Collision absorbing structure for use in motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact-absorbing structure (2) for use in a motor vehicle, preferably for use in a longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle, having a deformation body (4) which extends along a deformation axis (X) and is deformable along the deformation axis (X) for absorbing impact forces and has a length (L) and a material thickness (D), a first and a second opening (6a, 6b) with a height (H) and a width (B), which are arranged on the deformation body (4) on the end side, the deformation body (4) being formed as a cast component from a metallic material and having a regular wave-shaped outer contour formed along the length (L) thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a collision absorption structure for use in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having such a collision absorption structure. Background Technology

[0002] Collision-absorbing structures for use in motor vehicles are known in the prior art. For reasons of weight and for maximizing impact energy absorption, known collision-absorbing structures are generally made of bonded metal sheets or extruded metal profiles.

[0003] In a disadvantageous way, sheet or extruded profile structures are not well-suited for maximizing multiple advantageous functions into a single component, given their high degree of component integration.

[0004] To address this problem, collision-absorbing structures made of cast components are known from existing technologies, such as DE 198 58 303 B4, EP 1 759 958 B1, DE10 2020 205 196 B4 and DE 199 31 741 B4. These structures have a high degree of component integration and combine multiple functions, such as reduced assembly costs and time, space saving, and weight reduction.

[0005] In a disadvantageous way, known impact-absorbing structures made of cast components have low ductility, which limits their ability to absorb impact energy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described above in collision absorption structures for motor vehicles. In particular, the object of the present invention is to make a collision absorption structure for motor vehicles available that has a high degree of component integration, is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture in terms of structure, and at the same time has a low weight while ensuring a high capacity for absorbing impact energy.

[0007] The aforementioned task is solved by the patent claims. Accordingly, this task is solved by a collision-absorbing structure having the features of independent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of parallel claim 11. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in connection with the collision-absorbing structure according to the invention are obviously equally applicable to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures regarding the various aspects of the invention can always be referred to cross-reference.

[0008] According to the present invention, a collision-absorbing structure is provided for use in a motor vehicle, preferably in the longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle. Here, the collision-absorbing structure according to the present invention includes a deformable body with length and material thickness extending along a deformation axis and deformable along the deformation axis for absorbing impact forces, and correspondingly first and second openings with height and width arranged at the ends of the deformable body, wherein the deformable body is constructed as a cast member made of metallic material and has a regular wavy outer contour shaped along its length.

[0009] According to the invention, the impact-absorbing structure is therefore designed, particularly by its construction as a cast member with a wavy outer contour shaped along its length, to enable high impact absorption capacity, high component integration, and low weight, while being easy and cost-effective to manufacture. The high impact absorption capacity is ensured, in particular, by the wavy outer contour of the deformable body supporting the continuous formation of local bending modes. Thus, the wavy outer contour according to the invention effectively provides "pre-bending," which ensures that, in the case of deformation caused by impact absorption, only moderate plastic stretching occurs in the bending zone, and therefore only locally restricted cracks form on the surface of the impact-absorbing structure under tensile load. The formed folds hook and lock together with further deformation, thus preventing disruptive slippage of the deformed area, which ultimately leads to a gradually developing deformation behavior at a constant level.

[0010] The impact-absorbing structure according to the invention is preferably arranged in the front and / or rear regions, particularly in the longitudinal beams of a motor vehicle. Clearly, the impact-absorbing structure according to the invention can be used not only in motor vehicles, such as cars or trucks, but also in commercial vehicles, etc. The deformation axis, within the scope of the invention, can preferably be understood as the axis along which the specific impact-absorbing structure is most easily or preferably deformed under load. The deformable body, within the scope of the invention, can particularly be understood as an object that deforms under load, particularly due to external impact forces in the case of absorbing impact energy. The regular wavy outer contour, within the scope of the invention, can particularly be understood as a wavy outer contour with uniform amplitude and wavelength, preferably arranged symmetrically around the centerline. Corresponding to the uniform construction and symmetrical arrangement, the specific deformable body is preferably divided into a row of deformable chambers of the same construction along its length and along the deformation axis. Given the particularly high deformability along the deformation axis and the ease and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing the impact-absorbing structure, it is advantageous according to the invention that the deformable body also has a regular wavy inner contour formed along its length. Given the castability design of the specific collision absorption structure, the inner and outer contours can be constructed with the same shape, and the collision absorption structure preferably has a constant wall thickness.

[0011] In view of weight optimization and the highest possible component integration, the present invention advantageously allows for the following configuration: the deformable body is constructed of aluminum, preferably of an aluminum die-cast alloy. With the impact-absorbing structure according to the invention, despite the relatively low ductility of the aluminum die-cast alloy, a structure is produced that enables highly efficient and robust absorption of impact energy.

[0012] In the realm of improved fixation and improved force transmission along the deformation axis of the specific collision-absorbing structure, the invention advantageously further includes the following arrangement: the deformable body has first and second end members arranged on the end sides with a straight-lined outer contour. The first and second end members arranged on the end sides can advantageously be constructed in the form of flanges, which preferably include a plurality of notches for introducing fastening devices, such as threaded fasteners, and thus can be easily and quickly fixed to the longitudinal beams of a motor vehicle, for example.

[0013] To ensure high absorption capacity of impact force along the deformation axis while ensuring the highest possible component integration, it is advantageous to specifically configure the deformable body to be hollow, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings are circular, and the deformable body particularly has a hollow cylindrical base structure.

[0014] In view of a simple, fast and material-saving embodiment of the collision absorption structure according to the present invention, it is particularly advantageous to configure the deformable body in the form of a groove, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings are semi-circular, and wherein the deformable body has a base structure in the form of a semi-hollow cylinder.

[0015] In view of the flexibility of the available structural space, it is also advantageous to make the following configuration, namely, the deformable body is constructed in a groove shape, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings are constructed in a U-shape, wherein, preferably, the height of the first and second openings is greater than the width of the first and second openings.

[0016] To achieve stability of the deformable body along axes other than the deformation axis, a further specific arrangement can be made as follows: stabilizing tabs are provided for stabilizing the deformable body perpendicular to the deformation axis, wherein the stabilizing tabs are preferably arranged parallel to the first and second openings. The stabilizing tabs are preferably demoldably integrated into the cast component.

[0017] In addition to the durable and stable implementation of the impact-absorbing structure with high absorption capacity along the deformation axis, the present invention may further be configured such that the deformable body is constructed as a single piece.

[0018] Within the scope of simple and rapid manufacturing of robust and stable impact-absorbing structures with high absorption capacity along the deformation axis, it is further conceivable that the deformable body is constructed in multiple parts, wherein the deformable body is preferably assembled from upper and lower components of the same construction, wherein the upper and lower components are, in particular, constructed in a semi-hollow cylindrical shape and assembled into a hollow cylindrical deformable body. Here, the upper and lower components can preferably be joined by chemical, mechanical or thermal means, in particular by bonding, riveting or welding to each other.

[0019] As another embodiment of the wavy outer contour with high impact absorption capacity along the deformation axis, it is advantageous to configure the regular wavy outer contour in a spiral shape. Here, demolding of the core and outer contour can preferably be achieved via entspindelung in the die-casting mold.

[0020] Furthermore, the following motor vehicles are also subject to the present invention, which include at least one, preferably at least two, previously described collision-absorbing structures. Therefore, the motor vehicle according to the present invention thus possesses the same advantages as those already described in detail regarding the collision-absorbing structures according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, features mentioned in the claims and in the specification may be individually or in any combination and are important to the invention.

[0022] Indicatively: Figure 1 The collision absorption structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 The collision absorption structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 The collision absorption structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the third embodiment. Figure 4 The collision absorbing structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 5 The collision absorption structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 6 The collision absorbing structure according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 7A diagram illustrating the energy absorption deformation mechanism of the collision absorption structure according to the present invention in the event of a collision is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 The collision absorption structure 2 according to the invention is shown in a spatial view according to the first embodiment.

[0024] According to Figure 1 As can be identified, the impact absorbing structure 2 includes a deformable body 4 with a length L and a material thickness D extending along the deformation axis X and deformable along the deformation axis X for absorbing impact forces, and correspondingly first and second openings 6a, 6b with a height H and a width B arranged at the end sides of the deformable body 4, wherein the deformable body 4 is constructed of metallic material as a cast component and has a regular wavy outer contour shaped along its length L.

[0025] Here, the deformed body 4 can be advantageously constructed from aluminum material, especially from aluminum die-casting alloy.

[0026] According to Figure 1 As can be identified, the deformable body 4 with material thickness D is constructed as a single piece and includes a first end member 8a arranged on the end side with a straight-lined outer contour.

[0027] As can also be identified below, the deformable body 4 is constructed in a hollow shape, and the first and second openings 6a, 6b are constructed in a circular shape, so that the deformable body 4 currently has a basic structure that is at least approximately hollow cylindrical.

[0028] Figure 2 The collision absorption structure 2 according to the invention, based on a second embodiment, is shown in a spatial view with a base structure that is at least approximately hollow cylindrical, wherein a regular wavy outer contour is constructed in a spiral shape.

[0029] Figure 3 The collision-absorbing structure 2 according to the invention, based on a third embodiment, is shown in a spatial view with a base structure that is at least approximately hollow cylindrical, wherein the deformable body 4 is constructed in multiple parts and assembled from upper and lower elements 10a, 10b of the same construction, wherein the upper and lower elements 10a, 10b are respectively constructed in a semi-hollow cylindrical shape and assembled into a hollow cylindrical deformable body 4.

[0030] Figure 4 The collision-absorbing structure 2 according to the invention, based on a fourth embodiment, is shown in a spatial view with a base structure that is at least approximately semi-hollow cylindrical, wherein the deformable body 4 is constructed in a groove shape, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings 6a, 6b are constructed in a semi-circular shape and the deformable body 4 has a base structure that is semi-hollow cylindrical.

[0031] Figure 5 The image shows a collision-absorbing structure 2 according to the invention in a spatial view according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the deformable body 4 is also constructed in a groove shape, however the first and second openings 6a, 6b are constructed in a U-shape, wherein the height H of the first and second openings 6a, 6b is preferably greater than the width B of the first and second openings 6a, 6b.

[0032] Figure 6 The image shows a collision-absorbing structure 2 according to the invention in a spatial view according to the sixth embodiment. It is constructed similarly to the collision-absorbing structure 2 according to the fifth embodiment, except that a stabilizing tab 12 is additionally provided here for stabilizing the deformable body 4 perpendicular to the deformation axis X. This stabilizing tab is arranged parallel to the first and second openings 6a, 6b. Clearly, in Figure 5 and 6 The wavy end component 8a shown in the figure can also be constructed in a planar manner.

[0033] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the deformation mechanism by which the collision absorption structure 2 according to the present invention absorbs energy in the event of a collision.

[0034] As can be identified in the image sequence of Figures a to h, the impact energy is ensured by the high absorption capacity of the impact-absorbing structure 2 according to the invention, particularly by supporting the continuous formation of local bending modes through the wavy outer contour of the deformable body 4. Thus, the wavy outer contour according to the invention effectively provides "pre-bending," which ensures that, in the case of deformation caused by the absorption of impact force, only moderate plastic stretching occurs in the bending zone, and therefore only locally restricted cracks are formed on the surface of the impact-absorbing structure 2 under tensile load. As can also be identified from the image sequence of Figures a to h, the formed folds hook and lock together with further deformation, thus preventing disruptive slippage of the deformed area, which ultimately leads to a gradually developing deformation behavior at a constant level, as can be identified by means of the force relative to the deformation distance in the graph drawn below.

[0035] The foregoing description of the embodiments has only illustrated the invention within the scope of examples. It is obvious that the various features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other as long as they are technically meaningful, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0036] List of reference numerals 2 Collision Absorption Structure 4. Deformable body 6a First opening 6b Second opening 8a First end component 8b Second end component 10a Upper component 10b Lower component 12 Stable splicing X Deformation axis L length D Material thickness H height B width

Claims

1. A collision-absorbing structure (2) for use in a motor vehicle, preferably for use in the longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle, comprising: - A deformable body (4) with length (L) and material thickness (D) extending along the deformation axis (X) and deformable along the deformation axis (X) for absorbing impact forces. - Accordingly, first and second openings (6a, 6b) with height (H) and width (B) are arranged at the end sides of the deformable body (4). Its features are, The deformable body (4) is constructed as a cast component made of metallic material and has a regular wavy outer contour shaped along its length (L).

2. The collision absorption structure (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is made of aluminum material, preferably of aluminum die-cast alloy.

3. The collision absorption structure (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) has first and second end members (8a, 8b) arranged on the end sides with a straight-lined outer contour, wherein the first and second end members (8a, 8b) arranged on the end sides preferably have a material thickness (D) greater than that of the rest of the deformable body (4).

4. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is hollow in shape, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings (6a, 6b) are circular in shape, and the deformable body (4) has a hollow cylindrical base structure in particular.

5. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is constructed in a groove shape, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings (6a, 6b) are constructed in a semi-circular shape, wherein the deformable body (4) has a base structure in the shape of a semi-hollow cylinder.

6. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is constructed in a groove shape, wherein, preferably, the first and second openings (6a, 6b) are constructed in a U-shape, wherein the height (H) of the first and second openings (6a, 6b) is preferably greater than the width (B) of the first and second openings (6a, 6b).

7. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A stabilizing tab (12) is provided for the deformable body (4) to be perpendicular to the deformation axis (X), wherein the stabilizing tab (12) is preferably arranged parallel to the first and second openings (6a, 6b).

8. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is constructed as a single piece.

9. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deformable body (4) is constructed in multiple parts, wherein the deformable body (4) is preferably assembled from upper and lower elements (10a, 10b) of the same construction, wherein the upper and lower elements (10a, 10b) are respectively constructed in a semi-hollow cylindrical shape and assembled into a hollow cylindrical deformable body (4).

10. The collision absorption structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The regular, wavy outer contour is constructed in a spiral shape.

11. A motor vehicle comprising at least one collision-absorbing structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, preferably two collision-absorbing structures (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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