Sidewall structure for a motor vehicle body

Abstract

The invention relates to a side wall structure (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), comprising a pillar part (9, 10, 11) which at least partially forms a vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal member (13) which has at least one longitudinal member part (16) which at least partially forms a side sill (14) having a cavity (15), and comprising a side wall element (19) which is arranged further outwards in the vehicle transverse direction (20) than the longitudinal member part (16) and partially forms the side sill (14), wherein the cavity (15) is at least partially delimited inwards by the longitudinal member part (16) at least in the vehicle transverse direction (20) and is delimited outwards at least partially by the side wall element (19) in the vehicle transverse direction (20), and the pillar part (9, 10,11) extends downwards in some areas within the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) at least as far as a connecting area (23) arranged in the lower area (22) of the side sill (14), in which the side wall element (19) is fastened to the longitudinal member part (16) via the pillar part (9, 10, 11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body according to claim 1.

[0002] EP 2 895 381 B1 discloses a method for producing the motor vehicle body with a side wall which is formed in a shell construction from a sheet metal inner shell and a sheet metal outer shell, wherein the side wall simultaneously forms a roof side frame which is connected to a B-pillar of the motor vehicle body.

[0003] In addition, DE 10 2021 005 681 B3 discloses a side wall structure for a body of a motor vehicle, comprising a side sill with at least one sill inner shell and a sill outer shell, by which a cavity is delimited, within which an energy absorption structure is arranged running in the direction of extension of the side sill, and comprising a B-pillar with at least one pillar outer shell, which adjoins the side sill.

[0004] Furthermore, from DE 10 2017 010 670 A1, a side sill arrangement of a body of an electrically operated motor vehicle is known, with respective side sills which have a hollow profile at least in a respective length range and to which a battery support frame can be fixed by means of respective fastening elements at respectively associated fastening points of the side sills.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2023 128 595 B3 discloses a side door arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a side frame delimiting a door opening, on which a side door pivotable between a closed position and at least one open position is mounted, and comprising a catch device comprising a first catch element arranged on the side frame side and having a first engagement surface, and a second catch element arranged on a structural component of the side door on the door side and having a second engagement surface, which second catch element can be brought into engagement with the first catch element via the engagement surfaces in the event of an accident-related deformation of the side door as a result of a side collision.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body so that the mechanical load capacity of the motor vehicle body can be particularly increased.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a sidewall structure for a motor vehicle body having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0008] The invention relates to a sidewall structure for a motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle body, particularly in its fully manufactured state, preferably comprises the sidewall structure. The motor vehicle body is understood to be a body, particularly a self-supporting body, of a motor vehicle or for the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a passenger car.

[0009] The sidewall structure has at least one pillar part, which at least partially forms a vehicle pillar. In other words, the vehicle pillar has at least the pillar part. The vehicle pillar can be understood, in particular, as a vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle body.

[0010] Furthermore, the side wall structure has at least one longitudinal member, which has at least one longitudinal member part. A main extension direction of the longitudinal member preferably runs at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body or of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal member part forms a side sill having a cavity, at least partially, for example predominantly. In other words, the cavity, which extends in particular within the side sill, is at least partially delimited by the longitudinal member part. The term "side sill" is understood to mean, in particular, a side sill of the motor vehicle body.

[0011] Furthermore, the sidewall structure has at least one sidewall element that is arranged further outward in the vehicle's transverse direction than the longitudinal member. This means that the sidewall element extends further outward in the vehicle's transverse direction than the longitudinal member, at least in some areas. The sidewall element is, for example, part of a sidewall, which can also be referred to as a side frame. The sidewall element is designed, for example, as a side frame.

[0012] Preferably, the pillar part, the longitudinal member, in particular the longitudinal member part, and the side wall element are load-bearing structural components of the side wall structure or the motor vehicle body. Thus, the side wall element, in particular, is not an exterior paneling part. The side wall element partially forms the side sill, in particular its cavity. In other words, the cavity, which extends in particular within the side sill, is partially delimited by the side wall element.

[0013] The cavity is at least partially bounded inwardly, at least in the vehicle transverse direction, by the longitudinal member part. In other words, the cavity is formed inwardly, at least in the vehicle transverse direction, by the longitudinal member part. Furthermore, the cavity is at least partially bounded outwardly, in the vehicle transverse direction, by the side wall element. In other words, the cavity is at least partially formed outwardly, in the vehicle transverse direction, by the side wall element.

[0014] In order to be able to particularly increase the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the motor vehicle body, in particular of the side wall structure, according to the invention, the pillar part extends downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle in some regions within the cavity, i.e., within the side sill, at least as far as a connecting region arranged in the lower region of the side sill. This means that a partial region of the pillar part, which is partially arranged in the cavity, is arranged in the aforementioned connecting region, which is arranged in the lower region of the side sill.In other words, the pillar part extends from outside the cavity or from outside the side sill, for example starting from a roof area of ​​the motor vehicle body, in particular the side wall structure, into the cavity or into the side sill and downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction at least as far as the connecting area. The lower area is understood to be a lower area of ​​the side sill, in particular of the longitudinal member, relative to the vehicle's vertical direction, whereby this lower area can also be referred to as the sill lower area or sill underside. For example, the lower area is a lower end of the side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction. In the lower connecting area, the side wall element is fastened at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part.This means that in the lower connecting region, the side wall element is connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part. In other words, in the connecting region, the pillar part is at least indirectly, in particular directly, fastened to the longitudinal member part and the side wall element is fastened in the connecting region, in particular directly, to the pillar part, whereby in particular in the connecting region the side wall element is fastened to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part. The connecting region is, for example, a flange region. Thus, the longitudinal member part, the side wall element and the pillar part can each have a respective flange region, wherein these flange regions abut one another, for example directly, in particular in the connecting region, in order to fasten the side wall element to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part.The flange area of ​​the longitudinal member part can also be referred to as the sill flange.

[0015] In the side wall structure according to the invention, the side wall element can be joined to the longitudinal member part, in particular to the outer sill flange of the longitudinal member part in the vehicle transverse direction, without additional sill reinforcement, in particular because the pillar part extends downwards within the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction at least as far as the connecting region. This can be achieved in particular by the rigidity of the side wall structure in the sill region being particularly increased by extending the pillar part as far as the connecting region or by fastening the side wall element to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part. For example, a base region of the vehicle pillar, in particular of the pillar part, is extended in the vehicle's vertical direction as far as the lower sill flange of the side sill.This can significantly improve the crash performance of the vehicle featuring the sidewall structure. In other words, the vehicle pillar, in particular the pillar section, can be extended downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle into a vertical sill flange, in order to significantly improve crash requirements as well as the fatigue strength and rigidity of the entire body or vehicle body. This can significantly improve the safety, especially passive safety, of the vehicle body or vehicle itself.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one energy absorption element, in particular one formed separately from the longitudinal member, the vehicle pillar, and the side wall element, is arranged in the cavity. In other words, the energy absorption element extends within the cavity or the side sill. Thus, for example, in the event of an accident-related impact on the side wall element in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the side wall element can be supported or is supported on the longitudinal member, in particular on the longitudinal member part, via the energy absorption element, in particular with deformation of the energy absorption element. In particular, when the energy absorption element is subjected to an accident-related force, the energy absorption element is deformable, in particular in a targeted manner, with energy absorption, in particular in order to dissipate accident-related collision energy. The energy absorption element can therefore also be referred to as a deformation element.The energy absorption element is preferably formed, in particular entirely, from aluminum, for example, from an aluminum alloy. The energy absorption element can also be understood as an insert inserted into the cavity or into the side sill, which can also be referred to as an aluminum insert. Furthermore, the energy absorption element can be understood as a crash profile, in particular an aluminum crash profile, integrated into the side sill.

[0017] The invention is based in particular on the finding that such an aluminum crash profile can conventionally be joined outside of a body-in-white as part of a high-voltage battery or simply by means of a local adapter in the side sill. Furthermore, cold joining technology can be used to connect the side wall element, made of steel for example, to the energy absorption element. However, it may be desirable to avoid cold joining technology when joining the side frame, made of steel for example, with the energy absorption element, made of aluminum for example. Furthermore, it may also be desirable to avoid adhesive in such a connection, since then, for example, the qualification of low-bake adhesives can be dispensed with.Furthermore, it is conceivable in principle to avoid completely enclosing the energy absorption element, which could be made of aluminum, for example, in a separate steel sill reinforcement to ensure proper cataphoretic dip painting and adhesive curing. In this context, cataphoretic dip painting refers to cathodic dip painting.

[0018] In the sidewall structure, the energy absorption element, e.g., formed as an aluminum profile, can be joined exclusively to a floor assembly of the vehicle body. This allows the manufacturing costs of the sidewall structure to be kept particularly low, particularly while simultaneously increasing or at least maintaining the mechanical strength. The energy absorption element, e.g., referred to as an aluminum crash profile, can thus be integrated into the body, particularly a steel body, to protect an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle. The energy absorption element can thus be designed to protect the electrical energy storage device.

[0019] An electrical energy storage device is understood to be a battery or accumulator. The electrical energy storage device is, for example, a high-voltage storage device. The electrical energy storage device is designed, for example, as a traction storage device. This means that the motor vehicle has at least one electric machine, which can be supplied with electrical energy, in particular stored or chemically bound in the electrical energy storage device, by means of the electrical energy storage device in order to drive the motor vehicle. Thus, the motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, at least one coupling element is provided, extending at least partially into the cavity, i.e., within the side sill, via which the side wall element is connected to the energy absorption element, avoiding a direct connection. In other words, the side wall element and the energy absorption element are coupled to one another, in particular mechanically, via the coupling element. This eliminates the need for a direct connection between the side wall element, formed, for example, from steel, and the energy absorption element, formed, for example, from aluminum, thereby eliminating the need for cold joining. Furthermore, it is provided that the side wall element is fastened to the longitudinal member part in the connection region via the coupling element.In other words, the coupling element extends downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction, for example starting from the energy absorption element, at least as far as the connecting region in which the coupling element is fastened to the longitudinal member part, whereby the side wall element is fastened to the longitudinal member part via the pillar part fastened to the coupling element in the connecting region. This makes it possible to particularly increase the rigidity in the lower sill area. The coupling element is designed separately from the side wall element, the longitudinal member, and the vehicle pillar. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling element is designed as a shear field and / or as a tension band.In other words, the coupling element is designed to transmit tensile forces and / or compressive forces acting on the coupling element, for example, between the energy absorption element and the connecting region, in particular the longitudinal member part, the pillar part, and / or the side wall element. This allows the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure to be significantly increased.

[0021] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the side wall structure has at least one support element which is arranged in the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction above the energy absorption element and is formed separately from the longitudinal member and the pillar part and which can also be referred to as a second support element. In other words, the second support element extends within the cavity or within the side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction, at least in regions above the energy absorption element. The second support element is preferably formed separately from the first support element and / or from the coupling element. The pillar part is connected to the energy absorption element via the second support element, for example via the coupling element, on an upper side of the energy absorption element facing upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction.In other words, the second support element is attached to the energy absorption element on the upper side of the energy absorption element, with the second support element also being attached to the pillar part. As a result, the pillar part, in particular, can be supported or is supported on the energy absorption element via the second support element, for example, through the coupling element, preferably inwardly in the vehicle transverse direction. This allows the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure to be significantly increased. Furthermore, the present connection technology can be particularly relieved of stress, for example, in the connection area.

[0022] Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally provided that the vehicle pillar has at least one inner pillar part arranged further inwards in the vehicle transverse direction than the pillar part, in particular formed separately from the pillar part. In other words, the inner pillar part extends at least partially further inwards in the vehicle transverse direction than the pillar part. For example, the inner pillar part is designed as an inner shell. The pillar part is designed, for example, as an outer pillar part or central pillar part, in particular as an outer shell or central shell. Furthermore, in the cavity in the vehicle vertical direction above the energy absorption element, at least one support element formed separately from the longitudinal member and the vehicle pillar is arranged. This support element can also be referred to as a third support element.In other words, the third support element extends at least partially within the cavity or within the side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction above the energy absorption element. The pillar part can be or is supported inwards in the vehicle's transverse direction, for example directly, on the pillar inner part via the third support element. In other words, a force acting on the pillar part, in particular one caused by an accident, can be transferred inwards in the vehicle's transverse direction to the pillar inner part via the third support element. This makes it possible to particularly increase the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure. Furthermore, the connection technology of the side wall structure can be particularly relieved, for example in the connection region. The third support element is preferably formed separately from the first support element, the second support element and / or the coupling element.

[0023] Individual adapters in the form of the respective support element can thus be positioned around the energy absorption element. The respective adapter can enable additional joining technology, for example, with particularly good weld point accessibility and / or form-fitting under deformation, in order to particularly relieve the joining technology under shear.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the pillar part extends within the cavity, bypassing the energy absorption element. In other words, the pillar part is spaced apart from the energy absorption element. This means that the pillar part does not touch the energy absorption element, in particular does not touch it directly. This eliminates the need for a direct connection between the pillar part and the energy absorption element, which can significantly improve the manufacturing effort of the vehicle body and / or the mechanical strength of the vehicle body.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the side wall structure has at least one support element arranged in the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element and formed separately from the longitudinal member and the pillar part, which support element can also be referred to as the first support element. In other words, the first support element extends within the cavity or within the side sill, at least in some regions, in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element. The support element is preferably formed separately from the coupling element. The longitudinal member part and / or the pillar part can be or is supported on the energy absorption element upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction via the first support element, for example at least indirectly or directly.This means that a force acting on the longitudinal member and / or the pillar section, particularly in an accident, can be transferred upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle to the energy absorption element. This can significantly increase the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the sidewall structure. This can, in particular, relieve the connection technology in the connection area, for example, from tensile stress.

[0026] Overall, it can be seen that the sidewall structure allows for column attachment of a steel side frame via a side protection element in the form of an energy absorption element, for example, made of aluminum, without the need for cold joining. The steel side frame refers in particular to the sidewall element.

[0027] The vehicle pillar is designed, for example, as an A-pillar, a B-pillar, or a C-pillar. In other words, the pillar part at least partially forms the A-pillar, the B-pillar, or the C-pillar.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic partial sectional view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of an A-pillar; and Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of an A-pillar; and Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of a B-pillar; and Fig. 5 a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of a B-pillar; and Fig. 6 a schematic partial sectional view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of a C-pillar; and Fig. 7 a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the region of a C-pillar.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure 1 for a motor vehicle body 2. In Fig. 1, the side wall structure 1 is shown partially transparent. The motor vehicle body is designed, for example, for an electrically driven or powered motor vehicle, which is, for example, a passenger car. The side wall structure 1 has at least one vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, but in the present case several vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5, for example three vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. A first of the vehicle pillars 3 is designed, for example, as an A-pillar 6. A second of the vehicle pillars 4 is designed, for example, as a B-pillar 7. The third of the vehicle pillars 5 is designed, for example, as a C-pillar 8.

[0031] The side wall structure 1 has at least one pillar part 9, 10, 11, which at least partially forms at least one of the vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. In the exemplary embodiment, however, the side wall structure 1 has a plurality of such pillar parts 9, 10, 11, for example three pillar parts 9, 10, 11, each of which at least partially forms a respective one of the vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. Thus, for example, a first of the pillar parts 9 at least partially forms the first vehicle pillar 3. A second of the pillar parts 10, for example, at least partially forms the second vehicle pillar 4. The third of the pillar parts 11 further forms, for example, the third vehicle pillar 5 at least partially. As in Fig. 1, the first pillar part 9, in particular the first vehicle pillar 3, is arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 12 in front of the second pillar part 10, in particular the second vehicle pillar 4, and the third pillar part 11, in particular the third vehicle pillar 5. Furthermore, the second pillar part 10, in particular the second vehicle pillar 4, is arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction 12 in front of the third pillar part 11, in particular the third vehicle pillar 5.

[0032] The side wall structure 1 has at least one longitudinal member 13, which at least partially forms a side sill 14, which has at least one cavity 15. The cavity 15 is, for example, particularly well suited for Fig. 2, which shows, by way of example, a schematic partial sectional view of the side wall structure 1, wherein this partial sectional view is a section through the side wall structure 1 in the region of the A-pillar 6. For example, the longitudinal member 13 extends at least from the first vehicle pillar 3 in the vehicle longitudinal direction 12 to the third vehicle pillar 5.

[0033] The longitudinal member 13 is formed separately from the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. The longitudinal member 13 has at least one longitudinal member part 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal member 13 is formed in several parts, for example in three parts. Thus, in the present case, the longitudinal member 13 has a plurality of longitudinal member parts 16, 17, 18, in particular formed separately from one another, for example three. For example, a first of the longitudinal member parts 16 is connected, in particular directly, to a second of the longitudinal member parts 17, which is, for example, in particular directly, connected to the third longitudinal member part 18. The cavity 15 is formed at least by the first longitudinal member part 16. In the present case, however, the cavity 15 is partially formed by the longitudinal member parts 16, 17, 18.

[0034] Furthermore, the side wall structure 1 has at least one side wall element 19, which can also be referred to as a side frame. In this case, the side wall element 19 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13, in particular from the longitudinal member parts 16, 17, 18. Furthermore, the side wall element 19 is formed separately from the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, in particular from the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. The side wall element 19 is arranged further outward in the vehicle transverse direction 20 than the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. Furthermore, the side wall element 19 partially forms the side sill 14.

[0035] The cavity 15 is at least partially delimited inwardly by the longitudinal member part 16, and in particular by the second and / or third longitudinal member part 17, 18, at least in the vehicle transverse direction 20, and at least partially delimited outwardly by the side wall element 19 in the vehicle transverse direction 20.

[0036] In the present case, the first longitudinal member part 16 extends further downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 than the second and third longitudinal member parts 17, 18. Furthermore, in the present case, the second longitudinal member part 17 extends further downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 than the third longitudinal member part 18. The first longitudinal member part 16 can therefore also be referred to as the “lower side longitudinal member”. Furthermore, the third longitudinal member part 18 can also be referred to as the “top side longitudinal member”. In the present case, the longitudinal member 13 is part of a floor assembly of the motor vehicle body 2. The floor assembly is made of steel, for example, which means that it can also be referred to as a “steel floor assembly”. Thus, it is provided, for example, that the longitudinal member 13, in particular the first, second and third longitudinal member parts 16, 17, 18, is or are made of steel. The side wall element 19 is made of steel, for example.

[0037] In order to be able to particularly increase the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure 1, in particular of the motor vehicle body 2, the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11, in particular a respective pillar base of the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11, extends downwards in some regions within the cavity 15 in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 at least as far as a connecting region 23 arranged in the lower region 22 of the side sill 14, in which connecting region the side wall element 19 is fastened via the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the longitudinal member 13, in particular to the first longitudinal member part 16. The connecting region 23 is designed as a flange region in the present case. This makes separate sill reinforcements in the side sill 14 unnecessary.Thus, the pillar feet of the vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5, also simply referred to as feet, can be extended downwards into a sill flange 21 which is lower in relation to the vehicle vertical direction, in particular instead of being connected to a separate sill reinforcement.

[0038] For example, particularly well in Fig. 2, in the connecting region 23, the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 is arranged, in particular in the vehicle transverse direction 20, between the first longitudinal member part 16 and the side wall element 19, in particular a flange of the first longitudinal member part 16 and a flange of the side wall element 19, whereby the side wall element 19 and the first longitudinal member part 16 are connected to one another via the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. Thus, in the present case, the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 is connected, in particular directly, to the side wall element 19 and at least indirectly or directly to the first longitudinal member part 16.

[0039] In the present case, an energy absorption element 24, which is preferably made of aluminum, is arranged in the cavity 15. This energy absorption element 24 can therefore also be referred to as an aluminum insert. In the present case, the energy absorption element 24 extends, in particular completely, within the cavity 15 or within the side sill 14. The energy absorption element 24 is provided, for example, to protect an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle. Thus, for example, the electrical energy storage device is covered outwardly in the vehicle transverse direction 20 by the energy absorption element 24. The energy absorption element 24 preferably has a profile that has a plurality of hollow chambers 25, which can also be referred to as cavities. The energy absorption element 24 is, for example, formed in one piece.Furthermore, the energy absorption element 24 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13, the side wall element 19 and the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5.

[0040] The energy absorption element 24 is designed, for example, to absorb energy in the event of a side impact (pole) to protect the electrical energy storage device, wherein the energy absorption element 24 is surrounded in the present case by the side sill 14, which is designed in particular as a steel shell sill.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 extends bypassing the energy absorption element 24, in particular within the cavity 15. In the present case, the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 extends from an upper side 26 of the energy absorption element 24 pointing upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 in the vehicle transverse direction 20 outside around the energy absorption element 24 to an underside of the energy absorption element 24 pointing downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21. In particular, the connecting region 23 is arranged on the underside 27. In the present case, the longitudinal member 13 extends from the upper side 26 of the energy absorption element 24 in the vehicle transverse direction 20 on the inside around the energy absorption element 24 to the underside 27. In this case, the energy absorption element 24 is connected, in particular directly, to the longitudinal member 13, for example the first and / or the third longitudinal member part 16, 18.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the side wall structure 1 has at least one coupling element 28 extending at least partially into the cavity 15, via which the side wall element 19 is connected to the energy absorption element 24, for example, via the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11, while avoiding a direct connection. Alternatively, several such coupling elements 28 can be provided, wherein the side wall element 19 can each be connected to the energy absorption element 24 via a respective one of the coupling elements 28, while avoiding a direct connection. As a result, the side wall element 19, designed, for example, as a steel side frame, can be connected to the side sill 14, designed, for example, as a steel shell sill with the aluminum insert, so that joining can be carried out without cold joining technology, whereby crash loads and rigidity requirements can preferably be met particularly well.The coupling element 28 or the respective coupling element 28 is designed, for example, as a shear field and / or as a tension band. A tensile force to be transmitted via the coupling element 28 through the respective column part 9, 10, 11 is illustrated by an arrow 29, and a compressive force to be transmitted via the coupling element 28 through the respective column part 9, 10, 11 is illustrated by an arrow 30. The tensile force is, for example, an accident-related tensile force acting in a side crash, which results, for example, from the side wall structure 1 being subjected to a barrier, which can also be referred to as a crash barrier. The compressive force is, for example, a compressive force resulting from a flattening load case.

[0043] In the present case, the side wall element 19 is fastened to the longitudinal member part 16 in the connecting region 23 by means of the coupling element 28 or the respective coupling element 28. In this case, the coupling element 28 is arranged, for example, at least in some regions in the vehicle transverse direction 20 between the first longitudinal member part 16 and the side wall element 19, in particular between the flange of the first longitudinal member part 16 and the flange of the side wall element 19, whereby the side wall element 19 is connected to the first longitudinal member part 16 via the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 and via the coupling element 28. The coupling element 28 is arranged, for example, on the inside of the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 in the vehicle transverse direction 20.

[0044] Welded joints of the side wall structure 1 can be accessible from both sides, in particular with respect to the vehicle transverse direction 20, whereby particularly good accessibility can be provided, whereby the manufacturing effort for producing the side wall structure 1 can be kept particularly low. The accessibility from both sides is, for example, in Fig. 3 by means of arrows 31, where in Fig. 3 the side wall structure 1 is shown in a schematic and perspective partial view in the lower area of ​​the first vehicle pillar 3. In Fig. 3, the sidewall structure 1 is shown partially transparent. This allows spot welding processes for connecting the sidewall element 19, also referred to as the side frame, to be carried out with particularly low effort. Furthermore, welding points can be placed in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element 24, for example, from the outside in the vehicle's transverse direction 20, with the coupling element 28.

[0045] The exemplary Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 for the side wall structure 1 in the area of ​​the first vehicle pillar 3 can alternatively or additionally apply to the side wall structure 1 in the area of ​​the second and / or third vehicle pillar 4, 5. This is shown in the Fig. 4 to 7. This shows Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of the side wall structure in the area of ​​the second vehicle pillar 4. Fig. 5 shows the side wall structure 1 in a schematic and perspective partial view in a lower region of the second vehicle pillar 4. Furthermore, Fig. 6 the side wall structure 1 in a schematic partial sectional view in the area of ​​the third vehicle pillar 5. Fig. 7 shows the side wall structure 1 in a schematic and perspective partial view in a lower area of ​​the third vehicle pillar 5. Thus, in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 shows in particular a respective section which runs through the second or third vehicle pillar 4, 5. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the side wall structure 1 is shown partially transparent.

[0046] In order to ensure force transmission and structural integrity, at least one additional adapter is provided, for example, but preferably several such adapters, in order to represent, for example, further connection technology with, for example, force locking and / or further load paths with form locking, in particular without having to connect the side wall element 19 and / or the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 directly to the energy absorption element 24.

[0047] Such an adapter is, for example, a first support element, wherein in the exemplary embodiment, two such support elements 32, 33 are provided. One of the support elements 32 is assigned, for example, to the second pillar part 10, and the other of the support elements is assigned, for example, to the third pillar part 11. The respective first support element 32, 33 is arranged in the cavity 15 in the vehicle vertical direction 21 and is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13 and the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11, and in particular separately from the coupling element 28. Thus, the energy absorption element 24 is in the present case at least partially covered downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 by the respective support element 32, 33. The respective pillar part 10, 11 and / or the first longitudinal member part 16 can be or is supported on the energy absorption element 24, for example directly, at least upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21, via the respective support element 32, 33.This is in . Fig. 4 and in Fig. 6 by means of an arrow 34. This can provide a corresponding support in the vehicle vertical direction 21 (z-direction) on the energy absorption element 24, which is here designed as an aluminum profile, in order to relieve tension, for example, of the connection technology of the side wall structure 1, in particular in the lower sill area. As shown, for example, in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the respective first support element 32, 33 is designed as a Z-profile, whereby the respective first support element 32, 33 can also be referred to as a Z-claw, for example "Z-claw tension band sill". For example, the respective first support element 32, 33 is arranged on the inside in the vehicle transverse direction 20, in particular directly, on the coupling element 28 or the respective coupling element 28. In particular, the respective first support element 32, 33 is connected, for example directly, to the first longitudinal member part 16, and, for example via the coupling element 28, to the respective pillar part 10, 11.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, a further such adapter is provided in the form of a second support element 35, which is arranged in the cavity 15 in the vehicle vertical direction 21 above the energy absorption element 24, in particular in the region of the second vehicle pillar 4. The second support element 35 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13 and the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. Furthermore, the second support element 35 is formed separately from the respective first support element 32, 33, and in particular from the coupling element 28. In the present case, the energy absorption element 24 is at least partially covered upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 by the second support element 35. The second pillar part 10 is connected, in particular directly, to the energy absorption element 24 on the upper side 26 of the energy absorption element 24 via the second support element 35, for example via the coupling element 28.In this case, the second support element 35 is designed as an angle adapter, which is arranged in particular between the aluminum profile of the energy absorption element 24 and the second pillar part 10 designed as a reinforcement of the B-pillar 7. Thus, in this case, the second support element 35 has a first part 36 and a second part 37 extending obliquely or perpendicular to the first part 36. The first part 36 rests, in particular directly, on the energy absorption element 24 and the second part 37 rests, in particular directly, on the second pillar part 10 or on the coupling element 28. The first part 36 points downwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 and the second part 37 points outwards in the vehicle transverse direction 20.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, at least one further such adapter is provided in the form of at least one third support element, wherein in the present case two such third support elements 38, 39 are provided. The support elements 38, 39 are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction 12. The respective third support element 38, 39 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13 and the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, and is in particular formed separately from the coupling element 28 and the respective first and / or second support element 32, 33, 35. The respective third support element 38, 39 extends in the cavity 15 in the vehicle vertical direction 21 above the energy absorption element 24. Thus, the energy absorption element 24 is at least partially covered upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 21 by the respective third support element 38, 39.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5 is designed in multiple parts, for example in two parts. Thus, the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5 each has at least one inner pillar part 40, 41, 42 which is designed separately from the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11 and which is arranged further inwards in the vehicle transverse direction 20 than the respective pillar part 9, 10, 11. The inner pillar part of the first vehicle pillar 3 can also be referred to as the first inner pillar part 40. The inner pillar part 41 of the second vehicle pillar 4 can also be referred to as the second inner pillar part 41. The inner pillar part 42 of the third vehicle pillar 5 can also be referred to as the third inner pillar part 42. The second pillar part 10 can be or is supported inwards in the vehicle transverse direction 20, in particular directly, on the second inner pillar part 40 via the respective third support element 38, 39. The supporting is shown in FIG. Fig.4 by means of an arrow 43. In the exemplary embodiment, the respective third support element 38, 39 is designed as a respective bulkhead plate. The respective third support element 38, 39 can thus create a respective B-pillar bulkhead as a tensile composite acting in the vehicle transverse direction 20 (y-direction) in order to prevent, for example, the second pillar part 10, also referred to as the B-pillar reinforcement, from sliding off in the event of a crash, for example, in the "roof pressure" load case.

[0050] For example, the first pillar part 9 is connected to the longitudinal member 13 with Y-flanges on three sides surrounding the cavity 15. The respective Y-flange can be understood as a respective flange pointing in the vehicle transverse direction 20, in particular inwardly. As a result, no further additional components in the form of the aforementioned support elements 32, 33, 35, 38, 39 are required in the area of ​​the first vehicle pillar 3. List of reference symbols 1 sidewall structure 2 motor vehicle body 3 first vehicle pillar 4 second vehicle pillar 5 third vehicle pillar 6 A-pillar 7 B-pillar 8 C-pillar 9 first column part 10 second column part 11 third column part 12 Vehicle longitudinal direction 13 longitudinal members 14 side skirts 15 cavity 16 first longitudinal member part 17 second longitudinal member part 18 third longitudinal member part 19 Side wall element 20 Vehicle transverse direction 21 Vehicle vertical direction 22 lower area 23 Connection area 24 Energy absorption element 25 hollow chambers 26 Top 27 subpage 28 coupling element 29 Arrow 30 Arrow 31 Arrow 32 first support element 33 first support element 34 Arrow 35 second support element 36 first part 37 second part 38 third support element 39 third support element 40 first column inner part 41 second inner column part 42 third inner column part 43 Arrow

Claims

[1] Side wall structure (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), with a pillar part (9, 10, 11) which at least partially forms a vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5), with a longitudinal member (13) which has at least one longitudinal member part (16) which at least partially forms a side sill (14) having a cavity (15), and with a side wall element (19) which is arranged further outwards in the vehicle transverse direction (20) than the longitudinal member part (16) and partially forms the side sill (14), wherein the cavity (15) is at least partially delimited inwards by the longitudinal member part (16) at least in the vehicle transverse direction (20) and is delimited outwards at least partially by the side wall element (19) in the vehicle transverse direction (20), and the pillar part (9, 10, 11) extends downwards in regions within the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) at least up to a region in the lower region (22) of the side sill (14) arranged connecting area (23),in which the side wall element (19) is fastened to the longitudinal member part (16) via the column part (9, 10, 11), and wherein an energy absorption element (24) is arranged in the cavity (15), , characterized by , that • a coupling element (28) extending at least partially into the cavity (15) is provided, via which the side wall element (19) is connected to the energy absorption element (24) while avoiding a direct connection, and ◯ the side wall element (19) is fastened to the longitudinal member part (16) in the connecting region (23) by means of the coupling element (28), and / or ◯ the coupling element (28) is designed as a shear field and / or as a tension band, and / or • a support element (35) is provided in the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) above the energy absorption element (24) and is formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the pillar part (9, 10, 11), via which support element the pillar part (9, 10, 11) is connected to the energy absorption element (24) on an upper side (26) of the energy absorption element (24) pointing upwards in the vehicle vertical direction (21), and / or • the vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5) has a pillar inner part (40, 41, 42) arranged further inwards than the pillar part (9, 10, 11) in the vehicle transverse direction (20), wherein in the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) above the energy absorption element (24) there is arranged a support element (38, 39) which is formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5), via which the pillar part (9, 10, 11) is supported inwards on the pillar inner part (40, 41, 42) in the vehicle transverse direction (20). [2] Side wall structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the energy absorption element (24) is made of aluminum. [3] Side wall structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the column part (9, 10, 11) extends within the cavity (15), bypassing the energy absorption element (24). [4] Side wall structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support element (32, 33) arranged in the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) below the energy absorption element (24) and formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the pillar part (9, 10, 11), via which the longitudinal member part (16) and / or the pillar part (9, 10, 11) is supported upwards on the energy absorption element (24) in the vehicle vertical direction (21). [5] Side wall structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5) is designed as an A-pillar (6), B-pillar (7) or C-pillar (8).

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