VEHICLE SIDE SILL STRUCTURE

Abstract

A vehicle side sill structure comprises: a side sill that can be connected to an edge of a vehicle floor; a cooling line that is housed in an interior of the side sill and extends in a longitudinal direction of the side sill; and support pads that are designed and arranged to support the cooling line in the longitudinal direction of the side sill.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle side sill structure and in particular to a vehicle side sill structure with a space for receiving cooling lines. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electric vehicle (EV) can have a pair of side sills on each side edge of its floor and a battery located underneath the floor. The battery can be positioned between the two side sills. Each side sill can include an absorption chamber that absorbs impact energy in the event of a side collision / impact and can include a mounting surface on which the battery is attached.

[0003] The vehicle may include a power electronics (PE) cooling system designed to maintain the PE components of a PE system at appropriate temperatures to ensure driving safety. The vehicle's PE cooling system may include a variety of cooling lines through which a coolant can circulate.

[0004] With the development of high-performance EVs, a high-performance battery, a high-performance motor, and similar components can be used. In this context, the battery width can be increased proportionally, and the outer diameter of the cooling lines used to cool the PE components can be larger.

[0005] According to the current state of the art, the cooling lines can be arranged together with a brake line, an air line and the like in a space between the battery and the side sill.

[0006] However, as the outer diameter of cooling lines increases with the development of high-performance EVs, the space between the battery and the side sill may decrease. This can complicate the installation of the cooling lines, potentially leading to a complex routing. Furthermore, fitting the high-performance battery, motor, and other components into the vehicle can become challenging, and the performance and durability of the cooling system may prove inadequate.

[0007] The background information described in this section is intended to facilitate understanding of the background of the inventive concept. For example, the information above may contain technical concepts that are not part of the prior art and are already known to those skilled in the art. OVERVIEW

[0008] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems that arise in the prior art, while retaining the advantages of the prior art.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides for a vehicle side sill structure designed to include a space for accommodating cooling lines, thereby facilitating the installation of the cooling lines. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle incorporating such side sills.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle side sill structure may comprise a side sill that is connected to, or configured to be connected to, an edge of a vehicle floor. The side sill structure may also comprise a cooling line that is housed within an interior of the side sill and extends in a longitudinal direction along the side sill. The side sill structure may further comprise a plurality of support pads that support, or are configured to support, the cooling line in the longitudinal direction of the side sill.

[0011] The support pads can be spaced apart from each other inside the side sill.

[0012] Each support pad can have a hole into which the cooling line is inserted or through which the cooling line is received.

[0013] The side sill may have an inner wall with a surface facing, or configured to face, the interior of the vehicle. The side sill may also have an outer wall with a surface facing, or configured to face, the exterior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the side sill may have a bottom wall with a surface facing, or configured to face, the floor of the vehicle. The side sill may also include a horizontal rib, provided or horizontally oriented within the interior of the side sill, and a vertical rib, provided or vertically oriented within the interior of the side sill. The interior of the side sill may be divided by the vertical rib into a first cavity adjacent to the inner wall and a second cavity adjacent to the outer wall.

[0014] The multiple support pads can be placed in the second cavity.

[0015] Each support pad can have an inside that touches the vertical rib, a top that touches the horizontal rib, a bottom that touches the bottom wall, and an outside that is spaced away from the outer wall.

[0016] Each support pad can have an upper recess in its top surface and a lower recess in its underside. The side sill can have an upper projection extending from the horizontal rib towards the floor wall and a lower projection extending from the floor wall towards the horizontal rib. The upper projection can be fitted into the upper recess, and the lower projection can be fitted into the lower recess.

[0017] A side-mounted battery assembly, which may be located below the floor, can be attached to the lower wall of the side sill using mounting hardware. The mounting hardware can be accommodated in the first cavity of the side sill.

[0018] The side sill may also include a brake line holder attached to the inner wall. The brake line holder may be designed to hold a brake line running along the inner wall of the side sill.

[0019] The side sill may also have a bolt that protrudes from the inner wall of the side sill towards the vehicle interior. The brake line holder can be attached to this bolt.

[0020] The cooling line can be configured to fluidly connect power electronics (PE) components, such as a front PE component located in a front part of the vehicle and a rear PE component located in a rear part of the vehicle.

[0021] The vehicle side sill structure may also include a side sill molding (a sill strip) that is attached to the outer wall of the side sill. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0022] The above and other items, features and advantages of the present disclosure should become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle side sill structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along line AA of the vehicle side sill structure. Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote identical or equivalent elements. Furthermore, a detailed description of known techniques related to the present disclosure has been omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the core of the disclosure.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "a," and "b" may be used to describe the elements in embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. The internal characteristics, sequence, or order, and the like, of the respective elements are not restricted by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as they are generally understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which this disclosure belongs. Such terms, as defined in a commonly used dictionary, are to be interpreted in such a way as to have a meaning consistent with the contextual meanings in the relevant field of technology.Such terms are not to be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless they are clearly defined as such in the present application.

[0025] Where a component, device, element or the like is described within the scope of the present disclosure as a component, device or element that fulfills a purpose or performs an operation (a process), a function or the like, the component, device or element should here be considered to be "equipped" to fulfill that purpose or to perform that operation or function.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1. A vehicle side sill structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a side sill 10 and a plurality of cooling lines 31 and 32 which are housed in an interior space of the side sill 10.

[0027] A pair of side sills 10 can each be connected to each side edge of a floor 5 of a vehicle. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each side sill 10 can be connected to the corresponding edge of the floor 5, and the side sill 10 can extend in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle.

[0028] Each of the cooling lines 31 and 32 can extend longitudinally along the side sill 10. Each of the cooling lines 31 and 32 can be horizontally supported within the interior of the side sill 10 by a plurality of support pads 20. The plurality of support pads 20 can be spaced apart from one another within the interior of the side sill 10. The multiple support pads 20 can support the multiple cooling lines 31 and 32 longitudinally along the side sill 10 or be configured to prevent sagging of the multiple cooling lines 31 and 32 within the interior of the side sill 10.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, each of the cooling lines 31 and 32 can have an interior space through which a coolant can flow. Each of the cooling lines 31 and 32 can be fluidically connected to components of the power electronics (PE) of a PE cooling system. The multiple cooling lines 31 and 32 can be configured to fluidically connect one or more front PE components 7a and 7b, located in a front part of the vehicle, and one or more rear PE components 8a and 8b, located in a rear part of the vehicle. Each of the front PE components 7a and 7b can have a coolant channel either inside or outside. Likewise, each of the rear PE components 8a and 8b can have a coolant channel, either inside or outside.For example, the first front PE component 7a can be a control unit, the second front PE component 7b a front inverter, the first rear PE component 8a a cooler for a rear motor, and the second rear PE component 8b a rear inverter.

[0030] A front end of the first cooling line 31 can be aligned with a front end of the side sill 10, and a rear end of the first cooling line 31 can be aligned with a rear end of the side sill 10. A first front cooling hose 33a can be fluidically connected to the first front PE component 7a. The first front cooling hose 33a can be tightly connected to the front end of the first cooling line 31 via a connector. A first rear cooling hose 33b can be fluidically connected to the first rear PE component 8a. The first rear cooling hose 33b can be tightly connected to the rear end of the first cooling line 31 via a connector. For example, the coolant can be routed from the first rear PE component 8a through the first rear cooling hose 33b, the first cooling line 31, and the first front cooling hose 33a to the first front PE component 7a.

[0031] A front end of the second cooling line 32 can be aligned with the front end of the side sill 10, and a rear end of the second cooling line 32 can be aligned with the rear end of the side sill 10. A second front cooling hose 34a can be fluidically connected to the second front PE component 7b. The second front cooling hose 34a can be tightly connected to the front end of the second cooling line 32 via a connector. A second rear cooling hose 34b can be fluidically connected to the second rear PE component 8b. The second rear cooling hose 34b can be tightly connected to the rear end of the second cooling line 32 via a connector. For example, the coolant can be routed from the second front PE component 7b through the second front cooling hose 34a, the second cooling line 32, and the second rear cooling hose 34b to the second rear PE component 8b.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 2. The side sill 10 can have an inner wall 11 with a surface facing in one direction, i.e., laterally inwards, towards the interior of the vehicle. The side sill 10 can also have an outer wall 12 with a surface facing in one direction, i.e., laterally outwards, towards the exterior of the vehicle. The side sill 10 can further have a bottom wall 13 with a surface that faces downwards, similar to the floor of the vehicle. The side sill 10 can also have an upper wall (not shown) with a surface that faces upwards towards the top of the vehicle. In addition, the side sill 10 can have a projection 14 that extends downwards from the bottom wall 13.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the interior of the side sill 10 can be bounded by the inner wall 11, the outer wall 12, the bottom wall 13, and the upper wall (not shown). The multiple cooling lines 31 and 32 can be accommodated within the interior of each side sill 10.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the side sill 10 can further comprise an upper bracket 26 and a lower bracket 27, which are attached to the inner wall 11 by means of fasteners, welding, and / or the like. The upper bracket 26 can have an upper flange 26a that is bent laterally inwards towards the floor 5. The lower bracket 27 can have a lower flange 27a that is bent laterally inwards towards the floor 5. The upper flange 26a of the upper bracket 26 can be attached to the lower flange 27a of the lower bracket 27. The edge of the floor 5 can be attached to the upper flange 26a of the upper bracket 26 and the lower flange 27a of the lower bracket 27 by means of fasteners, welding, and / or the like.

[0035] The side sill 10 can have one or more vertical ribs 15 and one or more horizontal ribs 16 provided in its interior. The interior of the side sill 10 can be divided into a multitude of cavities by the vertical and horizontal ribs 15 and 16.

[0036] The vertical rib 15 can extend vertically into the interior of the side sill 10 or be vertically oriented. The vertical rib 15 can vertically connect the bottom wall 13 and the upper wall (not shown). The horizontal rib 16 can extend horizontally into the interior of the side sill 10 or be horizontally oriented. The horizontal rib 16 can horizontally connect the inner wall 11 and the outer wall 12.

[0037] The vertical rib 15 can divide the interior of the side sill 10 into a first cavity 10a next to the inner wall 11 and a second cavity 10b next to the outer wall 12. The first cavity 10a and the second cavity 10b can be subdivided by a plurality of horizontal ribs 16.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a battery assembly 6 can be arranged under the floor 5 of the vehicle. The battery assembly 6 can be attached to the floor 5 and the side sill 10 by means of fastening material. The battery assembly 6 can comprise a battery housing 6a enclosing a plurality of battery cells and can include a side bracket 6b extending from a side face of the battery housing 6a towards the side sill 10. The side bracket 6b of the battery assembly 6 can be attached to the bottom wall 13 of the side sill 10 by means of the fastening material 6c. The fastening material 6c can be received into the first cavity 10a of the side sill 10.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 2. Each support pad 20 can have a first hole 21 into which the first cooling line 31 is inserted or through which the first cooling line 31 is received. Each support pad 20 can also have a second hole 22 into which the second cooling line 32 is inserted or through which the second cooling line 32 is received.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the support pads 20 can be firmly attached inside the side sill rs10. The support pads 20 can be accommodated in the second cavity 10b of the side sill 10. The support pad 20 can have a top surface that contacts the horizontal rib 16 next to the bottom wall 13 of the side sill 10, an inner surface that contacts the vertical rib 15 of the side sill 10, an outer surface that is spaced from the outer surface wall 12 of the side sill 10, and a bottom surface that contacts the bottom wall 13 of the side sill 10.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the support pads 20 can have an upper recess 23 on their upper side and a lower recess 24a on their underside. The upper recess 23 can be open towards the outer wall 12, and the lower recess 24a can be bounded by a support shoulder 24. The side sill 10 can have an upper projection 17 extending from the horizontal rib 16 adjacent to the bottom wall 13 towards the bottom wall 13. The side sill 10 can also have a lower projection 18 extending from the bottom wall 13 towards the horizontal rib 16. The upper projection 17 of the side sill 10 can be fitted into the upper recess 23 of the support pad 20. The lower projection 18 of the side sill 10 can be fitted into the lower recess 24a of the support pad 20.Accordingly, the support pad 20 can be attached so firmly in the second cavity 10b of the side sill 10 that the lateral crash safety of the side sill 10 can be improved.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 2. The side sill 10 may further comprise a brake line holder 36, which is attached to the inner wall 11, for example, to the surface of the inner wall 11 facing the vehicle interior. The brake line holder 36 may be located between the side sill 10 and the battery assembly 6. The brake line holder 36 may be configured to hold one or more brake lines, for example, brake lines 35a and 35b, which extend along the inner wall 11 of the side sill 10. Each of the brake lines 35a and 35b may extend from an electronic stability control (ESC) unit located at the front of the vehicle to a rear-wheel braking mechanism of the vehicle.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the side sill 10 can also have a bolt 28 that projects from the inner wall 11 into the interior of the vehicle. The brake line holder 36 can have a through-hole into which the bolt 28 is inserted, or a hole into which the bolt 28 is inserted. Accordingly, the bolt 28 can be inserted into the through-hole of the brake line holder 36 or extend into it in such a way that the brake line holder 36 can be fastened onto the bolt 28.

[0044] Referring to Fig.2. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle side sill structure can further comprise a side sill strip 19 attached to the outer wall 12 of the side sill 10. The side sill strip 19 can comprise a mounting wall 19a attached to the outer wall 12 of the side sill 10 and can comprise a cover wall 19b connected to the mounting wall 19a. The mounting wall 19a can be fastened to the outer wall 12 of the side sill 10 by means of a plurality of fasteners 25a and 25b. The cover wall 19b can be provided with a clip 19c at its lower edge. The clip 19c can be attached to a through-hole in the bottom wall 13 of the side sill 10, so that the cover wall 19b can be mounted on the side sill 10.

[0045] As explained above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle side sill structure can be designed to provide a space for accommodating the cooling lines, thereby facilitating their installation and enabling a compact and simplified arrangement. Furthermore, it can be easier to install a high-performance battery, a high-performance motor, and the like in the vehicle. The performance and durability of the PE system can also be adequately ensured.

[0046] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The embodiments can be modified and altered in various ways by those skilled in the field to which the present disclosure relates, without affecting the idea and scope of protection of the present disclosure claimed in the following claims. <bezugszeichenliste> 5 Floor 6 Battery arrangement 6a Battery housing 6b lateral fastening 6c Mounting material 10 side skirts 10a first cavity 10b second cavity 11 interior wall 12 outer wall 13 Floor wall 15 vertical ribs 16 horizontal ribs 17 upper lead 18 lower lead 19 Side sill trim 20 support pads 21 first hole 22 second hole 23 upper recess 24a lower recess 24 Supporting shoulder 26 upper bracket 26a upper flange 27 lower bracket 27a lower flange 28 bolts 31 first cooling line 32 second cooling line 35a, 35b Brake hose 36 brake line holders< / bezugszeichenliste>

Claims

[1] Vehicle side sill structure, comprising: a side sill designed to be connected to an edge of a vehicle floor; a cooling line that is housed in an interior space of the side sill, the cooling line extending in a longitudinal direction along the side sill; and Support pads that are designed and arranged to support the cooling line in the longitudinal direction of the side sill. [2] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 1, wherein the support pads are spaced apart from each other in the interior of the side sill. [3] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 1, wherein each support pad of the support pads has a hole through which the cooling line is received. [4] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 1, wherein: the side sill has an inner wall, an outer wall, a bottom wall, a horizontal rib that is horizontally aligned in the interior of the side sill, and a vertical rib that is vertically aligned in the interior of the side sill; The interior of the side sill is divided by the vertical rib into a first cavity adjacent to the inner wall and a second cavity adjacent to the outer wall. [5] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, wherein the support pads are installed in the second cavity. [6] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, wherein each support pad of the support pads has an inner side that touches the vertical rib, a top side that touches the horizontal rib, a bottom side that touches the bottom wall and an outer side that is spaced apart from the outer wall. [7] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, wherein: Each support pad has an upper recess in its upper surface and a lower recess in its underside, the side sill has an upper projection extending from the horizontal rib towards the floor wall, and a lower projection extending from the floor wall towards the horizontal rib; the upper projection is fitted into the upper recess; and the lower protrusion is fitted into the lower recess. [8] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, wherein: a lateral support for a battery assembly located below the floor is attached to the floor wall of the side sill using fastening material, and The fastening material is inserted into the first cavity of the side sill. [9] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, wherein: the side sill also has a brake line holder attached to the inner wall; and The brake line holder is designed to hold a brake line that extends along the inner wall of the side sill. [10] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 9, wherein: the side sill furthermore has a bolt that protrudes from the inner wall away from the side sill; and the brake line holder is mounted on the bolt. [11] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 4, further comprising a side sill molded part attached to the outer wall of the side sill. [12] Vehicle side sill structure according to claim 1, wherein the cooling line is configured to fluidically connect components of the power electronics (PE) of a vehicle. [13] Vehicle, comprising: a floor; a side sill that is connected to an edge of the floor; a cooling line that is housed in an interior space of the side sill, the cooling line extending in a longitudinal direction along the side sill; and Several support pads arranged to support the cooling line in the longitudinal direction of the side sill.

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