Shock absorber

Abstract

To provide an impact absorber that is able to stably absorb an obliquely input impact.SOLUTION: As shown in FIG. 2(b), an impact absorber 10 includes a connecting portion 15 between a protruding portion 11 and a fixing portion 14, and a part or all of the connecting portion 15 is an inclined portion 16. When the external force F2 is applied in a direction inclined with respect to an axial line 11b of the protruding portion 11, the inclined portion 16 is deformed, and the protruding portion 11 changes its direction so that the axial line 11b and the external force F2 are aligned with each other, as shown in FIG. 2(c). The impact absorber 10 is crushed in the form shown in FIG. 2(c) to absorb the impact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber disposed between a door panel and a door trim.

Background Art

[0002] The door trim is an interior member provided on the passenger compartment side of the door panel. It is known to dispose a shock absorber capable of enhancing passenger protection between such a door trim and a door panel.

[0003] Various shaped objects have been proposed for this type of shock absorber (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (FIGS. 2, 7(a), (b))).

[0004] Patent Document 1 will be described based on the following figures. FIG. 9(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle provided with a conventional shock absorber. As shown in FIG. 9(a), a seat 102 on which a passenger sits is disposed in the passenger compartment 101 of the vehicle 100. The door 110 disposed beside this seat 102 includes a door panel 111 having a hollow structure, a window glass 112, and a door trim 113 as an interior member.

[0005] And a shock absorber 120 is provided between the door trim 113 and the door panel 111. The shock absorber 120 absorbs collision energy by collapsing. In the figure, when a large force is applied from the outside of the vehicle toward the passenger compartment 101, the door panel 111 is deformed and intrudes into the passenger compartment 101. Then, the door trim 113 hits the seat 102, and the shock absorber 120 collapses. By this collapse, a large force is alleviated, and the influence on the passenger sitting on the seat 102 is alleviated.

[0006] FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view of a portion b in FIG. 9(a). As shown in Figure 9(b), the shock absorber 120 consists of a flange 121 fixed to the door trim 113, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 extending from the flange 121 toward the door panel 111, a large-diameter donut plate 123 provided at the tip of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 122, a medium-diameter cylindrical portion 124 extending from the edge of the hole in the large-diameter donut plate 123 toward the door panel 111, a medium-diameter donut plate 125 provided at the tip of the medium-diameter cylindrical portion 124, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 126 extending from the edge of the hole in the medium-diameter donut plate 125 toward the door panel 111, and a lid 127 that closes the tip opening of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 126. The impact absorber 120 has a stepped shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0007] Figure 9(c) is a diagram showing the operation of a conventional shock absorber 120. Because the shock absorber 120 has a stepped shape, it easily collapses, as shown in Figure 9(c). When examining this deformation, the large-diameter donut plate 123 and the medium-diameter donut plate 125 are perpendicular to the axis of application of the external force 128, so they bend easily. Therefore, the shock absorber 120 deforms stably as a whole. On the other hand, the shock absorption of the shock absorber 120 becomes gentler, and its shock absorption performance decreases.

[0008] In the case of the shock absorber 120, there is sometimes a demand to improve its shock absorption performance. Therefore, various structures with higher shock absorption performance than those in Reference Document 1 have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2 (Figure 2)).

[0009] Patent Document 2 will be explained based on the following figure. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another conventional shock absorber. As shown in Figure 10, the shock absorber 130 consists of a flange 131, a tapered cylindrical portion 132 extending from the flange 131 and tapering towards the end, and a lid 133 that closes the opening at the tip of the tapered cylindrical portion 132.

[0010] Because such an impact absorber 130 does not have the large-diameter donut plate 123 and medium-diameter donut plate 125 shown in Figure 9(b), its rigidity is increased, and consequently, its impact absorption performance is improved.

[0011] In other words, when an external force F1 is applied along the axis 134 of the tapered cylindrical portion 132, the tapered cylindrical portion 132 collapses and exhibits the desired shock absorption performance. However, when subjected to an external force F2 applied in a direction inclined with respect to the axis 134 of the tapered cylindrical portion 132, angles θa and θb do not change easily, causing the tapered cylindrical portion 132 to collapse in an irregular manner, reducing its shock absorption performance and making it unstable.

[0012] By the way, in cases of side collisions, where a large external force is applied to a vehicle from the side, external force F2 is more frequent than external force F1. Therefore, a shock absorber that can stably absorb impacts applied at an angle is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-140743 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-205671 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The object of this invention is to provide an impact absorber that can stably absorb impacts that are applied at an angle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to the impact absorber in the first disclosure, it is provided between a vehicle door panel and a door trim that covers the door panel from the passenger compartment side and is part of the interior of the passenger compartment. A protruding portion extends from the door trim side toward the door panel side, with its tip capable of receiving the door panel and its base end separated from the back surface of the door trim, It is provided on the outer periphery of the base end of the protruding portion and includes a fixing portion that can be fixed to the door trim. The base end of the protruding portion and the fixing portion are connected via an annular connecting portion. The connecting portion has an inclined portion that approaches the door trim as it goes inward in the radial direction of the axis of the protruding portion.

[0016] According to the shock absorber according to the second disclosure that can be subordinate to the first disclosure, preferably, The connecting portion has a second inclined portion that moves away from the door trim as it goes inward in the radial direction of the axis of the protruding portion, The second inclined portion connects the inclined portion and the fixing portion.

[0017] According to the shock absorber according to the third disclosure that can be subordinate to the first or second disclosure, preferably, The back surface of the door trim has a base portion that protrudes toward the door panel side. The fixing portion can be fixed to the base portion. Based on the direction in which the axis of the protruding portion extends, the base end of the protruding portion is at the same position as the tip of the base portion.

[0018] According to the shock absorber according to the fourth disclosure that can be subordinate to the first or second disclosure, preferably, The back surface of the door trim has a base portion that protrudes toward the door panel side. Based on the direction in which the axis of the protruding portion extends, the base end of the protruding portion is closer to the door trim than the tip of the base portion.

[0019] According to the shock absorber according to the fifth disclosure that can be subordinate to any one of the first to fourth disclosures, preferably, A plurality of holes extending along the axis are provided in the protruding portion.

[0020] According to the shock absorber according to the sixth disclosure that can be subordinate to the fifth disclosure, preferably, The holes extend to the base end of the protruding portion.

[0021] According to the seventh disclosure, which may be dependent on any of the first to sixth disclosures, a shock absorber is preferably provided, A second connecting portion is interposed between the base end of the protruding portion and the connecting portion. The second connecting portion is annular in shape and extends parallel to the back surface of the door trim. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to this disclosure, the impact absorber has a projection capable of absorbing impact and a fixing portion capable of fixing the projection, connected via a connecting portion, at least a portion of which is bent. In addition, the base end of the projection is separated from the back surface of the door trim. Immediately after an impact is applied, the connection point deforms, causing the protruding part to easily orient itself in the direction of the impact. At this time, since the base end of the protruding part is separated from the back surface of the door trim, the door trim does not obstruct the protruding part's ability to change direction. As a result, the present invention provides an impact absorber that can stably absorb impacts that are applied at an angle.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting portion has a second inclined portion in addition to the inclined portion. Furthermore, the protruding portion is more likely to be oriented in the direction of the impact input, and the stability of impact absorption is enhanced.

[0024] Preferably, the base on the door trim side protrudes toward the door panel side. The base end of the protruding portion is at the same position as the tip of the base on the door trim side. The base of the protruding part can be separated from the back surface of the door trim by the amount of the base's protrusion allowance, preventing the base of the protruding part from contacting the back surface of the door trim in the initial stages of impact.

[0025] Preferably, the base on the door trim side protrudes toward the door panel side. The base end of the protruding portion is closer to the door trim than the tip of the base on the door trim side. Because a portion (base) of the shock absorber enters the door trim, the distance between the door panel and the door trim can be reduced.

[0026] Preferably, the protruding portion is provided with multiple holes extending along its axis. The load during shock absorption can be kept to an appropriate value.

[0027] Preferably, the hole extends to the base end of the projection. Undercutting of the mold for the shock absorber becomes unnecessary.

[0028] Preferably, a second connecting portion is interposed between the base end of the protrusion and the connecting portion. The second connecting portion is annular and extends parallel to the back surface of the door trim. The load during shock absorption can be kept to an appropriate value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of the shock absorber according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration in which the shock absorber is attached to a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) illustrates the action of the shock absorber according to the comparative example, and Figures 2(b) and 2(c) illustrate the action of the shock absorber according to the example. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the impact absorber according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 9] This graph illustrates the amount of energy absorbed. [Figure 10]Figure 10(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle equipped with a conventional shock absorber, Figure 10(b) is an enlarged view of part b of Figure 10(a), and Figure 10(c) is a diagram illustrating the operation of a conventional shock absorber. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of another conventional shock absorber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference numerals. [Examples]

[0031] [Shock absorber according to the first embodiment] As shown in Figure 1(a), the shock absorber 10 consists of a pointed tapered cylindrical projection 11, a fixing part 14 that is fixed to the door trim 12 with fasteners 13 such as bolts, and a connecting part 15 that connects the fixing part 14 to the base end 11a of the projection 11. The connecting part 15 has an annular shape because it surrounds the base end 11a of the projection 11.

[0032] [Slanted part] Furthermore, the connecting portion 15 has an inclined portion 16 that approaches the door trim 12 as it moves radially inward along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11. This inclined portion 16 may constitute the entirety of the connecting portion 15 or only a part of it.

[0033] Since the connecting portion 15 is annular, the inclined portion 16 is also annular. Because it is annular, the inclined portion 16 has an outer circumference 16a and an inner circumference 16b. In other words, the inclined portion 16 is inclined such that the inner circumference 16b approaches the door trim 12 along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11 with respect to the outer circumference 16a.

[0034] The shock absorber 10 is primarily made of resin, but may also be made of light metals such as aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. The fastener 13 is primarily a bolt, but may also be a screw, headed pin, tapping screw, rivet, or adhesive.

[0035] Figure 1(b) shows an example of an impact absorber 10 with this structure attached to a vehicle door. As shown in Figure 1(b), the shock absorber 10 is installed between the door panel 18 and the door trim 12, which is the interior of the passenger compartment (Figure 10, reference numeral 101), and covers the door panel 18 from the passenger compartment side.

[0036] [Protrusion] The protruding portion 11 of the impact absorber 10 protrudes from the door trim 12 side toward the door panel 18 side, with its tip capable of receiving the door panel 18, and its base end 11a being separated from the back surface 12a of the door trim 12 by δ1.

[0037] [Fixed part] The fixing portion 14 of the shock absorber 10 is provided on the outer circumference of the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11, and can be fixed to the door trim 12.

[0038] [Connection part] The connecting portion 15 of the shock absorber 10 is an annular portion that connects the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11 and the fixing portion 14, and has an inclined portion 16.

[0039] [Slanted part] The inclined portion 16 included in the connecting portion 15 is inclined so as it moves radially inward along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11, it approaches the door trim. Furthermore, the inclined portion 16 is also a part in which the inner circumference 16b is inclined with respect to the outer circumference 16a, along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11, so as to approach the door trim 12.

[0040] The function of the shock absorber 10, which has the above configuration, will be explained based on Figures 2(a) to 2(c). Note that Figure 2(a) is a reproduction of Figure 11.

[0041] In Figure 2(a), the angles between the flange 131 and the tapered cylindrical portion 132 are denoted as θa and θb. Conventional shock absorbers 10 have high rigidity, so even when subjected to an oblique external force F2, θa and θb do not change easily. As a result, the shock absorber 10 collapses in a distorted manner rather than in a predetermined manner. This distorted collapse reduces shock absorption performance and makes the structure unstable.

[0042] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2(b), the connecting portion 15 that connects the protruding portion 11 and the fixed portion 14 includes an inclined portion 16. Let the angles between the inclined portion 16 and the protruding portion 11 be θ1 and θ2. Since the intersection of the inclined portion 16 and the protruding portion 11 is a V-shaped cross-section, the interior angles θ1 and θ2 of this V-shape change with a smaller force than the angles θa and θb shown in Figure 2(a). Specifically, the base end 11a near angle θ1 approaches the door trim 12, causing angle θ1 to decrease. On the other hand, the base end 11a near angle θ2 experiences less displacement, causing angle θ2 to increase.

[0043] As a result, as shown in Figure 2(c), the protrusion 11 tilts so that its axis 11b aligns with the force F2. Subsequently, the impact absorber 10 is crushed along the axis 11b by the force F2 into a predetermined shape. Furthermore, the above actions are performed smoothly because the base end 11a is separated from the back surface of the door trim 12 by a distance of δ1.

[0044] Therefore, in the present invention, the inclined portion 16 and the distance δ1 are essential. The presence of the inclined portion 16 and the distance δ1 provides an impact absorber 10 that can stably absorb impacts that are input at an angle.

[0045] Next, examples of modifications to the present invention will be described in order with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0046] [Shock absorber according to the second embodiment] Based on Figure 3, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The shock absorber 10 shown in Figure 3 differs from that in Figure 1(b) in that the connecting portion 15 is equipped with a second inclined portion 21 in addition to the inclined portion 16. Since the other elements remain unchanged, the same reference numerals as in Figure 1(b) are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the second inclined portion 21 is positioned at the point where the inclined portion 16 and the fixed portion 14 are connected. The second inclined portion 21 is inclined so as it moves radially inward along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11, it moves away from the door trim 12.

[0048] In other words, the second inclined portion 21 has an outer peripheral portion 21a and an inner peripheral portion 21b, and the inner peripheral portion 21b is inclined with respect to the outer peripheral portion 21a along the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11 so as to move away from the door trim 12.

[0049] [Effects and Actions of the Second Embodiment] As is clear from Figure 3, the protruding portion 11 and the inclined portion 16 form a V-shaped cross section, and in addition, the inclined portion 16 and the second inclined portion 21 form a second V-shaped cross section. As a result, the deformability at the connecting portion 15 is doubled. When the deformability is doubled, the changes from Figure 2(b) to Figure 2(c) occur more quickly, and the effects of the present invention are more reliably demonstrated.

[0050] [Impact absorber according to the third embodiment] Based on Figure 4, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. The impact absorber 10 shown in Figure 4 differs from that in Figure 3 in that the distance between the back surface 12a of the door trim 12 and the tip of the base end 11a is set to δ2, which is greater than δ1. Other elements remain unchanged, so the same reference numerals as in Figure 3 are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0051] In other words, the back surface 12a of the door trim 12 has a base portion 23 that protrudes toward the door panel 18. The fixing portion 14 can be fixed to the base portion 23. With reference to the direction in which the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11 extends, the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11 is in the same position as the tip of the base portion 23.

[0052] [Effects and Actions of the Third Embodiment] By making the distance δ2 between the back surface 12a of the door trim 12 and the tip of the base end 11a sufficiently large, the base end 11a is less likely to come into contact with the back surface 12a of the door trim 12, thereby more reliably achieving the effects of the present invention.

[0053] In addition, since the base end 11a of the protrusion 11 is in the same position as the tip of the base 23, the tip of the fixing part 14 and the base end 11a are aligned on the same plane. Because they are aligned on the same plane, there is an advantage in that the design of the mold is simplified for both resin molding molds and press molding molds.

[0054] [Impact absorber according to the fourth embodiment] Based on Figure 5, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The impact absorber 10 shown in Figure 5 differs from that in Figure 3 in that the distance between the back surface of the door trim 12 and the tip of the base end 11a is set to δ3, which is smaller than δ1. Other elements remain unchanged, so the same reference numerals as in Figure 3 are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0055] In other words, the back surface of the door trim 12 is provided with a base portion 23 that protrudes toward the door panel 18, and with reference to the direction in which the axis 11b of the protruding portion 11 extends, the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11 is positioned closer to the door trim 12 than the tip of the base portion 23.

[0056] [Effects and Actions of the Fourth Embodiment] Although there is a risk that the base end 11a may come into contact with the back surface of the door trim 12, the distance L from the door panel 18 to the door trim 12 can be reduced. A smaller distance L allows for a more compact vehicle door.

[0057] [Shock absorber according to the fifth embodiment] Based on Figure 6, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The impact absorber 10 shown in Figure 6 differs from that in Figure 5 in that it has multiple elongated holes 25 extending along the axis 11b in the protruding portion 11. Other elements remain unchanged, so the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 are used, and detailed explanations are omitted. It is recommended to provide three elongated holes 25 along the circumference at 120° intervals, but it is also acceptable to provide four holes along the circumference at 90° intervals; the number is arbitrary.

[0058] [Effects and Actions of the Fifth Embodiment] As will be explained in detail in Figure 9 below, the load during shock absorption can be kept to an appropriate value.

[0059] [Impact absorber according to the 6th embodiment] Based on Figure 7, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The impact absorber 10 shown in Figure 7 differs from that in Figure 6 in the range in which the elongated hole 25 is set. Specifically, the elongated hole 25 extends to the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11. Other elements remain unchanged, so the reference numerals from Figure 6 are reused, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0060] [Effects and Actions of Embodiment 6] Compared to the fifth embodiment, undercutting of the mold for the shock absorber 10 is unnecessary.

[0061] [Impact absorber according to the 7th embodiment] Based on Figure 8, the form of the impact absorber 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The impact absorber 10 shown in Figure 8 differs from that in Figure 5 in that a second connecting portion 27 is interposed between the base end 11a of the protruding portion 11 and the connecting portion 15. Since the other elements remain unchanged, the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0062] The second connecting portion 27 is an annular portion that extends parallel to the back surface of the door trim 12, that is, a portion that extends perpendicular to the axis 11b. Because the second connecting portion 27 is perpendicular to the axis 11b, it easily bends in the direction along the axis 11b when subjected to an external force. Therefore, the impact load is mitigated.

[0063] [Effects and Actions of Embodiment 7] As will be explained in detail in Figure 9 below, the load during shock absorption can be kept to an appropriate value.

[0064] [Energy absorption performance] Figure 9 is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents stroke, or compression, the vertical axis represents the externally applied force, or impact load, and the shaded area represents the amount of energy absorbed. Examples 1 through 4 are shown with solid lines, and Examples 5 through 7 are shown with dashed lines. The solid and dashed lines represent roughly the same initial rise, but the load after the rise (the load roughly parallel to the horizontal axis) is smaller for the dashed line. Therefore, the fifth to seventh embodiments can suppress the load during impact absorption to an appropriate value compared to the first to fourth embodiments. [Industrial applicability]

[0065] This invention is suitable for impact absorbers incorporated into vehicle doors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10…Shock absorber 11...Protrusion 11a... Base of the protrusion 11b...Axis of the protruding part 12…Door trim 12a... Back of the door trim 14...Fixed part 15…Connection part 16…Slope part 16a...Outer periphery of the inclined section 16b...Inner circumference of the inclined section 18… Door panel 21…Second slope part 21a...Outer periphery of the second inclined section 21b...Inner circumference of the second inclined section 23... Base (Base attached to the door trim) 27...Second connection section 100...vehicles 101…Vehicle compartment

Claims

1. A door panel for the vehicle and a door trim, which covers this door panel from the passenger compartment side and is part of the interior of the passenger compartment, are located between them. A protruding portion extends from the door trim side toward the door panel side, with its tip capable of receiving the door panel and its base end separated from the back surface of the door trim, The protruding portion comprises a fixing portion provided on the outer circumference of the base end of the protruding portion and capable of being fixed to the door trim, The base end of the protruding portion and the fixed portion are connected via an annular connecting portion. The connecting portion has an inclined portion that approaches the door trim as it moves radially inward along the axis of the protruding portion. The connecting portion has a second inclined portion that moves away from the door trim as it extends radially inward along the axis of the protruding portion. The second inclined portion connects the inclined portion and the fixed portion. The back surface of the aforementioned door trim is provided with a base that protrudes toward the door panel side, The fixing portion is fixable to the base portion, An impact absorber in which, with reference to the direction in which the axis of the protrusion extends, the base end of the protrusion is in the same position as the tip of the base.

2. A door panel for a vehicle and a door trim that covers the door panel from the passenger compartment side and is part of the interior of the passenger compartment, provided between the door panel and the door trim. A protruding portion extends from the door trim side toward the door panel side, with its tip capable of receiving the door panel and its base end separated from the back surface of the door trim, The protruding portion comprises a fixing portion provided on the outer circumference of the base end of the protruding portion and capable of being fixed to the door trim, The base end of the protruding portion and the fixed portion are connected via an annular connecting portion. The connecting portion has an inclined portion that approaches the door trim as it moves radially inward along the axis of the protruding portion. The connecting portion has a second inclined portion that moves away from the door trim as it extends radially inward along the axis of the protruding portion. The second inclined portion connects the inclined portion and the fixed portion. The back surface of the aforementioned door trim is provided with a base that protrudes toward the door panel side, An impact absorber in which, with reference to the direction in which the axis of the protrusion extends, the base end of the protrusion is closer to the door trim than the tip of the base.

3. An impact absorber according to claim 1 or claim 2, Multiple holes extending along the axis are provided in the aforementioned protruding portion.

4. The shock absorber according to claim 3, The hole extends to the base end of the protrusion.

5. An impact absorber according to claim 1 or claim 2, A second connecting portion is interposed between the base end of the protruding portion and the connecting portion. The second connecting portion is annular in shape and extends parallel to the back surface of the door trim.

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