motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) with metal floor assembly components, metal passenger cell components, and metal body components. At least one component of the floor assembly components and / or the passenger cell components and / or the body components consists of a shape memory alloy, wherein a means for supplying energy is associated with this component.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with metal floor assembly components, with metal passenger cell components and with metal body components, wherein at least one component of the floor assembly components and / or the passenger cell components and / or the body components consists of a shape memory alloy, and that this component is associated with a means for supplying energy.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are designed with crumple zones to protect occupants in the event of a collision with another vehicle or, more generally, with an object. These zones deform upon impact to absorb and dissipate the energy. The crash performance of motor vehicles is tested and evaluated, with a particular focus on minimizing deformation of the passenger compartment to increase the occupants' chances of survival and facilitate their extrication from the vehicle.

[0003] In particularly severe collisions resulting in significant vehicle deformation, the doors may become stuck, requiring external helpers or rescue services to cut open the vehicle structure. It's important to note that it typically takes a considerable amount of time for emergency responders to reach the scene. During this period, the occupants remain in awkward positions with undesirable postures. Should the vehicle catch fire during this extended timeframe, the pressure to extricate them becomes even greater. Once emergency services arrive, care must be taken to ensure that the occupants are not injured when using cutting torches, angle grinders, or shears.

[0004] Shape memory alloys are known from the prior art. These alloys are formed from special metals or metal alloys that can exist in two crystal structures, which change with a change in temperature. Examples include nickel-titanium, nickel-titanium-copper, and iron-manganese-silicon materials. Applications of shape memory alloys in automobiles are described in the following publications.

[0005] US 2007 / 158127 A1 describes how, to avoid the use of an explosive to detach a vehicle door in the event of an accident and thus prevent passengers from being trapped or imprisoned, a shape memory alloy can be used to remove components attached to the vehicle. The removal of the component is initiated by actuating a switch to supply the shape memory alloy with energy from a dedicated electrical energy storage device.

[0006] CN 108773304 A discloses a device for reversing automotive deformation, in which a shape-memory alloy is provided in a hollow form at the driver's or passenger's seat. A heating device is arranged within this hollow form to reverse deformation after a collision and prevent occupants from being trapped. The heating device consists of quicklime and an aqueous solution in a sealed container, which is opened by the collision to bring the aqueous solution into contact with the quicklime for heat generation.

[0007] From CN 204895363 U, an impact box for a motor vehicle is known which has a box body made of a shape memory alloy to improve energy absorption and to allow the restoration of the impact box during repair in order to reduce repair costs.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle which improves the protection of the occupants and facilitates their release.

[0009] This problem is solved by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, at least one component, which is susceptible to deformation in a collision and is relevant for the occupants' exit from the vehicle, is made of a shape-memory alloy, so that the deformed component can be induced by the input of energy to at least partially reverse the deformation. It should be noted that the deformation need not be completely reversible, because even incomplete reversibility improves the exit from the vehicle and / or its accessibility for rescue services.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous if the A-pillar and / or the B-pillar and / or the C-pillar of the passenger cell components are made of the shape memory alloy. These pillars are especially important for maintaining the volume of the passenger cell and, in the event of a crash, for providing the space necessary for survival. These pillars also strongly influence how easily the doors can be opened, so that in the event of deformation, the return of these pillars to their original state greatly promotes the survival of the occupants.

[0012] It is advantageous if all passenger cell components are made of the shape memory alloy, as this prevents individual deformed components from hindering the return of the components from the shape memory alloys to their original state and promotes the overall approximation to the original state.

[0013] Particularly preferred within the scope of the invention is the use of a shape-memory alloy for the doors of the body components. The doors provide the preferred access to the vehicle's interior for rescue personnel and are also important for the efforts of injured occupants to exit the vehicle on their own. The likelihood of the doors being able to be opened is significantly increased in this embodiment, a benefit further enhanced if the pillars, also made of a shape-memory alloy, likewise return to their original state, thus reducing the risk of the doors jamming.

[0014] Preferably, the heating element is formed by a resistance heater, and it is advantageous for the resistance heater to be equipped with an independent power supply that ensures the energy supply when deformation prevents connection to the vehicle's electrical system. The independent power supply can be integrated into the vehicle's electrical system to ensure, for example, that batteries are always sufficiently charged.

[0015] It is advantageous to have a sensor to activate the energy supply, thus automatically initiating the reversal of the deformation. The sensor could be, for example, an accelerometer that detects the collision, or a piezoelectric sensor that registers the deformation. The sensor can also be associated with a delay switch, which ensures that the deformation is only reversed after it has been completed from a resting state.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, a switch to activate the means of supplying energy may be provided to give the occupants the opportunity to initiate the reversal process if leaving the vehicle is prevented or made more difficult.

[0017] In this context, it is advantageous to have a microphone for recording voice commands, allowing the switch to be activated by voice command. This takes into account that after an accident, occupants may have limited mobility and be unable to reach the switch. The acoustic activation feature thus further enhances safety.

[0018] The switch can also be integrated into a remote data transmission network, allowing it to be operated remotely. This enables emergency services, for example, to intervene before they reach the scene of the accident. Call center employees can also provide assistance and support to the occupants.

[0019] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figure, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0020] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a motor vehicle that has been severely deformed after an accident.

[0021] The structure of a motor vehicle 1 can be described as consisting of a chassis 2, a passenger compartment 3, and a body 4. In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 that has suffered very severe deformations in all its components following an accident. These severe deformations make it difficult, and in the illustrated embodiment prevent, all occupants from opening the doors 5 and exiting the motor vehicle 1.

[0022] It is therefore stipulated that in motor vehicle 1, which has metal floor assembly components, metal passenger cell components, and metal body components, at least one component from the floor assembly components and / or the passenger cell components and / or the body components is made of a shape memory alloy. Furthermore, this component is assigned a means for supplying energy. This design utilizes the properties of a shape memory alloy, which can be returned to its original state after deformation by supplying energy. It should be emphasized that the same shape memory alloy does not have to be used for all components; more than one shape memory alloy can be used.

[0023] It is advantageous if the A-pillar 6 and / or the B-pillar 7 and / or the C-pillar 8 of the passenger cell components are made of the shape memory alloy, especially if all pillars are made of a shape memory alloy, in order to expand the interior space as much as possible after deformation and to improve the mobility of the doors 5.

[0024] To improve the survivability of the occupants, all passenger cell components can also be made of the shape memory alloy, and additionally or alternatively, the doors 5 of the body components can also be made of the shape memory alloy.

[0025] Reversing the deformation requires energy, which can be provided thermally, for example, if the medium is formed by a resistance heater with its own independent power supply.

[0026] Motor vehicle 1 may have a sensor for activating the means of supplying energy, and additionally or alternatively a switch for activating the means of supplying energy.

[0027] If a switch is present, a microphone can be used to capture a voice command, allowing the switch to be toggled via voice command. If the switch is integrated into a network for remote data transmission, it can be switched remotely via the network. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 motor vehicle 2 Floor assembly 3 passenger compartment 4 Bodywork 5 door 6 A-pillar 7 B-pillar 8 C-pillar QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2007 / 158127 A1

[0005] CN 108773304 A

[0006] CN 204895363 U

[0007]

Claims

Motor vehicle (1) with metal floor assembly components, with metal passenger cell components and with metal body components, characterized in that at least one component of the floor assembly components and / or the passenger cell components and / or the body components consists of a shape memory alloy, and that this component is associated with a means for supplying energy. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the A-pillar (6) and / or the B-pillar (7) and / or the C-pillar (8) of the passenger cell components are made of the shape memory alloy. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 2 , characterized in that all of the passenger cell components are made of the shape memory alloy. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the doors (5) of the body components consist of the shape memory alloy. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means is formed by a resistance heater. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the resistance heating is assigned an independent power supply. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a sensor for activating the means for supplying energy is provided. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a switch for activating the means for supplying energy is provided. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a microphone for recording a voice command is provided and that the switch can be switched by a voice command. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the switch is integrated into a network for remote data transmission and the switch can be switched remotely via the network.

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