Vehicle structure

Abstract

A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) including a longitudinally (106) extending portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802), the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) including a first member (122) extending in the longitudinal direction (106) and a second member (124) extending in the longitudinal direction (106). The first member (122) is configured to face an interior side (126) of the vehicle, and the second member (124) is configured to face an exterior side (128) of the vehicle. The first member (122) and the second member (124) are attached to each other to form an enclosed space (138) therebetween. The portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) comprises a first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 702; 802) in the form of a wave, which is placed within the enclosed space (138).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle structure including a longitudinally extending portion, the portion including a first longitudinally extending member and a second longitudinally extending member, the first member configured to face the interior of the vehicle and the second member configured to face the exterior of the vehicle, the first member and the second member attached to each other to form an enclosed space. [Background technology]

[0002] In the design of an automobile frame section, there is a trade-off between weight and strength, and an advantageous way to achieve a good trade-off is to manufacture the frame section from one or more metal or metal alloy sheets that are formed into the required shape, for example, into a hat-shaped profile.

[0003] Generally, vehicle underframe parts are formed to have a certain rigidity because they may be subjected to various external impacts. At the same time, some underframe parts should be able to deform to absorb impacts when overloaded, for example, due to a collision with an external object, such as another vehicle, or with a stationary object, such as a tree. An example of a vehicle underframe part that should be rigid yet able to deform to absorb impacts is the vehicle side beam structure, or the bumper or bumper beam. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, the inventors have discovered that further improvements can be made to the underframe portion of a vehicle structure, such as that discussed above.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved underframe section or vehicle structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above and further objects are achieved by a vehicle structure including a longitudinally extending portion, the portion comprising: a first member extending in a longitudinal direction; a second member extending in the longitudinal direction; Including, The first member is configured to face the inside of the vehicle, The second member is configured to face outward from the vehicle; the first member and the second member are attached to each other so that the first member and the second member form a closed space; the portion includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members disposed within the enclosed space, the first tubular reinforcing members having longitudinally extending portions; the first tubular reinforcing member is corrugated and includes corrugations; This is accomplished by providing a vehicle structure in which the corrugations of the first tubular reinforcing member include annular ridges and annular grooves.

[0007] An advantage of the innovative first tubular reinforcing member of a vehicle structure is that it provides advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure to prevent penetration during a collision, such as a side or lateral impact. The innovative first tubular reinforcing member can reduce the weight and cost of the vehicle structure while also maintaining or even improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. The innovative first tubular reinforcing member improves the performance of the vehicle structure during a collision because, for example, the vehicle structure can be deformed in a more controlled and more predictable manner. An advantage of a vehicle structure including the innovative first tubular reinforcing member is that an improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0008] The vehicle structure may be for a car with a combustion engine, an electric vehicle with one or more batteries, or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a car or a truck. The aforementioned "enclosed space" also encompasses a space that is substantially or essentially closed. For example, there may be one or more small openings in the walls forming the closed space and / or at both ends of the portion of the vehicle structure.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the annular ridges extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and each of the annular grooves extends transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the annular ridge and the annular groove form or constitute the first tubular reinforcing member. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member may have one or more sections that are free of the annular ridge and the annular groove.

[0011] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member forms an elliptical ring. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impacts is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. The elliptical ring may have a minor diameter (which may be referred to as the minor axis) passing through the center of the ellipse defined or defined by the elliptical ring and the shortest portion of the ellipse. The elliptical ring may have a major diameter (which may be referred to as the major axis) passing through the center of the ellipse or oval defined or defined by the elliptical ring and the longest portion of the ellipse. In some embodiments, the major diameter may point toward the first and second members. An advantage of these embodiments is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member may form a circular ring. The elliptical ring cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member provides increased extension, for example in the direction of potential impact, and provides improved stiffness and reinforcement using less material compared to a circular ring cross-section.

[0012] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the cross section of each of the annular ridges forms an elliptical ring and the cross section of each of the annular grooves forms an elliptical ring.

[0013] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member forms an elliptical ring. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impacts is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Accordingly, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. The elliptical ring may have a minor diameter (which may be referred to as the minor axis) passing through the center and the shortest portion of the ellipse defined or defined by the elliptical ring, and the elliptical ring may have a major diameter (which may be referred to as the major axis) passing through the longest portion of the ellipse defined or defined by the elliptical ring. In some embodiments, the major diameter may point toward the first and second members. An advantage of these embodiments is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the cross section of each of the annular ridges forms an oval ring and the cross section of each of the annular grooves forms an oval ring.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the first tubular reinforcing member has an inner surface and an outer surface, and each of the annular ridges has a recess at a first location on the outer surface. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Thus, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the recesses in the first location are aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact is provided, since the deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved way, for example while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. An advantage of this embodiment is therefore that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0017] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the annular ridges has a recess at a second location on its outer surface. The advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0018] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the second location is opposite to the first location. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact is provided, since the deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved way, for example while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. An advantage of this embodiment is therefore that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the recesses in the second locations are aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact is provided, since the deformation can be designed and predicted in an improved way, for example while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. An advantage of this embodiment is therefore that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the annular ridge and the annular groove form a smooth wave shape extending longitudinally along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and stiffness of the vehicle structure. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the first tubular reinforcing member is seamless, e.g., free of one or more weld seams. The advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure for impact absorption is provided while maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. Furthermore, being seamless, e.g., free of one or more weld seams, allows for a reduction in the weight of the first tubular reinforcing member, and therefore the weight of the vehicle structure, while maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. Meanwhile, the first tubular reinforcing member of this embodiment may also be attached to the first or second member by a weld or by welding. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member may be formed from two or more curved members attached to each other, e.g., by welding, e.g., by a weld seam, or by any other attachment means.

[0022] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, each of the annular ridges is raised more toward the first member and toward the second member compared to the area of ​​the annular ridge extending between the first and second members. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact is provided, for example, because deformation can be adjusted, designed, and predicted in an improved manner while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. For example, the annular ridge is raised more toward the area where the force is greatest during a collision. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a collision is further improved. Therefore, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. When each of the first and second members has longitudinally extending sections, each section having a bottom surface, each of the annular ridges may be raised more toward the bottom surface of the first member and toward the bottom surface of the second member compared to the area of ​​the annular ridge extending between the bottom surfaces of the first and second members.

[0023] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure of the present invention, each of the annular ridges gradually increases in size from the area of ​​the annular ridge extending between the first and second members toward the first and second members. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a collision is further improved. Thus, a further improved vehicle structure is provided. When each of the first and second members has longitudinally extending sections, each section having a bottom surface, each of the annular ridges gradually increases in size from the area of ​​the annular ridge extending between the first and second members toward the bottom surface of the first member and toward the bottom surface of the second member.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the first and second members each have a longitudinally extending section, each section having a bottom surface, and the first and second members are attached to each other such that the sections and the first and second members form a closed space. In some embodiments, the larger diameter may point towards the bottom surface of the first and second members.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first member and the second member has a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall being located on one side of the bottom surface and the second side wall being located on the opposite side of the bottom surface, the first and second walls of the first member and the bottom surface of the first member defining a compartment of the first member, the first and second walls of the second member and the bottom surface of the second member defining a compartment of the second member, the first side wall of the first member being attached to the first side wall of the second member, and the second side wall of the first member being attached to the second side wall of the second member.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first member and the second member has a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall is installed on one side of the bottom surface and the second side wall is installed on the opposite side of the bottom surface, the first wall and the second wall of the first member and the bottom surface of the first member define a compartment of the first member, the first wall and the second wall of the second member and the bottom surface of the second member define a compartment of the second member, each of the first member and the second member has a first flange attached to the first side wall and each of the first member and the second member has a second flange attached to the second side wall, the first flange of the first member is attached to the first flange of the second member and the second flange of the first member is attached to the second flange of the second member.

[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, said section comprises one or more second tubular reinforcing members arranged in the enclosed space, the second tubular reinforcing member has a longitudinally extending portion; the second tubular reinforcing member is corrugated and includes corrugations; a second tubular reinforcing member defining an interior space; A first tubular reinforcing member is disposed within the interior space defined by the second tubular reinforcing member. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided, for example, because the deformation can be adjusted, designed and predicted in an improved way, while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure, and therefore the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved.

[0028] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member. The advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Thus, the advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved.

[0029] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the first tubular reinforcing member is enclosed within the second tubular reinforcing member. The advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Thus, the advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member comprise ridges and grooves, Each ridge of the second tubular reinforcing member is aligned with one of the annular ridges of the first tubular reinforcing member. An advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure during a crash is further improved. However, in alternative embodiments, the ridges of the second tubular reinforcing member and the annular ridges of the first tubular reinforcing member may be arranged in other ways.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each groove of the second tubular reinforcing member is aligned with one of the annular grooves of the first tubular reinforcing member. The advantage of this embodiment is that advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure to absorb impact is provided while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle structure in a crash is further improved. However, in alternative embodiments, the grooves of the second tubular reinforcing member and the annular groove of the first tubular reinforcing member may be arranged in a different manner.

[0032] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, one or more of the first and second tubular reinforcing members are formed from one or more metal plates, for example metal alloy plates, which is an efficient way of manufacturing the first tubular reinforcing member.

[0033] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, one or more of the first and second tubular reinforcing members comprises or consists of a metal or a metal alloy, which is an efficient way of producing a strong first tubular reinforcing member.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second members is formed from a plate, for example a metal or metal alloy plate, which is an efficient way of manufacturing the first and second members.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, each of the first and second members comprises or consists of a metal or a metal alloy, which is an efficient way of producing strong first and second members.

[0036] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the profile of each of the first and second members is one of a hat-shaped profile and a U-shaped profile, which is an efficient way of manufacturing the first and second members and providing an enclosed space.

[0037] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the vehicle structure is a vehicle side structure, and the portion is a side portion. The vehicle structure is suitable for application as a vehicle side structure of a vehicle, thereby improving the performance of the vehicle side structure in a side or lateral collision. Thus, an improved vehicle side structure is provided. Meanwhile, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle structure may be applied and attached elsewhere on the vehicle, for example, to the front of the vehicle, or may be part of a bumper at the rear of the vehicle or elsewhere within the vehicle. The vehicle structure may be used, for example, in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, but may also, of course, be used in a standard vehicle equipped only with a combustion engine. The vehicle structure may be configured to protect a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. Thus, the vehicle structure may be installed on one or more sides of a battery installed in the vehicle.

[0038] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the portion is a side beam portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and is provided on the side of the vehicle body. The advantage of this embodiment is that it provides an advantageous variant of the vehicle structure with a side beam portion for absorbing impacts while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle structure. This innovative first tubular reinforcing member is particularly advantageous for side beam portions of the vehicle structure, which should absorb impacts in certain collisions. Meanwhile, in alternative embodiments, the portion or side portion may not be a side beam portion, but may instead be a side beam portion, a bumper portion, or a beam portion configured to be installed elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0039] According to a still advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the invention, the side beam portions are attached to one or more cross beams of the vehicle body, which may further improve the rigidity of the vehicle structure.

[0040] The features and embodiments of the vehicle structure described above may be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.

[0041] Further advantageous embodiments of the vehicle structure according to the invention and further advantages of the embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the detailed description of the embodiments.

[0042] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, by way of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for like parts, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member of a second embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member of a third embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first tubular reinforcing member shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a partial schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention, including the first tubular reinforcing member of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged view of a section of the vehicle structure of FIG. 5 illustrating the location of a first tubular reinforcing member of the vehicle structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure of FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled portion of the vehicle structure of FIG. 7, a first embodiment, including the first tubular reinforcing member of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembled portion of a vehicle structure according to a fourth embodiment, including two first tubular reinforcing members. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembled portion of a vehicle structure according to a fifth embodiment, including two first tubular reinforcing members positioned differently relative to the positions of the two first tubular reinforcing members of FIG. 9; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of two tubular reinforcing members of a sixth embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the second tubular reinforcing member of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic perspective view of the second tubular reinforcing member of FIG. 13 from a different perspective. [Figure 15] 15 is a partial schematic perspective view of a vehicle structure including the second tubular reinforcing member of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the vehicle structure of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled portion of the vehicle structure of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic perspective view of a first tubular reinforcing member of another embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative variant of a first tubular reinforcing member of a vehicle structure according to the invention; [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-8, the first embedded portion 102 of the vehicle structure 100 includes a first tubular reinforcing member 104. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 has a longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extension extends in a longitudinal direction 106. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may include or consist of a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be formed from one or more plates, for example, metal or metal alloy plates, such as aluminum plates, or any other suitable material. The plates may be processed by hot stamping. Alternative manufacturing methods are described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 has a smooth wave shape in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0045] The first tubular reinforcing member 104 is corrugated and includes corrugations 118, 120, where the corrugations 118, 120 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 include annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120. Each of the annular ridges 118 forms a ring. Each of the annular grooves 120 forms a ring. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be corrugated along substantially its entire longitudinal extension or a portion of its length. Thus, the annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120 may form or constitute the first tubular reinforcing member 104. In alternative embodiments, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may have one or more sections that are free of the annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120. The first tubular reinforcing member 104 includes a plurality of annular ridges 118, e.g., five or ten or more annular ridges 118, and a plurality of annular grooves 120, e.g., five or ten or more annular grooves 120. These innovative corrugations achieve advantageous deformation of the vehicle structure 100, 400, 500 (see Figures 8-10) to absorb impacts while maintaining or improving the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure 100, 400, 500 (see Figures 8-10).

[0046] With reference to FIG. 1 , each of the annular ridges 118 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction 106. Each of the annular grooves 120 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction 106. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 , the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 forms an elliptical ring. The cross section of each of the annular ridges 118 forms an elliptical ring, and the cross section of each of the annular grooves 120 forms an elliptical ring. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 , the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may form an elliptical ring. The cross section of each of the annular ridges 118 may form an elliptical ring, and the cross section of each of the annular grooves 120 may form an elliptical ring. An elliptical ring encompasses shapes that may vary somewhat from a perfect ellipse. In an alternative embodiment, the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member may form a circular ring. A circular ring encompasses shapes that may vary somewhat from a perfect circle.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the annular ridges 118 and annular grooves 120 form a smooth wave shape that extends in the longitudinal direction 106 along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 .

[0048] 1 and 8, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 is seamless, e.g., free of one or more welded seams. In alternative embodiments, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be formed from two or more curved members attached to one another, e.g., by welding, e.g., by welded seams or weld spots, or by any other attachment means.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1 , the first tubular reinforcing member 104 has an inner surface 119 and an outer surface 121. The inner surface 119 may be referred to as a concave surface. The outer surface 121 may be referred to as a convex surface. The term "concave surface" also encompasses surfaces that may deviate from a perfect concave surface. The term "convex surface" also encompasses surfaces that may deviate from a perfect convex surface. In this disclosure, when referring to the annular ridge 118 and the annular groove 120, the annular ridge and the annular groove refer to the outer surface 121 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104. That is, the annular ridge 118 and the annular groove 120 are formed on the outer surface 121 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104. However, it should be understood that corresponding annular ridges and annular grooves may be formed on the inner surface 119 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104.

[0050] 1 and 8, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may have one or more attachment tabs 166, 168 for attachment to the first member 122 or the second member 124, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be provided without any attachment tabs, or may be provided with one or more attachment tabs 666, 668 of a different design, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of first tubular reinforcing member 604 schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. In other respects, the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 604 shown in FIG. 2 may correspond to the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore these features will not be disclosed again in further detail, but include, for example, annular ridge 618, annular groove 620, inner surface 619, and outer surface 621.

[0051] 3 and 4, a first tubular reinforcing member 304 of a third embodiment of a vehicle structure according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. As described above in conjunction with FIG. 1, the first tubular reinforcing member 304 has an annular ridge 318 and an annular groove 320, and the first tubular reinforcing member 304 has an inner surface 319 and an outer surface 321. Each of the annular ridges 318 has a recess 323 at a first location 325 on the outer surface 321. The recesses 323 at the first locations 325 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. Each of the annular ridges 318 may have a recess 327 at a second location 329 on the outer surface 321. The second location 329 may be opposite the first location 325, thereby providing the first tubular reinforcing member 304 with a peanut-shaped cross-section. The recesses 327 at the second locations 329 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. Further, each of the annular grooves 320 may have a recess 331 at a third location 333 on the outer surface 321, and the recesses 331 at the third locations 333 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. Further, each of the annular grooves 320 may have a recess 335 at a fourth location 337 on the outer surface 321, and the recesses 335 at the fourth locations 337 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. The third location 333 may be opposite the fourth location 337. The recess 323 of the annular ridge 318 at the first location 325 may substantially be aligned with the recess 331 of the annular groove 320 at the third location 333 in the longitudinal direction 106. The recess 327 of the annular ridge 318 at the second location 329 may substantially be aligned with the recess 335 of the annular groove 320 at the fourth location 337 in the longitudinal direction 106. For example, each recess 323, 327, 331, 335 may be a depression, a notch, or a recess. Otherwise, the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 304 shown in Figures 3 and 4 may correspond to the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 shown in Figure 1 and will not be repeated here. In an alternative embodiment, the first tubular reinforcing member 304 of Figures 3 and 4 may be provided without the mounting tabs 366, 368.In alternative embodiments, the first tubular reinforcing member 304 may be provided with recesses 323, 327, 331, 335 in only one, two, or three of the following locations on the outer surface 321: a first location 325, a second location 329, a third location 333, and a fourth location 337.

[0052] The first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 may be manufactured by a variety of methods. As previously described, the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 may be formed, for example, from a sheet, e.g., press-formed. As previously described, the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 may be formed from two or more curved members pressed from one or more sheets and then attached to each other. Alternatively, the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 may be formed, for example, from a tube, e.g., through hydroforming, gas forming (form blowing), e.g., hot metal gas forming (HMGF). Other methods for manufacturing the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 are possible. Each of the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, 304 disclosed above may also be described as a tube 104, 604, 304. The tube 104, 604, 304 or first tubular reinforcing member 104, 604, 304 has a wall 117, 617, 317 on which the annular ridge 118, 618, 318 and annular groove 120, 620, 320 are provided, or the wall includes these annular ridges and annular grooves.

[0053] 5-8, which schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a vehicle structure 100 according to the present invention, including the first tubular reinforcing member 104 of FIG. 1, the vehicle structure 100 may be for an automotive vehicle, such as a car or truck. Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the vehicle structure 100 includes a portion 102 extending in a longitudinal direction 106. The portion 102 has a first member 122 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The portion 102 has a second member 124 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 122 is configured to face an interior side 126 of a vehicle, such as an automobile, such as a car. The second member 124 is configured to face an exterior side 128 of the same vehicle. Thus, when the vehicle structure 100 is installed, the first member 122 may face the interior side 126 of the vehicle, and the second member 124 may face the exterior side 128 of the same vehicle. Each of the first and second members 122, 124 may have a section 130, 132 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. Each section 130, 132 may have a bottom surface 134, 136.

[0054] 8 , the first member 122 and the second member 124 are attached to one another such that the first member 122 and the second member 124 form a closed space 138. In this disclosure, the term "closed space" 138 also encompasses a substantially or essentially closed space. For example, there may be one or more small openings in the walls forming the closed space 138 and / or at both ends of the portion 102 of the vehicle structure 100, but the space 138 should still be considered closed. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first member 122 and the second member 124 are attached to one another such that the compartments 130, 132 and the first member 122 and the second member 124 form or define the closed space 138. The first member 122 and the second member 124 may be attached to one another by, for example, welding, adhesives, mechanical locking structures such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means. Each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may comprise or consist of a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. Each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may be formed from a plate, for example, a metal or metal alloy plate, such as an aluminum plate. The plate may be processed by hot stamping.

[0055] 5-8 , in the illustrated embodiment, the profile of each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 is or includes a hat-shaped profile. While, in other embodiments, the profile of each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 may instead include a U-shaped profile or any other suitable profile. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first member 122 and the second member 124 has a first sidewall 140, 142 and a second sidewall 144, 146. The first sidewall 140, 142 is disposed on one side of the bottom surface 134, 136, and the second sidewall 144, 146 is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface 134, 136. The first wall 140 and the second wall 144 of the first member 122 and the bottom surface 134 of the first member 122 define or form the compartment 130 of the first member 122. In a corresponding manner, the first wall 142 and the second wall 146 of the second member 124 and the bottom surface 136 of the second member 124 define or form the compartment 132 of the second member 124. With reference to FIGS. 5-8 , the first member 122 and the second member 124 each have a first flange 148, 150 attached to the first side wall 140, 142, e.g., integrally formed therewith. The first member 122 and the second member 124 each have a second flange 152, 154 attached to the second side wall 144, 146, e.g., integrally formed therewith. A first flange 148 of the first member 122 is attached to a first flange 150 of the second member 124, for example, by welding or adhesive. A second flange 152 of the first member 122 is attached to a second flange 154 of the second member 124, for example, by welding or adhesive. However, other attachment means are possible, for example, as described above.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the profile of each of the first and second members 122, 124 could be a U-shaped profile, with the first side wall 140 of the first member 122 attached to the first side wall 142 of the second member 124, for example, by welding, and the second side wall 144 of the first member 122 attached to the second side wall 146 of the second member 124, for example, by welding. However, other attachment means are possible, such as those described above.

[0057] Portion 102 includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members 104 positioned within enclosed space 138, for example, as disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, portion 102 includes one first tubular reinforcing member 104. First tubular reinforcing member 104 extends in longitudinal direction 106. It should be understood that one or more additional sections or one or more additional members may be positioned between first member 122 and second member 124 and / or between first member 122 or second member 124 and interior side 126 or exterior side 128 of the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is assembled.

[0058] 8 , the elliptical or oval ring formed by the cross section of the annular ridge 118 or the cross section of the annular groove 120 may have a minor diameter d1 (which may be referred to as a minor axis) passing through the center c of the ellipse or oval defined or limited by the elliptical or oval ring and the shortest portion of the ellipse or oval. The elliptical or oval ring may have a major diameter d2 (which may be referred to as a major axis) passing through the center c of the ellipse or oval defined or limited by the elliptical or oval ring and the longest portion of the ellipse or oval. In some embodiments, the major diameter d2 may point toward the first member 122 and the second member 124. If the first member 122 and the second member 124 each have sections 130, 132 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, and each section 130, 132 has a bottom surface 134, 136, the major diameter d2 may point toward the bottom surfaces 134, 136 of the first member 122 and the second member 124. The major diameter d2 may form an angle α with the bottom surface 134, 136 of the first member 122 or the second member 124, said angle α being between 70 and 110°, such as between 80 and 100°, such as between 85 and 95°, for example about 90°. The elliptical or oblong ring cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 provides increased extension of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 in the direction of likely crash or impact, providing improved stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure 100, but with less material compared to a first tubular reinforcing member having a circular ring cross-section.

[0059] 8 , the elliptical or oval ring formed by the cross section of the annular ridge 118 may be defined as having two apex or pointed regions 156, 158 that are more raised or pointed than any other apex of the elliptical or oval ring that exists between the two apex regions 156, 158. Each of the apex regions 156, 158 of the elliptical or oval ring may point toward the first member 122 or the second member 124. If the first member 122 and the second member 124 each have sections 130, 132 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, each section 130, 132 having a bottom surface 134, 136, each of the apex regions 156, 158 of the elliptical or oval ring may point toward the bottom surface 134, 136 of the first member 122 or the second member 124.

[0060] 6 and 8 , the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be attached to the first member 122 or the second member 124 via the above-mentioned mounting tabs 166, 168. The mounting tabs 166, 168 may be attached to one of the first member 122 or the second member 124 by welding such as a weld spot, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means. However, the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be attached to one of the first member 122 or the second member 124 via any other structure or means. For example, one or more annular ridges 118 of the first tubular reinforcing member 104 may be attached to one of the first member 122 or the second member 124, for example, to the bottom surfaces 134, 136 of one of the first member 122 or the second member 124, by welding such as a weld spot, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means.

[0061] 3 and 4, and the assembled portion 402 of the fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure 400 shown in FIG. 9, it may be provided that the ring formed by the cross section of the annular ridge 318 has two large peak sections 356, 358 or large peak sections 356, 358 that are more raised or pointed than any other peaks of the ring that lie between the two large peak sections 356, 358. Each of the large peak sections 356, 358 may point toward the first member 122 or the second member 124. If the first member 122 and the second member 124 each have sections 130, 132 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, each section 130, 132 having a bottom surface 134, 136, then each of the major apex regions 356, 358 may point toward the bottom surface 134, 136 of the first member 122 or the second member 124. With reference to a fifth embodiment of a vehicle structure 500 shown in FIG. 10 , each of the major apex regions 356, 358 of the ring may point toward one of the first side walls 140, 142 and second side walls 144, 146 of the first member 122 or the second member 124.

[0062] 9 and 10, the portions 402, 502 of the embodiments of the vehicle structures 400, 500 may include two or more first tubular reinforcing members 304 arranged as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. Each first tubular reinforcing member 304 may correspond to any one of the embodiments of the first tubular reinforcing members 304 disclosed above, such as the first tubular reinforcing members 304 of FIGS. 3 and 4, and will not be described in further detail here. With reference to FIG. 9, when the vehicle structure 400 is installed and viewed in the longitudinal direction 106, the two first tubular reinforcing members 304 may be arranged overlapping each other. With reference to FIG. 10, when the vehicle structure 500 is installed and viewed in the longitudinal direction 106, the two first tubular reinforcing members 304 may be arranged side-by-side, i.e., laterally. In alternative embodiments, the portions may include three, four, or more first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, 304. It should be understood that each of the first tubular reinforcing members 304 shown in Figures 9 and 10 may be replaced with any other variation of the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, 304, such as any one of the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604 shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is also possible to mix different variations of the first tubular reinforcing members 104, 604, 304 within the same enclosed space 138.

[0063] 11 and 12, two tubular reinforcing members 704, 200 of a sixth embodiment of a vehicle structure 700 according to the present invention are schematically illustrated. The first tubular reinforcing member 704 of the two tubular reinforcing members 704, 200 may correspond to any one of the embodiments disclosed above, such as the first tubular reinforcing member 304 of FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition to the first tubular reinforcing member 704, the portion 702 of the vehicle structure 700 in FIGS. 11 and 12 also includes one or more second tubular reinforcing members 200 installed in the closed space 138 formed by the first member 122 and the second member 124. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, one second tubular reinforcing member 200 is provided.

[0064] 11 and 12, the second tubular reinforcing member 200 has a longitudinal extension that extends in the longitudinal direction 106. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 is corrugated and includes corrugations. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 defines an interior space 255. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first tubular reinforcing member 704 is disposed within the interior space 255 defined by the second tubular reinforcing member 200. It should be understood that the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be designed in ways other than those illustrated in FIGS. 11-18.

[0065] 11 and 12, in some embodiments, the longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may extend along, for example along the entire longitudinal extension, of the first tubular reinforcing member 704. In some embodiments, the first tubular reinforcing member 704 may be encapsulated within the second tubular reinforcing member 200.

[0066] 11-18, in some embodiments, the corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include ridges 242, 244, 246, 248 and grooves 250, 252, 254, 256. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 11-18, each ridge 242, 244, 246, 248 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be aligned with one of the annular ridges 318 of the first tubular reinforcing member 304; 704. In some embodiments, each groove 250, 252, 254, 256 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be aligned with one of the annular grooves 320 of the first tubular reinforcing member 304; 704.

[0067] To illustrate the attachment of the first and second tubular reinforcing members 704, 200 to the portion 204 of the vehicle structure 202, with reference to Figures 13-18, the embodiment of the second tubular reinforcing member 200 of Figures 11 and 12 is illustrated schematically and separated from the first tubular reinforcing member 304; 704 of Figures 11 and 12. However, it should be understood that the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may have inserted therein a first tubular reinforcing member 704, 104, 604, 304 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above.

[0068] 13-18 , the second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include a third reinforcing member 218 and a fourth reinforcing member 220. The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 each extend in the same longitudinal direction 106. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 may include or consist of a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, or any other suitable material. The second tubular reinforcing member 200 may be formed from one or more plates, e.g., metal or metal alloy plates, e.g., aluminum plates, or any other suitable material. The plates may be processed by hot stamping. The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may each be formed from plates, e.g., metal plates, e.g., aluminum plates, or any other suitable material. The plates may be processed by hot stamping. The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may each have a smooth wave shape in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0069] 13 to 18 , the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may each have first legs 222, 224 extending in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction 106. The third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may each have second legs 226, 228 extending in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction 106. The first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 each have foot portions 230, 232, 234, 236 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. In some embodiments, it may be specified that the foot portion 230 of the first leg 222 is located at an end of the first leg 222, or that the foot portion 230 of the first leg 222 forms the end of the first leg 222. In some embodiments, it may be provided that the foot 234 of the second leg 226 is located at the end of the second leg 226, or that the foot 234 of the second leg 226 forms the end of the second leg 226.

[0070] 13-18, each of the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 may be configured in various ways. Referring to FIGS. 13-18, each of the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 may be a curved portion at the end of the respective leg 222, 224, 226, 228. Alternatively, the feet may also be straight portions at the end of the respective leg 222, 224, 226, 228. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 may form a wave shape that includes multiple hanging bodies, although this is not required.

[0071] 18 , the feet 230, 234 of the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be spaced apart from one another to form an interior space 258 between the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. The feet 232, 236 of the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be spaced apart from one another to form an interior space 259 between the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 18 , the interior space 258 formed between the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 and the interior space 259 formed between the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may form an interior space 255 of the second tubular reinforcing member 200.

[0072] 13-18 , the first leg 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 are joined in a third head section 238, which may also be referred to as a third head portion. The first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 are joined in a fourth head section 240, which may also be referred to as a fourth head portion. In some embodiments, the third head section 238 may be referred to as the first head section 238, and the fourth head section 240 may be referred to as the second head section 240. With respect to each head section 238, 240 and first and second legs 222, 224, 226, 228, "joined" means that two legs 222, 224, 226, 228, i.e., a first leg 222, 224 and a second leg 228, 228, are connected or attached to one another within the third head section 238 or the fourth head section 240. The head sections 238, 240 and legs 222, 224, 226, 228 of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220, respectively, can be described as forming a U-shape with a foot 230, 232, 234, 236 at each end of the U-shape. Thus, the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may each have a U-shaped cross-section. However, other shapes are possible, such as a V-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, it may be provided that the head sections 238, 240 are located at opposite ends of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228, and that these ends are different from or opposite the opposite ends of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 that include or form the feet 230, 232, 234, 236 of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228.

[0073] 13-18 , the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 are each corrugated in the longitudinal direction 106 to form a smooth wave shape and include corrugations 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, and 256. The first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228, respectively, may be corrugated along substantially their entire longitudinal extension or along a portion of their length. The corrugations 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, and 256 of the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220, respectively, include ridges 242, 244, 246, and 248 and grooves 250, 252, 254, and 256. The first leg portions 222, 224 and the second leg portions 226, 228 may each include a plurality of ridges 242, 244, 246, 248, e.g., five or more ridges 242, 244, 246, 248, and a plurality of grooves 250, 252, 254, 256, e.g., five or more grooves 250, 252, 254, 256. The ridges 242, 244 and grooves 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218 extend from the third head region 238 to the respective feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. The ridges 246, 248 and grooves 254, 256 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 extend from the fourth head region 240 to the respective feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Therefore, the first legs 222, 224 and the second legs 226, 228 may each have a smooth wave shape.

[0074] 13-18 , the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the fourth reinforcing member 220. The foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the foot 232 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 by, for example, welding, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as a rivet, or any other suitable fastening means. The foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to the foot 236 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 by, for example, welding, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as a rivet, or any other suitable fastening means. The feet 230, 234 may be attached to the opposing feet 232, 236 along their entire longitudinal lengths or along an extension in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 18 , as described above, the third reinforcing member 218 may define an interior space 258 between the first leg portion 222 and the second leg portion 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. The fourth head section 240 and the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be located outside the interior space 258 defined by the third reinforcing member 218. More specifically, in FIGS. 13-18 , the entire fourth reinforcing member 220 may be located outside the interior space 258 defined by the third reinforcing member 218. Referring to FIG. 18 , as described above, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may define an interior space 259 between the first leg portion 224 and the second leg portion 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. The entire third reinforcing member 218 may be located outside the interior space 259 defined by the fourth reinforcing member 220. This is the case in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-18 .

[0076] 13-18 , the third reinforcing member 218 may have a plurality of attachment tabs 257a, 257b configured to be attached to the first member 208 and / or the second member 210, which will be disclosed in more detail below. The plurality of attachment tabs 257a, 257b of the third reinforcing member 218 may be provided on at least one of the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. The fourth reinforcing member 220 may have a first attachment tab 261a at a first end and a second attachment tab 261b at a second end for attachment to the first member 208 and / or the second member 210, which will be disclosed in more detail below. The first attachment tab 261a and the second attachment tab 261b of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be provided on the fourth head section 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. In alternative embodiments, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be provided with attachment tabs 257a, 257b and / or the third reinforcing member 218 may be provided with a first attachment tab 261a and a second attachment tab 261b. The attachment tabs 257a, 257b, 261a, 261b may be integral with or attached to the respective ones 218, 220 of the third and fourth reinforcing members 218, 220 (i.e., formed as a unit with the respective ones 218, 220 of the third and fourth reinforcing members 218, 220), such as by welding, adhesive, mechanical locking structures such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means.

[0077] 13-18 , a vehicle structure 202 to which the second tubular reinforcing member 200 and the first tubular reinforcing member 304; 704 may be applied may include a portion 204 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The portion 104 may have a first member 208 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The portion 204 may have a second member 210 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 208 is configured to face an interior side 212 of a vehicle, e.g., an automobile such as a car. The second member 210 is configured to face an exterior side 214 of the same vehicle. The first member 208 and the second member 210 are attached to each other to form a substantially closed space 216 therebetween, e.g., the closed space 216. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may be attached to each other by, for example, welding, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means. Each of the first member 208 and the second member 210 may be formed from a metal plate, such as an aluminum plate, which may be processed by hot stamping. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile of each of the first member 208 and the second member 210 is or includes a hat-shaped profile, but in other embodiments, the profile may instead be or include a U-shaped profile, or any other suitable profile.

[0078] 13-18 , the third head region 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 may face one of the first and second members 208, 210, and the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 may face the other of the first and second members 208, 210. Referring to FIG. 18 , in the illustrated embodiment, the third head region 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 faces the second member 210, and the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 face the first member 208. However, the reverse may also be possible. The fourth head region 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may face one of the first and second members 208, 210, and the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may face the other of the first and second members 208, 210. 18 , in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth head section 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 faces the first member 208, and the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 face the second member 210. However, the reverse may also be true. The fact that the third head section 238 faces one 208, 210 of the first member 208 and the second member 210, and the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218 face the other 208, 210 of the first member 208 and the second member 210 does not necessarily mean that there is an empty space between the third head section 238 or the feet 230, 234 and the first member 208 or the second member 210. Instead, there may be other members or units between them. The fact that the fourth head section 240 faces one 208, 210 of the first member 208 and the second member 210, and the foot sections 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 face the other 208, 210 of the first member 208 and the second member 210, does not necessarily mean that there is an empty space between the fourth head section 240 or the foot sections 232, 236 and the first member 208 or the second member 210. Instead, there may be other members or units between them.

[0079] 18, the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be attached to at least one of the first member 208 and the second member 210. The fourth reinforcing member 220 may be indirectly attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via the third reinforcing member 218. Alternatively, the third reinforcing member 218 may be indirectly attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 via the fourth reinforcing member 220. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 18, the third reinforcing member 218 may be attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 by a plurality of attachment tongues 257a, 257b, and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be directly attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210 by a first attachment tongue 261a and a second attachment tongue 261b.

[0080] 18 , the first member 208 and the second member 210 may each have compartments 260, 262. Each compartment 260, 262 has a bottom surface 264, 266 and extends in the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may be attached to each other such that the compartments 260, 262 form a substantially closed space 216. The third head region 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be located within one of the compartments 260, 262, and the fourth head region 240 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be located within the other of the compartments 260, 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the third head region 238 is located within the compartment 262 of the second member 210, and the fourth head region 240 is located within the compartment 260 of the first member 208.

[0081] 17 and 18 , the first member 208 and the second member 210 may each have a first sidewall 268, 270 and a second sidewall 272, 274. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may each have a first flange 276, 278 attached to the first sidewall 268, 270. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may each have a second flange 280, 282 attached to the second sidewall 272, 274. The first member 208 and the second member 210 may be attached to each other via the opposing flanges 276, 278 and the second flanges 280, 282 of the first flanges 276, 278, 280, 282 by, for example, welding, adhesive, a mechanical locking structure such as rivets, or any other suitable fastening means. At least one of the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220, for example, the third reinforcing member 218 in the illustrated embodiment, has its foot portion 230, 232, 234, 236 of at least one of the first leg portion 222, 224 and the second leg portion 226, 228 attached to at least one of the first flange 276, 278 and the second flange 280, 282 via a plurality of attachment tongues 257 a, 257 b. Furthermore, one of the third head section 238 and the fourth head section 240, for example, the fourth head section 240 in the illustrated embodiment, may be attached to the bottom surface 264, 266 of one of the compartments 260, 262. More specifically, one of the third head section 238 and the fourth head section 240 may be attached to the bottom surface 264 of the compartment 260 of the first member 208. More specifically, the fourth head section 240 may be attached to the bottom surface 264 of the compartment 260 of the first member 208, for example, by the first attachment tongue 261 a and the second attachment tongue 261 b. Referring to Figures 13-18, assembly of the portion 204 may proceed by first attaching the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 to each other, then attaching them to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, and then attaching the first member 208 and the second member 210 to each other. Also, in an alternative embodiment, the third head section 238 may be attached to one of the first member 208 and the second member 210, for example, the second member 210.

[0082] 13-18 , each ridge 242 on the first leg 222 of a third reinforcing member 218 may be aligned with one of the ridges 244 on the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. This may define a non-zigzag relationship between the ridges 242 on the first leg 222 and the ridges 244 on the second leg 226 of the same (third) reinforcing member 218.

[0083] 13-18 , each ridge 246 on the first leg 224 of a fourth reinforcing member 220 may be aligned with one of the ridges 248 on the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. This may define a non-zigzag relationship between the ridge 246 on the first leg 224 and the ridge 248 on the second leg 228 of the same (fourth) reinforcing member 220.

[0084] 13-18 , each groove 250 in the first leg 222 of a third reinforcing member 218 may be aligned with one of the grooves 252 in the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. This may define a non-zigzag relationship between the grooves 250 in the first leg 222 and the grooves 252 in the second leg 226 of the same (third) reinforcing member 218.

[0085] 13-18 , each groove 254 in the first leg 224 of a fourth reinforcing member 220 may be aligned with one of the grooves 256 in the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. This may define a non-zigzag relationship between the grooves 254 in the first leg 224 and the grooves 256 in the second leg 228 of the same (fourth) reinforcing member 220.

[0086] 13-18 , the third head section 238 may be corrugated, and the first leg 122, 126, 222 and the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218, and the third head section 238 may include the corrugations of the third reinforcing member 218, the corrugations including the ridges 242, 244 and grooves 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218. Each ridge 242, 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 may extend through the third head section 238 from the foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 to the foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. Each groove 250, 252 of the third reinforcing member 218 may extend through the third head section 238 from the foot 230 of the first leg 222 of the third reinforcing member 218 to the foot 234 of the second leg 226 of the third reinforcing member 218. It may be defined that the third head section 238 is non-planar.

[0087] 13-18 , the fourth head section 240 may be corrugated, and the fourth head section 240 may include the first leg 224 and the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220, and the corrugations of the fourth reinforcing member 220, the corrugations including the ridges 246, 248 and grooves 254, 256 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Each ridge 246, 248 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may extend through the fourth head section 240 from the foot 232 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 to the foot 236 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. Each groove 254, 256 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 may extend through the fourth head section 240 from the foot 232 of the first leg 224 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 to the foot 236 of the second leg 228 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. It may be provided that the fourth head section 240 is non-flat.

[0088] 18 , in the illustrated embodiment, each ridge 246, 248 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 is raised relative to the foot portions 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 in the fourth head region 240. By "raised," we mean that each ridge 246, 248 is larger in the head region 240 than the foot portions 232, 236, and further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 , each ridge 246, 248 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 gradually increases in size from the foot portions 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220 to the fourth head region 240. The wave shape of the fourth reinforcing member 220 defines a member thickness d of the fourth reinforcing member 220 when viewed in the longitudinal direction 106. 18 , the thickness d of the fourth reinforcing member 220 in the fourth head region 240 is greater than the thickness d of the fourth reinforcing member 220 at the feet 232, 236. This is advantageous because the fourth head region 240 may experience the greatest stresses during a crash impact compared to the feet 232, 236 of the fourth reinforcing member 220. However, in alternative embodiments, the fourth reinforcing member 220 may be provided without the varying thickness d as illustrated in FIG. 18 and as disclosed and discussed above. In other alternative embodiments, the ridges 242, 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 may be raised higher in the third head region 238 than the feet 230, 234 of the third reinforcing member 218. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, each ridge 242 , 244 of the third reinforcing member 218 may gradually increase in size from the foot portions 230 , 234 to the third head section 238 of the third reinforcing member 218 .

[0089] 13-18, the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have different dimensions. This allows the deformation behavior of the vehicle structure to absorb an impact, as well as the stiffness and reinforcement of the vehicle structure, to be further tailored and adapted to a particular application. In some embodiments, the head section 240 of the smaller reinforcing member 220 may face the first member 208. However, in some embodiments, the third reinforcing member 218 and the fourth reinforcing member 220 may have equal dimensions, as illustrated schematically in, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0090] 19 and 20 , a first tubular reinforcing member 804 of a portion 802 of another embodiment of a vehicle structure 800 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. As described above in conjunction with FIG. 1 , the first tubular reinforcing member 804 has an annular ridge 818 and an annular groove 820. The first tubular reinforcing member 804 has an inner surface 819 and an outer surface 821. Each of the annular ridges 818 has a recess 823 at a first location 825 on the outer surface 821. The recesses 823 at the first locations 825 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. Each of the annular ridges 818 may have a recess 827 at a second location 829 on the outer surface 821. The second location 829 may be opposite the first location 825, thereby providing a peanut- or bone-shaped cross-section of the first tubular reinforcing member 804. The recesses 827 at the second locations 829 may be aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction 106.

[0091] 19 and 20 , in some embodiments, each of the annular grooves 820 may have a recess 831 at a third location 833 on the outer surface 821. The recesses 831 at the third locations 833 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. Further, in some embodiments, each of the annular grooves 820 may have a recess 835 at a fourth location 837 on the outer surface 821. The recesses 835 at the fourth locations 837 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction 106. The third location 833 may be opposite the fourth location 837.

[0092] 19 and 20 , in some embodiments, the recess 823 of the annular ridge 818 at the first location 825 may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction 106 with the recess 831 of the annular groove 820 at the third location 833. The recess 827 of the annular ridge 818 at the second location 829 may be substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction 106 with the recess 835 of the annular groove 820 at the fourth location 837.

[0093] 19 and 20 , for example, each recess 823, 827, 831, 835 may include or may be described as a depression, notch, or recess. Otherwise, the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 804 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 may correspond to the features of the first tubular reinforcing member 104, 304 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and will not be repeated here. In alternative embodiments, the first tubular reinforcing member 804 may be provided with recesses 823, 827, 831, 835 in only one, two, or three of the following locations on the outer surface 821: a first location 825, a second location 829, a third location 833, and a fourth location 837.

[0094] 19 and 20, the first tubular reinforcing member 804 may be described as having a waist 890 or waist region.

[0095] 21 and 22, a first tubular reinforcing member 904 of an alternative variation portion 902 of a vehicle structure 900 is schematically illustrated. Features of the first tubular reinforcing member 904 of FIGS. 21 and 22 may essentially correspond to features of the first tubular reinforcing member 804 of FIGS. 19 and 20. For example, the first tubular reinforcing member 904 of FIGS. 21 and 22 has ridges 918 and grooves 920, and the first tubular reinforcing member 904 has an inner surface 919 and an outer surface 921. The first tubular reinforcing member 904 of FIGS. 21 and 22 may include recesses 923, 927, 931, 935 in one, two, three, and / or four of the following groups: a first location 925; a second location 929; a third location 933; and a fourth location 937, in an essentially corresponding manner with respect to the first tubular reinforcing member 804 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. 21 and 22 does not have or have grooves 920 and ridges 918 at or within the waist region 990, i.e., there are no grooves 920 or ridges 918 at or within the waist region of the first tubular reinforcing member 904 of Figures 21 and 22. The waist region 990 or waist region of the first tubular reinforcing member 904 may be described as being flat in the longitudinal direction 106, for example.

[0096] Each of the vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 described above may be a vehicle side structure 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, and each of the portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902 may be a side portion 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902. However, the vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 may also be applied and mounted elsewhere on the vehicle, for example at the front of the vehicle, or may be part of a bumper at the rear of the vehicle or elsewhere within the vehicle. The vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 may be used, for example, in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, but may also, of course, be used in regular vehicles equipped with only a combustion engine. The vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 may be configured to protect one or more batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle, for example, during a collision. Accordingly, the vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 may be located on one or more sides of the batteries. The vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 are effective at protecting the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle during a collision. The vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 are effective at protecting against a collision or crash with a utility pole. The vehicle structures 100, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900 are effective at preventing the utility pole from entering the vehicle interior during a collision with the utility pole.

[0097] Each of the described portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902 may advantageously be used as a side beam portion 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902. Accordingly, each of the disclosed embodiments of portion 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902 may also be a side beam portion 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902. The side beam portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902 are configured to extend in the longitudinal direction 106 of the vehicle body and are configured to be provided on the sides of the vehicle body. Advantageously, the side beam portions 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, 902 are configured to be attached to one or more cross beams 162, 164 of the vehicle body, for example, two cross beams 162, 164. However, in alternative embodiments, the section or side portion is not a side beam section, but may be a side sill section, a bumper section, or a beam section configured to be installed elsewhere in a vehicle.

[0098] The features of the different embodiments of the vehicle structure disclosed above may be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.

[0099] The present invention should not be considered as being limited to the illustrated embodiments, but can be modified and varied in many ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) comprising a longitudinally extending portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802), said portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) comprising: a first member (122) extending in the longitudinal direction (106); a second member (124) extending in the longitudinal direction (106); Including, The first member (122) is configured to face the inside (126) of the vehicle; The second member (124) is configured to face the outside (128) of the vehicle; The first member (122) and the second member (124) are attached to each other such that the first member (122) and the second member (124) form a closed space (138); the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) includes one or more first tubular reinforcing members (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) disposed within the enclosed space (138), the first tubular reinforcing members (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction (106); said first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) being corrugated and including corrugations; the corrugations of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) include annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 828) and annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820); the portion (702) includes one or more second tubular reinforcing members (200) disposed within the enclosed space (138); the second tubular reinforcing member (200) has a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction (106); the second tubular reinforcing member (200) is corrugated and includes corrugations; the second tubular reinforcing member (200) defines an interior space (255); the first tubular reinforcing member (704) is disposed within the interior space (255) formed by the second tubular reinforcing member (200); Vehicle structures (100; 400; 500; 700; 800).

2. 2. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein each of the annular ridges (118; 618; 318; 818) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (106), and each of the annular grooves (120; 620; 320; 820) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (106).

3. 3. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular ridge (118; 618; 318; 818) and the annular groove (120; 620; 320; 820) form the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804).

4. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604) forms an elliptical ring.

5. 5. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cross section of each of the annular ridges (118; 618) forms an elliptical ring, and a cross section of each of the annular grooves (120; 620) forms an elliptical ring.

6. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cross section of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604) forms an oval ring.

7. 7. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a cross section of each of the annular ridges (118; 618) forms an elliptical ring, and a cross section of each of the annular grooves (120; 620) forms an elliptical ring.

8. 8. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704; 804) has an inner surface (319; 819) and an outer surface (321; 821), and each of the annular ridges (318; 818) has a recess (323; 823) at a first location (325; 825) on the outer surface (321; 821).

9. 9. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 8, wherein the recesses (323; 823) at the first location (325; 825) are aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction (106).

10. 10. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein each of the annular ridges (318; 818) has a recess (327; 827) at a second location (329; 829) on the outer surface (321; 821).

11. 11. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 10, wherein the second location (329; 829) is on the opposite side to the first location (325; 825).

12. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the recesses (327; 827) at the second location (329; 829) are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction (106).

13. 13. The vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the annular ridge (118; 618; 318; 818) and the annular groove (120; 620; 320; 820) form a smooth wave shape extending in the longitudinal direction (106) along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804).

14. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) is seamless.

15. 2. The vehicle structure (700) of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal extension of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) extends along the longitudinal extension of the first tubular reinforcing member (704).

16. 20. The vehicle structure (700) of claim 1 or 15, wherein the first tubular reinforcing member (704) is encapsulated in the second tubular reinforcing member (200).

17. 17. The vehicle structure (700) of claim 1, 15, or 16, wherein the corrugations of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) include ridges (242, 244, 246, 248) and grooves (250, 252, 254, 256); A vehicle structure (700) wherein each ridge (242, 244, 246, 248) of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) is aligned with one (318) of the annular ridges (318) of the first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704).

18. 18. The vehicle structure (700) of claim 17, wherein each groove (250, 252, 254, 256) of the second tubular reinforcing member (200) is aligned with one (320) of the annular grooves (320) of the first tubular reinforcing member (304; 704).

19. 19. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein one or more of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) and the second tubular reinforcing member (200) are formed from one or more plates.

20. 20. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein one or more of the first tubular reinforcing member (104; 604; 304; 704; 804) and the second tubular reinforcing member (200) comprise or consist of a metal or a metal alloy.

21. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first member (122) and the second member (124) are each formed from a plate.

22. 22. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first member (122) and the second member (124) each comprise or consist of a metal or a metal alloy.

23. 23. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first member (122) and the second member (124) each have a profile that is one of a hat-shaped profile and a U-shaped profile.

24. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) is a vehicle side structure (100; 400; 500) and the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) is a side portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802).

25. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) is a side beam portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802), A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) wherein the side beam portion (102; 402; 502; 702; 802) is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction (106) of a vehicle body and is configured to be provided on a side of the vehicle body.

26. 26. A vehicle structure (100; 400; 500; 700; 800) according to claim 25, wherein the side beam portion (102; 402; 502; 702, 802) is configured to be attached to one or more cross beams (162, 164) of the vehicle body.

Images