A vehicle arrangement comprising a structure

Abstract

A vehicle arrangement (100; 300) comprising a structure (102) including first and second members (108, 112) forming a closed space (120). The structure (102) comprises a reinforcement member (122, 126) located in the closed space (120). 5 The reinforcement member (122) has three or more legs (130, 136, 137). Each one (130, 136, 137) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) is corrugated and comprises corrugations (150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159). The corrugations (150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159) of each one (130, 136, 137) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) comprise ridges (150, 153, 157) and grooves (152, 155, 159). Each one (150, 10 152) of the ridges and grooves (150, 152) of a first leg (130) extends from a first head section (148) to the foot (140) of the first leg (130). Each one (153, 155) of the ridges and grooves (153, 155) of a second leg (136) extends from the first head section (148) to a second head section (170). Each one (157, 159) of the ridges and grooves (157, 159) of the third leg (137) extends from the second head section (170) 15 to the foot (145) of the third leg (137).

Description

[0001] A VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A STRUCTURE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle arrangement comprising a structure having a longitudinal extension extending in a longitudinal direction. The structure comprises a first member, which has a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second member, which has a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction. The first and second members are attached to one another such that the first and second members form a closed space.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] In the design of a frame structure, or portion, of a motor vehicle, there is a compromise between weight and strength. For example, an advantageous manner of obtaining a good compromise is to produce a frame structure from one or more metal plates or metal alloy plates formed into a requested shape, e.g. a hat profile.

[0006] In general, a frame structure of a motor vehicle is formed to have a certain rigidity since it may receive various impacts from the outside. At the same time, some frame structures should allow deformation for absorbing impacts when receiving an overload, for example due to a collision with an external object, for example another vehicle or a stationary object, for example a tree etc. One example of a vehicle frame structure that should be allowed to deform for absorbing impacts while being rigid is the vehicle side sill structure, or the bumper or bumper beam.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional vehicle frame structures, for example as discussed above. For example, some conventional solutions do not provide a sufficient deformation for absorbing impacts while being sufficiently rigid.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions. The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle arrangement comprising a structure having a longitudinal extension extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the structure comprises a first member having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second member having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first member is configured to face an inside of a vehicle, wherein the second member is configured to face an outside of the vehicle, wherein the first and second members are attached to one another such that the first and second members form a closed space, wherein the structure comprises a reinforcement member located in the closed space, the reinforcement member having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the reinforcement member has three or more legs having a transverse extension extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein a first leg of the three or more legs has a foot having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first leg and a second leg of the three or more legs are joined in a first head section, wherein a third leg of the three or more legs has a foot having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second and third legs are joined in a second head section, wherein the first head section faces one of the first and second members while the second head section faces the other one of the first and second members, wherein the foot of the first leg and the second head section of the reinforcement member are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot of the first leg and at the second head section, wherein the foot of the third leg and the first head section of the reinforcement member are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot of the third leg and at the first head section, wherein each one of the three or more legs is corrugated and comprises corrugations, wherein the corrugations of each one of the three or more legs comprise ridges and grooves, wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of the first leg extends from the first head section to the foot of the first leg, wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of the second leg extends from the first head section to the second head section, and wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of the third leg extends from the second head section to the foot of the third leg.

[0011] The inventors of the present invention have found that the benefit of having three or more legs is that each leg absorbs energy in the event of crash and they work in parallel. If an additional leg is added, additional strength and energy absorption are added. The inventors of the present invention have found that when having a small, or tight, distance between every two legs, the legs will collide against each other upon a collision, whereby a so called “easy flat collapse” is efficiently avoided.

[0012] An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is that an advantageous deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is provided while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement in order to prevent penetration upon collisions, for example lateral or side collisions. An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is that the kinematic and load distribution of the vehicle arrangement can be efficiently controlled upon collisions, i.e. the way the vehicle arrangement deforms and / or collapses upon collisions can be efficiently controlled. An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is that the energy absorption by the vehicle arrangement upon collisions is improved, for example that the vehicle arrangement provides a high energy absorption upon a collision while still being sufficiently rigid and reinforced to prevent the intrusion of an external object into the car upon a collision.

[0013] An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is that the weight and cost of the vehicle arrangement can be reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is improved, for example because the vehicle arrangement can be deformed in a more controlled and more predicted manner and thus absorb energy from a collision in a more controlled and more predicted manner, while still having a low weight, whereby an improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0014] The vehicle arrangement may be a vehicle arrangement for a motor vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, with a combustion engine, an electric vehicle having one or more electric batteries or a hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a car or a truck. The vehicle arrangement may be configured to protect an electric battery of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example upon a collision. The vehicle arrangement may be located at one or more sides of an electric battery located in a vehicle. The vehicle arrangement is efficient in protecting the electric battery, the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle upon a collision.

[0015] An advantage of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is an improved deformation behaviour and reinforcement also when the floor of the vehicle and the electric battery cases, or enclosures, of the vehicle have less amount of cross-members, or cross-beams, which is a trend for platform designs of motor vehicles.

[0016] The vehicle arrangement is efficient as a protection with regard to pole collisions or crashes. The vehicle arrangement is efficient in preventing the intrusion of a pole into the car upon a pole collision, such as a side pole collision. Thus, the vehicle arrangement provides an efficient intrusion resistance, i.e. the vehicle arrangement is efficient in preventing the intrusion of an external object into the car upon a collision. This is an important aspect with regard to electric battery protection. A “closed space” mentioned above also includes spaces which are substantially or essentially closed. For example, there may one or more minor openings in the walls forming the closed space and / or at the ends of the structure of the vehicle arrangement.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the reinforcement member is formed from a single piece, such as a single piece of material. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the weight and cost of the vehicle arrangement can be further reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the reinforcement member is formed from a single plate made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the weight and cost of the vehicle arrangement can be further reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the reinforcement member is formed from a single piece, such as a single piece of material, by way of one of hot press forming and cold working. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the weight and cost of the vehicle arrangement can be further reduced while still maintaining or even improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement.

[0020] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each ridge of the first leg is aligned with one of the ridges of the second leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0021] According to still another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each ridge of the second leg is aligned with one of the ridges of the third leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each groove of the first leg is aligned with one of the grooves of the second leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each groove of the second leg is aligned with one of the grooves of the third leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the first head section is corrugated and comprises corrugations including ridges and grooves, wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of the first head section extends from the first leg to the second leg, and wherein each groove of the first head section is aligned with one of the grooves of the first leg and with one of the grooves of the second leg.

[0024] An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0025] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each ridge of the first head section is aligned with one of the ridges of the first leg and with one of the ridges of the second leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. According to still another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the second head section is corrugated and comprises corrugations including ridges and grooves, wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of the second head section extends from the second leg to the third leg, and wherein each groove of the second head section is aligned with one of the grooves of the second leg and with one of the grooves of the third leg.

[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each ridge of the second head section is aligned with one of the ridges of the second leg and with one of the ridges of the third leg. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the length of the transverse extension of one of the three or more legs is different from the length of the transverse extension of another one of the three or more legs. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation behaviour can be tailored for specific applications in an efficient manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the lengths of the transverse extensions of three or more of the three or more legs are different from one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation behaviour can be tailored for specific applications in an efficient manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0030] According to still another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the foot of the third leg and the first head section face one of the first and second members while the foot of the first leg and the second head section face the other one of the first and second members. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, one or more of the reinforcement member, first member and second member is / are made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, each one of the three or more legs has a first surface, wherein each one of the three or more legs has a second surface facing away from the first surface of the same leg, and wherein at the first surface, each one of one or more of the ridges of one of the three of more legs of has a recess at a first location.

[0032] An advantage of this embodiment is that the kinematic and load distribution of the vehicle structure can be efficiently controlled upon collisions, i.e. the way the vehicle structure deforms and / or collapses upon collisions can be efficiently controlled. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation behaviour can be tailored for specific applications in an efficient manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the recesses of said one leg at the first locations are in alignment with one another in the longitudinal direction. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control of the kinematic and load distribution of the vehicle structure upon collisions is further improved, i.e. the way the vehicle structure deforms and / or collapses upon collisions can be efficiently controlled in an improved manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0034] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, said one leg has one or more inclinations in one or more directions transverse to the longitudinal direction so as to form the recess at the first location. An advantage of this embodiment is that the control of the kinematic and load distribution of the vehicle structure upon collisions is further improved, i.e. the way the vehicle structure deforms and / or collapses upon collisions can be efficiently controlled in an improved manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation behaviour can be tailored for specific applications in a further improved manner. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0035] According to still another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, one or more of the feet of the first and third is curved to form a U-shape. An advantage of this embodiment is an improved positioning, fixation or attachment of the reinforcement member in the closed space. An advantage of this embodiment is that the deformation of the vehicle arrangement for absorbing impacts is further improved while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of the vehicle arrangement. An advantage of this embodiment is that the performance of the vehicle arrangement in collisions is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the reinforcement member has less than four legs. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the reinforcement member has four or more legs having a transverse extension extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein two legs of the four or more legs each has a foot having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein each leg of the four or more legs is joined to one or two other legs of the four or more legs in one or more head sections, wherein one or more head sections of a first group faces / face one of the first and second members while two or more head sections of a second group face the other one of the first and second members, wherein each one of the four or more legs is corrugated and comprises corrugations, wherein the corrugations of each one of the four or more legs comprise ridges and grooves, and wherein each one of the ridges and grooves of each leg of the four or more legs extends from one of the head sections to one of the feet and other head sections.

[0038] An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved vehicle arrangement is provided. Advantages mentioned above are further enhanced by this embodiment.

[0039] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect, the ridges and grooves of each one of the first and second legs of the reinforcement member form a smooth wave shape extending along the longitudinal extension of the reinforcement member in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle structure according to the first aspect, one or more of the first and second members is / are formed from a plate, formed from one or more plates by way of hot press forming, or formed from one or more plates by way of cold forming / working. This is an efficient way to produce the first and second members.

[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, one or more of the first and second members comprises / comprise one of the group of:

[0042] • a hat profile; and

[0043] • a U-profile.

[0044] This is an efficient way to produce the first and second members and provide the closed space. According still another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the vehicle arrangement is a vehicle side arrangement, wherein the structure is a side structure. The vehicle arrangement is suitable to be applied as a vehicle side arrangement of a vehicle, whereby the performance of a vehicle side arrangement in lateral or side collisions is improved. Thus, an improved vehicle side arrangement is provided. However, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle arrangement may be applied and mounted elsewhere to the vehicle, for example in the front of the vehicle, and may there be part of a bumper, in the rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere within the vehicle.

[0045] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the structure is a side sill structure, wherein the longitudinal extension of the side sill structure is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body of the vehicle and is configured to be provided at a side of the vehicle body. An advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous deformation of the vehicle arrangement having a side sill structure for absorbing impacts is provided while maintaining or improving the rigidity and reinforcement of a vehicle arrangement. The innovative reinforcement member is especially advantageous for a side sill structure of the vehicle arrangement, where impacts should be absorbed upon certain collisions. However, in alternative embodiments, instead of a side sill structure, the structure or the side structure may be a side beam structure, a bumper structure, or a beam structure configured to be located elsewhere in a vehicle.

[0046] According to still advantageous embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect, the side sill structure is configured to be attached to one or more cross beams of the vehicle body. Hereby, the rigidity of the vehicle arrangement may be further improved.

[0047] The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the vehicle arrangement may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments. Further advantageous embodiments of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and the detailed description of embodiments.

[0048] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049] The present invention will now be described, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a first embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0051] Figure 1 B is a schematic rear view of a first embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figure 1 A;

[0052] Figure 1 C is a schematic rear view of the vehicle arrangement of figure 1 B attached to floor beams and a floor of a vehicle;

[0053] Figures 2A-D are a schematic perspective views of a reinforcement member of a second embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0054] Figure 2E is a schematic perspective view a second embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figures 2A-D;

[0055] Figure 2F is a partly exploded view of the vehicle arrangement of figure 2E;

[0056] Figure 2G is a schematic rear view of the vehicle arrangement of figure 2E;

[0057] Figure 2H is a schematic rear view of the vehicle arrangement of figure 2E but with the reinforcement member arranged in an alternative way;

[0058] Figure 2I is a schematic side view of the reinforcement member of figures 2A-D;

[0059] Figure 2J is a schematic rear view of the vehicle arrangement of figure 2E but with the reinforcement member slightly modified;

[0060] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a third embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0061] Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the reinforcement member of figure 3A; Figure 3C is a schematic rear view of a third embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figures 3A-B and attached to floor beams and a floor of a vehicle;

[0062] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a fourth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0063] Figure 4B is a schematic rear view of a fourth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figure 4A and attached to floor beams and a floor of a vehicle;

[0064] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a fifth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0065] Figure 5B is a schematic rear view of a fifth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figure 5A and attached to floor beams and a floor of a vehicle;

[0066] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a sixth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0067] Figure 6B is a schematic rear view of a sixth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention including the reinforcement member of figure 6A and attached to floor beams and a floor of a vehicle;

[0068] Figure 7A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of a seventh embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0069] Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view of a reinforcement member of an eight embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0070] Figure 9A is a schematic rear view of a ninth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 10A is a schematic rear view of a tenth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0071] Detailed Description

[0072] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, a first embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 100 according to the first aspect of the invention and aspects of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement 100 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated.

[0073] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, the vehicle arrangement 100 includes a structure 102 having a longitudinal extension 104 extending in a longitudinal direction 106. The structure 102 includes a first member 108 having a longitudinal extension 1 10 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The structure 102 includes a second member 1 12 having a longitudinal extension 1 14 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The first member 108 is configured to face an inside 116 of a vehicle. The second member 112 is configured to face an outside 1 18 of the vehicle. The first and second members 108, 112 are attached to one another such that the first and second members 108, 1 12 form a closed space 120. Thus, when the vehicle arrangement 100 has been installed, the first member 108 may face the inside 1 16 of the vehicle while the second member 1 12 may face the outside 1 18 of the same vehicle.

[0074] A “closed space” 120 in the present disclosure also includes spaces which are substantially or essentially closed. For example, there may be one or more minor openings in the walls (and / or members 108, 1 12) forming the closed space 120 and / or at one or more ends of the structure 102 of the vehicle arrangement 100, but still the space 120 is to be considered to be closed. However, for some embodiments, said walls and / or the structure 102 may be without said minor openings. For example, the first and second members 108, 1 12 may be attached to one another by welding, such as laser welding, spot welding, or continuous welding, a mechanical locking structure, such as rivets, an adhesive, or any other suitable fastening means. With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, the structure 102 includes a reinforcement member 122 located in the closed space 102. The reinforcement member 122 has a longitudinal extension 124 (see figure 1 A) extending in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 may be directly or indirectly attached / attachable to one or more the first and second members 108, 1 12, for example by welding, such as laser welding, or spot welding, by a mechanical locking structure, such as rivets, an adhesive, by being clamped between first and second members 108, 1 12, or by any other suitable fastening means. However, for some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 may be directly or indirectly attached / attachable to one or more other members. For example, the reinforcement member 122 may be directly or indirectly attached / attachable to an additional member, and the additional member may in turn be directly or indirectly attached / attachable to one or more the first and second members 108, 1 12, or any other member. For some embodiments, the additional member may comprise a backet, a plate, a cover plate, or any other element or attachment. For some embodiments, the additional member may extend along the longitudinal extension 124, for example, along the entire longitudinal extension 124, of the reinforcement member 122. The attachments mentioned above may be made by welding, such as laser welding, or spot welding, an adhesive, or by any other suitable fastening means.

[0075] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, the reinforcement member 122 has, or comprises, three or more legs 130, 136, 137 each having a transverse extension 132, 138, 139 extending in a direction 134, 135, 141 transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. More specifically, the reinforcement member 122 of the embodiment of figure 1 A to 1 C has three legs 130, 136, 137. The reinforcement member 122 of the embodiment of figure 1 A to 1 C has less than four legs.

[0076] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, a first leg 130 of the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 has a foot 140 having a longitudinal extension 144 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The first leg 130 and a second leg 136 of the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 are joined in a first head section 148. A third leg 137 of the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 has a foot 145 having a longitudinal extension 147 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. The second and third legs 136, 137 are joined in a second head section 170. The first head section 148 faces one 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while the second head section 170 faces the other one 112 of the first and second members 108, 112. It is to be understood that the foot 140, 145 is located at an end of the respective leg 130, 137.

[0077] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, the foot 140 of the first leg 130 and the second head section 170 of the reinforcement member 122 are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot 140 of the first leg 130 and at the second head section 170. Thus, even though being possibly indirectly connected or indirectly joined to one another via the first and second legs 130, 136 and the first head section 148, the foot 140 of the first leg 130 and the second head section 170 are disconnected from one another at the foot 140 of the first leg 130 and at the second head section 170, irrespective of any optional connection or attachment of the foot 140 of the first leg 130 or of the second head section 170 to the first or second member 108, 112.

[0078] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, the foot 145 of the third leg 137 and the first head section 148 of the reinforcement member 122 are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot 145 of the third leg 137 and at the first head section 148. Thus, even though being possibly indirectly connected or indirectly joined to one another via the second and third legs 136, 137 and the second head section 170, the foot 145 of the third leg 137 and the first head section 148 are disconnected from one another at the foot 145 of the third leg 137 and at the first head section 148, irrespective of any optional connection or attachment of the foot 145 of the third leg 137 or of the first head section 148 to the first or second member 108, 1 12.

[0079] With reference to figures 1A and 1 C, each one 130, 136, 137 of the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 is corrugated and comprises corrugations 150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159. The corrugations 150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159 of each one 130, 136, 137 of the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 comprise ridges 150, 153, 157 and grooves 152, 155, 159. Each one 150, 152 of the ridges and grooves 150, 152 of the first leg 130 extends from the first head section 148 to the foot 140 of the first leg 130. Each one 153, 155 of the ridges and grooves 153, 155 of the second leg 136 extends from the first head section 148 to the second head section 170. Each one 157, 159 of the ridges and grooves 157, 159 of the third leg 137 extends from the second head section 170 to the foot 145 of the third leg 137.

[0080] With reference to figure 1 A, for some embodiments, each ridge 150 of the first leg 130 may be aligned with one 153 of the ridges 153 of the second leg 136. For some embodiments, each ridge 153 of the second leg 136 may be aligned with one 157 of the ridges 157 of the third leg 137. For some embodiments, each groove 152 of the first leg 130 may be aligned with one 155 of the grooves 155 of the second leg 136. For some embodiments, each groove 155 of the second leg 136 may be aligned with one 159 of the grooves 159 of the third leg 137. However, for other embodiments, the ridges of the legs may be in non-alignment with one another so as to produce a zigzag structure or appearance when viewing a head section 148, 170 from above.

[0081] With reference to the embodiment of figures 1 A to 1 C, the first and second head sections 148, 170 are flat when viewed in the longitudinal direction 106. However, for alternative embodiments, one or more of the first and second head sections 148, 170 may be corrugated and comprise corrugations including ridges and grooves.

[0082] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, for some embodiments, it may be defined that the foot 145 of the third leg 137 and the first head section 148 face one 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while the foot 140 of the first leg 130 and the second head section 170 face the other one 1 12 of the first and second members 108, 1 12.

[0083] With reference to figures 1 A to 1 C, for some embodiments, one or more of the feet 140, 145 of the first and third legs 130, 137 may be curved to form a U-shape 149. For some embodiments, upon collision and deformation, the foot 140 and / or the U- shape 149 prevents the reinforcement member 122 from sliding upwards.

[0084] In figure 1 C, it is illustrated how the structure 102 of the vehicle arrangement 100 is attached to one or more cross beams 10, or floor beams, of a vehicle body, for example two cross beams 10 of the vehicle body, and to a floor 12 of the vehicle body. It is also illustrated how the structure 102 of the vehicle arrangement 100 is arranged adjacent to, and external to, an outer electric battery frame 14 of the vehicle body, so as to protect the one or more electric batteries housed in the electric battery frame 14. For some embodiments, one or more of the reinforcement member 122, first and second members 108, 112 and cross beam 10 may be attached to the electric battery frame 14, for example by welding, such as laser welding, spot welding, or continuous welding, a mechanical locking structure, such as rivets, weld nuts, an adhesive, or any other suitable fastening means.

[0085] For the embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 1 A to 1 C, there is a gap 179 between one 170 of the first and second head sections 148, 170 and the adjacent member 1 12 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while there is a physical contact between another one 148 the first and second head sections 148, 170 and the adjacent member 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12. For the embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 3A to 3C, there is a gap 181 between one 140 of the feet 140, 145 and the adjacent member 1 12 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while there is a physical contact between another one 145 of the feet 140, 145 and the adjacent member 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12. However, it is to be understood that for other embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 may be arranged with other gaps and physical contacts with regard to the head sections 148, 170 and feet 140, 145 of the reinforcement member 122 and / or with no gaps and / or no physical contacts.

[0086] With reference to figure 1 B, for some embodiments, it may be defined that the three or more legs 130, 136, 137 are angled (form an angle) in relation to one another, i.e., are non-parallel to / with one another.

[0087] With reference to figures 2A to 2J, aspects of a second embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 200, which includes a structure 202 having a longitudinal extension 204 extending in a longitudinal direction 106, according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the second embodiment of figures 2A to 2J correspond to features of the first embodiments of figures 1 A to 1 C and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. With reference to figures 2A to 2J, the reinforcement member 222, which has a longitudinal extension 224 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, has four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 each having a transverse extension 232, 238, 239, 272 extending in a direction 234, 235, 241 , 273 transverse to the longitudinal direction 106. Two legs 230, 272 of the four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 each has a foot 240, 245 having a longitudinal extension 244, 275 extending in the longitudinal direction 106. Each leg 230, 236, 237, 271 of the four or more legs 230,

[0088] 236, 237, 271 is joined to one or two other legs of the four or more legs 230, 236,

[0089] 237, 271 in one or more head sections 248, 270, 276. One or more head sections 270 of a first group faces / face one 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while two or more head sections 248, 276 of a second group face the other one 112 of the first and second members 108, 1 12. Each one 230, 236, 237, 271 of the four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 is corrugated and comprises corrugations 250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278. The corrugations 250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278 of each one 230, 236, 237, 271 of the four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 comprise ridges 250, 253, 257, 277 and grooves 252, 255, 259, 278. Each one 250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278 of the ridges and grooves 250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278 of each leg 230, 236, 237, 271 of the four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 extends from one 248, 270, 276 of the head sections 248, 270, 276 to one 240, 245, 248, 270, 276 of the feet 240, 245 and other head sections 248, 270, 276.

[0090] Thus, the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J differs from the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 1 A to 1 C in that the reinforcement member 222 of the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J has an additional head section 276 and an additional corrugated leg 271 comprising corrugations. Further, the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J differs from the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 1 A to 1 C in that the reinforcement member 222 of the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J comprises an attachment tongue 274a adjoined to the foot 240 of one 230 of the four or more legs 230, 236, 237, 271 . The attachment tongue 274a may be clamped between the first and second members 108, 112 for attachment. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J may have features corresponding to features of the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 1 A to 1 C. For the embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G, there is a gap 279, 280 between one or more of the head sections 248, 270, 276 and the adjacent member 1 12 of the first and second members 108, 1 12 while there is a physical contact between another one or more of the head sections 248, 270, 276 and the adjacent member 108 of the first and second members 108, 1 12. For the embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J, there is a physical contact between one 245 of the feet 240, 245 and the adjacent member 108 of the first and second members 108, 112. However, it is to be understood that for other embodiments, the reinforcement member 222 may be arranged with other gaps and physical contacts with regard to the head sections 248, 270, 276 and feet 240, 245 of the reinforcement member 222 and / or with no gaps and / or no physical contacts.

[0091] With reference to figure 2G and 2H, for some embodiments, the length of the transverse extension 232, 238, 239 of one of the three, four or more legs 230, 236, 237 may be different, for example by at least 10 %, such as by at least 20 %, from the length of the transverse extension 232, 238, 239 of another one of the three, four or more legs 230, 236, 237.

[0092] With reference to figure 2H, a slightly modified vehicle arrangement 200 in relation to the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G is illustrated, where the reinforcement member 222 is arranged in an alternative way, more specifically without any gap between any head section 248, 270, 276 and the adjacent member 108, 1 12 of the first and second members 108, 1 12.

[0093] With reference to figure 2J, a slightly modified vehicle arrangement 200 in relation to the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G is illustrated, where the reinforcement member 222 is arranged in an alternative way. More specifically, the reinforcement member 222 in figure 2J is without the attachment tongue 274a disclosed above.

[0094] With reference to figures 3A to 3C, aspects of a third embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 300 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the third embodiment of figures 3A to 3C correspond to features of the first and second embodiments of figures 1 A to 2J and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 300 or structure 302 of figures 3A to 3C differs from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G in that a first head section 348 of the one or more head seconds 348, 370, 376 of the reinforcement member 322, which has a longitudinal extension 324 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, is corrugated and comprises corrugations 360, 362 including ridges 360 and grooves 362. Each one 360, 362 of the ridges and grooves 360, 362 of the first head section 348 extends from a first leg 330 to a second leg 336 of the legs 330, 336, 337, 371 . Each groove 362 of the first head section 348 is aligned with one of the grooves 352 of the first leg 330 and with one of the grooves 355 of the second leg 336. For some embodiments, each ridge 360 of the first head section 348 may be aligned with one of the ridges 350 of the first leg 330 and with one of the ridges 353 of the second leg 336.

[0095] The vehicle arrangement 300 of figures 3A to 3C may differ from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G in that a second head section 370 of the one or more head seconds 348, 370, 376 is corrugated and comprises corrugations 364, 366 including ridges 364 and grooves 366. Each one 364, 366 of the ridges and grooves 364, 366 of the second head section 370 extends from the second leg 336 to the third leg 337. Each groove 366 of the second head section 370 is aligned with one of the grooves 355 of the second leg 336 and with one of the grooves 359 of the third leg 337. For some embodiments, each ridge 364 of the second head section 370 may be aligned with one of the ridges 353 of the second leg 336 and with one of the ridges 357 of the third leg 337. However, for other embodiments, the ridges of the legs may be in non-alignment with one another, and / or the grooves of the legs may be in non-alignment with one another, so as to produce a zigzag structure or appearance when viewing a head section from above.

[0096] The vehicle arrangement 300 of figures 3A to 3C may differ from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G in that three or more head sections 248, 270, 276, or every head section 248, 270, 276, may be corrugated in a corresponding manner.

[0097] With reference to figures 4A and 4B, aspects of a fourth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 400 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the fourth embodiment of figures 4A and 4B correspond to features of the first and second embodiments of figures 1 A to 2J and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 400 or structure 402 of figures 4A and 4B differs from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G in that the reinforcement member 422 has an additional head section 483, thus four head sections 448, 470, 476, 483, and an additional corrugated leg 482 comprising corrugations, thus five corrugated legs 430, 436, 437, 471 , 482. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the reinforcement member 422 has five or more legs 430, 436, 437, 471 , 482.

[0098] Further, the vehicle arrangement 400 of figures 4A and 4B differs from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G in that the reinforcement member 422, which has a which has a longitudinal extension 424 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, of the vehicle arrangement 400 of figures 4A and 4B comprises an additional or second attachment tongue 474b adjoined to one 445 of the feet 440, 445, and / or to the foot 445 of one of the five legs 430, 436, 437, 471 , 482, and thus comprises two attachment tongues 474a, 474b. The second attachment tongue 474b may be clamped between the first and second members 108, 1 12 for attachment. Further, for some embodiments, the lengths of the transverse extensions 432, 438, 439 of three or more of the three, four, five or more legs 430, 436, 437, 471 , 482 may be different, for example by at least 10 %, such as by at least 20 %, from one another. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 400 of figures 4A and 4B may have features corresponding to features of the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2G.

[0099] With reference to figures 5A and 5B, aspects of a fifth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 500 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the fifth embodiment of figures 5A and 5B correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 500 or structure 502 of figures 5A and 5B differs from the vehicle arrangement 400 of figures 4A and 4B in that the reinforcement member 522, which has a which has a longitudinal extension 524 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, is arranged in a different manner between the first and second member 108, 1 12, in that lengths of the transverse extensions 532, 538, 539 of the legs 530, 536, 537, 571 , 582 are different, and in that the legs 530, 536, 537, 571 , 582 are differently angled in relation to one another. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 500 of figures 5A and 5B may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above.

[0100] With reference to figures 6A and 6B, aspects of a sixth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 600 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the sixth embodiment of figures 6A and 6B correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 600 or structure 602 of figures 6A and 6B differs from the vehicle arrangement 400 of figures 4A and 4B in that the reinforcement member 622, which has a which has a longitudinal extension 424 extending in the longitudinal direction 106, has an additional head section 685, thus five head sections 648, 670, 676, 683, 685, and an additional corrugated leg 684 comprising corrugations, thus six corrugated legs 630, 636, 637, 671 , 682, 684. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the reinforcement member 622 has six or more legs 630, 636, 637, 671 , 682, 684. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 600 of figures 6A and 6B may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above.

[0101] With reference to figure 7A, aspects of a seventh embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 700 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the seventh embodiment of figure 7A correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 700 of figure 7A differs from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J in that the reinforcement member 422 in that the reinforcement member 722 has a flat section 786 having flat legs without any corrugations. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 700 of figure 7A may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above.

[0102] With reference to figure 8A, aspects of an eight embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 800 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the eight embodiment of figure 8A correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 800 of figure 8A differs from the vehicle arrangement 700 of figures 7A in that the flat section 886, which has flat legs without any corrugations, is curved. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 800 of figure 8A may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above.

[0103] With reference to figure 9A, aspects of a ninth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 900 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the ninth embodiment of figure 9A correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. The vehicle arrangement 900 or structure 902 of figure 9A differs from the vehicle arrangement 200 of figures 2A to 2J in that one or more head sections 948 of the reinforcement member 922 may include one or more reinforcement structures 987a, 987b having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction 106 so as to reinforce the head section 948, 976. For some embodiments, the reinforcement structure 987a may include one or more patches 988 having a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the head section 948 has an outer surface 989 and that the head section 948 has an inner surface 990 facing inner surfaces of two legs 930, 936 of the reinforcement member 922. For some embodiments, the one or more patches 988 may be attached to the inner surface 990 of the head section 948. However, for other embodiments, the patch may be attached to the outer surface 989 of the head section 948. For some embodiments, the one or more patches 988 may be attached to the head section 948 by being stamped or press- formed together. For some embodiments, the one or more patches 988 may be made of a material different from the material of the legs 930, 936, 937, 971 and of the head sections 928, 976 of the reinforcement member 922.

[0104] With reference to figure 9A, for example, the material of the one or more patches 988 may be thicker than the material of the legs 930, 936, 937, 971 and of head sections 948, 976. For example, the mechanical strength of the material of the one or more patches 988 may be above 1500 MPa. For example, the mechanical strength of the material of the one or more patches 988 may be approx. 1500 MPa, or approx. 2000 MPa. For example, the mechanical strength of the material of the legs 930, 936, 937, 971 and of the head sections 948, 976 of the reinforcement member 922 may be below 1000 MPa. One or more of said materials may be a ductile material. For example, one or more of said materials may comprise Ductibor 1000, or Ductibor 500. However, other materials are possible.

[0105] Further, with reference to figure 9A, for some embodiments, two legs 937, 971 of the reinforcement member 122 overlap one another in a head section 976 so as to form one of the one or more reinforcement structures 987b. Thus, the reinforcement structure 987b does not include any patch. However, for other embodiments, the reinforcement structure may include both overlapping legs and one or more patches. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 900 of figure 9A may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above.

[0106] With reference to figure 10A, aspects of a tenth embodiment of the vehicle arrangement 1000 according to the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. Several features of the tenth embodiment of figure 10A correspond to features of embodiments disclosed above and are thus not repeated here to avoid repetition. It may be defined that each one 1030, 1036, 1037 of the three or more legs 1030, 1036, 1037 has a first surface 1068. It may be defined that each one 1030, 1036, 1037 of the three or more legs 1030, 1036, 1037 has a second surface 1069 facing away from the first surface 1068 of the same leg 1030, 1036, 1037. The vehicle arrangement 1000 or structure 1002 of figure 10A differs from the vehicle arrangement 100 of figures 1 A to 1 C in that at the first surface 1068, each one 1050 of one or more of the ridges 1050 of one 1037 of the three of more legs 1030, 1036, 1037 has a recess 1090 at a first location 1091. For some embodiments, the recesses 1090 of said one leg 1037 at the first locations 1091 may be in alignment with one another in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, said one leg 1037 may have one or more inclinations 1092 in one or more directions 1093 transverse to the longitudinal direction 106 so as to form the recess 1090 at the first location 1091. Otherwise, the vehicle arrangement 1000 of figure 10A may have features corresponding to features of embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above. For additional embodiments, one or more of the feet of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may adjoin a foot of an additional leg of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 and thus adjoin the additional leg in an additional head section. For additional embodiments, a foot of said additional leg may in turn adjoin a foot of another additional leg, and so on, forming a reinforcement member with more legs and head sections. For additional embodiments, one or more of the feet of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may adjoin another member of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022.

[0107] With reference to figures 1 A to 10A, for some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be attached to one or more of the first and second members 108, 112 in various ways, for example via one or more of the head sections and feet. For example, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be directly or indirectly (such as via one or more intermediate elements or means) attached to one or more of the first and second members 108, 1 12 by way of welding or one or more welds, one or more rivets or screws, an adhesive substance, such as glue, and / or an adhesive tape or foam. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be attached by being clamped between the first and second members 108, 112. However, other means of attachment are possible. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be fixed through contact, or fitting, with one or more of the first and second members 108, 112 without any additional means of attachment, such as by way of the foot 140 and U-shape 149 of the embodiment of figures 1A to 1 C. For example, at one or more gaps 179, 181 , 279, 280, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be attached to one or more of the first and second members 108, 1 12 via an adhesive substance, such as glue, or an adhesive tape or foam. In general, a gap 179, 181 , 279, 280 not filled with any means of attachment will be closed upon a collision.

[0108] For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may comprise one or more end lugs at one or more ends of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 for the attachment of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 to one or more of the first and second members 108, 1 12, for example by way of any one of the means of attachment mentioned above. For some embodiments, the length of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 and / or of the structure 102 to 1002 may be in the range of 1 to 2 metres. However, other lengths are possible. For some embodiments, two or more reinforcement members 122 to 1022 may be positioned one after another in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, one or more legs of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be bent or curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction 106 so as to further tailor the deformation behaviour of the structure 102 to 1002.

[0109] With reference to figures 1 A to 10A, for some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be formed, such as stamped from a single piece, for example, a single blank, such as a single piece of material. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be formed, such as stamped from a single plate, for example, a single blank, made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be formed from a single piece, for example, a single blank, such as a single piece of material, by way of one of hot press forming and cold working.

[0110] With reference to figures 1 A to 10A, for some embodiments, one or more of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022, first member 108 and second member 1 12 may be made of a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example aluminium, or steel, or a material including aluminium or steel. However, other materials are possible.

[0111] With reference to figures 1 A to 10A, for some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be formed from one or more plates, formed from one or more plates by way of hot press forming, formed from one or more plates by way of cold forming / working, hydroformed, or extruded. For some embodiments, the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be made of a material comprising or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite, such as a fibre reinforced polymer, for example a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). However, other materials are possible. One or more of the first and second members 108, 1 12 may be formed from a plate, formed from one or more plates by way of hot press forming, or formed from one or more plates by way of cold forming / working. For some embodiments, one or more of the first and second members 108, 1 12 may comprise one of the group of: a hat profile; and a U-profile. With reference to figures 1 A to 10A, for some embodiments, the ridges and grooves of each one of the first and second legs of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may be described, or defined, to form a smooth wave shape extending along the longitudinal extension of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 in the longitudinal direction 106. For some embodiments, the ridges and grooves of the respective leg of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may form said leg of the reinforcement member 122 to 10222. However, for alternative embodiments, one or more of legs of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 may include one or more sections without any ridges and grooves, such as one or more flat longitudinal sections or regions, for example as illustrated in figures 7A and 8A.

[0112] For some embodiments, the following types of material may be used for one or more of the reinforcement member 122 to 1022 and first and second members 108, 1 12, or for any other element or member included in the vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000:

[0113] There are several known Ultra High Strength steels (UHSS) for hot stamping and hardening. The blank may be made e.g. of a boron steel, coated or uncoated, such as Usibor® (22MnB5) commercially available from ArcelorMittal.

[0114] Usibor® 1500P is an example of a 22MnB5 steel. The composition of Usibor® is summarized below in weight percentages (rest is iron (Fe) and unavoidable impurities):

[0115] Maximum carbon (C) (%): 0.25

[0116] Maximum silicon (Si) (%): 0.4

[0117] Maximum manganese (Mn) (%): 1.4 Maximum phosphorus (P) (%): 0.03 Maximum sulphur (S) (%): 0.01 Aluminium (Al) (%): 0.01 - 0.1 Maximum titanium (Ti) (%): 0.05 Maximum niobium (Nb) (%): 0.01 Maximum copper (Cu) (%): 0.20 Maximum boron (B) (%): 0.005

[0118] Maximum chromium (Cr) (%): 0.35

[0119] Usibor® 1500P may have a yield strength of e.g. 1 100 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strength of 1500 MPa.

[0120] Usibor® 2000 is another boron steel with even higher strength. The yield strength of Usibor® 2000 may be 1400 MPa or more, and the ultimate tensile strength may be above 1800 MPa. The composition of Usibor® 2000 is summarized below in weight percentages (rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):

[0121] Maximum carbon (C) (%): 0.36 Maximum silicon (Si) (%): 0.8 Maximum manganese (Mn) (%): 0.8 Maximum phosphorus (P) (%): 0.03 Maximum sulphur (S) (%): 0.01 Aluminium (Al) (%): 0.01 - 0.06 Maximum titanium (Ti) (%): 0.07 Maximum niobium (Nb) (%): 0.07 Maximum copper (Cu) (%): 0.20 Maximum boron (B) (%): 0.005 Maximum chromium (Cr) (%): 0.50 Maximum molybdenum (Mb) (%): 0.50

[0122] In addition to the Ultra High Strength Steels mentioned before, more ductile steels may also be used in parts of the structural skeleton requiring energy absorption. These steels may be used in hot stamping processes but will not obtain a martensitic microstructure in the process. Examples of suitable, more ductile steels include Ductibor® 500, Ductibor® 1000 and CRL-340LA.

[0123] Another material used in hot stamping is Ductibor® 500. Ductibor® 500 is a steel material with much higher ductility and these can be effective for absorbing energy during an impact. The yield strength of Ductibor® 500 may be 400 MPa or more, and the ultimate tensile strength of 550 MPa or more. The composition of Ductibor® 500 is summarized below in weight percentages (rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):

[0124] Maximum carbon (C) (%): 0.1 Maximum silicon (Si) (%): 0.5 Maximum manganese (Mn) (%): 1.7 Maximum phosphorus (P) (%): 0.03 Maximum sulphur (S) (%): 0.025 Aluminium (Al) (%): 0.015 - 0.2 Maximum titanium (Ti) (%): 0.09 Maximum niobium (Nb) (%): 0.10 Maximum copper (Cu) (%): 0.20 Maximum boron (B) (%): 0.001 Maximum chromium (Cr) (%): 0.20

[0125] Ductibor® 1000 is another material used in hot stamping for increasing the elongation if compared to Usibor® 1500 and Usibor® 2000. The yield strength of Ductibor® 1000 may be 800 MPa or more, and the ultimate tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more. The composition of Ductibor® 1000 is summarized below in weight percentages (rest is iron (Fe) and impurities):

[0126] Maximum carbon (C) (%): 0.10

[0127] Maximum silicon (Si) (%): 0.6

[0128] Maximum manganese (Mn) (%): 1.8 Maximum phosphorus (P) (%): 0.03 Maximum sulphur (S) (%): 0.01 Aluminium (Al) (%): 0.01 - 0.1 Maximum titanium (Ti) (%): 0.05 Maximum niobium (Nb) (%): 0.10 Maximum copper (Cu) (%): 0.20 Maximum boron (B) (%): 0.005 Maximum chromium (Cr) (%): 0.20 Each of the vehicle arrangements 100 to 1000 described above may be a vehicle side arrangement, and the respective structure 102 to 1002 may be a side structure. However, the vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 may be applied and mounted elsewhere to the vehicle, for example in the front of the vehicle, and may there be part of a bumper, in the rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere within the vehicle. The vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 may for example be used in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, but of course also in a regular vehicle with a combustion engine only. The vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 may be configured to protect one or more electric batteries of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example upon a collision. Thus, the vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 may be located at one or more sides of the electric battery. The vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 is efficient in protecting the driver and / or one or more passengers of the vehicle upon a collision. The vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 is efficient as a protection with regard to pole collisions or crashes. The vehicle arrangement 100 to 1000 is efficient in preventing the intrusion of a pole into the car upon a pole collision.

[0129] For some embodiments, the structure 102 to 1002 is a side sill structure, wherein the longitudinal extension of the side sill structure 102 to 1002 is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction 106 of a vehicle body of the vehicle and is configured to be provided at a side of the vehicle body. For some embodiments, the side sill structure 102 to 1002 may be configured to be attached, or be attachable, to one or more cross beams 10 of the vehicle body, for example two cross beams 10 of the vehicle body. However, in alternative embodiments, instead of a side sill structure, the structure or the side structure may be a side beam structure, a bumper structure, or a beam or sill structure configured to be located elsewhere in a vehicle.

[0130] The features of the different embodiments of the vehicle arrangement disclosed above may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the appended independent claim.

Claims

34CLAIMS1 . A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) comprising a structure (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) having a longitudinal extension (104) extending in a longitudinal direction (106), wherein the structure (102) comprises a first member (108) having a longitudinal extension (1 10) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), and a second member (1 12) having a longitudinal extension (1 14) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the first member (108) is configured to face an inside (116) of a vehicle, wherein the second member (1 12) is configured to face an outside (1 18) of the vehicle, wherein the first and second members (108, 1 12) are attached to one another such that the first and second members (108, 1 13) form a closed space (120), wherein the structure (102) comprises a reinforcement member (122) located in the closed space (120), the reinforcement member (122) having a longitudinal extension (124) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the reinforcement member (122) has three or more legs (130, 136, 137) having a transverse extension (132, 138, 139) extending in a direction (134, 135, 141 ) transverse to the longitudinal direction (106), wherein a first leg (130) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) has a foot (140) having a longitudinal extension (144) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the first leg (130) and a second leg (136) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) are joined in a first head section (148), wherein a third leg (137) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) has a foot (145) having a longitudinal extension (147) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), wherein the second and third legs (136, 137) are joined in a second head section (170),35 wherein the first head section (148) faces one (108, 112) of the first and second members (108, 1 12) while the second head section (170) faces the other one (108, 1 12) of the first and second members (108, 1 12), wherein the foot (140) of the first leg (130) and the second head section (170) of the reinforcement member (122) are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot (140) of the first leg (130) and at the second head section (170), wherein the foot (145) of the third leg (137) and the first head section (148) of the reinforcement member (122) are spaced apart from one another and disconnected from one another at the foot (145) of the third leg (137) and at the first head section (148), wherein each one (130, 136, 137) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) is corrugated and comprises corrugations (150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159), wherein the corrugations (150, 152, 153, 155, 157, 159) of each one (130, 136, 137) of the three or more legs (130, 136, 137) comprise ridges (150, 153, 157) and grooves (152, 155, 159), wherein each one (150, 152) of the ridges and grooves (150, 152) of the first leg (130) extends from the first head section (148) to the foot (140) of the first leg (130), wherein each one (153, 155) of the ridges and grooves (153, 155) of the second leg (136) extends from the first head section (148) to the second head section (170), and wherein each one (157, 159) of the ridges and grooves (157, 159) of the third leg (137) extends from the second head section (170) to the foot (145) of the third leg (137).

2. A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member (122) is formed from a single piece.

3. A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcement member (122) is formed from a single piece by way of one of hot press forming and cold working.

4. A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein each ridge (150) of the first leg (130) is aligned with one of the ridges (153) of the second leg (136).

5. A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein each ridge (153) of the second leg (136) is aligned with one of the ridges (157) of the third leg (137).

6. A vehicle arrangement (300) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first head section (348) is corrugated and comprises corrugations (360, 362) including ridges (360) and grooves (362), wherein each one (360, 362) of the ridges and grooves (360, 362) of the first head section (348) extends from the first leg (330) to the second leg (336), and wherein each groove (362) of the first head section (348) is aligned with one of the grooves (352) of the first leg (330) and with one of the grooves (355) of the second leg (336).

7. A vehicle arrangement (300) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the second head section (370) is corrugated and comprises corrugations (364, 366) including ridges (364) and grooves (366), wherein each one (364, 366) of the ridges and grooves (364, 366) of the second head section (370) extends from the second leg (336) to the third leg (337), and wherein each groove (366) of the second head section (370) is aligned with one of the grooves (355) of the second leg (336) and with one of the grooves (359) of the third leg (337).

8. A vehicle arrangement (200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the transverse extension (232, 238, 239) of one of the three or more legs (230, 236, 237) is different from the length of the transverse extension (232, 238, 239) of another one of the three or more legs (230, 236, 237).

9. A vehicle arrangement (400) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the lengths of the transverse extensions (432, 438, 439) of three or more of the three or more legs (430, 436, 437) are different from one another.

10. A vehicle arrangement (100 to 1000) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the foot (145) of the third leg (137) and the first head section (148) face one (108, 1 12) of the first and second members (108, 1 12) while the foot (140) of the first leg (130) and the second head section (170) face the other one (108, 1 12) of the first and second members (108, 112).1 1. A vehicle arrangement (1000) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein each one (1030, 1036, 1037) of the three or more legs (1030, 1036, 1037) has a first surface (1068), wherein each one (1030, 1036, 1037) of the three or more legs (1030, 1036, 1037) has a second surface (1069) facing away from the first surface (1068) of the same leg (1030, 1036, 1037), and wherein at the first surface (1068), each one (1050) of one or more of the ridges (1050) of one (1037) of the three or more legs (1030, 1036, 1037) has a recess (1090) at a first location (1091 ).

12. A vehicle arrangement (1000) according to claim 1 1 , wherein the recesses (1090) of said one leg (1037) at the first locations (1091 ) are in alignment with one another in the longitudinal direction (106).

13. A vehicle arrangement (1000) according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein said one leg (1037) has one or more inclinations (1092) in one or more directions (1093) transverse to the longitudinal direction (106) so as to form the recess (1090) at the first location (1091 ).

14. A vehicle arrangement (100; 1000) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein one (140) or more of the feet (140, 145) of the first and third legs (130, 137) is curved to form a U-shape (149).3815. A vehicle arrangement (200 to 900) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the reinforcement member (222) has four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) having a transverse extension (232, 238, 239, 272) extending in a direction (234, 235, 241 , 273) transverse to the longitudinal direction (106), wherein two legs (230, 272) of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) each has a foot (240, 245) having a longitudinal extension (244, 275) extending in the longitudinal direction (106), wherein each leg (230, 236, 237, 271 ) of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) is joined to one or two other legs of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) in one or more head sections (248, 270, 276), wherein one or more head sections (270) of a first group faces / face one (108) of the first and second members (108, 1 12) while two or more head sections (248, 276) of a second group face the other one (1 12) of the first and second members (108, 1 12), wherein each one (230, 236, 237, 271 ) of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) is corrugated and comprises corrugations (250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278), wherein the corrugations (250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278) of each one (230, 236, 237, 271 ) of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) comprise ridges (250, 253, 257, 277) and grooves (252, 255, 259, 278), and wherein each one (250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278) of the ridges and grooves (250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 277, 278) of each leg (230, 236, 237, 271 ) of the four or more legs (230, 236, 237, 271 ) extends from one (248, 270, 276) of the head sections (248, 270, 276) to one (240, 245, 248, 270, 276) of the feet (240, 245) and other head sections (248, 270, 276).

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