Body impact absorption structure
The vehicle body impact absorption structure efficiently absorbs collision energy by using a closed cross-sectional rocker design with stronger outer and inner members to transmit and distribute loads over a wider area, addressing the inefficiency of existing structures with small collision objects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYODA IRON WORKS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing shock absorption structures in vehicles fail to efficiently absorb collision energy when encountering objects with small collision areas, such as poles, due to limited deformation of energy absorption members.
A vehicle body impact absorption structure comprising rockers with outer and inner members arranged in a closed cross-sectional structure, where the outer member has stronger deformation strength and a larger number of deformable parts than the inner member, allowing collision loads to be transmitted and absorbed over a wider area.
The structure efficiently absorbs collision energy by ensuring the inner member deforms over a wider area than the collision object, optimizing energy absorption and potentially reducing the weight of the energy absorption member.
Smart Images
Figure 0007871182000001 
Figure 0007871182000002 
Figure 0007871182000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorption structure of a vehicle body.
Background Art
[0002] A structure is known in which an energy absorption member is disposed in a rocker having a closed cross-section structure (generally also referred to as a side sill) to absorb an impact during a side collision (see Patent Document 1). During a side collision, the energy absorption member receives a collision load and is deformed to protect an occupant and also to protect a battery or the like located inside the vehicle width direction from the rocker.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the technique of Patent Document 1, when a side collision occurs with an object having a small collision area like a pole with respect to the front-rear length of the rocker, the energy absorption member is deformed in a small area corresponding to the size of the collision surface of the collision object, and there is a possibility that the collision load cannot be efficiently absorbed by the energy absorption member.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to transmit a collision load to an energy absorption member by receiving it on a wide surface in a shock absorption structure of a rocker, so that even when a collision occurs with an object having a small area like a pole, the energy absorption member is deformed in a wide area and the collision load can be efficiently absorbed by the energy absorption member.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The first invention of the present invention is an impact absorption structure for a vehicle body, comprising rockers extending from the lower ends of both sides of the vehicle body with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body as the longitudinal direction, and an energy absorbing member that absorbs collision energy from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body within a closed cross-sectional structure in which the rockers are connected in the longitudinal direction as a hollow structure, wherein the energy absorbing member comprises an outer member arranged on the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body and an inner member arranged on the inside in the width direction of the vehicle body, wherein the outer member and the inner member are arranged so as to be able to transmit collision loads in the width direction of the vehicle body between them, the outer member has stronger deformation strength against collision loads from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body compared to the inner member, and the length of the outer member and the inner member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is set to be longer than the size of the object to be struck in the same direction.
[0007] The second invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, the outer member and the inner member are each composed of deformable parts that deform due to a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body to absorb collision energy, the outer member has a larger number of deformable parts than the inner member, and the plurality of deformable parts are arranged in parallel with each other in the width direction of the vehicle body.
[0008] The third invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, the outer member and the inner member are each configured to include a deformable portion that deforms due to a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body to absorb collision energy, the deformable portion is made of a plate member whose plate surface expands in the width direction of the vehicle body, and the outer member has a smaller dimension in the width direction of the plate member compared to the inner member.
[0009] The fourth invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, the outer member and the inner member are each configured to include a deformable portion that deforms due to a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body to absorb collision energy, and the deformable portion of the outer member is provided with a reinforcing structure that strengthens the deformation strength against collision loads in the width direction of the vehicle body.
[0010] The fifth invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, the outer member and the inner member are each configured to include a deformable portion that deforms due to a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body to absorb collision energy, and the deformable portion of the inner member is provided with a weakening structure that reduces the deformation strength against collision loads in the width direction of the vehicle body.
[0011] The sixth invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, the outer member and the inner member are each composed of a deformable portion that deforms due to a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body to absorb collision energy, and the outer member is composed of a material in which the deformable portion has a stronger deformation strength against collision loads in the width direction of the vehicle body relative to that of the inner member.
[0012] The seventh invention of the present invention is that, in the first invention described above, an intermediate member is provided between the outer member and the inner member, sandwiched in the vehicle body width direction, the outer member, the intermediate member and the inner member are arranged so that collision loads in the vehicle body width direction can be transmitted to each other between adjacent members, and the deformation strength relationship of the outer member, the inner member and the intermediate member with respect to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle body width direction is such that the outer member is stronger than the intermediate member and the intermediate member is stronger than the inner member. [Effects of the Invention]
[0013] According to the present invention, when the rocker receives a collision load from an object on the outside in the vehicle width direction, the inner member deforms before the outer member, thereby extending the range of the outer member of the energy absorbing member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle beyond that of the object of collision and transmitting the collision load to the inner member. As a result, the inner member deforms over a wider area than the object of collision and absorbs collision energy. Consequently, the energy absorbing member can efficiently absorb collision energy by making the most of its performance. As a result, the energy absorbing member can be made lighter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Vertical cross-sectional view of the locker according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the locker according to the first embodiment as seen through. [Figure 4] Explanatory drawing showing the collision deformation state of the locker due to side impact in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 4, showing the deformation state when the locker is viewed from above. [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing corresponding to FIG. 5, showing the deformation state in the comparative example. [Figure 7] Vertical cross-sectional view of the locker in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the energy absorption member of the locker in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] View of the outer member alone of the energy absorption member in the third embodiment as seen from the inside. [Figure 10] Perspective view of the energy absorption member of the locker in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line IX - IX of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the energy absorption member of the locker in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Vertical cross-sectional view of the locker in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Vertical cross-sectional view of the locker in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing the collision deformation state of the energy absorption member due to side impact in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] Explanatory drawing corresponding to FIG. 15, showing the deformation state in the comparative example.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the impact absorption structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an impact absorption structure for the battery of an electric vehicle in the event of a side collision. In the direction indications in the diagram, UPR indicates the upper side, OUT indicates the outer side as seen from inside the vehicle, FR indicates the front side of the vehicle, and RR indicates the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, the direction indicated by UPR is the vertical direction of the vehicle body, the direction indicated by OUT is the width direction of the vehicle body, and the directions indicated by FR and RR are the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
[0016] <Overall configuration of the first embodiment> Figure 1 schematically shows the vertical cross-sectional configuration of the main part of the overall configuration of the impact absorption structure 1 to which the first embodiment is applied, and is shown as a pole side impact test state with pole 2 positioned. In this embodiment, the battery 3 of the electric vehicle is located below the floor 4 of the electric vehicle. Rockers 10, which form the frame of the lower part of the vehicle body, are arranged on the outer side of the floor 4, and a side door 5 (usually a front door) is arranged further outside of that. In the pole side impact test, pole 2 is positioned even further outside. In this embodiment, when the side door 5 collides with pole 2, energy absorption occurs in the area S between the side door 5 and the battery 3, protecting the battery 3. In particular, the energy absorption is performed by the rockers 10.
[0017] In this embodiment, energy absorbing members 20 are arranged throughout the entire area of the rocker 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, so that the energy of a side impact is absorbed at the location of the rocker 10. The rocker 10 is formed with an outer rocker member 11 positioned on the outside and an inner rocker member 12 positioned on the inside, which are formed in a so-called hat-shaped cross-section, and the two members 11 and 12 are overlapped and combined to form a closed cross-sectional structure. As a result, the rocker 10 is formed as a hollow structure, and this hollow structure has a form in which the space extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The material of the energy absorbing member 20 is steel, which is suitable for performing an energy absorption action by deformation due to crushing. Other materials such as aluminum can also be used.
[0018] Figures 2 and 3 show the detailed structure of the locker 10. The outer locker member 11 and the inner locker member 12 are both formed in a hat-shaped cross-section and each comprises a top plate portion 11A, 12A, vertical wall portions 11B, 12B, and flange portions 11C, 12C, respectively. The outer locker member 11 and the inner locker member 12 are assembled so that their hat-shaped open sides face each other, and each pair of flange portions 11C, 12C overlap. A plate-shaped partition member 13 is sandwiched between each pair of flange portions 11C, 12C. Therefore, the space within the closed cross-sectional structure formed by the outer locker member 11 and the inner locker member 12 is divided into two spaces in the vehicle width direction.
[0019] Because the space within the closed cross-section structure is divided into two spaces, the energy absorbing members 20 are also distributed and provided within the two spaces. The outer member 21 of the energy absorbing member 20 is provided within the outer rocker member 11, and the inner member 22 of the energy absorbing member 20 is provided within the inner rocker member 12. Both the outer member 21 and the inner member 22 are formed in a hat-shaped cross-section. These hat-shaped outer member 21 and inner member 22 each comprise a top plate portion 21A, 22A, a vertical wall portion 21B, 22B, and a flange portion 21C, 22C. The top plate portions 21A and 22A are assembled facing each other and joined to opposite sides at the vertical center of the partition member 13. The flange portions 21C and 22C are joined to the inner wall of the outer rocker member 11 and the inner wall of the inner rocker member 12, respectively. Therefore, each vertical wall section 21B, 22B forms a deformable section that deforms due to collision load from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy, and constitutes a plate member with a plate surface that expands in the vehicle width direction. The vertical wall section 21B is made of steel with higher strength against bending deformation due to crushing compared to the vertical wall section 22B. This difference in strength between the vertical wall sections 21B and 22B can be easily achieved by creating a difference in the overall strength of the outer member 21 and the inner member 22. This difference in strength can be achieved by using steel materials with different strengths, or by using the same material but varying the plate thickness. Alternatively, the materials themselves can be different.
[0020] <Effects of the First Embodiment> Figures 4 and 5 show the deformation state of the rocker 10 and energy absorbing member 20 after a pole side impact test. As described above, the energy absorbing member 20 has an outer member 21 with higher strength than the inner member 22. Therefore, when a collision load is applied to the energy absorbing member 20 via the outer rocker member 11 of the rocker 10, as shown in Figure 4, the collision load is transmitted to the inner member 22 before the outer member 21 deforms, causing the inner member 22 to deform first. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 22 via the outer member 21, causing the inner member 22 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the energy absorbing member 20 can efficiently absorb collision energy by making maximum use of its performance. In Figure 5, the triangle indicated by A shows the deformation range of the inner member 22.
[0021] Figure 6 shows the deformation state of a comparative example corresponding to Figure 5. In the comparative example, where there is no difference in strength between the outer member 21 and the inner member 22 as in this embodiment, when a collision load from the pole 2 is applied to the energy absorbing member 20 of the rocker 10, as shown in Figure 6, the outer member, which is subjected to the collision load first, deforms first, and then the inner member deforms in response to that deformation. As a result, the rocker 10 deforms in a narrow range in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, equivalent to the collision range of the pole 2, and cannot efficiently absorb the collision load. In Figure 6, the triangle indicated by A indicates the deformation range of the energy absorbing member 20. The size of triangle A in Figure 6 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is equivalent to the longitudinal width of the pole 2. In contrast, the size of triangle A in Figure 5 is larger than that of triangle A in Figure 6, and it can be seen that the size of the energy absorbing member 20 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is larger than the longitudinal width of the pole 2.
[0022] <Second Embodiment> Figure 7 shows the second embodiment. The distinguishing feature of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment is that the shape of the outer member 23 of the energy absorbing member 20 has been changed from the hat-shaped cross-sectional shape of the outer member 21 of the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0023] In the second embodiment, the outer member 23 of the energy absorbing member 20 is deformed to have a roughly W-shaped cross-section by moving the central part of the top plate portion 23A in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to a position aligned with the flange portion 23C. The bottom portion 23D, which has been moved to a position aligned with the flange portion 23C, is joined together with the flange portion 23C to the inner wall surface of the outer rocker member 11 of the rocker 10. As a result, the vertical wall portions 23B of the outer member 23 are increased to four in parallel. Each vertical wall portion 23B is composed of a plate member with a plate surface that expands in the vehicle body width direction and forms a deformable portion that deforms in response to an impact load from the outside in the vehicle body width direction to absorb impact energy.
[0024] In the second embodiment, the outer member 23 has four vertical wall sections 23B that form plate members, while the inner member 22 has two vertical wall sections 22B that form plate members. Here, the steel materials used for the vertical wall sections 23B and 22B are of the same strength. Therefore, the number of vertical wall sections 23B in the outer member 23 is greater than the number of vertical wall sections 22B in the inner member 22, and the overall strength against bending deformation due to crushing is higher for the outer member 23 than for the inner member 22. Consequently, in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 22 via the outer member 23, causing the inner member 22 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently.
[0025] <Third Embodiment> Figures 8 and 9 show the third embodiment. The third embodiment is characterized by the addition of a reinforcing structure to the outer member 24 of the energy absorbing member 20 compared to the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same in the third embodiment as in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0026] In the third embodiment, in the energy absorbing member 20 provided inside the rocker 10, beads 24D extending in the vehicle width direction are formed on the vertical wall portion 24B of the outer member 24. Multiple beads 24D are formed in the vehicle front-rear direction. The beads 24D are formed by press molding onto the vertical wall portion 24B as shown in Figure 9, and constitute a reinforcing structure for the vertical wall portion 24B. That is, the formation of beads 24D extending in the vehicle width direction increases the strength of the vertical wall portion 24B in the vehicle width direction. In the third embodiment, the steel materials of the outer member 24 and the inner member 22 are of the same strength, and the deformation strength of the outer member 24 is made stronger than that of the inner member 22 by the reinforcing structure. Therefore, in the third embodiment as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10 in the vehicle front-rear direction, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 22 via the outer member 24, causing the inner member 22 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently. In Figure 9, 24C indicates the flange portion of the outer member 24.
[0027] <Fourth Embodiment> Figures 10 and 11 show the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is characterized by the addition of a weakening structure to the inner member 25 of the energy absorbing member 20 compared to the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same in the fourth embodiment as in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0028] In the fourth embodiment, in the energy absorbing member 20 provided inside the locker 10, a step 25D extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is formed on the vertical wall portion 25B of the inner member 25. The step 25D is formed by press molding of the vertical wall portion 25B as shown in Figure 11, and constitutes a weakening structure for the vertical wall portion 25B. The step 25D is in the central part of the vertical wall portion 25B in the vehicle body width direction, and the width between opposing vertical wall portions 25B in the vehicle body vertical direction is wider on the inside in the vehicle body width direction than on the outside. By forming the step 25D on the vertical wall portion 25B in this way, the deformation strength of the vertical wall portion 25B against load in the vehicle body width direction is weakened. In the fourth embodiment, the steel material of the outer member 24 and the inner member 22 is of the same strength, and the deformation strength of the inner member 25 is weaker than that of the outer member 21 due to the weakening structure. That is, the deformation strength of the outer member 21 is stronger than that of the inner member 25. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 25 via the outer member 21, causing the inner member 25 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently. In Figure 11, 25A shows the top plate portion of the inner member 25, and 25C shows the flange portion of the inner member 25.
[0029] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 12 shows the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is characterized by the addition of a weakening structure to the inner member 26 of the energy absorbing member 20 compared to the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same in the fifth embodiment as in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0030] In the fifth embodiment, a circular through-hole 26D is formed in the center of the vertical wall portion 26B in the vehicle width direction of the inner member 26 of the energy absorbing member 20 provided in the locker 10. Multiple through-holes 26D are formed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body of the vertical wall portion 25B (7 in each vertical wall portion 26B in Figure 12, for a total of 14), forming a weakening structure for the vertical wall portion 26B. By forming through-holes 26D in the vertical wall portion 26B in this way, the deformation strength of the vertical wall portion 26B against loads in the vehicle width direction is weakened. The shape and size of the through-holes 26D are appropriately determined according to the required strength of the vertical wall portion 26B. In the fifth embodiment, the steel material that forms the base material of the outer member 21 and the inner member 26 is of the same strength, and the deformation strength of the inner member 26 is made weaker than that of the outer member 21 by the weakening structure. That is, the deformation strength of the outer member 21 is stronger than that of the inner member 26. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 26 via the outer member 21, causing the inner member 26 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently.
[0031] <Sixth Embodiment> Figure 13 shows the sixth embodiment. The distinguishing feature of the sixth embodiment compared to the first embodiment is that, in the inner member 27 of the energy absorbing member 20, the dimension of the vertical wall portion 27B in the vehicle body width direction is made larger than the dimension of the vertical wall portion 21B of the outer member 21 in the vehicle body width direction. The other configurations are the same in the sixth embodiment as in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0032] In the sixth embodiment, the dimension of the vertical wall portion 27B of the inner member 27 of the energy absorbing member 20 in the vehicle width direction is made larger than the dimension of the vertical wall portion 21B of the outer member 21 in the vehicle width direction. The hat-shaped inner member 27, like the inner member 22 in the first embodiment, has its top plate portion 27A joined to the partition member 13 and its flange portion 27C joined to the inner rocker member 14. Therefore, when subjected to a side impact load from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the vertical wall portion 27B of the inner member 27 has weaker bending deformation strength due to crushing compared to the vertical wall portion 21B of the outer member 21. In the sixth embodiment, the steel material that forms the base material of the outer member 21 and the inner member 27 is of the same strength, and the deformation strength of the inner member 27 is made weaker than that of the outer member 21 due to the difference in dimensions between the vertical wall portion 27B and the vertical wall portion 21B. That is, relatively speaking, the deformation strength of the outer member 21 is stronger than that of the inner member 27. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 27 via the outer member 21, causing the inner member 27 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently.
[0033] <Seventh Embodiment> Figure 14 shows the seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment is characterized by the addition of an intermediate member 28 sandwiched in the vehicle width direction between the outer member 29 and the inner member 22 of the energy absorbing member 20. The other configurations in the seventh embodiment are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and further explanation of the same parts will be omitted.
[0034] In the seventh embodiment, the inner rocker member 16 of the rocker 10 has a larger dimension in the vehicle width direction than the outer rocker member 15. The inner member 22 and intermediate member 28 of the energy absorption member 20 are provided within the space defined by the inner rocker member 16 and the partition member 13. The inner member 22 and the intermediate member 28 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction such that the open sides of their hat-shaped cross-sections face in opposite directions, and their top plates 22A and 28A are joined together. Each flange portion 22C of the inner member 22 is joined to the inner wall of the inner rocker member 16, and each flange portion 28C of the intermediate member 28 is joined to the inner wall surface of the partition member 13.
[0035] An outer member 29 of the energy absorbing member 20 is provided within the space defined by the outer rocker member 15 and the partition member 13. The outer member 29 is deformed to have a roughly W-shaped cross-section by moving the central part of the top plate portion 29A in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to a position aligned with the flange portion 29C. The bottom portion 29D, which has been moved to a position aligned with the flange portion 29C, is joined together with the flange portion 29C to the outer wall surface of the partition member 13 of the locker 10. The two divided top plate portion 29A is joined to the inner wall surface of the outer rocker member 15. As a result, the energy absorbing member 20 is arranged in the order of outer member 29, intermediate member 28, and inner member 22 from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body. The deformation strength of each member 29, 28, and 22 against collision loads from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body is set such that the outer member 29 is stronger than the intermediate member 28, and the intermediate member 28 is stronger than the inner member 22. Specifically, the outer member 29 uses the same steel material as the intermediate member 28, but the dimensions of the vertical wall portion 29B in the vehicle body width direction of the outer member 29 are smaller than those of the vertical wall portion 29B of the intermediate member 28, and the number of vertical wall portions 29B that form the deformable part is greater than that of the vertical wall portion 28B. In addition, the dimensions of the vertical wall portion 28B in the vehicle body width direction and the number of vertical wall portions 28B of the intermediate member 28 and the inner member 22 are the same as those of the vertical wall portion 22B, but the inner member 22 is made of a steel material that has greater strength against bending deformation due to crushing in the vehicle body width direction compared to the intermediate member 28.
[0036] Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, when the rocker 10 receives a collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body, it deforms in the order of the inner member 22, the intermediate member 28, and the outer member 29. Consequently, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, as shown in Figure 15, when the pole 2 applies a collision load to a narrow area of the rocker 10, the collision load is transmitted to a wide area of the inner member 22 via the outer member 29 and the intermediate member 28, causing the inner member 22 to deform over a wide area. As a result, the collision load can be absorbed efficiently.
[0037] Figure 16 shows the deformation state of the outer member 29, intermediate member 28, and inner member 22 of a comparative example corresponding to Figure 15. In the comparative example, the deformation strength against collision load from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body is set such that the outer member 29 is stronger than the intermediate member 28, and the intermediate member 28 is weaker than the inner member 22. As a result, the outer member 29 transmits the collision load to the intermediate member 28 over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, but the portion of the intermediate member 28 pressed by the outer member 29 deforms while maintaining its shape, and can only deform the inner member 22 over a narrower range compared to the case in Figure 15. In Figures 15 and 16, the hatched areas indicate the range in which the inner member 22 has deformed. As is clear from this, according to the seventh embodiment, the inner member 22 can be deformed over a wide range, and the collision load can be absorbed efficiently.
[0038] <Other Embodiments> Although specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to their appearance and configuration, and various modifications, additions, and deletions are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, the energy absorbing member is made of a member with a hat-shaped cross-section, but the invention is not limited to this. Also, in the above embodiments, examples were shown in which the energy absorbing member is made of two members, an outer member and an inner member, and an example in which it is made of three members, an outer member, an intermediate member and an inner member, but it may be made of four or more members. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a partition member is provided inside the locker, but a structure without a partition member may also be used.
[0039] <Effects and Effects of the above embodiments corresponding to each invention> Finally, the effects and benefits of the above embodiments corresponding to each of the inventions from the second invention onward in the "Means for Solving the Problems" described above should be noted.
[0040] According to the second invention, the outer member has a greater number of deformable parts compared to the inner member, thereby increasing its deformation strength against impact loads.
[0041] According to the third invention, the outer member has a smaller widthwise dimension of the plate member forming the deformable portion compared to the inner member, thereby increasing its deformation strength against collision loads. In other words, the outer member, with its smaller widthwise dimension of the plate member, is less prone to bending deformation of the plate member when subjected to a collision load compared to the inner member, with its larger widthwise dimension of the plate member.
[0042] According to the fourth invention, the outer member has a reinforcing structure that enhances the deformation strength of the deformable portion against collision loads in the vehicle width direction, thereby making it stronger against collision loads than the inner member.
[0043] According to the fifth invention, the inner member has a weakening structure in which the deformable portion is weakened against collision loads in the vehicle width direction, thereby making its deformation strength against collision loads weaker than that of the outer member. Relatively speaking, the outer member has stronger deformation strength against collision loads compared to the inner member.
[0044] According to the sixth invention, the outer member is made of a material that has a strong deformation strength against collision loads in the vehicle width direction relative to the inner member, so that the deformation portion of the outer member is made of a material that has a strong deformation strength against collision loads in the vehicle width direction.
[0045] According to the seventh invention, when the rocker receives a collision load from an object on the outside in the vehicle width direction, the intermediate member deforms before the outer member, thereby extending the range of the outer member of the energy absorbing member in the vehicle longitudinal direction beyond the object of collision and transmitting the collision load to the intermediate member. Similarly, the intermediate member transmits the collision load transmitted from the outer member to the inner member over the same width as the outer member. As a result, the inner member deforms over a wider range than the object of collision and absorbs collision energy. Consequently, the energy absorbing member can efficiently absorb collision energy. As a result, the energy absorbing member can be made lighter. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0046] 1. Shock-absorbing structure 2 poles 3 batteries 4 floors 5 Side Doors 10 Lockers 11, 15 Outer rocker members 12, 14, 16 Inner rocker members 11A, 12A Top panel 11B, 12B Vertical wall section 11C, 12C flange section 13 Partition Members 20 Energy absorbing member 21, 23, 24, 29 Outer member 22, 25, 26, 27 Inner members 28 Intermediate member 21A, 22A, 23A, 25A, 27A, 28A, 29A Top panel 21B, 22B, 23B, 24B, 25B, 26B, 27B, 28B, 29B Vertical wall section (Deformed part, plate member) 21C, 22C, 23C, 24C, 25C, 27C, 28C, 29C Flange section 23D, 29D bottom 24D bead (reinforcement structure) 25D Step (Weakened Structure) 26D Through-hole (weakened structure)
Claims
1. An impact absorption structure for a vehicle body, comprising rockers extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body from the lower ends of both sides of the vehicle body, and an energy absorbing member that absorbs collision energy from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body within a closed cross-sectional structure in which the rockers are connected in the longitudinal direction and are hollow, The energy absorbing member comprises an outer member positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction and an inner member positioned on the inside in the vehicle width direction. The outer member and the inner member are arranged so as to be able to transmit collision loads in the vehicle body width direction between them. The outer member is designed to have greater deformation strength against collision loads from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body compared to the inner member. The length of the outer member and the inner member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is set to be longer than the size of the pole used in the pole side impact test in the same direction. When the energy absorbing member is viewed in a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, The inner member is formed in a hat-shaped cross-section having a top plate portion facing the vehicle width direction, vertical wall portions extending in the vehicle width direction from both ends of the top plate portion, and flange portions extending outward along the top plate portion from the ends of the vertical wall portions. The outer member is formed in a W-shaped cross-section, having two top plate portions facing the vehicle width direction, vertical wall portions extending in the vehicle width direction from both ends of the two top plate portions, flange portions extending outward along the top plate portions from the ends of the vertical wall portions, and a bottom portion where the central portion of the two top plate portions in the vertical direction of the vehicle body is aligned with the flange portion. The top plate portion of the inner member and the two top plate portions of the outer member are arranged in a way that they overlap each other in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
2. In claim 1, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The vertical wall portion of the outer member is comprised of more parts than the vertical wall portion of the inner member. The vertical wall portions of the outer member each extend in the vehicle width direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
3. In claim 1, Between the outer member and the inner member, an intermediate member is provided, sandwiched in the width direction of the vehicle body. The outer member, the intermediate member, and the inner member are arranged so that collision loads in the vehicle body width direction can be transmitted to each other from adjacent members. The deformation strength of the outer member, the inner member, and the intermediate member against collision loads from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body is such that the outer member is stronger than the intermediate member, and the intermediate member is stronger than the inner member. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The outer member has a smaller dimension in the vehicle body width direction compared to the inner member. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
5. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The vertical wall portion of the outer member has multiple beads extending in the vehicle width direction and formed in the vehicle front-rear direction, serving as a reinforcing structure to increase deformation strength against collision loads in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
6. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The vertical wall portion of the inner member has a step extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, which serves as a weakening structure to reduce the deformation strength against collision loads in the width direction of the vehicle body. The aforementioned step is located in the central part of the vertical wall in the vehicle width direction, and is configured such that the width between opposing vertical wall sections in the vehicle vertical direction is wider on the inside in the vehicle width direction than on the outside. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
7. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The vertical wall portion of the inner member has a through hole formed in the center in the vehicle width direction as a weakening structure that reduces the deformation strength against collision loads in the vehicle width direction. Multiple through-holes are formed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body on the vertical wall section. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.
8. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The vertical wall portion of the outer member and the vertical wall portion of the inner member are plate members whose surface extends in the vehicle width direction, and are configured as deformable parts that deform due to collision loads from the outside in the vehicle width direction to absorb collision energy. The outer member is made of a material that, relative to the inner member, has a greater deformation strength against collision loads in the vehicle width direction at the deformable portion. The vehicle's impact-absorbing structure.