Fragile stop block support

Abstract

A support assembly includes a stop block having an axis. The support assembly includes an insert having a guide ring disposed around the axis, a stop block support supporting the stop block, and a post connecting the guide ring to the stop block support. The post is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle chocks that support a hood of a vehicle, and more particularly to a frangible chock support. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include a stopper that supports a hood of the vehicle. Specifically, the stopper is supported by a body of the vehicle and supports the hood against the body when the hood is in a closed position. The stopper prevents an undesired collision between the hood and the body when the hood moves from an open position to a closed position and positions the hood relative to the body when the hood is in the closed position. Summary of the invention

[0003] The support assembly includes a stop block having an axis. The support assembly includes an insert having a guide ring disposed around the axis, a stop block support supporting the stop block, and a post connecting the guide ring to the stop block support. The post is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support.

[0004] The stop block may have a head, and the guide ring may be disposed between the head and the stop block support.

[0005] The column may have a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion being breakable relative to the first portion and the second portion.

[0006] The post may include a neck located between the stop block support and the guide ring.

[0007] The stop block support may define a bore, and the shaft may include threads threadably engaging the bore.

[0008] The guide ring may include a clamp member.

[0009] The stop block support may have an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the guide ring may be greater than the outer diameter of the stop block support.

[0010] The insert may include a plurality of posts including the posts, the plurality of posts may connect the guide ring to the stop block support.

[0011] The shaft may be elongated along a first axis and the column may be elongated along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0012] The insert may include a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support, and the second post may include a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

[0013] The insert includes a guide ring. The insert includes a stop block support member spaced apart from the guide ring. The insert includes a post connecting the guide ring to the stop block support member. The post is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support member.

[0014] The post may be designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support.

[0015] The post may be designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support, which threshold amount may be greater than 300 Newtons.

[0016] The post may include a neck.

[0017] When the column is under tension, the column may be breakable relative to the guide ring and stop block supports.

[0018] The stop block support, guide ring and post may be integral.

[0019] The insert may include a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support.

[0020] The second post may include a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

[0021] The stop block support may define a slot, and the second post may be disposed within the slot.

[0022] The stop block support may include a pair of protruding portions defining a slot therebetween. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle including a support assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 is a side view of the support assembly prior to crushing and supported by components of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3 is a side view of the support assembly after being crushed and supported by components of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an insert supporting the assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 is a side view of an insert supporting the assembly.

[0028] Figure 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the insert.

[0029] Figure 5B is an enlarged view of another portion of the insert.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a portion of one embodiment of a support assembly.

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-section of a portion of another embodiment of a support assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to the drawings, a support assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 includes a stopper 24 having an axis 26. The support assembly 20 includes an insert 28 having a guide ring 30 disposed about the axis 26, a stopper support 32 supporting the stopper 24, and a first post 34 connecting the guide ring 30 to the stopper support 32. The first post 34 is breakable relative to the guide ring 30 and the stopper support 32.

[0033] When the first pillar 34 breaks, such as during a collision between the vehicle 22 and a pedestrian external to the vehicle 22, the support assembly 20 absorbs energy. Absorbing this energy reduces the likelihood of injury to the pedestrian.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 22 may be any type of passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 22 may include a hood 36, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown. The hood 36 can cover the engine compartment 38 of the vehicle 22. The hood 36 can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The hood 36 in the open position allows access to the engine compartment 38. The hood 36 in the closed position blocks access to the engine compartment 38.

[0035] The support assembly 20 supports a hood 36 of the vehicle 22. For example, when the hood 36 is in a closed position, the stop 24 may abut the hood 36. The support assembly 20 is designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied, such as the force applied to the hood 36 and transferred to the stop 24 during a collision between the vehicle 22 and a pedestrian.

[0036] The support assembly 20 can be supported by a component of the vehicle 22, for example, by a panel 40 formed, for example, of sheet metal, in an engine compartment 38 of the vehicle 22. For example, the support assembly 20 can be supported by a body of the vehicle, i.e., the panel 40 can be a component of the body. The support assembly 20 supports the hood 36 on the panel 40. The panel 40 can include an aperture 42, and the support assembly 20 can be disposed within the aperture 42.

[0037] The stop block 24 may include a shaft 26 and a head 44. The stop block 24 may be disposed within a hole 42 of the panel 40, for example, the shaft 26 may be disposed within the hole 42 with the head 44 above the panel 40. The stop block 24 prevents undesirable collisions between the hood 36 and the panel 40 when the hood 36 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the stop block 24 positions the hood 36 relative to the panel 40 when the hood 36 is in the closed position.

[0038] The head 44 may abut the hood 36 in the closed position. The head 44 may be disposed between the hood 36 and the panel 40 in the closed position. The head 44 may be made of rubber or any other suitable material.

[0039] The shaft 26 may extend from the head 44. The shaft 26 may be cylindrical. The shaft 26 is elongated along a first axis A1, such as Figure 2 The shaft 26 may have an outer surface 46. The outer surface 46 of the shaft 26 may include threads, such as Figure 6 The outer surface 46 of the shaft 26 may be smooth, such as Figure 7 The head 44 and shaft 26 may be unitary, ie, a single piece of material, without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding the head 44 and shaft 26 together.

[0040] The insert 28 includes a stop block support 32, a guide ring 30, and one or more first posts 34. The insert 28 may include one or more second posts 48. The insert 28 may be disposed within a hole 42 of a panel 40. For example, one or more of the first posts 34 and one or more of the second posts 48 may be disposed within the hole 42. The panel 40 may be disposed between the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32.

[0041] The stop block support 32, the guide ring 30, the one or more first posts 34, and / or the one or more second posts 48 can be unitary, i.e., a single piece of material without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding them together. For example, the stop block support 32, the guide ring 30, the one or more first posts 34, and / or the one or more second posts 48 can be formed simultaneously by injection molding, blow molding, casting, etc. As an alternative to being unitary, the stop block support 32, the guide ring 30, the one or more first posts 34, and / or the one or more second posts 48 can be separate components secured to each other, e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, friction welding, etc.

[0042] The guide ring 30 may include a cylindrical body 50 defining a bore 52, such as Figures 2 to 4 The guide ring 30 may have an outer diameter D1, such as Figure 5The outer diameter D1 may be based on the outer surface 54 of the body 50. The outer diameter D1 of the guide ring 30 may be greater than the outer diameter D2 of the stop block support 32 (described below).

[0043] The guide ring 30 can be disposed around the shaft 26. For example, the shaft 26 can be disposed within a hole 52 of the guide ring 30. The guide ring 30 can abut the panel 40. The body 50 of the guide ring 30 can be disposed between the head 44 and the stop block support 32, for example, along the first axis A1 of the shaft 26.

[0044] The guide ring 30 may include a clip member 56. The clip member 56 may extend from the body 50 toward the stop block support 32. The clip member 56 may include a first portion 58 and a second portion 60. The first portion 58 may be disposed within the hole 42 of the panel 40, wherein the panel 40 is disposed between the body 50 and the second portion 60 of the clip member 56.

[0045] The stop block support 32 can support the stop block 24. The stop block support 32 can include a body 62 having a cylindrical shape and defining a hole 64. The body 62 can include a top surface 66 opposite a bottom surface 68. The hole 64 can extend completely through the body 50 from the top surface 66 to the bottom surface 68, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The hole 64 may extend partially through the body 50 from the top surface 66 toward the bottom surface 68, and the hole 64 terminates at the bottom surface 70 of the hole 64, as shown. Figure 7 shown.

[0046] The stop block support 32 may have an outer diameter D2, such as Figure 5 The outer diameter D2 of the stopper support 32 may be based on the outer surface 72 of the body 62 of the stopper support 32. The outer diameter D2 of the stopper support 32 may be smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the body 50 of the guide ring 30.

[0047] The stop block support 32 can support the shaft 26 of the stop block 24. For example, the threads of the shaft 26 can be threadedly engaged with the hole 64, such as Figure 6 For example, the shaft 26 may abut the bottom surface 70 of the hole 64 of the stop block support 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0048] The stop block support 32 may define one or more slots 74, such as Figure 5BFor example, the stop block support 32 may include one or more pairs of projections 76. The pair of projections 76 may extend from the top surface 66 and away from the body 62 of the stop block support 32. Each of the slots 74 may be defined between each pair of the pair of projections 76. Additionally or alternatively, each of the slots 74 may extend from the top surface 66 of the body 62 of the stop block support 32 toward the bottom surface 68 of the body 62 of the stop block support 32.

[0049] The stop block support 32 is spaced apart from the guide ring 30 , for example, with the one or more first posts 34 and the one or more second posts 48 disposed therebetween.

[0050] Each of the one or more first posts 34 connects the guide ring 30 to the stop block support 32. For example, each of the one or more first posts 34 may extend between the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32 along the second axis A2, such as Figure 2 The second axis A2 may be parallel to the first axis A1.

[0051] The one or more first posts 34 are breakable relative to the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32. In other words, when sufficient force is applied to the insert 28 (e.g., to the stop block support 32), the one or more first posts 34 may break, such as Figure 3 As shown, the remainder of the insert 28 (eg, the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32) may remain intact.

[0052] When the stop block 24 applies tension to the one or more first columns 34, the one or more first columns 34 may be breakable relative to the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32. For example, when the stop block 24 applies a force to the stop block support 32 in a direction F away from the guide ring 30, the one or more first columns 34 may be breakable relative to the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32, and the panel 40 applies a reaction force to the guide ring 30 in a direction opposite to the force applied to the stop block support 32, thereby generating tensile stress in the one or more first columns 34.

[0053] Each of the one or more first posts 34 may have a first portion 78, a second portion 80, and an intermediate portion 82 between the first portion 78 and the second portion 80, such as Figure 5AAs shown. The middle portion 82 may be breakable relative to the first portion 78 and the second portion 80. In other words, the middle portion 82 may have a lower strength, such as a tensile strength, than the first portion 78 and the second portion 80. Therefore, when a sufficient force is applied to the first column 34, the first column 34 may break at the middle portion 82, while the first portion 78 and the second portion 80 remain intact. For example, the middle portion 82 may be formed of a material with a lower strength than the first portion 78 and the second portion 80. In other words, the middle portion 82 may be formed of a material having a first tensile strength, and the first portion 78 and the second portion 80 may be formed of a material having a second tensile strength less than the first tensile strength.

[0054] Each of the one or more first posts 34 may include a neck 84, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and 5A As shown. The cross-sectional area of ​​the neck 84 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the remainder of the associated first column 34. The width of the neck 84 can be smaller than the width of the remainder of the associated first column 34. The diameter of the neck 84 can be smaller than the diameter of the remainder of the associated first column 34. The neck 84 can be located between the stop block support 32 and the guide ring 30. The neck 84 can be spaced apart from the stop block support 32 and the guide ring 30. The neck 84 can be located at the middle portion 82 of the associated first column 34.

[0055] The one or more first posts 34 may be designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support 32. The threshold amount of force may be in a direction F away from the guide ring 30 and toward the stop block support 32. The threshold amount of force may be along the first axis A1. The one or more first posts 34 may be designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to one first post 34. The one or more first posts 34 may be designed to break when the threshold amount of force is distributed between more than one first post 34.

[0056] For example, when only one first post 34 connects the guide ring 30 to the stop block support 32 , such first post 34 is designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block 24 .

[0057] For example, when more than one first post 34 (e.g., a plurality of first posts 34) connects the guide ring 30 to the stop block support 32, such a plurality of first posts 34 are designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support 32. In other words, each first post 34 of the plurality of first posts 34 may be designed to break when a portion of the threshold amount of force is applied to such first post 34. The portion may be determined based on how many first posts 34 are included in the plurality of posts. For example, when two first posts 34 connect the guide ring 30 to the stop block support 32, each post 34 may be designed to break when a half of the threshold amount of force is applied to such post 34. For example, when four first posts 34 connect the guide ring 30 to the stop block support 32, each post 34 may be designed to break when a quarter of the threshold amount of force is applied to such post 34.

[0058] The threshold amount of force may be based on the closing force and the impact force of the hood 36. The closing force is the amount of force applied by the hood 36 to the stop block support 32 when the hood 36 is closed. The closing force may vary based on the weight of the hood 36, for example, the heavier the hood 36, the greater the closing force. The closing force may vary based on other factors, such as how much force the user applies to close the hood 36, whether there are any dampers supporting the hood 36, etc. The threshold amount should be such that one or more first columns 34 do not break when the closing force is applied (e.g., when the hood 36 is closed). For example, the closing force may be between 200 Newtons and 400 Newtons. For example, the threshold amount of force may be greater than 300 Newtons. The impact force is the amount of force applied to the stop block support 32 when the hood 36 is impacted by a pedestrian, for example, when the vehicle 22 is traveling at a speed greater than the threshold amount (e.g., 10 miles per hour). The threshold amount should cause one or more first pillars 34 to rupture when an impact force is applied, such as when the hood 36 is impacted by a pedestrian while the vehicle 22 is in motion. For example, the impact force may be between 800 Newtons and 2,000 Newtons. For example, the threshold force amount may be less than 1,200 Newtons.

[0059] The one or more second posts 48 may each extend from the guide ring 30 toward the stop block support 32. The one or more second posts 48 provide torsional support between the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32, for example, without providing axial support. In other words, a torque applied to the stop block support 32 (e.g., via the stop block 24 and about the first axis A1) may generate stress in the one or more first posts 34 and the one or more second posts 48, while a force applied to the stop block support 32 in a direction F away from the guide ring 30 (e.g., via the stop block 24 and along the first axis A1) may generate tensile stress in the one or more first posts 34 without generating tensile stress in the one or more second posts 48.

[0060] Each of the one or more second columns 48 may be elongated along a third axis A3, such as Figure 3 As shown. The third axis A3 may be parallel to the first axis A1. The third axis A3 may be parallel to the second axis A2.

[0061] Each of the one or more second posts 48 may extend to a distal end 86. The distal end 86 may be spaced apart from the stop block support 32. In other words, a gap 88 may be defined between each distal end 86 and the stop block support 32, such as Figure 5B shown.

[0062] Each of the one or more second posts 48 may be individually disposed within one of the slots 74. In other words, one of the second posts 48 may be disposed within one of the slots 74, and another of the second posts 48 may be disposed within another of the slots 74.

[0063] Each of the slots 74 may include opposing sides 90. The sides 90 may be spaced apart from the second posts 48 disposed within the corresponding slot 74. One of the sides 90 of the slot 74 may abut the second posts 48 disposed therein, for example, when torque is applied to the stop block support 32 to cause one or more of the first posts 34 to flex. When the second posts 48 abut one of the sides 90, torsional support between the guide ring 30 and the stop block support 32 may be provided.

[0064] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to denote importance or order.

[0065] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0066] According to the present invention, a support assembly is provided, which has a stop block with an axis; and an insert having a guide ring arranged around the axis, a stop block support supporting the stop block, and a column connecting the guide ring to the stop block support; the column is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the stop block has a head, and the guide ring is arranged between the head and the stop block support.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the column has a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion being breakable relative to the first portion and the second portion.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the post comprises a neck between the stop block support and the guide ring.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the stop block support defines a bore and the shaft includes threads threadably engaging the bore.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the guide ring comprises a clamp member.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the stop block support has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the guide ring is larger than the outer diameter of the stop block support.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the insert comprises a plurality of posts including said posts, the plurality of posts connecting the guide ring to the stop block support.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the shaft is elongated along a first axis and the column is elongated along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the insert includes a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support, and the second post includes a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

[0076] According to the present invention, an insert is provided having: a guide ring; a stop block support spaced from the guide ring; and a post connecting the guide ring to the stop block support; the post being breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the post is designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the post is designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support, the threshold amount being greater than 300 Newtons.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the post comprises a neck.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the post is breakable relative to the guide ring and stop block supports when the post is under tension.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the stop block support, guide ring and post are integral.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the second post includes a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the stop block support defines a slot, and the second post is disposed within the slot.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the stop block support includes a pair of protruding portions defining a slot therebetween.

Claims

1. A support assembly, comprising: A stop block having a shaft; and an insert having a guide ring disposed about the shaft, a stop block support supporting the stop block, and a post connecting the guide ring to the stop block support; The post is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support; The shaft has a first end and a second end, and the guide ring is arranged between the first end and the second end of the shaft.

2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop block has a head, and the guide ring is disposed between the head and the stop block support.

3. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the column has a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion located between the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion being breakable relative to the first portion and the second portion.

4. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a plurality of posts including the post, the plurality of posts connecting the guide ring to the stop block support.

5. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the shaft is elongated along a first axis and the column is elongated along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

6. A support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the post includes a neck between the stop block support and a guide ring.

7. The support assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insert includes a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support, and the second post includes a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

8. An insert comprising: Guide ring; a stop block support spaced apart from the guide ring; and connecting the guide ring to a post of the stop block support; The post is breakable relative to the guide ring and the stop block support; Wherein, the guide ring is configured to surround the axis of the stop block and be arranged between the first end and the second end of the axis.

9. The insert of claim 8, wherein the post is designed to break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the stop block support, the threshold amount being based on the weight of the hood.

10. The insert of claim 9, wherein the threshold amount is greater than 800 Newtons.

11. The insert of claim 8, wherein the post includes a neck.

12. The insert of claim 8, wherein the stop block support, the guide ring, and the post are integral.

13. The insert of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a second post extending from the guide ring toward the stop block support.

14. The insert of claim 13, wherein the second post includes a distal end spaced apart from the stop block support.

15. The insert of claim 14, wherein the stop block support defines a slot and the second post is disposed within the slot.

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