Vehicle locker assembly

Abstract

The vehicle rocker assembly (102) includes a sill inner (12) and a sill outer (14). An upper flange portion (18) of the sill inner (12) is joined to an upper flange portion (22) of the sill outer (14), and a lower flange portion (20) of the sill inner (12) is joined to a lower flange portion (24) of the sill outer (14) to enclose a hollow interior (16) of the vehicle rocker assembly (102). One of the sill inner (12) or sill outer (14) includes a reinforcing structure (40) integrated into a sill wall of the respective sill inner (12) or sill outer (14). The reinforcing structure (40) includes a wall that laterally spans the hollow interior (16) and forms a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape with the sill inner (12) and sill outer (14), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 255,053, filed on October 13, 2021. The disclosure of this prior application is considered a part of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to elongated vehicle frames and body structures, such as rocker and sill assemblies, battery tray reinforcements, and related structural components.

Background Art

[0003] Vehicle frames and body structures are designed to support the vehicle and to receive and absorb a certain level of impact force so as to prevent the intrusion distance into the vehicle in accordance with insurance requirements and other regulatory and legal requirements. Side impacts to the vehicle are generally tested in a side pole impact test, which directs a large side impact force at the vehicle. The vehicle frame mainly absorbs these side impacts through a rocker section that runs longitudinally between the front and rear wheels along the lower outboard portion of the vehicle frame. In electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, when a battery tray is incorporated into the lateral interior area between opposing rocker sections, it is desirable to shorten the side impact penetration distance in order to maximize the usable battery storage volume within the battery tray. For example, it is generally known that the rigidity of the rocker section can be increased by adding internal reinforcing materials to the rocker section, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, thereby shortening the interior distance of side impact penetration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure provides vehicle reinforcement components such as rocker assemblies. Examples of vehicle reinforcement components and rocker assemblies may include a sill inner comprising a sill wall portion, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion. Vehicle reinforcement components and rocker assemblies may also include a sill outer comprising a sill wall portion, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion. In some examples, the upper flange portion of the sill inner is coupled to the upper flange portion of the sill outer, and the lower flange portion of the sill inner is coupled to the lower flange portion of the sill outer to surround the hollow interior of the vehicle rocker assembly. In some examples, either the sill inner or the sill outer includes a reinforcing structure integrated into the sill wall of the respective sill inner or sill outer. In some examples, the reinforcing structure includes an upper wall and a lower wall, each spanning the hollow interior and configured to bear the lateral impact load path from the sill outer to the sill inner.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the vehicle rocker assembly includes an outer wall section adjacent to the sill outer. In some embodiments, the outer wall section is configured to withstand lateral impact forces and is configured to engage with one or more of the sill outer and reinforcing structures.

[0007] In some examples, the reinforcing structure includes an arc-shaped form between the upper and lower walls. The arc-shaped form may include a radius of curvature configured to control the lateral deformation of the reinforcing structure. In some examples, the angle provided by the arc-shaped form is less than 50 degrees. In some examples, the angle provided by the arc-shaped form is between 10 and 30 degrees, such as approximately 20 degrees.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper and lower wall portions form a plurality of tubular sections extending along the length of the reinforcing structure. In some examples, the plurality of tubular sections include at least a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and a third tubular section.

[0009] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other embodiments, advantages, purposes and features will become apparent upon further consideration of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic overhead perspective view of the vehicle showing the rocker assembly and other structural components. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side elevation view of the vehicle showing the rocker assembly and other structural components. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a vehicle rocker assembly having a reinforcing structure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vehicle rocker assembly with a reinforcing structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Similar reference numbers indicate the same parts throughout the drawing.

[0012] With reference to embodiments useful in the drawings and descriptions therefor, vehicle reinforcing components for a vehicle 100 are provided, such as the body structure or frame 101 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The vehicle frame 101 and associated components may have various designs and configurations, such as for different styles and types of vehicles. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle reinforcing component may be implemented as a vehicle rocker assembly 102, among other vehicle components, among other possible structural components, such as a B-pillar 103, hinge pillar 104, floor cross member 105, roof bow 106, or header 107. The vehicle may also be partially powered by a propulsion system that uses batteries, such as a traction battery or battery module. These batteries may be supported in a battery structure or tray 108, generally located between the axles and near the floor of the vehicle, to distribute the battery weight and establish a low center of gravity for the vehicle. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a multi-hollow vehicle reinforcing component may comprise a vehicle rocker assembly 10 arranged along the battery case or tray 108. The outer sill panel 14 is attached to the inner sill panel 12 as shown in Figure 3. The inner sill panel 12 has an internal reinforcing wall that extends outward to form a multi-tubular rocker structure positioned alongside the outer section of the battery tray 108. The floor cross member 105 is also attached to the vehicle rocker assembly 10 so as to span laterally into the vehicle 100 beyond the battery tray 108. Thus, vehicle reinforcing components in additional embodiments may be partially or completely integrated with the battery tray, either similarly or alternatively, to become a battery tray component or part thereof. For example, in some examples, the vehicle reinforcing component is a side wall section oriented longitudinally of the battery tray. Furthermore, vehicle reinforcing components may be embodied as a whole or as part of each vehicle reinforcing component. Vehicle reinforcing components may also include or be integrated with body outer panels positioned at the ends of the floor cross member 105 to partially form the outer body structure of the vehicle.

[0013] Vehicle reinforcing components, whether implemented as structural components or battery tray components, etc., can be designed to withstand various impact forces and support and maintain various load conditions. When designing vehicle reinforcing components using the reinforcing structures disclosed herein, the external dimensions of the vehicle reinforcing component can be reduced, and the overall weight of the vehicle reinforcing component can be reduced, while meeting or exceeding the required impact and load conditions. Reinforcing structures that provide additional rigidity and strength may span a partial section or the entire length of the vehicle reinforcing component. The reinforcing structures disclosed herein may constitute the entire vehicle reinforcing component, or may be joined to additional reinforcing materials or parts of the vehicle reinforcing component at a desired section or elsewhere. For example, a reinforcing structure may be formed integrally with one or more additional components. This may eliminate or reduce reliance on more expensive welding techniques such as laser welding or MIG welding in hollow components, and may also eliminate the need for additional components. Furthermore, the reinforcing structures disclosed herein are formed from sheet material, such as by roll-forming a metal sheet, and provide structures with relatively high strength (against shear and axial loads) and low weight compared to conventional rocker panels, which may allow, for example, the sill panel (if provided) of the corresponding vehicle reinforcing component to use less material, occupy less packaging space, and have greater flexibility in external design.

[0014] Vehicle reinforcing components and reinforcing structures are thin-walled structures as shown in their cross-sectional shapes. However, the cross-sectional shapes of different examples of vehicle reinforcing components and reinforcing structures may include various shapes and thicknesses for the desired application of the vehicle reinforcing component. In some examples, a vehicle reinforcing component may be an elongated rocker component that extends along the length of the vehicle and includes one or more sill panels, for example, a sill inner panel 12 and a sill outer panel 14 that are mounted together around an interior area 16. As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer” are used with respect to the inward or outward direction and the outward or outward direction in the width or lateral direction of the vehicle, such as the vehicle 100 oriented in Figure 1. The sill inner 12 or sill outer 14 may have a reinforcing structure 40 integrated into the sill wall of each sill inner 12 or sill outer 14, as shown in Figures 3-10. The reinforcing structure 40 may be positioned within the hollow interior space 16 of the vehicle rocker assembly 10 between the first and second sill panels 12, 14 to form a multi-tubular structure. The reinforcing structure may have a multi-tubular shape with two or more hollow internal areas extending within the internal area of ​​the vehicle reinforcing component. The cross-sectional shape or profile of the reinforcing structure may generally have a consistent shape along the length of the reinforcing structure to provide consistent structural support, rigidity, and strength along the reinforcing structure.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, additional embodiments of rocker components may have orientations opposite to those shown and described, such as a sill panel identified as an inner panel being used as an outer panel, and a sill panel identified as an outer panel being used as an inner panel. The cross-sectional shapes of the inner and outer panels may vary along the vehicle reinforcement components, for example by widening outward at the ends (as they may be used for the implementation of rockers or B-pillars).

[0016] Referring now to the vehicle reinforcement component 10 shown in FIG. 4, the first sill panel 12 and the second sill panel 14 are attached together so as to surround the hollow internal space 16 between the sill panels 12, 14. The vehicle reinforcement component 10 shown in FIG. 4 is embodied as a vehicle rocker component. Thus, the first sill panel 12 may be referred to as the sill inner panel of the rocker component. The first sill panel 12 has an upper flange 18 and a lower flange 20 that extend along the respective upper and lower edges of the inner panel. The first sill panel 12 projects into the vehicle from the upper and lower flanges 18, 20 to form an outwardly concave structure. The second sill panel 14, which may be referred to as the rocker outer panel of the rocker component, similarly has a C-shaped cross-section with flanges 22, 24 that may be referred to as upper flange 22 and lower flange 24. The upper flanges 18, 22 and lower flanges 20, 24 of the inner and outer sill panels 12, 14 are attached to each other via welding or the like with their concave structures facing each other. The respective upper and lower flanges 18, 20, 22, 24 of the sill panels 12, 14 shown in FIG. 4 continuously extend longitudinally along the edges of the rocker component. However, it is conceivable that the flanges may be cut away in selected areas to facilitate frame attachment or reduce weight.

[0017] As further shown in FIG. 4, the inner and outer sill panels 12, 14 are joined together so as to define a hollow internal space 16 between the sill panels 12, 14. The hollow internal space 16 shown in FIG. 4 is divided into two enclosed tubular sections 60, 62 so as to be formed as an elongated multi-tubular member. The upper and lower flanges 18, 20, 22, 24 are substantially planar and are oriented in a generally perpendicular configuration so as to contact and fit together generally continuously along the length of the component. The upper and lower flanges 18, 20, 22, 24 may be joined together via welding, preferably spot welding. However, it is conceivable that alternative welding methods or joining means, such as adhesives or fasteners, etc., may be used in addition to or instead of spot welding in different embodiments of the rocker component.

[0018] The first sill panel 12, or inner panel, of the rocker component 10 is substantially planar and has an inner wall divided into two sections: an upper section 26a and a lower section 26b. The upper and lower sections 26a and 26b are integrally interconnected at their respective upper and lower ends with corner transitions to the upper wall 28 and lower wall 30. The corner transitions are approximately 90 degrees between the inner wall sections 26a and 26b and the upper and lower walls 28 and 30. The corner transitions are also defined by longitudinal bending of the sheet material forming the first sill panel 12, such as a metal sheet (e.g., high-strength steel plate). Similarly, the upper and lower walls 28 and 30 have corner transitions approximately 90 degrees with respect to the upper flange 18 and lower flange 20, respectively. These corner transitions are also defined by longitudinal bending of the sheet material of the first sill panel 12. As also shown in Figure 4, the upper and lower flanges 18, 20 are substantially planar and oriented in alignment with the planar range of the inner wall sections 26a, 26b. The upper and lower walls 28, 30 of the first sill panel 12 are also substantially planar and substantially parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 4. However, in additional examples, they may be at a slight angle to each other. Corner transitions may also have angles larger or smaller than those shown in Figure 4, such as approximately 40°–120°, 70°–100°, 80°–95°, or 82°–92°.

[0019] As also shown in FIG. 4, the second sill panel 14 of the vehicle locker assembly 10, i.e., the outer panel, is substantially planar and has an outer wall 32 that integrally interconnects with the upper wall 34 and the lower wall 36 at respective upper and lower ends. The approximately 80-degree corner transition between the outer wall 32 and the upper and lower walls 34, 36 is defined by a longitudinal bend in the sheet material forming the second sill panel 14. The sheet material may be the same as or different from that of the first sill panel 12 and may include a metal sheet such as a high-strength steel sheet or an aluminum sheet. Similarly, the upper wall 34 also has a corner transition to the upper flange 22, and the lower wall 36 also has a corner transition to the lower flange 24. These are also defined by longitudinal bends in the sheet material of the second sill panel 14. Here too, the corner transitions between the upper and lower walls 34, 36 and the upper and lower flanges 22, 24 and the outer wall 32 may have angular transitions that are larger or smaller than those shown in FIG. 4, such as approximately 40 - 120 degrees, 70 - 100 degrees, 80 - 95 degrees, or 82 - 92 degrees.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper and lower flanges 22, 24 are substantially planar and are aligned and oriented parallel to the planar extent of the outer wall 32. The upper and lower walls 34, 36 of the second sill panel 14 are also substantially planar but are slightly angled from perpendicular to the outer wall 32 and the flanges 22, 24. With the flanges 18, 20, 22, 24 of the panels 12, 14 attached together, their walls define a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it is understood that additional examples of reinforcement structures may have various alternative cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape) and different wall configurations (e.g., portions of inner or outer walls that are not oriented vertically) for corresponding vehicle designs. One or more of the outer sill 14 or the inner sill 12 may include different configurations including, but not limited to, the outer sill 14 being provided with inner or outer protruding stiffening rib portions configured to provide additional rigidity and side impact support.

[0021] As further shown in Figure 4, the sill inner 12 includes a reinforcing structure 40 integrated into the sill inner wall. The reinforcing structure 40 has multiple longitudinal bends of a metal sheet that define the separate wall sections of the reinforcing structure 40, each forming an angular transition between the separate wall sections of the reinforcing structure 40. The multiple wall sections are angled toward each other to form a tubular shape that surrounds an internal area extending longitudinally along the reinforcing structure 40. More specifically, the sill inner 12 includes a reinforcing structure 40 integrated into the inner sill wall between the upper and lower wall sections 26a, 26b. The reinforcing structure 40 engages with the outer sill panel 14, for example, as shown in Figure 4, to form a multi-hollow cross-sectional shape together with the sill inner and sill outer panels 12, 14. The reinforcing structure 40 is located within the hollow internal space 16 of the vehicle rocker assembly 10 and reinforces the rocker components. By locating the reinforcing structure 40 within the internal volume 16 of the vehicle rocker assembly 10, bulkhead members may not be included to stiffen the inner portions of the rocker components.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the reinforcing structure 40 includes an upper wall section 58 and a lower wall section 54, each spanning the hollow interior and configured to carry the lateral impact load path from the sill outer 14 to the sill inner 12. The wall sections of the reinforcing structure 40 also include an outer wall section 52 that integrally connects the lower shear wall section 54 and the upper shear wall section 58. The inner walls 26a and 26b of the inner sill panel 12 are substantially planar and integrally interconnect with the upper wall 58 and the lower wall 30 at their respective upper and lower ends. The approximately 80-degree corner transitions between the inner walls 16a and 26b, the upper and lower walls 58 and 54, and the outer wall section 52 are defined by longitudinal bending of the sheet material forming the first sill panel 12, such as a metal sheet (e.g., high-strength steel plate).

[0023] The upper and lower shear walls 54, 58 of the reinforcing structure 40 may be positioned at an angle to a planar horizontal orientation defined perpendicular to the planar range of the upper and lower flanges. This angle may be referred to as the lateral deflection angle. The lateral deflection angle is configured to control the lateral deformation of the reinforcing structure 40. In the example shown in Figure 4, the upper and lower shear walls 54, 58 of the reinforcing structure are angled at approximately 20 degrees with respect to the vertical, such that the lateral deflection angle is approximately 20 degrees. However, it is also conceivable that one or more of the upper or lower walls of the reinforcing structure may have a lateral deflection angle of less than 50 degrees. In another example, the lateral deflection angle is between 10 and 30 degrees. In yet another example, the lateral deflection angle is between 15 and 25 degrees.

[0024] Referring again to Figure 4, the upper wall section 28, the inner wall section 26a, and the upper shear wall section 58, together with the upper wall 34 and the upper part of the outer wall 32 of the outer sill panel 14, form a tubular shape that roughly surrounds the upper interior area 60. The lower wall section 30, the inner wall section 26b, and the lower shear wall section 54 form a tubular shape that roughly surrounds the lower interior area 62. Furthermore, the central interior area 63 may be defined by the upper shear wall section 58, the lower shear wall section 54, and the outer wall 52 of the inner sill panel 12. The central interior area 63 may be further surrounded by the inner wall 56 of the second inner panel 15, as shown in the example in Figure 4, or may be defined by another part of the vehicle. The second inner panel 15 includes a C-shape with upper and lower flanges 57, 59 that extend integrally outside the vehicle from the respective upper and lower ends of the inner wall 56, as shown in Figure 4. The tubular shapes surrounding the upper, central, and lower internal areas 60, 63, and 62 are aligned parallel to each other and extend longitudinally along the reinforcing structure, appearing as mirror images of each other across the intermediate wall section 52. However, additional examples of the reinforcing structure include tubular shapes of uneven size and / or heterogeneous shapes. Furthermore, various other cross-sectional shapes of the reinforcing structure 40 are conceivable, as shown in Figures 5-10. For example, the reinforcing structure may include, but is not limited to, one or more components of the sill inner and sill outer, including, flange portions 18, 20, 22, 24; inner walls 26; upper walls 28, 34; lower walls 30, 36; outer walls 32; upper wall section 34; and inner wall section 48.

[0025] Referring to Figure 5, in one example of the vehicle rocker assembly 10, the second inner panel 15 is omitted, and instead the inner wall sections 26a and 26b of the inner sill panel 12 define the innermost wall of the vehicle rocker assembly 10. In another example, as shown in Figure 6, the outer sill 14 is omitted (see Figures 6 and 10), and instead the outer wall section 52 of the reinforcing structure 40 defines the outermost wall of the rocker component, which can directly engage with the outside of the vehicle body 109. In yet another example, as shown in Figure 10, both the second inner panel and the outer sill panel are omitted, and the inner wall sections 26a and 26b of the inner sill panel 12 define the innermost wall of the vehicle rocker assembly 10, while the outer wall section 52 of the reinforcing structure 40 defines the outermost wall of the vehicle rocker assembly 10.

[0026] Other examples of rocker components are shown in Figures 7-10. In the example shown in Figure 7, the upper and lower shear walls 54, 58 of the reinforcing structure 40 extend close to each other on the interior side of the inner sill 12, then extend approximately perpendicular to the outer sill 14 in the lateral direction, and then branch at an angle of lateral deflection. In the example shown in Figure 7, the angle of lateral deflection is approximately 45 degrees. However, it is also conceivable that one or more of the upper or lower walls 46, 50 of the reinforcing structure 40 may include an angle of lateral deflection of less than 70 degrees. In another example, the angle of lateral deflection is 40-60 degrees. In yet another example, the angle of lateral deflection is 40-50 degrees. Similar to the example shown in Figure 5, the upper and lower shear walls 54, 58 of the reinforcing structure 40 shown in Figure 7 extend from the innermost wall to the outer wall section, joining adjacent to the sill outer 14 to form the outer wall section 52. In the examples shown in Figures 7-10, the upper and lower shear walls 54, 58 extend away from each other and then toward each other to form the outer wall section 52. In some examples, such as shown in Figure 8, portions of the joined upper and lower walls 58, 54 extend toward the sill inner 12, away from engagement with the sill outer 14, forming a triangular or overall heart shape. Furthermore, the upper and lower walls 46, 50 may not be symmetrical. In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the outer wall 32 of the outer sill 14 may have an overhang 70 that extends outward, allowing a larger surface area of ​​the outer wall section 52 to engage with the outer sill 14. The overhang 70 may be any shape or size corresponding to the shape and size of the reinforcing structure 40. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the inner wall section 48 of the reinforcing structure may be of any length before transitioning to the upper and lower shear walls 54, 58.

[0027] The inner and outer sill panels and integrated reinforcing structures can be roll-formed from high-strength steel having a tensile strength exceeding 1,000 MPa, such as approximately 1,500 MPa. The metal sheets used to roll-form the reinforcing structures may be approximately 12 mm thick, such as 1.2 to 1.6 mm. The steel sheets used for the reinforcing structures and panels of the vehicle reinforcing components may also be galvanized to have a zinc coating to protect against corrosion. However, in some examples, the steel sheets of the reinforcing structures may not be galvanized. In other examples, the steel sheets forming the vehicle reinforcing components may not be galvanized. In further examples, the metal sheets forming the reinforcing structures are aluminum sheets. The length of the inner sill panel 12 is substantially equal to the length of the outer sill panel 14. In further embodiments, the length of the inner sill panel 12 may be shorter than the length of the hollow internal space of the corresponding component, for example, 40% to 100%, 30% to 90%, or 30% to 60% of the length of the reinforcing structure. The sill inner 12 and sill outer 14 may be joined by welding, fasteners, adhesives, or other joining methods. The joining of the reinforcing structure 40 to either the sill inner 12 or the sill outer 14 may provide additional strength to the vehicle rocker assembly.

[0028] The reinforcing structure may have a structure that provides sufficient rigidity and strength without additional reinforcement. However, the vehicle reinforcing component may include one or more bulkhead members positioned roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal range of the rocker components. For example, if further stiffening of the outer rocker panel is desired, such as to protect battery modules located in trays between rocker assemblies, a series of bulkhead members may be spaced along the hollow interior between the outer wall section of the reinforcing structure and the outer panel of the rocker component. The bulkhead members can be connected to the outer panel and / or the reinforcing structure by mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the inner and outer panels may include wall stiffeners that can be attached to selected locations on the inner and outer panels. For example, wall stiffeners can be attached to the rounded corners of the metal plates forming the inner and outer panels to reinforce them. In other examples, additional or alternative mounting locations may be used.

[0029] For the purposes of this disclosure, “joined” (in all its forms, such as joining, being joined, joined, etc.) generally means that two components (electrically or mechanically) are joined to each other directly or indirectly. Such joining may be essentially stationary or essentially movable; it may be achieved by two components (electrically or mechanically) and any additional intermediate members that are integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single unit; and unless otherwise specified, it may be essentially permanent or essentially removable or detachable.

[0030] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements in the preceding description. The terms “equip,” “include,” and “have” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that any reference in this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the mentioned features. In addition, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., when used herein, do not indicate order, quantity, or importance, but are used to represent elements from another element.

[0031] The numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values ​​described herein are intended to include other values ​​that are described as “about” or “approximately” as would be understood by those skilled in the art as encompassed in the implementations of this disclosure. Accordingly, the described values ​​should be interpreted broadly enough to include values ​​that are at least sufficiently close to the described value in order to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to amounts less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the described amount.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be understood that any direction or reference frame in the foregoing description is merely a relative direction or movement. For example, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inside the vehicle,” and “outside the vehicle,” and their derivatives, refer to the directions shown in Figure 1. However, it should be understood that various alternative orientations may be provided unless explicitly specified otherwise. Also, it should be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein are merely illustrative embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless explicitly stated in the claims.

[0033] Changes and modifications in the embodiments described herein may be implemented without departing from the principles of the invention, which are intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law. This disclosure is written in an explanatory manner, and it will be understood that the terminology used is intended to be within the nature of the words described herein, and not limiting. Many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible in light of the teachings above, and this disclosure may be implemented in ways other than those described herein.

Claims

1. A vehicle rocker assembly, A sill inner comprising a sill wall portion, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion, A sill outer comprising a sill wall portion, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion. Equipped with, The upper flange portion of the sill inner is coupled to the upper flange portion of the sill outer, and the lower flange portion of the sill inner is coupled to the lower flange portion of the sill outer, thereby surrounding the hollow interior of the vehicle rocker assembly. The sill inner or the sill outer is formed from a metal sheet, The sill inner or sill outer is formed from the metal sheet and has a reinforcing structure integrated into the sill wall portion of the respective sill inner or sill outer. The reinforcing structure comprises an outer wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall. The upper wall and the lower wall each span the hollow interior and extend from the sill wall portion of the sill inner to the sill wall portion of the sill outer, beyond the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion. The upper wall and the lower wall are configured to bear the lateral impact load path from the sill outer to the sill inner, The outer ends of the upper wall and the lower wall are integrally connected to the outer wall. The upper wall and the lower wall are planar, thin wall structures, and are arranged at an oblique angle to the outer wall. Vehicle locker assembly.

2. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sill inner comprises the reinforcing structure such that the outer wall is positioned adjacent to the sill outer.

3. At least one of the upper wall and the lower wall is arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 2, wherein the angle is defined as the angle of lateral force deflection.

4. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 3, wherein the angle of lateral force deflection is configured to control the lateral deformation of the reinforcing structure.

5. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 3, wherein the angle of the lateral force deflection is less than 50 degrees.

6. The vehicle rocker assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the metal sheet forming the reinforcing structure has a plurality of elongated bends that extend continuously and parallel along the length of the vehicle rocker assembly.

7. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of elongated bends divide the outer wall, the upper wall, and the lower wall.

8. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of elongated bends define the triangular cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing structure.

9. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 6, wherein the sill inner and the sill outer form a plurality of enclosed tubular sections extending along the length of the vehicle rocker assembly.

10. The vehicle rocker assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of tubular sections comprises at least a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and a third tubular section.

11. A vehicle reinforcing component configured to be coupled to a sill outer having an upper flange portion and a lower flange portion, An upper flange portion configured to be connected to the upper flange portion of the sill outer so as to surround the hollow interior, and a lower flange portion configured to be connected to the lower flange portion of the sill outer, A reinforcing structure disposed between the upper and lower flange portions, comprising an upper wall and a lower wall, wherein the upper wall and the lower wall extend outside the vehicle to an outer wall section that integrally connects the outer ends of the upper wall and the lower wall, and the outer wall section is configured to engage with the sill outer between the upper and lower flange portions. Equipped with, The exterior wall section, the upper wall, and the lower wall are planar thin wall structures, and the upper wall and the lower wall are arranged at an oblique angle to the exterior wall section. The upper wall and the lower wall each span the hollow interior and extend from the sill wall portion of the sill inner to the sill wall portion of the sill outer, beyond the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion. The upper flange portion, the lower flange portion, and the reinforcing structure are integrally formed together as a thin-walled structure having a consistent cross-sectional shape along the length of the hollow interior. Vehicle reinforcement components.

12. The vehicle reinforcing component according to claim 11, wherein the reinforcing structure comprises an arc-shaped configuration arranged between the upper wall, the lower wall, and the outer wall section, which together define a plurality of elongated bends that extend continuously along the length of the hollow interior.

13. The vehicle reinforcing component according to claim 12, wherein the arc shape includes a radius of curvature configured to control the lateral deformation of the reinforcing structure.

14. The vehicle reinforcement component according to claim 13, wherein the outer wall section, the upper wall, and the lower wall together form a triangular cross-sectional shape.

15. A vehicle reinforcement component, Inner panel and An outer panel, which is coupled with the inner panel and surrounds a plurality of elongated hollow cavities between them. Equipped with, The inner panel is equipped with a reinforcing structure having an upper wall and a lower wall that extend integrally from the inner wall section of the inner panel to the outside of the vehicle, The outer ends of the upper and lower walls are integrally connected to the outer wall section, which is positioned adjacent to the outer panel. The aforementioned outer wall section, the upper wall, and the lower wall are planar, thin-walled structures. The upper wall and the lower wall each span the hollow interior and extend from the sill wall portion of the sill inner to the sill wall portion of the sill outer, beyond the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion. The upper wall and the lower wall are arranged at an oblique angle with respect to the outer wall section. Vehicle reinforcement components

16. The vehicle reinforcing component according to claim 15, wherein the reinforcing structure comprises an arc shape positioned between the upper wall, the lower wall, and the outer wall section, defining together a plurality of elongated bends that extend continuously along the length of the inner panel.

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