Bumper device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bumper arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross beam (2) and two crash boxes (3, 4) coupled to the cross beam (2), at least one of the crash boxes (3, 4) being designed as a sleeve crash box (3) and having a sleeve (5) arranged inside the sleeve crash box (3) for accommodating a tow loop. The sleeve crash box (3) has at least one opening (19, 21) in at least one side wall (15), the opening being arranged at the height (H 52 ) of the sleeve (5) such that, in the event of a crash-induced formation of a crumple zone in the sleeve crash box (3), the at least one side wall (15) does not come into contact with the sleeve (5) or only comes into contact with the sleeve to a non-clogging extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bumper device. Background Technology

[0002] Bumpers are standard installations on both the front and rear sides of motor vehicles to intercept impact energy from minor collisions, minimizing damage to the vehicle's load-bearing structure. Bumpers typically include a crossbeam, which, when a collision energy-absorbing box is incorporated, is transversely aligned with the longitudinal beams of the vehicle's frame. This crossbeam serves to channel the energy generated by a collision into the collision energy-absorbing box, where it is converted into deformation work.

[0003] To enable towed vehicles, such as in the event of an accident, the vehicle has a tow ring or receiver fixedly installed in the front and / or rear areas, with the individual tow ring screwed into these receivers. These receivers are mostly concealed within the bumper and accessible via openings in the bumper. Therefore, the vehicle's exterior aesthetics are not affected. The pulling force generated during towing is thus directly transmitted to the bumper assembly.

[0004] The receiving part for the towing ring is mostly located within one of the impact energy absorption boxes. Such an arrangement is known, for example, from DE102013015518A1 and DE102015113773B3.

[0005] To define the necessary force level and direction of deformation for the impact energy-absorbing box under impact conditions, grooves are typically formed in the sidewalls of the impact energy-absorbing box. These grooves selectively weaken the sidewalls, causing the impact energy-absorbing box to fold under the influence of force within the grooved area. Here, a distinction is made between outward-curving external grooves and inward-curving internal grooves.

[0006] It has been confirmed that, in a collision, the sidewalls of the impact energy-absorbing box come into contact with the internal receiving portion, particularly in the area of ​​the internal crushing groove. This can lead to uneven deformation of the impact energy-absorbing box or dangerous clumping, thus reducing the impact energy converted into deformation work. "Clumping" is understood as the impact energy-absorbing box and / or the receiving portion deforming into a rigid structure that cannot absorb further impact energy, even if the impact energy-absorbing box has not yet completely crushed. It may also exceed permissible force levels, causing damage to the vehicle body. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, based on the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to improve the function of the bumper device so that the bumper device does not form dangerous lumps or asymmetrical wrinkles under load.

[0008] This invention relates to a bumper assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a crossbeam and two impact energy-absorbing boxes coupled to the crossbeam. A sleeve is disposed within at least one impact energy-absorbing box for receiving a tow ring. This impact energy-absorbing box is hereinafter referred to as a sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0009] According to the present invention, the bumper assembly is now characterized in that the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box has at least one opening on at least one of its four side walls, the opening being positioned at the height of the sleeve. This has two decisive advantages. On the one hand, during the formation of wrinkles caused by a collision, the side wall of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box does not contact the sleeve through the opening, or only contacts the sleeve to a non-agglomerated degree, especially under the conditions of RCAR bumper testing. On the other hand, the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box is specifically weakened via the opening, making it possible to determine the defined force level used to deform the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0010] Preferably, the length of the sleeve is at least one-third of the length of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box. It has been demonstrated here that in the case of impact and subsequent deformation of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box, an optimized ratio is involved to avoid contact between the sleeve and the sidewall of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0011] The sleeve itself has a maximum and a minimum external width in the vertical direction of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box. Preferably, the maximum external width of the sleeve is at least one-third of the minimum internal dimension of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box. Here, the minimum internal dimension of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box relates to the distance between the correspondingly opposite sidewalls. It has also been proven that this proportion is particularly advantageous in the case of impact and the subsequent deformation of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0012] Within the framework of this invention, the concept of "width" can refer not only to the collision energy-absorbing box but also to the sleeve and opening, respectively, and is replaced by the concept of "height." This corresponds to the installation position or arrangement of the collision energy-absorbing box, sleeve, and opening within the vehicle body, rotating 90° around the longitudinal axis. The corresponding term also applies to the expression "in height."

[0013] The openings in the sidewalls according to the invention are, in particular, rectangular in shape with rounded edges. This shape allows for minimal material removal in the sidewalls, thus avoiding an increased risk of breakage in the event of a collision. Simultaneously, this shape of the openings particularly ensures that the corresponding sidewalls do not come into contact with the sleeve in the event of a collision.

[0014] Furthermore, the opening preferably has an opening height in the vertical direction of the installed sleeve impact energy-absorbing box, the opening height being the minimum or maximum external width of the sleeve, or between the minimum and maximum external widths of the sleeve. This embodiment describes an optimal solution, which includes minimal material removal in the sidewalls and avoiding contact between the sidewalls and the sleeve when the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box deforms.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the bumper assembly has a flange on the vehicle side, and the sleeve is coupled to, and in particular welded to, the flange. The sleeve and the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box are coupled to structural elements or longitudinal beams of the vehicle via the flange.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is provided, in particular, engaged on the rear wall side of the crossbeam. In this case, instead of a flange plate, an insertion bolt scheme into the longitudinal beam is also possible for coupling with the vehicle body.

[0017] Preferably, the sidewall having the opening according to the invention has at least one inwardly rolled-up internal groove. The internal groove weakens the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box wall and defines the deformation stroke of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box in the event of an impact. Furthermore, according to the size design of the internal groove, the force to be applied to deform the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box can be adjusted via the internal groove. The sidewall is pressed inward in the region of the internal groove during the deformation of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0018] Preferably, the opening according to the invention is provided in a length section of the sidewall with an internal pressure groove. Because the internal pressure groove is pressed into the interior of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box in the event of a collision and is therefore squeezed toward the sleeve, the opening avoids direct contact between the sidewall and the sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, the opening is located in a length segment of the sidewall, the internal dimension of which is smaller than that of the adjacent length segment. In the event of a collision, the length segment with the smaller internal dimension will contact the sleeve earlier than the adjacent length segment with the larger internal dimension. Accordingly, the arrangement of the opening is particularly advantageous here.

[0020] Furthermore, the sidewall with the opening according to the invention particularly has an external pressure groove, which is preferably configured as a vertical pressure groove. The height of the vertical pressure groove is greater than its width in the horizontal direction. In the event of a collision or immediate deformation of the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box, the sidewall of the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box folds outward in the area of ​​the external pressure groove.

[0021] Preferably, the outer groove is disposed on the sidewall between two openings. This results in the sidewall moving outward in the region of the outer groove and being pressed inward in the region of the openings in the event of a collision. The sidewall does not contact the sleeve through the openings.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the opening is located in the sidewall between the two outer pressure grooves. In the event of a collision and the sleeve colliding with the energy-absorbing box and subsequently deforming, the sidewall folds outward in the area of ​​the outer pressure grooves, while the sidewall folds inward toward the sleeve through the opening. This ensures that the sidewall folds only toward the inner sleeve in the area of ​​the opening.

[0023] Preferably, at least one sidewall has an opening configured as a vertical opening. This opening is particularly located between two external pressure grooves. It has been proven here that the vertical shape of the opening is particularly advantageous for defining the direction of deformation.

[0024] Preferably, at least one sidewall has an opening configured as a horizontal opening. In particular, this horizontal opening is provided in a vertically oriented internal groove. It has also been proven that arranging a horizontal opening in a vertically oriented internal groove is particularly advantageous for the deformation stroke of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box.

[0025] Preferably, the two impact energy-absorbing boxes are composed of one or two metal plates joined together along the longitudinal edges of the contact between the metal plates.

[0026] Particularly preferably, each impact energy-absorbing box has internal and external pressure grooves in all sidewalls. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 Showing a top view of the bumper device according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 A top view showing the bumper device according to the invention in an alternative embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 Showing a top view of the sleeve impact energy absorption box according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 Showing a side view of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box according to the invention; and

[0032] Figure 5 Showing a rear view of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box according to the present invention.

[0033] The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components or parts thereof in the various figures, even if repeated descriptions are omitted for the sake of simplicity. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 The bumper device 1 includes a crossbeam 2 and two impact energy-absorbing boxes 3 and 4 coupled to the crossbeam 2. The impact energy-absorbing boxes 3 and 4 are attached to the crossbeam 2 to absorb energy caused by a collision in such a way that the energy is converted into deformation work.

[0035] exist Figure 1 The collision energy-absorbing box 3, located on the left side of the crossbeam 2, has an inner sleeve 5. Hereinafter, this collision energy-absorbing box 3 is referred to as the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box 3. The sleeve 5 and the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box 3 are arranged as follows: Figure 1 They are coupled to flange 6 at their lower ends. Sleeve 5 has an undescribed thread at its upper end, through which the drag ring can be connected to sleeve 5.

[0036] Figure 2 This illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. Here, the sleeve 5 is pressed... Figure 2 It is coupled to the rear wall 7 of the crossbeam 2 at its upper end. The sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 is directly coupled to the longitudinal beam 9 via bolt device 8. Here, the drag ring can also be connected to the sleeve 5 via a thread located at the upper end of the sleeve 5, which is not described here.

[0037] Figure 3 This view shows a top view of the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3, excluding the crossbeam 2 and flange 6. The length L of the sleeve 5 is shown. H This is greater than the length L of the sleeve collision energy absorption box 3. HC 1 / 3 of.

[0038] Four pressure grooves 11, 12, 13, and 14 are provided in the side wall 10 above the sleeve collision energy absorption box 3. All pressure grooves 11, 12, 13, and 14 are set at the height H of the sleeve 5. 51 Up. Press. Figure 3 Starting from the left, an external pressure groove 11 is first provided on the upper side wall 10 and is located in the lower half of the sleeve 5. The external pressure groove 11 has a rectangular shape with rounded edges.

[0039] Next, an internal pressure groove 12 is provided in the side wall 10 above the sleeve collision energy absorption box 3. This internal pressure groove also has a rectangular shape with rounded edges and is provided in the upper half of the sleeve 5.

[0040] Next, another external pressure groove 13 is provided in the upper side wall 10. This external pressure groove also has a rectangular shape with rounded edges and is located in the inner end region of the sleeve 5.

[0041] The fourth pressure groove 14 is also configured as an external pressure groove 14, but it has an oval shape. The external pressure groove 14 does not intersect with the sleeve 5.

[0042] All the pressure grooves 11, 12, 13, and 14 constitute vertical pressure grooves.

[0043] In this embodiment, the lower, undescribed, opposite sidewall of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 is constructed similarly to the upper sidewall 10. The arrangement of the pressure grooves 11, 12, 13, and 14 can also be different between the opposing sidewalls.

[0044] Figure 4 Showing a side view of the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3, which is coupled to a flange 6 at its end on the vehicle side and to a crossbeam 2 at the other end.

[0045] Sleeve 5 has a constant external width B in the vertical direction. H The minimum internal dimension of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 in the shown embodiment is equal to the internal dimension L. 5i Please see Figure 3 The maximum external dimension B of sleeve 5 H Here is the minimum internal dimension L of the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3. 5i At least one-third of it.

[0046] The side wall 15 of the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3 has two external pressure grooves 16 and 17. The two external pressure grooves 16 and 17 have a rectangular shape with rounded edges. The external pressure grooves 16 and 17 are located at the height H of the sleeve 5. 52 Above. An external pressure groove 16 is provided in the length region above the sleeve 5. Another external pressure groove 17 is provided above the sleeve 5 and presses... Figure 4 It is located further to the right of sleeve 5.

[0047] A length segment L1 is provided between the outer pressure grooves 16 and 17. The internal dimension L of this length segment is... 1i The internal dimension L is smaller than that of the adjacent length segments L3 and L4. 3i and L 4i This is in Figure 3 As can be seen, a vertical internal pressure groove 18 is provided within the length section L1. An opening 19 is provided within the length section L1 and the internal pressure groove 18. This opening has a rectangular shape with rounded edges, is configured as a vertical opening, and is located at the height H of the sleeve 5. 52 superior.

[0048] Therefore, the opening 19 is located between the outer pressure grooves 16 and 17 and within the length segment L1, which has an internal dimension L that is the same as that of the adjacent length segments L3 and L4. 3i and L 4iCompared to the smaller internal size L 1i This causes the length segment L1 with opening 19 to be pressed towards the sleeve 5 and into the interior of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 in the event of a collision. Here, the opening 19 prevents the sidewall 15 from contacting the sleeve 5.

[0049] Above the external pressure groove 17 and press Figure 4 A length section L2 is provided on the right side of the outer pressure groove 17. A vertical inner pressure groove 20 is provided within this length section. An opening 21 is provided on the right side wall 15, intersecting the inner pressure groove 20, within the length section L2. The opening 21 has a rectangular shape with rounded edges, is configured as a horizontal opening, and is also located at the height H of the sleeve 5. 52 superior.

[0050] The vertical opening height H of opening 21 O Here, it equals the vertical width B of sleeve 5. H .

[0051] Opening 21 is located in length segment L2, which has an internal dimension L that is the same as that of adjacent length segments L4 and L5. 4i and L 5i Compared to the smaller internal size L 2i Therefore, in the event of a collision, the length segment L2 with opening 21 is also squeezed into the interior of the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box 3 towards the sleeve 5. Here, opening 21 prevents the sidewall 15 from contacting the sleeve 5.

[0052] In this embodiment, the opposite left sidewall of the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 (not described) is constructed similarly to the right sidewall 15. The arrangement of the pressure grooves 16, 17, 18, 20 can also be configured differently between the opposing sidewalls.

[0053] It should also be noted that in the event of a collision, the sleeve impact energy-absorbing box 3 is flattened toward the flange 6, so that not only opening 19 but also opening 21 are located in the area of ​​sleeve 5.

[0054] Figure 5 Showing a rear view of the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3. Here it can be seen that the sleeve impact energy absorption box 3 consists of two metal plates 22 and 23. These metal plates are joined along their contact longitudinal edges 24 and 25.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1. Bumper assembly

[0057] 2 crossbeams

[0058] 3-sleeve impact energy absorption box

[0059] 4 Collision Energy Absorption Box

[0060] 5 sleeves

[0061] 6 flanges

[0062] 7. Rear wall of beam 2

[0063] 8 Insert Bolt Solution

[0064] 9 longitudinal beams

[0065] Side wall above 10

[0066] 11 External pressure groove

[0067] 12 Internal pressure grooves

[0068] 13 External pressure groove

[0069] 14 External Pressure Groove

[0070] 15. Right side wall

[0071] 16 External Pressure Grooves

[0072] 17 External pressure groove

[0073] 18 internal pressure grooves

[0074] 19 openings

[0075] 20 Internal pressure groove

[0076] 21 openings

[0077] 22 metal plate

[0078] 23 metal plates

[0079] 24 Longitudinal edges of metal plate 22

[0080] 25 Longitudinal edge of metal plate 23

[0081] H 51 Height of sleeve 5

[0082] H 52 Height of sleeve 5

[0083] L1 length segment

[0084] L 1i Internal dimensions of length segment L1

[0085] L2 length section

[0086] L 2i Internal dimensions of length segment L2

[0087] L3 length section

[0088] L 3i Internal dimensions of length segment L3

[0089] L4 length section

[0090] L 4i Internal dimensions of length segment L4

[0091] L5 length section

[0092] L 5i Internal dimensions of length segment L5

Claims

1. A bumper device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a crossbeam (2) and two collision energy-absorbing boxes (3, 4) coupled to the crossbeam (2), wherein at least one of the collision energy-absorbing boxes (3, 4) is configured as a sleeve collision energy-absorbing box (3) and has a sleeve (5) disposed within the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box (3) for receiving a drag ring, characterized in that, The sleeve impact energy-absorbing box (3) has at least one opening (19, 21) on at least one side wall (15), the opening being located at the height (H) of the sleeve (5). 52 On the sleeve, such that when the sleeve impacts the energy-absorbing box (3) and wrinkles are formed due to the impact, the at least one sidewall (15) does not contact the sleeve (5), or only contacts the sleeve to a non-agglomerated degree.

2. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length (L) of the sleeve (5) H ) is the length of the sleeve collision energy absorption box (L) HC At least 1 / 3 of that.

3. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) has a maximum outer width (B H ), and the sleeve collision energy-absorbing box (3) has a minimum internal dimension (L 5i ), the maximum outer width (B) of the sleeve (5) H ) is the minimum internal dimension (L) of the sleeve collision energy absorption box (3). 5i At least 1 / 3 of that.

4. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The openings (19, 21) have a rectangular shape with rounded edges.

5. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The opening (21) has an opening height (H) O The opening height (H) O ) is the average outer width (B) of the sleeve (5). H 50% to 150%.

6. The bumper device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening height (H) O The maximum outer width and minimum outer width (B) of the sleeve (5) are located at the same point. H )between.

7. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each collision energy-absorbing box (3, 4) has a flange plate (6) on the vehicle side, and the sleeve (5) is coupled to the flange plate (6).

8. The bumper device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) is welded to the flange plate (6).

9. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) is disposed on the rear wall side of the crossbeam (2).

10. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) is engaged on the rear wall side of the crossbeam (2).

11. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sidewall (15) with openings (19, 21) has at least one internal pressure groove (18, 20).

12. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The openings (19, 21) are provided in the length sections (L1, L2) of the side wall (15) having internal pressure grooves (18, 20).

13. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The openings (19, 21) are provided in the length sections (L1, L2) of the sidewall (15), and the internal dimensions (L) of the length sections are... 1i L 2i The internal dimension (L) of the adjacent length segment (L3, L4, L5) is smaller than that of the adjacent length segment (L5). 3i L 4i L 5i ).

14. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sidewall (15) with openings (19, 21) has external pressure grooves (16, 17).

15. The bumper device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The external pressure groove is configured as a vertical pressure groove.

16. The bumper device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The external pressure groove (17) is provided on the side wall (15) between two openings (19, 21).

17. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An opening (19) is provided in the sidewall (15) between two external pressure grooves (16, 17).

18. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one sidewall (15) has an opening (19) configured as a vertical opening.

19. The bumper device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, An opening (19) configured as a vertical opening is provided between two external pressure grooves (16, 17) on the side wall (15).

20. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one sidewall (15) has an opening (21) configured as a horizontal opening.

21. The bumper device (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, An opening (21) configured as a horizontal opening is provided in a vertically oriented internal pressure groove (20) in the side wall (15).

22. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each collision energy-absorbing box (3, 4) is composed of one or two metal plates (22, 23) and joined along the longitudinal edges (24, 25) where the metal plates meet.

23. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each collision energy-absorbing box (3, 4) has pressure grooves (11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20) in all side walls (10, 15).

24. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) is centrally located within the impact energy-absorbing boxes (3, 4), and the openings (19, 21) in the two opposite side walls (10, 15) are positioned at the height (H) of the sleeve (5). 52 )superior.

25. The bumper device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve (5) is disposed eccentrically in the impact energy absorption box (3, 4) and closer to one side wall, and only the closer side wall has the at least one opening (19, 21).

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