Energy absorbing member

Abstract

In the energy-absorbing member (10), a first plate section (41) and a pair of second plate sections (42, 42) constitute a base unit (20) having a U-shaped cross-section, the base unit (20) comprising a press-molded article. An inner surface (21) and an outer surface (22) of the basic unit (20) configured in the U-shaped cross-section are contours that do not have an undercut shape in a direction along a reference line (CL2). The first plate section (41) and the pair of second plate sections (42, 42) have imaginary parallelograms (90) that are offset about an axis (CL1) from a first end surface (51) to a second end surface (52) of the base unit (20). At least one of the two diagonal lines (91, 92) of the virtual parallelogram (90) is formed by a fold line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to improved technology for energy absorption components. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of energy-absorbing components that enhance their energy absorption capacity through self-crushing has progressed. For example, a technology for such an energy-absorbing component can be found in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The energy-absorbing component known in Patent Document 1 uses a reverse spiral origami structure. The reverse spiral origami structure is, for example, as follows: when folding along the fold line provided on the side of the hexagonal prism, the upper and lower bottom surfaces reverse and collapse in a spiral shape, with the side folding tightly against the ground. According to this energy-absorbing component, it is considered to have a large energy absorption capacity and a large reaction force.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-058579 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the energy absorption component known in Patent Document 1, multiple fold lines need to be set in the cylindrical component to form different cross sections along the axis. Therefore, processing by hydroforming is considered, for example. However, hydroforming equipment is specialized and large-scale, and the longer the length of the cylindrical blank, the more difficult it is to control the hydraulic pressure applied inside the cylindrical blank, the more likely it is to produce uneven pressure and uneven processing, and the processing cost also increases.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a technology that enables the easy mass production of energy-absorbing components at a relatively low cost through stamping.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The inventors conducted in-depth research and, focusing on the cross-sectional shape of the energy-absorbing component, discovered that by designing the energy-absorbing component as an open-section, inverted spiral origami structure instead of a closed section like a cylinder, stamping is possible. They also discovered that by making the energy-absorbing component a U-shaped cross-section, even an inverted spiral origami structure can be stamped. This invention is based on these insights.

[0012] According to this disclosure, an energy-absorbing component is provided, wherein a component comprising a first plate portion and a pair of second plates portion extending from the two edges of the first plate portion in directions opposite to each other, forming a U-shaped cross-section, is used as a basic unit formed by stamping. A straight line extending through the space surrounded by the first plate portion and the pair of second plates portion and along the direction of each plate surface of the first plate portion and the pair of second plates portion is used as the axis of the basic unit. A straight line extending orthogonal to the axis and intersecting the plate surface of the first plate portion is used as the axis of the basic unit. As the reference line of the basic unit, one end face of the basic unit along the direction of the axis is designated as the first end face, and the other end face is designated as the second end face. The inner and outer surfaces of the basic unit, which is configured as the U-shaped cross-section, have contours that do not have undercut shapes along the direction of the reference line. The first plate portion and the pair of second plate portions each have an imaginary parallelogram offset about the axis within the range from the first end face to the second end face. At least one of the two diagonals of the imaginary parallelogram is formed by a broken line.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] This disclosure provides a technology that enables the easy mass production of energy-absorbing components with high energy absorption performance at a relatively low cost through stamping. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of one basic unit is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 From Figure 2 The end face view of the first end face of the basic unit as observed in the line of sight of arrow 3.

[0018] Figure 4 From Figure 2 Arrow 4 shows the end face view of the second end face of the basic unit as observed in the line of sight.

[0019] Figure 5A From Figure 1 The diagram shows the energy absorption component as observed from the line of sight indicated by arrow 5A. Figure 5B From Figure 5A The diagram shows the energy absorption component as observed from the line of sight indicated by arrow 5B.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the hypothetical parallelogram shown.

[0021] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Embodiment 2. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Arrow 7B direction view.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the energy absorption component of Embodiment 3 as viewed from the first end face.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the energy absorption component of Embodiment 4 as viewed from the first end face.

[0024] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Example 5. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Arrow 10B direction view.

[0025] Figure 11A This is a top view of the energy absorption component of Embodiment 6. Figure 11B From Figure 11A The diagram shows the energy absorption component as observed from the line of sight of arrow 11B.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Example 7.

[0027] Figure 13A yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional diagram of one basic unit is shown. Figure 13B yes Figure 13A An enlarged view of the flange shown.

[0028] Figure 14A This is a diagram of the basic unit as seen from the line of sight of arrow 14A in Figure 13. Figure 14B This is an end view of the second end face of the basic unit as seen from the line of sight of arrow 14B in Figure 13.

[0029] Figure 15A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Example 8. Figure 15B yes Figure 15A Arrow 15B direction view.

[0030] Figure 16A yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the energy absorption component is shown (shown again). Figure 16B From Figure 16A The diagram shown illustrates the separation of the stamped end of the energy-absorbing component. Figure 16C It is to put 2 Figure 16B The diagram shows the overlapping of the energy absorption components.

[0031] Figure 17A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Example 9. Figure 17B From Figure 17A The diagram showing the basic unit observed in the line of sight of arrow 17B. Figure 17C It is along Figure 17A A sectional view along line 17C-17C. Figure 17D It's enlarged. Figure 17C The diagram of section 17D.

[0032] Figure 18A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Embodiment 10. Figure 18B It is along Figure 18A A sectional view along line 18B-18B.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the collision energy-absorbing box constructed from the energy-absorbing components of Example 11.

[0034] Figure 20A This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Embodiment 12. Figure 20B From Figure 20A The end face view of the energy absorption component as seen from the line of sight of arrow 20B.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the energy absorption component of Example 13. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings are one example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0037] <Example 1>

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The energy absorption component 10 of Example 1 will be described.

[0039] Figure 1 The overall structure of the energy-absorbing component 10 is shown. The energy-absorbing component 10 is configured as a reverse spiral origami structure by a plurality of basic units 20 (partial structures 20) formed continuously and integrally. The reverse spiral origami structure is constructed as follows: when the energy-absorbing component 10 is folded along a plurality of fold lines provided on the side, the two end faces 10a and 10b of the energy-absorbing component 10 in the longitudinal direction R1 reverse and collapse respectively in a spiral shape, thereby folding it so that the sides are tightly attached.

[0040] Regarding the material of the energy-absorbing component 10, any material that allows for plastic deformation is acceptable. For example, if it is steel plate, high-strength steel plate such as high-tensile steel is preferred as it helps to reduce weight. The energy-absorbing component 10 can also be a resin injection molded product or a casting, for example, a stamped product formed from a flat blank by stamping.

[0041] A more detailed description of the energy absorption component 10 is provided.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the energy-absorbing component 10 is composed of unit groups 31 consisting of two basic units 20, 20. At least two units 31, 31 are continuously arranged along the axis CL1 of the energy-absorbing component 10 to form a single elongated structure 32. Therefore, all the continuous basic units 20 are integrated into a single elongated structure 32. Thus, the energy-absorbing component 10 comprises a relatively long elongated structure 32 along the axis CL1. When subjected to energy (external force) along the axis CL1, the energy-absorbing component 10 absorbs energy by undergoing a reverse spiral deformation along the entire length of the elongated structure 32 at the zigzag section.

[0043] For example, the elongated component 32 is composed of two sets of unit groups 31, 31. In this case, the energy absorption component 10 is composed of four basic units 20. The four basic units 20 will be described below as examples. Furthermore, when distinguishing the four basic units 20, the designations 20 are labeled with letters and designated as the first basic unit 20A, the second basic unit 20B, the third basic unit 20C, and the fourth basic unit 20D. Similarly, when distinguishing the two sets of unit groups 31, 31, the designations 31 are labeled with letters and designated as the first unit group 31A and the second unit group 31B.

[0044] Also refer to Figure 3 The energy-absorbing component 10 (each basic unit 20) is configured with a first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 extending from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 in opposite directions, forming a U-shaped cross-section. The ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 that are opposite to the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 are referred to as "open-side ends 42a, 42a". Furthermore, the energy-absorbing component 10 (each basic unit 20) has a space 43 (internal space 43) surrounded by the first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42. The open-side ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are connected to the internal space 43 by an open end 44.

[0045] Here, the energy absorption component 10 (each basic unit 20) is defined as follows. The axis CL1 of the energy absorption component 10 (each basic unit 20) passes through the internal space 43 surrounded by the first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 and is along the length direction R1 of the energy absorption component 10. Figure 2The axis CL1 extends along the direction of arrow R1. In other words, the axis CL1 extends along the plate surface 41b of the first plate portion 41 and the plate surfaces 42b, 42b of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42. Furthermore, "the axis CL1 extends along each plate surface 41b, 42b, 42b" is not limited to a structure in which the axis CL1 is completely parallel to the plate surfaces 41b, 42b, 42b, as long as the axis CL1 is a straight line extending along the length direction R1 of the energy absorbing component 10. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, even a structure in which at least a portion of each of the plate surfaces 41b, 42b, 42b is inclined from one end face 10a side of the energy absorption component 10 toward the other end face 10b side is included in a structure in which the axis CL1 extends along each of the plate surfaces 41b, 42b, 42b.

[0046] A straight line CL2, which is orthogonal to the axis CL1 and extends in the direction (arrow R2 direction) intersecting the plate surface 41b of the first plate portion 41, is designated as the "reference line CL2 of the energy absorption component 10 (each basic unit 20)". Preferably, this reference line CL2 is orthogonal to the imaginary flat plate surface of the first plate portion 41.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, one end face 51 of a basic unit 20 along the direction R1 (arrow R1 direction) of axis CL1 is designated as "first end face 51", and the other end face 52 is designated as "second end face 52". For example, the contour of the first end face 51 is different from the contour of the second end face 52, but they are both line-symmetric shapes with respect to the reference line CL2. Therefore, the contour of the basic unit 20 is a line-symmetric shape with respect to the reference line CL2.

[0048] In detail, Figure 1 In this configuration, the direction of energy (external force) acting on the energy-absorbing component 10 is Er (direction of the hollow arrow Er). Of the four basic units 20A to 20D, energy initially acts on the first basic unit 20A. The remaining three basic units 20B to 20D are arranged in a row relative to the first basic unit 20A in the direction of energy action Er, in the order of second basic unit 20B, third basic unit 20C, and fourth basic unit 20D. For example, the length L1 along the axis CL1 of each basic unit 20A to 20D is all the same. When the energy-absorbing component 10 gradually deforms from the front end to gradually absorb energy, the length L1 along the axis CL1 can also gradually increase in the order of each basic unit 20A to 20D.

[0049] The first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B adjacent to the first basic unit 20A constitute the first unit group 31A, which is the energy input side (energy application side) where energy initially acts from the outside. The third basic unit 20C and the fourth basic unit 20D adjacent to the third basic unit 20C constitute the second unit group 31B, which is the non-energy input side where energy acts via the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B.

[0050] Regarding the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B, since energy initially acts on them from the outside, they are sometimes referred to as "basic units 20A and 20B on the energy input side". Furthermore, regarding the third basic unit 20C and the fourth basic unit 20D, since energy acts on them from the outside via the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B, they are sometimes referred to as "basic units 20C and 20D on the non-energy input side".

[0051] The adjacent basic units 20A and 20B, and the basic units 20C and 20D, are arranged in opposite directions along the axis CL1 in the direction R1. That is, the second end face 52 of the first basic unit 20A is opposite to the second end face 52 of the second basic unit 20B. The first end face 51 of the second basic unit 20B is opposite to the first end face 51 of the third basic unit 20C. The second end face 52 of the third basic unit 20C is opposite to the second end face 52 of the fourth basic unit 20D.

[0052] The energy-absorbing component 10 (each basic unit 20) has at least one flange 45, 45 at its open-side end 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42, which can be clamped into a stamping die. Each flange 45, 45 is integrally formed from a flat plate extending from the open-side end 42a, 42a in a mutually opposing direction R3. Each flange 45, 45 constitutes a stamping end 46, 46 that can be clamped into a stamping die. In other words, a pair of stamping ends 46, 46 are integrally formed at the end 42a, 42a, and have a pair of flanges 45, 45.

[0053] Next, the first basic unit 20A will be described in detail, taking multiple basic units 20A to 20D as examples.

[0054] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the first basic unit 20A, at least a portion 61, 61 (inclined surfaces 61, 61) of the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 to the open sides of the two second plate portions 42, 42 are inclined in a direction R3 away from each other. The width between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 is W1 (refer to...). Figure 3The width between the open ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 is W2, which is larger than the width W1 between the two edges 41a, 41a. Thus, the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 have a pair of inclined surfaces 61, 61, which are wider than the width W1 between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41.

[0055] More specifically, the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are composed of a pair of first inclined portions 62, 62 and first straight portions 63, 63 at the first end face 51. The pair of first inclined portions 62, 62 are inclined in such a way that their width increases from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 toward the open side ends 42a, 42a. The first straight portions 63, 63 are parallel to the reference line CL2 from the first inclined portions 62, 62 toward the open side ends 42a, 42a.

[0056] On the other hand, a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are composed of a second straight portion 64, 64 and a pair of second inclined portions 65, 65 at the second end face 52 on opposite sides. The second straight portions 64, 64 are parallel to the reference line CL2 from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 toward the open side ends 42a, 42a. The pair of second inclined portions 65, 65 are inclined in such a way that their width increases from the second straight portions 64, 64 toward the open side ends 42a, 42a.

[0057] As a result, a pair of inclined surfaces 61, 61 are formed between the first inclined portion 62, 62 and the second inclined portion 65, 65 in a pair of second plate portions 42, 42.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first end face 51 of the first basic unit 20A has at least one first convex buckling portion 71 and one first concave buckling portion 72. The first convex buckling portion 71 protrudes into the space 47 (outer space 47) opposite to the inner space 43, and the first concave buckling portion 72 is recessed towards the inner space 43 side compared to the front end 71a of the first convex buckling portion 71.

[0059] For example, in the first plate portion 41, two first convex buckling portions 71 and three first concave buckling portions 72 are integrally formed at the first end face 51. The central first concave buckling portion 72 is located on the reference line CL2 of the first basic unit 20A. The two first convex buckling portions 71 are respectively located between the first concave buckling portions 72 and the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41. The remaining two first concave buckling portions 72 are respectively located between the two first convex buckling portions 71 and the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41. The arrangement spacing of the two first convex buckling portions 71 and the three first concave buckling portions 72 is Pi. The height from the open side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42 to the front end 71a of the first convex buckling portion 71 is Hi.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, each of the second plate portions 42, 42 has one first convex buckling portion 71 and one first concave buckling portion 72 formed at the first end face 51. The first convex buckling portion 71 is located at the boundary between the first inclined portions 62, 62 and the first straight portions 63, 63. The first concave buckling portion 72 is located at the edge 41a of the first plate portion 41.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the second end face 52 of the first basic unit 20A has at least one second convex buckling portion 81 and one second concave buckling portion 82. The second convex buckling portion 81 protrudes into the external space 47, and the second concave buckling portion 82 is recessed into the internal space 43 compared with the front end 81a of the second convex buckling portion 81.

[0062] For example, in the first plate portion 41, three second convex buckling portions 81 and two second concave buckling portions 82 are integrally formed at the second end face 52. The central second convex buckling portion 81 is located on the reference line CL2 of the first basic unit 20A. The remaining two second convex buckling portions 81 are located at the two edges 41a, 41a of the central second convex buckling portion 81 and the first plate portion 41, respectively (see reference). Figure 2 Between. Two second concave buckling portions 82 are respectively located between three second convex buckling portions 81. The arrangement spacing of the three second convex buckling portions 81 and the two second concave buckling portions 82 is Pi, the same as that on the first end face 51 side. The height from the open side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42 to the front end 81a of the second convex buckling portion 81 is Hi, the same as that on the first end face 51 side.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, on each of the second plate portions 42, 42, a second convex buckling portion 81 and a second concave buckling portion 82 are integrally formed at the second end face 52. The second convex buckling portion 81 is located at the boundary between the open end portions 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 and the second inclined portions 65, 65. The second concave buckling portion 82 is located at the boundary between the second straight portions 64, 64 and the second inclined portions 65, 65.

[0064] Figure 2 and Figure 5A The arrangement of the two first convex buckling portions 71 and three first concave buckling portions 72 of the first plate portion 41 at the first end face 51 and the three second convex buckling portions 81 and two second concave buckling portions 82 of the first plate portion 41 at the second end face 52 is shown.

[0065] Viewed from the first end face 51 side, the second convex buckling portion 81 at the second end face 52 is offset by a distance Pi relative to the first convex buckling portion 71 at the first end face 51 in a clockwise direction R4 (arrow R4 direction), that is, around the axis CL1. Furthermore, viewed from the first end face 51 side, the second concave buckling portion 82 at the second end face 52 is offset by a distance Pi relative to the first concave buckling portion 72 at the first end face 51 in a clockwise direction R4, that is, around the axis CL1. In summary, as described above... Figures 2 to 4 Figure 5 and Figure 5B As shown, in the first basic unit 20A, in the first plate portion 41, the buckling portions 81 and 82 are offset relative to the buckling portions 71 and 72, for example, along the first plate portion 41. Furthermore, in the second plate portions 42 and 42, the buckling portions 81 and 82 are offset relative to the buckling portions 71 and 72, for example, along the second plate portions 42 and 42. All the buckling portions 81 and 82 are offset in the same direction relative to all the buckling portions 71 and 72.

[0066] Therefore, the second convex buckle 81 and the second concave buckle 82 are offset about the axis CL1 relative to the first convex buckle 71 and the first concave buckle 72. These adjacent buckles 71, 72, 81, and 82 can form the vertices of a parallelogram. Thus, since the four buckles (vertices) 71, 72, 81, and 82 are not located on the same plane, the quadrilateral 90 obtained by connecting the buckles 71, 72, 81, and 82 is sometimes appropriately called an "imaginary parallelogram 90". This imaginary parallelogram 90 is offset about the axis CL1 at intervals Pi. Preferably, all the imaginary parallelograms 90 have the same shape, size, and inclination.

[0067] The imaginary parallelograms 90, 90 formed on the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are arranged along the ends 42a, 42a of the open sides of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 within the entire surface of the pair of inclined surfaces 61, 61. Furthermore, the imaginary parallelograms 90 may be arranged only on a portion of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42. Also, the imaginary parallelograms 90 may be arranged only within the entire surface of the inclined surface 61 of either of the pair of inclined surfaces 61, 61.

[0068] Also refer to Figure 6 One of the two diagonals 91 and 92 of the imaginary parallelogram 90 is called the first diagonal 91, and the other is called the second diagonal 92. The first diagonal 91 connects the first concave buckling portion 72 at the first end face 51 with the second convex buckling portion 81 at the second end face 52, and when viewed from the side of the first end face 51, the first diagonal 91 is inclined clockwise R4 around the axis CL1. The second diagonal 92 connects the first convex buckling portion 71 at the first end face 51 with the second concave buckling portion 82 at the second end face 52, and the second diagonal 92 is along the axis CL1.

[0069] The imaginary parallelogram 90 and at least a portion of its two diagonals 91 and 92 are formed by a zigzag line, either a mountain zigzag or a valley zigzag. At least one of the two diagonals 91 and 92, diagonal 91, is preferably formed as a zigzag line. More specifically, the first convex bend 71 and the second convex bend 81 are continuous by a mountain zigzag line. The first concave bend 72 and the second concave bend 82 are continuous by a valley zigzag line. In Embodiment 1, the second diagonal 92 is, for example, formed as a valley zigzag line.

[0070] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, preferably, when the first basic unit 20A is viewed from the direction along the axis CL1, each buckling portion 71, 72, 81, 82 is V-shaped. Furthermore, preferably, each diagonal 91, 92 is also a V-shaped section. By setting it to this shape, the position of the broken lines is more clearly defined, thus improving the energy absorption performance of the energy absorption component 10.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the boundaries of the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are configured as bent portions 101, 101 that bend towards the open ends 44 between the open sides of the second plate portions 42, 42. The bent portions 101, 101 serve as reference points when the convex bent portions 71, 81 and the concave bent portions 72, 82 are formed on the first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 by stamping.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the perimeter (developed length) of the U-shaped cross section at the first end face 51 is the same as the perimeter (developed length) of the aforementioned U-shaped cross section at the second end face 52.

[0073] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface 21 and outer surface 22 of the energy-absorbing component 10 (strip 32), i.e. the first basic unit 20A, although having convex buckles 71, 81 and concave buckles 72, 82, are formed into a contour that does not have an undercut shape (negative angle shape) when the energy-absorbing component 10 is stamped.

[0074] That is, the stamping die, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, moves along the baseline CL2 towards the hollow arrow Ma (refer to...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Demolding (pulling out of the mold) is achieved by moving the material in the opposite direction. If the material has an undercut shape (negative angle shape), it cannot be pulled out of the mold when demolding from the first basic unit 20A (energy absorption member 10) after molding. The present invention achieves a profile without an undercut shape by adopting the structure described above.

[0075] Specifically, the inner surface 21 of the first basic unit 20A (including each buckled portion 71, 72, 81, 82) is composed of an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the reference line CL2, a plane facing the open end 44, or an inclined plane facing the open end 44. Furthermore, the outer surface 22 of the first basic unit 20A (including each buckled portion 71, 72, 81, 82) is composed of an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the reference line CL2, a plane facing the opposite side relative to the open end 44, or an inclined plane facing the opposite side. Therefore, the contours of both the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 of the first basic unit 20A (energy absorption member 10) do not have an undercut shape (negative angle shape).

[0076] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inclined surfaces 61, 61 of each of the second plate portions 42, 42 are inclined such that the distance between the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 is wider than the distance between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41. Furthermore, the imaginary parallelograms 90 formed on each of the second plate portions 42, 42 are arranged along the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 on each inclined surface 61, 61.

[0077] Moreover, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the orientation, size, material, plate thickness, width W1, W2 ratio to height Hi, size, number, configuration, and spacing Pi of each buckling portion 71, 72, 81, 82, and width Wd of each flange 45, 45 are set as optimal conditions, taking into account the direction, point of application, and magnitude of the energy (external force) acting on the energy absorption component 10.

[0078] To summarize Example 1, as follows: Figure 2 As shown in Figure 5, the basic unit 20 is composed of a stamped product. The inner surface 21 and outer surface 22 of the basic unit 20, which is configured with a U-shaped cross-section, have a contour that does not have an undercut shape along the reference line CL2 (i.e., a contour that allows the stamping die to move). The first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 each have an imaginary parallelogram 90 offset about the axis CL1 within the range from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52. At least one of the two diagonals 91, 92 of the imaginary parallelogram 90 is composed of a broken line.

[0079] Next, the function of the energy absorption component 10 will be explained.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, adjacent basic units 20A and 20B, and basic units 20C and 20D, are arranged in opposite directions along axis CL1 in direction R1 (arrow R1 direction). For example, the second convex buckling portions 81, 81 of the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B are opposite to each other in the direction of axis CL1. The first convex buckling portions 71, 71 of the second basic unit 20B and the third basic unit 20C are opposite to each other in the direction of axis CL1. The second convex buckling portions 81, 81 of the third basic unit 20C and the fourth basic unit 20D are opposite to each other in the direction of axis CL1. The imaginary parallelogram 90 and the second diagonal 92 arranged in each basic unit 20A to 20D are formed as broken lines. The imaginary parallelogram 90 is offset about axis CL1.

[0081] The energy (external force) acting on the energy-absorbing component 10 from the direction of action Er is transmitted in the order of the first basic unit 20A, the second basic unit 20B, the third basic unit 20C, and the fourth basic unit 20D. Each basic unit 20A to 20D is folded along multiple fold lines. Therefore, each basic unit 20A to 20D is folded in a spiral shape around the axis CL1 with each fold line as a reference, while reversing from each other. As a result, the energy-absorbing component 10 absorbs energy by spiraling and collapsing between its two end faces 10a and 10b in the length direction R1 (along the axis CL1), with the sides tightly pressed together.

[0082] Furthermore, the energy-absorbing component 10 (each basic unit 20) is configured as a cap-shaped cross-section by integrally forming flanges 45, 45 for stamping end 46, 46 at the open end (end 42a, 42a) of the U-shaped cross-section. By using the flanges 45, 45 to supplement the rigidity of the open end of the U-shaped cross-section energy-absorbing component 10, the energy absorption of the energy-absorbing component 10 can be made uniform.

[0083] Next, embodiments 2 to 12 will be described. Furthermore, the basic structure of embodiments 2 to 13 is the same as that of the energy absorption component 10 in embodiment 1 described above. For the parts common to the energy absorption component 10 in embodiment 1, reference numerals will be used, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0084] <Example 2>

[0085] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The energy absorption component 200 of Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 7A correspond Figure 1 . Figure 7B correspond Figure 3 and Figure 4 The energy-absorbing component 200 of Embodiment 2 is characterized in that two strips 32 of Embodiment 1 are overlapped in a relative manner to form a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the energy-absorbing component 200 is formed into a cylindrical component by overlapping the open ends 44, 44 (openings 44, 44) of the two basic units 20, 20 with a U-shaped cross-section. The flanges 45, 45 are joined to each other by means of a plurality of spot welds 201. As a result, the open ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 of the two basic units 20, 20 are joined to each other between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52. Preferably, the spot welds 201 are positioned, for example, at the middle position between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52.

[0086] The energy absorption component 200 of Embodiment 2 is configured as a cylindrical component, thus enabling it to efficiently absorb greater energy. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 2, the energy absorption component 200 can also perform the same effects as the energy absorption component 10 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0087] <Example 3>

[0088] Reference Figure 8 The energy absorption component 300 of Example 3 will be described. Figure 8 correspond Figure 7BThe energy-absorbing component 300 of Embodiment 3 is characterized in that the energy-absorbing component 200 of Embodiment 2, namely a cylindrical component consisting of two elongated pieces 32, 32, is assembled inside the outer cylinder 310. The outer cylinder 310 is, for example, a structure in which a pair of semi-divided outer cylinder halves 311, 312 are joined together by multiple spot welds 313. The cross-sectional shape of the outer cylinder 310 is arbitrary, for example, rectangular.

[0089] In Embodiment 3, the energy-absorbing component 300 reinforces the cylindrical component composed of two elongated members 32, 32 using an outer cylinder 310, thereby enabling it to absorb greater energy. Furthermore, to facilitate the deformation of the cylindrical component composed of the two elongated members 32, 32, a gap can be provided between the cylindrical component and the outer cylinder 310. In addition to the effects of Embodiment 3, the energy-absorbing component 300 can also achieve the same effects as the energy-absorbing components 10, 200 of Embodiments 1 and 2 described above.

[0090] <Example 4>

[0091] Reference Figure 9 The energy absorption component 400 of Example 4 will be described. Figure 9 correspond Figures 2 to 4 The energy absorption component 400 of Embodiment 4 is characterized in that, from Figures 1 to 4 The basic unit 20 of the strip 32 shown in Embodiment 1 has its stamping end 46, 46 with flanges 45, 45 removed (cut off).

[0092] Corresponding to the absence of the flange 45, the energy-absorbing member 400 of Embodiment 4 can reduce the rigidity of the open end 42a of the second plate portion 42. Therefore, it is possible to achieve uniformity of energy absorption performance across the entire cross-section of the energy-absorbing member 400. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 4, the energy-absorbing member 400 can also perform the same effects as the energy-absorbing member 10 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0093] <Example 5>

[0094] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B The energy absorption component 500 of Embodiment 5 will be described. (See Figure 10.) Figure 7A . Figure 10B correspond Figure 7B The energy-absorbing component 500 of Embodiment 5 is characterized in that two elongated pieces 32 of Embodiment 4 are overlapped in a relative manner to form a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the energy-absorbing component 500 is formed by overlapping two elongated pieces 32, 32 with a U-shaped cross-section with each other, i.e. Figure 7BThe open ends 44, 44 (openings 44, 44) of the two basic units 20, 20 shown overlap to form a cylindrical component. The open ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 are joined together between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52 by means of a plurality of spot welds 511. Preferably, the spot welds 511 are positioned, for example, at the midpoint between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52. Alternatively, the ends 42a, 42a can be joined together using rivets, laser welding, or known joining methods instead of spot welding.

[0095] The energy-absorbing component 500 in Embodiment 5 is configured as a cylindrical component, thus enabling it to absorb greater energy. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 5, the energy-absorbing component 500 can also perform the same effects as the energy-absorbing component 400 in Embodiment 4 described above.

[0096] <Example 6>

[0097] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B The energy absorption component 600 of Example 6 will be described. Figure 11A correspond Figure 5A . Figure 11B correspond Figure 5B The energy absorption component 600 of Embodiment 6 is characterized at the broken lines of the two diagonals 91 and 92 of the hypothetical parallelogram 90 of Embodiment 1.

[0098] The first diagonal 91 of the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B, located on the energy input side of the strip 32, is formed as a broken line, which is inclined around the axis CL1. The second diagonal 92 of the third basic unit 20C and the fourth basic unit 20D, located on the non-energy input side opposite to the energy input side of the strip 32, is formed as a broken line, which is also along the axis CL1.

[0099] The energy absorption component 600 of Embodiment 6 can change the energy absorption characteristics on the energy input side and the non-energy input side. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 5, the energy absorption component 600 can also perform the same effects as the energy absorption component 10 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0100] <Example 7>

[0101] Reference Figures 12 to 14B The energy absorption component 700 of Example 7 will be described. Figure 12 correspond Figure 1 . Figure 13A correspond Figure 2 . Figure 14A correspond Figure 3 . Figure 14B correspond Figure 4 .

[0102] The energy absorption component 700 of Example 7 is relative to the energy absorption component 10 of Example 1 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following two changes are characteristic. The first change is that the hypothetical parallelogram 90 in Embodiment 1 is changed to a hypothetical parallelogram 790. The second change is that the stamping ends 46, 46 in Embodiment 1 are changed to stamping ends 746, 746.

[0103] like Figure 12 and Figure 13A As shown, the energy-absorbing component 700 of Embodiment 7 has imaginary parallelograms 790 in the first plate portion 41 and the second plate portions 42, 42, but does not have imaginary parallelograms 790 in the stamping ends 746, 746. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture a mold for forming the energy-absorbing component 700. Furthermore, the structure of the energy-absorbing component 700 of Embodiment 7 is similar to that of the energy-absorbing component 10 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 The same as the origami structure, which is formed by multiple basic units 20 (local structures 20) that are continuously and integrally formed to form a reverse spiral shape.

[0104] More specifically, the energy-absorbing component 700, like the energy-absorbing component 10, is a stamped product made of sheet metal. The energy-absorbing component 700 uses a component 20 with a U-shaped cross-section, consisting of a first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 extending from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 in opposite directions, as a "basic unit 20". When the energy-absorbing component 700 is viewed from the length direction R1, the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are formed into a so-called conical shape, widening from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 towards the two ends 42a, 42a on the open side. The inner surface 21 and outer surface 22 of the basic unit 20 with the U-shaped cross-section (see reference) Figure 14A and Figure 14B Similar to Embodiment 1 above, it does not have an undercut shape (negative angle shape) along the direction of the reference line CL2, that is, a contour that can be drawn out by moving the stamping die along the reference line CL2.

[0105] That is, the stamping die, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, moves along the baseline CL2 towards the hollow arrow Ma (refer to...). Figure 14A and Figure 14B Demolding is achieved by moving the component in the opposite direction. If it has an undercut shape, it cannot be removed from the mold when demolding from the formed basic unit 20 (energy absorption component 10). The energy absorption component 700 has a contour without an undercut shape by being configured as described above.

[0106] The energy-absorbing component 700 (each basic unit 20) has stamping ends 746, 746 at the open sides of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42, respectively, in a cut-out manner. The pair of stamping ends 746, 746 are portions that can be clamped into a stamping die when the energy-absorbing component 700 (each basic unit 20) is stamped using sheet metal, and the pair of stamping ends 746, 746 are continuous in the length direction R1 of the energy-absorbing component 10 from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52 of the basic unit 20.

[0107] A pair of stamping ends 746, 746 are composed of a pair of extensions 747, 747 and a pair of flanges 45, 45. The pair of extensions 747, 747 extend from the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 toward the opposite side of the first plate portion 41. The pair of flanges 45, 45 are disposed at the open-side ends 747a, 747a of these extensions 747, 747. The pair of extensions 747, 747 (straight portions 747, 747) are flat plate-shaped portions integrally formed with the pair of second plate portions 42, 42, facing each other and parallel to the reference line CL2. The pair of flanges 748, 748 are flat plates integrally formed with the pair of extensions 747, 747, extending from the open-side ends 747a, 747a of each extension 747, 747 in mutually opposing directions R3.

[0108] like Figure 13B As shown, the flange 748 is configured to be at least large enough to be clamped into a stamping die. For example, the width Wd of the flange 748 (the length Wd from the open end 747a to the front end 748a of the flange 748) is a size that can be clamped by the blank holder Mh and the die Md.

[0109] Thus, the energy-absorbing component 700 (each basic unit 20) has stamping ends 746, 746 at the open ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42, which have at least a pair of flanges 748, 748 that can be clamped into a stamping die, thereby constituting the energy-absorbing component 700 (each basic unit 20) into a cap-shaped cross section.

[0110] An open end 44 communicating with the internal space 43 is located between the open ends 747a and 747a of the pair of extensions 747, 747. This open end 44 enables communication with... Figure 3 The open end 44 of the illustrated embodiment 1 has the same function.

[0111] The width between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 is W1. The width between the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 is W2, which is larger than the width W1 between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41. The width between the open-side ends 747a, 747a of the pair of extension portions 747, 747 is the same as the width W2 between the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42. Alternatively, considering the mold's demolding properties, the width W2 between the ends 747a, 747a can be set slightly larger.

[0112] Next, the first basic unit 20A will be described in detail, taking the multiple basic units 20 (basic units 20A to 20D) that constitute the energy absorption component 700 as an example.

[0113] The first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 are offset about axis CL1 from the first end face 51 toward the second end face 52. For example, the first plate portion 41 is offset about axis CL1 in the direction of arrow R74 (counterclockwise R74 when viewed from the side of the first end face 51). Sometimes this direction of arrow R74 is appropriately referred to as the "offset direction R74". As an example, in... Figure 14A In the first end face 51 shown, the plate surface 41b of the first plate portion 41 is parallel to the surfaces (flange surfaces) of a pair of horizontal flanges 748, 748. In contrast, in Figure 14B In the second end face 52 shown, the plate surface 41b of the first plate portion 41 is not parallel to the surfaces of the pair of flanges 748, 748. The offset of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 from the first plate portion 41 is correspondingly offset about the axis CL1.

[0114] The width W1 between the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 at the second end face 52 is, for example, the same as the width W1 between the two edges 41a, 41a at the first end face 51. That is, the width W1 of the first plate portion 41 is uniform from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52. The length L2 from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 to the two ends 42a, 42a of the open side of the second plate portions 42, 42 (refer to...) Figure 13A For example, it is uniform from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52. Preferably, the length L2 is the same as the width W1 of the first plate portion 41.

[0115] The first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 each have three "imaginary parallelograms 790" offset in the offset direction R74 around the axis CL1 within the range from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52. One of the imaginary parallelograms 790 is arranged within the entire surface of the first plate portion 41. The remaining two imaginary parallelograms 790 are arranged within the entire surface of their respective second plate portions 42, 42.

[0116] Here, refer to Figure 13A , Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B The following example illustrates the imaginary parallelogram 790 possessed by the first plate portion 41. Of the four vertices P1 to P4 of the imaginary parallelogram 790, the first vertex P1 and the second vertex P2 are located on the first end face 51, and the third vertex P3 and the fourth vertex P4 are located on the second end face 52. On the second end face 52, the third vertex P3 is located in front of the offset direction R74, and the fourth vertex P4 is located behind the offset direction R74. Therefore, the third vertex P3 is lower than the fourth vertex P4.

[0117] Thus, parallelogram 790 is called an imaginary parallelogram 790 because its four vertices P1 to P4 are not located on the same plane. The four vertices P1 to P4 of the imaginary parallelogram 790 in the first plate part 41 are located at the four corners of the first plate part 41. The imaginary parallelogram 790 in the first plate part 41 considers the edge between the first vertex P1 and the second vertex P2, and the edge between the third vertex P3 and the fourth vertex P4, as an imaginary pair of opposite edges.

[0118] One of the two diagonals 791 and 792 of the imaginary parallelogram 790 is called the first diagonal 791, and the other is called the second diagonal 792. The first diagonal 791 connects the first vertex P1 and the third vertex P3. The second diagonal 792 connects the second vertex P2 and the fourth vertex P4. Therefore, it can be assumed that each diagonal 791 and 792 is offset from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52 in the same direction as the offset direction R74 (direction of arrow R74) of the imaginary parallelogram 790.

[0119] The imaginary parallelograms 790 and 790 of the pair of second plate parts 42 are the same as the imaginary parallelogram 790 of the first plate part 41, and the description is omitted.

[0120] At least one of the two diagonals 791 and 792 of the imaginary parallelogram 790 is formed by a broken line (valley broken line, mountain broken line). For example, the first diagonal 791 of the two diagonals 791 and 792 is formed by a broken line composed of valley broken lines. That is, by placing the second vertex P2 and the fourth vertex P4 above the first vertex P1 and the third vertex P3, the first diagonal 791 is formed as a valley broken line. Furthermore, to make the first diagonal 791 a mountain broken line, simply reverse the vertical relationship between the first vertex P1 and the third vertex P3 and the second vertex P2 and the fourth vertex P4.

[0121] Next, the function of the energy absorption component 700 will be explained.

[0122] like Figure 12 and Figure 13A As shown, adjacent basic units 20A and 20B, and basic units 20C and 20D, are arranged in opposite directions along axis CL1 in direction R1 (arrow R1 direction). For example, the imaginary parallelograms 790 and 790 of the first basic unit 20A and the second basic unit 20B are opposite each other in the direction of axis CL1. The imaginary parallelograms 790 and 790 of the second basic unit 20B and the third basic unit 20C are opposite each other in the direction of axis CL1. The imaginary parallelograms 790 and 790 of the third basic unit 20C and the fourth basic unit 20D are opposite each other in the direction of axis CL1. The first diagonal 791 of the imaginary parallelograms 790 arranged in each of the basic units 20A to 20D is formed as a broken line. The imaginary parallelograms 790 are offset about axis CL1.

[0123] The energy (external force) acting on the energy-absorbing component 700 from the direction of action Er is transmitted in the order of the first basic unit 20A, the second basic unit 20B, the third basic unit 20C, and the fourth basic unit 20D. Each basic unit 20A to 20D folds along multiple fold lines (the first diagonal 791). Therefore, each basic unit 20A to 20D folds in a spiral shape around the axis CL1 with each fold line as a reference, while reversing from one another. As a result, the energy-absorbing component 700 absorbs energy by spiraling and collapsing between its two end faces 10a and 10b in the length direction R1 (along the axis CL1), with the sides tightly pressed together.

[0124] Furthermore, the energy-absorbing components 700 (each basic unit 20) are configured with a cap-shaped cross-section by integrally forming stamping ends 746, 746 at the open ends 42a, 42a (the open sides of the second plate portions 42, 42) of the U-shaped cross-section. By utilizing the stamping ends 746, 746 to supplement the rigidity of the open ends 42a, 42a of the U-shaped cross-section energy-absorbing component 700, the energy absorption of the energy-absorbing component 700 can be made uniform. In addition to the effects of Embodiment 7, the energy-absorbing component 700 can also perform the same effects as the energy-absorbing component 10 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0125] <Example 8>

[0126] Reference Figure 15A and Figure 15B The energy absorption component 800 of Example 8 will be described. Figure 15A correspond Figure 12 . Figure 15B correspond Figure 14A The energy-absorbing component 800 of Embodiment 8 is characterized in that two strips 32 of Embodiment 7 are overlapped in a relative manner to form a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the energy-absorbing component 800 is formed into a cylindrical component by overlapping the open ends 44, 44 (openings 44, 44) of the two basic units 20, 20 with the U-shaped cross-section. The flanges 748, 748 are joined to each other by a plurality of spot welds. As a result, the open ends 747a, 747a of the pair of extensions 747, 747 of the two basic units 20, 20 are joined to each other between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52. Preferably, the position of the spot weld 801 is, for example, set at the middle position between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52.

[0127] The energy absorption component 800 of Embodiment 8 is configured as a cylindrical component, thus enabling it to efficiently absorb greater energy. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 8, the energy absorption component 800 can also perform the same effects as the energy absorption component 700 of Embodiment 7 described above.

[0128] <Example 9>

[0129] Reference Figures 16A to 17D The energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 will be described below. The energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 is characterized in that it incorporates... Figure 12 The two energy-absorbing components 700, 700 (Example 7) after the separation of the stamping end 746 are shown to be stacked on top of each other in a relative manner to form a cylindrical shape.

[0130] Hereinafter, Example 9 will be described in detail. Figure 16A It was shown again Figure 12 The energy absorption component 700 of Embodiment 7 is shown. First, the energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 is manufactured from the energy absorption component 700 of Embodiment 7 (see Figure 9). Figure 17A The manufacturing method of ) will be explained.

[0131] First, such as Figure 16A As shown, the energy-absorbing component 700 of Embodiment 7 is prepared to be stamped. The energy-absorbing component 700 has stamping ends 746, 746 that can be separated from the open ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 of each basic unit 20.

[0132] Next, the stamping ends 746, 746 are separated (cut off) from the open sides of the second plate portions 42, 42 in the energy absorption component 700. The result is as follows: Figure 16BAs shown, the extensions 747 and 747 can be separated from the ends 42a and 42a.

[0133] Next, as Figure 16C As shown, two energy absorption components 700 and 700 are prepared after the extensions 747 and 747 are separated from the ends 42a and 42a.

[0134] Next, the open ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 of each energy absorption component 700, 700 are overlapped and joined together in an opposing manner. The result is as follows: Figures 17A to 17C As shown, an energy absorption component 900 configured as a cylinder can be obtained.

[0135] like Figures 17A to 17C As shown, by joining the ends 42a, 42a together, the energy absorption component 900 (cylindrical component 900) is configured with a regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0136] like Figure 17D As shown, the joint structure of the ends 42a, 42a to each other is a joint structure based on molten metal 901, for example, a joint structure based on welding. Molten metal 901 is obtained by melting and solidifying the ends 42a, 42a as the base material (welding blank) and the welding metal.

[0137] The energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 is summarized as follows.

[0138] The energy absorption component 900 of Example 9 will Figure 16A The energy absorption component 700 shown is referred to as "energy absorption half 700", which is composed of Figure 16C The two energy-absorbing halves 700 and 700 shown constitute a cylindrical component.

[0139] like Figure 16C and Figure 17A As shown, the two energy-absorbing halves 700 and 700 are the structures after the stamping end 746 and 746 are separated from the pair of second plate portions 42 and 42, and the openings overlap and join each other (the open side ends 42a and 42a overlap each other).

[0140] The energy-absorbing component 900 of Embodiment 9 is configured as a cylindrical component, thus enabling it to absorb greater energy. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 9, the energy-absorbing component 900 can also perform the same effects as the energy-absorbing component 700 of Embodiment 7 described above.

[0141] <Example 10>

[0142] Reference Figure 18A and Figure 18B The energy absorption component 1000 of Example 10 will be described. Figure 18A correspond Figure 17A . Figure 18B correspond Figure 17D The energy absorption component 1000 (cylindrical component 1000) of Embodiment 10 is characterized in that the joining structure of the open-side ends 42a, 42a of the second plate portions 42, 42 is a joining structure using metal strip plates 1001, 1001. For example, metal strip plates 1001 are overlapped on the outer surfaces of the ends 42a, 42a that overlap each other in an opposing manner. Each end 42a, 42a is joined to the strip plate 1001 by a plurality of spot welds, thereby joining the ends 42a, 42a to each other. Other structures and Figures 16A to 17D The energy absorption component 900 shown in Embodiment 9 is the same, and its description is omitted. The energy absorption component 1000 can perform the same effect as the energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 described above.

[0143] <Example 11>

[0144] Reference Figure 19 The energy absorption component 1100 of Embodiment 11 will be described below. The basic structure of the energy absorption component 1100 of Embodiment 11 is similar to... Figure 17A The energy absorption component 900 (cylindrical component 900) shown. Figure 18A The energy absorption component 1000 (cylindrical component 1000) shown is the same. The energy absorption component 1100 is characterized in that it constitutes the collision energy absorption box 1120 of the vehicle.

[0145] More specifically, the energy absorption component 1100 includes a collision energy absorption box 1120 and a flange 1121 disposed at the rear end of the collision energy absorption box 1120. The collision energy absorption box 1120 absorbs impact energy acting from the front of the vehicle body 1110.

[0146] The vehicle body 1110 has a front side frame 1111 and a front bumper beam 1112 (bumper reinforcement 1112) located in front of the front side frame 1111. A collision energy absorption box 1120 is located between the connecting plate 1111b of the front end 1111a of the front side frame 1111 and the front bumper beam 1112. The energy absorption component 1100 can be mounted on the front side frame 1111 by bolting the flange 1121 to the connecting plate 1111b of the front end 1111a of the front side frame 1111.

[0147] When an impact load is applied to the front bumper beam 1112 from the front of the vehicle, the impact load is applied from the front bumper beam 1112 to the collision energy absorption box 1120. The collision energy absorption box 1120 can absorb the impact energy by crushing itself. In addition, the energy absorption component 1100 can perform the same effects as the energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 and the energy absorption component 1000 of Embodiment 10, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 11.

[0148] Furthermore, the structure of the energy-absorbing component 1100 in Embodiment 11 can also be applied to the energy-absorbing components 10, 200 to 1000 in Embodiments 1 to 10. That is, the energy-absorbing components 10, 200 to 1000 can be used as the structure of a vehicle's collision energy-absorbing box.

[0149] <Example 12>

[0150] Reference Figure 20A and Figure 20B The energy-absorbing component 1200 of Embodiment 12 will be described below. The energy-absorbing component 1200 of Embodiment 12 is characterized by being reinforced by an outer cylinder 1210 that extends in the same direction R1 (arrow R1 direction; the length direction R1 of the energy-absorbing component 1200) as the energy-absorbing component 1200. The outer cylinder 1210 is, for example, a structure obtained by welding a pair of semi-divided outer cylinder halves 1211, 1212 together by means of multiple spot welds. The cross-sectional shape of the outer cylinder 1210 is arbitrary, for example, rectangular. This energy-absorbing component 1200 and... Figure 19 The energy absorption component 1100 of Embodiment 11 shown can also be configured as a collision energy absorption box 1120.

[0151] The energy-absorbing component 1200 of Embodiment 12 is reinforced by the outer cylinder 1210, thereby enabling it to absorb greater energy. Furthermore, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 12, the energy-absorbing component 1200 can also perform the same effects as the energy-absorbing component 1100 of Embodiment 11 described above.

[0152] <Example 13>

[0153] Reference Figure 21 The energy absorption component 1300 of Example 13 will be described. Figure 21 correspond Figure 17A The basic structure of the energy absorption component 1300 in Example 13 is similar to... Figure 17A The energy absorption component 900 (cylindrical component 900) shown. Figure 18AThe energy absorption component 1000 (cylindrical component 1000) shown is the same. The energy absorption component 1300 (cylindrical component 1300) of Embodiment 13 is characterized in that cylindrical bodies 1310 and 1320 are provided at both end faces 10a and 10b of the cylindrical component 900 or the cylindrical component 1000 in the longitudinal direction R1.

[0154] These cylinders 1310 and 1320 are located on the centerline CL11 of the energy-absorbing component 1300 along the longitudinal direction R1 and are engaged with the end faces 10a and 10b. When viewed from the longitudinal direction R1, the cylinders 1310 and 1320 are configured as rectangular or circular shapes. The cylinders 1310 and 1320 can be assembled, for example, at any location in a vehicle frame (not shown) where axial (along the direction of the centerline CL11) impacts are desired to be absorbed (e.g., the front frame). As an example, the energy-absorbing component 1300, by being integrally disposed in the middle of the front frame, constitutes a frame structure forming part of the front frame and is capable of absorbing impact loads in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0155] In addition to the effects of Embodiment 13, the energy absorption component 1300 can also perform the same effects as the energy absorption component 900 of Embodiment 9 and the energy absorption component 1000 of Embodiment 10.

[0156] The energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1300 of the embodiments described above are summarized below.

[0157] Reference Figures 1 to 21 First, the energy-absorbing components 10, 200 to 1300 are formed by a component 20 with a U-shaped cross-section consisting of a first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 extending from the two edges 41a, 41a of the first plate portion 41 in opposite directions, as a "basic unit 20" made of a stamped product.

[0158] Furthermore, the energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1300 use a straight line CL1 that passes through the space 43 (internal space 43) surrounded by the first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 and extends in the direction (arrow R1 direction) along the plate surfaces 41b, 42b, 42b of the first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 as the "axis CL1 of the basic unit 20", and use a straight line CL2 that is orthogonal to the axis CL1 and extends in the direction (arrow R2 direction) intersecting the plate surface 41b of the first plate portion 41 as the "reference line CL2 of the basic unit 20".

[0159] Furthermore, the energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1300 designate one end face 51 of the basic unit 20 along the direction of axis CL1 (arrow R1 direction) as "first end face 51" and the other end face 52 as "second end face 52".

[0160] The inner surface 21 and outer surface 22 (including the broken lines) of the basic unit 20, which is configured as a U-shaped cross-section, are contours that do not have an undercut shape along the reference line CL2, that is, contours that can be pushed out and pulled out of the die for stamping. The first plate portion 41 and a pair of second plate portions 42, 42 each have an imaginary parallelogram 90 offset about the axis CL1 within the range from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 6 ) or 790 (refer to) Figure 12 The imaginary parallelogram 90 or 790 has at least one of its two diagonals 91, 92 or 791, 792 that is formed by broken lines.

[0161] Thus, the basic unit 20 with a U-shaped cross-section has imaginary parallelograms 90 or 790 offset around the axis CL1 in the first plate portion 41 and the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 within the range from the first end face 51 to the second end face 52, forming an energy-absorbing component 10, 200 to 1300 with good energy absorption performance in a reverse spiral shape. Moreover, both the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 of the basic unit 20 have contours without undercut shape (negative angle shape). Therefore, the energy-absorbing components 10, 200 to 1300 can be easily mass-produced by stamping with relatively low cost.

[0162] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 11A , Figure 12 , Figure 13B Second, in the energy absorption components 10, 600, and 700 described in the first description, the basic unit 20 has stamping ends 46, 46 or 746, 746 at the open ends 42a, 42a of a pair of second plate portions 42, 42. These stamping ends 46, 46 or 746, 746 have at least the ability to be clamped into a stamping die (e.g., Figure 13B The basic unit 20 is formed by a pair of flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 of the pressure ring Mh and the mold Md shown, thereby forming a hat-shaped cross section.

[0163] By utilizing flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 to supplement the rigidity of the open end 44 of the U-shaped cross-section energy absorbing components 10, 600, 700, it is possible to achieve uniformity in the energy absorption of the energy absorbing components 10, 600, 700. Moreover, since the basic unit 20 has at least one pair of flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 at the open end 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 that can be clamped into a stamping die, the basic unit 20 can be easily mass-produced by stamping.

[0164] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6 , Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12 Third, in the energy absorption components 10, 200 to 600 described in the first and second parts above, the broken line is a valley broken line or a mountain broken line.

[0165] By setting the fold lines as valley fold lines or mountain fold lines, energy absorption components 10, 200 to 600 can be easily mass-produced through stamping, which is relatively inexpensive.

[0166] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12 Fourth, in the energy absorption components 10, 600, and 700 described in the first to third descriptions above, two basic units 20 are grouped together to form a unit group 31, and at least two units 31 form a continuous strip 32 along the axis CL1. Figure 1 and Figure 12 As shown, the imaginary parallelograms 90 and 90 of adjacent basic units 20 and 20 are offset from each other about axis CL1 (refer to...). Figure 2 , Figure 6 ) or 790, 790 (refer to) Figure 12 The tilt direction is opposite to that of the other two.

[0167] Therefore, the energy-absorbing component 10 can undergo reverse spiral deformation by means of a zigzag line along the entire length of the strip 32, thereby increasing the amount of energy absorbed.

[0168] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B Fifth, in the energy absorption component 600 described in the first part, one of the two diagonals 91 and 92 of the imaginary parallelogram 90 is designated as the first diagonal 91, and the other is designated as the second diagonal 92. The first diagonal 91 is inclined around the axis CL1 in a manner that makes it easier to fold than the second diagonal 92.

[0169] Also refer to Figure 1 In the basic units 20A and 20B of unit group 31A (first unit group 31A) located on the energy input side (hollow arrow Er side) of unit group 31A and 31B (strip 32), the first diagonal 91 is formed as a broken line. In the basic units 20C and 20D of unit group 31B (second unit group 31B) located on the non-energy input side opposite to the energy input side of unit group 31A and 31B (strip 32), the second diagonal 92 is formed as a broken line.

[0170] The first diagonal 91, which is inclined around the axis CL1, is easier to fold than the second diagonal 92 along the axis CL1. Therefore, the energy absorption of the basic units 20A and 20B on the energy input side (the side where the energy is applied, Er side) can be set to be smaller than the energy absorption of the basic units 20C and 20DB on the non-energy input side. Therefore, the energy absorption component 600, which receives input energy from the energy input side, can gradually deform from the front end (end face 10a) and absorb energy while undergoing reverse spiral deformation at the fold line section along its entire length.

[0171] Reference Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8 , Figure 10A , Figure 15A , Figure 17A , Figures 18A to 20B Sixth, in the energy absorption components 200, 300, 500, 800 to 1200 described in the first to fifth descriptions above, a cylindrical component is formed by overlapping the openings 44, 44 of two basic units 20, 20 with a U-shaped cross-section. The open ends 42a, 42a of the pair of second plate portions 42, 42 of the two basic units 20, 20 (refer to...) Figure 1 They are joined to each other between the first end face 51 and the second end face 52.

[0172] Because the energy absorption components 200, 300, 500, 800 to 1200 are cylindrical, sufficient energy absorption can be achieved even with large input energy (external force). Furthermore, since the first end face 51 and the second end face 52 along the axis CL1 are joined, the reverse spiral deformation effect can be fully achieved.

[0173] Reference Figure 7A , Figure 8 as well as Figure 15ASeventh, in the energy absorption components 200, 300, and 800 described in the sixth paragraph, each basic unit 20 has a stamping end 46, 46 or 746, 746 at the open end 42a, 42a of a pair of second plate portions 42, 42. This stamping end 46, 46 or 746, 746 has at least a pair of flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 that can be clamped into a stamping die, thereby forming a cap-shaped cross-section for each basic unit 20. The cylindrical component (energy absorption component 200, 300, 800) is a structure obtained by overlapping and joining the flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 of each of the two basic units 20, 20.

[0174] The two basic units 20, 20 are configured into a cap-shaped cross section by having flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 respectively. By joining the flanges 45, 45 or 748, 748 together, the energy absorbing components 200, 300, 800 are made into cylindrical components, thus enabling them to absorb a larger amount of input energy (external force).

[0175] Reference Figures 16A to 18B Eighth, in the energy absorption components 900 and 1000 described in the sixth paragraph above, each basic unit 20 has stamping ends 746 and 746 at the open-side ends 42a and 42a of a pair of second plate portions 42 and 42, respectively. These stamping ends 746 and 746 have at least a pair of flanges 748 and 748 that can be clamped into a stamping die, thereby forming a cap-shaped cross-section for each basic unit 20. The cylindrical component (energy absorption component 900 and 1000) is a structure obtained by separating the stamping ends 746 and 746 from the open-side ends 42a and 42a of the respective second plate portions 42 and 42 of the two basic units 20 and joining the open-side ends 42a and 42a together.

[0176] Because the energy-absorbing components 900 and 1000 are cylindrical, sufficient energy absorption can be achieved even when the input energy (external force) is large. Furthermore, by separating the stamping ends 746 and 746 used for easily stamping the basic units 20 and 20 and joining the open-side ends 42a and 42a together, the energy-absorbing components 900 and 1000 made of cylindrical components can be easily obtained.

[0177] Reference Figures 17A to 1 8D. Ninth, in the energy absorption components 900 and 1000 described in the eighth point above, the cylindrical component has a regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

[0178] Energy-absorbing components 900 and 1000 are combined into a cylindrical shape with a regular hexagonal cross-section by combining two basic units 20 and 20 with a U-shaped cross-section. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved stamping formability and improved energy absorption performance of energy-absorbing components 900 and 1000.

[0179] Reference Figures 17A to 18B Tenth, in the energy absorption components 900 and 1000 described in the eighth and ninth descriptions above, the joining structure of the open-side ends 42a and 42a of the respective second plate portions 42 and 42 is based on the joining structure of the molten metal 901 (see reference). Figure 17D ) or by means of a joint structure using a metal strip 1001 (see reference) Figure 18B ).

[0180] The open ends 42a, 42a of the respective second plate portions 42, 42 can be integrated with each other by joining based on molten metal 901 or by joining with metal strip plates 1001. Therefore, by combining two basic units 20, 20 with U-shaped cross sections made of stamped parts, cylindrical energy absorption components 900, 1000 can be obtained relatively easily.

[0181] Reference Figures 1 to 1 8. Figure 19 , Figure 20A and Figure 20B Eleventh, the energy absorption components 1100 and 1200 (including energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1000) described in the first to tenth sections constitute a structure capable of being installed on the vehicle body 1110 (see reference). Figure 19 The front end 1111a of the front side frame 1111 has a collision energy absorption box 1120.

[0182] The collision energy absorption box 1120 can be easily constructed using energy absorption components 1100 and 1200 (including energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1000) made of stamped parts.

[0183] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 20A as well as Figure 20B Twelfth, the energy absorption components 1100, 1200 (including energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1000) described in the first to eleventh descriptions are housed in an outer cylinder 1210 (including...) extending in the same direction R1 (arrow R1 direction) as the energy absorption components 1100, 1200. Figure 8 The outer cylinder 310 is reinforced by the outer cylinder 1210.

[0184] By utilizing the outer cylinder 1210 (including Figure 8The outer cylinder 310 reinforces the energy-absorbing components 1100 and 1200 (including energy-absorbing components 10, 200 to 1000) made of stamped parts, enabling them to absorb greater energy.

[0185] Furthermore, as long as the functions and effects of the present invention can be achieved, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, any two or more of the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

[0186] Industrial availability

[0187] The energy absorption components 10, 200 to 1300 of the present invention are suitable for use in the lower longitudinal beam of a vehicle body, the battery casing of an electric vehicle, the collision energy absorption box at the front of the vehicle body, and the front side frame.

[0188] Label Explanation

[0189] 10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300: Energy absorption components; 10a, 10b: End faces of energy absorption components along their length; 20: Basic unit; 20A, 20B: Basic units on the energy input side; 20C, 20D: Basic units on the non-energy input side; 21: Inner surface of the first basic unit; 22: First basic unit 32: Outer surface of the element; 41: First plate portion; 41a: Edge of the first plate portion; 41b: Plate surface of the first plate portion; 42: Second plate portion; 42a: Open end; 42b: Plate surface of the second plate portion; 43: Space (internal space); 44: Open end; 45: Flange; 46: External space (opposite to internal space 43); 51: First end face; 52: Second end face; 61: Inclined surface (at least a portion of the second plate portion) ; 90: Imaginary parallelogram; 91: First diagonal; 92: Second diagonal; 101: Bending section; 201: Spot weld section; 310: Outer cylinder; 511: Spot weld section; 790: Imaginary parallelogram; 791: First diagonal; 792: Second diagonal; 801: Spot weld section; 901: Molten metal; 1001: Metal strip; 1111: Front frame; 1111a: Front end; 1120: Collision energy absorption box; 1210: Outer cylinder; CL1: Axis; CL2: Baseline; Er: Direction of energy (external force); R1: Length direction of energy absorption component; R2: Direction intersecting the surface of the first plate; R3: Direction away from each other; R4, R74: Direction along the surface of the first plate when viewed from the first end face; W1: Width between the two edges of the first plate; W2: Width between the open ends of the second plate; Wd: Width of the flange.

Claims

1. An energy absorbing member, wherein one component having a U-shaped cross section is provided as a basic unit composed of a first plate portion and a pair of second plate portions extending from both edges of the first plate portion in directions opposite to each other, a straight line passing through a space surrounded by the first plate portion and the pair of second plate portions and extending in a direction along a plate surface of each of the first plate portion and the pair of second plate portions is provided as an axis of the basic unit, a straight line orthogonal to the axis and extending in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the first plate portion is provided as a reference line of the basic unit, one end surface in a direction along the axis in the basic unit is provided as a first end surface, and the other end surface is provided as a second end surface, an inner surface and an outer surface of the basic unit having the U-shaped cross section are profiles having no undercut shape in a direction along the reference line, the first plate portion and the pair of second plate portions each have an imaginary parallelogram offset around the axis in a range from the first end surface to the second end surface, at least one of two diagonal lines of the imaginary parallelogram is composed of a broken line.

2. The energy absorbing member according to claim 1, wherein the basic unit has a press-formed end portion at an end portion of an open side of the pair of second plate portions, the press-formed end portion having at least a pair of flanges capable of being clamped in a press die, whereby the basic unit has a hat-shaped cross section.

3. The energy absorbing member according to claim 2, wherein the broken line is a valley broken line or a mountain broken line.

4. The energy absorbing member according to claim 3, wherein two basic units are provided as one group to constitute a unit group, and at least two unit groups constitute a long strip continuous along the axis, inclined directions of the imaginary parallelograms offset around the axis of the basic units adjacent to each other are opposite to each other.

5. The energy absorbing member according to claim 4, wherein one of the two diagonal lines of the imaginary parallelogram is provided as a first diagonal line, and the other is provided as a second diagonal line, the first diagonal line is inclined around the axis in a manner more easily foldable than the second diagonal line, the first diagonal line of the basic unit of the unit group on an energy input side in the two unit groups is formed as the broken line, the second diagonal line of the basic unit of the unit group on a side opposite to the energy input side in the two unit groups is formed as the broken line.

6. The energy absorbing member according to claim 1, wherein a cylindrical member is constituted by openings of two basic units of the U-shaped cross section overlapping each other, end portions of open sides of the pair of second plate portions possessed by the two basic units engage with each other between the first end surface and the second end surface.

7. The energy absorbing member according to claim 6, wherein The basic unit has a press-forming end portion at the end of the open side of the pair of second plate portions, the press-forming end portion having at least a pair of flanges that can be clamped in a press die, whereby the basic unit has a hat-shaped cross section, The tubular member is a structure obtained by separating the press-forming end portions from the open side ends of the second plate portions of the two basic units and joining the open side ends to each other.

8. The energy absorbing member according to claim 6, wherein The basic unit has a press-forming end portion at the end of the open side of the pair of second plate portions, the press-forming end portion having at least a pair of flanges that can be clamped in a press die, whereby the basic unit has a hat-shaped cross section, The tubular member is a structure obtained by separating the press-forming end portions from the open side ends of the second plate portions of the two basic units and joining the open side ends to each other.

9. The energy absorbing member according to claim 8, wherein The tubular member has a regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

10. The energy absorbing member according to claim 8, wherein The joining structure of the open side ends of the respective second plate portions to each other is a joining structure based on molten metal or a joining structure by means of a metal-made strip plate.

11. The energy absorbing member according to claim 6, wherein The energy absorbing member constitutes a crash box that can be mounted to the front end of a front side frame of a vehicle body.

12. The energy absorbing member according to claim 11, wherein The energy absorbing member is reinforced by an outer tube that is received in the same direction as the energy absorbing member.

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