JP2020111145A - Vehicle side sill and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicle side sill that can effectively absorb an impact energy at the time of a side collision and a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: A side sill 1 includes: a side sill inner panel 10 and a side sill outer panel 20 each made of a steel plate; a connection member 30; and a reinforcement member 40. The reinforcement member 40 includes an outer end portion connected to the side sill outer panel 20 and an inner end portion located adjacent to or connected to the side sill inner panel 10. When a load directed inward in a vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer panel 10, the reinforcement member is broken by the load to absorb energy. The connection member 30 is connected by spot welding to an inner upper flange portion 11 and an outer upper flange portion 21, as well as, to an inner lower flange portion 12 and an outer lower flange portion 22, so as to connect upper and lower portions of the side sill inner panel 10 and the side sill outer panel 20. At least a portion of the reinforcement member 40 is formed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded material having a closed cross-sectional structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a side sill for a vehicle, which is a member constituting a lower portion of a vehicle body of a vehicle such as an automobile, and extends in the front-rear direction on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a method for manufacturing the same.

A vehicle body of a vehicle such as an automobile generally includes a member that constitutes a lower portion thereof, that is, a so-called side sill (or rocker). The side sills are arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction and extend in the front-rear direction below the side doors.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes the following side sill. That is, the side sill described in Patent Document 1 includes an outer panel and an inner panel joined to each other, an intermediate rib panel sandwiched between them, and a reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow frame member protruding from the intermediate rib panel toward the outer panel. And, A large gap is provided between the top of the protruding portion of the reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow profile and the back surface of the outer panel, specifically, 1/2 of the dimension of the reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow profile along the vehicle width direction. A gap having the above dimensions is formed. On the other hand, the intermediate rib panel and the back surface of the inner panel directly face each other with a gap.

JP, 2006-264476, A

In addition to the rigidity and strength required for a vehicle frame, a side sill for a vehicle is required to have a high impact absorbing performance at the time of a side collision. That is, when there is a side collision with the vehicle body, that is, a side collision, it is desired that the impact energy is effectively absorbed by the deformation of the side sill, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes that the impact energy in the case of a side collision is absorbed by the reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow profile, but the energy absorbed by this is limited, A more effective side impact energy absorption is a challenge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle side sill capable of effectively absorbing impact energy at the time of a side collision and a method for manufacturing the same.

What is provided is a side sill for a vehicle that extends in the front-rear direction and constitutes a lower portion of the vehicle body at an outer portion in the vehicle width direction that is the width direction of the vehicle body. An inner lower flange portion extending in the front-rear direction below the inner upper flange portion and an inner protruding wall portion, the inner protruding wall portion connecting the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion, and the inner upper flange portion. Portion and the inner lower flange portion, the side sill inner made of a steel plate that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion that face the inner upper flange portion in the vehicle width direction. With respect to the vehicle width direction having an outer lower flange portion and an outer protruding wall portion, the outer protruding wall portion connecting the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, and the outer upper flange portion and A side sill outer made of a steel plate protruding outward from the outer lower flange portion in the vehicle width direction, the side sill inner and the outer protruding wall portion and the inner protruding wall portion by facing in the vehicle width direction. A side sill outer forming an internal space therebetween, an outer end in the vehicle width direction that is connected to the outer protruding wall portion of the side sill outer, and an inner end in the vehicle width direction, The side sill inner has an inner end portion that is close to or connected to the inner protruding wall portion, and the side sill outer is crushed when a load is applied to the side sill outer inward in the vehicle width direction. A reinforcing member provided in the internal space so as to absorb energy, and the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion to connect the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion in the vertical direction. And a connection member arranged in the internal space. The connecting member is an upper connecting portion made of a steel plate sandwiched between the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and spot-welded to the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion, respectively, and the inner lower flange portion. Portion and the outer lower flange portion and sandwiched between the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion by spot welding, respectively, and a lower connecting portion made of steel plate, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are mutually connected. And an intermediate connecting portion that has a closed section structure, and at least a part of the reinforcing member is made of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a closed cross-section structure.

Here, "the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction is connected to the outer protruding wall portion of the side sill outer" and "the inner end portion in the vehicle width direction is connected to the inner protruding wall portion of the side sill inner. The term “to be connected” does not mean that it is directly connected, but includes that it is indirectly connected by, for example, an adhesive.

In the side sill, the reinforcing member efficiently transmits the collision energy from the side sill outer to the side sill inner while absorbing the collision energy at the time of a side collision by collapsing itself. As a result, the energy at the time of a side collision is effectively absorbed.

The inner protruding wall portion and the outer protruding wall portion approach each other in the vehicle width direction while the reinforcing member is being crushed, and accordingly, the inner upper flange portion, the outer upper flange portion, the inner lower flange portion, and the outer lower flange. The parts try to displace in the direction in which they are separated from each other in the vertical direction, but the connecting member that connects the inner upper flange part and the outer upper flange part to the inner lower flange part and the outer lower flange part mutually displaces the displacement. Suppress. This suppresses the cross-sectional collapse of the reinforcing member due to the large separation of the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion from the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, thereby reducing the crush strength. Suppress effectively.

Further, since the side sill outer, the side sill inner, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion of the connecting member are all made of steel plate, the side sill outer and the side sill inner are spot-welded, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion of the connecting member. Can be easily joined. Further, the side sill inner made of a steel plate can be easily attached to an appropriate portion made of a steel plate in a vehicle body, for example, a floor panel by spot welding.

Further, since the side sill outer and the side sill inner constituting the outer wall of the side sill are made of steel plates having a high elastic modulus, the rigidity of the entire side sill can be efficiently increased, while at least one of the reinforcing members provided inside Since the part is made of an extruded profile made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, it is possible to realize a lightweight side sill having excellent energy absorption characteristics.

As a preferred first aspect of the side sill, the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member projects from the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion toward the inner protruding wall portion and is close to or connected to the inner protruding wall portion. It may also include an intermediate protruding wall portion that constitutes a part of the reinforcing member by being formed. In this way, the intermediate projecting wall portion forming a part of the connecting member also serves as a part of the reinforcing member, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the entire side sill.

The upper connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion, and the lower connecting portion are preferably made of a single steel plate. This enables the number of parts of the entire side sill to be reduced and the structure to be simplified, and the connection member itself to have high rigidity.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing connection portion that connects an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion to each other in a vertical direction. The reinforcing connection portion more effectively suppresses the upper and lower ends of the intermediate protruding wall portion from being separated from each other in the vertical direction at the time of a side collision, thereby reducing the rigidity of the entire side sill and the reinforcing member. Effectively suppresses the decrease in the crushing strength of.

It is more preferable that the reinforcing connection portion has a shape that extends linearly in the vertical direction in a cross section along the vehicle width direction. Such a shape enables the reinforcing connection portion to more reliably exert the effect of suppressing the vertical separation between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion.

On the other hand, it is preferable that a portion of the reinforcing member located outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction is formed of the extruded shape member having the closed cross-section structure. This enables the collision energy at the time of side collision to be directly transmitted to the extruded profile having the closed cross-section structure, whereby the extruded profile increases the collision energy at the side impact at the initial stage. Allows to be absorbed. Therefore, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy is further improved.

The intermediate protruding wall portion of the connecting member and the extruded shape member of the reinforcing member are arranged such that the intermediate protruding wall portion and at least a part of the extruded shape member vertically overlap each other when viewed in the vehicle width direction. Is preferably provided. This arrangement allows the collision energy at the time of a side collision to be more efficiently transmitted from the side sill outer to the side sill inner, thereby further improving the energy absorption characteristics.

As a preferable second aspect of the side sill, the connection member is configured by a plate-shaped member including the upper connection portion, the intermediate connection portion, and the lower connection portion, preferably a plate-shaped member. Is good. Since the connecting member is composed of the flat plate-like member, it is possible to effectively suppress the deformation of the side sill that extends in the vertical direction at the time of a side collision and further improve the absorption energy of the collision energy at the time of the side collision. You can

In the second aspect, the reinforcing member includes an outer reinforcing member and an inner reinforcing member that are members independent of each other, and the outer reinforcing member is positioned outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction, It is preferable that the fixing member is fixed to the connecting member, and the inner reinforcing member is positioned inside the vehicle width direction with respect to the connecting member and fixed to the connecting member.

It is preferable that each of the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member is made of an extruded shape member having the closed cross-section structure. In this way, the closed cross-section structure is formed on both the inner side and the outer side of the connection member so that the energy absorption amount due to the collapse of the closed cross-section structure is increased, and the collision energy absorption characteristics at the time of a side collision. Will be improved.

The outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member are preferably arranged such that the outer reinforcing member and at least a part of the inner reinforcing member overlap each other in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction. This arrangement allows the collision energy at the time of a side collision to be more efficiently transmitted from the side sill outer to the side sill inner, thereby further improving the energy absorption characteristics.

As a preferable third aspect of the side sill, the reinforcing member is integrally formed from the outer end portion to the inner end portion of the reinforcing member, and the connecting member includes the upper connecting portion and the upper portion. An upper connection member including an upper plate-shaped portion that extends downward from the connection portion in the internal space and forms a part of the intermediate connection portion; and the lower connection portion and the lower connection portion from inside the internal space. A lower connection member including a lower plate-shaped portion that extends upward to form a part of the intermediate connection portion, and the reinforcing member includes the upper connection member and the lower connection member. The upper connection member and the lower connection member may be connected to each other in the up-down direction in a state of penetrating in the vehicle width direction. In this aspect, the reinforcing member is divided into the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member to allow the reinforcing member to penetrate between the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member, and thereby, Enables the reinforcing member to be integrally formed from the outer end to the inner end. This enables the reinforcement member to transmit the energy of the side impact from the side sill outer to the side sill inner while effectively absorbing the energy of the side impact due to the collapse thereof. Further, the reinforcing member can form a part of the connecting member by connecting the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member to each other.

More specifically, the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing intermediate connecting portion that forms a part of the connecting member, and the reinforcing intermediate connecting portion connects the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member to each other. The inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion are separated from the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion in the vertical direction when a load is applied to the side sill outer inward in the vehicle width direction. It is preferable to regulate what to do. The reinforcing intermediate connection portion effectively suppresses the deformation in which the side sill extends in the vertical direction when a side collision occurs. Thereby, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy at the time of the side collision is further improved.

It is preferable that the reinforcing intermediate connection portion has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction. The flat plate-shaped reinforcing intermediate connection portion can more effectively control the vertical separation of the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion from the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion at the time of a side collision. .. Thereby, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy at the time of the side collision is further improved.

In the third aspect, it is preferable that the reinforcing member has the closed cross-section structure at each of a plurality of positions arranged in the vehicle width direction. As described above, the reinforcing member having the plurality of closed cross-section structures can exhibit a high energy absorption effect by crushing the respective closed cross-section structures.

It is preferable that a closed cross-section structure is formed at each of a plurality of positions in the vehicle width direction that are located outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member. In this way, the collision energy at the time of a side collision is likely to be directly transmitted to the plurality of closed cross-section structures located outside the connection member. This allows the collision energy during a side collision to be largely absorbed in the early stages. Therefore, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy is further improved.

Further, it is preferable that a closed cross-section structure is formed at each of a plurality of positions of the reinforcing member that are located inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the connection member, and that are arranged in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to increase the number of crushable closed cross-section structures included in the reinforcing member. Thereby, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy at the time of the side collision is further improved.

Further, it is preferable that an inner end portion of the reinforcing member in the vehicle width direction is connected to the side sill inner. This allows the collision energy at the time of a side collision to be efficiently transmitted from the side sill outer to the side sill inner through the reinforcing member. As a result, the crushing deformation of the reinforcing member occurs in the initial stage of the collision, and the energy absorption characteristic is further improved.

There is also provided a method for manufacturing a side sill connected to a floor panel of a vehicle, the side sill comprising said side sill. In this method, the inner sill inner wall of the side sill inner protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, and the rear surface of the side sill inner is opened toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction, so that the side sill inner and the floor panel are separated. Joining each other by spot welding; producing an internal assembly in which the connecting member and the reinforcing member are combined by joining the reinforcing member and the connecting member to each other; The upper connection portion and the inner upper flange portion of the side sill inner are joined to each other by spot welding, and the lower connection portion of the inner assembly and the inner lower flange portion of the side sill inner are spot welded. The step of joining the inner assembly and the side sill inner to each other by joining them to each other, and the upper connecting portion of the inner assembly and the outer upper flange portion of the side sill outer are spot-welded to each other. A step of joining the inner assembly and the side sill outer to each other by joining the lower connecting portion of the inner assembly and the outer lower flange portion of the side sill outer to each other by spot welding. And, including.

In this manufacturing method, a step of joining the side sill inner to the floor panel in a posture in which the back surface of the side sill inner is opened to the outside in the vehicle width direction (side sill inner joining step), and the connecting member and the reinforcing member are combined. And a step of joining the inner sill inner and the side sill inner to each other (an inner assembly inner joining step). By performing the step of joining the inner assembly and the side sill outer to each other (the inner assembly outer joining step), the side sill connected to the floor panel can be efficiently manufactured. Here, the order of the inner assembly inner joining step and the inner assembly outer joining step is not limited. Also, since the side sill outer, the side sill inner, and the upper and lower connecting parts of the connecting member are all made of steel plate, it is possible to easily join the side sill outer and side sill inner to the upper and lower end parts of the connecting member by spot welding. You can Further, since the side sill inner is made of a steel plate, the side sill can be easily attached to a steel panel floor panel or the like by spot welding.

In the manufacturing method, the reinforcing member and the connecting member may be mechanically joined. Thereby, even if the materials of the portions to be joined to each other in the reinforcing member and the connecting member are different from each other, the joining can be performed.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle side sill capable of effectively absorbing impact energy at the time of a side collision, and a manufacturing method thereof.

It is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of a side sill for vehicles concerning the 1st-4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the example of arrangement|positioning of the said side sill shown by FIG. It is a cross section of the side sill concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the cross section along the III-III line of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view showing a step of joining a side sill inner to a floor panel in the method for manufacturing a side sill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a step of producing an internal assembly in the manufacturing method. FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view for explaining a step of joining the inner assembly to the side sill inner in the manufacturing method. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the side sill which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the side sill which concerns on the modification of the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the side sill which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show an example of the arrangement of a vehicle side sill 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The example of this arrangement can be similarly applied to the side sills 1A and 1B according to the second and third embodiments described later.

The side sill 1 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged so as to form a lower portion of a vehicle body (body) 2 together with a cross member 3 and the like. The side sills 1 are respectively arranged on the left and right outer sides in the vehicle width direction W (the depth direction in FIG. 2) which is the width direction of the vehicle body 2, and at the height position below the side door (not shown) in the front-rear direction L (see FIG. 2 extends in the left-right direction). The cross member 3 connects the side sills 1 to each other. In each of the side sills 1, a lower end portion of the A pillar is connected to a front side portion in the front-rear direction L, and a lower end portion of a C pillar is connected to a rear side portion in the front-rear direction L. The lower end of the B pillar 4 extending in the up-down direction H is connected to the portion located in the middle.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the side sill 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cross section is a cross section of the side sill 1 viewed from the front-rear direction L, and is, for example, a cross section taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 1.

The side sill 1 includes a side sill inner 10 made of a steel plate, a side sill outer 20 made of a steel plate, a connecting member 30, and a reinforcing member 40.

Each of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 is a member that extends in the front-rear direction L and has a uniform cross section in the front-rear direction L. The side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction W. The side sill outer 20 is arranged outside the side sill inner 10 in the vehicle width direction W.

The side sill inner 10 includes an inner upper flange portion 11, an inner lower flange portion 12, and an inner protruding wall portion 13.

The inner upper flange portion 11 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction L, and is arranged such that its normal direction matches the vehicle width direction W. The inner lower flange portion 12 is located below the inner upper flange portion 11. The inner lower flange portion 12 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction L, and is arranged such that the normal direction thereof faces the vehicle width direction W.

The inner protruding wall portion 13 is connected to the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower portion so that the lower end portion of the inner upper flange portion 11 and the upper end portion of the inner lower flange portion 12 are mutually connected in the vertical direction H. It is interposed between the flange portion 12.

The inner protruding wall portion 13 has a shape protruding inward in the vehicle width direction W with respect to the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower flange portion 12. The inner protruding wall portion 13 is arranged such that the back surface thereof is open to the outside in the vehicle width direction W. In this embodiment, the inner protruding wall portion 13 has a top portion 13a, an inner upper wall portion 13b, and an inner lower wall portion 13c. The top portion 13a has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction H in the cross section. That is, the top portion 13a is parallel to each of the front-back direction L and the vertical direction H. The inner upper wall portion 13b has a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction W in the transverse section so as to connect the upper end of the top portion 13a and the lower end of the inner upper flange portion 11 to each other. The inner lower wall portion 13c has a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction W in the transverse section so as to connect the lower end of the top portion 13a and the upper end of the inner lower flange portion 12 to each other.

The side sill outer 20 includes an outer upper flange portion 21, an outer lower flange portion 22, and an outer protruding wall portion 23.

The outer upper flange portion 21 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction L, the normal direction thereof matches the vehicle width direction W, and faces the inner upper flange portion 11 in the vehicle width direction W. Are arranged as follows. The outer lower flange portion 22 is located below the outer upper flange portion 21. The outer lower flange portion 22 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction L, and the normal direction thereof faces the vehicle width direction W, and faces the inner lower flange portion 12 in the vehicle width direction W. It is arranged.

The outer protruding wall portion 23 is connected to the outer upper flange portion 21 and the outer lower portion so that the lower end portion of the outer upper flange portion 21 and the upper end portion of the outer lower flange portion 22 are connected to each other in the vertical direction H. It is interposed between the flange portion 22 and the flange portion 22. The outer protruding wall portion 23 has a shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction W from the outer upper flange portion 21 and the outer lower flange portion 22.

In this embodiment, the outer protruding wall portion 23 has a top portion 23a, an outer upper wall portion 23b, and an outer lower wall portion 23c. The top portion 23a has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction H in the cross section. That is, the top portion 23a is parallel to each of the front-back direction L and the vertical direction H. The outer upper wall portion 23b extends in the vehicle width direction W in the cross section so as to connect the upper end of the top portion 23a and the lower end of the outer upper flange portion 21 (in this embodiment, the outer side in the vehicle width direction W). It extends in an oblique direction so that it is displaced downward as it goes toward). The outer lower wall portion 23c extends in the vehicle width direction W in the transverse section so as to connect the lower end of the top portion 23a and the upper end of the outer lower flange portion 22 (in the vehicle width direction W in this embodiment). It extends in an oblique direction so that it is displaced upward as it goes outward).

In the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20, the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower flange portion 12 face the outer upper flange portion 21 and the outer lower flange portion 22, respectively, in the vehicle width direction W. Are butted against each other in the vehicle width direction W. Due to the facing arrangement of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 as described above, an internal space S is formed between the inner protruding wall portion 13 and the outer protruding wall portion 23.

The inner end of the side sill inner 10, the inner upper wall 13b of the inner projecting wall 13 in FIG. 3, has the outer end 5a of the steel plate floor panel 5 of the vehicle body 2 mounted thereon. The outer end 5a is vertically joined by spot welding, for example, resistance spot welding (RSW). By this spot welding, a plurality of first joint portions W1 arranged in the longitudinal direction L are formed, and the side sill 1 is fixed to the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of first joint portions W1 is formed to vertically penetrate the outer end portion 5a of the floor panel 5 and the inner upper wall portion 13b.

The connection member 30 is arranged in the internal space S so as to connect the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21, and the inner lower flange portion 12 and the outer lower flange portion 22 to each other in the vertical direction. There is. The connecting member 30 according to this embodiment is made of a single steel plate, and integrally has an upper connecting portion 31, a lower connecting portion 32, and an intermediate connecting portion 33.

The upper connecting portion 31 constitutes an upper end portion of the connecting member 30, and is sandwiched between the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21 in the vehicle width direction W. The inner upper flange portion 11, the upper connection portion 31, and the outer upper flange portion 21 are joined to each other by a plurality of second joint portions W2 by spot welding in a state of being stacked in the vehicle width direction W so as to be arranged in that order. ing. The plurality of second joint portions W2 are respectively formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the front-rear direction L, and each of the second joint portions W2 includes the inner upper flange portion 11, the upper connecting portion 31, and the outer upper flange portion 21. Is formed so as to penetrate in the vehicle width direction W.

The lower connecting portion 32 constitutes a lower end portion of the connecting member 30, and is sandwiched in the vehicle width direction W between the inner lower flange portion 12 and the outer lower flange portion 22. The inner lower flange portion 21, the lower connecting portion 32, and the outer lower flange portion 22 are joined to each other by a plurality of third joining portions W3 by spot welding in a state of being overlapped in the vehicle width direction W so as to be arranged in that order. ing. The plurality of third joint portions W3 are respectively formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the front-rear direction L, and each of the third joint portions W3 includes the inner lower flange portion 21, the lower connecting portion 32, and the outer lower flange portion 22. Is formed so as to penetrate in the vehicle width direction W.

The intermediate connection part 33 is located in the internal space S and is interposed between the upper connection part 31 and the lower connection part 32 so as to connect them to each other in the vertical direction.

The intermediate connecting portion 33 according to this embodiment integrally includes an upper vertical portion 34, a lower vertical portion 35, and an intermediate protruding wall portion 36. The upper vertical portion 34 has a flat plate shape extending vertically downward from the lower end of the upper connecting portion 31. The lower vertical portion 35 has a flat plate shape extending vertically upward from the upper end of the lower connecting portion 32. The intermediate protruding wall portion 36 is interposed between the upper vertical portion 34 and the lower vertical portion 35 so that the lower end of the upper vertical portion 34 and the upper end of the lower vertical portion 35 are vertically connected to each other.

The intermediate protruding wall portion 36 has a shape protruding from the upper connecting portion 31 and the lower connecting portion 32 inward in the vehicle width direction W. Specifically, the protruding wall portion 36 extends inward in the vehicle width direction W from the lower end of the upper vertical portion 34, and extends from the upper end of the lower vertical portion 35 in the vehicle width direction W. The projecting lower wall portion 36b extending inward, the outer end of the projecting upper wall portion 36a in the vehicle width direction W, and the outer end of the projecting lower wall portion 36b in the vehicle width direction W are connected to each other in the vertical direction H. As described above, the plate-like protruding vertical wall portion 36c extending in the vertical direction H is integrally provided.

The reinforcing member 40 transmits the load from the side sill outer 20 to the side sill inner 10 when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the side sill outer 20, and the reinforcing member 40 itself. Is a member provided in the internal space S so as to absorb the energy due to the load by being crushed by receiving the load, that is, the compressive load. The reinforcing member 40 is an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction W that is connected to the outer protruding wall portion 23 of the side sill outer 20, and an inner end portion in the vehicle width direction W that is the side sill inner portion. An inner end adjacent to or connected to the inner protruding wall 13 of 10.

The reinforcing member 40 according to this embodiment includes an outer reinforcing member 41 and the intermediate protruding wall portion 36. That is, the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 constitutes a part of the connecting member 30 and at the same time a portion of the reinforcing member 40. This enables the number of parts of the entire side sill 1 to be reduced.

The outer reinforcement member 41 is arranged outside the connection member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. The outer reinforcing member 41 is made of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a closed cross-section structure. That is, the portion of the reinforcing member 40 according to the present embodiment, which is located outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W, is made of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a closed cross-section structure. Has been done.

The outer reinforcing member 41 integrally includes an upper lateral wall 41a, a lower lateral wall 41b, an outer vertical wall 41c, an inner vertical wall 41d, an intermediate vertical wall 41e, an upper flange 41f, and a lower flange 41g.

The upper side wall 41a and the lower side wall 41b extend in the vehicle width direction W at positions vertically separated from each other. The outer vertical wall 41c extends in the vertical direction H so as to connect the outer end of the upper lateral wall 41a in the vehicle width direction W and the outer end of the lower lateral wall 41b in the vehicle width direction W in the vertical direction H. The inner vertical wall 41d extends in the vertical direction H so as to connect the inner end of the upper lateral wall 41a in the vehicle width direction W and the inner end of the lower lateral wall 41b in the vehicle width direction W in the vertical direction H. The intermediate vertical wall 41e extends in the vertical direction H so as to connect the intermediate portion of the upper lateral wall 41a in the vehicle width direction W and the intermediate portion of the lower lateral wall 41b in the vehicle width direction W in the vertical direction H. Therefore, the outer reinforcing member 41 according to this embodiment has an outer closed cross-section structure constituted by the upper lateral wall 41a, the lower lateral wall 41b, the outer vertical wall 41c and the intermediate vertical wall 41e, and the upper side. An inner closed cross-section structure constituted by a lateral wall 41a, the lower lateral wall 41b, the inner vertical wall 41d, and the intermediate vertical wall 41e.

The upper flange 41f and the lower flange 41g are portions to be joined to the intermediate connecting portion 33 of the connecting member 30. The upper flange 41f is a portion that extends further upward from the upper end of the inner vertical wall 41d, and projects upward from the upper lateral wall 41a. The lower flange 41g is a portion that extends further downward from the lower end of the inner vertical wall 41d, and projects downward than the lower lateral wall 41b. The upper and lower flanges 41f and 41g are mechanically joined to the upper vertical portion 34 and the lower vertical portion 35 of the intermediate connecting portion 33 by joining portions M1 and M2 using self-piercing rivets (SPR) or the like. ..

The upper flange 41f is joined to the upper vertical portion 34 by the joining portion M1 so that it is connected to the upper end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 via the upper vertical portion 34. Similarly, the lower flange 41g is joined to the lower vertical portion 35 by the joining portion M2, so that the lower flange 41g is connected to the lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 via the lower vertical portion 35. .. Therefore, the upper and lower flanges 41f and 41g and the inner vertical wall 41d interposed therebetween are reinforcing connection portions that connect the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 to each other in the vertical direction H. And the reinforcing connection portion has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction H.

The outer reinforcing member 41 is arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 in the up-down direction H when viewed in the vehicle width direction W. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the upper lateral wall 41a and the lower lateral wall 41b of the outer reinforcing member 41 and the protruding upper wall portion 36a and the protruding lower wall portion 36b of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 are arranged in the vertical direction. Hs are arranged at the same position (that is, at the same height position).

In the reinforcing member 40 according to this embodiment, the inner end portion is connected to the inner protruding wall portion 13 of the side sill inner 10, and the outer end portion is connected to the outer protruding wall portion 23 of the side sill outer 20. Has been done. Specifically, the protruding vertical wall portion 36c of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 forming the inner end portion of the reinforcing member 40 is connected to the back surface of the top portion 13a of the inner protruding wall portion 13 with an adhesive 50. Similarly, the outer vertical wall 41c of the outer reinforcing member 41 forming the outer end portion of the reinforcing member 40 is connected to the back surface of the top portion 23a of the outer protruding wall portion 23 via the adhesive 50.

The outer end and the inner end of the reinforcing member according to the present invention may be directly joined to the inner protruding wall and the outer protruding wall, respectively. Alternatively, the inner end portion of the reinforcing member may be close to the inner protruding wall portion without being joined thereto. The term “proximity” as used herein means that the distance between the inner end portion of the reinforcing member and the inner protruding wall portion in the vehicle width direction W is equal to the inner end portion and the inner protruding wall portion during traveling. Although they do not contact each other, it means that the load applied to the side sill outer and the reinforcing member at the time of a side collision is small enough to be surely transmitted to the side sill inner. The distance is preferably, for example, 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

In the side sill 1 according to the present embodiment, the side sill outer 20 and the side sill inner 10 that form the outer wall of the side sill 1 are made of steel plates having a high elastic modulus, so that the side sill 1 as a whole can have a high rigidity. On the other hand, the combination of the reinforcing member 40, at least a part of which is extruded profile made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the connection member 30 is preferably arranged in the internal space S, so that it is lightweight and energy-saving. It enables the realization of the side sill 1 with excellent absorption characteristics.

Specifically, the outer end in the vehicle width direction W of the reinforcing member 40 according to the present embodiment is connected to the outer protruding wall portion 23 of the side sill outer 20, while the inner end in the vehicle width direction W is a side sill inner. When the load is applied to the side sill outer 20 inward in the vehicle width direction W, the load is transmitted in the initial stage of the collision, Since the reinforcing member 40 itself is provided in the internal space S so as to absorb energy by receiving a compressive load and crushing, the reinforcing member 40 is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction W with respect to the side sill outer 20. The heading load is efficiently transmitted from the side sill outer 20 to the side sill inner 10 side. Moreover, since at least a part of the reinforcing member 40 (the outer reinforcing member 41 in the present embodiment) is formed of an extruded shape member having a closed cross-section structure, the inside of the side sill outer 20 in the vehicle width direction W is increased. The load toward the side is effectively absorbed by the collapse of the closed cross-section structure. In particular, since the reinforcing member 40 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of closed cross-section structures arranged in the vehicle width direction W, it is possible to more effectively absorb the collision energy during a side collision.

On the other hand, the connecting member 30 intersects the reinforcing member 40 in the up-down direction H, the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21, the inner lower flange portion 12, and the outer lower flange portion. 22 and 22 are interconnected in the vertical direction H, the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21 and the inner lower flange portion 21 when the inward load in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the side sill outer 20. The deformation of the side sill 1 in which the flange portion 12 and the outer lower flange portion 22 are separated from each other in the vertical direction H is effectively suppressed. This effectively suppresses a decrease in rigidity and a decrease in crush strength of the side sill 1, and enables the side sill 1 to effectively absorb the collision energy at the time of a side collision.

In the present embodiment, further, since the plurality of closed cross-section structures of the reinforcing member 40 are located outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W, the collision energy at the time of a side collision directly affects the closed cross-section structure. Easy to reach. This makes it possible for the reinforcing member 40 to largely absorb the collision energy at the time of a side collision. Thereby, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy is further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing connection portion of the outer reinforcing member 41 (the portion constituted by the inner vertical wall 41d and the upper and lower flanges 41f and 41g in the present embodiment) serves as the upper end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36. By connecting the lower end portion to each other in the up-down direction H, the effect of the connecting member 30 including the intermediate protruding wall portion 36, that is, toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction W with respect to the side sill outer 20. The effect of suppressing separation of the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21, the inner lower flange portion 12, and the outer lower flange portion 22 in the vertical direction H when a load is applied is kept high. Enable that. That is, although the connecting member 30 includes the intermediate projecting wall portion 36, the connecting member 30 can exert an excellent effect of suppressing a decrease in rigidity and a decrease in crushing strength of the side sill 1. To

Next, an example of a method for efficiently manufacturing the side sill 1 connected to the floor panel 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 as well. This method includes the following (1) side sill inner joining step, (2) inner assembly manufacturing step, (3) inner assembly inner joining step, and (4) inner assembly outer joining step.

(1) Side Sill Inner Joining Step In this step, as shown in FIG. 4, the floor panel 5 and the side sill inner 10 are joined to each other. Specifically, the rear surface of the side sill inner 10 is opened toward the outside in the vehicle width direction W, in other words, the inner protruding wall portion 13 of the side sill inner 10 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction W. At a plurality of positions in which the outer end portion 5a of the floor panel 5 in the vehicle width direction W is overlaid on the inner upper wall portion 13b of the inner protruding wall portion 13 in the posture of By spot welding, the plurality of first joints W1 that join the floor panel 5 and the side sill inner 10 are formed.

(2) Internal Assembly Manufacturing Step In this step, as shown in FIG. 5, the internal assembly 6 in which the reinforcing member 40 and the connecting member 30 are combined with each other is manufactured. Specifically, the upper and lower flanges 41f and 41g of the outer reinforcing member 41 and the upper and lower vertical portions 34 and 35 of the connecting member 30 are joined in a state of being overlapped with each other in the vehicle width direction W. For example, they are mechanically joined by the joining portions M1 and M2 using a self-piercing rivet (SPR) or the like. In the internal assembly 6 produced by this joining, the reinforcing member 40 extending in the vehicle width direction W and the connecting member 30 extending in the up-down direction H intersect with each other in the cross section shown in FIG. The intermediate protruding wall portion 36 which is a part of 30 also serves as a part of the reinforcing member 40 (inner portion in the vehicle width direction W).

It should be noted that it does not matter before or after the side sill inner joining step and the internal assembly manufacturing step. Both steps may be performed in parallel with each other.

(3) Inner Assembly Inner Joining Step In this step, the inner assembly 6 and the side sill inner 10 produced as described above are joined to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper connecting portion 31 and the lower connecting portion 32 of the connecting member 30 in the inner assembly 6, the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower flange portion 12 of the side sill inner 10 are connected to each other. , Are spot-welded at a plurality of positions lined up in the longitudinal direction L while being overlapped with each other in the vehicle width direction W, so that a plurality of second joint portions for joining the inner assembly 6 to the side sill inner 10 are formed. W2 and the plurality of third joint portions W3 are respectively formed. In the present embodiment, together with such joining, connection between the inner end of the reinforcing member 40 and the back surface of the side sill inner 10, specifically, the projecting vertical wall 36c of the intermediate projecting wall 36 and the inner projecting wall. Adhesion with the back surface of the top 13a of 13 by the adhesive 50 is performed.

(4) Inner Assembly Outer Joining Step In this step, the inner assembly 6 and the side sill outer 20 are joined together. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, an upper connecting portion 31 and a lower connecting portion 32 of the connecting member 30 in the inner assembly 6 and an outer upper flange portion 21 and an outer lower flange portion 22 of the side sill outer 20 are provided. Are further spot-welded at the second and third joints W2 and W3 in a state of being overlapped in the vehicle width direction W, so that the second sill outer 20 is joined to the inner assembly 6 by the second sill outer 20. And the 3rd junction parts W2 and W3 are formed. The spot welding here may be performed at a position different from the spot welding performed in the internal assembly joining process. Further, in the present embodiment, the connection between the outer end portion of the reinforcing member 40 and the back surface of the side sill outer 20, specifically, the outer vertical wall 41c of the outer reinforcing member 41 and the back surface of the top portion 23a of the outer protruding wall portion 23. Adhesion with the adhesive 50 is performed.

By the method including the above steps (1) to (4), the side sill 1 connected to the floor panel 5 as shown in FIG. 3 can be manufactured. In the method, the side sill inner joining step and the inner assembly manufacturing step are performed in advance, and thereafter, the inner assembly inner joining step and the inner assembly outer joining step are performed in order, whereby the floor The side sill 1 connected to the panel 5 can be efficiently manufactured. Further, since the side sill outer 20, the side sill inner 10, and the upper connecting portion 31 and the lower connecting portion 32 of the connecting member 30 are all made of steel plate, the upper and lower flange portions 21, 22 outside the side sill outer 20 are spot welded. The inner upper and lower flange portions 11 and 12 of the side sill inner 10 and the upper and lower connecting portions 31 and 32 of the connecting member 30 can be easily joined. Further, the side sill inner 10 made of a steel plate can be easily joined to the floor panel 5 and the like made of a steel plate by spot welding.

In the manufacturing method, the order of the inner assembly inner joining step and the inner assembly outer joining step may be reversed. That is, even if the already manufactured inner assembly 6 is first joined to the side sill outer 20 and then the inner assembly 6 is connected to the side sill inner 10 already connected to the floor panel 5, finally, It is possible to efficiently manufacture the side sill 1 connected to the floor panel 5.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross section of a vehicle side sill 1A according to the second embodiment.

The side sill 1A has a connecting member 30A and a reinforcing member 40A similar to the side sill 1, but the connecting member 30A is constituted by a vertically flat plate member that divides the internal space S in the vehicle width direction W. 40A is composed of an outer reinforcing member 42 and an inner reinforcing member 43 which are two members independent of each other. The outer reinforcing member 42 is located outside the connection member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. The inner reinforcing member 43 is located inside the connection member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. The outer and inner reinforcing members 42 and 43 are fixed to the connecting member 30A while allowing the connecting member 30A to penetrate in the vertical direction H between them.

The connecting member 30A is made of a single steel plate. The connecting member 30A according to this embodiment is configured such that the inner and outer lower flanges are located from a position between the inner and outer upper flange portions 11 and 21 of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 in the cross section shown in FIG. It is a flat plate that extends in a vertical direction to a position between the portions 12 and 22. In the connecting member 30A, a portion sandwiched between the inner and outer upper flange portions 11 and 21 is an upper connecting portion 31, and a portion sandwiched between the inner and outer lower flange portions 21 and 22 is a lower connecting portion. The intermediate connection portion 33A corresponds to the portion 32 and the portion that is interposed between the upper connection portion 31 and the lower connection portion 32 and connects the two in the vertical direction.

Each of the outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43 forming the reinforcing member 40A is made of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and is arranged in a plurality in the vehicle width direction W (this embodiment. Each has two) closed cross-section structures.

Specifically, the outer reinforcing member 42 includes an upper lateral wall 42a and a lower lateral wall 42b extending in the vehicle width direction W at intervals in the up-down direction H, similarly to the outer reinforcing member 41 according to the first embodiment. , An outer vertical wall 42c and an inner vertical wall that extend in the vertical direction H so as to connect the outer ends of the upper lateral wall 42a and the lower lateral wall 42b in the vehicle width direction W, the inner ends, and the intermediate portions to each other in the vertical direction H. 42d and an intermediate vertical wall 42e, the upper horizontal wall 42a, the lower horizontal wall 42b, the outer vertical wall 42c and the intermediate vertical wall 42e constitute a closed cross-section structure on the outer side in the vehicle width direction W, and the upper horizontal wall 42a, the lower lateral wall 42b, the inner vertical wall 42d, and the intermediate vertical wall 42e form a closed cross-section structure on the inner side in the vehicle width direction W. Further, the outer reinforcing member 42 has an upper flange 42f and a lower flange 42g extending vertically from the upper end and the lower end of the inner vertical wall 42d, respectively, and the upper flange 42f and the lower flange 42g are respectively connected to the joint M3. It is mechanically joined to the intermediate connecting portion 33A of the connecting member 30 by M4.

Similarly, the inner reinforcing member 43 includes an upper lateral wall 43a and a lower lateral wall 43b that are spaced from each other in the vertical direction H and extend in the vehicle width direction W, and an inner side of the upper lateral wall 43a and the lower lateral wall 43b in the vehicle width direction W. It has an inner vertical wall 43c, an outer vertical wall 43d, and an intermediate vertical wall 43e extending in the vertical direction H so as to connect the ends to each other, the outer ends to each other, and the intermediate portions to each other in the vertical direction H, and the upper horizontal wall 43a, The lower lateral wall 43b, the inner vertical wall 43c, and the intermediate vertical wall 43e constitute an inner closed cross-section structure in the vehicle width direction W, and the upper lateral wall 43a, the lower lateral wall 43b, the outer vertical wall 43d, and the intermediate portion. The vertical wall 43e constitutes a closed cross-section structure on the outer side in the vehicle width direction W. Further, the inner reinforcing member 43 has an upper flange 43f and a lower flange that extend vertically from the outer end portions of the upper lateral wall 43a and the lower lateral wall 43b to the intermediate connecting portion 33A in the vehicle width direction W. 43g, and the upper flange 43f and the lower flange 43g are mechanically joined to the intermediate connecting portion 33A by joining portions M5 and M6 at positions on both outer sides in the vertical direction with respect to the joining portions M3 and M4.

Similar to the first embodiment, the reinforcing member 40A has an outer end portion and an inner end portion in the vehicle width direction W, which are connected to the side sill outer 20 and the side sill inner 10, respectively. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the outer vertical wall 42c of the outer reinforcing member 42 corresponds to the outer end portion, and the outer vertical wall 42c corresponds to the outer protruding wall portion 23 of the side sill outer 20. It is connected to the back surface of the top portion 23a with an adhesive 50. Similarly, the inner vertical wall 43c of the inner reinforcing member 23 corresponds to the inner end portion, and the inner vertical wall 43c is attached to the back surface of the top portion 13a of the inner protruding wall portion 13 of the side sill inner 10 by the adhesive 50. It is connected.

In the side sill 1A described above, the connecting member 30A is made of a flat plate-shaped steel plate that extends linearly in the vertical direction in the transverse section from the upper connecting portion 31 to the lower connecting portion 32. The effect of the connecting member 30A, that is, the effect of suppressing the deformation of the side sill 1A extending in the up-and-down direction H at the time of a side collision is more reliably achieved. Thereby, the absorption characteristic of the collision energy at the time of the side collision is further improved.

On the other hand, in the reinforcing member 40A, each of the outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43 is made of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and has a plurality of closed cross-section structures. This makes it possible to further increase the crush strength of the side sill 1A in the vehicle width direction W. Thereby, the impact absorption of the side sill 1A is further improved.

In the second embodiment, the specific configuration for joining the outer and inner reinforcing members 42, 43 to the connecting member 30 and the portion where the joining is performed are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the central portion of the outer vertical wall 43d of the inner reinforcing member 43 in the vertical direction H may be directly joined to the intermediate connecting portion 33A of the connecting member 30A. This joining can be performed by, for example, a flow drill screw (FDS) F1 as shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment and its modification, the outer side reinforcing member 42 and the inner side reinforcing member 43 are preferably the outer side reinforcing member 43 when at least a part of the inner side reinforcing member 43 is viewed from the vehicle width direction W. 42 so as to overlap with 42 in the vertical direction H. In detail, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper and lower lateral walls 42a and 42b of the outer reinforcing member 42 and the upper and lower lateral walls 43a and 43b of the inner reinforcing member 43 are substantially equal to each other. The outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing 43 are arranged so as to be located at the height position. With this arrangement, the load applied to the side sill outer 20 from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction W is efficiently transmitted to the side sill inner 10 via the outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43. To enable. As a result, the energy at the time of a side collision is effectively absorbed.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9: is a figure which shows the cross section of the side sill 1B for vehicles which concerns on the said 3rd Embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle side sill 1B according to the present embodiment has a connecting member 30B and a reinforcing member 40B, similar to the side sills 1 and 1A according to the first and second embodiments. The member 30B has an upper connecting member 37 and a lower connecting member 38 made of steel plates independent of each other, and the reinforcing member 40B penetrates between the upper and lower connecting members 37, 38 in the vehicle width direction W. Is allowed. Thereby, the reinforcing member 40B can be integrally formed in the vehicle width direction W from the outer end portion to the inner end portion of the reinforcing member 40B.

The upper connecting member 37 includes an upper connecting portion 37a that is sandwiched between the inner upper flange portion 11 of the side sill inner 10 and the outer upper flange portion 21 of the side sill outer 20, and the inner space S extends downward from the upper connecting portion 37a. It integrally has an extending flat plate-shaped upper plate-shaped portion 37b, and the upper plate-shaped portion 37b constitutes an upper portion of an intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30B. Similarly, the lower connecting member 38 includes a lower connecting portion 38a sandwiched between the inner lower flange portion 12 of the side sill inner 10 and the outer lower flange portion 22 of the side sill outer 20, and the lower connecting portion 38a. It integrally has a flat plate-like lower plate-shaped portion 38b extending upward in the internal space S, and the lower plate-shaped portion 38b constitutes a lower portion of the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30B.

A gap is secured between the lower end of the upper plate-like portion 37b and the upper end of the lower plate-like portion 38b to allow the reinforcing member 40B to penetrate in the vehicle width direction W. The lower end of the upper plate-shaped portion 37b and the upper end of the lower plate-shaped portion 38b are connected to the reinforcing member 40B, respectively, and thereby are connected to each other in the vertical direction H via the reinforcing member 40B. In other words, the reinforcing member 40B connects the upper side plate-like portion 37b and the lower side plate-like portion 38b to each other in the up-and-down direction H so as to form an intermediate portion of the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30. Includes intermediate connection.

The reinforcing member 40B in the present embodiment is specifically configured by a single extruded shape member 44 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy integrally formed as a whole. Further, the extruded shape member 44 has a plurality of closed cross-section structures arranged in series in the vehicle width direction W. Specifically, the reinforcing member 40B has an upper lateral wall 44a and a lower lateral wall 44b that extend in the vehicle width direction W and are vertically spaced from each other, and the upper lateral wall 44a and the lower lateral wall 44b in the vehicle width direction W. A plurality of (six in this embodiment) vertical walls 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g, and 44h interconnected in the vertical direction at a plurality of positions aligned with each other are integrally formed.

The vertical walls 44c to 44h are arranged in this order from the inside in the vehicle width direction W. Among them, the vertical wall 44c connects inner ends of the upper lateral wall 44a and the lower lateral wall 44b in the vehicle width direction W to each other, thereby forming an inner end portion of the reinforcing member 40B, and the side sill inner It is joined to the back surface of the top portion 13 a of the inner protruding wall portion 13 in 10 by an adhesive 50, for example. Similarly, the vertical wall 44h connects the outer ends of the upper lateral wall 44a and the lower lateral wall 44b to each other, thereby constituting the outer end of the reinforcing member 40B, and the outer projecting wall of the side sill outer 20. It is bonded to the back surface of the top portion 23a of 23 by an adhesive 50, for example.

The reinforcing member 40B made of the extruded shape member 44 further has an upper flange 44i and a lower flange 44j that are integrally formed. The upper flange 44i is a portion to be joined to the upper plate-shaped portion 37b, and extends from the upper end of the vertical wall 44e of the vertical walls 44c to 44h so as to project upward from the upper horizontal wall 44a. Further, it is a portion extended upward. Similarly, the lower flange 44j is a portion to be joined to the lower plate-shaped portion 38b, and extends further downward from the lower end of the vertical wall 44e so as to project downward from the lower lateral wall 44ba. It is the part that was done.

The upper flange 44i and the lower flange 44j are overlapped with the upper plate-shaped portion 37b and the lower plate-shaped portion 38b in the vehicle width direction W, for example, by the joints M7 and M8. And can be connected to the lower plate-shaped portion 38b. In other words, the positions of the upper flange 44i, the lower flange 44j, and the vertical wall 44e in the vehicle width direction W are such that the upper and lower flanges 44i, 44j are located on the upper plate-shaped portion 37b and the lower plate-shaped portion 38b. In the connected state, the vertical wall 44c (inner end) and the vertical wall 44h (outer end) can be joined to the top 13a of the inner protruding wall 13 and the top 23a of the outer protruding wall 23, respectively. Is set to the position.

Therefore, the upper flange 44i and the lower flange 44j, together with the vertical wall 44e interposed therebetween, a portion that connects the upper plate-shaped portion 37b and the lower plate-shaped portion 38b to each other in the vertical direction H, that is, And the reinforcing intermediate connection portion. The reinforcing intermediate connecting portion is a part of the reinforcing member 40B and also a portion of the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30. Moreover, the reinforcing intermediate connection portion according to this embodiment has a flat plate shape extending linearly in the vertical direction H from the upper flange 44i to the lower flange 44j in the cross section shown in FIG.

In the side sill 1B according to the third embodiment, the upper connecting member 37 and the lower connecting member 38 included in the connecting member 30B are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction H, and the reinforcing member 40 is provided between them. It is allowed to penetrate in the width direction W, which makes it possible to integrally form the entire reinforcing member 40B, specifically, to form the reinforcing member 40B by a single extruded shape member 44. This enables the reinforcing member 40B to have high rigidity, and also enables the efficiency of transmission of impact energy by the reinforcing member 40B to be increased. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40B can transmit the collision energy applied to the side sill outer 20 from the outside in the vehicle width direction W to the side sill inner 10 while effectively absorbing the collision energy.

Moreover, since the extruded shape members 44 constituting the reinforcing member 40B have a plurality of closed cross-section structures arranged in series along the vehicle width direction W, the load directed inward in the vehicle width direction W with respect to the side sill outer 20. When the above is applied, the plurality of closed cross-section structures are sequentially crushed from the outside, so that the collision energy can be absorbed with high efficiency.

Even if the upper connection member 37 and the lower connection member 38 are separated from each other in the up-down direction H to allow the reinforcement member 40B to penetrate in the vehicle width direction W, the reinforcement member 40B is connected to the upper connection. Since the member 37 and the lower connecting member 38 are connected to each other in the up-down direction H and include a reinforcing intermediate connecting portion that constitutes a part of the connecting member 30B, the entire connecting member 30B is extended from the upper end to the lower end. The upper and lower flange portions 11 and 21 and the lower flange portions 12 and 22 of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 are connected to each other in the vertical direction H, that is, the vertical separation suppressing effect, that is, the side sill. The effect of suppressing the upper flange portions 11 and 21 and the lower flange portions 12 and 22 from being separated from each other in the vertical direction H when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the outer 20 is ensured. can do. Moreover, since the reinforcing intermediate connection portion according to the present embodiment, that is, the vertical wall 44e and the upper and lower flanges 44i, 44j in the extruded shape member 44 are formed in a flat plate shape extending linearly in the vertical direction H in the cross section, It is possible to maintain a high effect of suppressing the vertical separation.

The connecting member and the reinforcing member according to the present invention may extend over the entire area of the side sill in the longitudinal direction, or may extend only in a partial region in the longitudinal direction. For example, at least one of the connecting member 30 and the reinforcing member may be omitted at the rear end of the side sill. Further, the front side portion and the rear side portion of the side sill may have different shapes of at least one of the connecting member and the reinforcing member. For example, the shape of at least one of the connecting member and the reinforcing member may be different from each other in the front side portion and the rear side portion of the side sill with respect to the connecting portion between the side sill and the vehicle B pillar.

S Internal space 1, 1A, 1B Side sill 5 Floor panel 6 Internal assembly 10 Side sill outer 11 Inner upper flange portion 12 Inner lower flange portion 13 Inner protruding wall portion 20 Side sill outer 21 Outer upper flange portion 22 Outer lower flange portion 23 Outer protrusion Walls 30, 30A, 30B Connecting member 31 Upper connecting part 32 Lower connecting part 33, 33A Intermediate connecting part 36 Intermediate protruding wall part 37 Upper connecting member 37a Upper connecting part 37b Upper plate part 38 Lower connecting member 38a Lower connecting part 38b Lower plate portion 40, 40A, 40B Reinforcing member 41 Outer reinforcing member 42 Outer reinforcing member 43 Inner reinforcing member 44 Extruded shape member

Claims (21)

A side sill for a vehicle, which extends in the front-rear direction and constitutes a lower portion of the vehicle body, in an outer portion in the vehicle width direction which is the vehicle body width direction,
It has an inner upper flange portion extending in the front-rear direction, an inner lower flange portion extending in the front-rear direction below the inner upper flange portion, and an inner protruding wall portion, and the inner protruding wall portion is the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower portion. A side sill inner made of a steel plate that connects a flange portion and projects from the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction,
An outer upper flange portion that faces the inner upper flange portion in the vehicle width direction, an outer lower flange portion that faces the inner lower flange portion in the vehicle width direction, and an outer protruding wall portion, and the outer protruding portion The wall portion is a side sill outer made of a steel plate that connects the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion and projects outward from the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion in the vehicle width direction, wherein the side sill is A side sill outer that forms an internal space between the inner protruding wall portion and the outer protruding wall portion by facing the inner side in the vehicle width direction,
An outer end portion in the vehicle width direction that is connected to the outer protruding wall portion of the side sill outer and an inner end portion in the vehicle width direction that is close to the inner protruding wall portion of the side sill inner In the inner space so as to absorb energy due to the load by collapsing when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer. A reinforcing member provided,
A connecting member arranged in the internal space so as to connect the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion to the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion in the vertical direction,
The connecting member is an upper connecting portion made of a steel plate sandwiched between the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and spot-welded to the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion, respectively, and the inner lower flange portion. Portion and the outer lower flange portion and sandwiched between the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion by spot welding, respectively, and a lower connecting portion made of steel plate, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are mutually connected. And an intermediate connection part to
A side sill in which at least a part of the reinforcing member is formed of an extruded shape member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a closed cross-section structure. The side sill according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate connecting portion projects from the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion toward the inner protruding wall portion, and is close to or connected to the inner protruding wall portion. A side sill including a protruding wall portion forming a part of the reinforcing member. The side sill according to claim 2, wherein the upper connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion, and the lower connecting portion are made of a single steel plate. The side sill according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing connection portion that connects an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion to each other in a vertical direction. The side sill according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcing connection portion has a shape that extends linearly in a vertical direction in a cross section along the vehicle width direction. The side sill according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a portion of the reinforcing member, which is located outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction, is formed of the extruded shape member having the closed cross-section structure. .. The side sill according to claim 6, wherein, in the intermediate protruding wall portion and the extruded shape member, the intermediate protruding wall portion and at least a part of the extruded shape member vertically overlap each other when viewed in the vehicle width direction. The side sill is arranged like this. The side sill according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is formed of a plate-shaped member including the upper connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion, and the lower connecting portion. The side sill according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member is formed of a flat plate-shaped member. It is a side sill of Claim 8 or 9, Comprising: The said reinforcement member has an outer side reinforcement member and an inner side reinforcement member which are mutually independent members, The said outer side reinforcement member is an outer side of the said vehicle width direction rather than the said connection member. And a side sill fixed to the connecting member, and the inner reinforcing member is positioned further inside than the connecting member in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the connecting member. The side sill according to claim 10, wherein each of the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member is formed of an extruded shape member having the closed cross-section structure. The side sill according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, in the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member, the outer reinforcing member and at least a part of the inner reinforcing member overlap each other in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction. The side sill is located at. The side sill according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is integrally formed from the outer end portion to the inner end portion of the reinforcing member, and the connecting member includes the upper connecting portion and the upper connecting portion. An upper side connecting member including an upper side plate-like portion that extends downward in the internal space and forms a part of the intermediate connecting portion, and the upper side in the internal space from the lower connecting portion and the lower connecting portion. A lower connecting member that includes a lower plate-shaped portion that extends to and that constitutes a part of the intermediate connecting portion, and the reinforcing member connects between the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member. A side sill that connects the upper connection member and the lower connection member to each other in the up-down direction while penetrating in the vehicle width direction. The side sill according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing intermediate connecting portion forming a part of the connecting member, and the reinforcing intermediate connecting portion includes the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member. By connecting to each other, the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer. Side sill that regulates the vertical separation of the sill. The side sill according to claim 14, wherein the reinforcing intermediate connection portion is in the shape of a flat plate extending in the up-down direction. The side sill according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the reinforcing member has the closed cross-section structure at each of a plurality of positions lined up in the vehicle width direction. The side sill according to claim 16, wherein the closed cross-section structure is formed at each of a plurality of positions in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcing member located outside the connection member in the vehicle width direction. There is a side sill. The side sill according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the closed cross-section structure is formed at each of a plurality of positions arranged in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcing member located inside the connection member in the vehicle width direction. The side sill is being used. The side sill according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein an inner end in the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member is connected to the side sill inner. A side sill connected to a floor panel of a vehicle for producing a side sill according to any of claims 1 to 19,
The side sill inner and the floor panel are spot welded to each other with the inner protruding wall portion of the side sill inner protruding inward in the vehicle width direction and the back surface of the side sill inner being opened toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The process of joining to
Producing an internal assembly in which the connecting member and the reinforcing member are combined by joining the reinforcing member and the connecting member to each other;
The upper connecting portion of the inner assembly and the inner upper flange portion of the side sill inner are joined to each other by spot welding, and the lower connecting portion of the inner assembly and the inner lower flange portion of the side sill inner are joined together. A step of joining the inner assembly and the side sill inner to each other by joining them by spot welding,
The upper connecting portion of the inner assembly and the outer upper flange portion of the side sill outer are joined to each other by spot welding, and the lower connecting portion of the inner assembly and the outer lower flange portion of the side sill outer are joined together. Joining the inner assembly and the side sill outer to each other by joining them together by spot welding. The method of manufacturing a side sill according to claim 20, wherein the reinforcing member and the connecting member are mechanically joined.