Test device for impact tests in a cockpit of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Test device (1) for impact tests, representative of the impact of a passenger's head in a cockpit (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising a test frame (2) and a display holder (3) for receiving a display component (5) equipped with a flat display area (6). The display component (5) is mounted on the display holder (3) on the test frame (2) in order to perform an impact test of a passenger's head on the display component (5).The display holder (3) is supported on the test frame (2) via a plurality of display connections (7, 8), wherein a display connection (8) comprises a support unit (9) connected to the display holder (3) and a plurality of deformation plates (11-13) arranged adjacent to one another in a group (10), on which the support unit (9) acts during the impact test in order to provide representative deformation conditions during an impact test on a display component (5) in a motor vehicle cockpit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a test device for impact tests and in particular for impact tests that are characteristic or particularly representative of the impact, for example, of the head of an occupant in a cockpit of a motor vehicle. The test device comprises a test frame with a holder for cockpit installation components (such as displays) in order to carry out an impact test, for example of an occupant's head on the installation component. The invention makes it possible to improve the design of a cockpit of a motor vehicle and also in particular the design and support of a receiving area for an installation component in order to reduce possible risks of injury and to avoid damage, in particular to persons, as far as possible.

[0002] The following descriptions refer in particular to the example of a display as a built-in component.

[0003] The current state of the art involves conducting head impact self-certification tests on vehicle cockpits. In a pendulum test, a ball impacts the cockpit within a defined impact field. The criteria are compliance with specific acceleration-time relationships and the avoidance of occupant injuries due to breakage, for example, in display glass panes. Such head impact tests are first simulated and then carried out in reality. During the tests, a complete cockpit must usually be constructed and tested – even for preliminary versions and development loops. This results in considerable time and expense. Furthermore, in projects without construction-stage hardware, prototype components of the displays are usually available, but no real components of the cockpit environment.Such systems often only exist in pre-production, meaning that head impact can only be simulated during the initial construction phase. This poses a significant risk of changes to the production model.

[0004] EP 4 056 429 A1 discloses a cockpit in a motor vehicle with a built-in display. Both the design of the display and its connection within the cockpit environment influence the force-displacement curve during a head impact test on the display. A disadvantage of this is that hardware tests and computational simulations must always be performed with the entire cockpit.

[0005] US 2023 0 322 083 A1 shows glass articles, e.g., displays for vehicle interior systems, which are configured with respect to the requirements of head impact tests. The display has a glass pane attached to a support element via an adhesive layer. The support element has a first support surface facing the adhesive layer and a second support surface opposite the first support surface. Four steel mounting elements are attached to the support surface. Each mounting bracket is U-shaped and has a first arm, a second arm, and a cross element connecting the arms. The first arm is attached to the second support surface of the support element. The second arm is used for attachment to a center console or dashboard.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a test device for impact tests, particularly on the display only (without the cockpit environment), which allows reliable tests to be carried out simply, cost-effectively, and relatively quickly, thus simplifying development in the prototype construction phase prior to pre-production. It is advantageous if costs are reduced and the risk of changes for series production is lowered.

[0007] This object is achieved by a test device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0008] A test device according to the invention is used for impact tests and in particular for impact tests which are representative of the impact of, for example, the head of an occupant in a cockpit of a motor vehicle. The test device comprises (at least) one test frame, in particular with a holder for cockpit installation components (such as, for example, displays) and preferably (at least) one display holder for holding an installation component and in particular a display component equipped with at least one flat display area. The installation component (display component) can be received in the holder (display holder) on the test frame in order to carry out an impact test, for example of a head of an occupant on the installation component (display component or the display area of ​​the display component). The holder (orThe display mount (display holder) has a plurality of connections (display connections) via which the mount (display holder) can be supported on the test frame. At least one connection (display connection) comprises a support unit connected to the mount (display holder) and a plurality of deformation plates arranged adjacent to one another in a group. The support unit acts on the deformation plates during the impact test in order to provide characteristic and, in particular, representative deformation conditions during an impact test on an installed component (display component) in a motor vehicle cockpit. The support unit is supported on the group of deformation plates.

[0009] The test device according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the test device according to the invention is that it is simple to construct and inexpensive to manufacture. Modifications to the test device can be implemented quickly. It is not necessary to construct an entire vehicle cockpit; simply modifying the connection (display connection) is sufficient. This can involve modifying the support unit, the group of deformation plates, or even just a single deformation plate or the support unit to better describe and meet the requirements.

[0010] The invention allows head impact tests according to FMVSS201 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard - FMVSS) to be conducted on displays. A substitute test or a head impact according to FMVSS 201 can be performed.

[0011] The test device can also be referred to as a test environment. The test device can also include at least one display component. The test device can also include parts of a cockpit or an entire cockpit.

[0012] In a simple embodiment, a test device according to the invention for impact tests which are representative of the impact, for example, of a passenger's head in a cockpit of a motor vehicle, comprises a test frame with a holder for (cockpit) installation components (such as displays), wherein the installation component can be received on the holder on the test frame in order to carry out an impact test, for example, of an occupant's head on the installation component. The holder can be supported on the test frame via a plurality of connections, wherein at least one connection comprises a support unit connected to the holder and a plurality of deformation plates arranged adjacent to one another in a group, on which the support unit acts during the impact test in order to provide representative deformation conditions during an impact test on an installation component in a motor vehicle cockpit.

[0013] In particular, the built-in component is designed as a display component. The display component is preferably equipped with at least one flat display area. The receptacle is preferably designed as a display receptacle.

[0014] In a more specific embodiment of the test device according to the invention, the test device serves for impact tests, representative of the impact, for example, of the head of an occupant in a cockpit of a motor vehicle. The test device comprises a test frame and a mount designed as a display mount for receiving an installed component equipped with a flat display area and designed as a display component. The display component can be received on the display mount on the test frame in order to conduct an impact test, for example, of the head of an occupant on the display component.The display holder can be supported on the test frame via a plurality of display connections, wherein at least one display connection comprises a support unit connected to the display holder and a plurality of deformation plates arranged adjacent to one another in a group, on which the support unit acts during the impact test in order to provide representative deformation conditions during an impact test on a display component in a motor vehicle cockpit.

[0015] In preferred developments of all embodiments, the test device comprises at least one sensor device and / or at least one computing device in order to record data during an impact test and, if necessary, to record and evaluate it directly.

[0016] It is also preferred that the test device comprises at least one test ball or the like with which the impact test is carried out in a defined manner (according to the standard test requirements).

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least one display connection comprises (at least) one support unit configured as a support plate. The support plate can, in particular, consist of or comprise a metallic material. However, the support plate can also consist of a composite material or a plastic.

[0018] Preferably, (at least two) lower and (at least two) upper display connections are included. Side display connections may also be provided if necessary.

[0019] Preferably, at least one display connection, and in particular at least one upper display connection, comprises at least two deformation plates arranged one behind the other. "One behind the other" means that a perpendicular line would intersect the other deformation plate at at least one point on the surface of one deformation plate. The deformation plates are preferably arranged one behind the other and parallel to one another. It is also possible for three or four or more identical or different deformation plates to be arranged one behind the other.

[0020] According to the invention, the support unit rests (at least during the impact test and / or in a rest state) on the group of deformation plates.

[0021] In particular, the support unit rests on at least one deformation plate when at rest. If the support unit rests on a deformation plate when at rest, the deformation plate immediately exerts a corresponding resistance upon impact of a test specimen. This is advantageous for the design and calculation of the forces occurring.

[0022] During the impact test, the support unit preferably rests on two laterally spaced-apart deformation plates. In particular, the distance between the deformation plates (in the lateral direction) is smaller than the width of the support unit resting on the laterally spaced-apart deformation plates. With such an arrangement, the deformation plates are loaded by the support unit upon impact, and the free-standing ends of the deformation plates bend and sink. As a result, the clear lateral distance between the laterally spaced-apart deformation plates increases until the lateral distance corresponds to the width of the support unit. The support unit can then pass between the (bent) deformation plates and, if necessary, impact other deformation plates.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between two deformation plates arranged one behind the other (perpendicular to the surface) is greater than the thickness of one deformation plate at rest. In principle, it is also possible for two or more (differently designed) deformation plates to be arranged directly behind one another and in contact with one another. This allows the force distribution to be individually and precisely adjusted.

[0024] In advantageous embodiments, two or three or four deformation plates of a display connection are arranged essentially one behind the other and parallel to each other.

[0025] In particular, at least two adjacent deformation plates of a display connection are designed substantially identically in at least one dimension, such as width, length, and thickness. It is also preferred that at least two adjacent deformation plates of a display connection are designed differently in at least one dimension, such as width, length, and thickness. Particularly preferably, two deformation plates arranged one behind the other are designed differently in at least one dimension or in at least one property, while two laterally adjacent deformation plates are preferably designed substantially identically.

[0026] In advantageous embodiments, two deformation plates of a display connection differ in their material and / or have a different structure. For example, one deformation plate can be designed as a flat, smooth strip that essentially has a (very thin) cuboid-shaped structure, while another deformation plate has a wavy, curved, or rounded structure. It is also possible for at least one deformation plate to comprise at least one reinforcing rib. By providing reinforcing ribs, the resistance to deformation can be significantly influenced and modified. Preferably, a ratio of a length to a thickness (and / or a width to a thickness) of a deformation plate is greater than 5 or in particular greater than 10 and can also be greater than 20.

[0027] It has been shown that very reasonable test results can be achieved with a display connection with three deformation plates arranged one behind the other (or two laterally spaced deformation plates arranged one behind the other in three stages). A larger number of deformation plates can, in principle, improve the test results even further. However, this increases the effort required, so it is advisable to balance the required quality of the test result with the effort required for the test device.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, it has proven advantageous if a lower display connection forms a hinge supported on the test frame, about which the display component can be pivoted. Particularly preferably, two or more lower display connections are configured in this way. The lower display connections are then preferably laterally spaced from one another.

[0029] In advantageous embodiments, two upper display connections, each with three deformation plates arranged one behind the other, and two lower display connections, each with a hinge, are included.

[0030] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiment which will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0031] The figures show: Fig. 1 a highly schematic view of a cockpit of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 a highly schematic view of a test device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a detailed view Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a highly schematic cross-sectional view of the illustration according to Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 Force and displacement curves during a test with the test device according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a section of a cockpit 100 of a motor vehicle, wherein a display component 5 is installed in the cockpit 100 and encompasses a curved display area 6. For clarity, a test sphere 50 is shown, which is positioned shortly before impacting the flat display area 6 of the display component 5.

[0033] The aim is to reduce potential damage and injuries in the event of an impact of an object, particularly the head of an occupant, on the cockpit and display component 5 through tests and design modifications, and to prevent injuries to the occupant as far as possible. One goal is also to prevent breakage, for example, of a glass pane in a display component.

[0034] For this purpose, a test device 1 according to the invention is used, as shown in Fig. 2. The test device 1 is used for impact tests. The impact test is particularly representative of the impact, for example, of the head of an occupant in the cockpit of a motor vehicle.

[0035] The test device comprises a Fig. 2 test frame not shown (cf. Fig. 4). The test device 1 comprises a display holder 3 for holding a display component 5 equipped with a flat display area 6. The display component 5 is mounted on the display holder 3 (on the test frame not shown here) in order to perform an impact test, for example, of a passenger's head on the display component 5.

[0036] The display holder 3 is connected to the test frame 2 via a plurality of display connections 7, 8 (see Fig. 4). At least one display connection 8 has a support unit 9 connected to the display mount 3 and a plurality of deformation plates 11-13 arranged adjacent to one another in a group 10, on which the support unit 9 acts during the impact test. This provides representative or characteristic deformation conditions during an impact test on a display component 5 in a motor vehicle cockpit.

[0037] The support units 9 each consist of a (thin) support plate 19, which has a width 9a. In the Fig. In the rest state 20 shown in Figure 2, the support plate 19 lies on the uppermost deformation plates 11 (11a, 11b - compare Fig. 4). The deformation plates 12 and 13 are arranged parallel to the deformation plates 11 and are located parallel behind each other. The deformation plates on a display connection that contact a support unit 9 each form a group 10.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a simple embodiment in which the deformation plates 11 (11a, 11b) and 12 (12a, 12b) and 13 (13a and 13b) each have the same length and width. If necessary, the thickness is also identical. The materials used can be different or the same.

[0039] By selecting a clear lateral distance of 21 (compare Fig. 4) between the deformation plates 11a, 11b and by selecting the width 9b of the support plate 19, as well as other dimensions and properties, the test conditions can be individually and precisely adjusted. The design, selection, type, and material of the deformation plates and support plates used can also depend on the planned impact location of the test sphere 50.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged detail from Fig. 2, wherein it can be seen here that the deformation plates 11, 12, 13 each comprise right deformation plates 11a and left deformation plates 11b etc.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a highly schematic cross-section through a test device 1, showing an exemplary connection of the deformation plates 11a to 11b to a test frame 2. Here, the support units 9 or the support plate 19 of the support unit 9 rest directly on the deformation plates 11a, 11b in the resting state 20. The support unit has a thickness 9b.

[0042] However, it is also conceivable that, in the resting state, a distance 9c exists between the support unit 9 and the deformation plates 11a, 11b. For example, if the thickness 9b of the support units 9 has a reduced value, as shown by the dashed line. The deformation plates 11, 12, and 13 each have a (different or identical) thickness 16. The deformation plates 11, 12, and 13 are arranged at distances 11c and 12c from each other and one behind the other.

[0043] A lateral distance 21 between the free ends of the deformation plates 13a and 13b (and also the deformation plates 12a, 12b and 11a, 11b) is smaller than a lateral width 9a of the support unit 9. This ensures that the support unit 9 contacts the respective deformation plates and experiences appropriate resistance during deformation. By varying the respective thickness 16, the width 14, and the length 15, as well as the material used and the structure of the deformation plates, the temporal progression or the path-dependent force can be specifically adjusted.

[0044] The course of the deformation force over the deformation path is shown Fig.5 as an example. Curve 25 shows the force versus displacement curve for test device 1, while curve 26 represents the force versus displacement curve of a cockpit 100. It can be seen that both the location and height of the force maximum and the maximum deformation displacement are sufficiently well represented for most purposes. This is sufficient in many cases. If even better results are required, the number of deformation plates can be increased to four or more each.

[0045] Overall, the invention provides an advantageous test device for head impact tests that allows good results to be achieved quickly and cost-effectively. This makes it possible, for example, to conduct a head impact test even without a complete cockpit.

[0046] The invention also allows for improved simulation models, making development more cost-effective and faster. A defined force versus displacement or acceleration versus time curve can be set by adjusting the dimensions of the deformation plates, such as material thickness, material type, etc., and their spacing.

[0047] Compared to the use of deformation foams, for example, deformable sheets offer the advantage of better tunability and better simulability. Foams age regularly, and material properties can vary and are more difficult to determine. Deformation sheets have been shown to produce better results in a simple way.

Claims

[1] Test device (1) for impact tests, representative of the impact e.g. of a head of an occupant in a cockpit (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising a test frame (2) and a display holder (3) for receiving a display component (5) equipped with a flat display area (6), wherein the display component (5) can be received on the display holder (3) on the test frame (2) in order to carry out an impact test e.g.of an occupant's head onto the display component (5), wherein the display holder (3) can be supported on the test frame (2) via a plurality of display connections (7, 8), wherein at least one display connection (8) comprises a support unit (9) connected to the display holder (3) and a plurality of deformation plates (11-13) arranged adjacent to one another in a group (10), on which the support unit (9) acts during the impact test in order to provide representative deformation conditions during an impact test on a display component (5) in a motor vehicle cockpit, and wherein the support unit (9) is supported on the group (10) of deformation plates (11-13). [2] Test device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one display connection (7, 8) comprises a support unit (9) designed as a support plate (19). [3] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein lower and upper display connections (7, 8) are included. [4] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one display connection (8) comprises two deformation plates (11, 12) arranged one behind the other. [5] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (9) rests on at least one deformation plate (11) in the rest state (20). [6] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (9) rests on two laterally spaced-apart deformation plates (11a, 11b) during the impact test. [7] Test device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a distance (11c, 12c) of the deformation plates (11a, 12a, 12a, 13a) perpendicular to the surface in the rest state (20) is greater than a thickness (16) of a deformation plate (11a, 12a, 13a). [8] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two deformation plates (11a, 12a) of a display connection (8) extend substantially one behind the other and parallel to each other. [9] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two adjacent deformation plates (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) of a display connection (8) are substantially identical in at least one dimension such as width (14), length (15) and thickness (16). [10] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two adjacent deformation plates (11a, 13) of a display connection (8) are designed differently in at least one dimension such as width (14), length (15) and thickness (16). [11] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two deformation plates (11, 12, 13) of a display connection (8) differ in their material. [12] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two deformation plates of a display connection (8) have a different structure. [13] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper display connection (8) comprises three or more deformation plates (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13). [14] Test device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one lower display connection (7) forms a hinge (17) supported on the test frame (2) about which the display component (5) can be pivoted. [15] Test device (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein two upper display connections (8) each with three deformation plates (11a, 12a, 13) arranged one behind the other and two lower display connections (7) each with a hinge (17) are included.

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