Vehicle frame components

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle frame member that prevents opening due to load, while effectively suppressing deformation by transmitting the load acting on the outer panel to the inner panel. [Solution] An inner plate 1 and an outer plate 2, which have a hat-shaped cross-section along their longitudinal direction and are arranged on the inside and outside of the vehicle, are arranged with their open portions facing each other and joined via a retainer 3 that is positioned to separate the open portions. An inner reinforcing member 4 having a cross-sectional shape that is open to the retainer 3 side is interposed between the top edge 1A of the inner plate 1 and the retainer 3, and an outer reinforcing member 5 having an arch-shaped cross-section that is open to the retainer 3 side is interposed between the top edge 2A of the outer plate 2 and the retainer 3, and the outer reinforcing member 5 has ribs 6 interposed between it and the inner surface of the outer plate 2 at predetermined intervals in its longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle skeleton member used for the skeleton of a vehicle such as an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a vehicle skeleton member, there is one described in, for example, Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle skeleton structure that includes a first vehicle body skeleton main body having a hat-shaped cross section and a second vehicle body skeleton main body also having a hat-shaped cross section, wherein a reinforcing member is fixed inside the first vehicle body skeleton main body, and the first and second vehicle body skeleton main bodies are joined with their respective open portions facing each other. This vehicle skeleton structure suppresses stress concentration generated in the vehicle skeleton main body at the joint portion between the first vehicle skeleton main body and the reinforcing member when a collision load acts on the second vehicle body skeleton.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional vehicle skeleton member described in Patent Document 1, when a collision load acts on the top side of the second vehicle body skeleton main body having a hat-shaped cross section, the first and second vehicle body skeleton main bodies deform so as to be crushed, and an opening deformation occurs in which both flanges (the brim portions of the hat shape) deform in directions away from each other, which poses a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently absorb impact energy.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle frame member comprising an inner plate and an outer plate arranged on the inside and outside of a vehicle, which can prevent opening due to collision loads, while transmitting the load acting on the outer plate to the inner plate and effectively suppressing deformation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle frame member according to the present invention comprises an inner plate and an outer plate having a hat-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal direction and arranged on the inside and outside of the vehicle, wherein the inner plate and the outer plate are arranged with their open portions facing each other and are joined via retainers arranged to separate the open portions. Furthermore, the above vehicle frame member is characterized in that an inner reinforcing member having a cross-sectional shape open to the retainer side is interposed between the top edge of the inner plate and the retainer, and an outer reinforcing member having an arch-shaped cross-section open to the retainer side is interposed between the top edge of the outer plate and the retainer, and the outer reinforcing member has ribs interposed between it and the inner surface of the outer plate at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As the vehicle frame member according to the present invention employs the above configuration, when a load is applied to the outer panel, the retainer prevents the inner and outer panels from separating, and the outer reinforcing member, ribs, retainer, and inner reinforcing member improve the cross-sectional strength, thereby transmitting the load applied to the outer panel to the inner panel and effectively suppressing deformation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This image shows a front view (A) of a side panel illustrating a first embodiment of a vehicle frame member, a cross-sectional view (B) of the vehicle frame member, and a perspective view (C) of the vehicle frame member with the inner and outer panels omitted. [Figure 2] These are cross-sectional views (A) and (B) of a second and third embodiment of the vehicle frame member, respectively. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a vehicle frame member. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a vehicle frame member. [Figure 5] Figures A, B, and C show a front view of the side panel of the sixth embodiment of the vehicle frame member, a cross-sectional view of the center pillar portion based on the view along line AA in Figure A, and a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the opening has occurred due to collision load. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> The vehicle frame member M shown in Figure 1(A) is used as a side sill in the side panel P that constitutes the vehicle, and as shown in Figure 1(B), it has a hat-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal direction and includes an inner plate 1 and an outer plate 2 that are arranged on the inside and outside of the vehicle.

[0010] The inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 each have top portions 1A, 2A, body portions 1B, 2B, and flange portions 1C, 2C, respectively, and are arranged with their open portions facing each other. They are joined via plate-shaped retainers 3 that are positioned to separate the open portions. In other words, the vehicle frame member M is joined in three layers by welding with both ends of the retainer 3 sandwiched between the flange portions 1C, 2C, thereby forming closed spaces inside the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2.

[0011] Furthermore, the vehicle frame member M has an inner reinforcing member 4 interposed between the top edge 1A of the inner plate 1 and the retainer 3, having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with the bottom open on the retainer 3 side, and an outer reinforcing member 5 interposed between the top edge of the outer plate 2 and the retainer 3, having an arched cross-sectional shape open on the retainer 3 side. In other words, the inner reinforcing member 4 and the outer reinforcing member 5 are both elongated members, and their open portions are positioned facing each other with the retainer 3 in between.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1(C), the vehicle frame member M has an outer reinforcing member 5 which has a plurality of ribs 6 interposed between it and the inner surface of the outer plate 2 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the inner reinforcing member 4 also has ribs 7 interposed between it and the inner surface of the inner plate 1 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The ribs 6 of the outer reinforcing member 5 and the ribs 7 of the inner reinforcing member 4 may be provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction, or at offset positions. The ribs 7 of the inner reinforcing member 4 may be omitted, and only the ribs 6 of the outer reinforcing member 5 may be provided.

[0013] In a more preferred embodiment, the above-described vehicle frame member M can be configured such that the strength and rigidity of the inner reinforcing member 4 are greater than those of the outer reinforcing member 5. Furthermore, in a more preferred embodiment, the above-described vehicle frame member M can be configured such that the inner reinforcing member 4 and the outer reinforcing member 5 are made of fiber-reinforced plastic using short fibers as reinforcing fibers.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1(B) and (C), when a load F is applied to the top edge 2A of the outer plate 2 of the vehicle frame member M having the above configuration, if there is no retainer 3, the flange portions 1C and 2C will separate from each other due to the force that compresses the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2. However, since the retainer 3 is provided, the retainer 3 receives a tensile load, restraining the joint portion with the flanges 1C and 2C and preventing the occurrence of separation.

[0015] Furthermore, when a load F acts on the top edge 2A of the outer panel 2 of the vehicle frame member M, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1(B), the load F becomes a distributed load via the rib 6 and is distributed to the outer reinforcing member 5. This causes a compressive force to act along the arch shape of the outer reinforcing member 5, generating an efficient reaction force. This reaction force is then transmitted to the inner reinforcing member 4 via the retainer 3, and when the inner reinforcing member 4 contacts the inner surface of the inner panel 1, it becomes a distributed load. Therefore, the load locally applied to the top edge 2A of the outer panel 2 of the vehicle frame member M is distributed, making it easier to transmit the load in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame member M. In other words, the inner panel 1 and outer panel 2, which face each other across the retainer 3, become less susceptible to buckling and crushing, making it possible to increase the amount of energy absorbed.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1(C), the above-mentioned vehicle frame member M, through the synergistic effect of preventing opening by the retainer 3 and the load distribution by the rib 6 and outer reinforcing member 5, and the rib 7 and inner reinforcing member 4, distributes the load F in the longitudinal direction, generating pure bending, i.e., bending deformation close to a uniform radius of curvature, thereby improving strength against loads such as collisions.

[0017] In this way, when a load F is applied to the outer panel 2, the vehicle frame member M prevents the inner panel 1 and the outer panel 2 from separating by the retainer 3, and the cross-sectional strength is improved by the outer reinforcing member 5 and rib 6, the retainer 3, and the inner reinforcing member 4, thereby transmitting the load applied to the outer panel 2 to the inner panel 1 and effectively suppressing deformation.

[0018] Furthermore, the above-mentioned vehicle frame member M is designed so that the strength and rigidity of the inner reinforcing member 4 are greater than those of the outer reinforcing member 5. This actively compresses the outer panel 2 when a load such as a collision is applied, while reducing the deformation of the inner panel 1. This also reduces the amount of load penetrating in the direction of the inner panel, preventing deformation of parts and equipment adjacent to the inside of the inner panel 1.

[0019] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle frame member M, by providing the inner reinforcing member 4 with the ribs 7, a distributed load is applied widely to the inner plate 1 side, and a dispersed load is also efficiently applied in the longitudinal direction, so that the deformation of the outer plate 2 is made closer to pure bending deformation, further improving the strength against loads and making it possible to further increase the energy absorption amount.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle frame member M, by forming the inner reinforcing member 4 and / or the outer reinforcing member 5 from a fiber-reinforced plastic that uses short fibers as the reinforcing fibers, the respective ribs 6 and 7 can be integrally molded, achieving light weight and high strength. In addition, since the fracture of each of the reinforcing members 4 and 5 can progress slowly in a ductile manner, the collapse amount in the direction of the inner plate 1 is increased while the load is dispersed in the longitudinal direction. As a result, cost reduction and performance and quality assurance by integral molding are achieved, and the energy absorption amount can be further increased.

[0021] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 2(A) is a view showing the second embodiment of the vehicle frame member M. In the following respective embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent parts as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0022] The vehicle frame member M shown in FIG. 2(A) has a basic configuration equivalent to that of the first embodiment, and is configured such that the inner reinforcing member 4 disposed inside the inner plate 1 has a cup-shaped cross-sectional shape formed of a curved surface. Alternatively, it may have an arch shape like the outer reinforcing member 5.

[0023] The aforementioned vehicle frame member M can obtain the same operational effects as the first embodiment, can prevent stress concentration in the inner reinforcing member 4, can favorably disperse the load, and can achieve further improvement in strength against loads. Furthermore, when the shape is an arch shape, the (compressive) load is efficiently transmitted along the tangential direction of the arch shape, and the energy absorption amount can be increased.

[0024] <Third Embodiment> The vehicle frame member M shown in Figure 2(B) has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and the inner reinforcing member 4 and the outer reinforcing member 5 are the same member.

[0025] The above-described vehicle frame member M can achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment, and moreover, the same reinforcing member can be used on both the inner plate 1 side and the outer plate 2 side, thereby reducing the number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0026] <Fourth Embodiment> The vehicle frame member M shown in Figure 3 has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and is configured in which a plurality of inner reinforcing members 4 are arranged side by side inside the inner plate 1. In the illustrated example of the vehicle frame member M, two inner reinforcing members 4, 4, each having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with the bottom open on the retainer 3 side, are arranged vertically inside the inner plate 1.

[0027] Furthermore, the vehicle frame member M shown in the illustration is used, for example, in the side sill of an electric vehicle. Inside the side sill, a floor 51 and a battery case 52 mounted below the floor 51 are arranged, and inner reinforcing members 4, 4 are arranged at positions corresponding to the floor 51 and the battery case 52, respectively. In addition, a bracket 53 that holds the end of the battery case 52 is fixed to the inner plate 1.

[0028] The above-described vehicle frame member M can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and even if a load is applied to the outer panel 2 and the upper inner reinforcing member 4 corresponding to the floor 51 is crushed by the reaction force, it is independent of the lower inner reinforcing member 4 corresponding to the battery case 52, so the deformation of the upper inner reinforcing member 4 is not transmitted to the lower inner reinforcing member 4. When the vehicle frame member M moves due to the load applied to the outer panel 2 and the battery case 52 comes into contact with the inner panel 1, the lower inner reinforcing member 4 can maintain its reaction force. As a result, even if there are surrounding structures such as the floor 51 and battery case 52 that come into contact with a part of the inner panel 1, the input can be transmitted to the entire inner reinforcing member 4, 4 and the buckling strength can be increased, so deformation of the surrounding structures (51, 52) can be easily prevented.

[0029] <Fifth Embodiment> The vehicle frame member M shown in Figure 4 has the same basic configuration as the first or second embodiment, and in particular, both the inner reinforcing member 4 and the outer reinforcing member 5 have an arched cross-sectional shape and are mechanically joined to the retainer 3 with rivets 54.

[0030] The above-described vehicle frame member M can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and as shown in the enlarged view, it generates a load transmitted to the outer reinforcing member 5 (arrow A1), a vertical reaction force at the retainer 3 (arrow A2), a vertical component force that causes opening (arrow A3), and a load input from the outer reinforcing member 5 to the retainer 3 (arrow A4). As a result, the above-described vehicle frame member M can more reliably prevent opening of the inner plate 1 and outer plate 2, which have a hat-shaped cross-section, and more effectively prevent cross-sectional deformation due to load.

[0031] <Sixth Embodiment> The vehicle frame member M shown in Figures 5(A) and (B) is used in the side sill of the vehicle and has a retainer 3, an inner reinforcing member 4, an outer reinforcing member 5, and a rib 6 in a predetermined range 55 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, including the connection portion with the lower end of the center pillar C. In addition, in parts other than the predetermined range 55, the vehicle frame member M can be configured such that the retainer 3 is omitted and a reinforcing member with a cross-sectional arch shape similar to the inner reinforcing member 4 and a rib are interposed between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2.

[0032] The above-mentioned vehicle frame member M, for example, by placing a retainer 3 directly below the center pillar C, which is prone to deformation during a side collision, makes it less likely for a hollow cross-section opening Q to occur as shown in Figure 5(C). Furthermore, the arch structure of the inner and outer reinforcing members 4 and 5 increases the cross-sectional strength and prevents deformation, thereby further improving the function of absorbing energy from a side collision and suppressing deformation of the parts.

[0033] The vehicle frame member according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment in terms of its specific configuration, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the configurations of each embodiment can also be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1 Inner plate 1A Top of the inner plate 2. Outer panel 2A Top of the outer panel 3 Retainers 4. Inner reinforcing member 5. An outer reinforcing member is interposed, 6. Ribs (ribs of the outer reinforcing members) 7. Ribs (ribs of the inner reinforcing members) C Center Pillar M Vehicle frame component

Claims

1. It has a hat-shaped cross-section along its longitudinal direction and comprises an inner plate and an outer plate positioned on the inside and outside of the vehicle, The inner plate and the outer plate are arranged with their open portions facing each other, and are joined together via retainers positioned to separate the open portions. An inner reinforcing member having a cross-sectional shape that is open to the retainer side is interposed between the top edge of the inner plate and the retainer. An outer reinforcing member having an arched cross-section that is open to the retainer side is interposed between the top edge of the outer plate and the retainer. A vehicle frame member characterized in that the outer reinforcing member has ribs interposed between it and the inner surface of the outer plate at predetermined intervals in its longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that the strength and rigidity of the inner reinforcing member are greater than the strength and rigidity of the outer reinforcing member.

3. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the inner reinforcing members are arranged in a row inside the inner plate.

4. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner reinforcing member has ribs interposed between it and the inner surface of the inner plate at predetermined intervals in its longitudinal direction.

5. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner reinforcing member and the outer reinforcing member are mechanically joined to the retainer.

6. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner reinforcing member and / or the outer reinforcing member are made of fiber-reinforced plastic using short fibers as reinforcing fibers.

7. The vehicle frame member according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner reinforcing member and the outer reinforcing member are the same member.

8. A vehicle frame member used in the side sill of a vehicle, characterized in that the retainer, the inner reinforcing member, the outer reinforcing member, and the rib are located in a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, including the portion connected to the lower end of the center pillar.

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