Side wall structure for a motor vehicle body

Abstract

The invention relates to a side wall structure (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), comprising: a pillar part (9, 10, 11) which at least partially forms a vehicle pillar (3, 4, 5); a longitudinal support (13) which has at least one longitudinal support part (16) which at least partially forms a side sill (14) having a cavity (15); and a side wall element (19) which is arranged further outwards in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle than the longitudinal support part (16) and partially forms the side sill (14), wherein the cavity (15) is at least partially delimited inwardly in at least the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle by the longitudinal support part (16) and at least partially outwardly in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle by the side wall element (19), and the pillar part (9, 10, 11) extends, in some regions within the cavity (15), downwardly in the vertical direction (21) of the vehicle at least to a connecting region (23) in the lower region (22) of the side sill (14), in which connecting region the side wall element (19) is attached to the longitudinal support part (16) via the pillar part (9, 10, 11).

Description

[0001] Side wall structure for a motor vehicle body

[0002] The invention relates to a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body according to claim 1.

[0003] EP 2 895 381 B1 discloses a method for manufacturing the motor vehicle body with a side wall formed in shell construction from an inner sheet metal shell and an outer sheet metal shell, wherein the side wall simultaneously forms a roof side frame which is connected to a B-pillar of the motor vehicle body.

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body so that the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the motor vehicle body can be particularly increased.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The invention relates to a side wall structure for a motor vehicle body. Preferably, the motor vehicle body, particularly in its fully manufactured state, comprises the side wall structure. The term "motor vehicle body" refers to a body, particularly a self-supporting body, of a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car.

[0007] The side wall structure includes at least one column section, which at least partially forms a vehicle column. In other words, the vehicle column includes at least the column section. The term "vehicle column" can refer specifically to a column of the motor vehicle body.

[0008] Furthermore, the side wall structure comprises at least one longitudinal member, which includes at least one longitudinal member section. A principal direction of extension of the longitudinal member preferably runs at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body or the vehicle itself. The longitudinal member section forms a side sill with a cavity, at least partially, for example predominantly. In other words, the cavity, particularly the one extending within the side sill, is at least partially bounded by the longitudinal member section. The term "side sill" refers in particular to a side sill of the vehicle body.

[0009] Furthermore, the side wall structure includes at least one side wall element that is positioned further outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle than the longitudinal member. This means that the side wall element extends further outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, at least in some areas, than the longitudinal member. The side wall element is, for example, part of a side wall, which can also be referred to as a side frame. The side wall element is, for example, designed as a side skeleton.

[0010] Preferably, the column section, the longitudinal member, in particular the longitudinal member section, and the side wall element are load-bearing structural components of the side wall structure or the vehicle body. Thus, the side wall element, in particular, is not an exterior paneling component. The side wall element partially forms the side sill, in particular its cavity. In other words, the cavity, especially the one extending within the side sill, is partially bounded by the side wall element.

[0011] The cavity is at least partially bounded inwards, at least in the transverse direction of the vehicle, by the longitudinal member. In other words, the cavity is formed inwards, at least in the transverse direction of the vehicle, by the longitudinal member. Furthermore, the cavity is at least partially bounded outwards, at least in the transverse direction of the vehicle, by the side wall element. In other words, the cavity is formed at least partially outwards, at least in the transverse direction of the vehicle, by the side wall element.

[0012] In order to significantly increase the mechanical strength of the vehicle body, particularly the side wall structure, the column section, according to the invention, extends partially within the cavity, i.e., within the side sill, downwards in the upward direction of the vehicle at least to a connection area located in the lower region of the side sill. This means that a portion of the column section, which is partially located within the cavity, is situated in the aforementioned connection area, which is located in the lower region of the side sill.In other words, the column section extends from outside the cavity or side sill, for example, from a roof area of ​​the vehicle body, particularly the side wall structure, into the cavity or side sill and downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle at least as far as the connection area. The lower section refers to the lower portion of the side sill, particularly the longitudinal member, relative to the vehicle's vertical direction, and can also be called the lower sill section or sill underside. For example, the lower section is the lower end of the side sill in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In the lower connection area, the side wall element is attached to the longitudinal member via the column section, at least indirectly, and in particular directly.This means that in the lower connection area, the side wall element is connected to the longitudinal beam element at least indirectly, and in particular directly, via the column element. In other words, in the connection area, the column element is attached to the longitudinal beam element at least indirectly, and in particular directly, and the side wall element is attached to the column element in the connection area, and in particular directly, thus attaching the side wall element to the longitudinal beam element via the column element, particularly in the connection area. The connection area is, for example, a flange area. Thus, the longitudinal beam element, the side wall element, and the column element can each have a flange area, with these flange areas abutting each other, for example directly, in the connection area to attach the side wall element to the longitudinal beam element via the column element.The flange area of ​​the longitudinal beam section can also be referred to as the sill flange.

[0013] In the side wall structure according to the invention, the side wall element can be joined to the longitudinal member, particularly to the outer sill flange of the longitudinal member (in the transverse direction of the vehicle), without additional sill reinforcement, especially by extending the column part downwards within the cavity in the vertical direction of the vehicle at least as far as the connection area. This can be achieved in particular by extending the column part to the connection area or by attaching the side wall element to the longitudinal member via the column part, thereby significantly increasing the stiffness of the side wall structure in the sill area. For example, a base area of ​​the vehicle column, in particular of the column part, is extended in the vertical direction of the vehicle up to the lower sill flange of the side sill.This significantly improves the crash performance of the vehicle's side wall structure. In other words, the vehicle pillar, particularly the pillar section, can be extended downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction into a vertical sill flange to significantly improve crash performance, as well as the overall strength and rigidity of the vehicle body. This, in turn, significantly enhances the safety of the vehicle body, especially its passive safety.

[0014] Particularly preferably, at least one energy absorption element, preferably designed separately from the longitudinal member, the vehicle pillar, and the side wall element, is arranged in the cavity. In other words, the energy absorption element extends within the cavity or the side sill. Thus, in the event of an inward impact on the side wall element in a transverse direction, for example, the side wall element can be supported or braced against the longitudinal member, particularly the longitudinal member section, via the energy absorption element, particularly with deformation of the energy absorption element. In particular, the energy absorption element can be deformed under impact with energy dissipation, especially in a controlled manner, particularly to dissipate collision energy. The energy absorption element can therefore also be referred to as a deformation element.The energy absorption element is preferably, and in particular entirely, made of aluminum, for example, an aluminum alloy. The term "energy absorption element" can also refer to an insert placed in the cavity or in the side sill, which can also be called an aluminum insert. Furthermore, the term "energy absorption element" can refer in particular to a crash profile, especially an aluminum crash profile, integrated into the side sill.

[0015] This embodiment is based in particular on the understanding that, conventionally, such an aluminum crash profile can be installed outside of a body shell as part of a high-voltage storage system or integrated into the side sill using a local adapter. Furthermore, cold joining techniques can be used to connect the side wall element, made of steel for example, to the energy absorption element. However, it may be desirable to avoid cold joining techniques when joining the side frame, made of steel for example, to the energy absorption element, made of aluminum for example. It may also be desirable to avoid adhesives in such a connection, as this would eliminate the need for qualification of low-bake adhesives, for example.Furthermore, it is theoretically possible to avoid completely enclosing the energy absorption element, made of aluminum for example, within a separate steel sill reinforcement in order to ensure cathodic dip coating (CTL) and adhesive curing. In this context, CTL refers to cathodic dip coating.

[0016] In the side wall structure, the energy absorption element, for example designed as an aluminum profile, can be integrated exclusively into the floor assembly of the vehicle body. This allows for a particularly low manufacturing cost for the side wall structure, especially while simultaneously increasing or at least maintaining its mechanical strength. Thus, the energy absorption element, for example referred to as an aluminum crash profile, can be integrated into the body, particularly a steel body, to protect the vehicle's electrical energy storage system. In this way, the energy absorption element can be designed to protect the electrical energy storage system.

[0017] An electrical energy storage device is understood to be a battery or accumulator. An example of an electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage storage device. The electrical energy storage device is also designed, for example, as a traction storage device. This means that the vehicle has at least one electric motor which can be supplied with electrical energy, particularly energy stored or chemically bound in the electrical energy storage device, to propel the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid vehicle.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the column section extends within the cavity, bypassing the energy absorption element. In other words, the column section is spaced apart from the energy absorption element. This means that the column section does not touch the energy absorption element, particularly not directly. This eliminates the need for a direct connection between the column section and the energy absorption element, thereby significantly improving the manufacturing effort of the vehicle body and / or its mechanical strength. Particularly preferred is the provision of at least one coupling element extending at least partially within the cavity, i.e., within the side sill, via which the side wall element is connected to the energy absorption element, thus avoiding a direct connection.In other words, the side wall element and the energy absorption element are coupled to each other via the coupling element, particularly mechanically. This eliminates the need for a direct connection between the side wall element, made of steel for example, and the energy absorption element, made of aluminum for example, thus dispensing with cold joining techniques.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the side wall element is attached to the longitudinal member in the connection area via the coupling element. In other words, the coupling element extends downwards in the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction, for example, at least as far as the connection area where it is attached to the longitudinal member. This secures the side wall element to the longitudinal member via the column section, which is attached to the coupling element in the connection area. This significantly increases stiffness in the lower sill area. The coupling element is designed separately from the side wall element, the longitudinal member, and the vehicle column.

[0020] The coupling element is designed, for example, as a shear panel and / or a tension band. In other words, the coupling element is designed to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces acting upon it, for example, between the energy absorption element and the connection area, in particular the longitudinal beam section, the column section, and / or the side wall element. This significantly increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the side wall structure has at least one support element arranged in the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element and designed separately from the longitudinal member and the pillar section, which can also be referred to as the first support element. In other words, the first support element extends within the cavity or within the side sill, at least partially, in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element. The support element is preferably designed separately from the coupling element. The longitudinal member section and / or the pillar section can be supported or braced against the energy absorption element in the vehicle's vertical direction via the first support element, for example, at least indirectly or directly.This means that a force acting on the longitudinal member and / or the column section, particularly in the direction of an accident, can be transferred upwards to the energy absorption element. This significantly increases the mechanical strength of the side wall structure. In particular, this reduces stress on the connection technology in the joint area, for example, under tensile stress.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the side wall structure has at least one support element arranged in the cavity in the vehicle's vertical direction above the energy absorption element and formed separately from the longitudinal member and the column section, which can also be referred to as the second support element. In other words, the second support element extends within the cavity or within the side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction, at least partially, above the energy absorption element. The second support element is preferably formed separately from the first support element and / or from the coupling element. The column section is connected to the energy absorption element via the second support element, for example, by means of the coupling element, on an upward-facing upper surface of the energy absorption element.In other words, the second support element is attached to the top of the energy absorption element, and this second support element is also attached to the column section. This allows the column section to be supported or braced against the energy absorption element via the second support element, for example, by means of the coupling element, preferably inwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This significantly increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure. Furthermore, the connection technology can be particularly stress-relieved, for example, in the connection area.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the vehicle column is provided to have at least one inner column section arranged further inward in the transverse direction of the vehicle than the column section, and in particular, formed separately from the column section. In other words, the inner column section extends further inward in the transverse direction of the vehicle than the column section, at least in some areas. For example, the inner column section is designed as an inner shell. The column section is designed, for example, as an outer column section or a central column section, in particular as an outer shell or a central shell. Preferably, at least one support element, formed separately from the longitudinal member and the vehicle column, is arranged in the cavity in the vertical direction of the vehicle above the energy absorption element; this support element can also be referred to as a third support element.In other words, the third support element extends at least partially within the cavity or within the side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction above the energy absorption element. The third support element allows the column section to be supported or braced inwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, for example, directly against the inner column section. In other words, a force acting on the column section, particularly one resulting from an accident, can be transferred inwards to the inner column section via the third support element in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This significantly increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure. Furthermore, the connection technology of the side wall structure, for example in the connection area, can be significantly relieved of stress. The third support element is preferably designed separately from the first support element, the second support element, and / or the coupling element.

[0024] Individual adapters, in the form of the respective support elements, can thus be positioned around the energy absorption element. Each adapter can enable additional connection technology, for example, with particularly good weld point accessibility and / or positive locking under deformation, in order to, for example, particularly relieve stress on the connection technology under shear.

[0025] Overall, it is evident that the side wall structure allows for the column attachment of a steel side frame via a side protection element in the form of an energy absorption element, for example made of aluminum, without the need for cold joining techniques. The steel side frame can be understood to refer specifically to the side wall element.

[0026] The vehicle pillar is designed, for example, as an A-pillar, a B-pillar, or a C-pillar. In other words, the pillar section forms at least part of the A-pillar, the B-pillar, or the C-pillar.

[0027] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention; and

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0031] Sidewall structure in the area of ​​an A-pillar; and

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the area of ​​an A-pillar; and

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0034] Sidewall structure in the area of ​​a B-pillar; and

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the area of ​​a B-pillar; and

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0037] Sidewall structure in the area of ​​a C-pillar; and

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure according to the invention in the area of ​​a C-pillar.

[0039] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of a side wall structure 1 for a motor vehicle body 2. In Fig. 1, the side wall structure 1 is shown partially transparently. The motor vehicle body is designed, for example, for an electrically powered or driven motor vehicle, which is, for example, a passenger car. The side wall structure 1 has at least one vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, but in this case, several vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5, for example, three vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. A first of the vehicle pillars 3 is, for example, designed as an A-pillar 6. A second of the vehicle pillars 4 is, for example, designed as a B-pillar 7. The third of the vehicle pillars 5 is, for example, designed as a C-pillar 8.

[0041] The side wall structure 1 has at least one column section 9, 10, 11, which at least partially forms at least one of the vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. In the exemplary embodiment, however, the side wall structure 1 has several such column sections 9, 10, 11, for example, three column sections 9, 10, 11, each of which at least partially forms one of the respective vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5. Thus, for example, a first column section 9 forms at least partially the first vehicle pillar 3. A second column section 10 forms, for example, at least partially the second vehicle pillar 4. The third column section 11 further forms, for example, at least partially the third vehicle pillar 5. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first column section 9, in particular the first vehicle pillar 3, is arranged in the longitudinal direction 12 of the vehicle in front of the second column section 10, in particular the second vehicle pillar 4, and the third column section 11, in particular the third vehicle pillar 5.Furthermore, the second column part 10, in particular the second vehicle column 4, is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 12 in front of the third column part 11, in particular the third vehicle column 5.

[0042] The side wall structure 1 has at least one longitudinal member 13, which at least partially forms a side sill 14, which has at least one cavity 15. The cavity 15 is particularly well visible, for example, in Fig. 2, which shows an exemplary schematic partial sectional view of the side wall structure 1, this partial sectional view being a section through the side wall structure 1 in the area of ​​the A-pillar 6. For example, the longitudinal member 13 extends at least from the first vehicle pillar 3 in the longitudinal direction 12 of the vehicle to the third vehicle pillar 5.

[0043] The longitudinal beam 13 is formed separately from the respective column sections 9, 10, 11. The longitudinal beam 13 comprises at least one longitudinal beam section 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal beam 13 is formed in multiple parts, for example, in three parts. Thus, the longitudinal beam 13 has several, in particular separately formed, for example, three, longitudinal beam sections 16, 17, 18. For example, a first of the longitudinal beam sections 16 is connected, in particular directly, to a second of the longitudinal beam sections 17, which is, for example, in particular directly, connected to the third longitudinal beam section 18. The cavity 15 is formed at least by the first longitudinal beam section 16. In the present embodiment, however, the cavity 15 is partially formed by the longitudinal beam sections 16, 17, 18.

[0044] Furthermore, the side wall structure 1 has at least one side wall element 19, which can also be referred to as a side frame. The side wall element 19 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13, in particular from the longitudinal member sections 16, 17, 18. Furthermore, the side wall element 19 is formed separately from the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, in particular from the respective pillar section 9, 10, 11. The side wall element 19 is arranged further outwards in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle than the respective pillar section 9, 10, 11. Furthermore, the side wall element 19 partially forms the side sill 14.

[0045] The cavity 15 is at least partially limited inwards in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle by the longitudinal member 16, and in particular by the second and / or the third longitudinal member 17, 18, and at least partially limited outwards in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle by the side wall element 19.

[0046] In this case, the first longitudinal member 16 extends further downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 than the second and third longitudinal members 17, 18. Furthermore, the second longitudinal member 17 extends further downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 than the third longitudinal member 18. The first longitudinal member 16 can therefore also be referred to as the "lower side longitudinal member." The third longitudinal member 18 can also be referred to as the "upper side longitudinal member." In this case, the longitudinal member 13 is part of a floor assembly of the vehicle body 2. The floor assembly is made of steel, for example, and can therefore also be referred to as the "steel floor assembly." Thus, it is provided, for example, that the longitudinal member 13, in particular the first, second, and third longitudinal member 16, 17, 18, are made of steel. The side wall element 19 is made of steel, for example.

[0047] To significantly increase the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the side wall structure 1, particularly the vehicle body 2, each column section 9, 10, 11, and especially each column base, extends partially within the cavity 15 downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 at least to a connection area 23 located in the lower region 22 of the side sill 14. In this connection area 23, the side wall element 19 is attached to the longitudinal member 13, and in particular to the first longitudinal member section 16, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, via the respective column section 9, 10, 11. The connection area 23 is designed as a flange area. This eliminates the need for separate sill reinforcements in the side sill 14.Thus, the column feet of the vehicle pillars 3, 4, 5, which are also simply referred to as feet, can be extended downwards into a lower sill flange 21 in relation to the vehicle's vertical direction, in particular instead of being connected with a separate sill reinforcement.

[0048] As can be seen particularly well in Fig. 2, the respective column part 9, 10, 11 is arranged in the connection area 23, particularly in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle, between the first longitudinal member 16 and the side wall element 19, specifically between a flange of the first longitudinal member 16 and a flange of the side wall element 19, thereby connecting the side wall element 19 and the first longitudinal member 16 via the respective column part 9, 10, 11. Thus, in this case, the respective column part 9, 10, 11 is connected, in particular directly, to the side wall element 19 and at least indirectly or directly to the first longitudinal member 16.

[0049] In the present case, an energy absorption element 24, preferably made of aluminum, is arranged in the cavity 15. This energy absorption element 24 can therefore also be referred to as an aluminum insert. In the present case, the energy absorption element 24 extends, in particular completely, within the cavity 15 or within the side sill 14. The energy absorption element 24 is provided, for example, to protect an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle. Thus, for example, the electrical energy storage device is covered outwards by the energy absorption element 24 in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle. The energy absorption element 24 preferably has a profile with several hollow chambers 25, which can also be referred to as cavities. The energy absorption element 24 is, for example, formed in one piece.Furthermore, the energy absorption element 24 is designed separately from the longitudinal beam 13, the side wall element 19 and the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5.

[0050] The energy absorption element 24 is designed, for example, for energy absorption in a side impact (pile) to protect the electrical energy storage device, wherein the energy absorption element 24 is surrounded in this embodiment by the side sill 14, which is designed in particular as a steel shell sill. In this embodiment, the respective column section 9, 10, 11 extends around the energy absorption element 24, in particular within the cavity 15. In this embodiment, the respective column section 9, 10, 11 extends from an upper surface 26 of the energy absorption element 24, which points upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21, around the outside of the energy absorption element 24 in the vehicle's transverse direction 20 to an underside of the energy absorption element 24, which points downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21. In particular, the connection area 23 is arranged on the underside 27.In this case, the longitudinal member 13 extends from the upper surface 26 of the energy absorption element 24 in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle, around the energy absorption element 24 on the inside, down to the lower surface 27. The energy absorption element 24 is connected, in particular directly, to the longitudinal member 13, for example to the first and / or the third longitudinal member section 16, 18.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, the side wall structure 1 has at least one coupling element 28 extending at least partially into the cavity 15, via which the side wall element 19 is connected to the energy absorption element 24, for example, by means of the respective column section 9, 10, 11, thus avoiding a direct connection. Alternatively, several such coupling elements 28 can be provided, with the side wall element 19 being connected to each of the coupling elements 28, thus avoiding a direct connection to the energy absorption element 24. This allows the side wall element 19, designed, for example, as a steel side frame, to connect to the side sill 14, which is designed, for example, as a steel shell sill with the aluminum insert, so that joining without cold joining techniques is possible, preferably fulfilling crash load and stiffness requirements particularly well.The coupling element 28, or the respective coupling element 28, is designed, for example, as a shear panel and / or as a tension band. A tensile force to be transmitted via the coupling element 28 through the respective column section 9, 10, 11 is illustrated by an arrow 29, and a compressive force to be transmitted via the coupling element 28 through the respective column section 9, 10, 11 is illustrated by an arrow 30. The tensile force is, for example, a tensile force resulting from a side impact, such as that caused by a barrier impacting the side wall structure 1, which can also be referred to as a crash barrier. The compressive force is, for example, a compressive force resulting from a flat-press load case. In this case, the side wall element 19 is attached to the longitudinal beam section 16 in the connection area 23 via the coupling element 28, or the respective coupling element 28.For example, the coupling element 28 is arranged, at least partially, in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle between the first longitudinal member 16 and the side wall element 19, in particular between the flange of the first longitudinal member 16 and the flange of the side wall element 19, whereby the side wall element 19 is connected to the first longitudinal member 16 via the respective column section 9, 10, 11 and via the coupling element 28. The coupling element 28 is arranged, for example, on the inside of the respective column section 9, 10, 11 in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle.

[0052] The weld joints of the side wall structure 1 can be accessible from both sides, particularly with respect to the vehicle's transverse direction 20, thus providing excellent accessibility and minimizing the manufacturing effort required to produce the side wall structure 1. This accessibility from both sides is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 3 by means of arrows 31, where Fig. 3 shows a schematic and perspective partial view of the side wall structure 1 in the lower region of the first vehicle pillar 3. In Fig. 3, the side wall structure 1 is shown partially transparently. This allows spot welding processes for joining the side wall element 19, also referred to as the side frame, to be carried out with minimal effort. Furthermore, weld points can be applied in the vehicle's vertical direction below the energy absorption element 24, for example, from the outside in the vehicle's transverse direction 20, to the coupling element 28.

[0053] The design described for the side wall structure 1 in the area of ​​the first vehicle pillar 3, as exemplified by Figures 2 and 3, can alternatively or additionally apply to the side wall structure 1 in the area of ​​the second and / or third vehicle pillar 4, 5. This is illustrated in Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the side wall structure in the area of ​​the second vehicle pillar 4. Figure 5 shows the side wall structure 1 in a schematic and perspective partial view in a lower area of ​​the second vehicle pillar 4. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows the side wall structure 1 in a schematic partial sectional view in the area of ​​the third vehicle pillar 5. Figure 7 shows the side wall structure 1 in a schematic and perspective partial view in a lower area of ​​the third vehicle pillar 5. Thus, in the figures...Figures 4 and 6 show, in particular, a section passing through the second and third vehicle pillars 4 and 5, respectively. In Figures 5 and 7, the side wall structure 1 is shown partially transparently.

[0054] To ensure force transmission and structural integrity, at least one additional adapter is provided, but preferably several such adapters, to represent, for example, further connection technology with force locking and / or further load paths with positive locking, in particular without having to connect the side wall element 19 and / or the respective column part 9, 10, 11 directly to the energy absorption element 24.

[0055] One such adapter is, for example, a first support element, wherein in the exemplary embodiment two such support elements 32, 33 are provided. One of the support elements 32 is, for example, assigned to the second column section 10 and the other of the support elements is, for example, assigned to the third column section 11. The respective first support element 32, 33 is arranged in the cavity 15 in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 and is formed separately from the longitudinal beam 13 and the respective column section 9, 10, 11, and in particular separately from the coupling element 28. Thus, the energy absorption element 24 is, in this case, at least partially covered downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 by the respective support element 32, 33. Via the respective support element 32, 33, the respective column section 10, 11 and / or the first longitudinal beam section 16 can be supported or supported at least upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21, for example, directly, on the energy absorption element 24.This is illustrated in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 by means of an arrow 34. This allows for corresponding support in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 (z-direction) on the energy absorption element 24, which is designed here as an aluminum profile, in order to relieve tension on, for example, the connection technology of the side wall structure 1, particularly in the lower sill area. As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the respective first support element 32, 33 is designed here as a Z-profile, which means that the respective first support element 32, 33 can also be referred to as a Z-claw, for example, "Z-claw tension band sill". For example, the respective first support element 32, 33 is arranged on the inside, and in particular directly, of the coupling element 28 in the vehicle's transverse direction 20.In particular, the respective first support element 32, 33 is connected, for example, directly to the first longitudinal member 16, and, for example, via the coupling element 28, to the respective column section 10, 11. In the exemplary embodiment, a further such adapter in the form of a second support element 35 is provided, which is arranged in the cavity 15 in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 above the energy absorption element 24, particularly in the area of ​​the second vehicle column 4. The second support element 35 is formed separately from the longitudinal member 13 and the respective column section 9, 10, 11. Furthermore, the second support element 35 is formed separately from the respective first support element 32, 33, and in particular from the coupling element 28. In this embodiment, the energy absorption element 24 is at least partially covered upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21 by the second support element 35.The second column section 10 is connected to the energy absorption element 24 on its upper surface 26, particularly directly, via the second support element 35, for example, by means of the coupling element 28. In this case, the second support element 35 is designed as an angle adapter, which is arranged, in particular, between the aluminum profile of the energy absorption element 24 and the second column section 10, which serves as reinforcement of the B-pillar 7. Thus, the second support element 35 comprises a first section 36 and a second section 37 extending obliquely or perpendicularly to the first section 36. The first section 36 abuts, in particular directly, the energy absorption element 24, and the second section 37 abuts, in particular directly, the second column section 10 or the coupling element 28. The first section 36 points downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 21, and the second section 37 points outwards in the vehicle's transverse direction 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one further such adapter in the form of at least one third support element is provided, with two such third support elements 38, 39 being provided in this case. The support elements 38, 39 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 12 of the vehicle. Each third support element 38, 39 is separate from the longitudinal member 13 and the respective vehicle pillar 3, 4, 5, and is in particular separate from the coupling element 28 and the respective first and / or second support element 32, 33, 35. Each third support element 38, 39 extends in the cavity 15 in the vertical direction 21 of the vehicle above the energy absorption element 24. Thus, the energy absorption element 24 is at least partially covered from above in the vertical direction 21 of the vehicle by each third support element 38, 39.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, each vehicle column 3, 4, 5 is designed in multiple parts, for example, in two parts. Thus, each vehicle column 3, 4, 5 has at least one inner column part 40, 41, 42, which is designed separately from the respective column part 9, 10, 11 and is arranged further inward in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle than the respective column part 9, 10, 11. The inner column part of the first vehicle column 3 can also be referred to as the first inner column part 40. The inner column part 41 of the second vehicle column 4 can also be referred to as the second inner column part 41. The inner column part 42 of the third vehicle column 5 can also be referred to as the third inner column part 42. Via the respective third support element 38, 39, the second column part 10 can be supported inward in the transverse direction 20, in particular directly, on the second inner column part 40. The bracing is illustrated in Fig. 4 by means of an arrow 43.In this embodiment, the respective third support element 38, 39 is designed as a bulkhead plate. The respective third support element 38, 39 thus creates a B-pillar bulkhead acting as a tensile composite in the transverse direction 20 (y-direction) of the vehicle, in order to prevent, for example, the second pillar section 10, also referred to as B-pillar reinforcement, from sliding in the event of a crash, such as during a "roof push" load case.

[0057] For example, the first column section 9 is connected to the longitudinal beam 13 on three sides around the cavity 15 by means of y-flanges. Each y-flange can be understood as a flange pointing in the transverse direction 20 of the vehicle, particularly inwards. This eliminates the need for additional components in the form of the aforementioned support elements 32, 33, 35, 38, 39 in the area of ​​the first vehicle column 3.

[0058] Numerals, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are intended solely for differentiation and do not, in particular, indicate a sequence. This means that the corresponding numerals can be interchanged at will.

[0059] Reference symbol list

[0060] Side wall structure, vehicle body, first vehicle pillar, second vehicle pillar, third vehicle pillar, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, first pillar section, second pillar section, third pillar section, vehicle longitudinal direction, longitudinal member, side sill, cavity, first longitudinal member section, second longitudinal member section, third longitudinal member section, side wall element, vehicle transverse direction, vehicle vertical direction, lower area, connection area, energy absorption element, hollow chambers, top, bottom, coupling element, arrow, arrow, arrow, first support element, first support element, arrow, second support element, first part, second part, third support element, third support element, first inner pillar section, second inner pillar section, third inner pillar section

[0061] Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Side wall structure (1) for a motor vehicle body (2), comprising a column section (9, 10, 11) which at least partially forms a vehicle column (3, 4, 5), a longitudinal member (13) which has at least one longitudinal member section (16) which at least partially forms a side sill (14) having a cavity (15), and a side wall element (19) which is arranged further outwards in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle than the longitudinal member section (16) and partially forms the side sill (14), wherein the cavity (15) is at least partially bounded inwards in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle by the longitudinal member section (16) and is at least partially bounded outwards in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle by the side wall element (19), and the column section (9, 10, 11) extends in certain areas within the cavity (15) downwards in the vertical direction (21) of the vehicle at least to a point in the lower area (22) of the side sill. (14) arranged connection area (23) extends,in which the side wall element (19) is attached to the longitudinal beam element (16) via the column part (9, 10, 11).

2. Side wall structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an energy absorption element (24) is arranged in the cavity (15), which is preferably made of aluminium.

3. Side wall structure (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the column part (9, 10, 11) extends within the cavity (15) bypassing the energy absorption element (24).

4. Side wall structure (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by a coupling element (28) extending at least partially into the cavity (15), via which the side wall element (19) is connected to the energy absorption element (24) while avoiding a direct connection.

5. Side wall structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the side wall element (19) is attached to the longitudinal beam part (16) in the connection area (23) by means of the coupling element (28).

6. Side wall structure (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling element (28) is designed as a shear field and / or as a tension band.

7. Side wall structure (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by a support element (32, 33) arranged in the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) under the energy absorption element (24) and formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the column part (9, 10, 11), by means of which the longitudinal member part (16) and / or the column part (9, 10, 11) is supported upwards in the vehicle vertical direction (21) on the energy absorption element (24).

8. Side wall structure (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by a support element (35) arranged in the cavity (15) in the vehicle vertical direction (21) above the energy absorption element (24) and formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the column part (9, 10, 11), via which the column part (9, 10, 11) is connected to the energy absorption element (24) on a top surface (26) of the energy absorption element (24) pointing upwards in the vehicle vertical direction (21).

9. Side wall structure (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the vehicle column (3, 4, 5) has an inner column part (40, 41, 42) arranged further inwards in the transverse direction (20) of the vehicle than the column part (9, 10, 11), wherein in the cavity (15) in the vertical direction (21) of the vehicle a support element (38, 39) formed separately from the longitudinal member (13) and the vehicle column (3, 4, 5) is arranged above the energy absorption element (24), by means of which the column part (9, 10, 11) is supported inwards in the transverse direction (10) of the vehicle against the inner column part (40, 41, 42).

0. Side wall structure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle pillar (3, 4, 6) is designed as an A-pillar (6), B-pillar (7) or C-pillar (8).

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