DEFORMATION DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a deformation device for motor vehicles, as defined in the claims. This deformation device is intended for the targeted deformation of body sections, particularly of passenger cars (PCs) and trucks (Trucks).

[0002] The applicant has voluntarily restricted the patent for France with reference to FR 3 102 555 A1 and submitted separate patent claims for that State.

[0003] DE202005005385U1 describes a system for the targeted deformation of a training vehicle for technical assistance. In this stationary system, the vehicle is fixed to a platform, and a hydraulically powered working unit consisting of one or more hydraulic cylinders is then specifically controlled by the user or the aid organization to introduce deformations into the vehicle. This is intended to simulate realistic accident situations and enable more effective training for aid organizations. According to one embodiment, the system can be mounted on a mobile trailer for location-independent use. However, the usability and operating ergonomics of this known device are only partially satisfactory.

[0004] KR 2002 0032681 A describes a system for measuring the stability or deformation of the backrest of vehicle seats in the passenger compartment of newly developed vehicles that are to be tested for safety. The vehicle to be tested is lashed to a carriage using rope or chain-like traction devices, which carriage can be moved relative to a rail arrangement supported on the floor. The vehicle to be tested has at least one simulated piece of luggage in its luggage compartment, which, in connection with a simulated, impact-like vehicle collision, impacts against the rear of at least one backrest of vehicle seats to be tested. To simulate a vehicle collision, the piston of a pneumatically actuated cylinder is pushed in an impulse-like manner against the front of the rail-guided carriage. The body of the vehicle to be tested remains intact.

[0005] US 2013 / 311126 A1 discloses a measuring device for model-based determination of the deformation behavior of vehicle parts, in particular vehicle bumpers. A support frame is provided on which a holding carriage is adjustably mounted. The holding carriage is designed to hold the vehicle part and is actively adjustable relative to the support frame by means of an actuator, for example a hydraulic cylinder. The vehicle part, which is thus actively adjustable relative to the support frame, is brought closer to an impact block, which is fixedly connected to the support frame of the device and holds another vehicle part, in particular another bumper, in its section facing the holding carriage. The deformation behavior of the respective vehicle parts is measured using force and displacement sensors.

[0006] DE 10 2012 021652 A1 relates to a leak test bench for vehicles, comprising a test chamber with water spray elements and a frame. The body of the vehicle to be tested is mounted on a vibration exciter that generates vibrations similar to those experienced during driving. This is intended to bring the vehicle's sealing elements into driving-like conditions, thus achieving realistic test results, for example, in connection with water, air, and noise leaks.

[0007] US 2020 / 240874 A1 describes a transportable vehicle enclosure for transporting vehicles. The enclosure is designed as a monoblock suitable for loading onto and unloading from a transporter. The enclosure includes side, front, rear, ceiling, and floor sections, one of which is configured to allow vehicle access, allowing a vehicle to be placed within the enclosure during use. The enclosure further includes a plurality of cameras integrated into or on several of the sections to image each side of the vehicle when a vehicle is located within the enclosure.

[0008] KR 2004 0011925 A discloses a device for simulating side-impact vehicle accidents. A vehicle to be tested is positioned on a rolling platform. The rolling platform can be coated with an oil layer to simulate slippery road conditions. Using a winch arrangement, the rolling platform is moved toward a pillar-like object such that the vehicle impacts the pillar-like object with its side flank. This simulation device is intended to eliminate the contamination of test surfaces commonly encountered in vehicle testing.

[0009] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device by means of which a user is able to provide vehicle training objects for technical assistance in a practical and as simple a manner as possible.

[0010] This object is achieved by a deformation device according to the claims.

[0011] The deformation device for motor vehicles according to the invention comprises a mechanical support structure with a defined contact surface or parking plane for a motor vehicle to be deformed, a controllable force introduction device relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed, which force introduction device comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder with at least one pressure surface relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed, and at least one fixing or holding means for securing the motor vehicle to be deformed relative to the contact surface. The holding means comprises at least one abutment element which is or can be connected to the support structure in a load-transmitting or mechanically fixed manner. The at least one abutment element has at least one support surface, preferably relative to body surfaces of the motor vehicle to be deformed. The at least one abutment element is designed orso shear-resistant that it can absorb deformation forces applied by the force introduction device without deformation. This is particularly the case when a motor vehicle to be deformed is inserted between the force introduction device and the at least one abutment element.

[0012] Such a device is particularly practical because it allows a vehicle to be subjected to targeted deformation quickly, in a controlled, and safe manner. A suitable training vehicle simply needs to be positioned on the designated support surface, and the deformation process can then begin. Complex securing or lashing measures on the vehicle relative to the support surface are no longer necessary. This results in considerable time savings and also safety advantages, as lashing or tensioning devices, such as ropes, chains, or tensioning straps, must reliably withstand the respective forces and influences. Furthermore, such vehicle securing devices must be regularly inspected for damage or wear, which incurs time and costs.The dimensionally stable abutment element, which can withstand the respective shear forces, can be designed to be comparatively robust, cost-effective, and functionally reliable. This also advantageously eliminates the need to search for suitable and sufficiently stable attachment points on the vehicle to be deformed.

[0013] The force introduction device comprises at least two, preferably at least three hydraulic cylinders which can be actuated independently of one another by an operator, the actuating or shearing forces of which act on the at least one abutment element with the interposition of the motor vehicle to be deformed. It is expedient if the at least two hydraulic cylinders are arranged at different heights to one another. This makes it possible to achieve comprehensive and varied deformation states on the body of training vehicles, in particular on their passenger compartment. In addition, the selective actuation option of the at least two hydraulic cylinders advantageously makes it possible to quickly fix orA displacement lock is installed on the vehicle to be deformed, and the desired deformation of the respective body sections is carried out using one or more additional hydraulic cylinders of the force application device. In particular, this can effectively prevent undesirable tilting or evasive movements of the vehicle to be deformed.

[0014] The manual and selective operation or activation of the extension and retraction movements of the at least two hydraulic cylinders is preferably carried out from a portable control unit that can be positioned remotely from the support structure. For this purpose, this portable control unit can be linked to a valve unit for the at least two hydraulic cylinders via radio or cable. This enables the deformation of motor vehicles to be carried out with the greatest possible safety and hazard-freeness for personnel, and also allows the operator to assume an optimal position for easily observing and controlling the deformation processes.

[0015] Such remote control of the deformation device or its force introduction device using a mobile or portable control unit allows the force introduction device to be controlled from a safe distance. In particular, potential hazards to the operator from glass splinters, sharp-edged sheet metal parts, or hazardous components such as airbag gas generators, gas pressure dampers, and the like can be avoided.

[0016] According to a practical embodiment, the support structure of the deformation device is designed as a cage structure, which cage structure has a lower chord section that absorbs shear forces and an upper chord section that absorbs shear forces and is spaced vertically from the lower chord section. It is advantageous if the strength-relevant lower chord section and upper chord section are arranged more than 1 m, preferably more than 1.5 m, and particularly preferably more than 1.8 m apart in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to achieve a mechanically robust and dimensionally stable, yet as lightweight as possible, support structure. The structural elements or metal supports, which are predominantly subject to tensile stress, can thus be designed with relatively small cross-sections or wall thicknesses, which can generate cost advantages in addition to weight savings.

[0017] The at least one abutment element can comprise a supporting wall and / or several supporting pillars. The supporting wall and / or the supporting pillars are intended for direct contact with the exterior body surfaces of the motor vehicle to be deformed. However, they can also act as a support or displacement-resistant support for at least one wheel or at least one rim of the motor vehicle to be deformed. This enables a particularly displacement-resistant and operationally reliable fixation of a vehicle to be deformed.

[0018] The at least one abutment element can be designed to be positionable and fixable at multiple positions relative to the force introduction device. This allows for improved variability and adaptability of the deformation device to different sizes or to the respective width or length dimensions of motor vehicles.

[0019] According to a practical embodiment, the holding means can comprise a preferably cuboid-shaped spacer body, which spacer body can be inserted into and removed from a clear width between the at least one pressure surface of the at least one hydraulic cylinder and the at least one abutment element as needed. This allows for a comprehensive and at the same time robust adaptability of the clear distance between the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the force introduction device and the at least one abutment element to be created in a simple manner.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the deformation device is designed such that the contact surface for a motor vehicle to be deformed has a gradient in at least one direction relative to a horizontally oriented contact plane of the deformation device. Alternatively or in combination therewith, it can be provided that the contact surface is designed as a collecting trough and / or at least one channel is formed in the contact surface, thus enabling the collection and / or concentrated collection of fluids escaping from a motor vehicle. This makes it possible to safely and as completely absorb any fluids escaping from a motor vehicle to be deformed. Environmental impacts can thus be prevented. Any fluids that escape can be quickly and easily collected and properly disposed of.Such fluids can be formed by coolant, brake fluid, fuel residues or oils.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be useful to provide a drain opening for fluids leaking from a motor vehicle at the lowest level point of the collecting tray and / or gutter. This allows for quick and clean removal or drainage of fluids for disposal.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that a drain cock or a plug that can be attached and removed as needed is assigned to the drain opening, whereby escaping liquids can be initially collected at the deformation device, inspected if necessary and then disposed of properly and appropriately.

[0023] Furthermore, the support surface for the vehicle to be deformed can be designed to be impervious to debris. It is particularly advantageous if this support surface is designed without a grid, particularly to be shard- and splinter-proof. Any shards or splinters generated during body deformation can thus be removed or swept up as completely as possible from the support surface. These cleaning and disposal activities can be carried out as quickly and easily as possible. Unwanted contamination of the surrounding area after an operational exercise can be largely avoided.

[0024] According to a special embodiment, the deformation device or its support structure can be designed as a detachable truck body with a hoisting hook and at least one deposition roller, or as a truck deposition body that can be coupled with a rope or chain. Such a hook lift or deposition body makes it easy to transport the deformation device to different locations. It also allows the respective operational exercises or training to be carried out on site. Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to remove the vehicle, which has been deformed as planned or is simulating an accident, from the deformation device during an exercise. The relatively low body height of a hook lift body parked on the ground compared to a trailer body also enables realistic and safe exercises, as it is fall-proof.On the other hand, it is also possible to leave the deformation device together with a deformed vehicle on the truck carrier vehicle or to re-attach it there and thus use it as a simulation of a truck accident for rescue exercises at greater heights.

[0025] According to an advantageous measure, the support structure can have a maximum width of approximately 2550 mm, extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder. This makes it possible to design the deformation device as a truck body and, especially within Europe, to easily transport it to different locations without the need for special transport. Because the longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder runs in the longitudinal direction of the deformation device, it is also possible for the at least one hydraulic cylinder to have a relatively extensive extension length.

[0026] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the support structure has a length between 5000 mm and 9000 mm, running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder. This allows for the easy simulation of various impact scenarios such as side, rear, roof, or frontal impacts on a wide variety of motor vehicles. Furthermore, the deformation device can be easily transported by truck.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one abutment element is formed at a front longitudinal end of the support structure with respect to the transport direction of the truck body, and the hook is attached to the abutment element. This creates an optimized structural design of the deformation device. The at least one mechanically relatively stable abutment element is additionally used to efficiently absorb the forces occurring when the deformation device is mounted on and removed from a swap body truck.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that a cylinder base of the at least one hydraulic cylinder is assigned closest to a rear longitudinal end of the support structure with respect to the transport direction of the truck body. This allows at least a partial section of the cylinder housing of the at least one hydraulic cylinder to protrude beyond the rear end of the mechanical support structure, further enabling trouble-free truck transport and improved utilization of the available overall length of such a truck body.

[0029] It is also advantageous if the at least one hydraulic cylinder is designed as a flange cylinder, which has a mounting flange or support collar opposite the support structure in the area of ​​the piston outlet side on the cylinder housing. This enables a stable and robust mounting of the at least one hydraulic cylinder on the support structure of the deformation device.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment provides for an access platform or a pair of access ramps spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the support structure to be arranged or capable of being arranged on at least one of the two longitudinal sides of the support structure. This allows mobile or at least rolling motor vehicles to be easily moved onto the support surface, which is slightly elevated relative to the support or ground level of the deformation device. This eliminates the need for loading aids such as loading cranes, forklift trucks, or winches.

[0031] According to a further development, it is possible for the access platform or ramps to be detachably connected to the supporting structure as needed, in particular by hooking them into place. This allows for the respective element to be removed as needed and ensures the freest possible access to the vehicle to be deformed or provided for training purposes. Furthermore, this allows the maximum permitted transport width of the deformation device on public roads to be maintained without special permits and without complex mechanical constructions on the supporting structure.

[0032] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the access platform or ramps to be connected to the supporting structure in an articulated manner, in particular by being mounted so that they can be folded up and down relative to the support plane about a pivot axis running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporting structure. This ensures uncomplicated and rapid handling. Furthermore, the aforementioned elements are securely and captively mounted to the deformation device. A bolt connection or other plug-in and articulated connection can also achieve the aforementioned detachability if required.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that the access platform or the access ramps form a contact or support area for the wheels of a motor vehicle to be deformed that is extended in the width direction compared to the width of the contact plane of the support structure. In particular, the aforementioned elements can thereby function as an extended support or contact area for the wheels of a motor vehicle to be deformed. This is particularly useful when the at least one hydraulic cylinder runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the deformation device and the vehicle's longitudinal axis is aligned transversely or orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the deformation device, i.e., in the case of a simulation of a side impact.

[0034] In particular, the deformation device can be designed so that the motor vehicle to be deformed can be parked on the contact surface of the deformation device with its longitudinal axis parallel to the width direction of the deformation device.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be provided that the support structure has a loading section or loading window on at least one of its longitudinal sides, the clear width of which, running parallel and vertically to the longitudinal direction of the support structure, is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle to be deformed can be brought onto the support surface by means of a forklift truck, telescopic loader, or crane. This makes it possible to quickly and easily move even motor vehicles that are not capable of driving or rolling into the work area or onto the support surface of the deformation device. This eliminates the need for complex threading or shifting processes on a motor vehicle to be deformed.

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0037] They show in a highly simplified, exemplary representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a deformation device in a view from behind and obliquely above; Fig. 2 the deformation device according to Fig. 1 in perspective view from the front and obliquely above; Fig. 3 the deformation device according to the Fig. 1 , 2 in side view; Fig. 4 a spacer body for use in combination with the deformation device according to the Fig. 1-3 .

[0038] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and in the event of a change in position, these positional information must be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0039] In the Fig. 1 to 3An advantageous embodiment of a deformation device 1 for motor vehicles, in particular for cars and smaller trucks, is illustrated. This deformation device 1 is designed to specifically deform body sections, such as a passenger cell of a motor vehicle, in order to then practice simulated rescue operations or personal rescues on this correspondingly deformed motor vehicle. In such rescue operations, rescue tools such as hydraulic cutting, spreading or rescue cylinders can be used in particular. The corresponding training objects are usually formed by decommissioned and deliberately deformed motor vehicles. Rescue or relief organizations, such as fire departments or technical rescue services, can thus test their operational capability and train in the use of the respective rescue tools for personal rescues as realistically as possible.

[0040] The deformation device 1 serves to simulate motor vehicles that have been involved in an accident, in particular with regard to a frontal, side or rear impact or in connection with vehicle rollovers.

[0041] The deformation device 1 comprises a mechanical support structure 2, which is preferably designed in a cage-like or grid-like manner. When the deformation device 1 is in use, the support structure 2 largely surrounds the outer sections of a motor vehicle to be deformed.

[0042] The support structure 2 has a largely flat support surface 3 for a motor vehicle prepared for deformation. Furthermore, a preferably manually controllable force introduction device 4 is provided relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed. The force introduction device 4 comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 with at least one pressure surface 6 relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed. The pressure surfaces 6 can be defined by plug-on parts or stamp-like plug-on tools relative to the piston rod of the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5.

[0043] Furthermore, the deformation device 1 comprises at least one holding means 7 for securing the motor vehicle to be deformed relative to the contact surface 3 during a deformation process with respect to its body sections. The holding means 7 comprises at least one abutment element 8 for a motor vehicle to be deformed. This mechanical abutment element 8 is coupled to the support structure 2, in particular to its cage structure, or is connected or connectable in a load-transmitting manner. Preferably, the at least one abutment element 8 is formed by a supporting wall 9, which has at least one vertically oriented support surface 10 relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed.

[0044] This at least one abutment element 8 is dimensioned such that it can absorb deformation forces applied by the force introduction device 4 without deformation or can introduce them into the supporting structure 2. It is expedient if the abutment element 8 or its support surface 10 is formed by a metal plate having a longitudinal dimension between 0.5 m and 2.5 m and a height between 0.5 m and 2.0 m. Its wall thickness is more than 5 mm.

[0045] As can be seen from a summary of the Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the at least one abutment element 8 can comprise the supporting wall 9 and / or a plurality of supporting pillars 11 in order to form a stable abutment structure for the motor vehicle to be deformed. This eliminates the need to secure a motor vehicle to be deformed to the deformation device 1 with lashing means, such as chains, ropes, or tensioning straps, to prevent it from slipping.

[0046] The support structure 2 of the deformation device 1 is designed as a cage structure 12. Such a cage structure 12 has a lower chord section 13 that absorbs shear forces and an upper chord section 14 that absorbs shear forces and is spaced vertically from the lower chord section 13. Preferably, free spaces or clearances and viewing windows are provided between the lower chord section 13 and the upper chord section 14. The lower chord and upper chord sections 13, 14 are preferably formed by interconnected metal profiles. These metal profiles can be designed as I-, U-, L-, or T-shaped beams. The compressive or shear forces generated by the force introduction device 4 are reliably absorbed by the cage structure 12 and, in particular, without deformation. Tensile or expansion forces act on the cage structure 12, which are absorbed by the spaced-apart lower chord and upper chord sections 13, 14.

[0047] The at least one abutment element 8 or its supporting wall 9 and / or its supporting pillars 11 represents or represent a transverse connection between the lower chord section 13 and the upper chord section 14 of the cage-like support structure 2.

[0048] As from Fig. 4As can be seen, the holding means 7 for a motor vehicle to be deformed can further comprise a spacer body 15. This spacer body 15 is structurally independent and can preferably have cuboid-shaped outline contours. The grid- or frame-like spacer body 15 can be inserted into a clear width 16 between the at least one pressure surface 6 of the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 and the at least one abutment element 8 as needed and removed again from the deformation device 1 as desired. In particular, by means of this spacer body 15, which can be inserted and removed as needed, it is possible to change the position of the abutment surface for a motor vehicle to be deformed relative to the force introduction device 4 in a simple and robust manner or to adapt it to different vehicle sizes.

[0049] The illustrated spacer 15 has a lattice structure composed of a plurality of interconnected profile elements 15a, 15b, 15c. This spacer 15 is also dimensioned such that it can absorb or withstand the forces or shear forces generated by the force introduction device 4 with as little deformation as possible. The spacer 15 thus forms a plurality of support surfaces 10 for a motor vehicle to be deformed.

[0050] As in Fig. 1As symbolically indicated, it is expedient if the contact surface 3 for a motor vehicle to be deformed has a gradient 17, 17' in at least one direction relative to a horizontally oriented support or contact plane 18 of the deformation device 1. In particular, it is expedient if the contact surface 3 for the motor vehicle to be deformed runs at an angle of a few degrees relative to the contact plane 18 of the deformation device or relative to a horizontal plane in order to enable an orderly collection of any liquids that may escape from the motor vehicle to be deformed. A gradient 17, 17' of between 1% and 10% is generally sufficient. These gradients 17, 17' in the contact surface 3 can run in the longitudinal and / or width direction of the deformation device 1.They can converge longitudinally or extend in the direction of at least one longitudinal side 31 or in the direction of both longitudinal sides 31, 32 of the deformation device 1.

[0051] In particular, the support surface 3 can be designed as a type of collecting tray 19 for liquids. Alternatively or in combination therewith, at least one upwardly open channel 20, 20' can be formed in the support surface 3. This at least one collecting tray 19 and / or at least one channel 20, 20' in or on the support surface 3 for a motor vehicle to be deformed serves in particular to catch and / or collect in a concentrated manner any liquids that may escape from a motor vehicle, such as oils, coolants, brake fluids, and similar operating fluids of motor vehicles. The retention volume of the collecting tray 19 or of the at least one channel 20, 20' is at least 5 liters and can be up to approximately 200 liters.

[0052] In addition, it can be provided that a drainage opening 21 for liquids leaked from a motor vehicle is formed at the lowest level point or area of ​​the collecting tray 19 and / or the at least one channel 20, 20'. By means of this drainage opening 21, the residual liquids collected on the deformation device 1 or on its contact surface 3 from a deformed motor vehicle can be removed from the deformation device 1 without them entering the ground in the area surrounding the deformation device 1. It is expedient if a preferably manually operated drain cock 22 or a functionally equivalent valve or a plug that can be attached and removed as needed is assigned to the drainage or disposal process in a targeted and coordinated manner.

[0053] The support surface 3 for the motor vehicle to be deformed is expediently designed to be impervious to debris. For this purpose, sheet metal panels with the largest possible surface area, or plastic or wood laminate panels, which are supported on the lower chord section 13, can be used. This creates a floor structure that is as joint- and gap-free as possible, preventing the undesirable accumulation of shards, splinters, or other fragments and enabling thorough cleaning and easy sweeping of the support surface 3. Joints or joints between adjacent floor elements can be filled or sealed to prevent gaps or cracks. The lower chord section 13 of the supporting structure 12 preferably comprises a framework made up of a plurality of profile elements running parallel and transverse to one another, which are firmly connected to one another, in particular welded and / or screwed.

[0054] The support structure 2 or the entire deformation device 1 is designed as a truck body 23 that can be removed as needed. In particular, the deformation device 1 or its support structure 2 is designed as a swap body and comprises a corresponding lifting hook 24 and at least one set-down roller 25 on the lower chord section 13. Preferably, two set-down rollers 25 are formed that are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the support structure 2 and aligned with the same axis, as is best shown in Fig. 1 is evident.

[0055] The mechanical support structure 2 has a maximum width of 2550 mm running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the deformation device 1 or transversely to the longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5, so that this truck body 23 can be transported by means of a truck on public roads in Europe without the need for special authorization or special transport requirements.

[0056] A length 27 running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 - Fig. 3 - the deformation device 1 is between 5000 mm and 9000 mm in order to be able to cover a wide range of different motor vehicles to be deformed and, moreover, to be transportable by means of a truck without the need for special approvals.

[0057] The hook 24 of the swap body is attached directly to the abutment element 8, in particular to its supporting wall 9 for a motor vehicle to be deformed. As further shown in the Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the abutment element 8 is formed at a front longitudinal end 28 of the support structure 2 with respect to the transport direction of the truck body 23. This results in a mechanically and structurally advantageous basic structure of the deformation device 1.

[0058] In contrast, a cylinder base 29 of the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 is assigned to a rear longitudinal end 30 of the support structure 2 which is closest to the transport direction of the truck body 23.

[0059] On at least one of the two longitudinal sides 31, 32 of the support structure 2, a drive-on platform or a pair of drive-on ramps 33, 34 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the support structure 2 are arranged or can be arranged. With these drive-on ramps 33, 34, a motor vehicle to be deformed can be moved relatively easily or effortlessly onto the support surface 3. In particular, this allows the vehicle to be driven onto the support surface 3 or the vehicle to be deformed to be pushed or pulled onto the support surface. The drive-on height to be overcome is essentially determined by the vertical height of the lower chord section 13.

[0060] The corresponding access platform or the at least one access ramp 33, 34 is detachably connected to the support structure 2, in particular to its longitudinal sides 31 and 32, respectively, as needed. It is practical if the at least one access ramp or the pair of access ramps 33, 34 can be hooked and unhooked as needed via retaining rails 35 on the longitudinal sides 31 and 32 of the support structure 2.

[0061] Furthermore, it can be provided that the access platform or the access ramps 33, 34 are connected to the support structure 2 in an articulated manner. In particular, the access platform or the individual elements of the pair of access ramps 33, 34 can be mounted so that they can be folded up and down relative to the support plane 3 about a pivot axis 36 running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support structure 2. It is also possible to design the access platform or the at least one access ramp 33, 34 so that it can be dismantled or hooked into and out of the support structure 2 by means of an articulated connection that can be activated and deactivated as needed.

[0062] It is expedient if the access platform or the access ramps 33, 34 are designed such that they form a support or support area 37 for the wheels of a motor vehicle to be deformed that is extended in the width direction relative to the width 26 of the support plane 3 of the support structure 2. This makes it easy to align a motor vehicle to be deformed safely and accurately transversely to the longitudinal direction of the deformation device 1 and, in this relative position, to simulate side impact deformations using the deformation device 1. The hydraulic cylinders 5 of the deformation device 1 are aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support structure 2.

[0063] The support structure 2 has a loading section 38 on at least one of its longitudinal sides 31, 32, for example on the longitudinal side 31. Its clear width 39, 40, which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support structure 2, is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle to be deformed can be brought onto the support surface 3 by means of a lifting device, for example a forklift truck, telescopic loader, or crane. For this purpose, the upper chord section 14 in the loading section 38 can be exposed or recessed if necessary. In addition, vertical support pillars of the support structure 2 are arranged such that the clear width 39 in the horizontal direction is sufficient to lift a motor vehicle to be deformed onto the support surface 3.

[0064] Optionally, at least one activatable and deactivatable support strut for the support structure 2 can be provided within the loading section 38. In particular, this at least one support strut is intended to be activated after the deformation device 1 has been loaded with a motor vehicle to be deformed and before the initiation of a deformation process. Such a support strut can be designed to be hooked in and out, folded up and down, or displaced relative to the support structure 2.

[0065] As in Fig. 3As illustrated, at least one support pillar 11 in a central section of the support structure 2 can also be configured as an abutment element 8 for a motor vehicle to be deformed. This additional abutment element 8 in the central section can be particularly useful in connection with the simulation of side impact deformations on motor vehicles. The support surfaces 10 for a motor vehicle to be deformed are formed on the at least one support pillar 11. Preferably, a pair of support pillars 11 is formed on the opposite longitudinal sides 31, 32 of the support structure 2.

[0066] The force introduction device 4 comprises a preferably structurally independent hydraulic unit 41. This comprises, in a conventional manner, at least one electric motor, a pump unit driven by the motor, a filter device, and a tank containing the hydraulic oil. The hydraulic unit 41 can be fluidly connected to the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 or to a valve unit 42 arranged on the support structure by means of flexible hose lines and hydraulic quick-release couplings. The tank of the hydraulic unit 41 is preferably double-walled and is monitored for leaks independently of the power supply.

[0067] The at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 is preferably designed as a flange cylinder, which has / have a mounting flange 43 in the region of the piston outlet side on the cylinder housing. By means of this mounting flange 43, the at least one hydraulic cylinder 5 is supported in a load-bearing manner on a metal cylinder mounting plate 44. The vertically oriented cylinder mounting plate 44 is mechanically connected to the support structure 2.

[0068] Preferably, at least three, for example, four, hydraulic cylinders 5 are provided. It is expedient if this plurality of hydraulic cylinders 5 is arranged at at least two different height positions relative to the support surface 3 for a motor vehicle to be deformed. The hydraulic cylinders 5 or their cylinder housings are rigidly mounted relative to the support structure 2 in order to ensure a stable and robust construction. The plurality of individual hydraulic cylinders 5 enables a diverse and as realistic as possible deformation of motor vehicle bodies.

[0069] The embodiment shows possible variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment, but rather various combinations of the individual variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action through the invention in question.

[0070] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0071] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0072] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0073] 1 Deformation device 29 Cylinder base 30 rear longitudinal end 2 supporting structure 31 long side 3 Contact area 32 long side 4 Force introduction device 33 access ramp 5 hydraulic cylinder 34 access ramp 6 Pressure surface 35 retaining rail 7 Holding devices 36 Swivel axis 8 abutment element 37 Support or support area 9 retaining wall 38 Feeding section 10 Support surface 39 clear expanse 11 Support pillars 40 clear expanse 12 Cage structure 41 hydraulic unit 13 Lower chord section 42 valve unit 14 Upper chord section 43 Mounting flange 15 Spacer body 44 Cylinder mounting plate 15a-c Profile elements 16 clear expanse 17,17' gradient 18 Uprising level 19 drip tray 20, 20' gutter 21 Drain opening 22 drain tap 23 Truck body 24 Pull-up hook 25 Settling roller 26 Width 27 length 28 front longitudinal end

Claims

1. A deformation device (1) for the targeted deformation of vehicle body sections of motor vehicles, comprising - a support structure (2) with a contact surface (3) for a motor vehicle to be deformed, - a controllable force application device (4) relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed, which force application device (4) comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder (5) with at least one pressure surface (6) relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed, and - a retaining means (7) for fixing the motor vehicle to be deformed relative to the contact surface (3), - wherein the retaining means (7) comprises at least one abutment element (8) which is connected or can be connected to the support structure (2) in a load-transmitting manner, - which at least one abutment element (8) has at least one support surface (10) relative to the motor vehicle to be deformed, - and which at least one abutment element (8) can absorb deformation forces which can be applied by the force application device (4) without deformation, characterized in that an operating unit which can be carried by an operator is formed, which is set up for the manual and selective activation of extension and retraction movements of at least two hydraulic cylinders (5).

2. The deformation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (2) is configured as a cage structure (12), which cage structure (12) has a lower chord section (13) which absorbs shear forces and has an upper chord section (14) which is spaced apart from the lower chord section (13) in the vertical direction and absorbs shear forces.

3. The deformation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one abutment element (8) comprises a support wall (9) and / or a plurality of support pillars (11).

4. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (7) comprises a spacer body (15), which spacer body (15) can be inserted as required into a clear width (16) between the at least one pressing surface (6) of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (5) and the at least one abutment element (8).

5. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (3) for a motor vehicle to be deformed has a slope (17, 17') in at least one direction relative to a horizontally aligned contact plane (18) of the deformation device (1).

6. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (3) is configured as a collecting tray (19) and / or at least one trough (20, 20') is formed in the contact surface (3), so that catching and / or bundled collection of liquids escaping from a motor vehicle is made possible.

7. The deformation device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a drainage opening (21) for liquids escaping from a motor vehicle is formed at the lowest point of the collecting tray (19) and / or the trough (20, 20') in terms of level.

8. The deformation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the drainage opening (21) is assigned a drain cock (22) or a plug which can be attached and removed as required.

9. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (3) is configured to be impermeable to sweepings.

10. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) is configured as a detachable truck body (23) with a pull-up hook (24) and at least one set-down roller (25) or as a rope- or chain-coupled truck set-down body.

11. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) has a width (26), extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (5), of at most approximately 2550 mm.

12. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) has a length (27), extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (5), which is between 5000 mm and 9000 mm.

13. The deformation device according to one of claims 10-12, characterized in that the at least one abutment element (8) is formed at a front longitudinal end (28) of the support structure (2) with respect to the transport direction of the truck body (23) and the pull-up hook (24) is attached to the abutment element (8).

14. The deformation device according to one of claims 10-13, characterized in that a cylinder bottom (29) of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (5) is assigned closest to a longitudinal end (30) of the support structure (2) that is rearward with respect to the transport direction of the truck body (23).

15. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an access platform or a pair of access ramps (33, 34) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the support structure (2) is arranged or can be arranged on at least one of the two longitudinal sides (31, 32) of the support structure (2) with respect to the contact surface (3).

16. The deformation device according to claim 15, characterized in that the access platform or the access ramps (33, 34) are detachably connected to the support structure (2) as required, in particular can be hooked in.

17. The deformation device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the access platform or the access ramps (33, 34) are connected to the support structure (2) in an articulated manner, in particular are mounted so as to be pivotable up and down relative to the contact surface (3) about a pivot axis (36) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support structure (2).

18. The deformation device according to one of claims 15-17, characterized in that the access platform or the access ramps (33, 34) form a contact or support area (37) for the wheels of a motor vehicle to be deformed which is extended in the width direction with respect to a width (26) of the contact surface (3) of the support structure (2).

19. The deformation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) has, on at least one of its longitudinal sides (31, 32), a loading section (38) whose clear width (39, 40) extending parallel and vertically to the longitudinal direction of the support structure (2) is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle to be deformed can be brought onto the contact surface (3) by means of a forklift truck, telescopic loader or load crane.