Sill assembly for use in a vehicle with an energy-absorbing device

Abstract

It is a description of an energy-absorbing device and sill assembly for use in a vehicle. In one aspect, the energy-absorbing device comprises a sheet of composite material. The sheet has a width extending across the width of the vehicle and a length extending across the length of the vehicle. The sheet has a sinusoidal shape extending along its length. The sill assembly comprises an inner and an outer sill connected to each other to enclose an interior space. A support is arranged within this interior space, the support being designed to hold the energy-absorbing device located within the interior space.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to energy-absorbing devices and in particular to a sill arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 for use in a vehicle, as is essentially known from DE 10 2023 110 503 A1. Further prior art is described in DE 10 2017 006 057 A1, DE 10 2014 012 082 A1 and DE 10 2013 002 537 A1.

[0002] Vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and the like are designed to protect occupants and vehicle components from damage and injury in the event of a collision or impact. One way to achieve this protection is by providing energy-absorbing devices and structures that deform or compress under load and can dissipate the kinetic energy of the impact. Vehicles may, for example, have bumpers, crumple zones, side impact protection strips, and other components that act as energy absorbers.

[0003] In particular, vehicles may be equipped with a sill assembly mounted along the vehicle floor, extending from the front to the rear. The sill assembly comprises an inner and an outer sill and is formed from a single metal component. In this configuration, the sill assembly is designed to absorb the energy of a frontal or rear impact with greater efficiency compared to a side impact. Furthermore, metal structures may be limited in terms of weight, cost, performance, and design flexibility. For example, metal-based energy absorbers can be heavy, expensive, susceptible to corrosion, and difficult to shape or modify. Additionally, metal-based energy absorbers may have a limited deformation range and energy absorption capacity.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide sill arrangements for vehicles that can be adapted and designed to offer different load-bearing characteristics in different areas.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of fulfilling this wish. SUMMARY

[0006] This problem is solved by a sill arrangement having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The sill assembly may have one or more of the following optional features. For example, the inner and outer sills may be made of steel, aluminum, or any alloy thereof. In another aspect, the support includes a first flange designed to be fitted between the inner and outer sills, and a fastening element for attachment to the inner or outer sill, thereby securing the support and the energy-absorbing device inside the vehicle.

[0008] In one design of the sill arrangement, the sheet metal plate has different thicknesses.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sheet metal comprises a plurality of arc-shaped sections along the sinusoidal shape, and the number of arc-shaped sections in a load-absorbing section is greater than the number of arc-shaped sections in a non-load-absorbing section.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sheet metal comprises a multitude of tubes that are connected to each other at the upper part of the body.

[0011] In one design of the sill arrangement, the composite material is selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber reinforced polymer, glass fiber reinforced polymer, aramid fiber reinforced polymer and natural fiber reinforced polymer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the sill arrangement, the support comprises a flat surface that extends over the length of the sheet metal and is arranged between the sheet metal and at least one of the inner and outer sills.

[0013] Furthermore, a vehicle is described. The vehicle comprises a chassis extending along the length of the vehicle between a front and a rear, and a plurality of cross members extending across the width of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a sill assembly mounted on the chassis and extending along the entire length of the vehicle. The sill assembly comprises an inner sill, an outer sill, a support, and an energy-absorbing device. The inner and outer sills are connected to each other to enclose an interior space, with the support located within the interior space and designed to support the energy-absorbing device located within the interior space. The energy-absorbing device is a sheet of composite material.The sheet metal has a length extending along a length of the inner sill and a width extending between the inner and outer sill, the sheet metal having a sinusoidal shape extending along the length of the sheet metal.

[0014] The vehicle may have one or more of the following optional features. For example, the inner and outer sills may be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum, or any alloy thereof. Another feature is that the sheet metal plate has different thicknesses. Yet another feature is that the support includes a flat surface extending the length of the sheet metal plate and positioned between the plate and at least one of the inner and outer sills.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sheet metal comprises a plurality of arc-shaped sections along the sinusoidal shape, and the number of arc-shaped sections in a load-absorbing section is greater than the number of arc-shaped sections in a non-load-absorbing section.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sheet metal consists of a first sheet metal plate and a second sheet metal plate, wherein the first sheet metal plate is connected to the second sheet metal plate to form a plurality of tubes which are connected to each other at the upper part of the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein serve only to illustrate selected designs. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an energy-absorbing device according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the energy-absorbing device of the in Fig. 1 of the depicted vehicle along line 2-2. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the energy-absorbing device of the in Fig. 1 of the depicted vehicle along line 3-3. Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the assembled sill arrangement according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of the sill arrangement. Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of the support and the energy-absorbing device made of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of the sill arrangement according to another aspect of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of the energy-absorbing device made of Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of an energy-absorbing device. Fig. Figure 10 is an exploded view of an energy-absorbing device contrary to the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is an exploded view of an energy-absorbing device contrary to the present invention.

[0018] Corresponding reference symbols identify corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] An energy-absorbing device comprises a sheet of composite material, the sheet having a width extending along the width of the vehicle and a length extending along the length of the vehicle, and the sheet having a sinusoidal shape extending along its length to absorb energy from a side impact. The sheet can be adapted to exhibit different energy-absorbing properties at various points along its length. Accordingly, the energy-absorbing device can be designed to have different stiffness and energy absorption values ​​to accommodate the vehicle's design.

[0020] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 describes a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes an energy-absorbing device 12 that extends over the entire length of the vehicle 10. The energy-absorbing device 12 is shown by way of example as attached to a chassis 14 of the vehicle 10. In particular, the energy-absorbing device 12 is attached to the chassis 14 and extends between a front wheel arch 16 and a rear wheel arch 18. For illustrative purposes, the energy-absorbing device 12 is shown as being arranged on the driver's side of the vehicle 10. However, it should be noted that the energy-absorbing device 12 can also be arranged at other locations on the vehicle 10 to perform impact-absorbing functions.For example, the vehicle 10 may include a further energy-absorbing device 12 extending between a front wheel arch 16 and a rear wheel arch 18, which is also located on the passenger side of the vehicle 10 or along the front or rear bumper.

[0021] With the following reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows cross-sectional views of the energy-absorbing device 12 along lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Fig. Figure 1 shows the chassis 14 being made of a durable, rigid material such as steel and can comprise a plurality of cross members 20 and a pair of sill assemblies 22. The sill assemblies 22 are spaced apart from one another and generally parallel to each other, extending over the length of the vehicle 10. Each end of the cross members 20 is connected to the two sill assemblies 22 such that they extend over one width of the vehicle 10.

[0022] The chassis 14 can be designed to support various vehicle components 24, such as the battery assembly 24a. The battery assembly 24a can include a housing 26 for accommodating a battery (not shown) and various electrical components such as wiring, fuses, relays, and the like (not shown). In one aspect, the crossmember 20 can be positioned above the battery assembly 24a, and the battery assembly 24a can be attached to the crossmember 20 using known fastening techniques such as bolts, screws, clamps, and the like.

[0023] With renewed reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and now the following reference to Fig. Section 5 provides a description of the sill assembly 22. The sill assembly 22 comprises an inner sill 28 and an outer sill 30, which are connected to each other and designed to hold the energy-absorbing device 12. When the sill assembly 22 is mounted, the outer sill 30 is positioned outside the inner sill 28. The outer sill 30 comprises an outer center section 32, an outer upper flange 34, and an outer lower flange 36. The outer upper flange 34 and the outer lower flange 36 are located at opposite ends of the outer center section 32. The outer center section 32 generally has a U-shaped cross-section.

[0024] The inner sill 28 comprises an inner center section 38, an inner upper flange 40, and an inner lower flange 42. The inner upper flange 40 and the inner lower flange 42 are arranged at opposite ends of the inner center section 38. The inner center section 38 has a generally U-shaped cross-section across its width. The outer upper flange 34 and the inner upper flange 40 are attached to one another, and the outer lower flange 36 and the inner lower flange 42 are attached to one another, with the inner center section 38 and the outer center section 32 being spaced apart from each other to form an interior space 44 for receiving the energy-absorbing device 12.It can be stated that the outer upper flange 34, the inner upper flange 40, the outer lower flange 36 and the inner lower flange 42 can be fastened to each other using known fastening techniques such as welding, mechanical fastenings, adhesives and the like.

[0025] With the following reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. The sill assembly 22 may further comprise a support 46. The support 46 is also made of a rigid and durable material, such as steel, and is designed to hold the energy-absorbing device 12 in the interior 44. The support 46 is an elongated element with a generally U-shaped cross-section, designed to support the energy-absorbing device 12. In particular, the support 46 comprises a lower mounting surface, a ceiling section 50 spaced apart from the lower mounting surface, and a rear wall 52 connecting the lower mounting surface to the ceiling section 50. The lower mounting surface and the ceiling section 50 are generally flat surfaces extending over the length of the support 46.The lower mounting surface and the ceiling section 50 are spaced apart to accommodate the energy-absorbing device 12, with a lower section of the energy-absorbing device 12 resting on the lower mounting surface of the support 46. Thus, the support 46 holds the energy-absorbing device 12 within the interior 44 of the sill assembly 22.

[0026] The support 46 includes devices for attachment to the sill assembly 22. For example, the support 46 can have a plurality of through holes 54 for receiving a bolt 56, wherein the bolt 56 is guided either through the inner sill 28 or the outer sill 30 to attach the support 46 to it. Fig. Figure 2 shows one aspect in which the bolt 56 passes through the outer sill 30 and a nut 58 is located in the interior 44. The bolt 56 is screwed into the nut 58 to fasten the support 46 to the outer sill 30. In one aspect, the sheet metal 62 is free of holes and is held in the sill assembly 22 only by the support 46. In this way, the sheet metal 62 remains intact because it is smooth and continuous. The support 46 is not designed to provide energy-absorbing functions, but rather to hold the energy-absorbing device 12 within the interior 44.

[0027] In another aspect of a fastening device, the support 46 can comprise one or more flanges 60 which can be attached to the support 46 using known or subsequently developed fastening techniques such as welding, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the flanges 60 are embedded between a corresponding outer upper flange 34, an inner upper flange 40, an outer lower flange 36, and the inner lower flange 42. Accordingly, the support 46 holds the energy-absorbing device 12 in the interior 44 of the sill assembly 22.

[0028] With the following reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the energy-absorbing device 12. The energy-absorbing device 12 is a sheet 62 made of a composite material. The energy-absorbing device 12 has a length “L” extending over the length of the vehicle 10 and a width “W” extending over the width of the vehicle 10. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an aspect where the sheet 62 has a generally uniform thickness "T". The sheet 62 generally has a sinusoidal shape 64 that extends over the length L of the sheet 62. That is, the sheet 62 forms a multitude of waves that are adjacent to each other along the length "L" of the sheet 62. The sinusoidal shape 64 can be regular in that each wave can have the same wavelength "WL" and the same amplitude "A", as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 9 shown. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows an aspect in which the sinusoidal shape 64 is irregular in that the wavelength “WL” and the amplitude “A” of the individual waves are different over the length of the sheet 62.

[0029] The composite material of sheet 62 can be selected from the group of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRP), and natural fiber reinforced polymers (NFRP). The material can be strengthened or otherwise bonded by thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, or a combination thereof. The composite material can exhibit a high strength-to-weight ratio, a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, high fatigue resistance, high corrosion resistance, and high thermal stability. The composite material can also exhibit low density, low cost, and high recyclability. The composite material can be produced by impregnating fibers with a resin matrix, such as epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or another suitable resin. The fibers can be arranged in various orientations, e.g.,Unidirectional, bidirectional, multidirectional, woven, nonwoven, or a combination thereof. Sheet 62 can be produced by forming, curing, cutting, extrusion, or any other suitable process.

[0030] The thermosetting polymers are independently selected from the group consisting of benzoxazine, a bis-maleimide (BMI), a cyanate ester, an epoxy, a phenol (PF), a polyacrylate (acryl), a polyimide (PI), an unsaturated polyester, a polyurethane (PUR), a vinyl ester, a siloxane, their copolymers and combinations thereof.

[0031] The thermoplastic polymers are independently selected from the group consisting of: polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyamide (PA) (e.g., Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 12), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyetherketone ketone (PEKK), copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0032] With renewed reference to Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view along one side of the energy-absorbing device 12. Fig. Figure 9 shows an aspect where the wavelength “WL” and the amplitude “A” of each wave are generally the same, and consequently, each of the waves forming the sinusoidal shape 64 has the same number of arc-shaped sections as all the others. However, the thickness “T” of the sheet 62 varies along the length L of the sheet 62. For example, the thickness “T” in a load-absorbing section 66 of the sheet 62 may be greater than in a non-load-absorbing section 68 of the sheet 62. Thus, the thickness “T” may be greater, for example, where the cross member 20 or the battery assembly 24a adjoins the energy-absorbing device 12, compared to areas of the energy-absorbing device 12 where no vehicle component 24 or cross member 20 is present.The load-absorbing section 66 can be a section of the sheet 62 that is positioned to withstand a higher load or impact force than the non-load-absorbing section 68. For example, the load-absorbing section 66 can be arranged adjacent to a crossbeam 20, as shown in . Fig. 2 shown, or adjacent to a component of the vehicle 10, such as the battery arrangement 24a in Fig. 3. The non-load-absorbing section 68 can be a portion of the sheet 62 in which the sill assembly 22 is not directly connected to a vehicle structure, so that the impact and load-absorbing properties are adapted to a lower load or impact force compared to the load-absorbing section 66. For example, the non-load-absorbing section 68 can be an area along the sill assembly 22 in which there is no cross member 20 or vehicle component 24. It should also be noted that the term "non-load-absorbing" does not mean that the corresponding area of ​​the sheet 62 does not react in the event of an impact. The entire sheet 62 is designed to provide energy-absorbing functions. Fig. Figure 9 shows that the load-absorbing section 66 of the sheet 62 corresponds to the areas where the sheet 62 is thicker, and that the non-load-absorbing section 68 corresponds to the thinner areas of the sheet 62. It can also be noted that the thickness “T” of the load-absorbing sections 66 can vary to achieve the desired load absorption property.

[0033] By varying the thickness “T” of the sheet 62, the stiffness and energy absorption capacity of the sheet 62 can be adjusted according to the expected load or impact force. For example, a thicker sheet 62 can exhibit higher stiffness and higher energy absorption capacity than a thinner sheet 62. Therefore, the energy-absorbing device 12 can provide variable stiffness and variable energy absorption capacity along the length L of the sheet 62, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the energy-absorbing device 12. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that the thickness “T” of the sheet metal 62 can be greater if both a cross member 20 and a vehicle component 24 contact the sill assembly 22, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the thickness “T” of the sheet metal when only one cross member 20 is in contact with the sill assembly 22. Furthermore, the thickness “T” of the sheet metal 62 can be thinner where the sill assembly 22 does not have a cross member 20 than the thickness “T” of the sheet metal 62 where the sill assembly 22 touches the cross member 20.

[0034] With renewed reference to Fig. 5-6 The sheet 62 can comprise a plurality of arcuate sections 70 adjacent to one another and along the sinusoidal shape 64. The arcuate sections 70 can have a curved or rounded shape to reduce or eliminate the linear lengths of the sinusoidal shape 64 extending between a vertex and a trough of the sinusoidal shape 64. The arrangement of the arcuate sections 70 is not restrictive. For example, one wave of the sinusoidal shape 64 may contain three arcuate sections between the vertex and the trough of the wave, while another wave of the sinusoidal shape 64 may contain six arcuate sections between the vertex and the trough of the wave. Thus, it can be stated that the sinusoidal shape 64 can be irregular. The arcuate sections 70 can be formed at locations on the sheet 62 that correspond to a vehicle component 24, such as a... B. the battery assembly 24a, adjacent to or otherwise in contact with it.

[0035] The number of arcuate sections 70 can vary along the length “L” of the sheet 62. For example, the number of arcuate sections 70 in the load-absorbing section 66 of the sheet 62 can be greater than in the non-load-absorbing section 68 of the sheet 62. By varying the number of arcuate sections 70, the weight and energy absorption capacity of the sheet 62 can be adapted to the expected load or impact force. For example, a higher number “N” of arcuate sections 70 can result in a lower weight and higher energy absorption capacity of the sheet 62 than a lower number “N” of arcuate sections 70. Therefore, the energy-absorbing device 12 can provide variable weight and variable energy absorption capacity along the length “L” of the sheet 62, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the energy-absorbing device 12.

[0036] With renewed reference to Fig. 7 and now the following reference to Fig. In Section 8, a further aspect of the energy-absorbing device 12 is provided according to the principles described herein. In one aspect, the sheet 62 can consist of a first sheet 72 and a second sheet 74 joined together to form a single, unified structure. In one aspect, the first sheet 72 is made of the same material as the second sheet 74. In another aspect, the first sheet 72 is made of a different material than the second sheet 74. The first sheet 72 is joined to the second sheet 74 to form a plurality of tubes 76, which are joined together at the upper section 78. Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows an aspect where the sinusoidal shape 64 of the first sheet metal plate 72 reflects the sinusoidal shape 64 of the second sheet metal plate 74, and the thickness of the first sheet metal plate 72 is identical to the thickness of the second sheet metal plate 74 and is uniform over the length of the sheet 62. However, it should be noted that the first sheet metal plate 72 and the second sheet metal plate 74 can have different thicknesses "T", widths, wavelengths, and amplitudes.

[0037] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows an aspect in which the first sheet metal plate 72 has the same number of arcuate sections 70 as the second sheet metal plate 74, and the arcuate sections 70 are mirror images of each other. However, it can be observed that the first sheet metal plate 72 may contain a different number of arcuate sections 70 than the second sheet metal plate 74, and that the arcuate sections 70 of the first sheet metal plate 72 are not aligned with the second sheet metal plate 74 or otherwise mirror it, so that tubes 76 are formed which have an irregular diameter. The tubes 76 can increase the strength and stiffness of the sheet metal plate 62 as well as its energy absorption capacity. The upper section 78 can connect the tubes 76 and provide flexibility and deformability to the sheet metal plate 62.It should also be noted that the first sheet metal plate 72 and the second sheet metal plate 74 may also be formed from a single sheet metal plate; in this case, the reference to a first sheet metal plate 72 and a second sheet metal plate 74 serves only to refer to parts of the tubes 76 and the upper section 78.

[0038] With the following reference to Fig. In one aspect, contrary to the invention, the support 46 comprises a flat surface extending over the length of the sheet 62 and arranged between the sheet 62 and at least one of the inner sills 28 and the outer sill 30. In this aspect, the support 46 comprises an upper wall 80a, a lower wall 80b, a front wall 80c, and a rear wall 80d, which are connected to each other to form a rectangular tube with a through-hole designed to receive the sheet 62. The front wall 80c and the rear wall 80d are flat surfaces and are designed to be pressed against each side of the sheet 62. Thus, upon impact, the energy is transferred along the waveform through the flat surface of the front wall 80c and the rear wall 80d, respectively. In this aspect, the support 46 can be made of a durable and rigid material such as steel.The length of the support 46 can essentially correspond to the length of the sheet 62, and the width of the support 46 is wider than the width of the sheet 62, but dimensioned such that the sides of the sheet 62 contact the inner surfaces of the front wall 80c and the rear wall 80d. The flanges 60 can be attached to the support 46 using known fastening techniques and / or mechanical fasteners such as welding, bolts, screws, adhesives, and the like. As described above, the flanges 60 can be used to fasten the support 46 in the interior 44 of the sill assembly 22.

[0039] With the following reference to Fig.In another aspect, contrary to the invention, the support 46 is formed from a first sheet 82a and / or a second sheet 82b. The first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b are flat and designed to be pressed against each side of the sheet 62. Thus, in the event of an impact, the energy is transferred along the waveform through the flat surface of the first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b, respectively. In this aspect, the first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b can be made of a durable and rigid material such as steel. The first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b can be essentially the same length as the sheet 62. The flanges 60 can be attached to the first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b using known fastening techniques and / or mechanical fasteners such as welding, bolts, screws, adhesives, and the like.As described above, the flanges 60 can be used to fasten the first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b in the interior 44 of the sill assembly 22 such that the first sheet 82a and the second sheet 82b contact the sides of the sheet 62. For example, flanges 60 can be used to fasten the first sheet 82a between the sheet 62 and the inner sill 28 and the second sheet 82b between the sheet 62 and the outer sill 30.

[0040] In operation, the energy-absorbing device 12 is arranged to withstand a side impact, e.g., an impact along the width of the vehicle 10. Since the width of the sheet 62 extends across the width of the vehicle 10, the sheet 62 is designed to absorb the side impact and be crushed, splintered, or otherwise compressed under a predetermined load. By adjusting the thickness of the sheet 62 or the number of arcuate sections 70 along its length, the energy-absorbing device 12 can be tailored to the vehicle components 24. Thus, in areas of the vehicle 10 where a vehicle component, e.g., a battery assembly 24a, is located, the energy-absorbing device 12 can be designed to protect the vehicle component by increasing the thickness of the sheet 62 or providing arcuate sections 70.It can also be noted that the energy-absorbing device 12, compared to energy-absorbing structures made of metal, exhibits better energy-absorbing properties per unit of weight because it is made of composite materials. Thus, the energy-absorbing device not only offers advantages in impact damping but also improves the vehicle's efficiency through weight reduction.

Claims

[1] Sill assembly (22) for use in a vehicle (10), the sill assembly (22) comprising: an inner sill (28) and an outer sill (30) connected to each other in such a way as to enclose an interior space (44), the inner and outer sills (28, 30) extending over the length of the vehicle (10), an elongated support (46) which is arranged in the interior (44), and an energy-absorbing device (12) arranged in the interior (44) and held by the support (46), wherein the energy-absorbing device (12) is a sheet (62) formed from a composite material, wherein the sheet (62) has a length extending along the length of the inner sills (28) and a width extending between the inner sill (28) and the outer sill (30), and wherein the sheet (62) has a sinusoidal shape extending along the length of the sheet (62); characterized by , that the support (46) has a U-shaped cross-section, comprising a lower mounting surface, a ceiling section (50) spaced apart from the lower mounting surface and a back wall (52) connecting the lower mounting surface to the ceiling section (50); wherein the energy-absorbing device (12) is arranged between the lower mounting surface and the ceiling section (50) and rests on the lower mounting surface of the support (46); and wherein the support (46) extends beyond the free ends of the lower mounting surface and the ceiling section (50) opposite the rear wall (52). [2] Sill arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the inner sill (28) and the outer sill (30) are made of a metal. [3] Sill arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the sheet (62) has a plurality of arcuate sections (70) along the sinusoidal shape and the number of arcuate sections (70) in a load-absorbing section (66) is greater than the number of arcuate sections (70) in a non-load-absorbing section (68). [4] Sill arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the sheet (62) comprises a plurality of tubes (76) which are connected to each other at the upper part body.

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