Side surface member structure of vehicle body

Abstract

A side surface member structure 100 comprises: a cylindrical body 110 that extends in a front-rear direction X of a vehicle body 1; and an impact absorbing unit 120 that is disposed inside the cylindrical body 110 so as to extend in the front-rear direction X. The impact absorbing unit 120 includes a first deformable member 122 and a second deformable member 124 provided inward of the first deformable member 122 in a width direction Y of the vehicle body 1. The second deformable member 124 includes: a pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a which are provided so as to be spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction Z and so as to face one another in the vertical direction Z; and a second plate-shaped portion 124b which extends along the vertical direction Z from end portions, in the width direction Y, of each first plate-shaped portion 124a, so as to face the first deformable member 122 in the width direction Y.

Description

Body side member structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a side member structure for a vehicle body.

[0002] In electric vehicles, the battery pack is mounted under the floor of the vehicle, and structures have been proposed to protect the battery pack from collisions with obstacles against the side of the vehicle body.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a side member structure including a cylindrical body extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and an impact absorbing member disposed inside the cylindrical body. In a vehicle equipped with this side member structure, when an obstacle collides with the side of the vehicle body, the cylindrical body is pushed and locally deforms toward the interior of the vehicle. The impact absorbing member also deforms toward the interior of the vehicle in response to the deformation of the cylindrical body. At this time, the impact absorbing member deforms while absorbing the impact energy from the obstacle. This makes it possible to protect a battery pack disposed closer to the interior of the vehicle than the side member structure.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 157651

[0005] As described above, the side member structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 can protect a battery pack mounted under the floor of a vehicle body. However, there is a demand for more stable protection of the battery pack. To achieve this, it is preferable to further suppress deformation of the cylindrical body. In particular, it is preferable to further suppress deformation of the portion of the cylindrical body facing the vehicle interior.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a side member structure for a vehicle body that can further suppress deformation of the portion of the cylindrical body facing the vehicle interior.

[0007] (1) A side member structure of a vehicle body according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical body extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body; and an impact absorbing portion arranged inside the cylindrical body so as to extend in the fore-and-aft direction; wherein the impact absorbing portion includes a first deforming member arranged so as to extend in the fore-and-aft direction; and a second deforming member arranged inside the first deforming member in the width direction of the vehicle body and extending in the fore-and-aft direction; and wherein the second deforming member has a pair of first plate-like portions arranged spaced apart in the up-and-down direction and facing each other in the up-and-down direction, and a second plate-like portion extending along the up-and-down direction from the outer end of each of the first plate-like portions in the width direction so as to face the first deforming member in the width direction.

[0008] (2) The second deformable member may further include a third plate-shaped portion extending in the up-down direction from an inner end of each of the first plate-shaped portions in the width direction.

[0009] (3) The second deformable member may have a closed cross-sectional shape so that a hollow portion extending in the front-rear direction is formed.

[0010] (4) The second deformable member may have a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0011] (5) The second deformable member includes a plate-shaped member and a hat-shaped member provided inside the plate-shaped member in the width direction, and the hat-shaped member has a pair of flange portions fixed to the plate-shaped member, the pair of first plate-shaped portions extending inward in the width direction from the pair of flange portions, and the third plate-shaped portion connecting the inner ends of the pair of first plate-shaped portions in the width direction, and the second plate-shaped portion may include the plate-shaped member and the pair of flange portions.

[0012] (6) The second deformable member includes a plate-shaped member and a hat-shaped member provided on the outside of the plate-shaped member in the width direction, the hat-shaped member having a pair of flange portions fixed to the plate-shaped member, the pair of first plate-shaped portions extending outward in the width direction from the pair of flange portions, and the second plate-shaped portion connecting the outer ends of the pair of first plate-shaped portions in the width direction, and the third plate-shaped portion may include the plate-shaped member and the pair of flange portions.

[0013] (7) The second deformable member may be fixed to the first deformable member.

[0014] (8) The cylindrical body may include a side sill inner having a shape that opens outward in the width direction, and a side sill outer that is located outward of the side sill inner in the width direction and has a shape that opens inward in the width direction, and the second deformation member may be fixed to the side sill inner.

[0015] (9) The first deformable member may have a plurality of ridges aligned in the front-rear direction and each extending in the width direction.

[0016] (10) The first deformable member may include a corrugated plate.

[0017] (11) The first deformable member may include a plurality of cylindrical members aligned in the front-rear direction and each extending in the width direction.

[0018] (12) The plurality of ridge portions of the first deformable member may be positioned more inward than both ends of the second deformable member in the front-rear direction.

[0019] (13) The plurality of cylindrical members of the first deformable member may be positioned more inward than both ends of the second deformable member in the front-rear direction.

[0020] (14) The side member structure of the vehicle body has a specific range in the first deformable member formed so that, when the first deformable member is cut on a first plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, multiple first cut surfaces extending linearly in the width direction are aligned in the fore-and-aft direction, the specific range is the fore-and-aft range defined by six ridge portions aligned in the fore-and-aft direction in one or more second cut surfaces of the first deformable member obtained by cutting the center of the first deformable member in the width direction on a second plane perpendicular to the width direction, and the first plane may pass through the center of the up-and-down direction in the specific range of the one or more second cut surfaces.

[0021] (15) In the specific range, the length of the second deformable member in the up-down direction may be greater than the length of the first deformable member in the up-down direction.

[0022] (16) In the specific range, the pair of first plate-shaped portions may be positioned outward in the up-down direction from the first deformable member.

[0023] (17) The first deformation member may have a first end surface that is located outside the center of the first deformation member in the width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and a second end surface that is located inside the center of the first deformation member in the width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0024] According to the present invention, a vehicle body side member structure can be obtained that can further suppress deformation of the portion of the cylindrical body facing the vehicle interior.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a vehicle body including a side member structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along arrow A in FIG. 1 ) of the side member structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the side member structure. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the side member structure. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the side member structure according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the side member structure according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of a first deformable member. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a modified example of the side member structure. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first deformable member. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a specific range. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a cross section of the first deformable member perpendicular to the width direction. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a cross section of the first deformable member perpendicular to the up-down direction. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the specific range. FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the specific range. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the specific range.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle body side member structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (Vehicle Body) Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a vehicle body 1 including a side member structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the side member structure 100 (cross-sectional view taken along arrow A in Fig. 1). Fig. 2 also shows a state in which a battery case 20 is fixed to the side member structure 100. In this specification, the direction along the traveling direction of the vehicle body (vehicle) is referred to as the fore-and-aft direction X of the vehicle body, the traveling direction of the vehicle body is referred to as the front, the opposite side is referred to as the rear, the direction along the direction of gravity is referred to as the up-and-down direction Z, and the direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction X and the up-and-down direction Z is referred to as the width direction Y of the vehicle body. In addition, in the width direction Y, the direction away from the center of the vehicle body is referred to as the outside, and the opposite direction is referred to as the inside.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle body 1 includes a frame 10 and a battery case 20. The frame 10 is provided to extend in the front-rear direction X and forms the skeleton of the vehicle body 1. The battery case 20 houses a battery pack 22 such as a lithium-ion battery. The vehicle body 1 is used as the body of a vehicle that is powered by a battery, such as an electric vehicle.

[0029] The frame 10 has a pair of side member structures 100 (also called "side sills") located below the door of the side opening. The frame 10 also has a plurality of cross members 200 extending in the width direction Y so as to span the pair of side member structures 100.

[0030] 1 and 2, both ends of each cross member 200 in the width direction Y are fixed to the side member structure 100. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a floor panel 300 is supported by multiple cross members 200. The battery case 20 is provided below the floor panel 300.

[0031] The side member structure 100 is provided outward of the battery pack 22 in the width direction Y to protect the battery pack 22 from a side collision with a utility pole or the like (pole side collision). The side member structure 100 is provided to extend along the fore-and-aft direction X of the vehicle body 1. In this embodiment, the battery case 20 is fixed to the side member structure 100 by fasteners 160.

[0032] (Side Member Structure) Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the side member structure 100. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the side member structure 100.

[0033] 2 to 4, the side member structure 100 includes a cylindrical body 110 extending in the front-rear direction X, and an impact absorbing portion 120 disposed inside the cylindrical body 110 so as to extend in the front-rear direction X. The cylindrical body 110 has a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 110 includes a side sill inner 112 and a side sill outer 114 provided outward of the side sill inner 112 in the width direction Y.

[0034] The side sill inner 112 has a shape that opens outward in the width direction Y, and the side sill outer 114 has a shape that opens inward in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the side sill inner 112 and the side sill outer 114 each have a hat shape with flanges at their upper and lower ends in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. The side sill inner 112 and the side sill outer 114 are fixed to each other by welding or a fastening member or other joining means with their flanges butted against each other. In this embodiment, the side sill inner 112 and the side sill outer 114 are joined to each other by, for example, welding. Various welding methods can be used, such as spot welding, TIG welding, arc welding, laser welding, and plasma welding. The same applies to the welding methods used to join other parts. The cylindrical body 110 may be formed of a single member or three or more members.

[0035] The impact absorbing portion 120 includes a first deformable member 122 provided to extend in the front-rear direction X, and a second deformable member 124 provided inside the first deformable member 122 in the width direction Y and extending in the front-rear direction X.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the first deforming member 122 is made of a plate material. In this embodiment, the first deforming member 122 has end faces 130a and 130b at both ends in the width direction Y, extending in the front-rear direction X. In a cross section of the first deforming member 122 perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the end face 130a is located outward in the width direction Y from the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y, and the end face 130b is located inward in the width direction Y from the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y. More specifically, the end face 130a faces outward in the width direction Y, and the end face 130b faces inward in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the end face 130a corresponds to a first end face, and the end face 130b corresponds to a second end face.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the first deforming member 122 has a plurality of ridge portions 122a that are aligned in the front-rear direction X and that each extend in the width direction Y. Some of the plurality of ridge portions 122a are provided on the upper side of the first deforming member 122, and other of the plurality of ridge portions 122a are provided on the lower side of the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment, the plurality of ridge portions 122a are provided so as to extend from the end surface 130a to the end surface 130b. In this embodiment, a corrugated plate having a shape with repeated concave and convex portions along the front-rear direction X is used as the first deforming member 122.

[0038] More specifically, the first deforming member 122 has a plurality of upper plate portions 123a arranged in the front-rear direction X and spaced apart from one another in the front-rear direction X, a plurality of lower plate portions 123b arranged below the upper plate portions 123a in the front-rear direction X and spaced apart from one another in the front-rear direction X, and a plurality of plate-shaped connecting portions 123c connecting the plurality of upper plate portions 123a to the plurality of lower plate portions 123b. In this embodiment, the front edges of the upper plate portions 123a and the rear edges of the lower plate portions 123b are connected by the connecting portions 123c. The rear edges of the upper plate portions 123a and the front edges of the lower plate portions 123b are also connected by the connecting portions 123c.

[0039] The upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b are provided to have a width in the front-rear direction X and to extend in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b are each provided to be approximately parallel to a horizontal plane. The connecting portion 123c is provided to be inclined with respect to the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b. In this embodiment, the boundary portion (bent portion) between the connecting portion 123c and the upper plate portion 123a and the boundary portion (bent portion) between the connecting portion 123c and the lower plate portion 123b each form the ridge portion 122a.

[0040] The first deformation member 122 is made of, for example, a steel material (steel plate). In this embodiment, the first deformation member 122 is formed of a steel material having a tensile strength of, for example, 590 MPa or more, preferably 780 MPa or more, and more preferably 980 MPa or more or 1180 MPa or more. The first deformation member 122 is preferably formed of a steel material having a tensile strength of 1800 MPa or less. The thickness of the first deformation member 122 is, for example, 0.7 mm or more and 2.6 mm or less, and preferably 1.2 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first deformable member 122 is preferably made of steel having a Vickers hardness (HV1) of 180 or more, preferably 240 or more, and more preferably 300 or more or 340 or more. The first deformable member 122 is preferably made of steel having a Vickers hardness (HV1) of 560 or less. "HV1" refers to the "hardness symbol" used when a Vickers hardness test is conducted with a test force of 1 kgf (9.807 N) (see JIS Z 2244-1:2020). The Vickers hardness of the first deformable member 122 is measured as follows. First, a measurement sample is cut out from a flat portion of the first deformable member 122 (e.g., the upper plate portion 123a or the lower plate portion 123b) so that the cut surface (measurement surface) is parallel to the thickness direction of the flat portion, and the sample is embedded in resin and the cut surface is polished. Then, on the cut surface (measurement surface), measurements were taken at 10 points at a depth of 1 / 4 of the plate thickness from the surface of the measurement sample (the surface part of the first deformation member 122) with a test force of 1 kgf (9.807 N) at 0.5 mm intervals, and the average was taken.

[0042] Furthermore, if the surface of the first deformable member 122 is plated, the thickness of the first deformable member 122 is measured including the plating. By setting the thickness of the first deformable member 122 within the above range, it is possible to ensure a higher level of rigidity while reducing weight. The thickness of the first deformable member 122 is determined by measuring the thickness at five locations on the flat portion (e.g., the upper plate portion 123a or the lower plate portion 123b) using a micrometer and averaging the measurements. The method for measuring the hardness and thickness of the first deformable member is the same for the embodiments described below. If the first deformable member does not have a flat portion, the hardness and thickness of a portion where the amount of bending is considered to be sufficiently small is measured using the above method.

[0043] 2 and 4, the second deforming member 124 has a pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a, a second plate-shaped portion 124b, and a third plate-shaped portion 124c. The pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a are spaced apart in the up-down direction Z and are opposed to each other in the up-down direction Z. Each first plate-shaped portion 124a is arranged to extend along the front-rear direction X and the width direction Y.

[0044] The second plate-shaped portion 124b is provided so as to face the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y. In the present embodiment, the second plate-shaped portion 124b is provided so as to extend along the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z, and connects the outer ends of the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a in the width direction Y. In other words, the second plate-shaped portion 124b is provided so as to extend downward from the outer end of the upper first plate-shaped portion 124a in the width direction Y, and is provided so as to extend upward from the outer end of the lower first plate-shaped portion 124a in the width direction Y.

[0045] The third plate-shaped portion 124c is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z, and connects the inner ends of the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a in the width direction Y. In other words, the third plate-shaped portion 124c is provided so as to extend downward from the inner end of the upper first plate-shaped portion 124a in the width direction Y, and so as to extend upward from the inner end of the lower first plate-shaped portion 124a in the width direction Y.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X so that a cavity 125 extending in the front-rear direction X is formed. In the present embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a rectangular tubular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. Although not shown, a bulkhead for improving the rigidity of the second deforming member 124 may be provided within the second deforming member 124. For example, one or more bulkheads may be provided within the second deforming member 124 so as to divide the cavity 125 in the front-rear direction.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the first deforming member 122 is fixed to the second deforming member 124 using a joining means such as welding or a fastening member. In the present embodiment, an inner end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y is fixed to the second deforming member 124 (e.g., the second plate-shaped portion). In the present embodiment, the second deforming member 124 is fixed to the tubular body 110 using a joining means such as welding or a fastening member. In the present embodiment, the second deforming member 124 is fixed to the side sill inner 112 of the tubular body 110. Note that in the present embodiment, an outer end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y is not fixed to the side sill outer 114.

[0048] 4, in the front-rear direction X, the plurality of ridge portions 122a of the first deforming member 122 are positioned more inward than both ends of the second deforming member 124. In this embodiment, all of the ridge portions 122a of the first deforming member 122 are positioned more inward than both ends of the second deforming member 124.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2 , the length of the second deforming member 124 in the vertical direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the vertical direction Z. The length of the first deforming member in the vertical direction Z is the distance between the upper and lower ends of the first deforming member. Similarly, the length of the second deforming member in the vertical direction Z is the distance between the upper and lower ends of the second deforming member. The same applies to the lengths of the other members and components in the vertical direction Z. This also applies to the embodiments described below. In this embodiment, the length of the second plate-shaped portion 124b in the vertical direction Z is greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the vertical direction Z. Similarly, the length of the third plate-shaped portion 124c in the vertical direction Z is greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, it is preferable that one first plate-shaped portion 124a is positioned above the first deforming member 122, and the other first plate-shaped portion 124a is positioned below the first deforming member 122. In other words, the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124 a are preferably positioned outward in the up-down direction Z from the first deforming members 122 .

[0050] Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. Note that the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member is the distance in the width direction Y between the outer end and the inner end of the second deforming member in the width direction Y. The same applies to the lengths in the width direction Y of the other members and parts. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion 124b is more preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the first plate-shaped portion 124a. In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion 124b is greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the third plate-shaped portion 124c is greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. In this embodiment, the length of the third plate-shaped portion 124c in the up-down direction Z may be equal to, longer than, or shorter than the length of the second plate-shaped portion 124b in the up-down direction Z. Therefore, the shape of the second deforming member 124 in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X may be rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0051] The second deformation member 124 is made of, for example, a steel material. In this embodiment, the second deformation member 124 is made of a steel material having a tensile strength of, for example, 590 MPa or more, preferably 780 MPa or more, and more preferably 980 MPa or more or 1180 MPa or more. The second deformation member 124 is preferably made of a steel material having a tensile strength of 2100 MPa or less. The thickness of the second deformation member 124 is, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 3.6 mm or less, and preferably 1.4 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second deforming member 124 is made of a steel material having a Vickers hardness (HV1) of 180 or more, preferably 240 or more, and more preferably 300 or more or 340 or more. The second deforming member 124 is preferably made of a steel material having a Vickers hardness (HV1) of 640 or less. The Vickers hardness of the second deforming member 124 is measured as follows. First, a measurement sample is cut out from a flat portion (e.g., the first plate-shaped portion 124a) of the second deforming member 124 so that the cut surface (measurement surface) is parallel to the thickness direction of the flat portion, and the cut surface is embedded in resin and polished. Then, measurements are taken at 10 points at 0.5 mm intervals on the cut surface (measurement surface) at a depth of 1 / 4 of the plate thickness from the surface of the measurement sample (the surface portion of the second deforming member 124) with a test force of 1 kgf (9.807 N). The average is calculated.

[0053] Furthermore, if the surface of the second deformable member 124 is plated, the thickness of the second deformable member 124 is measured including the plating. By setting the thickness of the second deformable member 124 within the above range, it is possible to ensure a higher level of rigidity while reducing weight. The thickness of the second deformable member 124 is determined by measuring the thickness at five locations on the flat plate-like portion (e.g., the first plate-like portion 124a) using a micrometer and averaging the measurements. The method for measuring the hardness and thickness of the second deformable member is the same for the embodiments described below. Note that if the second deformable member does not have a flat plate-like portion, the hardness and thickness are measured using the above method at a portion where the amount of bending is considered to be sufficiently small.

[0054] (Operation and Effect) Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the operation and effect of the side member structure 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 schematically shows the deformation of the side member structure 100 when the side of the vehicle body 1 (see Figure 1) collides with a cylindrical obstacle 30 such as a utility pole and an impact load (impact energy) is input to the side member structure 100 from the outside in the width direction Y. Figure 6 also schematically shows the deformation of the impact absorbing section 120 when the vehicle body 1 (see Figure 1) collides with the cylindrical obstacle 30 such as a utility pole. Note that Figure 5 is a view of the interior of the side member structure 100 from the front, and Figure 6 is a view of the impact absorbing section 120 from above.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5 , when the side of the vehicle body 1 collides with an obstacle 30, the obstacle 30 pushes the cylindrical body 110 from the outside toward the inside in the width direction Y, thereby pushing the first deforming member 122 toward the inside in the width direction Y. Furthermore, as the first deforming member 122 is pushed toward the inside in the width direction Y, the second deforming member 124 is pushed toward the inside in the width direction Y by the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment, the end surface 130b of the first deforming member 122 pushes the second plate-shaped portion 124b of the second deforming member 124 toward the inside in the width direction Y. As a result, not only the first deforming member 122 but also the second deforming member 124 deforms. That is, in this embodiment, the impact load can be absorbed not only by the first deforming member 122 but also by the second deforming member 124.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first deforming member 122 locally deforms along the obstacle 30 due to the impact load (impact energy) input from the obstacle 30. Meanwhile, as described above, the second deforming member 124 deforms to absorb the impact load from the first deforming member 122. Therefore, even if the first deforming member 122 locally deforms, it is possible to prevent a large load from being locally input to the inner portion (the vehicle interior side of the vehicle body 1) of the cylindrical body 110 in the width direction Y (in the present embodiment, the side sill inner 112). This further reduces deformation of the inner portion of the cylindrical body 110 in the width direction Y compared to when the second deforming member 124 is not provided. Furthermore, even if the second deforming member 124 is completely crushed and deformed into a flat plate as the collision progresses, the second plate-shaped portion 124b and the third plate-shaped portion 124c of the second deforming member 124 remain between the first deforming member 122 and the side sill inner 112. Therefore, even if the side sill inner panel 112 is pushed inward in the width direction Y by the first deformation member 122 whose deformation continues, the deformation of the side sill inner panel 112 is suppressed by the second plate-shaped portion 124b and the third plate-shaped portion 124c.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the first deforming member 122 has a plurality of ridge portions 122a arranged in the front-rear direction X and extending in the width direction Y. This allows the first deforming member 122 to buckle and deform in the width direction Y in an accordion-like manner, thereby sufficiently absorbing impact energy in the width direction Y.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first deforming member 122 and the second deforming member 124 are fixed to each other. This allows the impact load in the width direction Y input to the first deforming member 122 to be more stably transmitted to the second deforming member 124. As a result, the second deforming member 124 can appropriately absorb the impact energy.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. In this case, when the second deforming member 124 is pressed in the width direction Y by the first deforming member 122, the second deforming member 124 can receive a sufficient load. In particular, in this embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, which allows the second deforming member 124 to be deformed appropriately.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first deformable member 122 is fixed to the side sill inner 112 via the second deformable member 124. During the assembly process of the vehicle body 1, the side sill inner 112 is typically attached to the floor panel 300 (see FIG. 2 ) by welding or the like, and then the side sill outer 114 is attached to the side sill inner 112 by welding or the like. Therefore, when attempting to fix the first deformable member 122 to the side sill outer 114, the side sill outer 114 with the first deformable member 122 attached thereto is assembled to the side sill inner 112. In this case, when assembling the side sill outer 114 to the side sill inner 112, the first deformable member 122 acts as an obstacle, restricting the transport path and transport posture of the side sill outer 114. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, the first deformable member 122 is fixed to the side sill inner 112 via the second deformable member 124. Therefore, in the assembly process of the vehicle body 1, after the first deformable member 122 and the second deformable member 124 are assembled to the side sill inner 112, the side sill outer 114 can be assembled to the side sill inner 112. In this case, the transport path and transport posture of the side sill outer 114 are not limited, so the side sill outer 114 can be efficiently assembled to the side sill inner 112.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the up-down direction Z. In this case, when the second deforming member 124 is pressed and crushed by the first deforming member 122, it can deform to enclose the inner end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y. This prevents the first deforming member 122 from directly pressing the side sill inner panel 112 inward in the width direction Y. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently prevent a large load from being locally input to the side sill inner panel 112, and to sufficiently prevent deformation of the side sill inner panel 112. In particular, in this embodiment, the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a (see FIG. 2) are located outward in the up-down direction Z from the first deforming member 122. This prevents the first deforming member 122 from directly pressing the side sill inner panel 112 inward in the width direction Y.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a cross section of the first deforming member 122 perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the end face 130a is provided further outward in the width direction Y than the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y, and the end face 130b is provided further inward in the width direction Y than the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y. By arranging the first deforming member 122 in this manner, when an impact load (impact energy) is input to the side member structure 100 from the outside in the width direction Y, the first deforming member 122 can be more reliably buckled and deformed into an accordion-like shape in the width direction Y. This allows the first deforming member 122 to sufficiently absorb the impact load.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y. In this case, when the second deforming member 124 is pushed by the first deforming member 122 and completely crushed, it is more likely to deform so as to stretch in the up-down direction Z and to deform so as to enclose the inner end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y. This is because, compared to when the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z, the first plate-shaped portion 124a of the second deforming member 124 is more likely to bend at one location in the width direction Y and the second deforming member 124 is more likely to deform so as to stretch in the up-down direction Z. This sufficiently prevents the first deforming member 122 from directly pushing the side sill inner panel 112 inward in the width direction Y. In particular, in the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion 124b in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y. This makes it easier for the second plate-shaped portion 124b to deform to enclose the inner end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y when the second deforming member 124 is pushed and crushed by the first deforming member 122. As a result, it is possible to more sufficiently prevent the first deforming member 122 from directly pushing the side sill inner panel 112 inward in the width direction Y. Note that if the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z, the first plate-shaped portion 124a of the second deforming member 124 may bend at multiple locations in the width direction Y, making it difficult for the second deforming member 124 to deform so as to extend stably in the up-down direction Z. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, it is preferable that the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0064] Furthermore, by reducing the length in the width direction Y of the first plate-shaped portion 124a of the second deforming member 124, it is possible to relatively increase the length in the width direction Y of the first deforming member 122. This makes it easier to cause the first deforming member 122 to buckle in the width direction Y, and also increases the area that undergoes buckling deformation in the bellows shape, so that the first deforming member 122 can sufficiently absorb impact energy in the width direction Y.

[0065] 2, the outer end of the first deformable member 122 and the inner end of the second deformable member 124 are in contact with the cylindrical body 110 in the width direction Y, but the positional relationship between the cylindrical body 110 and the impact absorbing part 120 is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap may be formed between the first deformable member 122 and the side sill outer 114 in the width direction Y. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the second deformable member 124 is fixed to the side sill inner 112, and the outer end of the first deformable member 122 in the width direction Y is not fixed to the side sill outer 114. However, as shown in FIG. 8 , the first deformable member 122 may be fixed to the side sill outer 114. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8 , the second deformable member 124 does not have to be fixed to the side sill inner 112. In the embodiments described later, the second deformable member 124 may or may not be fixed to the side sill inner 112. Furthermore, although not shown, the first deformable member 122 may be fixed to the side sill outer 114, and the second deformable member 124 may be fixed to the side sill inner 112. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the shock absorbing unit 120 includes one first deforming member 122 and one second deforming member 124. However, the number of first deforming members 122 and second deforming members 124 included in the shock absorbing unit 120 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the shock absorbing unit 120 may include a plurality of first deforming members 122 arranged side by side in the vertical direction Z, and a plurality of second deforming members 124 arranged corresponding to the plurality of first deforming members 122. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0068] 10 , the shock absorbing unit 120 may include a plurality of first deforming members 122 arranged in the vertical direction Z and a single second deforming member 124 shared by the plurality of first deforming members 122. This also applies to the embodiments described below. When the shock absorbing unit 120 includes a plurality of first deforming members 122, the dimensions of the plurality of first deforming members 122 may be the same or different. The same applies to the second deforming member 124. In this embodiment, the pair of first plate-like portions 124a are preferably positioned outward in the vertical direction Z from the plurality of first deforming members 122. As in the above-described embodiment, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the vertical direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, the length of the second plate-like portion 124b in the vertical direction Z is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X.

[0069] Although not shown, the shock absorbing unit 120 may include a plurality of first deforming members 122 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X. In this case, a plurality of second deforming members 124 may be provided corresponding to the plurality of first deforming members 122, or a single second deforming member 124 may be provided common to the plurality of first deforming members 122. This also applies to the embodiments described below. The shock absorbing unit 120 may also include a plurality of second deforming members 124 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X and a single first deforming member 122 common to the plurality of second deforming members 124. This also applies to the embodiments described below. The first deforming member 122 may also be formed of a plurality of members arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X. In this case, the plurality of members forming the first deforming member 122 are fixed to each other by a joining means such as welding or a fastening member. For example, the first deforming member 122 may be formed of a plurality of plate members arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X and fixed to each other. Similarly, the second deforming member 124 may be configured by a plurality of members. Note that a bulkhead may be provided inside the cylindrical body 110 so as to divide the space inside the cylindrical body 110 in the front-rear direction X. In this case, the first deforming member 122 and the second deforming member 124 may be provided in front of and behind the bulkhead, respectively.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, but the shape of the second deforming member 124 is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in Fig. 11 , the second deforming member 124 may have a hat-shaped member 40 and a flat closure 42 so as to have a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. The hat-shaped member 40 has a pair of wall portions 40a, a pair of flange portions 40b, and a top plate portion 40c so as to have a hat shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X.

[0071] The pair of wall portions 40a are spaced apart in the up-down direction Z and are opposed to each other in the up-down direction Z. The pair of flange portions 40b are provided to extend upward or downward from outer ends of the pair of wall portions 40a in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, one flange portion 40b is provided to extend upward from the upper wall portion 40a, and the other flange portion 40b is provided to extend downward from the lower wall portion 40a. The top plate portion 40c is provided to extend along the up-down direction Z and connects the inner ends of the pair of wall portions 40a in the width direction Y. The closure 42 is provided to extend along the up-down direction Z and connects the pair of flange portions 40b. The closure 42 is fixed to the pair of flange portions 40b by, for example, welding. In this embodiment, the closure 42 corresponds to the plate-shaped member, the wall portion 40a corresponds to the first plate-shaped portion, the pair of flange portions 40b and the closure 42 correspond to the second plate-shaped portion, and the top plate portion 40c corresponds to the third plate-shaped portion.

[0072] As in the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion (more specifically, the closure 42) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In addition, in this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the third plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In addition, the pair of first plate-shaped portions (wall portions 40a) are preferably located outward in the up-down direction Z than the first deforming member 122. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. More preferably, in this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the third plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) is greater than the length in the width direction Y of the first plate-shaped portion (wall portion 40a). In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the third plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deformable member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0073] In consideration of workability, it is preferable that the second deformable member 124 be composed of multiple members as shown in FIG. 11 , compared to when the second deformable member 124 is composed of a rectangular tube as shown in FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, for example, during the assembly process of the vehicle body 1, the hat-shaped member 40 can be assembled to the side sill inner panel 112, and the closure 42 can be assembled to the first deformable member 122. The closure 42 can then be fixed to the pair of flange portions 40b of the hat-shaped member 40, thereby easily assembling the first deformable member 122 and the second deformable member 124 to the side sill inner panel 112. While not described in detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the first deformable member 122 may be formed with an attachment portion 123d. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 123d is formed to extend upward or downward from the inner ends of the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b in the width direction Y. By fixing the attachment portions 123d and the closure 42 by welding or the like, the closure 42 can be easily assembled to the first deforming member 122. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 12 , the attachment portions 123d are formed to extend from the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b toward the inside of the first deforming member 122 in the up-down direction Z, but the attachment portions 123d may be formed to extend toward the outside of the first deforming member 122. In other words, each attachment portion 123d may be formed to extend from the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b in the opposite direction to the attachment portions 123d shown in Fig. 12 .

[0074] 11, the top plate portion 40c is formed in a flat plate shape, but as shown in Fig. 13, a concave bead 40d may be formed on the top plate portion 40c so as to extend in the front-rear direction X. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0075] 11 , the orientation in the width direction Y of the second deformable member 124 may be reversed. In this embodiment, the closure 42 corresponds to the plate-shaped member, the wall portion 40a corresponds to the first plate-shaped portion, the top plate portion 40c corresponds to the second plate-shaped portion, and the pair of flange portions 40b and the closure 42 correspond to the third plate-shaped portion. In this embodiment, the hat-shaped member 40 can be easily assembled to the first deformable member 122 by fixing the attachment portion 123d ( FIG. 12 ) of the first deformable member 122 to the top plate portion 40c by welding or the like, for example.

[0076] As in the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In addition, the pair of first plate-shaped portions (wall portions 40a) are preferably positioned outward in the up-down direction Z from the first deforming member 122. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. More preferably, in this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) is greater than the length in the width direction Y of the first plate-shaped portion (wall portions 40a). In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deformable member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0077] Although not shown, in the side member structure 100 shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the upper and lower ends of the closure 42 may be bent in the width direction Y. Specifically, for example, the upper end of the closure 42 may be bent inward in the width direction Y (toward the hat-shaped member 40) so as to pass above the upper flange portion 40 b, and the lower end of the closure 42 may be bent inward in the width direction Y (toward the hat-shaped member 40) so as to pass below the lower flange portion 40 b. In this case, the rigidity of the closure 42 can be improved, making the closure 42 less likely to deform during a collision, improving the collision characteristics and further suppressing deformation of the side sill inner 112. In the side member structure 100 shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the upper and lower ends of the closure 42 may be bent outward in the width direction Y (toward the opposite side from the hat-shaped member 40). In addition, in the side member structure 100 shown in Figure 14, the upper end of the closure 42 may be bent toward the outside in the width direction Y (toward the hat-shaped member 40) so as to pass above the upper flange portion 40b, and the lower end of the closure 42 may be bent toward the outside in the width direction Y (toward the hat-shaped member 40) so as to pass below the lower flange portion 40b.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 15 , the second deformable member 124 may have a pair of hat-shaped members 40 so as to have a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, a pair of flange portions 40b of one hat-shaped member 40 and a pair of flange portions 40b of the other hat-shaped member 40 are fixed to each other. In this embodiment, each wall portion 40a of the pair of hat-shaped members 40 corresponds to the first plate-shaped portion, the top plate portion 40c of the outer hat-shaped member 40 in the width direction Y corresponds to the second plate-shaped portion, and the top plate portion 40c of the inner hat-shaped member 40 in the width direction Y corresponds to the third plate-shaped portion. In this embodiment, too, one hat-shaped member 40 can be easily assembled to the first deformable member 122 by fixing the mounting portion 123d ( FIG. 12 ) of the first deformable member 122 to the top plate portion 40c of one hat-shaped member 40 by, for example, welding or the like.

[0079] As in the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion (the top plate portion 40c of the outer hat-shaped member 40 in the width direction Y) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, the length in the up-down direction Z of the third plate-shaped portion (the top plate portion 40c of the inner hat-shaped member 40 in the width direction Y) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, the pair of first plate-shaped portions (the pair of upper wall portions 40a and the pair of lower wall portions 40a) are preferably located outward in the up-down direction Z from the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 is preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. More preferably, in the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second plate-shaped portion is greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the third plate-shaped portion is more preferably greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member 124.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the second deforming member 124 has a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. However, the second deforming member 124 does not necessarily have to have a closed cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , a gap 124d extending in the front-rear direction X may be formed in the second plate-shaped portion 124b of the second deforming member 124. In these examples, the second plate-shaped portion 124b includes a first portion 1241b above the gap 124d and a second portion 1242b below the gap 124d. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the lower end of the first portion 1241b and the upper end of the second portion 1242b are each bent inward in the width direction Y. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , a gap 124e extending in the front-rear direction X may be formed in the third plate-shaped portion 124c of the second deforming member 124. In these examples, the third plate-shaped portion 124c includes a first portion 1241c above the gap 124e and a second portion 1242c below the gap 124e. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the lower end of the first portion 1241c and the upper end of the second portion 1242c are each bent outward in the width direction Y. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, as in the above-described embodiments, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a are preferably positioned outward in the up-down direction Z than the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0081] 20 , the second deforming member 124 does not necessarily have to include the third plate-shaped portion 124c. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, the pair of first plate-shaped portions 124a are preferably positioned further outward in the up-down direction Z than the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion 124b in the up-down direction Z is more preferably greater than the length of the first plate-shaped portion 124a in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion 124b in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0082] 21 , the second deforming member 124 may be formed of a hat-shaped member 40 and may not include a closure 42. In this embodiment, the wall portion 40a corresponds to the first plate-shaped portion, the top plate portion 40c corresponds to the second plate-shaped portion, and the pair of flange portions 40b correspond to the third plate-shaped portion. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the first deforming member 122 in the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, the pair of first plate-shaped portions (wall portions 40a) are preferably located outward in the up-down direction Z than the first deforming member 122. Furthermore, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second deforming member 124 in the up-down direction Z is preferably greater than the length of the second deforming member 124 (or the wall portions 40a) in the width direction Y. More preferably, in the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the first plate-shaped portion (wall portion 40a) in the width direction Y. In the present embodiment, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the length of the second plate-shaped portion (top plate portion 40c) in the up-down direction Z is greater than the length of the second deformable member 124 in the width direction Y.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion (first plate-shaped portion 124a or wall portion 40a) of the second deforming member 124 is formed in a flat plate shape. However, the shape of the first plate-shaped portion of the second deforming member 124 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the first plate-shaped portion of the second deforming member 124 may have bead-shaped irregularities or steps that extend in the front-rear direction X and are recessed or protruded in the up-down direction Z. In this case, when a side collision occurs and the second deforming member 124 is pushed by the first deforming member 122 and completely crushed, the second deforming member 124 is likely to deform so as to extend in the up-down direction Z starting from the bead-shaped irregularities or steps. As a result, the second deforming member 124 is likely to deform so as to enclose the inner end of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y.

[0084] The shape of the first deforming member 122 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 4, and various shapes of the first deforming member 122 can be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, a corrugated plate in which the connecting portion 123c is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the upper plate portion 123a and the lower plate portion 123b may be used as the first deforming member 122. In other words, the first deforming member 122 may have a shape with repeated concave and convex portions along the front-rear direction X, so as to form a rectangular wave when viewed from the width direction Y.

[0085] 23 , the first deforming member 122 may be a corrugated plate having a shape with repeated concave and convex portions along the front-rear direction X so as to form a sine wave when viewed from the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the bottoms of the concave portions (valley portions) and the apexes of the convex portions (mountain portions) of the first deforming member 122 having a sine wave shape when viewed from the width direction Y each become ridge portions 122a.

[0086] 24 , for example, a corrugated plate having a shape with repeated arc-shaped recesses and protrusions along the front-rear direction X when viewed from the width direction Y may be used as the first deforming member 122. In this embodiment as well, the bottoms of the recesses (valleys) and the apexes of the protrusions (mountains) of the first deforming member 122 each become ridges 122a. Although not shown in the drawings, the first deforming member 122 may also be a corrugated plate having a shape with repeated recesses and protrusions along the front-rear direction X so as to form another waveform such as a triangular wave or a sawtooth wave when viewed from the width direction Y.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the multiple first deforming members 122 are vertically spaced apart from one another. However, multiple first deforming members 122 arranged side by side in the vertical direction may be fixed to one another. For example, as shown in Figure 25, two first deforming members 122 arranged side by side in the vertical direction may be fixed to one another so as to form a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the two first deforming members 122 are fixed to one another in the vertical direction Z by a joining means such as welding or fastening members. In this embodiment, each first deforming member 122 has multiple upper plate portions 123a, multiple lower plate portions 123b, and multiple connecting portions 123c, similar to the first deforming member 122 shown in Figure 4. The boundary (bend) between the connecting portion 123c and the upper plate portion 123a and the boundary (bend) between the connecting portion 123c and the lower plate portion 123b each form a ridge portion 122a. Each of the first deforming members 122 may have a shape with repeated concaves and convexes along the front-rear direction X so as to form a waveform such as a rectangular wave when viewed from the width direction Y.

[0088] 26 , the first deforming member 122 may have a plurality of rectangular cylindrical tubular members 52 aligned in the front-rear direction X and each extending in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the four corners of each tubular member 52 form ridge portions 122a when viewed in the width direction Y. When the first deforming member 122 shown in FIG. 26 is used, the first deforming member 122 and the second deforming member 124 are provided such that the plurality of tubular members 52 are positioned more inward than both ends of the second deforming member 124 (see FIG. 4 ) in the front-rear direction X.

[0089] 27 , the first deforming member 122 may have a plurality of cylindrical tubular members 54 aligned in the front-rear direction X and each extending in the width direction Y. When the first deforming member 122 shown in FIG. 27 is used, the first deforming member 122 and the second deforming member 124 are provided such that the plurality of tubular members 54 are positioned inward of both ends of the second deforming member 124 (see FIG. 4 ) in the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, the vertices of each tubular member 54 in the up-down direction Z are defined as ridge portions 122a. In this embodiment, the upper and lower ends of each tubular member 54, as viewed from the width direction Y, are defined as ridge portions 122a.

[0090] The shape of the first deformable member is not limited to the above example, and various members capable of absorbing impact loads in the width direction Y can be used as the first deformable member. However, it is preferable that the side member structure has a specific area in the first deformable member where, when the first deformable member is cut along a first plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, multiple first cut surfaces extending linearly in the width direction are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The first plane and the specific area will be described in detail below.

[0091] The following describes a case where a specific range is defined for the first deforming member 122 shown in Fig. 4. First, as shown in Fig. 28, a cross section (second cross section) is identified by cutting the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y with a virtual plane 400 (second plane) perpendicular to the width direction Y. In this embodiment, a cross section 500 (second cross section) shown in Fig. 29 is identified. Note that in Fig. 28, the center of the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y is indicated by a dashed line. Also, in Fig. 29, only a portion of the cross section 500 of the first deforming member 122 is shown.

[0092] Next, a specific range is defined as shown in FIG. 29 . In this embodiment, the specific range is a range in the front-rear direction defined by six ridge lines 122 a aligned in the front-rear direction X on a cross section 500 of the first deforming member 122. In other words, the specific range is a range in the front-rear direction X from the front-end ridge line 122 a to the rear-end ridge line 122 a among the six ridge lines 122 a aligned in the front-rear direction X on the cross section 500 of the first deforming member 122. Note that although one specific range is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 29 , multiple specific ranges can be defined as long as the above requirements are met. For example, the range in the front-rear direction defined by the dashed straight line in FIG. 29 is also a specific range.

[0093] Next, a cut surface (first cut surface) is identified by cutting the first deforming member 122 along a virtual plane 402 (first plane) that passes through the center in the up-down direction within a specific range of the cut surface 500. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 30 , a plurality of cut surfaces 502 (first cut surfaces) are identified so as to extend linearly in the width direction Y and to be aligned in the front-rear direction X. Note that Fig. 30 shows only the cut surfaces 502 within the specific range among the plurality of cut surfaces 502.

[0094] In the present embodiment, in the side member structure 100, as described above, at least one specific range is provided in the first deforming member 122 in which a plurality of cut surfaces 502 extending linearly in the width direction Y are aligned in the front-rear direction X. This allows the first deforming member 122 to more reliably undergo bellows-like buckling deformation in the width direction Y when an impact load (impact energy) is input to the side member structure 100 from the outside in the width direction Y. As a result, the first deforming member 122 can sufficiently absorb the impact load. Note that it is preferable that the second plate-shaped portion of the second deforming member 124 faces the first deforming member 122 in the width direction Y at least in the specific range.

[0095] 31 , for example, when a through hole is formed in the center of the connecting portion 123 c, multiple cut surfaces 504 (second cut surfaces) can be obtained by cutting the center in the width direction Y of the first deforming member 122 with a virtual plane 400 (see FIG. 28 ) perpendicular to the width direction Y. In such a case, the plane 402 (first plane) for identifying the first cut surface passes through the center in the up-down direction Z of the specific range of the multiple second cut surfaces 504. Although detailed description will be omitted, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 , even when the first deforming member 122 is composed of multiple tubular members 52, 54, the specific range in the front-rear direction is defined by six ridge portions 122 a aligned in the front-rear direction X in one or multiple second cut surfaces of the first deforming member 122.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 (or the second plate-shaped portion) is greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member 122 throughout the entire area of ​​the first deforming member 122 in the front-rear direction X. However, in a partial area of ​​the first deforming member in the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 (preferably the second plate-shaped portion) may be greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member. For example, in the specific range described above, in which a plurality of first cross sections extending linearly in the width direction Y are aligned in the front-rear direction X, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member 124 (preferably the second plate-shaped portion) may be greater than the length in the up-down direction Z of the first deforming member. Furthermore, in the specific range described above, for example, the pair of first plate-shaped portions may be located outward in the up-down direction Z from the first deforming member. Furthermore, for example, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X in the specific range described above, the length in the up-down direction Z of the second deforming member may be greater than the length in the width direction Y of the second deforming member. Furthermore, for example, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X in the specific range, the length of the second plate-shaped portion in the up-down direction Z may be greater than the length of the first plate-shaped portion or the second deformable member in the width direction Y. Furthermore, for example, in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X in the specific range, the length of the third plate-shaped portion in the up-down direction Z may be greater than the length of the first plate-shaped portion or the second deformable member in the width direction Y.

[0097] According to the present invention, a vehicle body side member structure can be obtained that can further suppress deformation of the portion of the cylindrical body facing the vehicle interior.

[0098] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle body 10 Frame 20 Battery case 22 Battery pack 40 Hat-shaped member 42 Closure 100 Side member structure 110 Cylindrical body 112 Side sill inner 114 Side sill outer 120 Impact absorbing portion 122 First deformable member 122a Ridge line portion 124 Second deformable member 124a First plate-shaped portion 124b Second plate-shaped portion 124c Third plate-shaped portion 200 Cross member 300 Floor panel

Claims

1. A side member structure for a vehicle body, comprising: a cylindrical body extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body; and an impact absorbing section arranged inside the cylindrical body so as to extend in the fore-and-aft direction, wherein the impact absorbing section includes a first deforming member arranged to extend in the fore-and-aft direction, and a second deforming member arranged inside the first deforming member in the width direction of the vehicle body and extending in the fore-and-aft direction, wherein the second deforming member has a pair of first plate-like sections spaced apart in the up-and-down direction and facing each other in the up-and-down direction, and a second plate-like section extending along the up-and-down direction from the outer end of each of the first plate-like sections in the width direction so as to face the first deforming member in the width direction.

2. A vehicle body side member structure as described in claim 1, wherein the second deformable member further comprises a third plate-shaped portion extending along the vertical direction from the inner end in the width direction of each of the first plate-shaped portions.

3. A vehicle body side member structure according to claim 2, wherein the second deformable member has a closed cross-sectional shape so as to form a cavity extending in the longitudinal direction.

4. A vehicle body side member structure according to claim 3, wherein the second deformable member has a rectangular cylindrical shape.

5. A side member structure for a vehicle body as described in claim 3, wherein the second deformable member includes a plate-like member and a hat-shaped member provided inside the plate-like member in the width direction, the hat-shaped member having a pair of flange portions fixed to the plate-like member, the pair of first plate-like portions extending inward in the width direction from the pair of flange portions, and the third plate-like portion connecting the inner ends of the pair of first plate-like portions in the width direction, and the second plate-like portion includes the plate-like member and the pair of flange portions.

6. A side member structure for a vehicle body as described in claim 3, wherein the second deformable member includes a plate-shaped member and a hat-shaped member provided on the outside of the plate-shaped member in the width direction, the hat-shaped member having a pair of flange portions fixed to the plate-shaped member, the pair of first plate-shaped portions extending outward in the width direction from the pair of flange portions, and the second plate-shaped portion connecting the outer ends of the pair of first plate-shaped portions in the width direction, and the third plate-shaped portion includes the plate-shaped member and the pair of flange portions.

7. A vehicle body side member structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second deformable member is fixed to the first deformable member.

8. A vehicle body side member structure as described in claim 7, wherein the cylindrical body includes a side sill inner having a shape that opens outward in the width direction, and a side sill outer that is located outward of the side sill inner in the width direction and has a shape that opens inward in the width direction, and the second deformable member is fixed to the side sill inner.

9. A vehicle body side member structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first deformable member has a plurality of ridge portions aligned in the fore-and-aft direction and each extending in the width direction.

10. The vehicle body side member structure according to claim 9, wherein the first deformable member includes a corrugated plate.

11. A vehicle body side member structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first deformable member has a plurality of tubular members aligned in the fore-and-aft direction and each extending in the width direction.

12. A side member structure for a vehicle body according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of ridge portions of the first deformable member are positioned inward of both ends of the second deformable member in the longitudinal direction.

13. A side member structure for a vehicle body according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of tubular members of the first deformable member are positioned inward of both ends of the second deformable member in the longitudinal direction.

14. A vehicle body side member structure as described in claim 9, wherein, when the first deforming member is cut by a first plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, the first deforming member has a specific range formed so that multiple first cut surfaces extending linearly in the width direction are aligned in the fore-and-aft direction, the specific range being the fore-and-aft range defined by six ridge portions aligned in the fore-and-aft direction in one or more second cut surfaces of the first deforming member obtained by cutting the center of the first deforming member in the width direction by a second plane perpendicular to the width direction, and the first plane passes through the center of the up-and-down direction in the specific range of the one or more second cut surfaces.

15. A vehicle body side member structure according to claim 14, wherein, in the specified range, the vertical length of the second deformable member is greater than the vertical length of the first deformable member.

16. A side member structure for a vehicle body according to claim 14, wherein, in the specified range, the pair of first plate-shaped portions are positioned outward in the vertical direction from the first deformable member.

17. A vehicle body side member structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first deforming member has a first end face that is located outside the center of the first deforming member in the width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction and extends in the fore-and-aft direction, and a second end face that is located inside the center of the first deforming member in the width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction and extends in the fore-and-aft direction.

Images