VEHICLE STRUCTURE INCLUDING REINFORCEMENT EXTENDING BETWEEN SILLS

Abstract

A vehicle structure including a first rocker panel, a second rocker panel, and a reinforcement. The first rocker panel is spaced apart from the second rocker panel. The reinforcement includes a front beam and a rear beam spaced apart from each other. The reinforcement includes a first side member and a second side member, each extending from the front beam to the rear beam. The first side member abuts the first rocker panel, and the second side member abuts the second rocker panel.

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0001] A vehicle may include a vehicle body defining a plurality of door openings. The vehicle body may include a roof, a floor, and a plurality of pillars. The pillars may be spaced apart from each other by the door openings. In other words, the pillars may be located on opposite sides of the door openings. Typically, the pillars include a B-pillar separating two door openings and extending from the floor to the roof of the vehicle. The pillars also include an A-pillar and a C-pillar spaced from the B-pillar on opposite sides of the door openings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a first pillar and a second pillar defining a door opening therebetween sized to receive a front door and a rear door. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle having a vehicle structure including a reinforcement and a plurality of seat assemblies supported by the reinforcement. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle including the reinforcement having a first side member and a second side member spaced apart from each other, the first side member abutting a first rocker and the second side member abutting a second rocker. Fig. Figure 4 is a plan view of the vehicle showing a force distribution from the first sill to the second sill through the reinforcement when a force is applied along a transverse axis. Fig. Figure 5 is a plan view of the vehicle showing a force distribution from a bulkhead to a cross member through the reinforcement when a force is applied along a longitudinal axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0002] A vehicle structure of a vehicle includes a first rocker, a second rocker spaced from the first rocker, and a reinforcement. The reinforcement includes a front beam and a rear beam spaced from each other. The reinforcement includes a first side member and a second side member, each extending from the front beam to the rear beam. The first side member abuts the first rocker, and the second side member abuts the second rocker.

[0003] The vehicle structure may include a first pillar and a second pillar spaced apart from each other. The first pillar and the second pillar may define a door opening therebetween. The door opening may be sized to accommodate a front door and a rear door. The reinforcement may be disposed between the first pillar and the second pillar.

[0004] The vehicle structure may include a spaced-apart underbody and a floor. The underbody may extend from the first rocker panel to the second rocker panel. The reinforcement may be located between the underbody and the floor. The reinforcement may be adjacent to the underbody.

[0005] The vehicle structure may include a partition and a cross member spaced apart from each other and each extending from the first sill to the second sill. The front beam may abut the partition, and the rear beam may abut the cross member. The reinforcement may include a flange attached to the rear beam. The flange may extend over the cross member and may be attached to the cross member.

[0006] The first side member may be extended along the first sill, and the second side member may be extended along the second sill. The first side member may be attached to the first sill, and the second side member may be attached to the second sill.

[0007] The front beam and the rear beam may each have a convex shape from the first side member to the second side member. The front beam may include a first segment extending from the first side member at a non-perpendicular angle and a second segment extending from the second side member at a non-perpendicular angle. The first segment and the second segment may each extend from the first side member and the second side member in directions transverse to each other. The front beam may include an intermediate segment extending from the first segment to the second segment. Each of the first segment and the second segment of the front beam may extend transversely from the intermediate segment. The intermediate segment may be extended in a direction perpendicular to the first sill and the second sill. The rear beam may be a mirror image of the front beam.

[0008] The reinforcement may include a guide track extending along the front beam and the rear beam. The reinforcement may support a seat assembly movably coupled to the guide track. A motor may movably couple the seat assembly to the guide track. The guide track may be continuous and extend along the first side member and the second side member.

[0009] The reinforcement may include an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall. The inner wall and the outer wall may define a groove therebetween. The reinforcement may support the seat assembly, which slidably engages the groove.

[0010] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, the vehicle is generally shown. During a vehicle impact, such as a side impact, a frontal impact, a rear impact, etc., the vehicle structure 10 may be impacted and biased toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle 12. When the vehicle structure 10 is impacted, the reinforcement 14 disperses the force of the impact to assist in absorbing the energy of the vehicle impact and reducing intrusion into the passenger compartment. Since the reinforcement 14 abuts the first sill 16 and the second sill 18, the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 reinforce the first sill 16 and the second sill 18. Since the reinforcement 14 extends from the first sill 16 to the second sill 18, the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 also reinforce the first sill 16 and the second sill 18.When one of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18 is struck, the struck one of the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 absorbs the forces of the vehicle impact. In this situation, the front beam 24 and / or the rear beam 26 distributes the forces to the other of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18 such that the other of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18 reinforces the struck one of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18. Furthermore, because the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 abut other vehicle components, as set forth below, the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 may reinforce the vehicle structure 10 during vehicle impact. By reinforcing the vehicle structure 10, the reinforcement 14 may enable the elimination of a pillar, typically referred to as a B-pillar. For example, the reinforcement 14 shown in FIGS. Fig. 1-4, the vehicle 12 does not have a B-pillar. The absence of this pillar can facilitate the entry and / or exit of an occupant into or from the vehicle 12. The absence of this pillar can be useful, for example, in an autonomous vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle 12 may, for example, be any suitable type of automobile. The vehicle 12 may include two sides 88, 90 spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis A, i.e., transverse to the vehicle direction. The vehicle 12 may include a longitudinal axis L extending transverse to the transverse axis A, i.e., in a forward and rearward direction of the vehicle. The two sides 88, 90 of the vehicle 12 may extend transverse to the transverse axis A. For example, the two sides 88, 90 may each be elongated along the longitudinal axis L.

[0012] Each side 88, 90 of the vehicle 12 may be similar or identical to each other. For example, as shown in the figures, each side 88, 90 includes a first pillar 28, a second pillar 30, a door opening 32, a rocker panel, etc. Common reference numerals are used to identify common features on each side 88, 90 of the vehicle 12. The two sides 88, 90 of the vehicle 12 may be mirror images of each other about the longitudinal axis L, as shown in the figures.

[0013] The vehicle structure 10 includes a body 34 and the reinforcement 14 connected to the body 34. The body 34 may be of a monocoque construction. In the monocoque construction, the body 34, e.g., the rockers, serves as the vehicle frame, and the body 34 (including the rockers, pillars, roof rails, etc.) is integral, i.e., a continuous, one-piece unit. As another example, the vehicle 12 may have a body-in-frame construction (also referred to as a cab-on-frame construction). In other words, the body 34 is mounted on a frame of the vehicle 12, and the body 34 and the frame are separate components, i.e., they are modular. In the body-in-frame construction, the body 34 is carried on and attached to the frame. Alternatively, the body 34 may have any suitable construction.The body 34 may be formed of any suitable material, for example steel, aluminum, etc.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 1, the body 34 may include the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L. The first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 may define the door opening 32 therebetween. Stated another way, the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 may be disposed on opposite sides of the door opening 32. The door opening 32 may be sized to accommodate the front door and the rear door. For example, the first pillar 28 may be an A-pillar and the second pillar 30 may be a C-pillar spaced from the A-pillar on the opposite side of the door opening 32. In this configuration, as shown in the figures, the vehicle 12 includes a center pillar, i.e., a B-pillar, between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30. Alternatively, the door opening 32 may be sized to accommodate one of the front door and the rear door.In this situation, the first pillar 28 may be an A-pillar and the second pillar 30 may be a B-pillar spaced from the A-pillar on the opposite side of the door opening 32.

[0015] With further reference to Fig. 2, the first rocker 16 is spaced from the second rocker 18 along the transverse axis A, as set forth above. For example, the first rocker 16 may be located on one side 88 of the vehicle 12, and the second rocker 18 may be located on the other side 90 of the vehicle 12. In other words, the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18 may each be spaced from the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle 12.

[0016] With further reference to Fig. 2, the first rocker 16 may be elongated along the longitudinal axis L. For example, the first rocker 16 may extend from the first pillar 28 to the second pillar 30 on one side 88 of the vehicle 12. The first rocker 16 may intersect each of the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 along the longitudinal axis L. The first rocker 16 may be attached to the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 of the first side. For example, the first rocker 16 may partially define the door opening 32 on one side 88 of the vehicle 12.

[0017] With further reference to Fig. 2, the second sill 18 may be extended along the longitudinal axis L. For example, the second sill 18 may extend from the first pillar 28 to the second pillar 30 on the other side 90 of the vehicle 12. The second sill 18 may intersect each of the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 along the longitudinal axis L. The second sill 18 may be attached to the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 of the second side. For example, the second sill 18 may partially define the door opening 32 on the other side 90 of the vehicle 12.

[0018] Each sill may include a top surface 36 and a bottom surface 38 that are spaced apart from each other. The top surface 36 and the bottom surface 38 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction D transverse to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis A. For example, the top surface 36 may be adjacent to the door opening 32, and the bottom surface 38 may be spaced from the door opening 32 by the top surface 36 of the sill.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 3, the body 34 may include the bulkhead 40 and the cross member 42 spaced apart along the longitudinal axis L. The bulkhead 40 may extend from the first rocker 16 to the second rocker 18, i.e., along the transverse axis A. The bulkhead 40 may, for example, be disposed adjacent to the first pillar 28 on each side 88, 90 of the vehicle 12. The bulkhead 40 may support a variety of vehicle components, e.g., an instrument panel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, etc.

[0020] With further reference to Fig. 3, the cross member 42 may extend from the first rocker 16 to the second rocker 18, i.e., along the transverse axis A. The cross member 42 may be disposed along the longitudinal axis L between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 of the first side and between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30 of the second side. For example, the cross member 42 may be disposed adjacent to the second pillar 30 on each side 88, 90 of the vehicle 12. The cross member 42 may be disposed at any suitable position between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30.

[0021] The body 34 may include the underbody 44 extending from the first sill 16 to the second sill 18 along the transverse axis A, as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the underbody 44 may extend from one side 88 of the vehicle 12 to the other side 90 of the vehicle 12. For example, the underbody 44 may be coplanar with the bottom 38 of the first rocker 16 and the bottom 38 of the second rocker 18. In other words, the underbody 44 may extend from the bottom 38 of the first rocker 16 to the bottom 38 of the second rocker 18. In addition, the underbody 44 may extend from the cross member 42 to the bulkhead 40 along the longitudinal axis L, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0022] The underbody 44 can be attached to both sills, ie, the first sill 16 and the second sill 18, the cross member 42, and the partition 40. The underbody 44 can be attached to both sills, ie, the first sill 16 and the second sill 18, the cross member 42, and the partition 40, in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0023] The subfloor 44 may be plate-shaped. The subfloor 44 may be a single, continuous unit, e.g., initially formed as a single piece of metal. As another example, the subfloor 44 may include a plurality of segments, i.e., two or more, that are formed separately and subsequently joined together, e.g., by welding.

[0024] The reinforcement 14 may be disposed between the underbody 44 and the floor 46, as explained below. In particular, the reinforcement 14 may abut the underbody 44. Additionally, the reinforcement 14 may be disposed between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30, as shown in the figures. For example, the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 may both be disposed in the door opening 32. In other words, the reinforcement 14 may be disposed in the door opening 32.

[0025] The reinforcement 14 may be attached to the subfloor 44. The reinforcement 14 may be attached to the subfloor 44 in any suitable manner. For example, the reinforcement 14 may be welded to the subfloor 44. Alternatively, the reinforcement 14 may be attached to the subfloor 44 by fastening, gluing, etc. The reinforcement 14 may be formed from any suitable material, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 3, the reinforcement 14 may include a bottom surface 48 abutting the subfloor 44 and a top surface 50 spaced from the bottom surface 48. For example, the reinforcement 14 may extend from the bottom surface 48 to the top surface 50. The top surface 50 of the reinforcement 14 may be disposed at any position between the bottom surface 48 of the reinforcement 14 and the floor 46. For example, the top surface 50 of the reinforcement 14 may abut the floor 46. Alternatively, the top surface 50 of the reinforcement 14 may be adjacent to the floor 46, i.e., spaced from the floor 46. Both the top surface 50 and the bottom surface 48 of the reinforcement 14 may be continuous and extend along the reinforcement 14.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 3, the first side member 20 may be disposed on a side 88 of the vehicle 12. For example, the first side member 20 may be disposed between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30, i.e., in the door opening 32, on a side 88 of the vehicle 12. In other words, the first side member 20 may be disposed adjacent the first rocker panel 16. Specifically, the first side member 20 may abut the first rocker panel 16, as set forth above. The first side member 20 may be elongated along the first rocker panel 16, i.e., along the longitudinal axis L.

[0028] The first side member 20 may be attached to the first sill 16. The first side member 20 may be attached to the first sill 16 in any suitable manner. For example, the first side member 20 may be attached to the first sill 16 by welding. Alternatively, the first side member 20 may be attached to the first sill 16 by fastening, gluing, etc.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 3, the second side member 22 may be disposed on the other side 90 of the vehicle 12. For example, the second side member 22 may be disposed between the first pillar 28 and the second pillar 30, i.e., in the door opening 32, on the other side 90 of the vehicle 12. In other words, the second side member 22 may be disposed adjacent to the second sill 18. Specifically, the second side member 22 may abut the second sill 18, as set forth above. The second side member 22 may be extended along the second sill 18, i.e., along the longitudinal axis L.

[0030] The second side member 22 may be attached to the second sill 18. The second side member 22 may be attached to the second sill 18 in any suitable manner. For example, the second side member 22 may be attached to the second sill 18 by welding. Alternatively, the second side member 22 may be attached to the second sill 18 by fastening, gluing, etc.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 3, the front beam 24 may extend from one side 88 of the vehicle 12 to the other side 90 of the vehicle 12, i.e., along the transverse axis A. For example, the front beam 24 may extend from the first side member 20 to the second side member 22. Additionally, the front beam 24 may abut the bulkhead 40. The front beam 24 may be attached to the bulkhead 40. The front beam 24 may be attached to the bulkhead 40 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0032] The front beam 24 may have a convex shape from the first side member 20 to the second side member 22, i.e., in the direction of the transverse axis A. For example, the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 may each be spaced apart from the partition wall 40. In this situation, the front beam 24 may extend from the first side member 20 to the partition wall 40 and from the second side member 22 to the partition wall 40.

[0033] With further reference to Fig. 3, the front beam 24 may include the first segment 52 extending from the first side member 20 at a non-perpendicular angle, and the second segment 54 extending from the second side member 22 at a non-perpendicular angle. The first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 may each extend from the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively, in directions transverse to each other. For example, the first segment 52 may extend obliquely from the first side member 20 toward the partition wall 40, and the second segment 54 may, for example, extend obliquely from the second side member 22 toward the partition wall 40. In other words, the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 may extend from the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively, toward each other, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.Each of the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 may extend at any suitable non-perpendicular angle from the first side member 20 or the second side member 22, respectively, toward the partition wall 40.

[0034] With further reference to Fig. 3, the front beam 24 may include the intermediate segment 56 extending from the first segment 52 to the second segment 54 of the front beam 24. Each of the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 may extend transversely from the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24. For example, the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 may each extend obliquely from the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 to the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively. The intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 may be elongated in the direction perpendicular to each of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18. In other words, the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 may be elongated in a direction transverse to the vehicle, i.e., along the transverse axis A.

[0035] The intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 can be attached to both the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24. The intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 can be attached to each of the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 in the same or different manner. The intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 can be attached to both the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0036] The front beam 24 can be attached to both the first side member 20 and the second side member 22. Specifically, the first segment 52 of the front beam 24 can be attached to the first side member 20, and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 can be attached to the second side member 22. The front beam 24 can be attached to both the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0037] The front beam 24 may be attached to the partition 40. For example, the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 may be attached to the partition 40. The front beam 24, e.g., the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24, may be attached to the partition 40 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0038] The rear beam 26 may be a mirror image of the front beam 24 about the transverse axis A. As in Fig. 3, the rear beam 26 may extend from one side 88 of the vehicle 12 to the other side 90 of the vehicle 12, i.e., along the transverse axis A. For example, the rear beam 26 may extend from the first side member 20 to the second side member 22. Additionally, the rear beam 26 may abut the cross member 42. The rear beam 26 may be attached to the cross member 42. The rear beam 26 may be attached to the cross member 42 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0039] The rear beam 26 may have a convex shape from the first side member 20 to the second side member 22, i.e., in the direction of the transverse axis A. For example, the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 may each be spaced apart from the transverse member 42. In this situation, the rear beam 26 may extend from the first side member 20 to the transverse member 42 and from the second side member 22 to the transverse member 42.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 3, the rear beam 26 may include the first segment 58 extending from the first side member 20 at a non-perpendicular angle and the second segment 60 extending from the second side member 22 at a non-perpendicular angle. The first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 may each extend from the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively, in directions transverse to each other. For example, the first segment 58 may extend obliquely from the first side member 20 toward the cross member 42, and the second segment 60 may, for example, extend obliquely from the second side member 22 toward the cross member 42. In other words, the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 may extend from the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively, toward each other, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.Each of the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 may extend at any suitable non-perpendicular angle from the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively, toward the cross member 42.

[0041] With further reference to Fig. 3, the rear beam 26 may include the intermediate segment 62 extending from the first segment 58 to the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26. Each of the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 may extend transversely from the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26. For example, the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 may each extend obliquely from the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 to the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, respectively. The intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 may be elongated in the direction perpendicular to each of the first rocker 16 and the second rocker 18. In other words, the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 may be elongated in a direction transverse to the vehicle, i.e., along the transverse axis A.

[0042] The intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 can be attached to either the first segment 58 or the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26. The intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 can be attached to each of the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 in the same or different ways. The intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 can be attached to either the first segment 58 or the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 in any suitable way, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0043] The rear beam 26 can be attached to both the first side member 20 and the second side member 22. Specifically, the first segment 58 of the rear beam 26 can be attached to the first side member 20, and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 can be attached to the second side member 22. The rear beam 26 can be attached to both the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0044] The rear beam 26 may be attached to the cross member 42. For example, the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 may be attached to the cross member 42. The rear beam 26, e.g., the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26, may be attached to the cross member 42 in any suitable manner, e.g., welding, fastening, gluing, etc.

[0045] With further reference to Fig. 3, the reinforcement 14 may include the flange 64, which is attached to the rear beam 26. Specifically, the flange 64 may be attached to the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26. The flange 64 may extend along the transverse axis A from the first segment 58 to the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26, i.e., along the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26. The flange 64 may be formed from any suitable material, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.

[0046] With further reference to Fig. 3, the flange 64 may extend outwardly from the rear beam 26 along the longitudinal axis L to the cross member 42. The flange 64 may extend any suitable extent along the longitudinal axis L. For example, the flange 64 may extend over the cross member 42. Alternatively, the flange 64 may extend partially over the cross member 42. The flange 64 may be attached to the cross member 42.

[0047] The flange 64 may be attached to the rear beam 26 and the cross member 42 in the same or different ways. The flange 64 may be attached to both the rear beam 26 and the cross member 42 in any suitable way. For example, the flange 64 may be attached to both the rear beam 26 and the cross member 42 by welding. Alternatively, the flange 64 may be attached to both the rear beam 26 and the cross member 42 by fastening, gluing, etc.

[0048] The reinforcement 14 may include the guide track 66 extending along the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26. The guide track 66 may be continuous and extend along the first side member 20 and the second side member 22. In other words, the guide track 66 may extend along the reinforcement 14. The guide track 66 may have any shape to support the seat assembly, as set forth below. One embodiment of the guide track 66 includes the groove 68, as set forth below. Another embodiment of the guide track 66 may include a rail (not shown) extending continuously along the reinforcement 14.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 3, the reinforcement 14 may include the inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72 spaced from the inner wall 70. The outer wall 72 may extend around the reinforcement 14, i.e., define a perimeter of the reinforcement 14. In other words, the outer wall 72 may be continuous and extend along each of the first side member 20, the second side member 22, the front beam 24, and the rear beam 26. The outer wall 72 may, for example, abut the first rocker 16, the second rocker 18, the bulkhead 40, and the cross member 42. The outer wall 72 may extend from the bottom 48 to the top 50 of the reinforcement 14.

[0050] The inner wall 70 may be wrapped by the outer wall 72. In other words, the inner wall 70 may be enclosed by the outer wall 72. The inner wall 70 may be continuous and extend along each of the first side member 20, the second side member 22, the front beam 24, and the rear beam 26. For example, the inner wall 70 may be spaced apart by the outer wall 72 from each of the first rocker 16, the second rocker 18, the bulkhead 40, and the cross member 42. The inner wall 70 may extend from the bottom surface 48 to the top surface 50 of the reinforcement 14.

[0051] The inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72 may define a groove 68 therebetween. The groove 68 may be continuous and extend along each of the first side member 20, the second side member 22, the front beam 24, and the rear beam 26. The groove 68 may extend in the direction D transverse to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis A from the top surface 36 of the rocker panel toward the bottom surface 38 of the rocker panel. For example, the groove 68 may extend through the reinforcement 14 from the top surface 50 toward the bottom surface 48 of the reinforcement 14.

[0052] The reinforcement 14 may have any suitable shape. For example, the reinforcement 14 may be octagonal, as shown in the figures. As another example, the reinforcement 14 may be hexagonal. In this situation, the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 abut each other, and the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 abut each other. In other words, the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 and the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 may be eliminated. Alternatively, the reinforcement 14 may have any other suitable shape, for example, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 2, the body 34 may include the floor 46 spaced from the underbody 44 in the direction D transverse to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis A. For example, the floor 46 may be coplanar with the top surface 36 of the first rocker 16 and the top surface 36 of the second rocker 18. Stated another way, the floor 46 may extend from the top surface 36 of the first rocker 16 to the top surface 36 of the second rocker 18. Additionally, the floor 46 may extend from the bulkhead 40 to the cross member 42 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] The floor 46 may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the floor 46 may be formed from nylon. Alternatively, the floor 46 may be formed from cotton, vinyl, or any other suitable material. The floor 46 may include a support (not shown) for supporting the occupant on the floor 46. The support may be formed from any suitable material, e.g., foam, plastic, etc.

[0055] The base 46 may be a single, continuous unit, e.g., initially formed as a single piece of nylon. As another example, the base 46 may include a plurality of segments, i.e., two or more, formed separately and subsequently joined together, e.g., by stitching.

[0056] The floor 46 may be attached to each sill, i.e., the first sill 16 and the second sill 18. Additionally, the floor 46 may be attached to at least one of the bulkhead 40 and the cross member 42. For example, the floor 46 may be attached to each sill and the cross member 42. The floor 46 may be attached to both sills, i.e., the first sill 16 and the second sill 18, and at least one of the bulkhead 40 and the cross member 42 in any suitable manner, e.g., thumbtacks, fasteners, adhesive, etc.

[0057] With further reference to Fig. 2, the base 46 may include a slot 74 extending through the base 46 in the direction D transverse to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis A. The slot 74 may have bristles (not shown) extending partially across the slot 74. The bristles may help prevent debris from passing through the slot 74.

[0058] The slot 74 may be continuous and extend along the guide track 66 of the reinforcement 14. The slot 74 may, for example, extend along the floor 46 from the first sill 16 to the second sill 18 and from the partition wall 40 to the cross member 42. The slot 74 may be adjacent to the guide track 66, e.g., the groove 68, of the reinforcement 14. For example, the slot 74 may be arranged between the inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72 of the reinforcement 14, i.e., in the groove 68. The slot 74 may have the same shape as the reinforcement 14, e.g., octagonal.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 2, the vehicle structure 10 may include the plurality of seat assemblies 76 supported by the reinforcement 14. The seat assemblies 76 may be movably coupled to the guide track 66. For example, the seat assemblies 76 may slidably engage the groove 68 of the reinforcement 14. In other words, the seat assemblies 76 may extend relative to the guide track 66, as set forth below. The vehicle structure 10 may include any suitable number of seat assemblies 76, and the seat assemblies 76 may be arranged in any suitable arrangement.

[0060] With further reference to Fig. 2, the seat assembly 76 may include a seat 78 having a seat back 80, a seat bottom 82, and a base 84. The seat back 80 may be supported by the seat bottom 82 and may extend upwardly from the seat bottom 82. The seat back 80 may be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 82. The seat back 80 and the seat bottom 82 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. In particular, the seat back 80 and the seat bottom 82 may themselves be adjustable, in other words, may have adjustable components within themselves, and / or may be adjustable relative to one another. The base 84 may support the seat bottom 82 on the reinforcement 14. For example, the base 84 may extend from the seat bottom 82 to the guide track 66, e.g., the groove 68, of the reinforcement 14. In other words, the base 84 may extend through the slot 74 in the floor 46 from the seat surface 82 to the reinforcement 14.The seat 78 may be any suitable type of seat, such as a bucket seat, a child seat, a bench seat, etc.

[0061] The base 84 can engage the guide track 66 of the reinforcement 14. The base 84 can engage the guide track 66 of the reinforcement 14 in any suitable manner. For example, the base 84 can include a tongue that can engage the groove 68. As another example, the base 84 can include a clamp that can be slidably connected to the guide track 66 of the reinforcement 14.

[0062] The seats 78 may be rotatable about the base 84. Specifically, the seats 78 may be rotatable to any selected position about the base 84, e.g., 180-360 degrees. The seats 78 may be independently rotatable to a mutually facing position, as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the seats 78 may be rotatable to a position facing away from each other, ie, toward a steering wheel and / or toward the outside environment.

[0063] The seat assembly 76 may include the motor 86 disposed on the guide track 66, e.g., in the groove 68, of the reinforcement 14. The motor 86 may movably couple the seat 78, i.e., the base 84, to the guide track 66, e.g., the groove 68, of the reinforcement 14. In other words, the motor 86 may engage the seat 78 and the guide track 66 of the reinforcement 14. The motor 86 may move the seat 78 about the guide track 66 relative to the floor 46. In other words, the base 84 of the seat 78 may be movable relative to the floor 46 of the vehicle 12, e.g., about the guide track 66, in a rearward direction of the vehicle and / or a transverse direction of the vehicle. The motor 86 may transmit motion between the seat 78 and the guide track 66 in any suitable manner, e.g., by means of a drive motor. B.the motor 86 may include a gear that engages the teeth on the guideway 66, the motor 86 may include rollers that bear against the inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72 of the guideway 66 to drive the seat 78 by friction, the motor 86 may include a magnet to drive the seat 78 by magnetic levitation, etc.

[0064] Motor 86 may be an electric motor. Motor 86 may be any suitable type of electric motor. For example, motor 86 may be a brushless DC motor. Alternatively, motor 86 may be a brushed DC motor, a rotating magnet motor, or any other suitable type of electric motor.

[0065] The reinforcement 14 may be subjected to a force F during a vehicle impact. During a side impact, one of the side members, ie, the first side member 20 and the second side member 22, may be subjected to the force of the vehicle impact, as shown in Fig. 4. In this situation, the reinforcement 14 can distribute the force from one of the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 to the other components of the reinforcement 14. For example, the force from the second sill 18 and the second side member 22 can be distributed to the first segment 52, 58 of both the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26. As another example, the force from the first segment 52, 58 of both the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 can be distributed to the second segment 54, 60 of both the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26. In other words, the force can be split between the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26. In this situation, the force can be distributed through the intermediate segment 56, 62 of both the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26.The force distributed to the second segment 54, 60 of both the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 can be distributed to the first side member 20 and the first sill 16.

[0066] With reference to Fig.5, one of the front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 may be subject to the force of the vehicle impact during a frontal impact or a rearward impact. In this situation, the reinforcement 14 may distribute the force from one of the first front beam 24 and the rear beam 26 to the other components of the reinforcement 14. For example, the force from the intermediate segment 56 of the front beam 24 may be distributed to the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24. In other words, the force may be split between the first segment 52 and the second segment 54 of the front beam 24. As another example, the force may be distributed from the first segment 52 of the front beam 24 to the first side member 20 and from the second segment 54 of the front beam 24 to the second side member 22. In this situation, the force from each of the first side member 20 and the second side member 22 may be distributed to the first segment 58 and the second segment 54, respectively.the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26. The force distributed between the first segment 58 and the second segment 60 of the rear beam 26 can be distributed between the intermediate segment 62 of the rear beam 26 and the cross member 42.

[0067] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be of a descriptive rather than a limiting nature. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

[1] Vehicle structure, including: a first sill and a second sill spaced apart from the first sill; and a reinforcement with a front beam and a rear beam spaced apart from each other; wherein the reinforcement includes a first side element and a second side element, each extending from the front beam to the rear beam, the first side element resting against the first sill and the second side element resting against the second sill, wherein the front beam includes a first segment extending from the first side element at a non-perpendicular angle and a second segment extending from the second side element at a non-perpendicular angle, the first segment and the second segment extending from the first side element and the second side element respectively in directions transverse to each other. [2] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the first side element is extended along the first sill and the second side element is extended along the second sill. [3] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the first side element is attached to the first sill and the second side element is attached to the second sill. [4] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, further comprising a partition wall and a transverse element spaced apart from each other and each extending from the first sill to the second sill, wherein the front beam abuts the partition wall and the rear beam abuts the transverse element. [5] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, further comprising an underbody extending from the first sill to the second sill and a floor, wherein the reinforcement is located between the underbody and the floor. [6] Vehicle structure according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcement rests against the underbody and is attached to the underbody. [7] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the front beam and the rear beam each have a convex shape from the first side element to the second side element. [8] Vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the rear beam is a mirror image of the front beam. [9] Vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the front beam includes an intermediate segment extending from the first segment to the second segment, each of the first segment and the second segment of the front beam extending transversely from the intermediate segment. [10] Vehicle structure according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate segment is extended in a direction perpendicular to the first sill and to the second sill. [11] Vehicle structure according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the reinforcement includes a guide track extending along the front beam and the rear beam, and further comprising a seat assembly supported by the reinforcement and movably coupled to the guide track. [12] Vehicle structure according to claim 11, further comprising a motor that movably couples the seat assembly and the guide track. [13] Vehicle structure according to claim 11, wherein the guide track is continuous and extends along the first side element and the second side element.

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