referring to Figure 6, the assembly process of the side pedal mounting structure according to one embodiment of this utility model is described below:

[0073] The first step is to fix multiple press-fit nuts of the same specification or multiple fasteners of the same type and specification 60 to the mounting base 20 by press-fitting or other fixing methods.

[0074] The second step is to adapt the mounting base 20, which is fixedly installed with fastening connector 60, and the frame positioning structure of the bottom side 11 of the threshold beam 10 to form a pre-fixed connection. When the mounting base 20 is sent into the depth limiting positioning groove 111, the bottom wall 1111 of the groove of the depth limiting positioning groove 111 should be set opposite to the side of the mounting base 20 where the bending groove 231 is opened.

[0075] The third step is to weld and fix the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10 by aluminum arc welding or other forms of welding connection, so that a fusion section 70 is formed between the mounting base 20 and the sill beam 10. The fusion section 70 can be a strip weld, and the fusion section 70 should be interrupted at the collapsible part 23 and form a welding gap.

[0076] The fourth step is to obtain the side pedal mounting structure.

[0077] Referring to Figure 7, the installation process of the side pedal mounting structure according to one embodiment of this utility model is described below:

[0078] The first step is to fix the top side of the sill beam 10 to the bottom of the vehicle body. The bottom side 11 and the top side of the sill beam 10 are set opposite to each other along the preset vehicle height direction. The preset vehicle height direction is the Z-axis direction of the vehicle coordinate system, as shown in Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 7.

[0079] The second step is to connect the side pedal seat 43 with bolts, so that the bolts and the rivet nuts fixed in the mounting seat 20 are threaded together, thus completing the connection between the side pedal assembly and the vehicle body.

[0080] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0081] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present utility model.

Claims

1. A side pedal mounting structure, characterized in that, The device includes a sill beam (10) and a mounting base (20) disposed on the bottom side (11) of the sill beam (10). The mounting base (20) includes a collapsible portion (23), which is configured to collapse and deform when the sill beam (10) is subjected to lateral pressure. The two sides of the mounting base (20) which are disposed opposite each other along a preset vehicle width direction move closer to each other as the collapsible portion (23) collapses and deforms.

2. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (20) further includes a first mounting part (21) and a second mounting part (22), wherein the first mounting part (21), the collapsible part (23), and the second mounting part (22) are arranged sequentially along the preset vehicle width direction.

3. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The minimum thickness of the first mounting part (21) is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible part (23), and the minimum thickness of the second mounting part (22) is not less than the maximum thickness of the collapsible part (23).

4. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The collapsible portion (23) forms a bending groove (231) that extends in the same direction as the threshold beam (10).

5. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The collapsible portion (23) is recessed on the side closest to the bottom side (11) of the threshold beam (10) to form the bending groove (231).

6. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base (20) has a front end (24) and a rear end (25) arranged opposite to each other along a preset vehicle length direction, wherein: the bending groove (231) has a first cut-off distance to the front end (24), and the bending groove (231) has a second cut-off distance to the rear end (25); and / or, at least one of the front end (24) and the rear end (25) is provided with a reinforcing flange (26), the reinforcing flange (26) including portions respectively provided at the end of the first mounting portion (21), the end of the collapsible portion (23), and the end of the rear end (25). The second mounting part (22) has a first flange (261), a second flange (262), and a third flange (263) at its end. The first flange (261), the second flange (262), and the third flange (263) are integrated together. The dimension of the second flange (262) along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the first flange (261) along the preset vehicle height direction, and the dimension of the second flange (262) along the preset vehicle height direction is smaller than the dimension of the third flange (263) along the preset vehicle height direction.

7. The side pedal mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The threshold beam (10) includes a first partition wall (17), which protrudes from the bottom side (11) of the threshold beam (10) and forms a stepped corner space. The mounting base (20) is located in the stepped corner space.

8. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sill beam (10) also includes an inner sidewall (12) spaced apart from the first partition wall (17) along the preset vehicle width direction. The first partition wall (17) is fixedly connected to the side of the mounting base (20) that is relatively far away from the inner sidewall (12). When the sill beam (10) is subjected to lateral pressure, the first partition wall (17) is recessed and close to the inner sidewall (12).

9. The side pedal mounting structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The threshold beam (10) also includes an outer wall (13), which is located on the side of the first partition wall (17) opposite to the inner wall (12). The outer wall (13) is connected to the first partition wall (17) by an outer energy-absorbing rib (191), and the inner wall (12) is connected to the first partition wall (17) by an inner energy-absorbing rib (193). The mechanical strength of the inner energy-absorbing rib (193) is less than that of the outer energy-absorbing rib (191).

10. The side pedal mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The threshold beam (10) is provided with a reinforcing beam (30) extending in the same direction as the threshold beam (10) on the outside; and / or, the mounting base (20) is welded to the threshold beam (10), and the fusion portion (70) between the mounting base (20) and the threshold beam (10) is interrupted at the collapsible portion (23) and forms a welding gap.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a vehicle body, a side step (41), and a side step mounting structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 10. The sill beam (10) is disposed on the vehicle body, and the side step (41) is connected to the mounting seat (20) on the side opposite to the sill beam (10).

12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a battery pack (50) located at the bottom of the vehicle body. The battery pack (50) includes a load-distributing beam (51) and a load-transfer beam (52). The load-distributing beam (51) extends along the preset vehicle width direction. One end of the load-transfer beam (52) is connected to the load-distributing beam (51), and the other end is disposed opposite to the inner side of the mounting base (20).