Modular system for a rollover protection device and motor vehicle

Abstract

Modular system for a rollover protection device to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a rollover of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible / coupé vehicle, with a cross member (12) for transferring side impact forces, a left support device (16) for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a left B-pillar and a right-hand support device (20) for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a right-hand B-pillar, wherein the crossbeam (12) is fastened to the respective support devices (16, 20) by means of fasteners (22), in particular screws, wherein the fastening means (22) for fastening to an engine bell of a motor vehicle engine and / or a body shell of the motor vehicle are passed through the support device (16, 20), in particular in a vertical direction, wherein the rollover protection device comprises at least a guide device (50) for an extension part (200) movable between a lowered rest position and an raised support position in the guide device (50), which can be activated in the event of a rollover via a release unit connected to a support part (210) attached to the guide device (50), wherein the crossbeam (12) is connected to supports (28, 30) via the guide devices (50), wherein the guide device (50) is positively and materially connected to the supports, and wherein the fastening means (22) are passed through the supports, wherein a rack (80) is attached to the lower end of the movable extension part (200), which, in the extended state of the extension part (200), engages in a form-fit and force-fit manner with a pawl (100) pivotably arranged in the guide device (50), wherein the upper end of the rack (80) in the extended state of the extension part (200) interacts with a stop (110) of the guide device (50) in such a way that further extension of the extension part (200) is prevented, wherein the stop (110) is formed by an inner part (160) arranged in the guide device (50), on which the locking pawl (100) is also pivotably held under a preload.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular system for a rollover protection device with the aid of which vehicle occupants can be protected in the event of a rollover of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible / coupé vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a rollover protection device.

[0002] From DE 10 2007 056 705 A1 an active rollover protection device is known in which a crossbeam is connected at its lateral ends to two extendable supports extending in a vertical direction.

[0003] Further prior art is known from DE 10 2010 013 975 A1 and DE 199 52 125 C1.

[0004] There is a constant need to improve the impact protection of vehicle occupants.

[0005] The object of the invention is to specify measures that enable good impact protection for vehicle occupants, especially also for vehicles with a mid-engine and extendable rollover protection device.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a modular system for a rollover protection device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 6.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention.

[0008] According to the invention, a modular system for a rollover protection device with active rollover protection for the protection of vehicle occupants in the event of a rollover of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible / coupé motor vehicle, is provided with a cross member for absorbing side impact forces, a left support device for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a left B-pillar and a right support device for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a right B-pillar, wherein the cross member with the respective support devices is fastened by means of fastening means, in particular screws, wherein the fastening means for attachment to an engine bell housing of a motor vehicle engine and / or a body shell of the motor vehicle are passed through the support device, in particular in a vertical direction.

[0009] The rollover protection device comprises at least one guide device for an extension part that can be moved between a lowered rest position and an raised support position in the guide device, and which can be activated in the event of a rollover via a release unit that is connected to a support part attached to the guide device.

[0010] Typically, such a guide device is located on both the right and left sides of the vehicle, each with an associated movable extension section.

[0011] The connection of the trigger unit is preferably achieved via the support part on the engine bell.

[0012] The crossbeam is connected via the guide devices to supports designed as mounting brackets, wherein the guide device is positively and materially connected to the supports, and wherein the fastening means are passed through the supports.

[0013] At the lower end of the movable extension part, a rack is attached which, in the extended state of the extension part, engages with a pawl pivotably arranged in the guide device in a form-fit and force-fit manner.

[0014] When the extension part is extended, the upper end of the rack interacts with a stop on the guide device in such a way that further extension of the extension part is prevented.

[0015] The stop is formed by an inner part arranged in the guide device, on which the locking pawl is also pivotably held under a preload.

[0016] In the event of a vehicle impact, particularly a rollover, impact forces can be absorbed by the rollover protection system and transferred, in particular, to the B-pillars. Additionally, at least some of the impact forces can be transferred to the engine bell housing and / or the vehicle's engine casing. This design utilizes the fact that the engine bell housing can withstand particularly high forces and, by connecting the rollover protection system to the engine bell housing using the provided fasteners, can also be used to dissipate impact forces. Impact forces acting on the crossmember can be transferred via the support structures to the B-pillars and, using the fasteners, also to the engine bell housing and / or the vehicle's engine casing.Impact forces acting on one of the B-pillars can be transferred via the support structures to the other B-pillar and, with the aid of the fasteners, also to the engine housing and / or the body shell. The flexibility of the components can be reduced by distributing the load paths in the event of a vehicle impact, thus providing better protection for the vehicle occupants. By connecting the rollover protection device to the engine housing and / or the body shell using the fasteners, impact forces can be distributed along different load paths and transferred to the B-pillars, the engine housing, and / or the body shell, thus ensuring good impact protection for the vehicle occupants. This applies analogously to a rollover protection device designed as a side impact support for a coupé-like vehicle.

[0017] The fasteners can, if necessary, engage the respective support structure in a form-fitting manner in the horizontal plane after overcoming a small gap, thereby creating a form-fitting connection between the crossmember and the respective support structure. In particular, the fastener can have a head that engages the associated support structure directly or indirectly in the vertical direction, so that the support structure can be held down against the engine bell housing. The support structure can be attached directly or, especially in a convertible / coupé vehicle, indirectly, for example via a convertible top bearing to the B-pillar. It is possible, in principle, that the vertical relative position of the support structure, and thus the vertical relative position of the crossmember, is determined by the attachment of the respective support structure to the associated B-pillar.

[0018] The respective fastening element can, for example, be screwed to the bell housing. However, it is also possible to insert the fastening element into the bell housing, for example, in the form of a dowel pin and / or rivet, and in particular to press it in place. Likewise, a positive fit can be achieved by locally raising the bell housing so that it projects into an opening in the support device. Preferably, the fastening element can transfer a sufficient proportion of a force acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fastening element to the bell housing. Particularly preferably, the fastening element exhibits high shear strength, and in particular, high shear stress. For example, the fastening element is made of an alloy steel, e.g., stainless steel.

[0019] In particular, the support devices between the engine bell housing and the crossmember can be clamped in place using the fasteners. It is not necessary to fasten the crossmember to the support devices and then again to the engine bell housing using a separate set of fasteners. Instead, the fasteners intended for direct or indirect connection of the crossmember to the respective support device can be directly connected to the engine bell housing, thus allowing the support devices to be pressed against it. This clamping and / or tensioning of the support devices can increase their strength. Additionally, a positive locking mechanism between the parts can be provided.In particular, the support devices for the engine bell are positioned at a distance from each other, for example by determining the vertical relative position of the support devices to the engine bell through the connection with the B-pillars, so that the fastening means are subjected to shear planes that are offset from each other when impact forces occur.

[0020] Preferably, the respective support device comprises a support formed from a multi-chamber profile, with the fasteners passing through the respective support. The multi-chamber profile allows the support to be designed as a lightweight component that can exhibit high strength at a low weight. Furthermore, the support could, due to its multiple chambers, be subjected to controlled deformation under particularly high impact forces, similar to a crash box, in order to absorb impact energy through the deformation work required. It is also possible, in principle, for the multi-chamber profile to automatically provide through-openings through which the fasteners can be inserted. The respective support device includes, in particular, a fastening element to which the support can be connected, for example, by bolting and / or welding.The mounting element can be connected directly or indirectly, for example via a convertible top bearing, to the associated B-pillar. The mounting element is designed, for example, as a two-dimensional flange or as a profile, in particular as a hollow chamber profile.

[0021] Preferably, each support has a transversely extending elongated hole, with the respective fastening element being inserted into the corresponding elongated hole. The elongated hole allows for the compensation of manufacturing and assembly tolerances, which typically occur in the transverse direction. This makes it possible, in particular, to pre-assemble the support devices slidably with the respective B-pillar and to attach the remaining rollover protection device as a single assembly with the support devices by connecting the fastening elements to the engine bell housing.

[0022] In particular, each support can be manufactured by extrusion and / or light metal forging and / or light metal casting. This allows for cost-effective production of the support and thus the respective support assembly. Specifically, the support for the left and right support assemblies are designed as identical parts, one of which simply needs to be reversed to install both supports in the corresponding support assembly in a mirror-image configuration. Likewise, the supports for a convertible / coupé and a coupé can be designed identically. This keeps manufacturing costs low.

[0023] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle according to claim 6, comprising a motor vehicle engine with an engine bell housing and / or a body shell, a left B-pillar, a right B-pillar, and a protective device connected to the left B-pillar and the right B-pillar, manufactured from a modular system which can be configured and further developed as described above, wherein the fastening means of the protective device are attached to the engine bell housing and / or a body shell, in particular by screws. The protective device, connected to the engine bell housing and / or the body shell by means of the fastening means, allows impact forces to be distributed along different load paths and transferred to the B-pillars as well as to the engine bell housing and / or the body shell, thus providing good impact protection for the vehicle occupants.

[0024] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1: A schematic perspective view of a first, non-inventive embodiment of a protective device designed as a side impact support for a coupé motor vehicle, Fig. 2: a schematic sectional view of part of the protective device made of Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a schematic perspective view of a second, non-inventive embodiment of a protective device designed as a side impact support for a convertible / coupé motor vehicle, Fig. 4: A schematic top view from below of part of the protective device Fig. 3, Fig. 5: a schematic side view of the Safety device off Fig. 4, as well as Fig. 6: a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a rollover protection device with active rollover protection according to the invention, Fig. 7: a partial view, namely a sectional view of the rollover protection device according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8: another partial view, namely a sectional view of the rollover protection device according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9: a partial view, namely a side view in partial sectional representation, of a rollover protection device according to Fig. 6.

[0025] The in Fig. Figure 1, a modular protective device 10 for a motor vehicle, has a cross member 12 which is connected to a left support device 16 via a left-hand retaining arrangement 14 (in the direction of travel 13) and to a right-hand support device 20 via a right-hand retaining arrangement 18 (in the direction of travel 13). The protective device 10 can be configured as a side impact support or a rollover protection device. For this purpose, vertically extending fasteners 22, designed as screws, are provided. These fasteners secure the cross member 12 to the support devices 16 and 20, attaching the retaining arrangements 14 and 18 to an engine bell housing (not shown) located below the support devices 16 and 20. In doing so, they may clamp or at least brace the support devices 16 and 20 between the retaining arrangements 14 and 18 and the engine bell housing.The respective support device 16, 20 has a support 24 designed as a multi-chamber profile, to which a fastening body 26, designed, for example, as a profile or as a forged part, can be welded. The respective fastening body 26 can be attached directly or indirectly to an associated B-pillar, for example, by bolting, in order to absorb impact forces occurring in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

[0026] The respective mounting arrangement 14, 18 has a front mounting bracket 28 and a rear mounting bracket 30, which can be welded, bolted and / or clamped to the cross member in order to transmit forces of the cross member 12. Fig. 1 and Fig. The mounting brackets 28 and 30 of the respective support arrangements 14 and 18 are designed as a single-piece profile. The crossbeam 12 is inserted into a suitable hollow chamber and connected to the mounting brackets 28 and 30 via a vertically extending fastener 32 designed as a screw connection. The fastener 32 projects centrally into a chamber 34 of the support 24, which is designed as a multi-chamber profile.

[0027] Additionally, an adapter 35 arranged above it for a luggage support bracket (not shown) indirectly acts on the cross member 12 when a lateral force is applied via the support arrangement 14, 18.

[0028] At the in Fig. The protective device 10 shown in the 3 illustrations, which is composed of a modular system, are in comparison to the one in Fig. 1 and Fig. The protective device 10 shown in Figure 2 is connected to the cross member 12 by a roll bar 36 on the left side in the direction of travel 13 and a roll bar 38 on the right side in the direction of travel 13. The protective device 10 can be designed as a side impact support. In addition, the mounting brackets 28, 30 of the support assemblies 14, 18 are shaped differently. The mounting brackets 28, 30 of the support assemblies 14, 18 are connected to the cross member 12 by horizontally extending connecting elements 32 designed as screw connections. On the respective transversely facing end face of the cross member 12, sufficient installation space is provided in the respective support assemblies 14, 18 so that an end region 40 of the respective roll bar 38 pointing towards the associated B-pillar passes below the height level of the cross member 12 through one of the chambers 34 of the support 24 ( Fig. 4) can protrude into the bell housing ( Fig. 5) The mounting brackets 28, 30 of the holding assemblies 14, 18 can be welded to the end region 40 of the associated roll bar 38 via at least one vertically extending weld seam 42, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0029] The support 24 of the respective support device 16, 20 has transversely extending elongated holes 44 ( Fig. 4), through which the fastening means 22 pass. This allows for tolerance compensation of the pre-assembled assembly of the protective device 10 to be connected to the support devices 16, 20. In addition, in the Fig. 3 to Fig. The protective device 10 shown in Figure 5 has the fastening body 26 designed as a flange.

[0030] Unlike the Fig. 1 to 5 is the crossbeam 12 in the embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 6 are not directly connected to the supports 28 and 30, which are designed as mounting brackets, but each via a guide device 50. The guide device 50 comprises an extension element 200 that is movable translationally within it and which can be activated in the event of a rollover by a release unit (not shown). The release unit is connected to a support element 210, which is attached to the guide device 50.

[0031] The arrangement of the extension part 200 in the guide device 50 is shown in the sectional view in Fig. 7. A rack 80 is attached to the lower end of the extension section 200, which has teeth 85 on its outer side facing the mounting body 26. In the event of a rollover, the extension section 200 is moved by the release unit in the direction of arrow 90, so that the teeth 85 engage with the teeth 95 of a pawl 100.

[0032] The maximum extendable position of the extension part is in Fig. Figure 8 shows the engagement of the teeth 85 of the rack 80 with the teeth 95 of the pawl 100. This ensures that, when a force is applied against the direction of arrow 90, the extension section 200 remains in its uppermost end position and can absorb the force in the event of a rollover. The uppermost end position of the extension section 200 is limited by a stop 110, which closes off the guide assembly 50 at its upper end. The stop 110 is formed by an inner part 160 arranged in the guide assembly 50, on which the pawl 100 is also pivotally held under preload.

[0033] Fig.Figure 9 shows the common connection / bolting of the supports 16 / 20 and the mounting bracket 28 / 30 to the engine bell 230. The advantage of this is that a common bolting of the supports and mounting bracket to the engine bell is thus possible.

Claims

[1] Modular system for a rollover protection device for the protection of vehicle occupants in the event of a rollover of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible / coupé motor vehicle, with a cross member (12) for transferring side impact forces, a left support device (16) for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a left B-pillar and a right-hand support device (20) for direct or indirect force-transmitting attachment to a right-hand B-pillar, wherein the crossbeam (12) is fastened to the respective support devices (16, 20) by means of fasteners (22), in particular screws, wherein the fastening means (22) for fastening to an engine bell of a motor vehicle engine and / or a body shell of the motor vehicle are passed through the support device (16, 20), in particular in a vertical direction, wherein the rollover protection device comprises at least a guide device (50) for an extension part (200) movable between a lowered rest position and an raised support position in the guide device (50), which can be activated in the event of a rollover via a release unit connected to a support part (210) attached to the guide device (50), wherein the crossbeam (12) is connected to supports (28, 30) via the guide devices (50), wherein the guide device (50) is positively and materially connected to the supports, and wherein the fastening means (22) are passed through the supports, wherein a rack (80) is attached to the lower end of the movable extension part (200), which, in the extended state of the extension part (200), engages in a form-fit and force-fit manner with a pawl (100) pivotably arranged in the guide device (50), wherein the upper end of the rack (80) in the extended state of the extension part (200) interacts with a stop (110) of the guide device (50) in such a way that further extension of the extension part (200) is prevented, wherein the stop (110) is formed by an inner part (160) arranged in the guide device (50), on which the locking pawl (100) is also pivotably held under a preload. [2] Modular system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support devices (16, 20) between the engine bell and the cross member (12) can be clamped using the fastening means (22). [3] Modular system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the respective support device (16, 20) has a support (24) formed from a multi-chamber profile, wherein the fastening means (22) are passed through the respective support (24). [4] Modular system according to claim 3, characterized by, that the respective support (24) has a transversely extending elongated hole (44), wherein the respective fastening means (22) is inserted in the respective associated elongated hole (44). [5] Modular system according to claim 3, characterized by , that the respective support (24) can be manufactured by extrusion and / or by light metal forging and / or by light metal casting. [6] Motor vehicle comprising a motor vehicle engine having a bell housing and / or a body shell, a left B-pillar, a right B-pillar and a protective device (10) connected to the left B-pillar and the right B-pillar manufactured from the modular system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening means (22) of the protective device (10) are attached to the bell housing and / or to the body shell, in particular screwed on.

Images