Crash box for a vehicle

Abstract

A crash box (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (11) which is connected to both ends of a bumper support (1) of the vehicle, a return connecting section (12) which is connected to a longitudinal beam (2) of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section (13) for connecting the front connecting section (11) with the rear connecting section (12), which is designed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, and wherein the intermediate connecting section (13) has a cross-section of a heptagonal shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical sides (131) parallel to each other, a pair of horizontal sides (132) parallel to each other and three inclined sides (133), each inclined side (133) connecting the vertical side (131) to the horizontal side (132) at an angle, wherein the pair of vertical sides (131) has an inside (131a) which is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle and an outside (131b) which is arranged in an outside direction of the vehicle, wherein the horizontal side(132) pair has a top (132a) which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle and a bottom (132b) which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle, and characterized by the fact that The crash box further comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs (14) which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section (13), each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (14) has a horizontal rib (14a) for connecting the inner surface (131a) to the outer surface (131b) and a vertical rib (14b) for connecting the upper surface (132a) to the lower surface (132b), the horizontal rib (14a) connects the inner surface (131a) to the outer surface (131b) at a central position between the upper surface (132a) and the lower surface (132b) by means of both ends of the horizontal rib (14a), the vertical rib (14b) connects the upper surface (132a) to the lower surface (132b) at a central section between the inner surface (131a) and the outer surface (131b) by means of both ends of the vertical rib (14b), and the horizontal rib (14a) and the vertical rib (14b) are connected in a cross-shaped form.

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention; Description of the related technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a crash box (or a deformation element) for a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle) according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a crash box according to the preambles of claims 6, 11 and 18.

[0002] Generally, a vehicle's bumper is installed at the front and rear of the vehicle to protect the vehicle body and any occupants in the event of a front or rear collision, and it (the bumper) further protects an internal combustion engine, various devices, and the like, which are installed under a hood and in an engine compartment.

[0003] The bumper is equipped with a bumper cover, which forms an outer shape of the bumper, an energy absorber, which dampens a shock when a collision occurs and has a shape recovery function after the collision, and a back support (also referred to as a "bumper support"), which supports the energy absorber and is installed on the longitudinal member, wherein a crash box (or deformation element) 3, to absorb impact energy when a collision occurs, is installed between the back support 1 and the longitudinal member 2.

[0004] The crashbox 3 is designed to absorb the impact energy by compressively deforming (e.g., deforming) in an axial direction (front-to-back direction) when the impact energy is applied to the bumper, and the crashbox can be designed to minimize the deformation of the longitudinal member in order to minimize repair costs.

[0005] Furthermore, the crash box must be set up in such a way that it complies with the regulations of the RCAR (Research Council for Automobile Repairs) committee, which are the relevant regulations in the automotive sector.

[0006] Referring to Fig. Previously, in the relevant technique for a conventional RCAR performance test, there was only a corner test method that evaluated the compression-deformation property by applying a diagonal impact D to the rear support 1 of a vehicle. However, a center test method has recently been added that evaluates a load-bearing property by applying a vehicle axis-direction impact F (e.g., longitudinal axis direction) to a central section of the rear support 1.

[0007] However, a conventional crash box 3 is designed such that it has a cross-section (e.g., a profile) of a circular shape or a shape as in Fig. 2 shown - square shape or one - as in Fig. 3 shown - has an octagonal shape, whereby an RCAR corner test achieves a high performance satisfaction level when this (crash box) is designed to have a cross-section of an octagonal shape which has a high sectional coefficient (in other words: a high number of profiles or steps).

[0008] However, if the crashbox 3 is designed with an octagonal cross-section, this is advantageous for compression deformation but disadvantageous for load support, and therefore it does not respond effectively to an RCAR center test. Furthermore, if the crashbox 3 is designed with a rectangular cross-section, it is advantageous for load support and therefore responds effectively to an RCAR center test, but disadvantageous for compression deformation and therefore does not respond effectively to the RCAR corner test.

[0009] Accordingly, a crash box must be developed that has an optimal shape, which is advantageous when reacting to both the RCAR corner test and the RCAR center test.

[0010] KR 10 2012 0 010 382 A relates to a Crasbbox according to the preamble of independent claims.

[0011] US 2005 0 104 393 A1 concerns technical means for arranging inner and outer side ribs connecting front and rear wall sections by applying an angle of inclination to diverge the ribs towards a front and form a projected section that is projected onto an inside at a section of the coupling of the inner side rib and the front wall section. Explanation of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a crash box (or deformation element) for a vehicle that can simultaneously pass the RCAR corner test and the center test by optimizing a cross-sectional shape (e.g., profile shape), and which further aims to reduce weight. The foregoing object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0013] According to the present invention, a crash box (or deformation element) for a vehicle comprises: a front connecting section which is connected to both ends (e.g., an upper and a lower end) of a bumper support (or rear support) of the vehicle, a rear connecting section which is connected (or can be connected) to a longitudinal member of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section for connecting the front connecting section to the rear connecting section, which (intermediate connecting section) is formed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section, cut (or considered) in the direction of the vehicle width, is formed as a heptagonal cross-section, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs which are formed in an interior space of the intermediate connecting section.

[0014] The connecting section has a heptagonal cross-section, formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides, a pair of parallel horizontal sides, and three inclined sides, each inclined side connecting the vertical side to the horizontal side at an angle. The pair of vertical sides has an inner side facing inwards towards the vehicle (in other words, on the side of the crash box facing the interior of the vehicle) and an outer side facing outwards towards the vehicle (in other words, on the side of the crash box facing the exterior of the vehicle).The pair of horizontal sides has a top side that is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the top of the vehicle) and a bottom side that is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the underside of the vehicle), and each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs has a horizontal rib to connect the inside to the outside and a vertical rib to connect the top to the bottom.

[0015] The horizontal rib connects the inside to the outside at a middle position between the top and the bottom by means of (or at) both ends of the horizontal rib, the vertical rib connects the top to the bottom at a middle section between the inside and the outside by means of (or at) both ends of the vertical rib, and the horizontal rib and the vertical rib are connected in a cross shape (in other words: they cross each other perpendicularly).

[0016] The horizontal rib and the vertical rib can be fully connected along a front / back longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section.

[0017] The inside and the top can be connected at an angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section, and the reinforcement section can be located in an inside direction of the vehicle (e.g. on a side of the crash box facing the vehicle interior).

[0018] The crash box can be made of plastic.

[0019] A guide pin can be connected to the return connection section, which (guide pin) guides a mounting position when the return connection section is mounted to the longitudinal beam.

[0020] A crash box (or deformation element) for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a front connecting section which is connected to both ends (e.g., an upper and a lower end) of a bumper support of the vehicle, a rear connecting section which is connected (or can be connected) to a longitudinal member of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section for connecting the front connecting section to the rear connecting section, which (intermediate connecting section) is formed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section, cut (or considered) in the vehicle width direction, is formed as a heptagonal cross-section, characterized in that the crash box further comprises a plurality of tube sleeves which are formed along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section.

[0021] The intermediate connecting section can have a heptagonal cross-section, which is formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides, a pair of parallel horizontal sides, and three inclined sides, the inclined sides connecting the vertical sides to the horizontal sides at an angle. The pair of vertical sides can have an inner side oriented in an inward direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the interior of the vehicle) and an outer side oriented in an outward direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the exterior of the vehicle). The pair of horizontal sides can have a top side oriented in a top side direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the top of the vehicle) and a bottom side.which is arranged in an underside direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the underside of the vehicle), the inside and the top can be connected at an angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section, and the tube sleeves can be arranged on the reinforcement section and on each of the three angled sides.

[0022] The reinforcement section can be arranged in an inward direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the interior of the vehicle).

[0023] The crash box can be made of plastic.

[0024] A guide pin can be connected to the back-connecting section, which guides a mounting position when the back-connecting section is mounted to the longitudinal beam.

[0025] A crash box (or deformation element) for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a front connecting section which is connected to both ends (e.g., an upper and a lower end) of a bumper support of the vehicle, a rear connecting section which is connected (or can be connected) to a longitudinal member of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section for connecting the front connecting section to the rear connecting section, which is formed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section, cut (or considered) in the vehicle width direction, is formed as a heptagonal cross-section, a plurality of reinforcing ribs which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section, characterized in that the crash box further comprises a plurality of tube sleeves which are formed along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section.

[0026] The intermediate connecting section can have the cross-section of the heptagonal shape formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides, a pair of parallel horizontal sides, and three inclined sides, the inclined sides connecting the vertical and horizontal sides obliquely. The pair of vertical sides can have an inner side oriented in an inward direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the interior of the vehicle) and an outer side oriented in an outward direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the exterior of the vehicle). The pair of horizontal sides can have a top side oriented in a top side direction of the vehicle (in other words, on a side of the crash box facing the upper surface of the vehicle) and a bottom side.which is arranged in an underside direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the underside of the vehicle), the inside and the top can be connected at an angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section, each of the plurality of reinforcement ribs can have a horizontal rib to connect the inside to the outside and a vertical rib to connect the top to the bottom, and each tube sleeve can be arranged on the reinforcement section and on each of the three angled sides.

[0027] The horizontal rib can connect the inside to the outside at a middle position between the top and the bottom by means of (or at) both ends of the horizontal rib, the vertical rib can connect the top to the bottom at a middle position between the inside and the outside by means of (or at) both ends of the vertical rib, and the horizontal rib and the vertical rib can be connected in a cross shape.

[0028] The horizontal rib and the vertical rib can be fully connected along a front / back longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section.

[0029] The reinforcement section can be arranged in an inward direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the interior of the vehicle).

[0030] The crash box can be made of plastic.

[0031] A guide pin can be connected to the back-connecting section, which guides a mounting position when the back-connecting section is mounted to the longitudinal beam.

[0032] A crash box (or deformation element) for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a front connecting section connected to both ends (e.g., an upper and a lower end) of a bumper support of the vehicle, a rear connecting section connected to (or connectable to) a longitudinal member of the vehicle, characterized in that the crash box further comprises a plurality of tubular sleeves connecting the front connecting section to the rear connecting section and arranged at four corners, top / bottom and left / right, by means of a cross-sectional arrangement, wherein the cross-section (of the cross-sectional arrangement) is cut (or viewed) in the vehicle width direction, an intermediate connecting section to connect the front connecting section, the rear connecting section, and each adjacent tubular sleeve (e.g.,adjacent) to the front connecting section and to the rear connecting section, to connect and which intermediate connecting section is formed in a hollow, box-shaped form, as well as a plurality of reinforcing ribs which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section.

[0033] The crash box for a vehicle may also have reinforcing tubes that are installed in such a way that they are inserted into each tube sleeve.

[0034] The intermediate connecting section can have a pair of vertical sides and a pair of horizontal sides arranged parallel to each other. The vertical side pair can have an inner side oriented in an inward direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the vehicle interior) and connecting the upper and lower tube sleeves on the inner side (in other words: on the side of the crash box facing the vehicle interior), and an outer side oriented in an outward direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the vehicle exterior) and connecting the upper and lower tube sleeves on the outer side (in other words: on the side of the crash box facing the vehicle exterior). The horizontal side pair can have a top side,which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the top of the vehicle) and which connects the upper tube sleeve arranged on the inner side with the upper tube sleeve arranged on the outer side, and have a bottom side which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle (in other words: on a side of the crash box facing the underside of the vehicle) and which connects the lower tube sleeve arranged on the inner side with the lower tube sleeve arranged on the outer side, and each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs may have a horizontal rib for connecting the inside with the outside and a vertical rib for connecting the top with the bottom.

[0035] The horizontal rib can connect the inside to the outside at a middle position between the top and the bottom by means of both ends of the horizontal rib, and the vertical rib can connect the top to the bottom at a middle position between the inside and the outside by means of both ends of the vertical rib, and the horizontal rib and the vertical rib can be connected in a cross-shaped form.

[0036] The horizontal rib and the vertical rib can be fully connected along a front / back longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section.

[0037] The crash box can be made of plastic.

[0038] A guide pin can be connected to the back-connecting section, which guides a mounting position when the back-connecting section is mounted to the longitudinal beam.

[0039] The reinforcing tubes can be pressed into any pipe sleeve.

[0040] The reinforcing tubes can be made of plastic.

[0041] It is understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-" or other similar terms as used herein include, for general motor vehicles such as passenger vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As referenced herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, for example, both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0042] The devices of the present invention have features and advantages which are evident from the accompanying drawings included herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention, or which are set out in more detail therein. Explanation of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a crash box according to the related technique, which is installed between a rear support of a shock absorber and a longitudinal member. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II. Fig. Figure 1 is taken and illustrates a conventional crash box according to the related technique, which is designed to have a cross-section of a square shape. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another, conventional crash box, designed to have an octagonal cross-section. Fig. Figure 4 is a view illustrating an exemplary crash box according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II from Fig. 4 has been taken. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary crash box according to the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III from Fig. 6 has been taken. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary crash box according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV from Fig. 8 has been taken. Fig. 10 ( Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B) is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary crash box according to the present invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view extending along line VV from Fig. 10 has been taken.

[0043] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features that illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and operating environment. Detailed description

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) is / are described in connection with the exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended that the invention(s) cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various embodiments that fall within the scope of protection of the invention(s), as defined in the attached claims.

[0045] A crash box (or a deformation element) 10 according to the present invention, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a front connection section 11, which is connected to both ends (e.g. the upper end and the lower end) of a rear support 1, and a rear connection section 12, which is connected to a longitudinal support 2 (referring to Fig. 1) is connected, an intermediate connecting section 13 for connecting the front connecting section 11 with the rear connecting section 12, which (intermediate connecting section) is designed in a hollow box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 14 which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section 13.

[0046] That is, the intermediate connection section 13 of the crashbox 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention is designed such that it has the cross-section of a heptagonal shape and is therefore advantageous with regard to compression deformation in order to achieve a high level of performance satisfaction when performing an RCAR corner test and furthermore, sufficient strength is maintained by the plurality of reinforcing ribs 14 and thus the intermediate connection section 13 is advantageous when reacting to an RCAR center test.

[0047] The intermediate connecting section 13 is configured to have a heptagonal cross-section, formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides (131), a pair of parallel horizontal sides (132), and three inclined sides (or slanted sides) which diagonally connect the vertical sides 131 and the horizontal sides 132. The pair of vertical sides (131) consists (e.g., among others) of an inner side 131a, oriented in an inner direction of the vehicle, and an outer side 131b, oriented in an outer direction of the vehicle; the pair of horizontal sides (132) consists (e.g., among others) of a top side 132a, oriented in a top direction of the vehicle, and a bottom side 132b, oriented in a bottom direction of the vehicle; and each reinforcing rib 14 consists (e.g.,among other things) from a horizontal rib 14a to connect the inner side 131a with the outer side 131b and a vertical rib 14b to connect the upper side 132a with the lower side 132b.

[0048] The horizontal rib 14a connects the inner side 131a to the outer side 131b at a central position between the upper side 132a and the lower side 132b by means of both ends of the horizontal rib 14a, in order to be able to improve the strength of the upper and lower parts of the vertical side 131 with respect to the horizontal rib 14a uniformly.

[0049] Furthermore, the vertical rib 14b connects the top 132a to the bottom 132b at a central position between the inner side 131a and the outer side 131b by means of both ends of the vertical rib 14b, in order to be able to improve the strength of the left and right parts of the horizontal side 132 with respect to the vertical rib 14b uniformly.

[0050] Furthermore, the centers (or middle areas) of the horizontal rib 14a and the vertical rib 14b intersect at a right angle, thereby improving the strength of the crash box uniformly in the top / bottom and left / right directions.

[0051] Additionally, the horizontal rib 14a and the vertical rib 14b can be fully (e.g. completely) connected to each other along a front / back direction of the intermediate connecting section 13 in order to completely improve the strength of the intermediate connecting section 13 along a front / back longitudinal direction.

[0052] Meanwhile, the inner side 131a and the upper side 132a are connected at a right angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section R, and the reinforcement section R is arranged in an inner direction of the vehicle.

[0053] The reinforcement section R is a part where impact energy is concentrated when an RCAR corner test is performed, and it connects the inside 131a to the top 132a so that an angle of 90° is formed in order to maintain sufficient strength (at this reinforcement section).

[0054] The Crashbox 10 can be made of plastic to make it lightweight and improve fuel efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, a guide pin 15 is connected to the return connection section 12 (in other words: mounted on the return connection section 12), which guides a mounting position when the return connection section is mounted to the longitudinal beam 2 (or when the return connection section is mounted to the longitudinal beam), whereby the guide pin 15 is inserted into a guide hole formed on the longitudinal beam 2 in order to control the mounting position of the crash box 10.

[0056] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the crashbox 10 according to the present invention, wherein the crashbox 30 has a front connecting section 31 which is connected to both ends (e.g. an upper end and a lower end) of a rear support 1, a rear connecting section 32 which is connected to a longitudinal support 2 (referring to Fig. 1) is connected, an intermediate connection section 33 for connecting the front connection section 31 with the rear connection section 32, which is designed in a hollow box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, and a plurality of tube sleeves 34 which are formed along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connection section 33.

[0057] That is, the intermediate connection section 33 of the crashbox 30 according to the present invention is designed such that it has the cross-section of a heptagonal shape and is therefore advantageous with regard to compression deformation in order to achieve a high degree of performance satisfaction when performing an RCAR corner test, and furthermore, sufficient strength is maintained by the plurality of tube sleeves 34 and is therefore advantageous when reacting to an RCAR center test.

[0058] The intermediate connecting section 33 is configured to have a heptagonal cross-section formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides (331), a pair of parallel horizontal sides (332), and three inclined sides 333, the inclined sides connecting the vertical sides 331 to the horizontal sides 332 obliquely. The pair of vertical sides (331) consists (e.g., among others) of an inner side 331a, which is oriented in an inner direction of a vehicle, and an outer side 331b, which is oriented in an outer direction of a vehicle. The pair of horizontal sides (332) consists (e.g.,among other things) from a top surface 332a, which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle, and a bottom surface 332b, which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle, wherein the inside surface 331a and the top surface 332a are connected forming an angle of 90° to form the reinforcement section R, and the tube sleeves 34 are arranged on the reinforcement section R and the inclined sides 333.

[0059] The reinforcement section R is arranged in an inside direction of a vehicle, the crash box 30 can be made of plastic, and a guide pin 35 is connected to the rear connection section 32, which guides a mounting position when the rear connection section is mounted to the longitudinal member.

[0060] The Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates the crashbox 50 according to the present invention, wherein the crashbox 50 comprises a front connecting section 51 which is connected to both ends (e.g. an upper end and a lower end) of a rear support 1, a rear connecting section 52 which is connected to a longitudinal support 2 (referring to Fig. 1) is connected, an intermediate connecting section 53 for connecting the front connecting section 51 with the rear connecting section 52, which is formed in a hollow box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is formed as a heptagonal cross-section, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 54 which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section 53, and a plurality of tube sleeves 55 which are formed along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section 53.

[0061] That is, the intermediate connection section 53 of the crash box 50 according to the present invention is designed such that it has the cross-section of a heptagonal shape and is therefore advantageous with regard to compression deformation in order to achieve a high degree of performance satisfaction when performing an RCAR corner test, and furthermore, sufficient strength is maintained by the plurality of reinforcing ribs 54 and the plurality of tube sleeves 55 and is therefore advantageous when reacting to an RCAR center test.

[0062] The intermediate connecting section 53 is configured to have a heptagonal cross-section formed by connecting a pair of parallel vertical sides (531), a pair of parallel horizontal sides (532), and three inclined sides 533, the inclined sides connecting the vertical sides 531 to the horizontal sides 532 at an angle. One pair of vertical sides (531) consists (e.g., among others) of an inner side 531a, which is oriented in an inner direction of a vehicle, and an outer side 531b, which is oriented in an outer direction of a vehicle. One pair of horizontal sides (532) consists (e.g.,(among other things) from a top surface 532a, which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle, and a bottom surface 532b, which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle, wherein the inside surface 531a and the top surface 532a are connected forming an angle of 90° to form the reinforcement section R, the reinforcement rib 54 (e.g. among other things) consists of a horizontal rib 54a for connecting the inside surface 531a to the outside surface 531b and a vertical rib 54b for connecting the top surface 532a to the bottom surface 532b, and the tube sleeves 55 are arranged on the reinforcement section R and the 3 inclined sides 533.

[0063] The horizontal rib 54a can connect the inner surface 531a to the outer surface 531b at a central position between the upper surface 532a and the lower surface 532b by means of both ends of the horizontal rib 54a, and furthermore, the vertical rib 54b can connect the upper surface 532a to the lower surface 532b at a central position between the inner surface 531a and the outer surface 531b by means of both ends of the vertical rib 54b, wherein the horizontal rib 54a and the vertical rib 54b are connected in a cross-shaped form.

[0064] Furthermore, the horizontal rib 54a and the vertical rib 54b can be fully connected to each other along a front / back direction of the intermediate connecting section 53, wherein the reinforcement section R is arranged in an inside direction of a vehicle, the crash box 50 can be made of plastic and a guide pin 56 is connected to the rear connecting section 52, which guides a mounting position when the rear connecting section is mounted to the longitudinal member 2.

[0065] The Fig. 10 ( Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B) and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates the crashbox 70 according to the present invention, wherein the crashbox 70 has a front connecting section 71 which is connected to both ends (e.g. an upper end and a lower end) of a rear support 1, a rear connecting section 72 which is connected to a longitudinal support 2 (referring to Fig. 1) connected, a plurality of pipe sleeves 75 connecting the front connection section 71 to the rear connection section 72 and arranged at four corners top / bottom and left / right by means of a cross-sectional arrangement, wherein the cross-section is cut in the vehicle width direction (in other words: is viewed), an intermediate connection section 73 to connect the front connection section 71, the rear connection section 72 and the pipe sleeves 75 adjacent to the front connection section and the rear connection section, and which (intermediate connection section) is formed in a hollow box-shaped form, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 74 formed in an interior of the intermediate connection section 73.

[0066] Furthermore, the crashbox 70 can also have a reinforcing tube 77 (or reinforcing tubes 77) which is arranged in such a way that it is inserted into the tube 75.

[0067] The reinforcing tube 77 greatly increases the strength of the entire crash box 70 by increasing the strength of the tube sleeve 75, wherein one (e.g., a single) reinforcing tube 77 is inserted (e.g., pressed) into each tube sleeve 75 and is made of plastic to be lightweight.

[0068] The intermediate connecting section 73 of the crashbox 70 according to the present invention is designed to connect the tube sleeves 75, which are installed by means of a square arrangement, and is therefore advantageous with respect to compression deformation, in order to achieve a high level of performance satisfaction when performing an RCAR corner test, and furthermore, sufficient strength is maintained by the plurality of reinforcing ribs 74 and the plurality of tube sleeves 75, and is therefore advantageous when reacting to an RCAR center test.

[0069] The intermediate connecting section 73 consists (e.g., among other things) - as in Fig.11 shown - comprising a pair of vertical sides (731) arranged parallel to each other and a pair of horizontal sides (732) arranged parallel to each other, wherein one pair of vertical sides (731) (e.g., among others) consists of an inner side 731a, which is arranged in an inner direction of a vehicle and connects the upper and lower tube sleeves 75 on an inner side, and an outer side 731b, which is arranged in an outer direction of a vehicle and connects the upper and lower tube sleeves 75 on an outer side, and the pair of horizontal sides (732) consists of (e.g.,(among other things) a top surface 732a, which is arranged in a top-side direction of a vehicle and connects the upper tube sleeve 75 arranged on the inner side and the upper tube sleeve 75 arranged on the outer side, and a bottom surface 732b, which is arranged in a bottom-side direction of a vehicle and connects the lower tube sleeve 75 arranged on the inner side and the lower tube sleeve 75 arranged on the outer side, and the reinforcing rib 74 consists (e.g., among other things) of a horizontal rib 74a for connecting the inner surface 731a with the outer surface 731b and a vertical rib 74b for connecting the top surface 732a with the bottom surface 732b.

[0070] The horizontal rib 74a can connect the inner surface 731a to the outer surface 731b at a central position between the upper surface 732a and the lower surface 732b by means of both ends of the horizontal rib 74a, and furthermore, the vertical rib 74b can connect the upper surface 732a to the lower surface 732b at a central section between the inner surface 731a and the outer surface 731b by means of both ends of the vertical rib 74b, wherein the horizontal rib 74a and the vertical rib 74b are connected in a cross-shaped form.

[0071] The horizontal rib 74a and the vertical rib 74b are fully connected to each other along a front / back longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section 73, wherein the crash box 70 can be made of plastic and a guide pin 76 is connected to the rear connecting section 72, which guides a mounting position when the rear connecting section is mounted to the longitudinal beam 2.

[0072] As explained above, according to the crash box of the present invention, the intermediate connection section is designed to have a heptagonal cross-section in order to maintain shock absorption and strength, and is therefore advantageous for compression deformation, thereby achieving a high level of performance satisfaction when performing an RCAR center test. Furthermore, sufficient strength is maintained by the multiple reinforcing ribs and the multiple tube sleeves, and thus this (intermediate connection section) is advantageous when reacting to an RCAR center test.

[0073] Furthermore, the crash box can be made of plastic to make it lightweight and improve fuel efficiency.

[0074] For the sake of simplicity in description and precise definition in the attached claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner" and "outer" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the figures.

[0075] The preceding descriptions of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention serve the purpose of illustration and description. The exemplary embodiments were selected and described to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the various embodiments of the present invention. It is intended that the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the stated claims.

Claims

[1] A crash box (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (11) which is connected to both ends of a bumper support (1) of the vehicle, a return connecting section (12) which is connected to a longitudinal beam (2) of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section (13) for connecting the front connecting section (11) with the rear connecting section (12), which is designed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, and wherein the intermediate connecting section (13) has a cross-section of a heptagonal shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical sides (131) parallel to each other, a pair of horizontal sides (132) parallel to each other and three inclined sides (133), each inclined side (133) connecting the vertical side (131) to the horizontal side (132) at an angle, wherein the pair of vertical sides (131) has an inside (131a) which is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle and an outside (131b) which is arranged in an outside direction of the vehicle, wherein the horizontal side(132) pair has a top (132a) which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle and a bottom (132b) which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle, and characterized by , that The crash box further comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs (14) which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section (13), each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (14) has a horizontal rib (14a) for connecting the inner surface (131a) to the outer surface (131b) and a vertical rib (14b) for connecting the upper surface (132a) to the lower surface (132b), the horizontal rib (14a) connects the inner surface (131a) to the outer surface (131b) at a central position between the upper surface (132a) and the lower surface (132b) by means of both ends of the horizontal rib (14a), the vertical rib (14b) connects the upper surface (132a) to the lower surface (132b) at a central section between the inner surface (131a) and the outer surface (131b) by means of both ends of the vertical rib (14b), and the horizontal rib (14a) and the vertical rib (14b) are connected in a cross-shaped form. [2] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal rib (14a) and the vertical rib (14b) are fully connected to each other along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section (13). [3] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inside (131a) and the top (132a) are connected forming an angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section (R), and the reinforcement section (R) is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle. [4] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crash box (10) is made of plastic. [5] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a guide pin (15) is connected to the rear connection section (12), which guides a mounting position when the rear connection section (12) is mounted to the longitudinal member (2). [6] A crash box (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (31) which is connected to both ends of a bumper support (1) of the vehicle, a return connecting section (32) which is connected to a longitudinal beam (2) of the vehicle, and an intermediate connecting section (33) for connecting the front connecting section (31) with the rear connecting section (32), which is designed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, characterized by , that the crashbox (10) further exhibits a plurality of pipe sleeves (34) formed along a front / back longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section (33). [7] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate connecting section (33) has the cross-section of a heptagonal shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical sides (331) parallel to each other, a pair of horizontal sides (332) parallel to each other and three inclined sides (333), wherein the inclined sides (333) obliquely connect the vertical sides (331) to the horizontal sides (332), wherein the vertical side(331) pair has an inner side (331a) oriented in an inner direction of the vehicle and an outer side (331b) oriented in an outer direction of the vehicle, wherein the horizontal side(332) pair has a top side (332a) oriented in a top direction of the vehicle and a bottom side (332b) oriented in a bottom direction of the vehicle, and the inner side (331a) and the top side (332a) are connected at an angle of 90° to form a reinforcement section (R), and wherein the pipe sleeves (34) are arranged on the reinforcement section (R) and on each of the three inclined sides (333). [8] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcement section (R) is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle. [9] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the crash box (10) is made of plastic. [10] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a guide pin (56) is connected to the rear connection section (52), which guides a mounting position when the rear connection section (52) is mounted to the longitudinal member (2). [11] A crash box (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (51) which is connected to both ends of a bumper support (1) of the vehicle, a return connecting section (52) which is connected to a longitudinal beam (2) of the vehicle, an intermediate connecting section (53) for connecting the front connecting section (51) with the rear connecting section (52), which is designed in a hollow, box-shaped form and whose cross-section cut in the vehicle width direction is designed as a heptagonal cross-section, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs (54) formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section (53), and characterized by , that the crashbox (10) further comprises a plurality of tube sleeves (55) which are formed along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section (53). [12] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate connecting section (53) is arranged such that it has the cross-section of the heptagonal shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical sides (531) parallel to each other, a pair of horizontal sides (532) parallel to each other and three inclined sides (533), wherein the inclined sides (533) obliquely connect the vertical sides (531) to the horizontal sides (532), wherein the pair of vertical sides (531) has an inside (531a) which is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle and an outside (531b) which is arranged in an outside direction of the vehicle, wherein the horizontal side(532) pair has a top (532a) which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle and a bottom (532b) which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle, wherein the inner side (531a) and the top side (532a) are connected at an angle of 90° to form a reinforcing section (R), wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (54) has a horizontal rib (54a) for connecting the inner side (531a) to the outer side (531b) and a vertical rib (54b) for connecting the upper side (532a) to the lower side (532b), and wherein each tube sleeve (55) is arranged on the reinforcement section (R) and on each of the three inclined sides (533). [13] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal rib (54a) connects the inner side (531a) to the outer side (531b) at a central position between the upper side (532a) and the lower side (532b) by means of both ends of the horizontal rib (54a), the vertical rib (54b) connects the upper side (532a) to the lower side (532b) at a central position between the inner side (531a) and the outer side (531b) by means of both ends of the vertical rib (54b), and the horizontal rib (54a) and the vertical rib (54b) are connected in a cross shape. [14] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the horizontal rib (54a) and the vertical rib (54b) are fully connected to each other along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section (53). [15] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the reinforcement section (R) is arranged in an inside direction of the vehicle. [16] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the crash box (10) is made of plastic. [17] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a guide pin (56) is connected to the rear connection section (52), which guides a mounting position when the rear connection section (52) is mounted to the longitudinal member (2). [18] A crash box (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (71) which is connected to both ends of a bumper support (1) of the vehicle, and a return connecting section (72) which is connected to a longitudinal beam (2) of the vehicle, characterized by , that the crashbox (10) further features: a plurality of pipe sleeves (75) connecting the front connecting section (71) to the rear connecting section (72) and arranged at four corners top / bottom and left / right by means of a cross-sectional arrangement, wherein the cross-section is cut in the vehicle width direction, an intermediate connecting section (73) to connect the front connecting section (71), the rear connecting section (72) and each pipe sleeve (75) adjacent to the front connecting section (71) and the rear connecting section (72), and which intermediate connecting section (73) is formed in a hollow, box-shaped form, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs (74) which are formed in an interior of the intermediate connecting section (73). [19] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 18, further comprising reinforcing tubes (77) which are installed such that they are inserted into each tube sleeve (75). [20] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the intermediate connecting section (73) has a pair of vertical sides (731) formed parallel to each other and a pair of horizontal sides (732) formed parallel to each other, wherein the vertical side(731) pair has an inner side (731a) which is arranged in an inner direction of the vehicle and which connects the upper and lower tube sleeves (75) on the inner side, and an outer side (731b) which is arranged in an outer direction of the vehicle and which connects the upper and lower tube sleeves (75) on the outer side, wherein the horizontal side(732) pair has a top (732a) which is arranged in a top direction of the vehicle and which connects the upper tube sleeve (75) arranged on the inner side with the upper tube sleeve (75) arranged on the outer side, and a bottom (732b) which is arranged in a bottom direction of the vehicle and which connects the lower tube sleeve (75) arranged on the inner side with the lower tube sleeve (75) arranged on the outer side, and wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (74) has a horizontal rib (74a) to connect the inside (731a) to the outside (731b) and a vertical rib (74b) to connect the top (732a) to the bottom (732b). [21] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the horizontal rib (74a) connects the inner side (731a) to the outer side (731b) at a central position between the upper side (732a) and the lower side (732b) by means of both ends of the horizontal rib (74a), and the vertical rib (74b) connects the upper side (732a) to the lower side (732b) at a central position between the inner side (731a) and the outer side (731b) by means of both ends of the vertical rib (74b), wherein the horizontal rib (74a) and the vertical rib (74b) are connected in a cross-shaped form. [22] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the horizontal rib (74a) and the vertical rib (74b) are fully connected to each other along a front / rear longitudinal direction of the intermediate connecting section (73). [23] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the crash box (10) is made of plastic. [24] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 18 to 23, wherein a guide pin (75) is connected to the rear connection section (72), which guides a mounting position when the rear connection section (72) is mounted to the longitudinal member (2). [25] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the reinforcing tubes (77) are pressed into each tube sleeve (75). [26] The crash box (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the reinforcing tubes (77) are made of plastic.

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