Energy-absorbing device for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy-absorbing device (1) for a vehicle (2) configured to be mounted between a bumper (20) and a side member (21) of said vehicle (2), said energy-absorbing device (1) comprising: - a body (10) composed of at least one first material and extending along a principal longitudinal direction (L) of said energy-absorbing device (1), - a cage (11) with ribs (110), said cage (11) being composed of a second material and being arranged around said body (10), - impact indication means (12), characterized in that: - said impact indication means (12) are configured to break when an impact occurs on said bumper (20), said impact indication means (12) being integrated into said cage (11). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Energy-absorbing device for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing device for a vehicle. It finds a particular but not limited application in motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a vehicle energy-absorbing device is usually installed between a bumper and a side member of the vehicle. It is positioned at the front or rear bumper and its function is to absorb at least part of the energy transferred to the vehicle during potential impacts with external objects. This prevents the energy from being transmitted entirely to the vehicle's side member and limits its deformation during these impacts. As a result, replacing a side member, an important structural element of the vehicle's underbody, which is a costly operation, is not necessary.

[0003] Such an energy-absorbing device comprises: - a body composed of at least one first material and extending along a longitudinal direction of said energy-absorbing device, - a cage with ribs, said cage being composed of a second material and being arranged around said body, - impact indication means configured to deform when an impact occurs.

[0004] These means of indicating impact are paint strips, protrusions or cavities.

[0005] One drawback of this prior art is that during minor impacts occurring at very low speeds (less than or equal to fifteen kilometers per hour), these impact indication means are unreliable, because the deformation they undergo may be too small and therefore not perceptible visually or tactilely. Thus, depending on the extent of the deformation, the impact will be detected or not.

[0006] In this context, the present invention aims to provide an energy-absorbing device for vehicles that solves the aforementioned drawback.

[0007] Thus, thanks to the impact indication means of the energy-absorbing device of the invention, visual or tactile detection is reliable and more sensitive, because it is easy to see if the impact indication means are broken, and even easier to feel a break in the impact indication means. Therefore, the impact indication means allow for more precise detection of an impact on the vehicle's bumper, whether the impact is minor or major and visible or not on the bumper.

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes an energy-absorbing device for a vehicle configured to be mounted between a bumper and a side member of said vehicle, said energy-absorbing device comprising: - a body composed of at least one first material and extending along a principal longitudinal direction of said energy-absorbing device, - a cage with ribs, said cage being composed of a second material and being arranged around said body, - impact indication means, characterized in that: - said impact indication means are configured to break when an impact occurs on said bumper, said impact indication means being integrated into said cage.

[0009] According to non-limiting embodiments, said energy-absorbing device may further comprise one or more additional features taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said ribs comprise central ribs extending along the main longitudinal direction and a plurality of lateral ribs extending mainly along a transverse direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction, said lateral ribs being contiguous with a central rib.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said impact indication means are composed of a first junction zone between a longitudinal rib and two lateral ribs as well as the end of the two lateral ribs which meet on said first junction zone.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said impact occurs with an inert object or a living being at a reduced speed corresponding to a maneuver.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said reduced speed is less than or equal to fifteen kilometers per hour. According to a non-limiting variant embodiment, the reduced speed is between five and ten kilometers per hour.

[0014] According to a first non-limiting embodiment, said body comprises at least one orifice and said impact indication means are further composed of a protruding part configured to fit into said at least one orifice.

[0015] According to a second non-limiting embodiment, said body comprises at least two parts, of which a first part is connected to said cage and a second part is in contact with said first part.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first part is made of a different material from the material of the second part.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first part is made of the same material as said cage.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said impact indication means are located at a boundary between said first part and said second part.

[0019] According to a first variant of the second non-limiting embodiment, said first part is embedded in said second part.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said second part includes windows and said first part includes counterforms to these windows so as to be able to fit into the second part.

[0021] According to a second embodiment of the second non-limiting embodiment, said body has a thickness that varies along the main longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the vehicle axis.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said body further comprises a third part which is in surface contact over its entire surface with said second part, said second part and said third part being of different lengths.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first part, said second part and said third part being of different lengths.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said first part is in contact at its edge with said second part. The first part rests via its edge on the second part.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the lateral ribs are joined at one of their two ends with a central rib.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said cage further comprises central fins and lateral fins, said central fins having a variable thickness.

[0027] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said impact indication means comprise an impact identification zone. This zone is engraved.

[0028] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the impact indication means are arranged near the bumper beam.

[0029] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said energy-absorbing device comprises a plurality of impact indication means.

[0030] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one first material of said body is an organic or metallic composite material.

[0031] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said second material of said body is a plastic material.

[0032] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said body is composed of two different materials. In a non-limiting variant, one of the two materials is a composite material and the other of the two materials is a plastic material.

[0033] A vehicle impact management system is further proposed, said impact management system comprising a bumper beam of said vehicle and at least two energy-absorbing devices according to any one of the preceding characteristics.

[0034] An energy-absorbing device for a vehicle is further proposed, configured to be mounted between a bumper and a side member of said vehicle, said energy-absorbing device comprising: - a body composed of at least one first material and extending along a principal longitudinal direction of said energy-absorbing device, - a cage with ribs, said cage being composed of a second material and being arranged around said body, - means of indicating impact, characterized in that: - said impact indication means are configured to deform when an impact occurs on said bumper, - a sensor configured to detect a deformation of said impact indication means.

[0035] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said impact indication means are a cavity and said sensor is configured to fit into said cavity.

[0036] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said cavity is formed partly in said cage and partly in said body.

[0037] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0038] [Fig-1] is a schematic front view of a vehicle comprising at least one bumper shocks,

[0039] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the bumper of [Fig.1] comprising a beam, two longitudinal members and two energy-absorbing devices according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

[0040] [Fig.3] is a front view of an energy-absorbing device disposed between the beam and the spar of [Fig. 1], the energy-absorbing device comprising a body, a cage with ribs surrounding said body, and impact indication means, according to a first non-limiting embodiment,

[0041] [Fig.4] is a view of a first face of the cage of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 3], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0042] [Fig.5] is a substantially profile view of the cage of [Fig.4],

[0043] [Fig.6] is a view of the body of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig.3], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0044] [Fig.7] an enlarged view of the impact indication means of the [Fig.3], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0045] [Fig.8] a cross-sectional view of the impact indication means of the [Fig.3], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0046] [Fig.9] is a view of a first face of the energy-absorbing device arranged between the beam and the spar of [Fig. 1], the energy absorber device comprising a body, a cage with ribs surrounding said body, and impact indication means, according to a first non-limiting embodiment of a second non-limiting embodiment,

[0047] [Fig. 10] is a substantially side view of the cage of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 9], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0048] [Fig. 11] is a view of the body of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 9], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0049] [Fig. 12] an enlarged view of the means for indicating the impact of [Fig. 9], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0050] [Fig. 13] is a view of a first face of the energy-absorbing device disposed between the beam and the spar of [Fig. 1], the energy-absorbing device comprising a body, a cage with ribs surrounding said body, and impact indication means, according to a second non-limiting embodiment of a second non-limiting embodiment,

[0051] [Fig. 14] is a view of a second face opposite to the first face of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 13], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0052] [Fig. 15] is a view of the body of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 13], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0053] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the cage of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 13], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0054] [Fig. 17] an enlarged view of the means for indicating the impact of [Fig. 13], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0055] [Fig. 18] is a perspective view of the energy-absorbing device disposed between the beam and the spar of [Fig. 1], the energy-absorbing device comprising a body, a cage with ribs surrounding said body, and impact indication means, according to a third non-limiting embodiment,

[0056] [Fig. 19] a view of the body of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 18], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0057] [Fig.20] is a view of a first face of the cage of the energy-absorbing device of [Fig. 18], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0058] [Fig. 21] an enlarged view of the impact indication means of the [Fig. 18], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0059] [Fig.22] an enlarged cross-sectional view of the impact indication means of the [Fig.21].

[0060] Identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0061] The energy-absorbing device 1 for vehicle 2, according to the invention, is described with reference to Figures 1 to 22. In a non-limiting embodiment, vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is understood to mean any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the following description. In the following description, vehicle 2 is thus otherwise referred to as motor vehicle 2.

[0062] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the motor vehicle 2 comprises at least one bumper 20 arranged transversely at its front face. The motor vehicle 2 also comprises a rear bumper (not shown). Unless otherwise specified, the term bumper applies in the remainder of this description to either a front bumper or a rear bumper.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.2], two energy-absorbing devices 1 are arranged between longitudinal members 21 and the bumper 20. The term longitudinal member applies in the following description to the front or rear part of the underbody of the motor vehicle 2. The longitudinal member contributes to forming the structure of the underbody under the motor vehicle 2, and extends longitudinally over substantially the entire longitudinal dimension of the motor vehicle 2 between the front bumper 20 and the rear bumper 20.

[0064] The bumper 20 comprises a beam 200 with two lateral ends 200.1 (right and left in the figure) opposite each other along a principal elongation direction T of the beam 200. The beam 200 extends across a front or rear face of the motor vehicle 2. A first side member 21 and a second side member 21 extend respectively at one of the lateral ends 200.1 of the beam 200 and substantially perpendicular to it. The two energy-absorbing devices 1 are thus arranged opposite the two side members 21 and the right and left lateral ends 200.1 of the beam 200, respectively.

[0065] An energy-absorbing device 1 extends between the beam 200 and a side member 21, at a lateral end 200.1 of the beam 200. It extends along a principal longitudinal direction L, substantially perpendicular to the principal elongation direction T of the beam 200. The principal longitudinal direction L is substantially parallel to the vehicle axis. The energy-absorbing device 1 comprises a front end 1.1 and a rear end 1.2 opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. The front end 1.1 is in contact with the beam 200 and the rear end 1.2 is in contact with the side member 21, in particular one of its ends. The rear end 1.2 is in contact with the longeron 21 via a base 1.3 (also called foot 1.3) which allows the energy absorber device 1 to be fixed to the longeron 21.

[0066] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the energy-absorbing device 1 is part of an impact management system 3 which includes the bumper beam 200 20 and at least two energy-absorbing devices 1.

[0067] The energy-absorbing device 1 is designed to reduce the structural deformation of the motor vehicle 2 during an impact with an external element. The external element may be an inert object such as another vehicle (car, truck, bicycle, etc.), street furniture, a wall, etc., or a living being such as a pedestrian or an animal. Thus, during a frontal impact, for example, i.e., against the front bumper 20 of the motor vehicle 2, the energy-absorbing device 1 is designed to limit structural damage to the side member 21 to which it is attached by absorbing a portion of the energy released by the impact. In particular, in a non-limiting embodiment, it is configured to absorb a portion of the energy released by an impact with an inert object or a living being that occurs at a low speed corresponding to a maneuver.Reduced speed is defined as a speed of 15 kilometers per hour or less. In a non-limiting example, the reduced speed is between 5 and 10 kilometers per hour. In the following description, an impact against the front bumper 20 of motor vehicle 2 is taken as a non-limiting example. The direction of the impact is illustrated by an arrow F0 in the figures. Note that the beam 200 transfers the energy released by the impact to the energy-absorbing device 1.

[0068] As illustrated in figures 3, 9, 13 and 18, the energy-absorbing device 1 comprises: - a body 10, - a cage 11, and - impact indication means 12.

[0069] These elements are described in detail below.

[0070] The body 10 is composed of at least one first material and extends along the longitudinal direction L of the energy-absorbing device 1. The body 10 is an insert.

[0071] In a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one first material is an organic or metallic composite material. The non-limiting example of an organic composite material that is lighter than metal is taken hereafter. In a non-limiting embodiment, the organic composite material comprises fibers extending along the longitudinal direction L.

[0072] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 is composed of two different materials. In a non-limiting variant of the embodiment, one of the two One material is a composite material and the other of the two materials is a plastic material.

[0073] The body 10 has an open cross-section profile so that it is open to the outside of the energy-absorbing device 1 as illustrated in Figures 6, 11, 15 and 19. It also has a first surface 10a, called the external surface, and a second surface 10b, called the internal surface.

[0074] The body 10 is formed of 10c plies. In the non-limiting examples illustrated in figures 6, 11, 15 and 19, it comprises 3 10c plies.

[0075] The cage 11 is illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 10, 15, and 20. The cage 11 is configured to hold the body 10 in place. One end of it is fixed to the beam 200 by means of screws 5, and the other end is fixed via the base 1.3 to the spar 21. For this purpose, as illustrated in Figure 15 or 20, it includes threaded holes 11.5 configured to receive the screws 5 (illustrated in Figure 13 or 15) for fixing it to the beam 200. The base 1.3 includes holes 1.36 for receiving bushings 6 configured to manage the tightening / bolting torque and the compressive force when the base 1.3 is fixed to the spar 21. This avoids the risk of torque loss due to plastic thinning. It should be noted that only [Fig.15] illustrates the orifices 11.5 and 1.36 and the screws 5 and the rings 6, but of course, the cage 11 illustrated on the other figures also presents these same elements, as well as the base 1.3.

[0076] The cage 11 is made of a second material and is arranged around the body 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second material is plastic. It has a lower hardness than the first material of the body 10.

[0077] The cage 11 comprises a network of ribs 110 which form a framework. The cage 11 extends along the entire length of the body 10 in the main longitudinal direction L.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18 and 20, cage 11 comprises:

[0079] - longitudinal ribs 110a which extend along the main direction longitudinal L, and

[0080] - lateral ribs 110b which extend mainly along one direction transverse P substantially perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction L.

[0081] In particular, in a non-limiting embodiment, it has two longitudinal ribs 110a and three lateral ribs 110b which are joined at one of their ends with the longitudinal ribs 110a. Three lateral ribs 110b are joined with one of the longitudinal ribs 110a and three others with the other of the longitudinal ribs 110a.

[0082] As illustrated in Figures 5, 10, 14, 16 and 20, the cage 11 further presents:

[0083] - a central plane 111a which extends along the main longitudinal direction L from which central fins 112a originate, extending along the transverse direction P,

[0084] - two lateral planes 111b arranged on each side of the central plane 11a and parallel to the latter from which lateral fins 112b originate which extend along the transverse direction P.

[0085] Viewed from the front, the central fins 112a form cross-shaped shapes.

[0086] As illustrated in Figures 5, 10, 16, near the end of the cage 11 which is attached to the beam 200, a longitudinal rib 110a has a first junction zone 110.3 (also called junction zone 110.3) with two lateral ribs 110b. As illustrated in Figures 5, 10, 16 and 20, near the end of the cage 11 which is in contact with the foot 1.3, a longitudinal rib 110a has a second junction zone 110.4 (also called junction zone 110.4) with a lateral rib 110b and two central fins 112a. Between the two, a longitudinal rib 110a presents a second junction zone 110.4 with a lateral rib 110b and two central fins 112a. We thus have four second junctions 110.4 and two first junctions 110.3.

[0087] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 is overmolded with the cage 11. This simplifies the manufacture of the energy-absorbing device 1.

[0088] In a non-limiting embodiment, the central fins 112a have a variable thickness. In particular, their thickness gradually increases as one moves away from the beam 200 and towards the longeron 21. This allows for greater flexibility at the front, i.e., towards the beam 200, and greater rigidity at the rear, i.e., towards the longeron 21. Thus, during an impact, this results in greater deformation towards the part of the energy-absorbing device 1 that is close to the beam 200 than towards the part that is close to the longeron 21. This allows the impact energy to be absorbed gradually and avoids having to absorb a peak energy.

[0089] The impact indicator means 12 are configured to break when an impact occurs on the bumper 20. Thus, an operator can visually determine, by observing the material breakage, whether there has been an impact, even at low speed, on the bumper 20, an impact that occurs with an inert object or a living being. The operator can also tactilely verify whether an impact has occurred by running their finger along the impact indicator means 12. They can then feel whether they are broken or not. In a non-limiting embodiment, the impact indicator means 12 include an impact identification zone 121, illustrated in Figures 7, 12, and 17. This impact identification zone 121 is engraved. This facilitates visual observation by an operator of the location of the material breakage.

[0090] In a non-limiting embodiment, the impact indication means 12 are arranged near the beam 200 of the bumper 20. This allows some of the impact energy to be absorbed as soon as the impact occurs on the front of the vehicle car 2 at the level of the 200 beam of the bumper 20 and thus detect the impact as soon as the shock occurs.

[0091] The impact indication means 12 are integrated into said cage 11. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the impact identification means 12 are composed of a first junction zone 110.3 between a longitudinal rib 110a and two lateral ribs 110b as well as the end of the two lateral ribs 110b which meet on the junction zone 110.3.

[0092] In a non-limiting embodiment, the energy-absorbing device 1 includes a plurality of impact indication means 12. This makes it possible to confirm the impact when several impact indication means 12 are broken and to locate the place where the impact occurred on the beam 200 (left or right).

[0093] The energy-absorbing device 1 is now described according to a first non-limiting embodiment with reference to Figures 3 to 8, and according to a second non-limiting embodiment with reference to Figures 9 to 17, and according to a third non-limiting embodiment with reference to Figures 18 to 22.

[0094] Figure 3 illustrates the energy-absorbing device 1 according to the first mode of Non-limiting embodiment. According to this first non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the body 10 of the energy-absorbing device 1 includes orifices 100 and the impact indication means 12 are located partly in these orifices 100. In a non-limiting embodiment, the energy-absorbing device 1 includes two impact indication means 12. The impact indication means 12 are composed of a first junction zone 110.3 between a longitudinal rib 110a and two lateral ribs 110b as well as the end of the two lateral ribs 110b which meet on the junction zone 110.3, and a projecting part 120 configured to be inserted into the orifice 100 as illustrated in [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8].

[0095] It should be noted that in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the cage 11 comprises counterforms 11.7 configured to fit into the openings 100 of the body 10 to hold and lock the body 11 in position. The protruding part 120, which forms part of the impact indicator means 12, is thus one of its counterforms 11.7.

[0096] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the protruding part 120 is connected to a lateral fin 112b.

[0097] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 comprises seven orifices 100 aligned along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the energy-absorbing device 1.

[0098] These openings 100 are fragile areas that are configured to deform upon impact with the bumper 20, particularly when their edge deforms. When an opening 100 deforms, the edge of the opening 100 moves. This movement This will cause the edge to exert pressure on the protruding portion 120 of the impact indicator means 12, which is located in the orifice 100. This will lead to a rupture of the material of the impact indicator means 12 at the orifice 100, as indicated by arrow Fl in [Fig. 7]. In particular, the protruding portion 120 breaks, as does the junction zone 110.3. It should be noted that the protruding portion 120 and the junction zone 110.3 are connected. Thus, they deform and break simultaneously.

[0099] Figures 9 to 17 illustrate the energy-absorbing device 1 according to the second non-limiting embodiment.

[0100] According to this second non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 12, 14 and 15, the body 10 of the energy-absorbing device 1 comprises at least two parts, of which a first part 10.1 is connected to the cage 11 and a second part 10.2 is in contact with the first part 10.1.

[0101] The first part 10.1 and the second part 10.2 are made of different materials. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 10.1 is made of a plastic material and the second part 10.2 is made of an organic composite material.

[0102] As illustrated in Figures 9, 12, 13 and 17, the impact indication means 12 are located at a boundary 10.4 between the first part 10.1 and the second part 10.2.

[0103] In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated in figures 9 to 12, said first part 10.1 is embedded in said second part 10.2.

[0104] The first part 10.1 is directly connected to the cage 11, which is fixed to the beam 200, in particular at the end 11.1 of said cage 11. The second part 10.2 is in contact with the base 1.3 of the energy-absorbing device 1. The second part 10.2 extends to the base 1.3. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 10.1 is overmolded with the cage 11, in particular with its end 11.1. It is thus made of the same material as the cage 11. Thus, in the non-limiting example taken, it is made of plastic.

[0105] As illustrated in [Fig. 11], the second part 10.2 of the body 10 includes windows 10.20. In the non-limiting example shown, it includes seven windows 10.20. The ends 10.20a of the windows are in contact with the end 11.1 of the cage 11. As illustrated in [Fig. 10], the first part 10.1 of the body 10 includes counterforms 10.10 to these windows 10.20 so as to be able to fit into the second part 10.2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the fitting is achieved by overmolding. In a non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the first part 10.1 and the second part 10.2 is approximately 4 millimeters.

[0106] As illustrated in [Fig. 12], the impact indication means 12, which are composed of a first junction zone 110.3 between a longitudinal rib 110a and two lateral ribs 110b, as well as the end of the two lateral ribs 110b which meet on the junction zone 110.3, are located at the boundary 10.4 of the inset between the first part 10.1 and the second part 10.2. In particular, in the non-limiting example shown, they are located on the side of the first part 10.1 of the body 10.

[0107] When an impact occurs on the bumper 20, the first part 10.1 is compressed under the impact, and the compression is transmitted to the impact indicator means 12, which break. There is a rupture of the material of the impact indicator means 12 around the boundary 10.4 as indicated by arrow F2 in [Fig. 12].

[0108] In a second non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 to 17, the body 10 has a variable thickness eO (illustrated in [Fig. 15]) along the main longitudinal direction L.

[0109] In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the body 10 comprises three parts, including a first part 10.1 (diagonal hatched lines), a second part 10.2 (horizontal hatched lines), and a third part 10.3, the two parts 10.2 and 10.3 being in surface contact and of different lengths 1. This allows the impact energy to be absorbed gradually and avoids having to absorb an energy peak.

[0110] The third part 10.3 is in surface contact over its entire surface with the second part 10.2. The external surface 10a (not shown) of the third part 10.3 is in contact with the internal surface 10b of the second part 10.2. Having parts 10.2 and 10.3 in surface contact and of different lengths 1 allows for a body 10 with a variable thickness eO. The thickness eO increases as one approaches the end 1.2 of the energy-absorbing device 1, that is, as one approaches the spar 21. Thus, the body 10 becomes more rigid towards the end 1.2. Towards the end 1.1 (near the beam 200) it is less rigid. This allows for the gradual absorption of the impact energy.

[0111] The first part 10.1 is in contact on the edge over its entire width with the edge of the second part 10.2. It thus rests via its edge on the second part 10.2.

[0112] In a non-limiting embodiment shown, the three parts 10.3 form three layers of different lengths 11, 12, 13. In a non-limiting embodiment, they have the same width. Their thicknesses e are equal or different. As illustrated in [Fig. 15], the first part 10.1 has a thickness e1 equal to that e2 of the second part 10.2 and different from that e3 of the third part 10.3.

[0113] In a non-limiting embodiment, the thicknesses e are between 0.5 mm (millimeters) and 4 mm. In a non-limiting embodiment, the total thickness eO is 6 mm.

[0114] In a non-limiting embodiment, the three parts 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 have different lengths 11, 12, 13. In the non-limiting example shown, the first part 10.1 has a length 11 greater than that 12 of the second part 10.2 and the second part 10.2 has a length 12 greater than that 13 of the third part 10.3.

[0115] The first part 10.1 is directly attached to the end 11.1 of the cage 11 which is fixed on the beam 200 and the second part 10.2 and the third part 10.3 are in contact with the base 1.3 of the energy-absorbing device 1. The second part 10.2 and the third part extend to the base 1.3.

[0116] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 10.1 is overmolded with the cage 11, in particular with its end 11.1. It is thus composed of the same material as the cage 11. Thus, in the non-limiting example taken, it is made of plastic.

[0117] Thus, the body is made of two different materials, one of which is plastic (for the first part 10.1) and the other is an organic composite material (for the second part 10.2 and the third part 10.3) in the non-limiting example given. In another non-limiting embodiment, the third part 10.3 is made of a different material than the first part 10.1 and the second part 10.3. In one non-limiting example, it is made of metal such as aluminum or steel.

[0118] As illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the impact indication means 12, which are composed of a first junction zone 110.3 between a longitudinal rib 110a and two lateral ribs 110b, as well as the end of the two lateral ribs 110b which meet at the junction zone 110.3, are located at the boundary 10.4 between two parts of the body 10, boundary 10.4 which is here the boundary between the first part 10.1 and the second part 10.2. In particular, in the non-limiting example shown, the impact indication means 12 are located on the boundary 10.4.

[0119] When an impact occurs on the bumper 20, the first part 10.1 is compressed under the impact, and this compression is transmitted to the impact indicator means 12, which break. There is a rupture of the material of the impact indicator means 12 around the boundary 10.4, as indicated by arrow F3 in [Fig. 17]. In particular, the junction area 110.3 breaks.

[0120] Figures 18 to 22 illustrate the energy-absorbing device 1 according to the third non-limiting embodiment.

[0121] According to this third, non-limiting embodiment, the impact indication means 12 are configured to deform when an impact occurs on said bumper 20, said impact indication means 12 being partially integrated into said cage 11, and the energy-absorbing device 1 further includes a sensor 4 configured to detect deformation of said impact indication means.

[0122] As illustrated in Figures 19 and 22, in a non-limiting embodiment, the impact indication means 12 are a cavity 101 and the sensor 4 is configured to fit into said cavity 101. As illustrated in [Fig.21], the cavity 101 is located in place of the junction area 110.3 (described in the first and second non-limiting embodiments).

[0123] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 comprises two cavities 101 configured to each receive a sensor 4. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 21], the sensor 4 is located in place of the junction zone 110.3 (described in the first and second non-limiting embodiments) between a central rib 110a and two lateral ribs 110b of the cage 11. The ribs 110a and 110b thus meet on the sensor 4. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cavity 101 is formed partly in the cage 11 and partly in the body 10. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig.

[19] , the body 10 further includes orifices 102 configured to receive counterforms 11.7 illustrated in [Fig.20] of the cage 11. The counterforms 11.7 are configured to hold and lock the body 10 in position.

[0124] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 comprises a plurality of cavities 101, each comprising an integrated sensor 4. In the non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig. 18], the body 10 comprises two cavities 101 and two associated sensors 4.

[0125] When an impact occurs on the bumper 20, the body 10 compresses, causing the cavity 101 to deform. The sensor 4 inserted in the cavity 101 then detects its deformation.

[0126] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sensor 4 is an infrared sensor, also called an IR sensor. The IR sensor sends IR waves which are reflected off the cavity 101. When the cavity 101 deforms, its shape changes, which results in the IR waves received back by the sensor 4 being different from those received when the cavity 101 is in its initial shape.

[0127] In another non-limiting embodiment, the sensor 4 is a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor measures the pressure in the cavity 101. When the cavity 101 deforms, its internal pressure changes.

[0128] In other non-limiting embodiments, the sensor 4 is a proximity sensor, a position sensor, or a light sensor.

[0129] When sensor 4 detects a deformation of cavity 101, it is configured to send an alarm signal to a processing unit (not shown) of the vehicle automobile 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the processing unit is an electronic control unit. The processing unit can send an alarm signal to the dashboard of the automobile 2, or to a smartphone belonging to an operator, the user of the automobile 2, etc., to indicate that an impact has occurred. Depending on the location of sensor 4, it is possible to pinpoint the exact location of the impact on the beam 20 of the bumper 20.

[0130] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments and the field described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the body 10 has an omega-shaped or U-shaped cross-section profile.

[0131] Thus, the described invention has, in particular, the following advantages: - It allows for more reliable and sensitive (in other words, more precise) detection of an impact than the previous state of the art, even a slight impact whose consequence is not necessarily visible on the bumper beam 200, - It allows for easier and faster identification of an impact, thanks to visual and / or tactile observation of the breakage of the impact indication means 12, even an impact that occurred at low speed, - it does not require any tools to analyze the energy-absorbing device 1 and determine if there has been an impact, - it makes it possible to identify the exact location of the impact (to the left or right of beam 200) even when there is no critical deformation of beam 200 of the bumper 20, thanks to the visual and / or tactile observation of the breakage of one of the two impact indication means 12 of the energy-absorbing device 1, - by absorbing part of the energy generated by the impact and transferred to the vehicle, it helps to protect the side member 21 and prevent it from deforming; thus, it allows only the easily replaceable bumper beam 200 and the energy absorber device 1, whose impact indication means 12 are broken, to be replaced, which reduces repair costs since the side member 21 does not have to be replaced.

Claims

Demands

1. Energy-absorbing device (1) for a vehicle (2) configured to be mounted between a bumper (20) and a side member (21) of said vehicle (2), said energy-absorbing device (1) comprising: - a body (10) composed of at least a first material and extending along a principal longitudinal direction (L) of said energy-absorbing device (1), - a cage (11) with ribs (110), said cage (11) being composed of a second material and being arranged around said body (10), - impact-indicating means (12), - said impact-indicating means (12) being configured to break when an impact occurs on said bumper (20), said impact-indicating means (12) being integrated into said cage (11),characterized in that said body (10) comprises at least one orifice (100) and said impact indication means (12) are further composed of a protruding part (120) configured to be inserted into said at least one orifice (100).

2. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to the preceding claim 1, wherein said ribs (110) comprise central ribs (110a) which extend along the main longitudinal direction (L) and a plurality of lateral ribs (110b) which extend mainly along a transverse direction (P) perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction (L), said lateral ribs (110b) being contiguous with a central rib (110a).

3. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said impact indication means (12) are composed of a first junction zone (110.3) between a longitudinal rib (110a) and two lateral ribs (110b) and of the end of the two lateral ribs (110b) which meet on said first junction zone (110.3).

4. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said impact occurs with an inert object or a living being at a reduced speed corresponding to a maneuver.

5. Impact management system (3) for vehicle (2), said impact management system (3) comprising a beam (200) of a bumper (20) of said vehicle (2) and at least two energy-absorbing devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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