Apparatus and method for evaluating the performance of automotive components

Abstract

It simulates actual vehicle testing with high accuracy. [Solution] The performance evaluation device 100 for automotive components evaluates the collision performance of a columnar test specimen 1 extending in the axial direction. The performance evaluation device 100 includes a beam member 110 for pressing the test specimen 1, a support mechanism 120 that pivotally supports the beam member 110 at a support point P located a first distance perpendicular to the axial direction from the tip of the test specimen 1 and a second distance along the axial direction, and a drive mechanism 130 that rotates the beam member 110 around the support point P and presses it against the test specimen 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a performance evaluation apparatus and a performance evaluation method for automotive members.

Background Art

[0002] For automotive members such as front side members, collision performance may be evaluated by a single member test instead of an actual vehicle test. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of applying a load to a columnar test specimen from its axial direction to conduct a compression bending test, and evaluating the collision performance of the compression bent portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the technique of Patent Document 1 is a single member collision performance evaluation method, the relationship with other members is not taken into consideration. For example, since a pair of front side members are connected to each other via a bumper beam, a restraining force acts at the time of collision deformation.

[0005] In an ODB (Offset Deformable Barrier) collision test, which is one type of collision test, a deformable barrier is caused to collide with a region of about half the vehicle in the width direction. At this time, the degree of deformation of one of the pair of front side members is large, while the degree of deformation of the other is small. The one front side member not only exhibits the behavior of axial collapse deformation, but also the behavior of deforming to bend inward in the vehicle width direction due to the restraining force described above. Therefore, in the single member collision performance evaluation, it is required to accurately simulate the actual vehicle test with respect to the combined deformation behavior of axial collapse and bending.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a performance evaluation device and performance evaluation method for automotive components that accurately simulates actual vehicle testing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention A performance evaluation device for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, A beam member for pressing the aforementioned automotive component, A support mechanism that pivotally supports the beam member at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive component in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction, A drive mechanism that rotates the beam member around the aforementioned support point and presses it against the automotive component. The present invention provides a performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components that includes the following features.

[0008] In this configuration, the beam members do not simply press against the automotive components in the axial direction, but rather press against them while rotating. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the combined deformation behavior of axial crushing and bending. This allows for highly accurate simulation of the deformation behavior of automotive components observed in ODB crash tests, etc. In other words, it allows for highly accurate simulation of actual vehicle testing.

[0009] The first distance and the second distance may be configured to be variable.

[0010] This configuration allows for adjustment of the first and second distances to accommodate various different vehicle dimensions, thus providing a versatile performance evaluation device.

[0011] The first distance may be between 500 and 2000 mm. The second distance may be between 0 and 500 mm.

[0012] This configuration allows for the reproduction of deformation behavior when considering front and rear side members as automotive components. In this case, the support point (the rotation center of the beam member) can be considered to be located at the end of the pair of front side members that exhibit less deformation. For example, the first distance corresponds to the distance between the pair of front / rear side members in the vehicle width direction, and the second distance corresponds to the length of the crash box joined to the front / rear side members. This makes it possible to simulate actual vehicle testing even when conducting performance evaluation tests on individual components, when considering front / rear side members as automotive components.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is, A performance evaluation method for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, Prepare the aforementioned automotive component and a beam member for pressing the automotive component. The beam member is pivotally supported at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive component in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction. The beam member is rotated around the aforementioned support point and pressed against the automobile component. This invention provides a method for evaluating the performance of automotive components, including the following:

[0014] This method allows the beam member to press against the automotive component not simply in the axial direction, but while rotating, thus reproducing a combined deformation behavior of axial crushing and bending. This enables highly accurate simulation of the deformation behavior of automotive components observed in ODB crash tests, etc. In other words, it allows for highly accurate simulation of actual vehicle testing.

[0015] The aforementioned automotive component may be a front side member or a rear side member of the automobile.

[0016] This method allows for highly accurate simulation of ODB (On-Board Breakdown) crash tests in actual vehicles against the front or rear side members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, in the performance evaluation apparatus and performance evaluation method for automotive members, actual vehicle tests can be simulated with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the deformation behavior in an ODB crash test. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a performance evaluation apparatus for automotive members according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A front view schematically showing the performance evaluation apparatus for automotive members of Figure 2. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the results of analyzing the behavior of an automotive member deformed by the performance evaluation apparatus of Figure 2. [Figure 5] A front view showing the same analysis results as in Figure 4. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the deformation behavior in an ODB crash test. Note that hood components constituting the outer surface, crash barriers and the like are omitted from the drawing to make the interior easier to see.

[0021] In the structure of the front portion of an automobile, inside the front body 10, front side members 11 and 12 are connected via crash boxes 13, 14 and a bumper beam 15, which mutually constrain movement during crash deformation. Therefore, in the ODB crash test, the front side member 11 on the side subjected to strong impact (the left side in the figure) not only undergoes axial crushing but also exhibits bending deformation behavior. Such composite deformation behavior can be regarded as a state where the front side member 11 is pressed by rotating the bumper beam 15 around the distal end portion 12a of the front side member 12.

[0022] In this embodiment, a performance evaluation device 100 (performance evaluation method) capable of reproducing the above-mentioned composite deformation behavior and evaluating the collision performance of automotive components will be described. Here, a front side member will be used as an example of an automotive component, but the deformation behavior in the case of a rear collision can also be targeted for a rear side member. Hereafter, automotive components will also be referred to as test specimens.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the performance evaluation device 100 for automotive components according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic front view showing the performance evaluation device 100 for automotive components shown in Figure 2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the test specimen (front side member) 1 is a hollow columnar body with a rectangular cross-section extending in the direction of the central axis CL (vertical direction). However, its cross-sectional shape is not limited to a rectangle and may be any shape. The material of the test specimen 1 is the same as that of the front side member used in the actual vehicle, and may be, for example, a high-strength steel plate.

[0025] The performance evaluation device 100 includes a beam member 110, a support mechanism 120, and a drive mechanism 130.

[0026] The beam member 110 is for pressing against the test specimen 1. The beam member 110 extends horizontally, and its upper and lower surfaces are flat. However, the shape of the beam member 110 is not particularly limited.

[0027] The support mechanism 120 pivotally supports one end of the beam member 110 at a support point P located a first distance D1 from the tip of the test specimen 1 (origin O) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction CL (horizontal direction) and a second distance D2 along the axial direction CL.

[0028] The support mechanism 120 includes a bracket 121 attached to one end 111 (left end in the figure) of the beam member 110, a support base 122 fixed to the floor surface, and a pivot pin 123. The bracket 121 and the support base 122 have a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) height adjustment holes 124 arranged vertically to adjust the height position of the beam member 110. The pivot pin 123 is inserted through one of the plurality of height adjustment holes 124. The position of the pivot pin 123 becomes the support point P (see Figure 3), and the bracket 121 and the beam member 110 are configured to rotate around the support point P.

[0029] Furthermore, the support mechanism 120 has a U-shaped support frame 125 that clamps and supports the other end 112 of the beam member 110. The support frame 125 plays a role in preventing the beam member 110 from tipping over sideways. The support mechanism 120 also has a mounting table 126. The mounting table 126 has a flat upper surface on which the test specimen 1 is placed and is configured to be fixed to the floor surface.

[0030] The drive mechanism 130 rotates the beam member 110 around the support point P (height adjustment hole 124) and presses it against the test specimen 1. The drive mechanism 130 includes a hydraulic cylinder 131 that applies pressing force and a U-shaped suspension frame 132 that suspends the hydraulic cylinder 131 from above. The drive mechanism 130 also has hinges 133 and 134 above and below the hydraulic cylinder 131, respectively, which allow for pivoting. This allows the beam member 110 to be rotated and pressed against the test specimen 1 (see arrow F in Figure 3).

[0031] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 120 is configured to have variable first distance D1 and second distance D2. Specifically, the first distance D1 is changed by moving the position of the support mechanism 120 relative to the drive mechanism 130 (see arrow A1 in Figure 2). The second distance D2 is changed by inserting the pivot pin 123 of the support mechanism 120 into one of the multiple height adjustment holes 124 (see arrow A2 in Figure 2). However, the variable structure for the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 is not limited to the illustrated example, and any structure can be adopted.

[0032] By comparing Figures 1 and 3, test specimen 1 in Figure 3 corresponds to the front side member 11 in Figure 1. Support point P in Figure 3 corresponds to the connecting portion 15a in Figure 1. The first distance D1 in Figure 3 corresponds to the distance between the pair of front side members 11 and 12 in the vehicle width direction in Figure 1. The second distance D2 in Figure 3 corresponds to the length of the crash box 13 joined to the front side member 11 in Figure 1. Specifically, the first distance D1 can be 500 to 2000 mm. The second distance D2 can be 0 to 500 mm. In this way, the vehicle test in Figure 1 and the individual component test in Figure 3 correspond to each other.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the results of analyzing the behavior of the test specimen 1 after deformation using the performance evaluation device 100 of this embodiment (see Figure 3). Figure 5 is a front view showing the same analysis results as in Figure 4. In this analysis, the first distance D1 was set to 1000 mm and the second distance D2 was set to 300 mm.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, test specimen 1 not only exhibits axial collapse but also bending deformation behavior, which is in good agreement with the results of the ODB crash test shown in Figure 1. Therefore, it was confirmed that the performance evaluation device 100 of this embodiment can simulate actual vehicle tests with high accuracy.

[0035] The performance evaluation device 100 of this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0036] The beam member 110 does not simply press against the automotive component 1 in the axial direction, but rather presses against the automotive component 1 while rotating. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the combined deformation behavior of axial crushing and bending. This allows for highly accurate simulation of the deformation behavior of the automotive component 1 observed in ODB crash tests, etc. In other words, it is possible to accurately simulate actual vehicle tests.

[0037] Furthermore, since the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be adjusted to suit the dimensions of various different automobiles, a versatile performance evaluation device 100 can be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, when considering front / rear side members as automotive components, it becomes possible to perform performance evaluations that simulate actual vehicle tests, even though the evaluation is conducted on the component alone. Therefore, it is possible to accurately simulate ODB crash tests in actual vehicles for the front or rear side members.

[0039] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of this invention.

[0040] This disclosure may include the following aspects: (Aspect 1) A performance evaluation device for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, A beam member for pressing the aforementioned automotive component, A support mechanism that pivotally supports the beam member at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive component in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction, A drive mechanism that rotates the beam member around the aforementioned support point and presses it against the automotive component. A performance evaluation device for automotive components, equipped with the following features. (Aspect 2) The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first distance and the second distance are configured to be variable. (Aspect 3) The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first distance is 500 to 2000 mm. (Aspect 4) The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second distance is 0 to 500 mm. (Appendix 5) A performance evaluation method for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, Prepare the aforementioned automotive component and a beam member for pressing the automotive component. The beam member is pivotally supported at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive component in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction. The beam member is rotated around the aforementioned support point and pressed against the automobile component. A method for evaluating the performance of automotive components, including the following. (Aspect 6) The method for evaluating the performance of an automotive component according to embodiment 5, wherein the automotive component is a front side member or a rear side member of an automobile. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1. Test specimen (automotive component) 10 Front body 11,12 Front side member 13,14 Crashbox 15 Bumper beam 15a Connection part 100 Performance evaluation device 110 Beam members 111 one end 112 Other end 120 Support mechanism 121 Bracket 122 Holding stand 123 Axle Pins 124 Height adjustment holes 125 Support Frame 126 Mounting platform 130 Drive mechanism 131 Hydraulic Cylinder 132 Hanging Frame 133,134 hinges

Claims

1. A performance evaluation device for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, A beam member for pressing the aforementioned automotive component, A support mechanism that pivotally supports the beam member at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive member in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction, A drive mechanism that rotates the beam member around the aforementioned support point and presses it against the automotive component. A performance evaluation device for automotive components, equipped with the following features.

2. The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to claim 1, wherein the first distance and the second distance are configured to be variable.

3. The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first distance is 500 to 2000 mm.

4. The performance evaluation apparatus for automotive components according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second distance is 0 to 500 mm.

5. A performance evaluation method for evaluating the collision performance of a columnar automotive component extending in the axial direction, Prepare the aforementioned automotive component and a beam member for pressing the automotive component. The beam member is pivotally supported at a support point located a first distance from the tip of the automotive component in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a second distance along the axial direction. The beam member is rotated around the aforementioned support point and pressed against the automobile component. A method for evaluating the performance of automotive components, including the following.

6. The method for evaluating the performance of an automotive component according to claim 5, wherein the automotive component is a front side member or a rear side member of an automobile.

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