shock absorbing device

Abstract

To provide a technology that can change a strength of a shock absorption device for absorbing collision energy of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A first shock absorption member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure located outside the frame in the vehicle includes: a first shock absorption member installed to deform preferentially over the frame in an impact situation where the outer structure is displaced or deformed toward the frame by an impact load on the outer structure; a second shock absorption member provided between the frame and the outer structure; and a switching part capable of switching an installation state of the second shock absorption member between a first installation state in which the second shock absorption member receives the impact load under the impact situation and a second installation state in which the second shock absorption member receives the impact load under the impact situation and deforms together with the first shock absorption member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an impact absorbing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, plastically deformable crash cans (also called crash boxes) are installed as impact absorbing devices inside automobile bumpers between the frame (also called the chassis) that forms the skeleton of the vehicle and the bumper beam. During a vehicle collision, the crash cans buckle and deform in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle due to the impact load, causing them to collapse, absorbing the energy of the vehicle collision and suppressing deformation of the frame.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a collision energy adaptive collapse device. The collision energy adaptive collapse device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to collapse the collision energy by tapering a deformable member due to the collision energy. The collision energy adaptive collapse device changes the number of plates that make up the tapered surface that deforms the deformable member using an actuator device, and adjusts the tapering of the deformable member, thereby making it possible to vary the amount of collapse due to the collision energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-505169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To more reliably protect occupants even when the collision energy is relatively high, such as when a vehicle collides at high speed, it is necessary to ensure that the impact absorbing device is capable of absorbing large collision energies. To achieve this, a strong impact absorbing device is preferable. In this case, the frame deforms along with the impact absorbing device to absorb the impact. On the other hand, in a minor collision with relatively low collision energy, such as when a vehicle collides at low speed, a strong impact absorbing device requires a large impact load to deform the impact absorbing device, which may result in the impact absorbing device being unable to deform sufficiently and therefore unable to fully absorb the collision energy. This raises concerns about frame deformation and transmission of the impact to the occupants. Even in a minor collision, if the frame is affected, replacing only the bumper beam and impact absorbing device is not sufficient, which is inconvenient from the perspective of repairability. Furthermore, in such a case, the vehicle is deemed to have a history of accidents, resulting in a reduced vehicle value. Therefore, in cases of relatively low collision energy, it is preferable for the impact absorbing device to be adjustable so that its strength can be reduced so that it deforms even with low collision energy.

[0006] The technology of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can change the strength of an impact absorbing device for absorbing vehicle collision energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technology of the present disclosure employs the following configuration: That is, the technology of the present disclosure is an impact absorbing device, which is a first impact absorbing member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure located on the vehicle outside the frame, and is installed so as to deform with priority over the frame in an impact situation in which an impact load on the outer structure causes the outer structure to be displaced or deformed toward the frame. The vehicle is characterized by comprising a first impact absorbing member, a second impact absorbing member provided between the frame and the outer structure, and a switching unit that can switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member between a first installation state in which the second impact absorbing member deflects the impact load in the impacted situation, and a second installation state in which the second impact absorbing member receives the impact load and deforms together with the first impact absorbing member in the impacted situation.

[0008] The impact absorbing device of the present disclosure can switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member between a first installation state in which the second impact absorbing member deflects the impact load, and a second installation state in which the second impact absorbing member receives the impact load. This allows the impact absorbing device to switch its strength against impact loads. According to this, in a collision with relatively large impact energy, the second impact absorbing member is placed in the second installation state and deformed together with the first impact absorbing member, thereby absorbing large impact energy. On the other hand, in a light collision with relatively small impact energy, the second impact absorbing member Materials In the first installation state, only the first impact absorbing member is deformed to absorb collision energy. In other words, while it can absorb the impact in a heavy collision, in a light collision it can absorb the impact only with the first impact absorbing member, suppressing the transmission of the impact to the frame and improving vehicle repairability.

[0009] Furthermore, the shock absorbing device of the present disclosure may include a base portion provided on the frame to fix the first shock absorbing member; a receiving portion that opens into the base portion and receives the second shock absorbing member in the first installation state in the impact situation and allows the second shock absorbing member to absorb the impact load by allowing the second shock absorbing member to move toward the frame; and an abutment portion provided on the base portion that abuts against the second shock absorbing member in the second installation state in the impact situation and restricts the second shock absorbing member from moving toward the frame, thereby allowing the second shock absorbing member to absorb the impact load.

[0010] In addition, in the above-mentioned impact absorbing device, the abutment portion may be formed as part of the base portion so as to surround the receiving portion, and the switching portion may switch between the first installation state and the second installation state by displacing the second impact absorbing member relative to the receiving portion.

[0011] In the impact absorbing device, the switching portion displaces the contact portion relative to the receiving portion, and places the contact portion at a first position where the second impact absorbing member is inserted into the receiving portion, thereby placing the second impact absorbing member in the first installation state. Switch to The second shock absorbing member is placed in the second installation state by disposing the contact portion at a second position that prevents the second shock absorbing member from entering the receiving portion. In a positive manner You may switch.

[0012] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, the outer shape of the cross section of the second impact absorbing member, which is perpendicular to the direction from the outer structure side to the frame side, may be smaller than the cross section of the receiving portion at the end on the frame side, and gradually increase toward the outer structure side, so that at the end on the outer structure side it is larger than the cross section of the receiving portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in the shock absorbing device of the present disclosure, the base portion may be formed with a fragile portion that abuts against the second shock absorbing member in the first installation state in the impact situation and breaks under the load of the second shock absorbing member, thereby opening the receiving portion.

[0014] In the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, the end portion of the second impact absorbing member facing the base portion has a contact area that contacts the weak portion when the second impact absorbing member is in at least the first installation state in the impact receiving situation, and a contact area that does not contact the base portion. and a non-contact region.

[0015] In the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member are both formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the frame side to the outer structure side, The second impact absorbing member may be disposed inside the first impact absorbing member.

[0016] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, a protrusion protruding toward the first impact absorbing member may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second impact absorbing member, and the protrusion may engage with the inner peripheral surface of the first impact absorbing member, thereby holding the second impact absorbing member to the first impact absorbing member.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned impact absorbing device, when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impact situation, the protrusion portion may guide the first impact absorbing member so that the first impact absorbing member buckles along the second impact absorbing member.

[0018] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impact situation, the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member may be installed so that the timing at which the first impact absorbing member starts to deform and the timing at which the second impact absorbing member starts to deform are different.

[0019] In addition, in the above impact absorbing device, the end of the first impact absorbing member on the side of the outer structure may be positioned closer to the outer structure than the end of the second impact absorbing member on the side of the outer structure.

[0020] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device of the present disclosure, the second impact absorbing member extends so that one end is connected to the frame and the other end is connected to the external structure, and one of the frame-side connecting portion which is the connecting portion between the second impact absorbing member and the frame and the external connecting portion which is the connecting portion between the second impact absorbing member and the external structure can be disconnected by the switching portion, and when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in the impacted situation, the connection between the frame-side connecting portion and one of the external connecting portions is disconnected by the switching portion, thereby allowing the second impact absorbing member to deflect the impact load, and when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impacted situation, the connections of both the frame-side connecting portion and the external connecting portion are maintained, allowing the second impact absorbing member to absorb the impact load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the strength of an impact absorbing device for absorbing vehicle collision energy can be changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the attached state of the impact absorbing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that schematically shows the impact absorbing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the impact absorbing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a base unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member and the switching portion when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member and the switching portion when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member and the base portion when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member and the base portion when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in an impact receiving situation. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in an impact situation. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first modification of the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state of the impact absorbing device in the second modification of the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of a base portion according to the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state of the impact absorbing device in the second modification of the first embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a collision situation. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in an impact receiving situation. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in an impact receiving situation. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first modification of the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the first modification of the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a collision situation. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state of the impact absorbing device in the second modification of the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second modification of the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the second modification of the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a collision situation in the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a collision situation in the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the third embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the third embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the third embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in a collision situation. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device in the third embodiment when the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in a collision situation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each configuration and combination thereof in each embodiment is an example, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0024] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, as a first embodiment, a description will be given of an aspect in which an impact absorbing device according to the present disclosure is applied to a front bumper of a vehicle. FIG. 1 is a top view showing an attached state of an impact absorbing device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates the state of the impact absorbing device 100 before a vehicle collision (hereinafter, referred to as a pre-crash state). In the following description, the front, rear, left, and right directions refer to the front, rear, left, and right directions of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. Arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the front, rear, left, and right directions of the vehicle. Reference numeral 200 in FIG. 1 denotes a side frame that forms the framework of the vehicle and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The side frames 200 are arranged one on each side at a fixed interval. The side frames 200 are formed hollow. Reference numeral 300 denotes a bumper beam. The bumper beam 300 is installed inside the front bumper provided at the front end (front face) of the vehicle. The bumper beam 300 is an example of an "external structure" according to the present disclosure. The bumper beam 300 is positioned outboard of the side frames 200 on the vehicle and extends in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction). The strength of the bumper beam 300 is set lower than the strength of the side frames 200. As shown in FIG. 1 , an impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment is installed between the side frames 200 and the bumper beam 300. One impact absorbing device 100 is installed on each side so as to connect the left and right side frames 200 to the bumper beam 300. In the event of a frontal (frontal) collision of the vehicle, the impact absorbing device 100 receives a frontal impact load via the bumper beam 300. At this time, the impact absorbing device 100 deforms prior to the side frames 200, absorbing the collision energy and suppressing frame deformation. Here, as shown in FIG. 1 , the direction from the bumper beam 300 side to the side frames 200 side (rearward in this example) is referred to as the load direction. The load direction is the direction in which a load acts on the impact absorbing device 100 during a vehicle collision.

[0025] The location where the impact absorbing device according to the present disclosure is installed is not limited to the inside of the front bumper. The impact absorbing device can be installed between the frame of the vehicle and an external structure located outside the frame on the vehicle. For example, the impact absorbing device may be installed inside the rear bumper provided at the rear end (rear) of the vehicle. In this case, the impact absorbing device absorbs the collision energy by receiving an impact load from behind and deforming in preference to the frame during a rear-end collision of the vehicle. The impact absorbing device may also be installed between the frame and the fender provided on the side of the vehicle, with the fender serving as the external structure. In this case, the impact absorbing device will, in the event of a side collision (side impact) of the vehicle, side When an impact load is received from either side, it deforms in preference to the frame, absorbing the collision energy.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the impact absorbing device 100. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the impact absorbing device 100. Cut off 2 and 3 are side views. In a non-collision situation, a second impact absorbing member designated by the reference symbol 2 is shown in a first installation state, which will be described later. In addition, in FIGS. 2 and 3, each component of the impact absorbing device 100 is shown in a simplified form. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the impact absorbing device 100 comprises a first impact absorbing member 1, a second impact absorbing member 2, a switching unit 3, a control unit 4, and a base unit 5.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2 are both members provided between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300, and are formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend from the side frame 200 side to the bumper beam 300 side (i.e., so as to extend in the front-rear direction). The second impact absorbing member 2 is installed inside the first impact absorbing member 1. The first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2 are arranged coaxially.

[0028] The first impact absorbing member 1 is a metal member including a first cylindrical main body 11 having a rectangular cylindrical shape and a first cover wall 12 closing one end (front end) of the cylindrical main body. As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface of the first cover wall 12, i.e., the front end of the first impact absorbing member 1, is fixed to a bumper beam 300. The base 5 is a metal member provided on a side frame 200 so as to fix the other end (rear end) of the first cylindrical main body 11. The base 5 is formed in a plate shape and fixed to the front end surface of the side frame 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the front end of the first impact absorbing member 1 is fixed to the bumper beam 300, and the rear end of the first impact absorbing member 1 is fixed to the base 5 provided on the side frame 200, thereby connecting the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300 via the first impact absorbing member 1. The strength of the first impact absorbing member 1 is set lower than the strength of the side frame 200. In this example, the base portion 5 is formed as a separate member from the side frame 200, but the base portion according to the present disclosure may be formed as part of the side frame 200. The second impact absorbing member 2 includes a second cylindrical main body portion 21 made of metal and having a rectangular cylindrical shape, a second cover wall portion 22 closing one end (front end) of the second cylindrical main body portion 21, and a protrusion portion 23 protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface near the front end of the second cylindrical main body portion 21. The strength of the second cylindrical main body portion 21 is set lower than the strength of the side frame 200. The protrusion portion 23 is an elastic member made of a resin material. The outer circumferential portion of the protrusion portion 23 is formed in an arc shape having its center on the central axis A2 of the second cylindrical main body portion 21. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a recessed portion 13 recessed radially outward is formed in the first cylindrical main body portion 11 of the first impact absorbing member 1. The protrusion 23 of the second shock absorbing member 2 engages with the recess 13 of the first shock absorbing member 1, thereby holding the second shock absorbing member 2 to the first shock absorbing member 1. Note that the protrusion 23 is rotatable around the central axis A1 when fitted in the recess 13.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the base portion 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the base portion 5 has a receiving portion 6, which is a hole with a rectangular cross section. The cross section of the receiving portion 6 perpendicular to the load direction is similar to the outer shape of the cross section of the second cylindrical main body portion 21 of the second impact absorbing member 2 perpendicular to the load direction, and is larger than the outer shape of the cross section of the second cylindrical main body portion 21. The receiving portion 6 communicates with the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. The base portion 5 also has a hole forming portion 7. The hole forming portion 7 is a part of the base portion 5 that surrounds the receiving portion 6 to define the receiving portion 6. In this embodiment, the hole forming portion 7 corresponds to an example of the "contact portion" in this disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member 2 and the transition portion 3 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. Fig. 6 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member 2 and the transition portion 3 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. Figs. 5 and 6 show the second impact absorbing member 2 and the transition portion 3 as viewed from the bumper beam 300 side along the load direction. Note that Figs. 5 and 6 omit the first impact absorbing member 1 and the protrusion 23.

[0031] The switching unit 3 is a device that switches the installation state of the second shock absorbing member 2 between a first installation state shown in FIG. 5 and a second installation state shown in FIG. 6. In this example, the switching unit 3 rotates the second shock absorbing member 2 in the first installation state by 90° in a first rotation direction R1 about the central axis A2, thereby placing the second shock absorbing member 2 in the second installation state. The switching unit 3 rotates the second shock absorbing member 2 in the second installation state by 90° in a second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1, about the central axis A2, thereby placing the second shock absorbing member 2 in the first installation state. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the switching unit 3 includes a support plate 31, a rotation stage 32, an actuator 33, and a transmission unit 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the support plate 31 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the base unit 5 so as to overlap the front surface of the base unit 5. In addition, the rotation stage The first cylindrical main body 11 is rotatable about the central axis A1 relative to the support plate 31. A through hole 311 is formed in the support plate 31, through which the second shock absorbing member 2 is inserted. The size and shape of the first cylindrical main body 11 are set so as to allow movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 relative to the support plate 31 in the load direction and rotation of the second shock absorbing member 2 relative to the support plate 31 about the central axis A2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , the rotation stage 32 is placed on the front surface of the support plate 31 and is supported by the support plate 31 so as to be rotatable about the central axis A2 of the second shock absorbing member 2. A through hole 321 through which the second shock absorbing member 2 is inserted is formed in the rotation stage 32. The size and shape of the through hole 321 are set so that movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction relative to the rotation stage 32 is permitted, but rotation of the second shock absorbing member 2 about the central axis A1 relative to the rotation stage 32 is restricted. Because relative rotation of the second shock absorbing member 2 with respect to the support plate 31 is permitted and relative rotation of the second shock absorbing member 2 with respect to the rotation stage 32 is restricted, the second shock absorbing member 2 can rotate together with the rotation stage 32 about the central axis A1.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the actuator 33 includes a drive unit 331 and a piston 332 held by the drive unit 331. The drive unit 331 is an electric actuator driven by a solenoid and moves the piston 332 back and forth by being driven under the control of the control unit 4. The drive method of the drive unit 331 is not limited to a solenoid. The drive unit 331 may be driven by a motor. Alternatively, the drive unit 331 may move the piston 332 by utilizing the combustion energy of gunpowder, as in the technique disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0167959. The transmission unit 34 is a link mechanism connecting the rotation stage 32 and the actuator 33. The transmission unit 34 converts the back and forth movement of the piston 332 into rotational movement and transmits it to the rotation stage 32, thereby rotating the rotation stage 32. The transmission unit 34 includes a rotor 341 and a rod 342. The rotor 341 is a rotating member that is rotatable around a rotation axis 341a that is parallel to the load direction and extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 341a. The rod 342 is a rod-shaped member that connects the rotation stage 32 and the rotor 341. A piston 332 is connected to one end of the rotor 341, and one end of the rod 342 is rotatably connected to the other end on the opposite side of the rotation axis 341a from the one end. The other end of the rod 342 is rotatably connected to the rotation stage 32.

[0034] When the piston 332 is in the first state shown in FIG. 5, the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state. When the piston 332 is in the second state, as shown in FIG. 6, in which it protrudes further than the first state, the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state. Specifically, when the piston 332 is driven by the driving unit 331 to change from the first state to the second state, the movement of the piston 332 is transmitted to the rotation stage 32 via the transmission unit 34, and the rotation stage 32 rotates 90° in the first rotation direction R1 about the central axis A2, and the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state. Conversely, when the piston 332 is driven by the driving unit 331 to change from the second state to the first state, the rotation stage 32 rotates 90° in the second rotation direction R2 about the central axis A2, and the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member 2 and the base portion 5 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the relationship between the second impact absorbing member 2 and the base portion 5 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the second impact absorbing member 2 and the base portion 5 as viewed from the bumper beam 300 side along the load direction. Note that FIGS. 7 and 8 omit illustration of the first impact absorbing member 1 and the switching portion 3. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation. FIG. 9 shows a cross section corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. 7. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation. FIG. 10 shows a cross section corresponding to the cross section BB in FIG. 8. Note that the switching portion 3 is not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second impact absorbing member 2 (more specifically, the second tubular main body 21) in the first installation state is positioned within the receiving portion 6 without overlapping the hole forming portion 7 when viewed from the bumper beam 300 side along the load direction. In other words, the second impact absorbing member 2 does not overlap the hole forming portion 7 in the load direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the second impact absorbing member 2 in the first installation state is moved in the load direction, the second impact absorbing member 2 is received in the receiving portion 6 and can enter the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. As a result, when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, movement of the second impact absorbing member 2 in the load direction is permitted. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the second installation state, the second impact absorbing member 2 does not fit within the receiving portion 6 when viewed along the load direction, and a portion of the second impact absorbing member 2 overlaps the hole forming portion 7. In other words, the second shock absorbing member 2 is misaligned with respect to the receiving portion 6, the second shock absorbing member 2 is located in front of the hole forming portion 7 in the load direction, and at least a portion of the second shock absorbing member 2 (second cylindrical main body portion 21) overlaps with the hole forming portion 7. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , when an attempt is made to move the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction while in the second installation state, the hole forming portion 7 comes into contact with the second shock absorbing member 2, and the second shock absorbing member 2 is received by the hole forming portion 7. As a result, when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction is restricted.

[0037] The control unit 4 predicts the impact load that the vehicle will receive and controls the switching unit 3 based on the prediction result, thereby causing the switching unit 3 to switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes an information acquisition unit 41, a determination unit 42, and a switching control unit 43.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 41 acquires information necessary for predicting impact loads from various sensors provided in the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 41 acquires driving information indicating the driving state of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, etc. The information acquisition unit 41 also acquires operation information indicating how the vehicle is being driven from an accelerator sensor, a throttle sensor, a brake sensor, a steering sensor, etc. The information acquisition unit 41 also acquires obstacle information indicating the state of obstacles such as oncoming vehicles from an on-board camera, millimeter-wave radar, etc.

[0039] The determination unit 42 determines whether the first installation state or the second installation state is more appropriate for the second impact absorbing member 2 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 41. More specifically, the determination unit 42 determines whether the first installation state or the second installation state is more appropriate for the second impact absorbing member 2 based on the driving information, operationBased on the information and obstacle information, the determination unit 42 calculates the magnitude of the impact load that the vehicle is expected to receive in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the side frame 200 and the first and second shock-absorbing members 1 and 2. The determination unit 42 then determines an appropriate installation state for the second shock-absorbing member 2 based on the calculated impact load (hereinafter, "predicted impact load"). If the magnitude of the predicted impact load is relatively small, i.e., if a minor collision is predicted, the determination unit 42 determines that the first installation state is appropriate. If the magnitude of the predicted impact load is relatively large, i.e., if a heavy collision is predicted, the determination unit 42 determines that the second installation state is appropriate. Specifically, if the magnitude of the predicted impact load is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 42 determines that the first installation state is appropriate. If the magnitude of the predicted impact load is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the determination unit 42 determines that the second installation state is appropriate. Here, the predetermined value (hereinafter, "predicted impact value") is determined mainly based on the strengths of the side frame 200, the first shock-absorbing member 1, and the second shock-absorbing member 2. In this example, the predetermined impact value is set so that if the magnitude of the impact load is less than the predetermined impact value, the collision energy can be completely absorbed by deformation of only the first impact absorbing member 1 among the first impact absorbing member 1, the second impact absorbing member 2, and the side frame 200, and if the magnitude of the impact load is equal to or greater than the predetermined impact value, the collision energy cannot be completely absorbed by deformation of only the first impact absorbing member 1. In other words, a collision less than the predetermined impact value can be considered a minor collision. However, the above method of setting the predetermined impact value is an example and is not intended to limit the contents of the present disclosure.

[0040] The switching control unit 43 controls the drive unit 331 of the actuator 33 based on the determination result of the determination unit 42, thereby switching the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 between a first installation state and a second installation state. Specifically, when the determination unit 42 determines that the first installation state is appropriate, the switching control unit 43 drives the drive unit 331 of the actuator 33 so that the piston 332 is in the first state, thereby setting the second impact absorbing member 2 to the first installation state. Conversely, when the determination unit 42 determines that the second installation state is appropriate, the switching control unit 43 drives the drive unit 331 of the actuator 33 so that the piston 332 is in the second state, thereby setting the second impact absorbing member 2 to the second installation state. The processes of the information acquisition unit 41, the determination unit 42, and the switching control unit 43 are continuously and repeatedly executed at all times while the vehicle is traveling. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the magnitude of the predicted impact load is less than a predetermined impact value, the second shock absorbing member 2 is maintained in the first installation state. However, when the vehicle accelerates to a high speed and the magnitude of the predicted impact load exceeds the predetermined impact value, the second shock absorbing member 2 is switched to the second installation state. However, the processing of the control unit 4 is not limited to this. In other words, the above processing does not need to be performed continuously while the vehicle is traveling. For example, the second shock absorbing member 2 may be maintained in the first installation state during normal traveling, and when the determination unit 42 determines that a collision cannot be avoided based on information from the information acquisition unit 41 (pre-collision stage), the second shock absorbing member 2 may be selected to maintain the first installation state or switch to the second installation state depending on the magnitude of the predicted impact load.

[0041] The control unit 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 4 may be a digital circuit or an analog circuit. Note that the control unit 4 is not an essential component of the impact absorbing device according to the present disclosure. For example, the control unit 4 may be an ECU (Engine Control Unit) provided in the vehicle. The control unit 4 may function as the control unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 may be configured to include the above-mentioned sensor. For example, the control unit 4 may include a speed sensor.

[0042] [Shock absorption] The following describes the absorption of collision energy by the impact absorbing device 100 during a vehicle collision. The following description assumes a situation in which the bumper beam 300 is displaced or deformed toward the side frame 200 (i.e., in the load direction) due to an impact load on the bumper beam 300 when the vehicle collides head-on (hereinafter, "impacted situation"). In the impacted situation, the bumper beam 300 is displaced or deformed toward the side frame 200, causing an impact load in the load direction to act on the impact absorbing device 100.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state in an impact situation. Fig. 12 shows a cross-section corresponding to Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100 when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in an impact situation. Fig. 13 shows a cross-section corresponding to Fig. 10.

[0044] First, we will explain how collision energy is absorbed in a collision with a relatively small impact load (hereinafter referred to as a light collision). The impact load here is assumed to be large enough to deform only the first impact absorbing member 1. However, we will exclude minor impacts that do not even deform the first impact absorbing member 1. As mentioned above, in the case of a light collision, the switching unit 3 sets the second impact absorbing member 2 to the first installation state at the no-impact stage, resulting in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9 , the front end of the first impact absorbing member 1 is fixed to the bumper beam 300. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the bumper beam 300 is displaced or deformed toward the side frame 200, causing an impact load in the load direction to act on the first impact absorbing member 1. At this time, the rear end of the first impact absorbing member 1 is fixed to a base portion 5 provided on the side frame 200. Therefore, the first impact absorbing member 1 cannot deflect the impact load from the bumper beam 300 but instead receives the impact load. The impact load also acts on the side frame 200 through the first impact absorbing member 1. Here, the strength of the first impact absorbing member 1 is set lower than the strength of the side frame 200, so that the first impact absorbing member 1 deforms prior to the side frame 200. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12 , the first impact absorbing member 1 buckles and deforms as if it is crushed between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300. As a result, the collision energy of the collision is absorbed only by the deformation of the first impact absorbing member 1, and deformation of the side frame 200 is suppressed.

[0046] In an impact situation, the bumper beam 300 is displaced or deformed toward the side frame 200, causing an impact load in the load direction to act on the second impact absorbing member 2 provided between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, the receiving portion 6 is able to receive the second impact absorbing member 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the second impact absorbing member 2 that receives an impact load in the load direction is received by the receiving portion 6 and enters the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. Because the second impact absorbing member 2 is allowed to move in the load direction, the second impact absorbing member 2 deflects the impact load and avoids deformation.

[0047] As described above, in the case of a minor collision with relatively small collision energy, the impact absorbing device 100 absorbs the collision energy by deforming only the first impact absorbing member 1 of the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2, thereby suppressing deformation of the side frame 200. Therefore, it is only necessary to replace the portion from the base portion 5 to the tip end (i.e., the parts outside (forward of) the side frame 200), and the side frame 200 is not substantially affected.

[0048] Next, we will explain how collision energy is absorbed in a collision with a relatively large impact load (hereinafter referred to as a heavy collision). The impact load here is assumed to be large enough to deform at least the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2 together. As described above, in the case of a heavy collision, the switching unit 3 puts the second shock absorbing member 2 into the second installation state before impact is present, resulting in the state shown in Figure 10.

[0049] 13, the first impact absorbing member 1 undergoes buckling deformation so as to be crushed between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300, just as in the case of a minor collision. As a result, the collision energy of the collision is absorbed by the deformation of the first impact absorbing member 1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, if the second shock absorbing member 2 is moved in the load direction, the hole forming portion 7 comes into contact with the second shock absorbing member 2. Therefore, when the second shock absorbing member 2 receives an impact load in the load direction, the impact load is received by the hole forming portion 7. Because the movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction is restricted, the second shock absorbing member 2 receives the impact load rather than deflecting it. Here, the strength of the impact absorbing device 100 when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state is the sum of the strengths of the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2. The strength of the impact absorbing device 100 at this time is set to be equal to or lower than the strength of the side frame 200. In other words, when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2 deform preferentially to the side frame 200. Furthermore, if the impact load is even greater, the side frame 200 will also deform to absorb the impact as a whole. Therefore, although Figure 13 shows the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2 in a state of buckling deformation, depending on the magnitude of the collision load, the side frame 200 can also be deformed to absorb the impact.

[0051] As described above, in the case of a heavy collision with a relatively large amount of collision energy, the impact absorbing device 100 absorbs the collision energy by deforming at least both the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2. However, if the impact absorbing device 100 alone is unable to absorb all of the collision energy, the side frame 200 may also be deformed to absorb the impact in order to absorb the excess collision energy.

[0052] [Actions and Effects] As described above, the impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment includes the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2, which are provided between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300, and the switching unit 3. The first impact absorbing member 1 is installed so that it deforms prior to the side frame 200 in an impact situation. The switching unit 3 is capable of switching the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 between a first installation state in which the second impact absorbing member 2 deflects the impact load in an impact situation, and a second installation state in which the second impact absorbing member 2 receives the impact load and deforms together with the first impact absorbing member in an impact situation.

[0053] Here, in order to more reliably protect occupants even in the event of a heavy collision with relatively high collision energy, it is preferable that the strength of the impact absorbing device 100 be high so that it can absorb large collision energies. On the other hand, in the event of a light collision with relatively low collision energy, if the strength of the impact absorbing device 100 is high, a large impact load is required to deform the impact absorbing device 100, and as a result, it is possible that the impact absorbing device 100 will not be able to deform sufficiently and will not be able to fully absorb the collision energy. As a result, there is a concern that the side frame 200 will deform and the impact will be transmitted to the occupants. Therefore, in the event of a light collision, it is preferable from the standpoint of vehicle repairability and occupant protection to have the impact absorbing device 100 have low strength so that even small collision energies can be absorbed by the deformation of the impact absorbing device 100.

[0054] In response to this, the impact absorbing device 100 can switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 between a first installation state in which the second impact absorbing member 2 deflects the impact load, and a second installation state in which the second impact absorbing member 2 receives the impact load. This allows the impact absorbing device 100 to switch its strength against impact loads. Accordingly, in the event of a heavy collision, the second impact absorbing member 2 is set in advance to the second installation state to increase its strength, thereby absorbing relatively large impact energy. Conversely, in the event of a light collision, the second impact absorbing member 2 is set in the first installation state to decrease its strength, thereby absorbing relatively small impact energy and suppressing transmission of the impact to the side frame 200. As a result, deformation of the side frame 200 can be suppressed while reliably protecting occupants from the impact of a collision, thereby improving vehicle repairability.

[0055] Furthermore, the impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment includes a base portion 5 provided on the side frame 200 to fix the first impact absorbing member 1, a receiving portion 6 opening in the base portion 5, and a hole forming portion 7 provided on the base portion 5. The receiving portion 6 receives the second impact absorbing member 2 in a first installation state in an impact situation and allows the second impact absorbing member 2 to move toward the side frame 200. The hole forming portion 7 abuts against the second impact absorbing member 2 in a second installation state in an impact situation and restricts the second impact absorbing member 2 from moving toward the side frame 200. This allows the second impact absorbing member 2 to deflect impact loads when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, and allows the second impact absorbing member 2 to receive impact loads when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state. Furthermore, since the first impact absorbing member 1 is fixed to the base portion 5, the fixing strength of the first impact absorbing member 1 is ensured, and even if an impact load acts from a direction deviating from the load direction, Even if there is any deformation, the first impact absorbing member 1 can be deformed appropriately.

[0056] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment, the hole forming portion 7 is formed as a part of the base portion 5 so as to surround the receiving portion 6. The switching unit 3 rotates the second impact absorbing member 2 relative to the receiving portion 6 to switch between a first installation state in which the receiving portion 6 can receive the second impact absorbing member 2 and a second installation state in which the hole forming portion 7 restricts movement of the second impact absorbing member 2 toward the side frame 200. This allows the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 to be switched between the first installation state and the second installation state. Note that in this example, the installation state is switched by rotating the second impact absorbing member 2 relative to the receiving portion 6, but the present disclosure is not limited to rotation. For example, the switching unit 3 may switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 by translating the second impact absorbing member 2 relative to the receiving portion 6. In other words, the switching unit 3 may switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 by displacing the second impact absorbing member 2 relative to the receiving portion 6. In this specification, the term "displacement" refers to a change in position, and includes translation and rotation.

[0057] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment, the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2 are both formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the side frame 200 side to the bumper beam 300 side, and the second impact absorbing member 2 is installed inside the first impact absorbing member 1. This contributes to space saving by installing the second impact absorbing member 2 inside the first impact absorbing member 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member may be installed in parallel.

[0058] Furthermore, in the impact absorbing device 100 according to this embodiment, a protrusion 23 that protrudes toward the first impact absorbing member 1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second impact absorbing member 2, and the protrusion 23 engages with the inner peripheral surface of the first impact absorbing member 1, thereby holding the second impact absorbing member 2 to the first impact absorbing member 1. This ensures the holding strength of the second impact absorbing member 2.

[0059] 13, when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in an impact situation, the protrusion 23 guides the first shock absorbing member 1 so that the first shock absorbing member 1 buckles along the second shock absorbing member 2. This maintains the first shock absorbing member 1 deforming in the load direction, allowing the first shock absorbing member 1 to appropriately absorb collision energy. Note that the protrusion is not an essential component of the present disclosure.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, the rear end of the second impact absorbing member 2 abuts against the hole-forming portion 7 formed in the base portion 5. Here, if the distance from the base portion 5 to the front end of the first impact absorbing member 1 is d1 and the distance from the base portion 5 to the front end of the second impact absorbing member 2 is d2, then d1 > d2, as shown in FIG. 10 . That is, the end of the first impact absorbing member 1 on the bumper beam 300 side is positioned closer to the bumper beam 300 than the end of the second impact absorbing member 2 on the bumper beam 300 side. Therefore, when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in an impact situation in which the bumper beam 300 is displaced or deformed toward the side frame 200 due to an impact load, the first impact absorbing member 1, which is closer to the bumper beam 300, starts to deform first, and then the second impact absorbing member 2 starts to deform. That is, the timing at which the first impact absorbing member 1 starts to deform and the timing at which the second impact absorbing member 2 starts to deform are different. Generally, a large load is required at the start of deformation of a material, but once deformation has begun, no large load is required to continue the deformation. Therefore, if the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2 are installed so that the start of deformation of the first shock absorbing member 1 and the start of deformation of the second shock absorbing member 2 are simultaneous, a large impact load is required to simultaneously start deformation of the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2. In contrast, in the shock absorbing device 100, a large impact load is required at the start of deformation of the first shock absorbing member 1 and the start of deformation of the second shock absorbing member 2. By differentiating the timing at which the shock absorbing member 2 starts to deform, the first shock absorbing member 1 and the second shock absorbing member 2 start to deform more easily. As a result, collision energy can be more reliably absorbed, deformation of the side frame 200 can be more reliably suppressed, and occupants can be more reliably protected. In this example, the first shock absorbing member 1 is configured to start to deform before the second shock absorbing member 2, but the second shock absorbing member 2 may also be configured to start to deform before the first shock absorbing member 1. In other words, it is sufficient that the timing at which the first shock absorbing member 1 starts to deform and the timing at which the second shock absorbing member 2 starts to deform are different. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member may also be configured to start to deform at the same time.

[0061] The switching unit of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the second shock absorbing member may be biased to the first installation state or the second installation state during normal operation using the elastic force of a spring or the like, and when it becomes necessary to switch the installation state, the installation state may be temporarily switched using a solenoid or the like, and then the elastic force may be used to return to the original installation state.

[0062] [Modification of the first embodiment] The following description of the modified example of the first embodiment will focus on the differences from the impact absorbing device 100, and the same components will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0063] [Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] FIG. 14 shows the second impact absorbing member 2 in a non-collision state in the first modified example of the first embodiment. A14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100A when it is in a first installation state. As shown in Fig. 14, the second impact absorbing member 2A of the impact absorbing device 100A according to the first modification of the first embodiment has a protrusion 23 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface near the front end of the second cylindrical main body 21, as well as a protrusion 24 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface near the center of the second cylindrical main body 21. Furthermore, the first impact absorbing member 1A of the impact absorbing device 100A has a recess 13 that engages with the protrusion 23, as well as a recess 14 that engages with the protrusion 24. The protrusion 23 fits into the recess 13, and the protrusion 24 fits into the recess 14, thereby securing the second impact absorbing member 2 A is the first shock absorbing member 1 A As a result, the second shock absorbing member 2 A The holding strength can be increased.

[0064] [Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100B in a non-collision state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 when the second impact absorbing member 2B is in the first installation state. FIG. 15 illustrates only the second impact absorbing member 2B and the base portion 5B. FIG. 16 is a front view of the base portion 5B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 15, the receiving portion 6 is not open on the base portion 5B of the impact absorbing device 100B in a non-collision state. Here, reference symbol L1 in FIG. 16 is a line (outline projection line) obtained by projecting the outline of the rear end portion of the second impact absorbing member 2B in the first installation state (i.e., the rear end portion of the second cylindrical main body 21) onto the base portion 5B. As shown in FIG. 16, the portion of the base portion 5B above L1, i.e., the portion that comes into contact with the second cylindrical main body 21 of the second impact absorbing member 2B in a collision state, is formed as a fragile portion 51 that is easily broken. A part of the fragile portion 51 is formed as a thin portion 511 that is thinner than the other portions. This makes the fragile portion 51 more likely to break. Because the fragile portion 51 is formed on the contour projection line L1, breaking of the fragile portion 51 forms a receiving portion 6 that can receive the second impact absorbing member 2B in the first installation state. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100B when the second impact absorbing member 2B is in the first installation state in a collision situation in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. Figure 17 shows only the second impact absorbing member 2B and the base portion 5B. In a collision situation, the second impact absorbing member 2B is pressed toward the side frame 200 by an impact load in the load direction, causing the second impact absorbing member 2B to come into contact with the fragile portion 51 of the base portion 5B. Then, As shown, the fragile portion 51 breaks when subjected to the load from the second impact absorbing member 2B, opening the receiving portion 6. As a result, the second impact absorbing member 2B, which has received an impact load in the load direction, is received by the receiving portion 6 and enters the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. Because the second impact absorbing member 2B is permitted to move in the load direction, the second impact absorbing member 2B deflects the impact load and avoids deformation.

[0065] 15, the rear end of the second cylindrical main body 21, which is the end of the second shock absorbing member 2B facing the base portion 5B, includes a contact region 25 that contacts the fragile portion 51 when the second shock absorbing member 2B is in at least the first installation state under impact, and a non-contact region 26 that does not contact the fragile portion 51. The non-contact region 26 is formed by cutting out a portion of the rear end of the second cylindrical main body 21 in an arch shape. As a result, the load from the second shock absorbing member 2B is concentrated at the contact portion between the contact region 25 and the fragile portion 51, making the fragile portion 51 more likely to break.

[0066] <Embodiment 2> Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100C when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation in embodiment 2. Also, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100C when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state in a non-collision situation in embodiment 2. The impact absorbing device 100C according to embodiment 2 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the impact absorbing device 100 according to embodiment 1, and similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the impact absorbing device 100C includes a switching unit 3C provided on the base unit 5 and a piston 8 held by the switching unit 3C. The switching unit 3C is an electric actuator that moves the piston 8 forward and backward by being driven under the control of the control unit 4. The switching unit 3C is disposed in the internal space 210 of the side frame 200 and attached to the rear surface of the base unit 5. The switching unit 3C differs from the switching unit 3 of the impact absorbing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the switching unit 3C switches the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 by displacing the piston 8 relative to the second impact absorbing member 2, rather than by displacing the second impact absorbing member 2 relative to the receiving unit 6. When the piston 8 is in a first position shown in FIG. 18 , the second impact absorbing member 2 is in a first installation state. When the piston 8 is in a second position protruding from the first position as shown in FIG. 19 , the second impact absorbing member 2 is in a second installation state. In this embodiment, the piston 8 corresponds to an example of an “abutment unit” according to the present disclosure.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 18 , when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, the second shock absorbing member 2 is located in front of the hole forming portion 7 in the load direction and does not overlap the hole forming portion 7. Furthermore, the piston 8, which is at the first position in the load direction, does not overlap the second shock absorbing member 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18 , when the second shock absorbing member 2 in the first installation state is moved in the load direction, the second shock absorbing member 2 is received in the receiving portion 6 and can enter the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. As a result, when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction is permitted. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 19 , in the second installation state, the second shock absorbing member 2 is located in front of the piston 8 in the load direction and the piston 8, which is at the second position, overlaps the second shock absorbing member 2. Therefore, when the second shock absorbing member 2 in the second installation state is attempted to move in the load direction, the piston 8 comes into contact with the second shock absorbing member 2, and the second shock absorbing member 2 is received by the piston 8. As a result, when the second shock absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, movement of the second shock absorbing member 2 in the load direction is restricted.

[0069] In the impact absorbing device 100C according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 4 The control unit 4 predicts the impact load that the second impact absorbing member 2 will receive and controls the switching unit 3C based on the prediction result, thereby causing the switching unit 3C to switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2. The control unit 4 controls the switching unit 3C so that the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state during a light collision and the second installation state during a heavy collision.

[0070] The following describes the absorption of collision energy by the impact absorbing device 100C during a vehicle collision when an impact is received. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100C in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state when an impact is received. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100C in the second embodiment when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state when an impact is received. Note that the behavior of the first impact absorbing member 1 in the impact state is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0071] First, as shown in Fig. 20 , when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the first installation state, the receiving portion 6 is able to receive the second impact absorbing member 2. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 20 , when the second impact absorbing member 2 receives an impact load in the load direction, it is received by the receiving portion 6 and enters the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. Because the second impact absorbing member 2 is allowed to move in the load direction, it absorbs the impact load and avoids deformation. As a result, in the case of a minor collision with relatively small collision energy, the impact absorbing device 100C absorbs the collision energy by deforming only the first impact absorbing member 1 of the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2, thereby suppressing deformation of the side frame 200.

[0072] Next, as shown in FIG. 21 , when the second impact absorbing member 2 is in the second installation state, if an attempt is made to move the second impact absorbing member 2 in the load direction, the piston 8 will come into contact with the second impact absorbing member 2. Therefore, when the second impact absorbing member 2 receives an impact load in the load direction, the piston 8 receives the impact load. Because the movement of the second impact absorbing member 2 in the load direction is restricted, the second impact absorbing member 2 cannot deflect the impact load and instead receives the impact load. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21 , the second impact absorbing member 2 undergoes buckling deformation such that it is crushed between the piston 8 and the bumper beam 300. As a result, in the case of a heavy collision with relatively large collision energy, the impact absorbing device 100C absorbs the collision energy by deforming at least both the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2. However, if the collision energy cannot be fully absorbed, the side frame 200 also deforms to absorb the collision energy.

[0073] As described above, in the impact absorbing device 100C according to this embodiment, the switching unit 3C displaces the piston 8 relative to the second impact absorbing member 2, switching the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2 between a first installation state and a second installation state. In this embodiment, the first installation state is a state in which the piston 8 is disposed at a first position that allows the second impact absorbing member 2 to enter the receiving portion 6. On the other hand, the second installation state is a state in which the piston 8 is disposed at a second position that prevents the second impact absorbing member 2 from entering the receiving portion 6.

[0074] The impact absorbing device 100C according to the second embodiment can change the strength of the impact absorbing device 100C against impact loads by changing the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2. As a result, like the first embodiment, the impact absorbing device 100C according to the second embodiment can reliably protect occupants from impacts due to collisions while suppressing deformation of the side frame 200 in the case of a minor collision, thereby improving vehicle repairability.

[0075] [Modification of the second embodiment] The following description of the modified example of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the impact absorbing device 100C, and the same components will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0076] [Modification 1 of Embodiment 2] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100D when the second impact absorbing member 2D is in the first installation state in a non-collision situation in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100D when the second impact absorbing member 2D is in the first installation state in a collision situation in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0077] 22, in the impact absorbing device 100D, the second cylindrical main body 21 of the second impact absorbing member 2D is tapered so as to gradually increase in width from the side frame 200 side toward the bumper beam 300 side. More specifically, the outer shape of the cross section of the second cylindrical main body 21 of the second impact absorbing member 2D that is perpendicular to the load direction is smaller than the cross section of the receiving portion 6 at the rear end, which is the end on the side frame 200 side. The outer shape of the cross section that is perpendicular to the load direction gradually increases toward the bumper beam 300 side, and is larger than the cross section of the receiving portion 6 at the front end, which is the end on the bumper beam 300 side.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 23 , when the second impact absorbing member 2D is in the first installation state during a collision, the second impact absorbing member 2D receives an impact load in the load direction and is received by the receiving portion 6 and enters the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. During this movement of the second impact absorbing member 2D in the load direction, the second tubular main body 21 abuts against the inner wall of the receiving portion 6, creating resistance to the movement of the second impact absorbing member 2D in the load direction. Because the cross-sectional outer shape of the second tubular main body 21 gradually increases toward the bumper beam 300, the resistance increases as the movement of the second impact absorbing member 2D in the load direction increases. If the impact load is greater than expected when the second impact absorbing member 2D is in the first installation state, the deformation of the first impact absorbing member 1 alone may not be enough to absorb the collision energy. In this case, there is a concern that the first impact absorbing member 1 will be completely crushed, causing the bumper beam 300 to pinch the first impact absorbing member 1 and crash into the side frame 200 (so-called bottoming out). In contrast, with the impact absorbing device 100D, the resistance force caused by the second impact absorbing member 2D abutting against the inner wall of the receiving portion 6 acts as a brake, making it possible to prevent bottoming out.

[0079] [Modification 2 of Embodiment 2] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100E in a non-collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 24 only shows the second impact absorbing member 2E and the base portion 5E. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100E in a non-collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100E in a non-collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the second installation state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100E in a collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100E in a collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the second installation state in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0080] As shown in Figures 24 to 28, in the impact absorbing device 100E, a first impact absorbing member 1E is installed inside a second impact absorbing member 2E. The first impact absorbing member 1E is a metal member. As shown in Figure 25, the first impact absorbing member 1E includes a square-tube-shaped first cylindrical main body 11 extending from the side frame 200 side to the bumper beam 300 side, a first cover wall 12 closing one end (front end) of the first cylindrical main body 11, and a protrusion 15 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface near the front end of the first cylindrical main body 11. The front surface of the first cover wall 12, i.e., the first impact The front end of the second impact absorbing member 1E is fixed to the bumper beam 300, and the rear end is fixed to a base portion 5E provided on the side frame 200, thereby connecting the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300 via the first impact absorbing member 1E. As shown in FIG. 24 , the second impact absorbing member 2E is a metal member having a substantially U-shaped cross section and including a pair of main bodies 27, 27 extending from the side frame 200 side to the bumper beam 300 side, and a beam 28 connecting the rear ends of the pair of main bodies 27, 27. The base portion 5E is formed with a pair of receiving portions 6E, 6E as through-holes into which the pair of main bodies 27, 27 are respectively received. The pair of main bodies 27, 27 are inserted into the pair of receiving portions 6E, 6E and connected via the beam 28 in the internal space 210 of the side frame 200. The front ends of the pair of main bodies 27, 27 are connected to the protrusion 15 of the first impact absorbing member 1E. The protrusion 15 may be disposed at a distance from the main body 27.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 25, when the second shock absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state, the piston 8, which is at the first position, does not overlap the second shock absorbing member 2E in the load direction. Therefore, when the second shock absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state, movement of the second shock absorbing member 2E in the load direction is permitted. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 26, in the second installation state, the second shock absorbing member 2E is located in front of the piston 8 in the load direction, and the piston 8, which is at the second position, overlaps the second shock absorbing member 2E. Therefore, when the second shock absorbing member 2E is in the second installation state, movement of the second shock absorbing member 2E in the load direction is restricted.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 27 , when the second shock absorbing member 2E is in the first installation state in a collision situation, the second shock absorbing member 2E is allowed to move in the load direction, so the second shock absorbing member 2E absorbs the impact load and avoids deformation. As a result, in the case of a light collision with relatively low impact energy, the impact absorbing device 100E absorbs the impact energy by deforming only the first impact absorbing member 1E out of the first impact absorbing member 1E and the second impact absorbing member 2E, and suppresses deformation of the side frame 200. As shown in FIG. 28 , when the second impact absorbing member 2E is in the second installation state in a collision situation, the movement of the second impact absorbing member 2E in the load direction is restricted, so the second impact absorbing member 2E absorbs the impact load and undergoes buckling deformation. As a result, in the case of a heavy collision with relatively high impact energy, the impact absorbing device 100E absorbs the impact energy by deforming at least both the first impact absorbing member 1E and the second shock absorbing member 2E. However, if the collision energy cannot be fully absorbed, the side frame 200 is also deformed to absorb the collision energy.

[0083] In the impact absorbing device 100E according to the second modification of the second embodiment, the strength of the impact absorbing device 100E against an impact load can also be changed by switching the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2E between a first installation state and a second installation state. As a result, similar to the above-described embodiment, the impact absorbing device 100E can reliably protect occupants from the impact of a collision while suppressing deformation of the side frame 200 in the event of a minor collision, thereby improving vehicle repairability. In other words, the technology of the present disclosure may also be configured such that the first impact absorbing member is installed inside the second impact absorbing member.

[0084] <Embodiment 3> Fig. 29 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a non-collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the first installation state in the third embodiment. Fig. 30 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a non-collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the first installation state in the third embodiment. Fig. 31 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the first installation state in the third embodiment. Fig. 32 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a collision situation when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the second installation state in the third embodiment. above The following description of the impact absorbing device 100F according to the third embodiment will focus on the differences from the impact absorbing device 100 according to the first embodiment, and detailed description of similar components will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same components.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 29, the impact absorbing device 100F according to the third embodiment includes a pair of left and right second impact absorbing members 2F, 2F. The number of second impact absorbing members 2F is not limited to one, and may be one, or three or more. The second impact absorbing members 2F are rod- or plate-shaped members made of metal, one end of which is connected to the side frame 200 via a base portion 5F. The second impact absorbing members 2F extend from the side frame 200 side toward the bumper beam 300 side so as to be inclined with respect to the load direction. The other end of the second impact absorbing member 2F is not connected to the bumper beam 300 in the first installation state shown in FIG. 29, but is connected to the bumper beam 300 by a switching portion 3F in the second installation state shown in FIG. 30. Here, the connection portion between the second impact absorbing member 2F and the side frame 200 (more specifically, the base portion 5F provided on the side frame 200) is referred to as the frame side connection portion C1, and the connection portion between the second impact absorbing member 2F and the bumper beam 300 is referred to as the outer connection portion C2.

[0086] During normal vehicle driving, the second impact absorbing member 2F is installed in the second installation state shown in FIG. 30. Two switching units 3F are provided, one for each of the pair of second impact absorbing members 2F, 2F. The switching unit 3F places the second impact absorbing member 2F in the first installation state by releasing the connection at the outer connection unit C2 as shown in FIG. 29, and maintains the second impact absorbing member 2F in the second installation state by maintaining the connection at the outer connection unit C2 as shown in FIG. 30. The switching unit 3F is provided on the bumper beam 300 and includes a drive unit 35 and a connection member 36. The drive unit 35 is an electric actuator driven by a solenoid. The connection member 36 engages with the second impact absorbing member 2F to connect the second impact absorbing member 2F and the bumper beam 300. The drive unit 35 is driven under the control of the control unit 4 to move the connecting member 36, thereby switching the state between a disengaged state in which the connecting member 36 and the second shock absorbing member 2F are disengaged, as shown in Fig. 29, and an engaged state in which the connecting member 36 and the second shock absorbing member 2F are engaged, as shown in Fig. 30. When the connecting member 36 changes from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the connection at the outer connection portion C2 is released, and the installation state of the second shock absorbing member 2F changes from the second installation state to the first installation state. Conversely, when the connecting member 36 changes from the disengaged state to the engaged state, the connection state of the outer connection portion C2 is established, and the installation state of the second shock absorbing member 2F changes from the first installation state to the second installation state.

[0087] In the impact absorbing device 100F according to the third embodiment, the control unit 4 predicts the impact load to be applied to the vehicle and controls the drive unit 35 of the switching unit 3F based on the prediction result, thereby causing the switching unit 3F to switch the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2F. The switching unit 3F maintains the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2F in the second installation state during normal driving, and maintains the second installation state when a collision is detected and a heavy collision is predicted, and switches to the first installation state when a light collision is predicted. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The switching unit 3F may be configured to maintain the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2F in the first installation state during normal driving, and switch to the second installation state when a collision is detected and a heavy collision is predicted.

[0088] The following describes the absorption of collision energy by the impact absorbing device 100F during a vehicle collision in an impact situation. Fig. 31 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a case where the second impact absorbing member 2F is in a first installation state in an impact situation in embodiment 3. Fig. 32 is a top view showing the state of the impact absorbing device 100F in a case where the second impact absorbing member 2F is in a second installation state in an impact situation in embodiment 3. Note that the behavior of the first impact absorbing member 1 in an impact situation is the same as in embodiment 1, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0089] First, as shown in Figure 31, when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the first installation state, the connection at the outer connection portion C2 is released, leaving the second impact absorbing member 2F connected only at the frame-side connection portion C1. Therefore, when the second impact absorbing member 2F receives an impact load in the load direction, it changes its posture so that it falls toward the side frame 200, with the outer connection portion C2 as a fulcrum, even though it bends slightly. This allows the second impact absorbing member 2F to absorb the impact load and avoid buckling deformation. As a result, as shown in Figure 31, in the case of a minor collision with relatively low impact energy, the impact absorbing device 100F absorbs the impact energy by buckling only the first impact absorbing member 1 of the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2F, thereby suppressing deformation of the side frame 200.

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 32, when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the second installation state, the connection at the outer connection portion C2 is maintained, so that the second impact absorbing member 2F is connected at both the frame-side connection portion C1 and the outer connection portion C2. This restricts the posture change of the second impact absorbing member 2F, so that the second impact absorbing member 2F absorbs the impact load rather than deflecting it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, the second impact absorbing member 2F buckles and deforms so as to be crushed between the side frame 200 and the bumper beam 300. As a result, in the case of a severe collision with relatively high collision energy, the impact absorbing device 100F absorbs the collision energy by buckling and deforming at least both the first impact absorbing member 1 and the second impact absorbing member 2F. However, if the collision energy cannot be absorbed even then, the side frame 200 is also deformed to absorb the collision energy.

[0091] As described above, in the impact absorbing device 100F according to this embodiment, the outer connection part C2 can be released by the switching part 3F, and when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the first installation state in an impact situation, the outer connection part C2 is released by the switching part 3F, allowing the second impact absorbing member 2F to absorb the impact load. On the other hand, when the second impact absorbing member 2F is in the second installation state in an impact situation, the connection of both the frame side connection part C1 and the outer connection part C2 is maintained, allowing the second impact absorbing member 2F to absorb the impact load.

[0092] The impact absorbing device 100F according to the third embodiment can change the strength of the impact absorbing device 100F against impact loads by changing the installation state of the second impact absorbing member 2F. As a result, the impact absorbing device 100F according to the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, can reliably protect occupants from impacts caused by collisions, while suppressing deformation of the side frame 200 in the case of a minor collision, thereby improving vehicle repairability.

[0093] In the above example, the connection state of the outer connection portion C2 of the frame-side connection portion C1 and the outer connection portion C2 is switchable, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Of the frame-side connection portion and the outer connection portion, the connection state of the frame-side connection portion may be switchable. Furthermore, the degree of impact absorption in the event of a severe collision may be adjusted in multiple stages by predicting the severity of the collision and selecting a drive unit to be activated from among the multiple drive units 35.

[0094] <Other> Although the embodiments of the impact absorbing device according to the present disclosure have been described above, each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. First shock absorbing member 2. Second shock absorbing member 3. Switching section 4. Control section 5. Base 6...Reception Department 7. Hole forming portion (an example of abutment portion) 8. Piston (an example of a contact part) 100··Shock absorbing device 200··Side frame (example of a frame) 300·· bumper beam (an example of an exterior structure)

Claims

1. a first impact absorbing member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure located outside the frame on the vehicle, the first impact absorbing member being installed so as to deform with priority over the frame in an impact situation in which an impact load on the outer structure causes the outer structure to be displaced or deformed toward the frame; a second impact absorbing member provided between the frame and the outer structure; a switching unit that can switch the installation state of the second shock absorbing member between a first installation state in which the second shock absorbing member deflects the impact load in the impacted state and a second installation state in which the second shock absorbing member receives the impact load in the impacted state and thereby deforms together with the first shock absorbing member; a base portion provided on the frame so as to fix the first impact absorbing member; a receiving portion that opens to the base portion and receives the second shock absorbing member that is in the first installation state in the impact situation, and allows the second shock absorbing member to absorb the impact load by allowing the second shock absorbing member to move toward the frame; a contact portion provided on the base portion, the contact portion contacting the second shock absorbing member in the second installation state in the impact situation and restricting movement of the second shock absorbing member toward the frame, thereby causing the second shock absorbing member to receive the impact load; Equipped with the abutment portion is formed as a part of the base portion so as to surround the receiving portion, the switching portion switches between the first installation state and the second installation state by displacing the second impact absorbing member relative to the receiving portion. Shock absorbing device.

2. a first impact absorbing member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure located outside the frame on the vehicle, the first impact absorbing member being installed so as to deform with priority over the frame in an impact situation in which an impact load on the outer structure causes the outer structure to be displaced or deformed toward the frame; a second impact absorbing member provided between the frame and the outer structure; The installation state of the second impact absorbing member is a first installation state in which the second impact absorbing member absorbs the impact load in the impact receiving state, and a second installation state in which the second impact absorbing member absorbs the impact load in the impact receiving state. a switching unit that can switch between a first installation state and a second installation state in which the first shock absorbing member receives the impact load and deforms together with the first shock absorbing member; a base portion provided on the frame so as to fix the first impact absorbing member; a receiving portion that opens to the base portion and receives the second shock absorbing member that is in the first installation state in the impact situation, and allows the second shock absorbing member to absorb the impact load by allowing the second shock absorbing member to move toward the frame; a contact portion provided on the base portion, the contact portion contacting the second shock absorbing member in the second installation state in the impact situation and restricting movement of the second shock absorbing member toward the frame, thereby causing the second shock absorbing member to receive the impact load; Equipped with The base portion is formed with a fragile portion that comes into contact with the second shock absorbing member in the first installation state in the impact situation and breaks under the load of the second shock absorbing member, thereby opening the receiving portion. Shock absorbing device.

3. the switching portion displaces the abutting portion relative to the receiving portion, and switches the second shock absorbing member to the first installation state by disposing the abutting portion at a first position that allows the second shock absorbing member to enter the receiving portion, and switches the second shock absorbing member to the second installation state by disposing the abutting portion at a second position that prevents the second shock absorbing member from entering the receiving portion. The impact absorbing device according to claim 2 .

4. The outer shape of a cross section of the second impact absorbing member perpendicular to the direction from the outer structure side to the frame side is smaller than the cross section of the receiving portion at the end on the frame side, and gradually increases toward the outer structure side, and becomes larger than the cross section of the receiving portion at the end on the outer structure side. The impact absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an end portion of the second impact absorbing member facing the base portion includes a contact region that contacts the weak portion when the second impact absorbing member is in at least the first installation state in the impact situation, and a non-contact region that does not contact the base portion; The impact absorbing device according to claim 2 .

6. the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member are both formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the frame side to the outer structure side, The second shock absorbing member is installed inside the first shock absorbing member. The impact absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A protrusion protruding toward the first impact absorbing member is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second impact absorbing member, The second shock absorbing member is held by the first shock absorbing member by the protrusion engaging with the inner circumferential surface of the first shock absorbing member. The impact absorbing device according to claim 6.

8. When the second shock absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impact situation, the protrusion guides the first shock absorbing member so that the first shock absorbing member buckles along the second shock absorbing member. The impact absorbing device according to claim 7.

9. When the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impact situation, the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are installed so that a timing at which the first shock absorbing member starts to deform and a timing at which the second shock absorbing member starts to deform are different from each other. An impact absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. an end portion of the first impact absorbing member on the side of the outer structure is located closer to the outer structure than an end portion of the second impact absorbing member on the side of the outer structure; The impact absorbing device according to claim 9.

11. a first impact absorbing member provided between a frame forming a framework of a vehicle and an outer structure located outside the frame on the vehicle, the first impact absorbing member being installed so as to deform with priority over the frame in an impact situation in which an impact load on the outer structure causes the outer structure to be displaced or deformed toward the frame; a second impact absorbing member provided between the frame and the outer structure; a switching unit that can switch the installation state of the second shock absorbing member between a first installation state in which the second shock absorbing member deflects the impact load in the impacted state and a second installation state in which the second shock absorbing member receives the impact load in the impacted state and thereby deforms together with the first shock absorbing member; Equipped with the second impact absorbing member extends so that one end is connected to the frame and the other end is connected to the outer structure, the connection between one of a frame-side connection portion, which is a connection portion between the second impact absorbing member and the frame, and an outer connection portion, which is a connection portion between the second impact absorbing member and the outer structure, can be released by the switching portion; When the second impact absorbing member is in the first installation state in the impact situation, the switching portion releases the connection between one of the frame side connection portion and the outer connection portion, thereby allowing the second impact absorbing member to absorb the impact load, When the second impact absorbing member is in the second installation state in the impact situation, the connection between both the frame side connection portion and the outer connection portion is maintained, and the second impact absorbing member absorbs the impact load. Shock absorbing device.

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