Energy-absorbing element for supporting bumper beam on body of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy-absorbing element (5) for supporting a bumper beam (4) on the body of a motor vehicle, comprising a flange plate (6) which can be supported on the body side and comprising at least one base body (7) which is connected to the flange plate (6) and which forms a box-shaped contour (17) by means of respective lateral legs (11, 12), an upper leg (13) and a lower leg (16), the box-shaped contour at least substantially surrounds the cavity (18). In order to achieve this, the bumper beam (4) is also particularly advantageously supported on the body of the motor vehicle in an arrangement of the energy-absorbing element (5) that is higher with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle, the respective lateral leg parts (14, 15) of the base body (7) project downward with respect to the underlying legs (16) of the box-shaped contour (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an energy absorption element for supporting a bumper cross member on a body of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a fastening arrangement of such an energy absorption element on a body of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Such energy absorption elements and their fastening arrangement on the body of a motor vehicle are already known, for example, from DE 202020 005 403 U1. With the aid of two such energy absorption elements, for example, a bumper cross member is supported and fastened in particular on the rear end of the body of the motor vehicle. Each of the energy absorption elements has a flange plate that can be supported on the body side, with the aid of which the corresponding energy absorption element can be supported on the rear end of the laterally corresponding rear longitudinal beam. In addition, the corresponding energy absorption element has a base body connected to the flange plate, which base body is usually formed by two sheet metal parts or extruded profiles that are at least substantially U-shaped in cross section, which form a box profile with corresponding lateral legs, an upper leg and a lower leg, which surrounds the cavity at least substantially on the outer peripheral side.

[0003] Due to different situations, such as wheels with increased tire size, higher-built vehicle derivatives or the like, the corresponding energy absorption elements and the corresponding bumper cross member, in particular the rear cross member, are higher in the meantime than at an earlier time. This causes the impact point of the corresponding obstacle in the vertical direction of the vehicle to no longer strike the center of the bumper cross member, in the present case in particular the rear cross member, but below it, through which a different collision with obstacles and accident objects, such as a rear collision, is simulated. This may result in a torque acting on the bumper cross member and the energy absorption element, so that if no corresponding countermeasures are taken, the corresponding energy absorption element may be tilted away downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In extreme cases, this may result in increased penetration into the corresponding body-in-shell structure of the vehicle. A downward movement of the corresponding energy absorption element is generally not possible here, because otherwise problems would arise during assembly or a lack of coverage with the associated rear longitudinal member.

[0004] On the other hand, it is unconditionally applicable that the forces acting on the bumper cross member are dissipated via the corresponding energy absorption element in order to avoid damage to the bodywork, for example by deformation of the corresponding closure panel, for example the rear closure panel. It is also applicable, for example, in the case of a rear-end collision to avoid damage to the corresponding tailgate. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an energy absorption element and a fastening opening of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which accident forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a collision of a motor vehicle can be absorbed and supported in an improved manner by means of corresponding energy absorption elements or damage to the bodywork of the motor vehicle can be prevented as far as possible.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by an energy absorption element having the features of claim 1 and by a fastening opening of such an energy absorption element having the features of claim 8. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The energy absorption element according to the invention for supporting a bumper cross member on a vehicle body has a flange plate that can be supported on the vehicle body side and is connected to a base body of the energy absorption element or supports the base body against the vehicle body. The base body has corresponding lateral legs, an upper leg and a lower leg that together form a box profile that at least substantially surrounds a cavity. The box profile is preferably formed here by two sheet metal shell components, but other embodiments are also conceivable in principle.

[0008] In order to achieve that the bumper cross member is also supported particularly advantageously on the body of the vehicle in a high arrangement of the energy absorption element with respect to the vehicle vertical direction, so that in the event of a collision of the vehicle with accident forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, no excessive moment loading or downward tilting of the energy absorption element in the vertical direction of the vehicle occurs, according to the invention, the corresponding lateral leg parts of the base body extend downward relative to the lower leg of the box profile. Thus, by means of the corresponding lower lateral leg parts extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle below the lateral legs of the box profile, the bumper cross member is also supported in the lower region with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle, so that the bumper cross member is also very well supported in the lower region with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle in the event of an accident-related force loading with accident forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and therefore cannot be loaded with moments, and therefore the bumper cross member with the associated energy absorption element does not tilt downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Instead, the corresponding lower lateral leg parts of the base body ensure that such a tilting of the bumper cross member and the energy absorption element is avoided by providing a particularly advantageous support of the bumper cross member in its lower height region.

[0009] At the same time, such a support of the bumper cross member in its lower height region ensures that the energy absorption element cannot tip over and thus fail, but rather the corresponding box profile can therefore take into account the absorption of accident energy in an optimized manner. Furthermore, the corresponding lower lateral leg parts make it possible to still carry out a particularly advantageous mounting of the flange plate on the vehicle body, so that here, for example, the fastening opening in the lower region of the flange plate remains accessible despite the provision of the corresponding lower lateral leg parts, and the flange plate or the entire energy absorption element can thus be connected in a consistently advantageous manner to the vehicle body, in particular the closing panel of the bodyshell or the longitudinal beam provided in the extension of the corresponding energy absorption element.

[0010] Overall, it can therefore be seen that the base body of the current energy absorption element is extended downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle by corresponding lateral leg parts in order to produce better coverage of corresponding obstacles, pendulums or the like, for example to simulate obstacles or accident objects, so that tipping of the bumper cross member or the energy absorption element does not occur and no increased torque is introduced into the longitudinal beam supporting the corresponding energy absorption element, which could lead to excessive damage to the body structure.

[0011] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the lateral legs and the upper leg of the upper region of the base body, which thus forms the box-shaped profile, are formed by the upper sheet-metal shell component and the lateral leg parts, and the lower leg of the base body is formed by the lower sheet-metal shell component. The two sheet-metal shell components can thus be produced in a particularly advantageous manner by corresponding forming, in particular hot forming, and connected to one another, for example, by corresponding welds, in particular by MAG welds.

[0012] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the lateral leg parts below the box profile project laterally in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the lateral legs of the box profile. This results in an even more favorable support of the bumper cross member. In addition, this also results in particularly favorable accessibility to the lower fastening opening of the flange plate, by means of which the energy absorption element is screwed on the body side.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the upper sheet metal shell component is connected to the lower sheet metal shell component at the lower end of the lateral legs by a corresponding joint connection, in particular a weld, thereby resulting in a particularly stable assembly of the two sheet metal shell components.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the lower sheet metal shell component is connected to the lower end of the lateral leg of the upper sheet metal shell component in the region of the corresponding leg extending obliquely downward from the weld. By means of the obliquely downward side walls, an optimal water drainage from the box profile is ensured, so that no corrosion can form there.

[0015] In another advantageous design of the present invention, the upper plate shell component and the lower plate shell component are provided with different triggering grooves, so that the deformation characteristics and energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption element can be adjusted in an optimized manner through the triggering grooves.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the lower fastening opening is arranged in the lower leg underside and in the two lower leg parts. This allows a particularly advantageous and simple fastening of the corresponding energy absorption element to the body of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The advantages described above in connection with the energy absorption element according to the invention also apply to the fastening arrangement according to claim 8. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the lower shell component of the base body projects downward relative to a longitudinal beam of the vehicle body, on which the corresponding energy absorption element is at least indirectly arranged. This makes it possible to particularly advantageously avoid tipping of the corresponding energy absorption element.

[0018] Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will now be further explained with the aid of preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear part of a vehicle body of a passenger vehicle is shown, wherein behind the rear end panel a fastening arrangement of a rear bumper cross member is provided with the aid of a corresponding energy absorption element according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 The rear bumper cross member is shown with respect to Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the bumper cross member supported on the laterally arranged vehicle side by means of the energy absorption element, currently viewed on the left in the forward driving direction, on the rear end panel or on the lateral longitudinal members arranged upstream thereof;

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of a detail of a rear bumper cross member and the associated energy absorption element in the lateral direction when viewed obliquely from the rear;

[0023] Figure 4 Another perspective view showing a portion of the bumper cross member and of an energy absorption element arranged laterally, as seen in the forward driving direction, on the left, in a viewing direction obliquely rearward from the center of the vehicle;

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective sectional view showing a section through the base body of the energy absorbing element along a section extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle or in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and

[0025] Figure 6 A side view shows the fastening arrangement of a rear bumper cross member on the rear part of a motor vehicle body with the aid of respectively laterally associated energy absorption elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 The rear part 1 of the body of a passenger vehicle is shown in a partial perspective view. In particular, the respective rear longitudinal members 2 of each vehicle side can be seen here, which terminate in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the rear at a rear end panel 3. Behind the rear end panel 3, the fastening arrangement of the rear bumper cross member 4 of each vehicle side with the aid of respective energy absorption elements 5 can be seen.

[0027] In with Figure 2 It can be seen from the overview of FIG. 1 that the energy absorption element 5 is arranged at least substantially in the vehicle vertical direction as well as in the vehicle transverse direction in the covering or extension of the rear longitudinal beam 2 respectively arranged laterally. Figure 2 In relation to Figure 1 The enlarged perspective view of the detail shows the left end region of the bumper cross member 4—seen in the forward driving direction—and the laterally associated energy absorption elements 5 from behind.

[0028] If, for example, the vehicle collides with an accident object from behind, the accident forces introduced via the bumper cross member 4 and acting essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are at least partially absorbed or introduced into the body of the passenger vehicle by means of two corresponding lateral energy absorption elements 5 .

[0029] With the help of Figure 3 and 4 It can be seen that the respective energy absorption element 5 is formed by a flange plate 6 which is supported or can be supported on the vehicle body side and a base body 7 which is supported on the flange plate 6 or is connected to the flange plate. Figure 3 and 4In the corresponding perspective view, the energy absorption element 5 on the left is shown obliquely from behind or from the center of the vehicle to the rear—seen in the forward direction of travel. The base body 7 is particularly well positioned in the Figure 5 It can be seen that in Figure 5 , the energy absorption element 5 is shown in a perspective sectional view along a section extending in the vehicle vertical direction or in the vehicle transverse direction in the region of the base body 7. It can be seen here in particular that the base body 7 is formed by an upper sheet metal shell component 8 and a lower sheet metal shell component 9, which are connected together in a manner that is also described in more detail below by means of corresponding welds, in particular corresponding MAG welds.

[0030] The upper sheet metal shell component 8 is designed at least substantially in an inverted O-shaped manner in cross section and has corresponding lateral legs 11, 12, which are connected to each other in one piece via an upper leg 13. The lateral legs 11, 12 extend substantially vertically in the vertical direction of the vehicle and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the upper leg 13 extends substantially horizontally and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0031] The lower shell component 9 has corresponding lower lateral leg parts 14, 15, which are connected to each other in one piece via a lower leg 16. The lower leg 16 completely forms the upper shell component 8 with the lateral legs 11, 12 and the upper leg 13 into a box profile 17 surrounding the outer peripheral side, which at least substantially surrounds the cavity 18.

[0032] The respective lower, lateral leg parts 14, 15 of the base body 7 formed by the upper sheet metal shell component 8 and the lower sheet metal shell component 9 here project downwards relative to the lower leg 15 of the box profile 17 (formed by the respective lateral legs 11, 12, the upper leg 13 and the lower leg 16) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Figure 3 and 4It can be seen that the rear bumper cross member 4 is also supported in the lower height region, for example, below the depression 19 extending in the vehicle transverse direction, by means of the flange plate 6 on the vehicle bodyshell, in particular on the rear end plate 3 and by means of the rear end plate or in its extension on the respective laterally arranged longitudinal beams 2. Therefore, if a rear-end collision with accident forces acting from the rear to the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle occurs on the vehicle or the bumper cross member 4, the bumper cross member 4 is also supported forward in the vehicle bodyshell in its lower height region below the depression 19 by means of the corresponding lateral leg parts 14, 15, so that such an input of accident forces does not lead to a torque input or a twisting and tilting of the bumper cross member 4 and the energy absorption element 5 downward in the vehicle vertical direction. Instead, the bumper cross member 4 is particularly advantageously supported over at least substantially its entire height, and more precisely in the upper region by the box profile 17, which is formed by the lateral legs 11, 12, the upper leg 13 and the lower leg 16 of the base body 7, and also in the lower height region by the corresponding lower, lateral leg parts 14, 15. In addition to the fact that the bumper cross member 4 no longer tilts due to the large-scale support over the entire height of the bumper cross member 4, a uniform input of accident forces into the box profile 7 of the energy absorption element 5 is also achieved, so that the introduced accident energy can be distributed particularly uniformly.

[0033] Especially by Figure 5 It can also be seen that the lateral leg parts 14, 15 extend laterally in the vehicle transverse direction relative to the lateral legs 11, 12. This results in a particularly large support of the bumper cross member 4, also in the area below it. In addition, the lateral leg parts 14, 15 arranged at a corresponding distance from one another in the vehicle transverse direction ensure good accessibility to the lower fastening opening 20 ( Figure 4 ), through which the flange plate 6 can be connected in the region of the rear closure plate 3 to the vehicle body shell or to the laterally associated rear longitudinal beam 2. Due to the fact that the lower shell component 9 is open downward between the lateral leg parts 14, 15, a particularly advantageous mounting of the flange plate 6 on the vehicle body shell can be performed by means of corresponding screw connections. The connection of the two shell components 8, 9 forming the base body 7 of the energy absorption element is performed with the flange plate 6, for example, by corresponding welds, in particular MAG welds 21.

[0034] Depend on Figure 5 It can also be seen that the lower shell component is connected to the lower ends of the lateral legs 11, 12 of the upper shell component 8 in the region of the corresponding side walls 22 extending obliquely downward from the weld 10. The obliquely downward side walls 22 enable an advantageous drainage of water from the box profile 17 or the cavity 18, so that no corrosion can occur in this region.

[0035] The upper sheet metal shell component 8 and the lower sheet metal shell component 9 have corresponding triggering grooves 23, 24, by means of which the energy absorption capacity of the base body 7 or the corresponding energy absorption element 5 can be specifically adjusted in the upper or lower region as a whole. The corresponding triggering grooves 23, 24 are therefore designed differently in the present case not only with regard to their number but also with regard to their design.

[0036] Depend on Figure 4 Furthermore, it can be seen that the bumper cross member 4 is also connected in this case to the base body 7 of the corresponding energy absorption element 5 via a corresponding weld 25. Figure 4 It can be seen that a further fastening opening 20 is provided on the upper side of the flange plate 6 , by means of which the energy absorption element can also be connected to the body shell of the motor vehicle in the upper region.

[0037] Figure 6 Finally, the side view again shows the fastening arrangement of the bumper cross member 4 on the rear part of the vehicle body by means of corresponding energy absorption elements 5. In particular, it can be seen here that the lower sheet metal shell component 9 projects slightly downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the rear laterally arranged longitudinal beams 2. This again makes it possible to achieve improved support or improved force introduction in the event of accident-related force loading.

[0038] Reference numerals list

[0039] 1 Rear

[0040] 2 Stringer

[0041] 3 Rear closing plate

[0042] 4 Bumper beam

[0043] 5 Energy absorbing elements

[0044] 6 Flange plate

[0045] 7 Matrix

[0046] 8 Plate and shell components

[0047] 9 Plate and shell components

[0048] 10 Welding Department

[0049] 11 Lateral outriggers

[0050] 12 Lateral outriggers

[0051] 13 Upper legs

[0052] 14 Lateral outriggers

[0053] 15 Lateral outriggers

[0054] 16 Lower leg

[0055] 17 Box Profile

[0056] 18 Cavity

[0057] 19 Grooving

[0058] 20 Fastening opening

[0059] 21 Welding Department

[0060] 22 Sidewall

[0061] 23 Triggering the groove

[0062] 24 Triggering the groove

[0063] 25 Welding Department

Claims

1. An energy absorption element (5) for supporting a bumper cross member (4) on a body of a motor vehicle, the energy absorption element comprising a flange plate (6) which can be supported on the body side and at least one base body (7) connected to the flange plate (6), the base body forming a box profile (17) by corresponding lateral legs (11, 12), an upper leg (13) and a lower leg (16), the box profile at least substantially surrounding a cavity (18), characterized in that The respective lateral leg parts (14, 15) of the base body (7) project downwardly relative to the lower leg (16) of the box profile (17).

2. The energy absorption element (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that The lateral legs (11, 12) and the upper leg (13) of the base body (7) are formed by an upper sheet metal shell component (8) and the lateral leg parts (14, 15), and the lower leg (16) of the base body (7) is formed by a lower sheet metal shell component (8, 9).

3. The energy absorption element (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The lateral leg parts (14, 15) protrude laterally relative to the lateral legs (11, 12) in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

4. The energy absorption element (5) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The upper sheet metal shell component (8, 9) is connected to the lower sheet metal shell component (8, 9) at the lower ends of the lateral legs (11, 12) via corresponding joint connections, in particular welds (10).

5. The energy absorption element (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that The lower sheet metal shell components (8, 9) are connected to the lower ends of the lateral legs (11, 12) of the upper sheet metal shell components (8, 9) in the region of the corresponding side walls (22) extending obliquely downward from the weld (10).

6. The energy absorption element (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The upper plate shell component (8, 9) and the lower plate shell component (8, 9) have different triggering pressure grooves (23, 24).

7. The energy absorption element (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lower fastening opening (20) is arranged on the underside of the lower leg (16) and within the two lower leg parts (14, 15). 8 . An arrangement for fastening an energy absorption element ( 5 ) according to claim 1 to a body of a motor vehicle.

9. The fastening arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that The lower sheet metal shell components (8, 9) of the base body (7) protrude downwardly relative to the longitudinal beams (2) of the vehicle body.

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