Method providing weight reduction in vehicle hoods and a weight-reduced engine hood

Abstract

The invention is a method to be applied to hoods (A) consisting of an outer panel (10) and an inner panel (20) structure, particularly to provide weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles; characterized in that from the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) which are connected to each other, the inner panel (20) surface is formed during the shaping process of the said inner panel (20) to include multiple support openings (201), and characterized by connecting supports (30) made of material lighter than the inner panel (20) in sections where strength is needed on the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) that are connected to each other.

Description

[0001] METHOD PROVIDING WEIGHT REDUCTION IN VEHICLE HOODS AND A WEIGHT-REDUCED ENGINE HOOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to the innovation made in the cover section that provides the closing of the upper part of the engine compartment of vehicles.

[0004] The invention particularly relates to the innovation that provides weight reduction by the improvement made in the production method of the cover / door located at the upper part of the engine compartment.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] In general, the hood panel is mounted to the front part of the vehicle, thus protecting the parts in the engine compartment and at the same time, the hood panel can be opened and closed for the replacement and repair of components in the engine compartment. Hood panels are generally made of two different parts, namely the inner panel and the outer panel, and are assembled to vehicles by being joined together. Thanks to the structure where the outer panel and inner panel come together, the rigidity and durability of the hood are increased. Particularly, the inner panel has a frame structure for rigidity reinforcement.

[0007] In vehicles, weight reduction is aimed by manufacturers especially for the purpose of reducing emission values. Along with weight reduction, improving road handling is also important. Moreover, considering electric and hybrid vehicles, reducing the vehicle's weight can directly affect the range, and balanced extra battery usage with the reduced weight also plays an active role in increasing the range.

[0008] In the known technique, the cover located at the upper part of the engine compartment in vehicles is made of at least two sheet metal pieces and then connected to each other by welding or bending. In this way, the metal in plate form is made strong and can be used in the front section of the vehicle. In the known technique, hood parts are produced by shaping two sheet metals through pressing. Although the weight of sheet metal constitutes a disadvantage, its low production cost is the reason for preference.

[0009] Another application in the known technique is the production of hood / vehicle body parts by shaping aluminum plates through pressing. Especially the lower weight of aluminum compared to sheet metal is the reason for preference. However, in aluminum applications, both the process cost and production cost being high is another disadvantage.

[0010] The use of aluminum and sheet metal together, especially the production of parts remaining on the inner and outer sides with independent materials from each other, appears as another weight reduction method.

[0011] In the KIPO patent document with publication number KR101326514B1 , a hybrid hood structure is mentioned. Within the scope of the relevant application, the use of multiple conical structures especially in the inner panel of the hood is mentioned. It is stated that due to pedestrian safety, the existing solution is insufficient, and there is a need to develop a hybrid inner panel structure. In the said patent, elements with multiple indented and protruded surface forms are used on the inner panel of the hood. In this way, while increasing rigidity, it is aimed to also increase energy absorption capability.

[0012] When the solutions in the known technique are considered in general, an application regarding weight reduction by improving rigidity is not identified.

[0013] As a result, all the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant field.

[0014] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention aims to eliminate the problems mentioned above and to make a technical innovation in the relevant field.

[0016] The main object of the invention is to present a hybrid vehicle body part structure with reduced weight by using alternative components in a part of the hood structure that vehicles have. Another object of the invention is to provide weight reduction in vehicles. Another object of the invention is to increase rigidity in the hood section.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to improve the emission values of the vehicle depending on the weight reduction.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to minimize weight-dependent energy losses in electric and hybrid vehicles.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will arise from the detailed description below, the present invention is a method providing weight reduction in the hood sections of vehicles and a motor hood with reduced weight.

[0021] In the known technique, weight reduction of hood parts is approached by changing the material. One of these is to present a body element with an aluminum or sheet metal- aluminum configuration instead of sheet metal. Another is to use a body element made entirely of composite material. Within the scope of the invention, weight reduction in the use of aluminum or sheet metal can be achieved thanks to the presented hybrid structure. In this way, a product that is lighter than the alternatives is presented. A more economical product is created compared to a body element made entirely of composite.

[0022] The invention is a vehicle hood component with reduced weight; characterized by an outer panel made of steel sheet metal material and an inner panel connected to the said outer panel after shaping; a plurality of support openings located on the inner panel in regions where there is no direct connection with the outer panel to provide weight reduction by being hollowed out; comprising supports connected to at least one of the said support openings.

[0023] The invention is a method to be applied in hoods composed especially of an outer panel and inner panel structure, to provide weight reduction in the hood sections of vehicles; characterized by forming multiple support openings on the surface of the inner panel, which is connected to the outer panel, during the shaping process of the said inner panel, and connecting supports made of material lighter than the inner panel in regions where there is a need for rigidity on the outer panel and inner panel connected to each other. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports are adhered to the support openings on the inner panel to provide the connection.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said adhesive is an epoxy based adhesive.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said inner panel and outer panel are made of steel material.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports are made of aluminum material.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, characterized in that the supports are made of composite material.

[0028] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to what is described in this brief and detailed description for the purpose of exemplification. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can put forward similar structures in light of what is explained above without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 : A representative perspective drawing showing an embodiment of the invention is given.

[0031] Figure 2: A representative exploded drawing showing another embodiment of the invention is given.

[0032] Figure 3: A perspective drawing of an embodiment of the support structure that the invention has is given.

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B: Representative detailed drawings showing the use of the support structure are given.

[0034] The drawings are not intended to limit the protection scope defined in the claims and should not be referred to on their own without resorting to the technical description in the present invention's disclosure to interpret the scope defined in the said claims. The drawings in question are intended to define the invention by adding clarity. REFERANS EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0035] 10: Outer panel

[0036] 20: Inner panel

[0037] 201 : Support opening

[0038] 30: Support

[0039] 31 : Connection edge

[0040] 32: Connection side wall

[0041] 33: Support base

[0042] A: Hood

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In this detailed description, the method that provides weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles and a motor hood (A) with reduced weight, which is the subject of the invention, is explained with examples that will not create any limiting effect, only for better understanding of the subject.

[0045] The invention relates to the innovation that provides weight reduction by the improvement made in the production method of the cover / door located at the upper part of the engine compartment.

[0046] The invention is a method to be applied in hoods (A), which are composed especially of an outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) structure, to provide weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles; characterized by forming multiple support openings (201 ) on the surface of the inner panel (20), which is connected to the outer panel (10), during the shaping process of the said inner panel (20), and connecting supports (30) made of material lighter than the inner panel (20) in regions where there is a need for rigidity on the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) connected to each other.

[0047] The invention is characterized by an outer panel (10) made of steel sheet metal material and an inner panel (20) connected to the said outer panel (10) after shaping; a plurality of support openings (201 ) located on the inner panel (20) in regions where there is no direct connection with the outer panel (10) to provide weight reduction by being hollowed out; comprising supports (30) connected to at least one of the said support openings (201 ).

[0048] In Figure 1 and Figure 2, drawings showing two different representative embodiments of the invention are given.

[0049] Within the scope of the invention, the hood (A) is made of two different metal materials, namely the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20). In the preferred embodiment, the said metal material is in the form of a flat plate and is shaped by means of pressing. The said outer panel (10) is preferably in continuous form and forms the outer surface of the vehicle's hood (A) section. The inner panel (20) shaped by means of pressing is connected to the inner side of the said outer panel (10). The said connection can preferably be formed by bending the edge portions of the outer panel (10) over the inner panel (20). Sealant putty and similar components can be applied to the said connection regions. In another preferred embodiment, the said connection can be carried out by welding process. Another preferred configuration of the said outer panel (10) and inner panel (20), the rigidity of the hood (A) is improved.

[0050] The inner panel (20) that the invention has includes one or more support openings (201 ) formed on it. The said support opening (201 ) is a hollow structure formed on the inner panel (20). Support (30) elements are positioned on the said support openings (201 ).

[0051] When the embodiments given in Figure 1 and Figure 2 are examined, weight reduction of the inner panel (20) is provided via the support openings (201 ) located on the inner panel (20). Through the supports (30) positioned on the said support openings (201 ), rigidity losses on the inner panel (20) are prevented and the weight of the inner panel (20) is reduced.

[0052] During the shaping processes of the inner panel (20) while being processed on the press, support openings (201 ) are formed. Supports (30) are fixed onto the said support openings (201 ), and by supporting the outer panel (10) together with the inner panel, the improvement of rigidity is provided.

[0053] In Figure 3, a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the support (30) that the invention has is given. The said support (30) includes a connection edge (31 ) at the edge portion, and the said connection edge (31 ) preferably contacts the inner surface of the inner support (20), increasing the contact surface. The support (30) includes a support base (33) at the bottom section, and a connection side wall (32) is located between the said support base (33) and the connection edge (31 ). By these three components being connected to each other and forming an integral support (30) structure, the rigidity of the inner panel (20) can be improved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support base (33) can be connected to the outer panel (10). The said side wall (32) can support the support opening (201 ) on the inner panel (20) from the edge portions and provide an increase in rigidity in the relevant region.

[0054] In Figures 3A and 3B, drawings showing the use of two different embodiments of the support (30) are given. The said connection edge (31 ) of the support (30) can extend towards the inner panel (20), thereby increasing the contact surface. The support (30) can be fixed to the inner panel (20) by being adhered from the relevant regions.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) are made of metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the said metal material is in the form of a flat plate and is shaped by means of pressing. The said outer panel (10) is preferably in continuous form and forms the outer surface of the vehicle's hood (A) section.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer panel (10) and / or inner panel (20) are made of aluminum material, and the support (30) elements providing rigidity to the inner panel (20) are made of sheet metal material. Within this scope, as in the drawings indicated in Figure 3A, the support (30) can be connected by at least one of connection methods such as welding / compressing / crushing / adhesive bonding.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inner panel (20) and outer panel (10) are made of sheet metal material and are shaped in the press.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the outer panel (10) is made of steel material and the inner panel (20) is made of aluminum material.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports (30) are made of aluminum material and are shaped in the press.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports (30) are made of composite material. The said support (30) elements can be adhered to the inner panel (20) using at least one adhesive material. Within the scope of the method of the invention, as seen in an embodiment given in Figure 2, the support (30) elements can be positioned in regions where support openings (201 ) are needed. In this context, the support openings (201 ) to which the support (30) will be connected are in the same form with each other, and the said support (30) elements can be independently positioned onto the relevant support opening (201 ). In this way, while usage can be increased in regions on the inner panel (20) where there is a need to increase rigidity, it is also possible to use support (30) elements with different rigidity.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports (30) located on the hybrid structured inner panel (20) undertake the function of absorbing shock in case of an accident, especially in the case of hitting a pedestrian.

[0062] Within the scope of the hybrid hood (A) part production method subject to the invention, it is possible to use steel sheet plates with different thicknesses.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supports (30) can be adhered to the inner panel (20) with an epoxy-based adhesive.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method to provide weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles, especially to apply in hoods (A) consisting of an outer panel (10) and an inner panel (20) structure; characterized in that, from the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) which are connected to each other, the inner panel (20) surface is formed during the shaping process of the said inner panel (20) to include multiple support openings (201 ), and supports (30) made of material lighter than the inner panel (20) are connected in sections where strength is needed on the outer panel (10) and inner panel (20) that are connected to each other.

2. A method providing weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles according to claim 1 ; characterized in that the connection is provided by adhering the supports to the support openings (201 ) located on the inner panel (20).

3. A method providing weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles according to claim 2; characterized in that the said adhesive is an epoxy-based adhesive.

4. A method providing weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles according to claim 1 ; characterized in that the said inner panel (20) and outer panel (10) are made of steel material.

5. A method providing weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles according to any of the above claims; characterized in that the supports (30) are made of aluminum material.

6. A method providing weight reduction in the hood (A) sections of vehicles according to any of the above claims; characterized in that the supports (30) are made of composite material.

7. A weight-reduced vehicle hood (A) component obtained as a result of the method described in the above claims; characterized by an outer panel (10) made of steelsheet metal material and an inner panel (20) connected to the said outer panel (10) after shaping;A plurality of support openings (201 ), which are cut-outs to provide weight reduction, positioned on the said inner panel (20) in regions where there is no direct connection with the outer panel (10);Characterized by including at least one support (30) connected to at least one of the said support openings (201 ).

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