Pipe-beam connection structure and vehicles

Abstract

A tubular beam connection structure and a vehicle are disclosed, relating to the field of vehicle body structure technology. The tubular beam connection structure includes a first tubular beam and a second tubular beam; the first tubular beam has a first sidewall with a perforated first connecting area; the end of one sidewall of the second tubular beam has a first connecting portion; wherein the first connecting portion has a first wedge-shaped area, the width of which narrows from the end of the first connecting portion towards its root; the outer contours of the first connecting portion and the first connecting area are complementary, and the first connecting portion and the first connecting area are mated and connected. The tubular beam connection structure and vehicle provided by this disclosure are beneficial for improving the stability of the tubular beam connection structure and enhancing the collision and crush protection capabilities of the tubular beam connection structure and the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle body structure technology, and more specifically, to a tube beam connection structure and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Due to their excellent mechanical properties and lightweight potential, tubular beam structures are widely used in key load-bearing components in many industrial fields, such as automobile body frames (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars), engineering machinery frames, and aerospace structures.

[0003] To ensure the transmission of complex loads and guarantee the stiffness and strength of the overall structure, reliable and robust connections are required between tubular beam components. However, existing tubular beam connection structures suffer from insufficient connection stability and inadequate protection against collisions and compression. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides a tube-beam connection structure and vehicle, which helps to improve the stability of the tube-beam connection structure and enhance its collision and crush protection capabilities.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a tube-beam connection structure is provided, comprising: The first tube beam has a first side wall; the first side wall has a hollowed-out first connecting area. The second tube beam has a first connecting part at the end of one side wall; The first connecting portion has a first wedge-shaped area, the width of which narrows from the end of the first connecting portion toward the root of the first connecting portion; the outer contours of the first connecting portion and the first connecting area are complementary, and the first connecting portion and the first connecting area are mated and connected.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first connecting portion includes a first reinforcing region, the width of which expands from the end of the first connecting portion toward the root of the first connecting portion.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first wedge-shaped region is provided along the end of the second pipe beam of the first connecting portion; a first reinforcing region is provided along the root of the second pipe beam of the first connecting portion.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the maximum width of the first wedge region is equal to the maximum width of the first reinforcing region.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first transition region is provided between the first wedge region and the first reinforcing region, and the width of the first transition region remains consistent from the end of the first connecting portion to the root of the first connecting portion.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first connecting region extends through the sidewalls on both sides of the first pipe beam adjacent to the first sidewall; the depth of the first connecting region is equal to the wall thickness of the first connecting portion.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first tube beam has a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and the second sidewall is provided with a hollowed-out second connecting area, the first connecting area and the second connecting area being opposite to each other; the end of the second tube beam is provided with a second connecting portion opposite to the first connecting portion; the maximum distance between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is equal to the maximum distance between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; the outer contours of the second connecting portion and the second connecting area are complementary, and the second connecting portion and the second connecting area are mated and connected.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, one end of the second connection region extends through the side wall of the first pipe beam adjacent to the first side wall; the ratio of the depth of the second connection region to the wall thickness of the second connection portion is greater than 2.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second connecting portion has a second wedge-shaped region, the width of which narrows from the end of the second connecting portion toward the root of the second connecting portion.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the width of the end of the second connecting portion is smaller than the width of the end of the first connecting portion.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the ratio of the length l1 of the second connecting portion along the axial direction of the second tube beam to the length l2 of the second sidewall along the axial direction of the second tube beam satisfies l1 / l2≤0.8.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the outer contour of the second connecting portion is the orthographic projection of the first connecting portion and is located within the first connecting portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including the tubular beam connection structure of any of the foregoing; wherein a first tubular beam constitutes at least a portion of the A-pillar of the vehicle; and a second tubular beam constitutes at least a portion of the B-pillar of the vehicle.

[0018] The tube-beam connection structure disclosed herein allows the first connecting part to mate with a complementary first connecting area through a first wedge-shaped region, forming a near-mortise-and-tenon connection. This improves the connection strength between the first connecting part and the first connecting area, provides good collision and compression protection, and enhances the stability of the connection between the first and second tube beams. Furthermore, the first connecting part and the first connecting area mate with each other through matching outlines, simplifying the connection and improving efficiency. In addition, compared to the method of lap jointing and welding between tube beams, the tube-beam connection structure disclosed herein has a physical connection between the first connecting part and the first connecting area, thus reducing the area requiring welding, lowering costs, increasing production efficiency, and minimizing the adverse effects of the welding heat-affected zone on structural strength.

[0019] The vehicle disclosed herein can achieve the connection between the A-pillar sheet metal and the B-pillar sheet metal. By aligning the first wedge-shaped area with the complementary first connection area, a structure similar to a mortise and tenon joint can be formed, thereby improving the connection strength of the A-pillar and B-pillar, enhancing the vehicle body's collision and crush protection capabilities. Moreover, compared to the method of overlapping and welding the A-pillar and B-pillar sheet metals, since the A-pillar and B-pillar sheet metals form a mechanical connection on their own in addition to external connections such as welding or threaded connections, the welding area can be reduced, which is beneficial for vehicle production, reducing costs, improving production efficiency, and reducing the adverse effects of the welding heat-affected zone on structural strength, thus improving vehicle safety.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the tube beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first tube beam in an exemplary embodiment of the tube beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second tube beam in an exemplary embodiment of the tube beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0025] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the tube-beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first tube beam in another exemplary embodiment of the tube beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second tube beam in another exemplary embodiment of the tube beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the tube-beam connection structure disclosed herein.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First pipe beam; 11. First side wall; 12. Second side wall; 2. Second pipe beam; 21. First connecting part; 211. First wedge-shaped region; 212. First reinforcing region; 213. First transition region; 22. Second connecting part; 221. Second wedge-shaped area; 31. First connection area; 32. Second connection area. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore detailed descriptions of them will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified or stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “comprising” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to those listed; the terms “first” and “second” are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to limit the number, importance, or order of the objects.

[0032] The terms “connection” and “fixation” should be interpreted broadly. For example, unless otherwise specified, “connection” can be a fixed connection, a movable connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0033] Furthermore, in this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. For example, for convenience, they are defined relative to the indicated placement of the components in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts and can change accordingly depending on the placement of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] This disclosure provides a tube-beam connection structure that connects the end of a second tube beam 2 to the middle portion of a first tube beam 1. The first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 can be hot-puff tubes. With increasingly stringent requirements for vehicle emissions, range, and passive safety, hot-puff tubes, due to their closed cross-section and high strength, are increasingly widely used in vehicle body structural components, such as A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcements. In related technologies, when connecting the hot-puff tubes of the A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcements, they are typically overlapped at the upper end of the B-pillar reinforcement and then connected into an assembly through welding, threaded connections, or other methods.

[0035] The tube beam connection structure disclosed herein includes a first tube beam 1 and a second tube beam 2. The first tube beam 1 has a first side wall 11, on which a hollow first connection area 31 is provided. The end of one side wall of the second tube beam 2 is provided with a first connection portion 21. The first connection portion 21 has a first wedge-shaped area 211, the width of which tapers from the end of the first connection portion 21 towards the root of the first connection portion 21. The outer contours of the first connection portion 21 and the first connection area 31 are complementary, and the first connection portion 21 and the first connection area 31 are mated and connected.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a tube-beam connection structure according to this disclosure. The outer contour of the first connecting part 21 is adapted to the outer contour of the first connecting area 31. The first connecting part 21 can be embedded in the hollow first connecting area 31, and the outer wall of the first connecting part 21 matches and engages with the inner part of the first connecting area 31. Specifically, the length of the first connecting part 21 is not greater than the length of the first connecting area 31 to ensure that the first connecting part 21 can be embedded in the first connecting area 31; at any position in the width direction, the width of the first connecting part 21 is not greater than the width of the first connecting area 31 to ensure that the first connecting part 21 can be embedded in the first connecting area 31.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, length can refer to the dimension along the axial direction. For example, the length of the first connecting portion 21 refers to the dimension of the first connecting portion 21 along the axis of the second pipe beam 2. Width can refer to the dimension perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the wall thickness direction. Thickness can refer to the dimension along the wall thickness direction. The term "end" of a structure described in this disclosure can refer to a position near the edge of the structure, while "root" can refer to a position near other structures connected to it, that is, a position opposite to the end along the axial direction.

[0038] The first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 can be connected by welding, threaded connections, or other methods. For example, the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 can be fixed by laser welding or gas metal arc welding at the contour edge where the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 meet. Those skilled in the art will understand that the phrase "complementary contours of the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31" in this disclosure means that after the first connecting part 21 is installed into the first connecting area 31, the gap between each position of the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 is no greater than the distance allowed by the process and structural strength. After fixing the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 by welding, threaded connections, or other methods, the strength and reliability of the connection at the joint between the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 can be ensured. For example, the maximum gap between the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 is no greater than 8 mm.

[0039] The tube beam connection structure provided in this disclosure allows the first connecting portion 21 to mate with the complementary first connecting area 31 via a first wedge-shaped region 211, forming an approximate mortise and tenon joint structure. This improves the connection strength between the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31, providing good collision and compression protection, and enhancing the stability of the connection between the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31 mate with each other through matching outlines, simplifying the connection and improving efficiency. In addition, compared to the method of overlapping and then welding between tube beams, the tube beam connection structure provided in this disclosure has a physical connection between the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31, thus reducing the area requiring welding, lowering costs, improving production efficiency, and minimizing the adverse effects of the welding heat-affected zone on structural strength.

[0040] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first tube beam 1 in an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a second tubular beam 2 is shown. The first wedge-shaped region 211 can coincide with the first connecting portion 21, that is, the first connecting portion 21 integrally forms the first wedge-shaped region 211. (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting area 31 can extend through to the side walls of the first pipe beam 1 on both sides adjacent to the first side wall 11, thereby increasing the contact area between the outer wall of the first connecting part 21 and the inner wall of the first connecting area 31 and improving the firmness of the connection.

[0041] For example, the adjacent side walls of the first sidewall 11 are the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall, respectively. The first connecting area 31 has grooves cut into the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall, and the depth of the grooves is the depth of the first connecting area 31. The depth of the first connecting area 31 can be equal to the wall thickness of the first connecting part 21. After the second pipe beam 2 is installed into the first connecting area 31 through the first connecting part 21, the first sidewall 11 and the first connecting part 21 can be flush, which is beneficial for subsequent welding and for the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 to fully engage.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first connecting portion 21 includes a first reinforcing region 212, the width of which expands from the end of the first connecting portion 21 toward the root of the first connecting portion 21. (See reference...) Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first tube beam 1 is shown. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the second tube beam 2 is shown. The expansion direction of the first reinforcing region 212 is opposite to that of the first wedge-shaped region 211. After the first connecting part 21 is embedded in the first reinforcing region 212 and connected to each other, two sets of mortise and tenon connection structures with opposite directions can be formed. The direction in which the first wedge-shaped region 211 and the first connecting region 31 separate from each other is opposite to the direction in which the first reinforcing region 212 and the first connecting region 31 separate from each other, thereby improving the connection strength between the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting region 31. It has strong protective ability when encountering impacts from the top and sides of the connection part.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 21 may include multiple first wedge-shaped areas 211 and multiple first reinforcing areas 212, forming multiple sets of mortise and tenon connection structures to improve connection strength and reliability. For example, each first wedge-shaped area 211 and first reinforcing area 212 may be spaced apart along the axial direction of the second pipe beam 2, with each first wedge-shaped area 211 adjacent to at least one first reinforcing area 212, and each first reinforcing area 212 adjacent to at least one first wedge-shaped area 211. The first wedge-shaped areas 211 and first reinforcing areas 212 interlock, further improving the physical connection strength between the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31. Exemplarily, the maximum width of the first wedge-shaped area 211 and the maximum width of the first reinforcing area 212 may be equal, which is beneficial for the first wedge-shaped area 211 to cooperate with the first reinforcing area 212 and the first connecting area 31 to form an interlock.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first wedge-shaped region 211 is provided at the end of the first connecting portion 21 along the second pipe beam 2; a first reinforcing region 212 is provided at the root of the first connecting portion 21 along the second pipe beam 2. (See reference) Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the inclined surfaces on both sides of the first wedge-shaped region 211 in the width direction can suppress the downward movement tendency of the second tube beam 2; the inclined surfaces on both sides of the first reinforcing region 212 in the width direction can suppress the upward movement tendency of the second tube beam 2. The first wedge-shaped region 211 is located at the top of the first connecting part 21, and the first connecting part 21 is located at the bottom of the first connecting part 21, which can better cope with the collision force from the top and the reciprocating impact force along the axial direction of the second tube beam 2.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a first transition region 213 is provided between the first wedge-shaped region 211 and the first reinforcing region 212. The width of the first transition region 213 remains consistent from the end of the first connecting portion 21 towards the root of the first connecting portion 21. The first transition region 213 connects the first wedge-shaped region 211 and the first reinforcing region 212, reducing stress concentration and improving the structural strength of the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting region 31. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 21 includes a plurality of first wedge-shaped regions 211 and a plurality of first reinforcing regions 212, and the plurality of first transition regions 213 are respectively connected between adjacent first wedge-shaped regions 211 and first reinforcing regions 212.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first tube beam 1 has a second sidewall 12 opposite to the first sidewall 11, and the second sidewall 12 is provided with a hollowed-out second connecting area 32, and the first connecting area 31 is opposite to the second connecting area 32; the end of the second tube beam 2 is provided with a second connecting part 22 opposite to the first connecting part 21; the maximum distance between the first connecting part 21 and the second connecting part 22 is equal to the maximum distance between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12; the outer contours of the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 are complementary, and the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 are mated and connected.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the first pipe beam 1 has a first connecting area 31 and a second connecting area 32 on its opposite side walls, which are used to connect with the first connecting part 21 and the second connecting part 22 opposite to the ends of the second pipe beam 2. Those skilled in the art will understand that the phrase "the outer contours of the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 are complementary" in this disclosure means that the outer contours of the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 are mutually adapted, the second connecting part 22 can be embedded in the second connecting area 32, and the gap between the second connecting part 22 and the inner wall of the second connecting area 32 is no greater than the distance allowed by the process and structural strength. After the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2 are fixed by welding, threaded connection, or other methods, the strength and reliability of the connection between the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 can be ensured. For example, the maximum gap between the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 is no greater than 8 mm.

[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, by complementary engagement of the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31, and complementary engagement of the second connecting portion 22 and the second connecting area 32, a three-dimensional joint area can be formed, resulting in a stronger connection. This makes the connection less susceptible to damage from impacts along the axis of the second pipe beam 2 and impacts perpendicular to both the axis of the second pipe beam 2 and the axis of the first pipe beam 1. The maximum distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 is equal to the maximum distance between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12. This ensures that after the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2 are matched, the first connecting portion 21 can be flush with the first sidewall 11, and the second connecting portion 22 can be flush with the second sidewall 12, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and robust connection. It is understood that the concepts of "flush" and similar terms used in this disclosure should also be understood within the allowable range of manufacturing, assembly, and measurement tolerances.

[0049] It should be noted that although the description of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure uses the term "relative" to describe the relative positional relationship between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12, and between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22; and the accompanying drawings also illustrate the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 as rectangular cross-section tube beams, the actual first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 may not be rectangular cross-section beams, nor may they be beams with uniform cross-sections. The first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 can be hot gas expansion tubes, which can have complex and varied shapes.

[0050] For example, the cross-section of the part of the first tube beam 1 used to connect with the second tube beam 2 can be a rounded rectangle, hexagon, ellipse, waist-shaped, or an irregular shape. The first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 can refer to two basically opposite, non-adjacent faces on the entire circumference of the sidewall of the first tube beam 1. Similarly, the cross-section of the part of the second tube beam 2 used to connect with the first tube beam 1 can be a rounded rectangle, hexagon, ellipse, waist-shaped, or an irregular shape. The first connecting part 21 and the second connecting part 22 are opposite, and can refer to two basically opposite, non-adjacent faces on the entire circumference of the sidewall of the second tube beam 2.

[0051] Furthermore, it is understood that the first sidewall 11, the second sidewall 12, the first connecting portion 21, and the second connecting portion 22 may not be planar, but rather have a certain curvature. Those skilled in the art will understand that the outer contours of the first connecting portion 21 and the first connecting area 31 are complementary, and the curvature of the first connecting portion 21 may also be adapted to the curvature of the first sidewall 11 surrounding the first connecting area 31, so that after the first connecting portion 21 is embedded in the first connecting area 31, the overall curvature of the first connecting portion 21 and the first sidewall 11 matches, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing structure and higher connection strength. Similarly, the outer contours of the second connecting portion 22 and the second connecting area 32 are complementary, and the curvature of the second connecting portion 22 may also be adapted to the curvature of the second sidewall 12 surrounding the second connecting area 32, so that after the second connecting portion 22 is embedded in the second connecting area 32, the overall curvature of the second connecting portion 22 and the second sidewall 12 matches.

[0052] By way of example, the second connecting portion 22 may have a second wedge-shaped region 221, the width of which tapers from the end of the second connecting portion 22 toward the root of the second connecting portion 22. (See reference) Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown. In some embodiments, similar to the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22 may have a second reinforcing region, the width of which expands from the end of the second connecting portion 22 toward the root of the second connecting portion 22. The expansion direction of the second reinforcing region is opposite to that of the second wedge-shaped region 221. After the second connecting portion 22 is embedded in the second reinforcing region and connected to each other, two sets of mortise and tenon connection structures with opposite directions can be formed, which improves the connection strength between the second connecting portion 22 and the second connecting region 32, and provides strong protection against impacts from the top and sides of the connecting part.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 22 may include a plurality of second wedge-shaped regions 221 and a plurality of second reinforcing regions, forming multiple sets of mortise and tenon connection structures.

[0054] For example, the second connecting portion 22 has a second wedge-shaped region 221 along the end of the second pipe beam 2; the second connecting portion 22 has a second reinforcing region along the root of the second pipe beam 2. A second transition region may be provided between the second wedge-shaped region 221 and the second reinforcing region. The width of the second transition region may remain consistent from the end of the second connecting portion 22 toward the root of the second connecting portion 22.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, one end of the second connection region 32 extends through to the side wall of the first pipe beam 1 adjacent to the first side wall 11; the ratio of the depth of the second connection region 32 to the wall thickness of the second connection portion 22 is greater than 2.

[0056] For example, the adjacent sidewalls of the first sidewall 11 are the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall, respectively. The second connecting region 32 has a groove in at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls, and the depth of the groove is the depth of the second connecting region 32. For example, the second connecting region 32 has a groove in the third sidewall, and the depth of the second connecting region 32 can be greater than the wall thickness of the second connecting portion 22 by at least one wall thickness, so that the second connecting portion 22 can be inserted along the bottom of the second connecting region 32 without being interfered with by the sidewall of the second connecting region 32. When the second connecting portion 22 is embedded in the second connecting region 32 and abuts against the bottom of the groove in the third sidewall, the surface of the second connecting portion 22 is lower than the surface of the first sidewall 11.

[0057] For example, the wall thickness of the second connecting part 22 can be equal to the wall thickness of the first connecting part 21. When connecting the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2, the second connecting part 22 can be matched with the second connecting area 32 first. When the second connecting part 22 is embedded into the second connecting area 32 and abuts against the bottom of the groove of the third side wall, since the maximum distance between the first connecting part 21 and the second connecting part 22 is equal to the maximum distance between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, the first connecting part 21 can be higher than the first side wall 11. Then, the second pipe beam 2 is moved closer to the second side wall 12, thereby inserting the first connecting part 21 into the first connecting area 31. At the same time, the first connecting part 21 is flush with the height of the first side wall 11, and the second connecting part 22 is also flush with the height of the second side wall 12, realizing the mating connection of the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31, and the mating connection of the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32.

[0058] For example, in a tube beam connection structure according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method of connecting the first tube beam 1 and the second tube beam 2 may include: inserting the second tube beam 2 into the first tube beam 1 along the axis of the second tube beam 2, wherein the second connecting part 22 is inserted along the direction of the third side wall and is not higher than the inner wall height of the second side wall 12, thereby avoiding interference with the outer contour of the second connecting area 32. After insertion to the limit position, the second tube beam 2 is moved towards the second side wall 12, and the first connecting part 21 can be vertically inserted into the first connecting area 31. At the same time, the first connecting part 21 is flush with the height of the first side wall 11, and the second connecting part 22 can also be flush with the height of the second side wall 12. Then, further fixed connection can be achieved by welding, such as tungsten inert gas welding, laser welding, or gas metal arc welding, or by mechanical connection methods such as threaded connection or pin connection.

[0059] For example, the ratio of the depth of the second connecting region 32 to the wall thickness of the second connecting portion 22 is greater than 2.3 to ensure that the second connecting portion 22 can be smoothly inserted into the bottom of the second connecting region 32 without interfering with the second sidewall 12; at the same time, it can also make it less likely for the first connecting portion 21 to interfere with the first sidewall 11. For example, the ratio of the depth of the second connecting region 32 to the wall thickness of the second connecting portion 22 is less than 3 to avoid affecting the strength of the tube beam connection structure.

[0060] The second connection area 32 has a slot on at least one of the third and fourth side walls. In some exemplary embodiments, the second connection area 32 may also have slots on both the third and fourth side walls. That is, similar to the first connection area 31, the second connection area 32 may also extend through the side walls of the first pipe beam 1 on both sides adjacent to the second side wall 12. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0061] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the width of the end of the second connecting portion 22 is smaller than the width of the end of the first connecting portion 21. This helps to reduce the weakening of the strength and rigidity of the first pipe beam 1 caused by opening the second connecting area 32 during the connection process between the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the ratio of the length l1 of the second connecting portion 22 along the axial direction of the second pipe beam 2 to the length l2 of the second sidewall 12 along the axial direction of the second pipe beam 2 satisfies l1 / l2 ≤ 0.8. (See reference) Figure 7 As shown, the length of the second connecting portion 22 is less than the length of the corresponding area of ​​the second sidewall 12, which facilitates the rapid insertion of the second tube beam 2 into the first tube beam 1 along the axial direction, thereby improving production efficiency. For example, the ratio l1 / l2 of the length l1 of the second connecting portion 22 along the axial direction of the second tube beam 2 to the length l2 of the second sidewall 12 along the axial direction of the second tube beam 2 is not less than 0.5, ensuring that the complementary engagement between the second connecting portion 22 and the second connecting area 32 can have a high physical connection strength.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the outer contour of the second connecting portion 22 is projected onto the first connecting portion 21 within the first connecting portion 21. For example, refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the outer contour of the second connecting part 22 can be similar to that of the first connecting part 21. For example, the outer contour of the first connecting part 21 can be reduced by 0.5-0.8 times to obtain the outer contour of the second connecting part 22. When connecting the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2, it can be ensured that the mortise and tenon structure reinforcement effect of the joint formed by the first connecting part 21 and the first connecting area 31 and the joint formed by the second connecting part 22 and the second connecting area 32 is basically the same, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the first pipe beam 1 and the second pipe beam 2.

[0064] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is also provided, including the tubular beam connection structure of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments. The first tubular beam 1 constitutes at least a portion of the vehicle's A-pillar; the second tubular beam 2 constitutes at least a portion of the vehicle's B-pillar.

[0065] For example, the first tube beam 1 can be a reinforcing column for the A-pillar of the vehicle, installed inside the A-pillar, providing structural support and stiffness reinforcement. The second tube beam 2 can be a reinforcing column for the B-pillar of the vehicle, installed inside the B-pillar, providing structural support and stiffness reinforcement. The vehicle provided by this disclosure can achieve the connection between the A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcing columns. Through the engagement of the first wedge-shaped area 211 and the complementary first connection area 31, a structure similar to a mortise and tenon joint can be formed, thereby improving the connection strength of the A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcing columns, enhancing the vehicle body's collision and crush protection capabilities. Moreover, compared with the method of overlapping and welding the A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcing columns, since the A-pillar and B-pillar reinforcing columns form a mechanical connection themselves in addition to external connections such as welding or threaded connections, the welding area can be reduced, which is beneficial for reducing vehicle production costs, improving production efficiency, and reducing the adverse effects of the welding heat-affected zone on structural strength, thus improving vehicle safety.

[0066] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tube-beam connection structure, characterized in that, include: The first tube beam (1) has a first side wall (11); the first side wall (11) is provided with a hollow first connecting area (31); The second pipe beam (2) has a first connecting part (21) at the end of one side wall of the second pipe beam (2). The first connecting portion (21) has a first wedge-shaped area (211), the width of which narrows from the end of the first connecting portion (21) toward the root of the first connecting portion (21); the outer contours of the first connecting portion (21) and the first connecting area (31) are complementary, and the first connecting portion (21) and the first connecting area (31) are connected to each other.

2. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting portion (21) includes a first reinforcing region (212), the width of which expands from the end of the first connecting portion (21) toward the root of the first connecting portion (21).

3. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting part (21) is provided with the first wedge-shaped area (211) at the end of the second tube beam (2); the first connecting part (21) is provided with the first reinforcing area (212) at the root of the second tube beam (2).

4. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum width of the first wedge region (211) is equal to the maximum width of the first reinforcing region (212).

5. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first transition zone (213) is provided between the first wedge-shaped region (211) and the first reinforcing region (212), and the width of the first transition zone (213) remains consistent from the end of the first connecting part (21) toward the root of the first connecting part (21).

6. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting area (31) extends through the side walls of the first tube beam (1) on both sides adjacent to the first side wall (11); the depth of the first connecting area (31) is equal to the wall thickness of the first connecting part (21).

7. The tube-beam connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first tube beam (1) has a second side wall (12) opposite to the first side wall (11), and the second side wall (12) is provided with a hollowed-out second connecting area (32), and the first connecting area (31) is opposite to the second connecting area (32); the end of the second tube beam (2) is provided with a second connecting part (22) opposite to the first connecting part (21); the maximum distance between the first connecting part (21) and the second connecting part (22) is equal to the maximum distance from the first side wall (11) to the second side wall (12); the outer contours of the second connecting part (22) and the second connecting area (32) are complementary, and the second connecting part (22) and the second connecting area (32) are connected to each other.

8. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end of the second connecting area (32) extends through to the side wall of the first tube beam (1) adjacent to the first side wall (11); the ratio of the depth of the second connecting area (32) to the wall thickness of the second connecting part (22) is greater than 2.

9. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second connecting portion (22) has a second wedge-shaped region (221), the width of which narrows from the end of the second connecting portion (22) toward the root of the second connecting portion (22).

10. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The width of the end of the second connecting part (22) is smaller than the width of the end of the first connecting part (21).

11. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ratio of the length l1 of the second connecting part (22) along the axial direction of the second tube beam (2) to the length l2 of the second side wall (12) along the axial direction of the second tube beam (2) satisfies l1 / l2≤0.

8.

12. The tube-beam connection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outline of the second connecting part (22) is projected onto the first connecting part (21) and is located within the first connecting part (21).

13. A vehicle, characterized in that, The tube beam connection structure includes any one of claims 1 to 12; wherein the first tube beam (1) constitutes at least a portion of the A-pillar of the vehicle; and the second tube beam (2) constitutes at least a portion of the B-pillar of the vehicle.

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