Arrangement of a reinforcing structure on a motor vehicle in the region of a connection point between a pillar formed from at least two shells and a vehicle cross-member

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of a reinforcing structure on a motor vehicle (10) in the region of a connection point between a pillar formed from at least two shells, in particular an A-pillar (14), and a vehicle cross-member (24), wherein the reinforcing structure (28) is connected both to the vehicle cross-member (24) and to the pillar, wherein the reinforcing structure (28) is positioned so as to project through at least one of the shells in such a way that the reinforcing structure (28) extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle over a connection point (42) formed with the shells.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Arrangement of a reinforcement structure on a motor vehicle in the region of a connection point between a pillar formed from at least two shells and a vehicle cross member

[0003] The invention relates to the arrangement of a reinforcement structure on a motor vehicle in the region of a connection point between a pillar of a motor vehicle which is oriented at least partially in the vehicle's vertical direction and is formed from at least two shells, and a cross member which extends predominantly in the vehicle's transverse direction and is connected to the pillar, in particular a cowl cross member or a bulkhead cross member. The invention particularly relates to a reinforcement structure which is arranged in the region of an A-pillar of a motor vehicle which is formed from two or more shells and extends at least partially in the vertical direction. This refers in particular to the first pillar of a motor vehicle in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from the front, which usually extends from a side sill in the vehicle's vertical direction to the vehicle roof.In most cases, there is also at least one door hinge in the area of ​​this A-pillar, possibly in conjunction with a hinge reinforcement, i.e. a local thickening or additional plate that serves as reinforcement for the arrangement of a door hinge.

[0004] DE 100 39 653 A1 discloses a reinforcement structure for a hood side panel of a motor vehicle. In connection with this reinforcement structure, a motor vehicle is disclosed with an A-pillar, referred to as the front pillar, which is formed from an inner shell and an outer shell, referred to as the inner pillar panel and the outer pillar panel. The A-pillar is connected to a bulkhead cross member, referred to as the hood panel, wherein the hood panel is formed from a front hood panel and a rear hood panel. To reinforce the connection between the hood panel and the front pillar, an angle-shaped hood side panel is connected to the rear hood panel and the inner pillar panel. Furthermore, a door hinge reinforcement member is arranged within the front pillar and is connected to both the outer pillar panel and the inner pillar panel.US Pat. No. 6,250,710 B1 discloses a front-end structure of a motor vehicle comprising an A-pillar, referred to as a "front pillar," and a bulkhead cross member, referred to as a "front panel," which are connected to each other. A reinforcement structure, referred to as a "reinforcement plate," is connected externally to the A-pillar and the bulkhead cross member.

[0005] From KR 2003-0090348 A, a reinforcement element is known that comprises a double-angled plate arranged as a reinforcement structure in the region of a lower section of a bulkhead cross member and an adjacent section of an A-pillar such that the central section of the plate is arranged at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the bulkhead cross member and the A-pillar. The reinforcement structure is arranged to the rear of the bulkhead cross member.

[0006] A known problem in practice that can occur in connection with A-pillars formed from two or more shells in conjunction with so-called "small overlap" loading cases is the opening or separation of the two joined shells when a force is applied to the A-pillar in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from front to rear. The arrangement of reinforcement structures known from the three documents mentioned above does not help to solve this problem.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement of a reinforcement structure on a motor vehicle in the region of a connection point between a pillar formed from at least two shells and a vehicle cross member, with which an opening or separation of the at least two shells in "small overlap" load cases is at least counteracted.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0009] An arrangement according to the invention of a reinforcement structure on a motor vehicle is provided in the region of a connection point between a pillar formed from at least two shells and a vehicle cross member. The reinforcement structure is connected both to the vehicle cross member and to the pillar. Furthermore, the reinforcement structure is arranged so as to project through at least one of the shells that the reinforcement structure extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle over a joint formed by the shells. This has the advantage that the reinforcement structure is used as an additional means to protect the joint from opening or splitting. In other words, in the arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure is arranged as a member supporting the joint and protects the joint from opening or splitting.

[0010] The abutment point mentioned is in particular a connecting flange extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is formed by the abutting of two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell. For the effect of the arrangement according to the invention, it is fundamentally irrelevant whether the abutment point is arranged directly in front of or behind the abutment point. In this context, particular reference is made to the fact that the effect also occurs when the reinforcing structure is located behind the abutment point, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this case, too, the reinforcing structure acts as a link between the vehicle cross member and the at least one shell, which is particularly advantageous when, when a force is applied in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from front to rear, the shell to which the reinforcing structure is fastened is pulled in the direction of the vehicle cross member.The reinforcement structure then acts as a safety strap. Accordingly, the reinforcement structure is preferably connected to an outer shell of the pillar of the motor vehicle, in particular to the outer shell of an A-pillar of the motor vehicle.

[0011] In a practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure is plate-like in design, at least in a central section extending over the joint. A plate-like design means in particular that the reinforcement structure has a thickness which is noticeably smaller than the length and width of the reinforcement structure, in particular less than 20%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the smallest of the two other dimensions, length and width. Preferably, the reinforcement structure as a whole is plate-like in design, i.e. it has only a small thickness compared to the length and width. Such a reinforcement structure is particularly simple and cost-effective to produce and, at the same time, is suitable for acting like a safety strap in the event of a load, such as occurs in a small overlap crash.

[0012] In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure extends predominantly in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the vertical direction (z-direction) of the vehicle. Furthermore, the connection direction to the pillar and / or to the vehicle cross member is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Orientation in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle means that a connecting means is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, for example by a screw being aligned with its screw shaft in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or a welded connection being made in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the direction of penetration into the material being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Such an orientation has the advantage, particularly in the case of loading in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, as occurs, for example, in a "small overlap" loading case, that the load is transferred from the connection between the reinforcement structure and the pillar orthe reinforcement structure and the vehicle cross member can be advantageously absorbed without the connection failing.

[0013] In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, a hinge reinforcement is arranged within the pillar, and the reinforcement structure is arranged at least partially at the same height as the hinge reinforcement, viewed in the vehicle's vertical direction. This has the advantage that the connection between the reinforcement structure and the shell of the motor vehicle can be further improved with the aid of the hinge reinforcement, particularly when the hinge reinforcement is used for the connection between the reinforcement structure and the shell.

[0014] The above applies in particular if the hinge reinforcement is an element extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle at least over a large part of the width of the pillar and / or if the reinforcement structure is arranged in a sandwich-like manner with at least one shell of the pillar and the hinge reinforcement. It has proven particularly advantageous in this context if the reinforcement structure is arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the at least one shell of the pillar and the hinge reinforcement, wherein the at least one shell of the pillar is preferably the outer shell of the pillar.

[0015] The above can be advantageously implemented particularly when the hinge reinforcement extends, viewed in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, to a front end of a cavity formed by the pillar shells, in particular such that a front-side contact surface of the hinge reinforcement extending in the vehicle's transverse and vertical directions is aligned parallel or at least approximately parallel to a corresponding contact surface of the reinforcement structure and / or a corresponding contact surface of a pillar shell. Approximately parallel orientation refers in particular to orientations whose angles to one another deviate by a maximum of 10°.

[0016] In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure is firmly connected to a shell of the column, in particular to the outer shell of the column and / or to the hinge reinforcement. Such a firm connection refers in particular to material-locking, positive-locking, and / or force-locking connections, with positive-locking and material-locking connections being preferred.

[0017] It is particularly preferred if the reinforcement structure is connected to the vehicle cross member with at least one screw connection and / or at least one welded connection. In practice, it has proven particularly suitable to combine at least one screw connection with one or more welded connections. In this context, particular reference is made to resistance spot welding. Other welding methods are also applicable.

[0018] In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure is connected to a shell of the column with at least one screw connection and / or at least one welded connection. The above applies accordingly in this context, although welded connections are preferred due to the accessibility of the connection between the reinforcement structure and the shell of the column.

[0019] The invention was made in particular for an A-pillar of a motor vehicle and the connecting region between the A-pillar and a vehicle cross member in the form of a firewall cross member. In this respect, reference is made to an embodiment that is particularly practical in practice, according to which the pillar is an A-pillar and the reinforcing structure is arranged in a central region of the A-pillar - viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle - between a side sill in the lower region of a door cutout and an upper roof section and / or according to which the vehicle cross member is a firewall cross member. The said connecting region between an A-pillar and a firewall cross member of a motor vehicle is particularly stressed, in particular in the case of a "small overlap" load, and in this respect the invention is of particularly high utility in this field.

[0020] In a further practical embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcement structure extends - viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle - over at least twice the width of the pillar and / or the reinforcement structure extends from the inside of the pillar by at least 1 time the width of the pillar towards the center of the vehicle. In other words, a front-side joint of the shells of the pillar is covered with the reinforcement structure over its entire surface in the transverse direction of the vehicle, whereby the coverage can occur at the front or rear of the joint. By fastening the reinforcement structure on both sides, in particular to the vehicle cross member and to a shell of the pillar, in particular an outer shell of the A-pillar, the joint is held together and protected from opening or spreading apart in the event of a frontal crash, in particular with only a slight overlap.

[0021] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that a vehicle cross member within the meaning of the invention refers in particular to those elements that extend across a large part of the width of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction. In this context, particular reference is made to those elements that extend outward in both directions from the center of the vehicle - viewed in the transverse direction - and protrude as far as a pillar of the vehicle. In this respect, it should also be noted that an arrangement according to the invention of a motor vehicle is preferably implemented on both the left and right sides of the vehicle on the same reinforcement structure (in each case on the outside).

[0022] Further practical embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows part of a body shell structure of a motor vehicle in an isometric representation in a view obliquely from the front,

[0024] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the elements marked II in Figure 1 in an isometric view,

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a section of the area marked III in Figure 1 without the longitudinal member outer shell,

[0026] Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the opening of the reinforcement structure along line IV in Figure 3,

[0027] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the area marked V in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is a view analogous to the view in Fig. 3 with a schematic representation of a particularly suitable welded connection between the reinforcement structure, the hinge reinforcement and an outer shell of the A-pillar.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a part of a body shell structure of a motor vehicle 10 with a side sill section 12, an A-pillar 14, a B-pillar 16, a C-pillar 18, a roof section 20, the longitudinal member outer shell 22 of a front longitudinal member and a vehicle cross member 24 in the form of a bulkhead cross member 26.

[0029] In both Figure 1 and the other figures, x denotes the vehicle's longitudinal direction forwards (x-direction), y denotes the vehicle's transverse direction (y-direction) and z denotes the vehicle's vertical direction upwards (z-direction).

[0030] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the elements marked II in Figure 1. This also reveals elements that are completely or partially concealed in Figure 1, in particular a reinforcement structure 28, an inner shell 30 formed from two partial shells 32a, 32b, and a hinge reinforcement 34. The aforementioned elements are concealed in Figure 1 by the outer shell 36, also shown in Figure 2.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hinge reinforcement 34 is designed in the manner of a container open on one side with an opening in the transverse direction of the vehicle toward the center of the vehicle (see Figures 2, 3 and 6). The same applies to the outer shell 36. The inner shell 30, however, with the partial shells 32a, 32b, is formed from essentially flat sheet metal, which together with the container-like outer shell 36 form the A-pillar 14 designed as a hollow profile. Adjoining the front of the A-pillar 14 is a longitudinal member of similar design, of which only the longitudinal member outer shell 22 is shown in Figure 2.

[0032] As can be clearly seen in Figure 4, the inner shell 30 and the outer shell 36 are shaped and joined together in such a way that a cavity 38 extending in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) and in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) with a width b His formed. The inner shell 30 and the outer shell 36 are joined at the front in the region of a flange 40 which extends forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction) and vertically (z-direction). This results in a joint 42 which could spread or open from front to rear when subjected to a load in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction). This applies in particular to loads according to arrow F, which are predominantly introduced into the motor vehicle from the outside in the region of an outer longitudinal member - in particular also via its longitudinal member outer shell 22 - as occurs particularly in "small overlap" load cases.

[0033] To prevent such spreading of the joint 42, in the arrangement according to the invention, the reinforcing structure 28 is arranged so as to protrude through the inner shell 30 in such a way that the reinforcing structure 28 extends in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) over the joint 42. The reinforcing structure 28 is fastened on the side of the bulkhead cross member 26 with a screw 44, which is shown only as an example in Figure 4. For this purpose, a through-opening 46 is provided both in the reinforcing structure 28 and in the bulkhead cross member 26. In the area around the through-opening 46, where the reinforcing structure 28 is brought into contact with the bulkhead cross member 26, the bulkhead cross member in the illustrated embodiment has a contact surface adapted to the contact surface of the reinforcing structure 28, which is adapted in terms of its size and inclination (cf. Figures 2 and 3).This results in intuitive assembly and promotes correct pre-positioning.

[0034] The screw 44 can either be screwed directly into the material of the bulkhead cross member 26 in the form of a flow-drilling screw. Alternatively, a nut (not shown) can be provided for fastening the screw 44. Such a nut can either be pre-mounted on the bulkhead cross member 26 or placed on the screw 44 and tightened during assembly.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the reinforcement structure 28 is additionally fixed with welded joints 48 both to the end wall cross member 26 and to the outer shell 36 and the hinge reinforcement 34. This can be seen particularly in Figures 4 and 5.

[0036] In Figure 4 it is also clearly visible that the main extension direction of the connecting structure 28 is oriented substantially in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction), while the connection direction is oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) (cf. insertion direction of the screw 44 and joining direction of the welded joints 48). The length IV extending in the main extension direction of the connecting structure 28 (cf. Fig. 2) is greater than twice the width ÖH of the hinge reinforcement 34 and also greater than twice the width of the A-pillar 14 extending in the vehicle transverse direction in the height section in which the connecting structure 34 is arranged on the A-pillar 14.In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing structure 28 has an arcuate design with a bulge 50 in the central region - viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle - wherein the bulge 50 is oriented forwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) compared to the adjacent outer regions of the reinforcing structure 28.

[0037] Figure 5 also clearly shows that the reinforcement structure 28, in the illustrated embodiment, is sandwiched between the outer shell 36 and the hinge reinforcement 34. In this embodiment, the elements firmly connected to one another by the welded joints 48 have contact surfaces aligned parallel to one another.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a particularly preferred connection between the reinforcement structure 28 and the outer shell 36, which is also shown transparently in Figure 6, and the hinge reinforcement 34. In this embodiment, the maximum number of welding points 48 is realized while maintaining minimum distances to be observed for welding purposes.

[0039] As can be clearly seen from Figure 3, the reinforcement structure 28 in the illustrated embodiment is arranged at the same height as the hinge reinforcement 34, so that the reinforcement structure 28 can be connected to both the hinge reinforcement 34 and the outer shell 36. The height section is marked in Figure 3 by the upper dashed line 52a and the lower dashed line 52b. This prevents the reinforcement structure 28 from tearing off even when very large forces act off-center on the motor vehicle, as is particularly the case with "small overlap" loading cases.

[0040] The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings, and the claims may be essential, both individually and in any combination, for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. The invention may be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art. List of reference symbols

[0041] 10 motor vehicle

[0042] 12 side sill section

[0043] 14 A-pillar

[0044] 16 B-pillar

[0045] 18 C-pillar 0 Roof section 2 Longitudinal member outer shell 4 Vehicle cross member 6 Bulkhead cross member 8 Reinforcing structure

[0046] 30 inner shell

[0047] 32a partial shell

[0048] 32b Partial shell

[0049] 34 Hinge reinforcement

[0050] 36 Outer shell

[0051] 38 cavity

[0052] 40 flange

[0053] 42 joint

[0054] 44 Screw

[0055] 46 passage opening

[0056] 48 Welded joint

[0057] 50 bulge

[0058] 52a upper dashed line

[0059] 52b lower dashed line b H Width of the cavity lv Length of the reinforcement structure

[0060] F Arrow

Claims

Claims: Arrangement of a reinforcement structure on a motor vehicle (10) in the area of ​​a connection point between a column (14) formed from at least two shells and a vehicle crossmember (24), wherein the reinforcement structure (28) is connected to both the vehicle crossmember (24) and the column (14), characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) is arranged to project through at least one of the shells such that the reinforcement structure (28) extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle over a joint (42) formed with the shells. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) is formed in a plate-like form at least in a central section extending over the joint (42).An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) extends predominantly in the transverse and vertical directions of the vehicle and the connection direction to the column (14) and / or to the vehicle crossmember (24) is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hinge reinforcement (34) is arranged within the column (14) and the reinforcement structure (28), viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, is at least partially arranged at the same height as the hinge reinforcement (34). An arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hinge reinforcement (34) is an element extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle over at least a large proportion of the width of the column and / or the reinforcement structure (28) is arranged in a sandwich-like manner with at least one shell of the column (14) and the hinge reinforcement (34). An arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) is rigidly connected to a shell of the column (14) and / or to the hinge reinforcement (34). An arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) is connected to the vehicle crossmember (24) by at least one screw connection and / or weld connection (48). An arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) is connected to a shell of the column (14) by at least one screw connection and / or weld connection (48).An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pillar (14) is an A-pillar (14) and the reinforcement structure (28) is arranged in a central region of the A-pillar (14) – viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle – between a side sill section (12) in the lower region of a door opening and an upper roof section (20), and / or that the vehicle crossmember (24) is a bulkhead crossmember (26). An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcement structure (28) extends – viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle – at least twice the width of the pillar (14), and / or the reinforcement structure (28) extends from the inside of the pillar (14) at least by one time the width of the pillar (14) towards the center of the vehicle.

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