JP7191704B2 - Vehicle side sill and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention 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 which extends in the front-rear direction on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a method for manufacturing the side sill.

A vehicle body of a vehicle such as an automobile generally includes a member that constitutes the lower part of the vehicle and is called 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 a side sill as follows. That is, the side sill described in Patent Document 1 includes an outer panel and an inner panel that are joined to each other, an intermediate rib panel sandwiched between them, and a reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow profile projecting from the intermediate rib panel toward the outer panel. and A large gap exists between the top of the protruding portion of the reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow shape and the rear surface of the outer panel, specifically, 1/2 of the dimension along the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing aluminum alloy hollow shape. 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 therebetween.

JP 2006-264476 A

In addition to the rigidity and strength required for vehicle frames, side sills for vehicles are required to have high impact absorption performance in the event of a side collision. That is, when the vehicle body is hit from the side, that is, a so-called side collision, it is desirable to effectively absorb the impact energy by deformation of the side sills, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers.

In relation to this, Patent Document 1 describes that the impact energy in the event of a side collision is absorbed by the aluminum alloy hollow profile for reinforcement, but the energy absorbed by this is limited. More effective absorption of side impact energy is a challenge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a side sill for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same, which can effectively absorb impact energy at the time of a side collision.

Provided is a side sill for a vehicle that extends in the front-rear direction and forms a lower portion of the vehicle body at an outer portion in the vehicle width direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle body. An inner lower flange portion extending in the longitudinal 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. and a steel plate side sill inner projecting inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner lower flange portion, an outer upper flange portion facing the inner upper flange portion in the vehicle width direction, and the inner lower flange portion. and an outer lower flange portion and an outer protruding wall portion facing each other in the vehicle width direction, the outer protruding wall portion connecting the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion and connecting the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion to each other. A steel side sill outer projecting outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer lower flange portion, wherein the inner projecting wall portion and the outward projecting wall portion are opposed to the side sill inner in the vehicle width direction. a side sill outer forming an internal space therebetween; and an inner end portion adjacent to or connected to the inner protruding wall portion of the inner side sill, and when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the outer side sill, the outer side sill is crushed by the load. a reinforcing member provided in the internal space so as to absorb energy; and a reinforcing member vertically connecting the inner upper flange portion, the outer upper flange portion, and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion. a connecting member disposed within the internal space. The connection member includes an upper connection 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. and the outer lower flange portion and are spot-welded to the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, respectively, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are connected to each other. and an intermediate connecting portion, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing member is formed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded profile having a closed cross-sectional structure.

Here, "the outer end in the vehicle width direction is connected to the outer protruding wall of the side sill outer" and "the inner end in the vehicle width direction is connected to the inner protruding wall of the side sill inner". The term "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 itself collapses to absorb the collision energy during a side collision and efficiently transmit the collision energy from the outer side sill to the inner side sill. This effectively absorbs the energy at the time of side impact.

The inner protruding wall portion and the outer protruding wall portion approach each other in the vehicle width direction while the reinforcing member is crushed, and along with this, the inner upper flange portion, the outer upper flange portion, the inner lower flange portion, and the outer lower flange portion. When the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion are connected to each other, the connecting member displaces the upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion. Suppress. This suppresses the cross-sectional collapse of the reinforcing member due to the large separation between the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, thereby preventing a decrease in crushing strength. suppress effectively.

In addition, since the side sill outer, the side sill inner, and the upper and lower connection portions of the connection member are all made of steel plate, the side sill outer, the side sill inner, and the upper and lower connection portions of the connection member are connected by spot welding. can be easily joined. Further, the side sill inner made of steel plate can be easily attached to a suitable portion of the vehicle body also made of steel plate, such as 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 a steel plate having a high modulus of elasticity, the rigidity of the entire side sill can be efficiently increased. Since the portion is made of an extruded profile made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, it is possible to realize a side sill that is lightweight and has excellent energy absorption characteristics.

As a first preferred aspect of the side sill, the intermediate connection portion of the connection member protrudes from the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion toward the inwardly protruding wall portion and is adjacent to or connected to the inwardly protruding wall portion. It may also include an intermediate protruding wall portion forming part of the reinforcing member by being formed. The fact that the intermediate protruding wall part that constitutes a part of the connecting member also serves as a part of the reinforcing member in this way makes it possible to reduce the number of parts for the entire side sill.

It is preferable that the upper connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are made of a single steel plate. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure of the entire side sill, and allows the connecting member itself to have high rigidity.

In the first aspect, it is preferable that the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing connection portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate projecting wall portion to each other in the vertical direction. The reinforcing connecting portion effectively prevents the upper and lower end portions of the intermediate protruding wall portion from separating from each other in the vertical direction at the time of a side collision. Effectively suppresses the decrease in crushing strength of

It is more preferable that the reinforcing connection portion has a shape extending linearly along the vertical direction in a cross section along the vehicle width direction. Such a shape enables the reinforcing connection portion to more reliably exhibit the effect of suppressing the separation in the vertical direction between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate projecting 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-sectional structure. This allows the impact energy in a side impact to be transmitted directly to the extruded profile having the closed cross-section structure, so that the extruded profile increases the impact energy in a side impact at an early stage. allow it to be absorbed. Therefore, the collision energy absorption characteristics are further improved.

The intermediate protruding wall portion of the connection 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 overlap each other in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction. It is preferable that This arrangement allows the impact energy in a side impact to be transferred more efficiently from the side sill outer to the side sill inner, thereby further improving energy absorption characteristics.

As a second preferred aspect of the side sill, the connection member is composed of a plate-like member, preferably a plate-like member, including the upper connection portion, the intermediate connection portion, and the lower connection portion. is good. By forming the connecting member from the flat plate-like member, deformation of the side sill such as extending in the vertical direction is effectively suppressed in the event of a side collision, thereby further improving the absorption characteristics of the collision energy in the event of a side collision. can be done.

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 to Preferably, it is fixed to a connection member, and the inner reinforcing member is positioned inside the connection member in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the connection member.

It is preferable that each of the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member is formed of an extruded profile having the closed cross-sectional structure. By forming closed cross-section structures on both the inner and outer sides of the connection member in this manner, the amount of energy absorbed by the crushing of the closed cross-section structure increases, and the collision energy absorption characteristics in the event of a side collision. is better.

It is preferable that the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member are arranged so that the outer reinforcing member and at least part of the inner reinforcing member vertically overlap each other when viewed in the vehicle width direction. This arrangement allows the impact energy in a side impact to be transferred more efficiently from the side sill outer to the side sill inner, thereby further improving energy absorption characteristics.

As a third preferable 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 connection member is formed by connecting the upper connection portion and the upper portion. an upper connecting member including an upper plate-like portion extending downward from the connecting portion in the internal space and forming a part of the intermediate connecting portion; the lower connecting portion; and a lower plate-shaped portion extending upward to constitute a part of the intermediate connection portion, wherein the reinforcing member is between the upper connection member and the lower connection member. The upper connecting member and the lower connecting member may be connected to each other in the vertical direction while penetrating the gap 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 pass through between the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member, thereby , allowing the reinforcing member to be integrally formed from its outer end to its inner end. This enables the reinforcing member to effectively absorb the energy of a side collision by its crushing and transfer it from the side sill outer to the side sill inner. Further, the reinforcing member can constitute 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 connection portion forming part of the connecting member, and the reinforcing intermediate connection portion interconnects the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member. Thus, when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer, 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. It is preferable to restrict The reinforcing intermediate connecting portion effectively suppresses the vertical deformation of the side sill during a side collision. As a result, the collision energy absorption characteristic at the time of a side collision is further improved.

It is preferable that the reinforcing intermediate connecting portion has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction. The flat plate-like reinforcing intermediate connection portion can more effectively prevent the inner upper flange portion, the outer upper flange portion, and the inner lower flange portion, and the outer lower flange portion from being separated from each other in the vertical direction at the time of a side collision. . As a result, the collision energy absorption characteristic at the time of a side collision is further improved.

In the third aspect, it is preferable that the reinforcing member has the closed cross-sectional structure at a plurality of positions aligned along the vehicle width direction. Thus, the reinforcing member having a plurality of closed cross-sectional structures can exhibit a high energy absorption effect by crushing each closed cross-sectional structure.

It is preferable that closed cross-sectional structures are formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcing member located outside the connection member in the vehicle width direction. Collision energy at the time of a side collision is likely to be directly transmitted to the plurality of closed cross-section structures positioned outside the connection member. This allows the impact energy in a side impact to be largely absorbed in the early stages. Therefore, the collision energy absorption characteristics are further improved.

Further, it is preferable that closed cross-sectional structures are formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcement member located inside the connection member in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to increase the number of the collapsible closed cross-section structures included in the reinforcing member. As a result, the collision energy absorption characteristic at the time of a 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 enables the collision energy at the time of side collision to be efficiently transmitted from the side sill outer to the side sill inner through the reinforcing member. As a result, crushing deformation of the reinforcing member occurs in the initial stage of the collision, and the energy absorption characteristics are further improved.

Also provided is a method for manufacturing a side sill connected to a floor panel of a vehicle, the side sill comprising the side sill described above. In this method, the side sill inner and the floor panel are placed in a posture in which the inward protruding wall portion of the side sill inner protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction and the back surface of the side sill inner is open outward in the vehicle width direction. joining together by spot welding; joining the reinforcing member and the connecting member together to produce an internal assembly in which the connecting member and the reinforcing member are combined; and and the inner upper flange portion of the side sill inner by spot welding, and the lower connection portion of the inner assembly and the inner lower flange portion of the side sill inner by spot welding. joining the inner assembly and the inner side sill by joining them to each other; and spot welding the upper connection portion of the inner assembly and the outer upper flange portion of the outer side sill to each other. joining the inner assembly and the side sill outer together by spot welding the lower connecting portion of the inner assembly and the outer lower flange portion of the side sill outer together; and including.

In this manufacturing method, a step of joining the side sill inner to the floor panel with the back surface of the side sill inner open outward in the vehicle width direction (side sill inner joining step) and the connecting member and the reinforcing member are combined. a step of fabricating an internal assembly (internal assembly fabricating step), and then a step of joining the internal assembly and the side sill inner to each other (internal assembly inner joining step); By performing the step of joining the inner assembly and the side sill outer together (internal assembly outer joining step), the side sill connected to the floor panel can be efficiently manufactured. Here, the order of the internal assembly inside joining step and the internal assembly outside joining step is not limited. In addition, since the outer side sill, the inner side sill, and the upper and lower connection parts of the connection members are all made of steel, the outer side sill, the inner side sill, and the upper and lower ends of the connection members can be easily joined by spot welding. can be done. Further, since the side sill inner is made of steel, the side sill can be easily attached to a floor panel or the like made of steel by spot welding.

In the manufacturing method, the reinforcing member and the connecting member may be mechanically joined. Thereby, even if the parts to be joined of the reinforcing member and the connecting member are made of different materials, the joining can be performed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention provides a side sill for a vehicle that can effectively absorb the impact energy in the event of a side collision, and a method for manufacturing the same.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of side sills for a vehicle according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of arrangement of the side sills shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the side sill according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along line III-III in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a step of joining the side sill inner to the floor panel in the side sill manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a step of fabricating an internal assembly in the manufacturing method; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a step of joining the inner assembly to the side sill inner in the manufacturing method; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a side sill according to a second embodiment of the invention; It is a figure which shows the cross section of the side sill which concerns on the modification of the said 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a side sill according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show an example of arrangement of a side sill 1 for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. This arrangement example can be similarly applied to side sills 1A and 1B according to 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 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 extend in the front-rear direction L (the 2 extends in the left-right direction). A cross member 3 connects the side sills 1 to each other. Of the side sills 1, the lower end portion of the A-pillar is connected to the front side portion in the longitudinal direction L, the lower end portion of the C-pillar is connected to the rear side portion in the longitudinal direction L, and A lower end portion of a B-pillar 4 extending in the vertical direction H is connected to the portion located in the middle.

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

The side sill 1 includes a side sill inner 10 made of steel, a side sill outer 20 made of steel, 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. As shown in FIG. The side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The side sill outer 20 is arranged outside the side sill inner 10 in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG.

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 so that its normal direction coincides with the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The inner lower flange portion 12 is positioned 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 so that its normal direction faces the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG.

The inner protruding wall portion 13 connects the lower end portion of the inner upper flange portion 11 and the upper end portion of the inner lower flange portion 12 to each other in the vertical direction H. It intervenes with the flange portion 12 .

The inner protruding wall portion 13 has a shape protruding inward in the vehicle width direction W from the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower flange portion 12 . The inward projecting wall portion 13 is arranged in a posture in which the rear surface thereof is open to the outside in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the inner projecting 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 the front-back direction L and the up-down direction H, respectively. The inner upper wall portion 13b has a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction W in the cross section so as to connect the upper end of the top portion 13a and the lower end of the inner upper flange portion 11 . The inner lower wall portion 13 c has a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction W in the cross section so as to connect the lower end of the top portion 13 a and the upper end of the inner lower flange portion 12 .

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 of which coincides with the vehicle width direction W, and faces the inner upper flange portion 11 in the vehicle width direction W. are arranged as The outer lower flange portion 22 is positioned 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, has a normal direction in the vehicle width direction W, and is arranged to face the inner lower flange portion 12 in the vehicle width direction W. are placed.

The outer protruding wall portion 23 connects the lower end portion of the outer upper flange portion 21 and the upper end portion of the outer lower flange portion 22 to each other in the vertical direction H. It intervenes with the flange portion 22 . The outer protruding wall portion 23 has a shape protruding 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 projecting 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 the front-back direction L and the up-down direction H, respectively. The outer upper wall portion 23b extends in the cross section in the vehicle width direction W so as to connect the upper end of the top portion 23a and the lower end of the outer upper flange portion 21 (outer in the vehicle width direction W in this embodiment). It has a flat plate shape that extends obliquely so that it is displaced downward as it goes toward the edge. The outer lower wall portion 23c extends in the vehicle width direction W in the cross 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 this embodiment, the outer lower wall portion 23c extends in the vehicle width direction W). It has a flat plate shape extending obliquely so that it is displaced upward as it goes outward.

The side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 are arranged such that 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 in the vehicle width direction W, respectively. are butted against each other in the vehicle width direction W. An internal space S is formed between the inner protruding wall portion 13 and the outer protruding wall portion 23 by such a facing arrangement of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 .

The inner end portion of the side sill inner 10, which is the inner upper wall portion 13b of the inner protruding wall portion 13 in FIG. It is vertically joined to the outer end portion 5a by spot welding, for example, resistance spot welding (RSW). This spot welding forms a plurality of first joints W1 aligned in the longitudinal direction L, and the side sill 1 is fixed to the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of first joint portions W1 is formed so as 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 vertically 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. there is A connection member 30 according to this embodiment is made of a single steel plate and integrally includes an upper connection portion 31 , a lower connection portion 32 and an intermediate connection portion 33 .

The upper connection portion 31 constitutes the upper end portion of the connection member 30 and is sandwiched in the vehicle width direction W between the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21 . 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 while being superimposed in the vehicle width direction W so as to line up in that order. ing. The plurality of second joint portions W2 are 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 connection portion 31, and the outer upper flange portion 21. in the vehicle width direction W.

The lower connection portion 32 constitutes the lower end portion of the connection 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 connection portion 32, and the outer lower flange portion 22 are joined to each other by a plurality of third joints W3 by spot welding while being superimposed in the vehicle width direction W so as to line up in that order. ing. The plurality of third joints W3 are formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the front-rear direction L, and each of the third joints W3 includes the inner lower flange portion 21, the lower connection portion 32, and the outer lower flange portion 22. in the vehicle width direction W.

The intermediate connection portion 33 is positioned in the internal space S and is interposed between the upper connection portion 31 and the lower connection portion 32 so as to vertically connect them to each other.

The intermediate connecting portion 33 according to this embodiment has an upper vertical portion 34, a lower vertical portion 35, and an intermediate projecting wall portion 36 integrally. 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 lower end of the upper vertical portion 34 and the upper end of the lower vertical portion 35 so as to connect them in the vertical direction.

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

The reinforcing member 40 transmits the load from the outer side sill 20 to the inner side sill 10 when a load toward the inside in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the outer side sill 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 upon receiving the load, that is, the compressive load. The reinforcing member 40 includes an outer end in the vehicle width direction W connected to the outer projecting wall portion 23 of the side sill outer 20 and an inner end in the vehicle width direction W of the side sill inner. and an inner end adjacent to or connected to 10 inwardly projecting walls 13 .

The reinforcing member 40 according to this embodiment is composed of the outer reinforcing member 41 and the intermediate projecting wall portion 36 . That is, the intermediate projecting wall portion 36 constitutes a part of the connecting member 30 and a part of the reinforcing member 40 at the same time. This allows a reduction in the number of parts for the side sill 1 as a whole.

The outer reinforcing member 41 is arranged outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The outer reinforcing member 41 is composed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded shape having a closed cross-sectional structure. That is, the portion of the reinforcing member 40 according to this embodiment, which is located outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W, is formed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded shape having a closed cross-sectional structure. It is

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

The upper flange 41 f and the lower flange 41 g are portions to be joined to the intermediate connection portion 33 of the connection member 30 . The upper flange 41f is a portion further extended upward from the upper end of the inner vertical wall 41d and protrudes upward beyond the upper lateral wall 41a. The lower flange 41g is a portion further downwardly extended from the lower end of the inner vertical wall 41d and protrudes downward from 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 connection portion 33 by joint 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, thereby being connected to the upper end portion of the intermediate projecting wall portion 36 via the upper vertical portion 34. As shown in FIG. 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 projecting 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 connecting portions for connecting the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate projecting 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 such that at least a portion of the outer reinforcing member 41 overlaps the intermediate projecting wall portion 36 in the vertical direction H when viewed from the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. 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 extend vertically. H are arranged at positions equivalent to each other (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. It is Specifically, the protruding vertical wall portion 36c of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 constituting 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 via 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 projecting wall portion 23 via an adhesive 50. As shown in FIG.

The outer and inner ends of the reinforcing member according to the invention may be directly joined to the inner and outer protruding walls, respectively. The inner end of the reinforcing member may alternatively be adjacent to the inner protruding wall without being joined. Here, the term "proximity" means that the distance in the vehicle width direction W between the inner end portion of the reinforcing member and the inner protruding wall portion is equal to the inner end portion and the inner protruding wall portion during running. are small enough to ensure that the load applied to the side sill outer and reinforcing member in a side collision is transmitted to the side sill inner without contacting each other. It is preferable that the distance is, 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, which constitute the outer walls thereof, are made of steel plates having a high elastic modulus, so that the side sill 1 as a whole can have high rigidity. On the other hand, the combination of the reinforcing member 40, at least a part of which is made of an extruded profile made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the connecting member 30 are preferably arranged in the internal space S, thereby reducing the weight and energy consumption. It enables 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 connected to the side sill inner. 10, and when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the side sill outer 20, it transmits the load in the initial stage of the collision, Since the reinforcing member 40 is provided in the internal space S so that the reinforcing member 40 itself receives a compressive load and is crushed to absorb energy, the inner space in the vehicle width direction W with respect to the side sill outer 20 The directed 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 this embodiment) is formed of an extruded shape member having a closed cross-sectional structure, the inner side of the side sill outer 20 in the vehicle width direction W can be Forward loads are effectively absorbed by the collapse of the closed section structure. In particular, since the reinforcing member 40 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of closed cross-sectional structures arranged in the vehicle width direction W, it is possible to more effectively absorb the collision energy in the event of a side collision.

On the other hand, the connection member 30 has 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 while intersecting the reinforcing member 40 in the vertical direction H. 22 are interconnected in the vertical direction H, when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction W is applied to the side sill outer 20, the inner upper flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21 and the inner lower flange portion 11 and the outer upper flange portion 21 are connected to each other. Deformation of the side sill 1 such that 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 crushing strength of the side sill 1, and enables the side sill 1 to effectively absorb impact energy in the event of a side impact.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of closed cross-sectional structures of the reinforcing member 40 are further positioned outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W, so that collision energy in the event of a side collision directly affects the closed cross-sectional structures. easy to convey. This enables the reinforcement member 40 to absorb a large amount of impact energy at the initial stage of a side impact. This further improves the collision energy absorption characteristics.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing connecting 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 this embodiment) is connected to the upper end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36. By connecting the lower end portion to each other in the vertical direction H, the effect of the connecting member 30 including the intermediate protruding wall portion 36, that is, toward the inside of the side sill outer 20 in the vehicle width direction W. The effect of suppressing separation in the vertical direction H between 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 when a load is applied is kept high. make it possible. In other words, although the connecting member 30 includes the intermediate protruding 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 steps of (1) side sill inner joining step, (2) inner assembly fabricating step, (3) inner assembly inner joining step, and (4) inner assembly outer joining step.

(1) Side sill inner joining process In this process, as shown in FIG. 4, the floor panel 5 and the side sill inner 10 are joined to each other. Specifically, the back surface of the side sill inner 10 is opened outward in the vehicle width direction W, in other words, the inward protruding wall portion 13 of the side sill inner 10 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction W. In a plurality of positions where the outer end 5a of the floor panel 5 in the vehicle width direction W is superimposed on the inner upper wall portion 13b of the inner protruding wall portion 13 and both are aligned in the longitudinal direction L. A plurality of first joints W1 that join the floor panel 5 and the side sill inner 10 are formed by spot welding.

(2) Internal Assembly Production Process In this process, as shown in FIG. 5, the internal assembly 6 is produced by combining the reinforcing member 40 and the connecting member 30 with each other. 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 while overlapping each other in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. For example, they are mechanically joined by joining portions M1 and M2 by self-piercing rivets (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 vertical direction H intersect each other in the cross section shown in FIG. An intermediate protruding wall portion 36, which is a part of 30, also serves as a part of the reinforcing member 40 (an inner portion in the vehicle width direction W).

It does not matter whether the side sill inner joining process and the internal assembly manufacturing process are performed before or after. Both steps may be performed in parallel with each other.

(3) Internal Assembly Inner Joining Step In this step, the internal assembly 6 and the side sill inner 10 manufactured as described above are joined to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper connection portion 31 and the lower connection portion 32 of the connection member 30 in the inner assembly 6 and the inner upper flange portion 11 and the inner lower flange portion 12 of the side sill inner 10 are connected. are superimposed on each other in the vehicle width direction W and are spot-welded at a plurality of positions aligned in the longitudinal direction L to form a plurality of second joints for joining the inner assembly 6 to the side sill inner 10. W2 and a plurality of third joints W3 are respectively formed. In this embodiment, along with such joining, the connection between the inner end portion of the reinforcing member 40 and the back surface of the side sill inner 10, specifically, the protruding vertical wall portion 36c of the intermediate protruding wall portion 36 and the inner protruding wall portion 13 with the back surface of the top portion 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 to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, an upper connection portion 31 and a lower connection portion 32 of the connection 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 connected. are superimposed in the vehicle width direction W and further spot-welded at the second and third joint portions W2 and W3 so as to join the side sill outer 20 to the inner assembly 6. and third joints 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 step. Further, in this 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 are connected. and bonding 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 internal assembly fabricating step are performed in advance, and then the internal assembly inner joining step and the internal assembly outer joining step are performed in order, whereby the floor The side sill 1 connected to the panel 5 can be manufactured efficiently. Further, since the side sill outer 20, the side sill inner 10, and the upper connection portion 31 and the lower connection portion 32 of the connection member 30 are all made of steel plate, the outer upper and lower flange portions 21 and 22 of the side sill outer 20 are welded by spot welding. , the inner upper and lower flange portions 11, 12 of the side sill inner 10 and the upper and lower connecting portions 31, 32 of the connecting member 30 can be easily joined. Further, the side sill inner 10 made of steel plate can be easily joined to the floor panel 5 or the like also made of steel plate by spot welding.

In the manufacturing method, the order of the internal assembly inside joining step and the internal assembly outside joining step may be reversed. That is, by first joining the already manufactured internal assembly 6 to the side sill outer 20 and then connecting the internal assembly 6 to the side sill inner 10 already connected to the floor panel 5, the final It is possible to efficiently manufacture the side sill 1 connected to the floor panel 5 .

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view 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 like the side sill 1, but the connecting member 30A is composed of a vertical flat plate-shaped member that divides the internal space S in the vehicle width direction W, and the reinforcing member 40A is composed of an outer reinforcing member 42 and an inner reinforcing member 43, which are two independent members. The outer reinforcing member 42 is positioned outside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The inner reinforcing member 43 is positioned inside the connecting member 30 in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The outer and inner reinforcing members 42 and 43 are fixed to the connecting member 30A while allowing the connecting member 30A to penetrate therebetween in the vertical direction H. As shown in FIG.

The connection member 30A is composed of a single steel plate. The connecting member 30A according to this embodiment extends from a position between the inner and outer upper flange portions 11, 21 of the inner side sill 10 and the outer side sill 20 in the cross section shown in FIG. It is a straight flat plate extending vertically to a position between the portions 12 and 22 . Of the connection member 30A, the portion sandwiched between the inner and outer upper flange portions 11 and 21 is the upper connection portion 31, and the portion sandwiched between the inner and outer lower flange portions 21 and 22 is the lower connection. The portion 32 and the portion interposed between the upper connection portion 31 and the lower connection portion 32 to connect them in the vertical direction correspond to an intermediate connection portion 33A.

Each of the outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43 constituting the reinforcing member 40A is formed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded profile, and is arranged in the vehicle width direction W (in this embodiment). each have two) closed cross-sectional 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 with a space therebetween in the vertical direction H, similar to the outer reinforcing member 41 according to the first embodiment. , an outer vertical wall 42c and an inner vertical wall extending in the vertical direction H so as to connect the outer ends, the inner ends, and the intermediate portions of the upper lateral wall 42a and the lower lateral wall 42b in the vertical direction H, respectively. 42d and an intermediate vertical wall 42e, the upper lateral wall 42a, the lower lateral wall 42b, the outer vertical wall 42c, and the intermediate vertical wall 42e form an outer closed cross-sectional structure in the vehicle width direction W, and the upper lateral wall 42a, the lower lateral wall 42b, the inner vertical wall 42d, and the intermediate vertical wall 42e form an inner closed cross-sectional structure in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. 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. It is mechanically joined to the intermediate connection portion 33A of the connection member 30 by M4.

Similarly, the inner reinforcing member 43 includes an upper lateral wall 43a and a lower lateral wall 43b extending in the vehicle width direction W while being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction H, 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, the outer ends, and the intermediate portions, respectively. The lower lateral wall 43b, the inner vertical wall 43c, and the intermediate vertical wall 43e form a closed cross-sectional structure on the inner side 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 vertical wall 43d. The vertical wall 43e constitutes a closed cross-sectional structure on the outside in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. Further, the inner reinforcing member 43 has an upper flange 43f and a lower flange extending vertically from the outer end portions of the upper lateral wall 43a and the lower lateral wall 43b in the vehicle width direction W to reach the intermediate connection portion 33A. 43g, and the upper flange 43f and the lower flange 43g are mechanically joined to the intermediate connection portion 33A by joint portions M5 and M6 at positions outside the joint portions M3 and M4 in the vertical direction, respectively.

As in 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 by an adhesive 50 to the back surface of the top portion 23a. 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 projecting wall portion 13 of the side sill inner 10 by the adhesive 50. It is connected.

In the side sill 1A described above, the connection member 30A is formed of a flat steel plate extending linearly in the vertical direction in the cross section from the upper connection portion 31 to the lower connection 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 vertical direction H at the time of a side collision, can be achieved more reliably. As a result, the collision energy absorption characteristic at the time of 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 extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy, and has a plurality of closed cross-sectional structures. This makes it possible to further increase the crushing strength of the side sill 1A in the vehicle width direction W. This further improves the impact absorption of the side sill 1A.

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

In the second embodiment and its modification, the outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43 are preferably such that at least part of the inner reinforcing member 43 is the outer reinforcing member when viewed from the vehicle width direction W. 42 in the vertical direction H. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper and lower lateral walls 42a, 42b of the outer reinforcing member 42 and the upper and lower lateral walls 43a, 43b of the inner reinforcing member 43 are substantially equivalent. The outer reinforcing member 42 and the inner reinforcing member 43 are arranged so as to be positioned at the height position. This arrangement allows the load applied to the side sill outer 20 from the outside toward the inside in the vehicle width direction W to be efficiently transmitted to the side sill inner 10 via the outside reinforcing member 42 and the inside reinforcing member 43. enable This effectively absorbs the energy at the time of side impact.

Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle side sill 1B according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, a side sill 1B for a vehicle according to this embodiment has a connecting member 30B and a reinforcing member 40B, like 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 these upper and lower connecting members 37, 38 in the vehicle width direction W. is allowed. Accordingly, 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 connection member 37 includes an upper connection portion 37a 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 extending downward from the upper connection portion 37a. The upper plate-like portion 37b is formed integrally with an extending plate-like upper plate-like portion 37b, and the upper plate-like portion 37b constitutes the upper portion of the intermediate connection portion of the connection member 30B. Similarly, the lower connection member 38 includes a lower connection portion 38a that is 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 connection portion 38a. A flat plate-like lower plate-like portion 38b extending upward in the internal space S is integrally provided, and the lower plate-like portion 38b constitutes the lower portion of the intermediate connection portion of the connection member 30B.

Between the lower end of the upper plate-like portion 37b and the upper end of the lower plate-like portion 38b, a clearance is provided to allow the reinforcing member 40B to pass through in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. The lower end of the upper plate-like portion 37b and the upper end of the lower plate-like portion 38b are respectively connected to the reinforcing member 40B, thereby being connected to each other in the vertical direction H via the reinforcing member 40B. In other words, the reinforcing member 40B connects the upper plate-like portion 37b and the lower plate-like portion 38b to each other in the vertical direction H, thereby forming an intermediate portion of the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30. Including intermediate connections.

Specifically, the reinforcing member 40B in this embodiment is constituted by a single extruded shape member 44 made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and integrally formed as a whole. Furthermore, the extruded shape member 44 has a plurality of closed cross-sectional structures arranged in series in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the reinforcing member 40B includes an upper side wall 44a and a lower side wall 44b extending in the vehicle width direction W with a space therebetween in the vertical direction, and the upper side wall 44a and the lower side wall 44b extending in the vehicle width direction W. It integrally has a plurality (six in this embodiment) of vertical walls 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g, 44h interconnected in the vertical direction at a plurality of positions aligned with each other.

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

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

The upper flange 44i and the lower flange 44j are superimposed on the upper plate-like portion 37b and the lower plate-like portion 38b in the vehicle width direction W, and the upper plate-like portion 37b is attached to the upper plate-like portion 37b by joints M7 and M8, for example. and the lower plate-like 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 and 44j are aligned with the upper plate-like portion 37b and the lower plate-like 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 portion 13a of the inner protruding wall portion 13 and the top portion 23a of the outer protruding wall portion 23, respectively. position is set.

Therefore, the upper flange 44i and the lower flange 44j, together with the vertical wall 44e interposed therebetween, connect the upper plate-like portion 37b and the lower plate-like portion 38b in the vertical direction H, that is, the reinforcing intermediate connection portion. The reinforcing intermediate connecting portion is a part of the reinforcing member 40B and also serves as a part of the intermediate connecting portion of the connecting member 30. As shown in FIG. Moreover, the reinforcing intermediate connecting 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 installed between them. It allows penetration in the width direction W, thereby allowing the entire reinforcing member 40B to be integrally formed, specifically constituted by a single extruded profile 44 . This enables the reinforcement member 40B to have high rigidity, and enables the reinforcement member 40B to transmit impact energy with high efficiency. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40</b>B can effectively absorb the collision energy applied to the side sill outer 20 from the outside in the vehicle width direction W and transmit it to the side sill inner 10 .

Moreover, since the extruded members 44 constituting the reinforcing member 40B have a plurality of closed cross-sectional 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 is reduced. When the force is applied, the plurality of closed cross-section structures are crushed in order from the outside, so that the collision energy can be absorbed with high efficiency.

Further, even if the upper connecting member 37 and the lower connecting member 38 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction H in order to allow the reinforcing member 40B to pass through in the vehicle width direction W, the reinforcing member 40B is connected to the upper side. Since the member 37 and the lower connecting member 38 are interconnected in the vertical direction H to include a reinforcing intermediate connecting portion that constitutes a part of the connecting member 30B, the entire connecting member 30B is extended from its upper end to its lower end. By connecting the upper flange portions 11, 21 and the lower flange portions 12, 22 of the side sill inner 10 and the side sill outer 20 to each other in the vertical direction H, the effect of suppressing the vertical separation, that is, the side sill The effect of suppressing the separation of the upper flange portions 11, 21 and the lower flange portions 12, 22 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 secured. can do. Moreover, the reinforcing intermediate connection portion according to this embodiment, that is, the vertical wall 44e and the upper and lower flanges 44i and 44j of the extruded profile 44 has a flat plate shape extending linearly in the vertical direction H in the cross section. It is possible to maintain the vertical separation suppressing effect at a high level.

The connecting member and the reinforcing member according to the present invention may extend over the entire longitudinal direction of the side sill, 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. Also, the shape of at least one of the connecting member and the reinforcing member may be different between the front portion and the rear portion of the side sill. For example, the shape of at least one of the connecting member and the reinforcing member may be different between the portion of the side sill on the front side and the portion on the rear side of the connection portion between the side sill and the B-pillar of the vehicle.

S Internal space 1, 1A, 1B Side sill 5 Floor panel 6 Internal assembly 10 Side sill outer 11 Inner upper flange 12 Inner lower flange 13 Inner protruding wall 20 Side sill outer 21 Outer upper flange 22 Outer lower flange 23 Outer protruding Wall portions 30, 30A, 30B Connection member 31 Upper connection portion 32 Lower connection portion 33, 33A Intermediate connection portion 36 Intermediate protruding wall portion 37 Upper connection member 37a Upper connection portion 37b Upper plate-like portion 38 Lower connection member 38a Lower connection portion 38b lower plate-shaped portion 40, 40A, 40B reinforcing member 41 outer reinforcing member 42 outer reinforcing member 43 inner reinforcing member 44 extruded profile

Claims (15)

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,
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, wherein the inner protruding wall portion extends from the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion. a side sill inner made of steel that connects the flange portions and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion;
An outer upper flange portion facing the inner upper flange portion in the vehicle width direction, an outer lower flange portion facing the inner lower flange portion in the vehicle width direction, and an outer protruding wall portion, the outer protruding portion A 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 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, wherein the side sill 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 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 adjacent to the inner protruding wall portion of the side sill inner. The side sill outer has an inner end portion connected to or connected to the inner space so as to absorb energy due to the load by crushing when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer. a reinforcing member provided;
A connection member made of a single steel plate and arranged in the internal space so as to vertically connect the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion with the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion. and
The connection member includes an upper connection portion 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; the inner lower flange portion; a lower connecting portion sandwiched between the outer lower flange portions and spot-welded to the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion; and an intermediate connecting portion interconnecting the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion. and
The reinforcing member has an outer reinforcing member that is arranged outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the connecting member, and the outer reinforcing member has a closed cross-sectional structure and is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. wherein said outer stiffening member has said outer end and said outer end is connected to said outer protruding wall of said side sill outer via an adhesive . 2. The side sill according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate connecting portion protrudes from the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion toward the inwardly protruding wall portion and is adjacent to or connected to the inwardly protruding wall portion. A side sill comprising an intermediate protruding wall forming part of said reinforcing member. 3. The side sill according to claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing connection portion that vertically connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the intermediate protruding wall portion to each other. 4. The side sill according to claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing connecting portion has a shape extending linearly along the vertical direction in a cross section along the vehicle width direction. 5. The side sill according to claim 4 , wherein the intermediate protruding wall portion and the extruded profile member overlap each other in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction. The side sills are arranged like this. 2. The side sill according to claim 1, wherein the steel plate forming the connection member has a flat plate shape including the upper connection portion, the intermediate connection portion, and the lower connection portion,
The reinforcing member further includes an inner reinforcing member independent of the outer reinforcing member, and the inner reinforcing member is positioned inside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the connecting member. , side sills. 7. The side sill of claim 6 , wherein said inner stiffening member comprises an extruded profile having said closed cross-section. 8. The side sill according to claim 6 , wherein the outer reinforcing member and the inner reinforcing member are arranged such that the outer reinforcing member and at least a part of the inner reinforcing member vertically overlap each other when viewed in the vehicle width direction. A side sill that is placed on the 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 ,
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, wherein the inner protruding wall portion extends from the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion. a side sill inner made of steel that connects the flange portions and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion;
An outer upper flange portion facing the inner upper flange portion in the vehicle width direction, an outer lower flange portion facing the inner lower flange portion in the vehicle width direction, and an outer protruding wall portion, the outer protruding portion A 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 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer upper flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, wherein the side sill 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 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 adjacent to the inner protruding wall portion of the side sill inner. The side sill outer has an inner end portion connected to or connected to the inner space so as to absorb energy due to the load by crushing when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the side sill outer. a reinforcing member provided;
a connection member arranged in the internal space so as to vertically connect the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion;
The connection member includes an upper connection 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. and the outer lower flange portion and are spot-welded to the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion, respectively, and the upper connecting portion and the lower connecting portion are connected to each other. and an intermediate connection for
the reinforcing member is integrally formed from the outer end to the inner end of the reinforcing member;
The reinforcing member is composed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded profile having a closed cross-sectional structure, and the outer end is connected to the outer protruding wall of the side sill outer via an adhesive,
The connection member includes an upper connection member including the upper connection portion and an upper plate-like portion extending downward from the upper connection portion within the internal space and forming a part of the intermediate connection portion; a lower connection member including a connection portion and a lower plate-shaped portion extending upward in the internal space from the lower connection portion and constituting a part of the intermediate connection portion, wherein the reinforcing member is connecting the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member to each other in the vertical direction while penetrating between the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member in the vehicle width direction ;
The reinforcing member includes a reinforcing intermediate connecting portion that constitutes 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 so that the side sill outer The inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion and the inner lower flange portion and the outer lower flange portion are prevented from being separated from each other in the vertical direction when a load directed inward in the vehicle width direction is applied to the ,
The side sill , wherein the reinforcing intermediate connecting portion has a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction . The side sill according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the reinforcing member has the closed cross-sectional structure at a plurality of positions aligned along the vehicle width direction. 11. The side sill according to claim 10 , wherein the closed cross-sectional structure is formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcing member located outside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction. Yes, side sills. 12. The side sill according to claim 10 , wherein the closed cross-sectional structure is formed at a plurality of positions aligned in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the reinforcing member located inside the connecting member in the vehicle width direction. side sills. The side sill according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein an inner end portion of the reinforcing member in the vehicle width direction is connected to the side sill inner. A method for manufacturing a side sill connected to a floor panel of a vehicle, the side sill according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , comprising:
The side sill inner and the floor panel are spot-welded to each other in a posture in which the inward protruding wall portion of the side sill inner protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction and the rear surface of the side sill inner is open outward in the vehicle width direction. a step of joining to
forming 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 of the internal assembly and the inner upper flange portion of the side sill inner are joined together by spot welding, and the lower connection portion of the internal assembly and the inner lower flange portion of the side sill inner are joined together. joining the inner assembly and the side sill inner to each other by spot welding together;
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 together by spot welding together;
connecting the outer end of the inner assembly to the outer protruding wall of the side sill outer via an adhesive . 15. The method of manufacturing a side sill according to claim 14 , wherein the reinforcing member and the connecting member are mechanically joined.

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