DE102004059545A1 - Device for absorbing energy e.g. during motor vehicle collision has check mechanism that allows relative movement of collision transmitting element within the overall stroke of movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a check mechanism (9) that allows the relative movement of collision transmitting element (4) within the overall stroke of the movement in the middle of the barrier impact speed range. The energy-absorbing device (1) is enclosed by plastic deformation material whereby the deformation device is adjustable through the relative motion of the collision-transmitting element.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for receiving or discharging of energy, in particular in a vehicle crash, according to the preamble of Patent claim 1.

Generic energy absorption devices come for example, but by no means exclusively, in In particular the vehicle front of motor vehicles for Commitment. Such energy absorbers, in different Impact velocity ranges a different energy absorption behavior or, have different compliances, serve in particular the purpose, the risk of injury, the pedestrian colliding with are exposed to a vehicle.

The the pedestrian impact underlying problem is that in terms of crash safety of motor vehicles in different speed ranges and with different crash types ideally crash-dependent respectively specific resiliences or stiffnesses, in particular in the Area of the vehicle front or in the bumper area available have to be.

So for example, the vehicle should have smaller parking bumps, preferably occur at driving speeds close to zero, survive virtually completely undamaged. Because at parking bumps despite the extremely low speeds because of the big one Vehicle mass and the often small contact surfaces considerable forces occur allowed to the affected limiting components of the vehicle are not too yielding accomplished be too deep penetration of the crash opponent in the respective vehicle component, to avoid with correspondingly disadvantageous damage sequence.

A there is a further requirement for the crash structures of a vehicle in it, the harmful consequences from vehicle collisions relatively small Speeds, for example in the range below 20 kilometers per hour to minimize. One of the main requirements is in this case in it, even at low speeds already quite significant Crash energy and completely in the field of special crash structures to transform into deformation work, in this way expensive and often irreparable damage minimize or prevent the vehicle structure. Also to this The purpose is relatively high stiffness the energy absorption structure in the area of the vehicle front or in the Area of the bumper required.

Becomes however, in addition the pedestrian impact at typical inner-city Speeds (for example, between 20 and 40 kilometers per hour) considered, the requirements for the constructive Design especially the vehicle front further increased. at additional consideration of pedestrian impact are from the front of the vehicle or from the energy absorption structures structurally even contradictory in the area of the vehicle front To meet requirements.

Because due to the comparatively low mass of a human body in a pedestrian impact - by one at first adapted to parking bumps or vehicle crashes, relatively stiff Crash structure or vehicle front - very high forces or Accelerations exerted on the human body. This, however, creates significant risk of injury to the pedestrian, which is why with classically constructed vehicle fronts also rising statutory or in the form of self-commitment by the automotive industry imposed requirements regarding pedestrian impact protection no longer meet without further ado to let.

The constructive consideration of pedestrian impact rather requires one already at relatively low forces especially flexible vehicle outer skin especially in the area of the front bumper, which adds to the body of the pedestrian a pedestrian impact generally meets first. Hereby the physiological maximum permissible Acceleration values are also in the range of the bumper or in the In the area of the vehicle front, incur considerable deformation paths, around the body acting accelerations and thus to keep forces as low as possible.

In order to For example, the requirements for the vehicle bumper, the result from the special characteristics of pedestrian impact, almost diametrically opposed to the requirements of harm reduction on the motor vehicle in the event of parking bumps or vehicle crashes at low speed. Because in the last two cases are generally relatively high Outer skin stiffness and so that the formation of permanent deformations only at very high forces he wishes, while the consideration of pedestrian impact soft, almost soft vehicle fronts as well as large deformation paths already at the relatively low Force effects of the human body on the motor vehicle calls.

Given the background of this problem, selectively reacting energy absorption devices have already been proposed which, depending on the type the impact or depending on the impact velocity with different stiffness or compliance respond. For example, from the EP 1 386 795 A2 an energy absorbing device is known, with which the bumper can be practically rigidly locked to the vehicle structure at low impact speeds, while this lock is disabled at the higher impact speeds of the typical pedestrian accident. In this way, significantly greater deformation paths or resiliency on the vehicle front can be provided for the pedestrian impact, the kinematic sequence of the pedestrian impact is improved, and the forces and moments acting on the human body can be reduced.

The from the cited document known energy absorption device However, for a complicated and relatively large, and thus both expensive in the production as well as consuming assembly, as well as potentially error prone. On the other hand, this one known energy absorption device in particular the disadvantage that the energy absorber does not contribute in terms of damage limitation on the motor vehicle in the case of typical vehicle crashes can deliver at low speeds. this means in other words, that it is known from the prior art Teaching requires extra Provide crash elements, which are designed to absorb the vehicle crashes responsible for low-speed energy. However, this is on the one hand additionally corresponding space required on the vehicle, and it will fall for this, in addition to the already considerable associated with the energy intake device Effort, further costs.

It is with this background object of the present invention, a Energy intake device especially for motor vehicles, with overcome the mentioned disadvantages of the prior art to let. In particular, the energy intake device should not only at different impact speeds or crash situations, especially in pedestrian impact, selectively different compliances in the area of the vehicle front but above In addition, a controlled energy reduction in the case of vehicle crashes at relatively low Allow driving speeds.

These Task is by an energy absorption device with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are Subject of the dependent claims.

The Energy absorption device according to the invention includes in itself first known manner, at least one shock transmission element, the relative to the vehicle substantially along the direction of travel to one certain movement stroke is displaceable. Furthermore, the energy receiving device in a known per se, a blocking device, the at least one substantially transverse to the movement stroke of the shock transmission element movable locking body includes. By the at least one locking body, between a rest position and a working position is movable, can be the shock transmission element in a first, minimum impact velocity range substantially immobile rigid with respect to the vehicle structure lock, while the Locking device or the locking body in a second, high impact velocity range not in Action occurs, and thus the essentially force-free relative movement of Shock-transmitting element allowed relative to the vehicle structure.

On This way you can already meet the different requirements in terms of Parking bumps at driving speeds close to zero (high rigidity, low compliance, low deformation paths) and in the case of pedestrian impact at urban speeds (low rigidity, high compliance, size Deformation paths), depending on each from the impact speed, meet.

Draws according to the invention However, the energy intake device characterized by the fact that the Relative movement of the shock transmission element within its intended movement stroke also in a third, middle impact velocity range is made possible. Includes the energy intake device additionally a crash-dependent the locking device controllable forming arrangement with at least one Forming means. The forming arrangement with the at least one forming agent used for defined plastic material deformation, and is by means of the relative movement of the shock transmission element drivable.

This in other words means that the compliance of the energy absorbing device according to the invention not only for the case of pedestrian impact at relatively high Speed, ie at typical urban speed, given is. Rather lets the movement stroke of the shock transmission element the energy absorbing device thanks to the invention now also for the case of the vehicle crash without pedestrian participation relatively small Exploit speeds.

However, the movement stroke of the In contrast to the prior art, and in contrast to the case of pedestrian impact - used to transform the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle or the crash partner in deformation work, by means of the relative movement of the shock transmission element, the forming arrangement of the energy absorbing device according to the invention is driven. In this way, the energy absorption device according to the invention counteracts the inward movement of the shock transmission element by an order of magnitude higher counterforce compared to the pedestrian impact, with the overcoming of which by the forming arrangement a corresponding volume of material is reshaped in such a way that large parts of the crash energy can already be dissipated by the energy absorption device.

This is extremely beneficial insofar as now large Parts of the entire crash management taken over solely by the energy absorption device according to the invention can be. Because the energy absorbing device ensures thanks to the invention both at parking bumps for the desired high Skin stiffness or small foreign body penetration, also builds on vehicle crashes with low relative speeds occurring Crashenergien and sets this to protect the vehicle structure controlled in deformation work, and finally sets nor in the case of pedestrian impact large compliances required at typical in-town speeds and deformation paths in the area of the vehicle front.

There all these functions realized thanks to the invention in one and the same power receiving device are, lets The front of the vehicle is more compact and with more constructive and designerischer Design freedom, it can be compared to the solutions save considerable costs in the state of the art, and the reliability and reliability of the vehicle crash system is improved.

It is for the realization of the invention initially irrelevant how executed the forming arrangement or what volume of material in the corresponding crash case by the Forming is reformed while a controlled Material deformation takes place and as long as the characteristically can be reduced during vehicle crash resulting amounts of energy. According to one preferred embodiment However, the invention provides that the material of the shock transmission element itself is used for forming by the Umformanordnung.

This is beneficial in several ways. First, the shock transmission element meets this Way multiple functions, which otherwise required additional Components and thus required effort and additional Weight omitted. Further leaves This is also the case of a typical vehicle crash minimize damage to the vehicle at low speeds, since the energy intake device essentially already by Replacement of the deformed shock transmission element put back into operating condition.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment The invention is the shock transmission element essentially tubular executed. At the same time, the forming arrangement is set up in such a way that the cross section of the shock transmission element Defined compressed during the deformation in the event of a crash and correspondingly is rewritten.

The Material conversion takes place according to another preferred embodiment by at least one ball, for example by a hardened steel ball, wherein preferably a plurality of balls are present as forming means, which preferably also distributed uniformly along a Circumference of the shock transmission element are arranged.

This In other words, the defined transformation of the in this case tubular Shock-transmitting element done by a whole wreath of balls at the same time, evenly distributed on the circumference of the shock transmission element are arranged.

These on the entire circumference compressive deformation of the tubular material volume particularly advantageous insofar as the forming forces thereby cancel each other out, reducing the total energy absorption device regarding the Reaction forces occurring during forming a structurally advantageous having closed and compact power flow. Furthermore, the for forming available standing material volume in this way in the highest degree possible exploited, creating a particularly efficient conversion of crash energy in a relatively easy and compact power receiving device can be done.

It is initially irrelevant to the realization of the invention, as the locking device with the at least one locking body designed and arranged in the region of the energy absorbing device. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the forming means of the energy absorbing means simultaneously forms the blocking body. Preference is given to the forming agent by the located in its working position Locking body formed. This is advantageous insofar as this again several functions are realized in the same component, which accommodates the desirable simple, robust and cost-saving design of the energy absorbing device with very few moving parts.

The constructive implementation of the rate-dependent interaction between blocking body or forming and shock transfer element is according to the invention initially arbitrary, as long as the three main crash situations "parking bumps", "vehicle crash" and "pedestrian impact" reliably differ to let.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, however, the shock transmission element one over his length mutable Width measurement. It should under "width dimension" that extent the shock transmission element be understood, at the boundary surface of the interaction of the blocking body with the surface the shock transmission element, and thus influencing the mobility of the shock transmission element through the blocking body he follows. For example, in a substantially tubular shock transmission element The width dimension thus corresponds to the respective diameter of the shock transmission element.

there is the locking body Preferably by means of a spring device in the direction of the surface the shock transmission element spring-loaded, so that the locking body when changing position the shock transmission element his own position in each case adapts so that it permanently on the surface the shock transmission element rests, bringing the surface the shock transmission element a control surface forms for controlling the position of the locking body.

This leads in Advantageously, that an immediate and therefore reliable interaction between Shock-transmitting element and blocking body takes place, which also includes the control of the speed-dependent blocking the shock transmission element structurally particularly simple and reliable.

According to one another, preferred embodiment The invention has the shock transmission element for interaction with the blocking body or for controlling the lock body position in a first length range a first, maximum width dimension, in a second length range a second, minimum width dimension, as well as in a third length range a third, middle width measure. Here is the second, having the minimum width dimension length range spatial arranged between the first and the third length range.

Of the blocking body is doing according to one in this context also preferred embodiment from a rest position over an intermediate position can be brought into a working position. there is the shock transmission element essentially free of forces relatively movable, provided that the locking body is in the rest position. Is the locking body in the intermediate position, so the shock transmission element is also essentially free of forces movable relative. However, if the locking body in its working position is the shock transmission element substantially immovable near its initial position by the blocking body rigidly locked.

Preferably comes the locking body while in its rest position at the first, maximum cross-sectional dimension the shock transmission element to the plant, in its intermediate position at the third, middle Cross-sectional dimension of the shock transmission element and is in its working position in the area of the second, minimal Cross-sectional dimension of the shock transmission element brought to the plant. In this way, the position of the lock body at In or out movements the shock transmission element changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the shock transmission element or controlled.

In This connection provides a particularly preferred embodiment the invention that the second length range of the shock transmission element as well as a transition from the second to the third length range the shock transmission element a recess or

Sperrkörperbettung form, due to the inward movement the shock transmission element in self-locking in its bed position locking body located is fixed or snaps into the bedding.

This means in other words that the shape of the shock transmission element with respect to its variable length over the width dimension, or with respect to its variable length, with appropriate inward or outward movement of the shock transmission element not only the rest position, intermediate position and working position variable position of the locking body controls. Moreover, the shape of the course over the length of the shock transmission element also simultaneously forms the bedding for the locking body, in which the locking body can come into self-locking or latching, whereby the locking body substantially rigidly locks the shock transmission element in the vicinity of its initial position. These rigid locks This occurs precisely when the shock transmission element, for example in a parking bump, is moved inwards at a very low speed and with limited force.

Especially Preferably, in his working position in the area of Sperrkörperbettung the shock transmission element located blocking body in this position at the same time as a forming material for material conversion of the third length range the shock transmission element, if a corresponding crash situation is present. The material conversion in the range of the third length range the shock transmission element occurs in each case when in befindlichem in working position blocking body or in the Sperrkörperbettung the shock transmission element located blocking body another inward movement the shock transmission element is enforced. This is done, for example, as a result of a Vehicle crash occurring at low speeds considerable Delay forces that by the deceleration of the big ones Vehicle mass arise.

These embodiment leads to a simple and reliable Construction of the energy absorber, since in this way a and the same lock body position in the bedding of the shock transmission element as well as the lock of the shock transmission element in the first crash case "parking bumpers", as well as for the material deformation in the second crash case "vehicle crash at low speed "used can be.

It is according to one another, preferred embodiment the invention provided that the shock transmission element, for the purpose the safe and reliable guide between the lock body its rest position and its working position, a uniform cross-sectional transition between the first, maximum cross-sectional dimension of the shock transmission element and the second, minimum cross-sectional dimension of the shock transmission member in the area of the barrier bedding having. That way to ensure in particular in connection with the spring device of the locking device, that the locking body for inward and outward movements the shock transmission element at the control surface of the Shock-transmitting element is applied and thus the control movements of the locking body are performed reliably.

It is for the realization of the invention initially not essential Meaning, in what way the constructive implementation of recognition or differentiation of the different grass types or impact velocity ranges the energy absorption device takes place as long as the blocking body thereby reliable in dependency of each detected impact speed or grass type controlled becomes.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment However, the invention is the distinction of the different Grass types or impact velocities according to the inertia principle. For this purpose, the mass of the blocking body or are the moving masses of the spring device and the mass of the locking body and the spring constant of the spring device chosen so that in a collision in the second, high impact velocity range the second length range the shock transmission element or the Sperrkörperbettung the Shock-transmitting element the locking body has already happened when the locking body its intermediate position reached; or before the lock body can enter his working position or in the Sperrkörperbettung in the lock body the shock transmission element rigid lock or would act as a reshaping.

This In other words, that means according to this embodiment the geometric relationships at the with the locking body in contact control surface of the shock transmission element and the Size of the relatively movable Masses in the area of the barrier device - in particular the mass of the blocking body as well as the spring device - and after all the spring constant of the spring device matched in such a way are that the locking body in a crash in the high impact speed range due his inertia first once from the control surface the shock transmission element lift off, and only then hit the surface of the shock transmission element again, if the second length range the shock transmission element with the Sperrkörperbettung located there the position of the locking body already happened.

There the so executed mechanical detection and differentiation of the respective grass species Impact speed on the immediate link in particular the basic physical quantities mass, Power and acceleration based, as well as completely independent completely within the energy intake device itself, can be in this way a very reliable operation ensure the energy absorption device.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, blocking body and spring device are arranged in a common housing. Preferably, the spring device is arranged axially in the housing. This embodiment has the great advantage that it is extremely space-saving, compact and thus reali in a robust, cost-effective and design-friendly modular form can be siert.

This especially true if the energy receiving device a plurality of blocking bodies and each associated spring means comprises, and if moreover a tubular shock transmission element is used. Because in this case can lock body and spring devices in a nearly ideal manner in a space region surrounding the shock transmission element in a circular ring, for example, within a substantially cylindrical housing, especially be arranged effectively and space-saving.

To a further preferred embodiment The invention comprises the housing one in the area of the blocking body for example, cone-shaped tapered Inner contour on. Preferably, the spring device comprises a pressure piece, that the blocking body both axially against the tapered Inner contour of the housing and at the same time radially in the direction of the shock transmission element pressed. This is advantageous because the blocking body is efficient in this way and safely between the pressure piece, the housing inner contour and the control surface the shock transmission element to lead leaves.

According to one further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention has the housing the energy absorption device a recess or bedding for Recording of the locking body in his working position. There is one in this case bedding located blocking body with further inward movement the shock transmission element Self-locking fixed in the bedding. The housing bedding thus contributes because of their self-locking geometry essential to this in that the locking body its once assumed position in the housing bedding, or in the Sperrkörperbettung the shock transmission element, with further inward movement the shock transmission element can not leave, which is why the shock transmission element the locking body only under the intended material deformation of the shock transmission element by the blocking body can happen.

A Determining the exact height those speed ranges, in each of which the intended specific compliance behavior of the energy absorption device occurs, is not for the realization of the invention initially essential.

In Considering corresponding results from accident statistics, from Crash attempts and given the corresponding legislative Rules it is according to a preferred embodiment However, the invention provides that the first, low impact speed range the Speed range from zero to walking speed, preferred to 2 m / s, and more preferably to 1 m / s.

Of the second, high impact velocity range comprises according to a for the same reasons preferred embodiment the invention the speed range from urban speed, preferably above 10 m / s and more preferably above 5 m / s. According to another, also preferred embodiment The invention provides the third, medium impact velocity range between walking speed and urban speed, preferably between 2 m / s to 10 m / s and more preferably between 1 m / s and 5 m / s.

in the The invention will now be described by way of example only illustrative drawings closer explained. Showing:

1 in a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an energy absorbing device for a motor vehicle in a partially sectioned view;

2 in a schematic sectional view of the energy absorption device according to 1 in longitudinal section through the housing and shock transmission element;

3 in a 1 corresponding representation and view of the energy intake device according to 1 and 2 in a first operating position;

4 in a 2 corresponding representation and view of the energy intake device according to 1 to 3 in the first operating position according to 3 ,

5 in a 1 and 3 corresponding representation and view of the energy intake device according to 1 to 4 in a second operating position;

6 in a 2 and 4 corresponding representation and view of the energy intake device according to 1 to 5 in the second operating position according to 5 ,

7 in a 1 . 3 and 5 corresponding representation and view of the energy intake device according to 1 to 6 in a third operational position;

8th in a 2 . 4 and 6 corresponding representation and view the energy according to 1 to 7 in the third operating position according to 7 ; and

9 in isometric exploded view of the energy receiving device according to 1 to 8th ,

1 shows a schematic isometric, partially sectioned view of an embodiment of an energy absorbing device according to the invention 1 , In this embodiment, it is an energy absorption device 1 for installation in the front region of a motor vehicle, wherein the energy absorption device 1 according to 1 is in the power-free rest position.

One recognizes in the representation of 1 First of all, a side member only partially shown connected to the vehicle structure 2 from the chassis area of the motor vehicle, as well as a likewise only partially shown bumper 3 or bumper carrier 3 , longitudinal beams 2 and bumpers 3 are along the direction indicated by dotted arrow direction, by means of the energy absorption device 1 , or by means of 4 the energy receiving device, movably connected.

In 2 , is the energy intake device 1 according to 1 again in longitudinal section through the shock transmission element 4 shown. Again, there is the energy absorption device 1 in the power-free rest position. One recognizes first the side member again 2 and the bumper 3 or bumper carrier 3 of the motor vehicle. Further, go out 2 the structure of the energy absorption device 1 and the shape of the shock transmission member 4 out.

Out 1 and 2 it can be seen that the energy absorber 1 a housing 5 includes that of the shock transmission element 4 is penetrated, the housing 5 otherwise all components of the energy absorption device 1 contains. The tubular shock transmission element 4 will be in the case 5 the energy absorption device 1 initially held in such a way in the two penetration areas or guided that shock transmission element 4 and bumpers 3 only the direction indicated by the dashed arrow, linear inward movement drawing related to the right can perform.

A movement of shock transmission element 4 and bumpers 3 drawing to the left is by the stop of the frusto-conically widening area 6 the shock transmission element at the 7 Corresponding shape frusto-conical shaped carrier body 8th prevented. In this way, a pulling out of the shock transmission element 4 out of the case 5 the energy absorption device 1 safely prevented.

Furthermore, can be in 2 the components of the locking device 9 the shock transmission element 1 recognize well. The locking device 9 the shock transmission element 1 initially comprises a number of designed as a steel balls barrier bodies or locking balls 10 Moving in the housing 5 the energy absorption device 1 are arranged. Each of the locking balls 10 is a helical compression spring 11 and a pressure piece 13 assigned. The helical compression spring tries 11 the respective pressure piece 13 drawing-related move to the right, causing the blocking ball 10 between the tip of the pressure piece 13 , the surface of the shock transmission member 4 and here conically tapered inner contour of the housing 5 the energy absorption device 1 is trapped and held.

An evasion of the blocking ball 10 along the circumferential direction of the shock transmission member 4 is prevented by lying outside of the cutting plane stop surfaces, through corresponding recesses 26 of the carrier body 8th are formed (see also 7 and 9 ).

The two main components of the case 5 the energy absorption device 1 , Housing body 14 and housing cover 15 , be through a snap ring 16 held together. In the housing cover 15 is a mechanical seal 17 attached, the penetration of moisture or contaminants in the housing interior of the energy absorbing device 1 prevented.

Finally, go out 2 as well as out 1 as elastic rubber cap 18 trained drawing related right limit of the energy absorber 1 out. The rubber cap 18 on the one hand serves as a hermetic seal of the housing 5 the energy absorption device 1 and the interior of the tubular shock transmission member 4 , On the other hand, the rubber cap can be 18 at the same time use as a return spring element in the case in which bumper 3 and shock transmission element 4 , for example, at a parking bump, were deflected slightly to the right to the drawing.

The 3 and 4 also show the energy absorber 1 according to 1 and 2 , In contrast to the representation according to 1 and 2 is the energy absorber 1 according to 3 and 4 no longer at rest, but rather in a first operating position. This first operating position corresponds in particular to that position, the impact catcher 3 and shock transmission element 4 at the moment of a parking bump at driving speeds close to zero.

The exact positions of all involved components are particularly clear 4 out. One recognizes first that bumper 3 as well as shock transmission element 4 according to the rest position according to 1 and 2 moved by a distance s drawing related to the right, which in particular on the basis of a comparison with the again showing the rest position section X from 2 evident.

Due to the movement of the shock transmission element 4 The distance s to the right is due to thus in the area of the blocking ball 10 migrated frusto-conical area 6 the shock transmission element 4 Space inside the housing 5 the energy absorption device 1 exposed. The blocking ball moves into this cleared space 10 as a result of the helical compression spring 11 over the pressure piece 13 on the blocking ball 10 exerted pressure force.

In other words, this means that the locking balls 10 in the course of the movement of the shock transmission element 4 from its rest position according to 1 and 2 in its first operating position according to 3 and 4 - Both in the area of the locking balls 10 frustoconical inner contour of the housing body 14 as well as on the also frusto-conical outer contour 6 the shock transmission element 4 sliding or rolling - from their rest position according to 1 and 2 according to their working position 3 and 4 move. This movement of the locking balls 10 is supported by the helical compression springs 11 that the pressure pieces 13 Move the drawing to the right until the plungers 13 on the frustoconical inner contour of the housing body 14 come to the plant.

Are shock transmission element 4 and locking balls 10 in the in 4 shown relative position, so initially no further inward movement of bumper 3 and shock transmission element 4 drawing-related to the right more possible. This is due to the fact that the locking balls 10 now in the annular circumferential recess or the Sperrkugelbettung 19 the shock transmission element 4 in the area of its smallest diameter 19 located, and the locking balls 10 there due to self-locking between shock transmission element 4 , Blocking ball 10 and housing inner contour are held immovably. Fixation of blocking balls 10 in the bed 19 the shock transmission element 4 is in particular by a likewise annular circumferential recess or bedding 20 in the area of the inner contour of the housing 5 the energy absorption device 1 supported.

The relative positions of the components or assemblies involved as shown in the 3 respectively. 4 occurs, for example, at the moment of a parking bump. If the vehicle is reset from this position, then the bumper 3 released and the energy intake device 1 as well as the bumper 3 again take the power-free rest according to 1 respectively. 2 at. The provision of the components by the in 3 and 4 taut rubber cap 18 supported, which not only takes over sealing functions, but to return the shock transmission element 4 back to the rest position according to 1 and 2 contributes.

However, in the situation according to 3 and 4 the bumper 3 further increases in the direction of the vehicle oppressive force, which may be the case, for example, in a vehicle crash, especially at low speeds, so the situation arises 5 and 6 ,

When exceeding a maximum holding force whose height in particular on the number of locking balls 10 as well as material and geometry of the shock transmission element 4 depends, the locking balls begin 10 by means of plastic material deformation in the surface of the shock transmission element 4 to dig, or the surface of the shock transmission element 4 repaint, as evidenced by the locking balls 10 in the surface of the shock transmission element 4 embossed furrows 21 clearly from the representations of 5 and 6 evident.

It is readily apparent that in this embossing of a large part of the surface of the shock transmission element 4 Deformation work must be done on a very significant scale. This deformation work ultimately leads to heating of the shock transmission element 4 and thus to the destruction of the movement of the shock transmission element 4 applied mechanical energy.

In this way, the kinetic energy suddenly released in the vehicle crash becomes extremely compact in the space of the energy absorption device 1 degraded highly effective. As a result, damage to the actual vehicle structure can be minimized or completely avoided in typical vehicle crashes. In this way, the costs incurred after such a vehicle crash repair costs are reduced to the vehicle, with the repair costs possibly only on the replacement of bumper 3 and shock transmission supply element 4 can restrict.

Out 5 and 6 also shows that the rubber cap 18 at the beginning of the deformation stroke of the shock transmission element 4 due to the exit of the drawing-related right cylindrical portion 22 the shock transmission element 4 from the corresponding opening of the housing body 14 , is completely released, with the rubber cap 18 by the drawing-related right end of the shock transmission element 4 together with its fastening bead 24 from the housing body 14 is pushed out. The rubber cap 18 is not damaged, and can thus in the subsequent vehicle repair or when installing a new shock transmission element 4 possibly even reused.

In the 7 and 8th is again the energy intake device 1 according to 1 to 6 shown. In the illustration according to 7 and 8th is the energy absorber 1 but in a third operating position. The operating position of the energy absorption device 1 according to 7 and 8th corresponds in particular to an imaginary pedestrian impact in the typical inner local speed range above, for example, twenty kilometers per hour.

As already presented at the beginning, the requirements are at a pedestrian impact especially in one possible compliant vehicle front, as possible even at relatively low deformation forces size To provide deformation paths, so the transmission of unacceptably high personnel or to prevent accelerations on the human body.

Bounces in the assumed case that with the energy absorption device according to the invention 1 equipped vehicle at a typical urban speed, which is above the speed of the above-discussed crash situations, together with a pedestrian, so is the relatively low-mass impact transmission element 4 , or the unit from bumper 3 and shock transmission element 4 accelerated relatively strong in the direction of the vehicle according to the comparatively high impact speed. Related to the representation of the 7 and 8th This means a comparatively strong acceleration of the bumper partially shown there 3 as well as with the bumper 3 connected shock transmission element 4 drawing-related to the right.

But becomes the shock transmission element 4 Accelerated to the right quickly enough for drawings, this may, under certain conditions, lead to the locking balls 10 through the spring devices 11 can not be accelerated quickly enough radially inward, so in good time the indentation or Sperrkugelbettung 19 the shock transmission element 4 to reach.

To the boundary conditions, due to which the maximum acceleration of the shock transmission element 4 results in which the locking balls 10 her bedding 19 on the surface of the shock transmission element 4 Just reach, in particular, include the mass of a blocking ball 10 , the mass of the pressure piece 13 , Spring constant and preload of the associated coil spring 11 , the cone angle of the frusto-conical region of the housing body 14 the energy absorption device 1 , the cone angle and the length of the truncated cone retracted area 6 the shock transmission element 4 and the diameter ratios of the cylindrical regions ( 22 . 23 ) of the shock transmission element 4 ,

By means of a suitable choice and coordination of these boundary conditions, that limit impact velocity or limit acceleration of the impact transmission element can be determined 4 , above the the locking balls 10 Your bedding 19 in the shock transmission element 4 no longer reach and therefore no material deformation through the locking balls 10 takes place, within relatively wide limits constructively set and set.

In other words, the shock transmission element 4 according to 7 and 8th With an acceleration drawing-related moved to the right, which is greater than the design set limit acceleration, so lift the other of the surface of the shock transmission element 4 guided locking balls 10 in the area of the frustoconical feeder 6 the shock transmission element 4 first of the surface of the shock transmission element 4 from. After passing through a substantially ballistic trajectory on which the locking balls 10 both the frustoconical indentation 6 as well as the Sperrkugelbettung 19 the shock transmission element 4 skip, land the locking balls 10 finally only in the cylindrical deformation area 22 the shock transmission element 4 on the shock transmission element 4 ,

Because the locking balls 10 in this case, however, on the surface of the cylindrical deformation region 22 the shock transmission element 4 rolling at a constant distance from the longitudinal axis of the shock transmission member 4 can be guided, the locking balls 10 no longer in their bedding 20 in the housing body 14 the energy absorption device 1 enter. Thus, in this case finally finds no Verfor tion of the surface of the shock transmission element 4 during the further inward movement of the shock transmission element 4 instead of. For this reason, sets the shock transmission element 4 In the case of the pedestrian impact of the inward movement considered in the present case, no appreciable forces are also counteracting.

In other words, that means the bumper 3 in pedestrian impact already due to the relatively low forces generated by the impact of the human body around the whole of the energy absorber 1 can give way back. In this way, it is contributed to be able to provide the necessary for the pedestrian impact large deformation paths at relatively low deformation forces in the area of the vehicle front.

The fact that the free lift of the shock transmission element 4 without material deformation is triggered even in such vehicle crashes that take place without pedestrian participation at higher vehicle speeds, brings virtually no disadvantages. For vehicle crashes is already at a local speed above about twenty kilometers per hour expected in any case with significant to irreparable damage to the vehicle structure. Thus, the relatively low energy reduction - compared to the already incurred in such vehicle crashes, already high crash energies - the energy absorber 1 could not be enough anyway to reduce or even avoid the expected serious damage to the vehicle structure.

The in the 1 to 8th illustrated embodiment of the energy absorption device 1 in which the shock transmission element 4 with the bumper 3 or with the bumper support 3 is connected and thereby vehicle-related behind the bumper 3 or bumper carrier 3 is only one of several possible installation variants for the energy absorption device according to the invention 1 represents.

The in the 1 to 8th illustrated embodiment can be used in particular in tend to classic constructions of vehicle fronts in which the bumper 3 or the bumper support 3 is disposed relatively close to the front boundary of the vehicle or even forms the front boundary of the vehicle, and in front of the front bumper 3 or bumper carrier 3 only small deformation paths in the form of protective strips or thin plastic foam layers are available. In a vehicle front constructed in this way, the energy absorption device according to the invention is used 1 then in particular to the stiff and unyielding, possibly initially protruding from the front of the vehicle bumper 3 or bumper carrier 3 in the event of a pedestrian impact, remove it from the immediate area of impact or relocate it. This then makes it possible to detect the body of the pedestrian with a larger, possibly evenly rounded and deformable surface area of the vehicle front, whereby severe injuries, especially in the leg area, can be reduced or avoided.

In normal parking bumps or vehicle crashes at relatively low speeds, however, stands in such an embodiment, the bumper forming the vehicle boundary 3 thanks to the energy absorption device according to the invention 1 with its full rigidity and resilience available. In this way, particularly in parking bumps, the deep penetration of foreign bodies, such as walls or lampposts into the vehicle front, and a considerable damage to the front of the vehicle, which is often associated therewith, can be avoided. Likewise, can be reduced in this way, the resulting in a vehicle crash at low speeds considerable crash energies, without causing expensive or irreparable damage to the vehicle structure and the vehicle chassis.

The energy absorption device according to the invention 1 However, it can also be arranged vehicle-related in front of the bumper or in front of a bumper beam or front cross member of a motor vehicle. Such a construction or arrangement is particularly suitable for modern vehicles, which have a so-called 'soft nose' for the purpose of pedestrian protection. In vehicles designed in this way, the front of the vehicle is often in the form of a large-area, relatively pliable designed plastic component, which can provide the required in the sense of pedestrian protection large deformation paths even at low deformation forces by means of a comparatively thick plastic foam layer. For this purpose, the plastic foam layer or the outer surface of the 'soft nose' vehicle front is arranged vehicle-related in front of the bumper or bumper beam or front cross member of the motor vehicle.

However, in order to make a vehicle front structurally pedestrian-friendly designed for the above-described situations "parking bumps" or "vehicle crash at low speeds," it is again necessary to suitably require the high rigidity or energy absorption capability in the area of the vehicle front required for these crash situations ready without compromising pedestrian-friendly crash behavior.

For this purpose, the energy absorption device according to the invention 1 For example, in a vehicle with 'soft nose' vehicle front, also be installed in front of the bumper or bumper beam or the front cross member. In such an arrangement of the energy absorbing device according to the invention 1 in other words, passes through the shock transmission element 4 the soft and compliant plastic foam of the 'soft nose' vehicle front, and provides special crash surfaces at the very front of the front of the vehicle that protect the vehicle from damage when parking bumps and provide the necessary energy absorption in low-speed vehicle crashes.

These crash surfaces can In this case, for example, either only locally limited, especially in the area the vehicle corners may be arranged, but it may be in such crash surfaces also around one of the soft front of the vehicle, over the entire vehicle width continuous cross member act.

In the former case, each of the two is preferably arranged in the region of the vehicle front energy absorption devices 1 each provided with its own localized crash area in the area of a vehicle corner, while the continuous cross member in the latter case with two energy absorbing devices 1 or shock transmission elements 4 of the motor vehicle is connected.

9 Finally, again shows the energy absorbing device according to the invention 1 according to 1 to 8th , where the representation of the 9 for better recognizability of the structure of the energy receiving device 1 is held in the form of an exploded view. In 9 First of all, one recognizes one with the housing body 14 the energy absorption device 1 connected mounting plate 25 , the connection of the energy absorber 1 For example, with a front longitudinal or transverse beam of the motor vehicle is used. About the mounting plate 25 are also from the shock transmission element 4 introduced in a vehicle crash forces introduced into the vehicle structure.

Furthermore one recognizes in 9 the shock transmission element 4 as well as the housing 5 removed shown housing cover 15 with mechanical seal 17 and snap ring 16 , In the area of with the mounting plate 25 connected housing body 14 becomes the carrier body 8th apparent (see also 7 ), in its slot-shaped recesses 26 each from pressure piece 13 and helical compression spring 11 existing spring devices 11 are arranged. In addition, the slot-shaped recesses contain 26 of the carrier body 8th also the locking balls 10 , The locking balls 10 are in contrast to the representation of the locking balls 10 in 9 , which only for the purpose of better recognizability of the locking balls 10 was chosen, at the spring devices 11 not spring side, but according to the representations of 1 to 8th pressure piece side on the spring devices 11 arranged, and are thus in the assembly of the energy absorption device 1 also in the slot-shaped recesses 26 of the carrier body 8th , The latter is also very clear 7 out.

in the The result is thus clear that thanks to the invention, an energy absorption device is created for each of the three basic grass types Parkrempler, Pedestrian Impact, and Vehicle Crash with the associated different impact speeds or to be absorbed kinetic energies, selectively different compliances or deformation paths and energy absorption potentials in the area of the vehicle front provides.

The Energy absorption device according to the invention is at the same time extremely robust and reliable in mechanical construction, and is also in the form of a compact, Completely self-contained, and thus structurally simple and inexpensive in the vehicle front integrable unit in front.

The Invention thus makes a significant contribution to the improvement especially pedestrian protection on the motor vehicle, and represents an essential building block on the Way to pedestrian friendly Motor vehicle and to comply with the relevant legislation or Self-commitments in the automotive industry available.

1

Energy absorber

2

longitudinal beams

3

Bumper, bumper support

4

Shock-transmitting element

5

casing

6

frusto-conical area (Rush transfer member)

7

frusto-conical area (Support body)

8th

support body

9

locking device

10

Locking body, locking ball

11

spring means

12

Helical compression spring

13

Pressure piece

14

housing body

15

housing cover

16

snap ring

17

Mechanical seal

18

rubber cap

19

Sperrkugelbettung (Rush transfer member)

20

Sperrkugelbettung (Casing)

21

embossed furrows

22

cylindrical Area

23

cylindrical Range, deformation range

24

fixing bead

25

mounting plate

26

recesses (Support body)

Claims (26)

Device for receiving energy, in particular during a collision of a vehicle with a mass body, the energy absorption device ( 1 ) comprising at least one relative to the vehicle substantially along the direction of travel by a certain movement stroke movable shock transmission element ( 4 ), and for influencing the mobility of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) a locking device ( 9 ) with at least one substantially transverse to the movement stroke of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) between a rest position and a working position movable locking body ( 10 ), wherein the shock transmission element ( 4 ) in a first, minimum impact velocity range by means of the blocking device ( 9 ) is immovably rigidly locked substantially while the locking device ( 9 ) in a second, high impact speed range, the substantially force-free relative movement of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) within the entire movement stroke, characterized in that the locking device ( 9 ) in a third, medium impact velocity range, the relative movement of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) within the entire movement stroke, wherein the energy absorption device ( 1 ) a crash-dependent by the locking device ( 9 ) controllable forming arrangement with at least one forming means ( 10 ) for the defined plastic deformation of material, and wherein the deformation arrangement by the relative movement of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is drivable. Energy absorbing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the forming arrangement is arranged so that material of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is transformed. Energy absorption device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is substantially tubular, wherein the forming arrangement is arranged so that the cross section of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) Defined compressively during deformation. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one forming agent ( 10 ) is a ball. Energy absorbing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the forming arrangement a plurality of balls ( 10 ) as a reshaping agent. Energy absorbing device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the balls ( 10 ) evenly distributed in the region of a circumference of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) are arranged. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one forming means by the at least one blocking body ( 10 ) is formed. Energy absorption device according to claim 7, characterized in that the forming means by the located in its working position locking body ( 10 ) is formed. Energy absorbing device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shock transmission element ( 4 ) has a width dimension variable over its length, wherein the blocking body ( 10 ) on the surface of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) Can be brought to the plant. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the blocking body ( 10 ) by means of a spring device ( 11 ) in the direction of the surface of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is spring loaded. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the shock transmission element ( 4 ) for controlling the position of the locking body ( 10 ) in a first length range ( 22 ) a first, maximum width dimension, in a second length range ( 19 ) a second, minimum width dimension and in a third length range ( 23 ) has a third, mean width dimension, wherein the second length range ( 19 ) between the first ( 22 ) and the third length range ( 23 ) is arranged. Energy absorption device according to claim 11, characterized in that the blocking body ( 10 ) when abutting the surface of the first length region ( 22 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is in the rest position and when abutting the surface of the second 19 ) in working position. Energy absorbing device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the blocking body ( 10 ) from a blocking body rest position, in which the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is relatively free of forces relatively movable, via a locking body intermediate position in which the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is also relatively free of forces relatively movable, can be brought into a blocking body working position in which the shock transmission element ( 4 ) in the immediate vicinity of its initial position by the blocking body ( 10 ) is locked substantially immovable rigidly. Energy absorption device according to claim 13, characterized in that the blocking body ( 10 ) in its rest position at the first, maximum cross-sectional dimension ( 22 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ), in its intermediate position at the third, middle cross-sectional dimension ( 23 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) and in its working position in the area of the second, minimum cross-sectional dimension ( 19 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) Can be brought to the plant. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the second length range ( 19 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) as well as a transition from the second (19) to the third length range ( 23 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) a recess or bedding ( 19 ) for receiving the blocking body ( 10 ) in its working position, wherein the blocking body ( 10 ) self-locking in the bedding ( 19 ) is fixable. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the locking body (in its working position) ( 10 ) upon inward movement of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) acts as a reshaping agent. Energy absorbing device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the shock transmission element ( 4 ) for guiding the blocking body ( 10 ) a uniform cross-sectional transition ( 6 ) between its first, maximum cross-sectional dimension ( 22 ) and its second, minimum cross-sectional dimension ( 19 ) having. Energy absorption device according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the spring constant of the spring device ( 11 ) of the locking device ( 9 ) is selected such that, in the event of an impact in the second, high impact velocity region, the second longitudinal region ( 19 ) of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) with the second, minimum cross-sectional dimension ( 19 ) the area of the blocking body ( 10 ) has already happened when the blocking body ( 10 ) reaches its intermediate position. Energy absorbing device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that blocking body ( 10 ) and spring device ( 11 ) in a common housing ( 5 ) are arranged. Energy absorbing device according to claim 19, characterized in that the spring device ( 11 ) in the housing ( 5 ) is arranged axially. Energy absorbing device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) in the region of the blocking body ( 10 ) has a substantially conically tapered inner contour Energy absorbing device according to claim 21, characterized in that the spring device ( 11 ) a pressure piece ( 13 ), with which the blocking body ( 10 ) axially against the tapered inner contour of the housing ( 5 ) and at the same time radially in the direction of the shock transmission element ( 4 ) is pressable. Energy absorbing device according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) of the energy intake device ( 1 ) a recess or bedding ( 20 ) for receiving the blocking body ( 10 ) in its working position, wherein the blocking body ( 10 ) in its working position self-locking in the bedding ( 20 ) is fixable Energy absorption device according to claim 1 to 23, characterized in that the first, low impact velocity range the speed range from zero to walking speed, preferably up to 2 m / s, more preferably up to 1 m / s. Energy absorption device according to claim 1 to 24, characterized in that the second, high impact velocity range the speed range from a city speed, preferred above 10 m / s, more preferably above 6 m / s. Energy absorption device according to claim 1 to 25, characterized in that the third, medium impact velocity range the speed range from walking speed to urban speed, preferably between 2 m / s to 10 m / s, more preferably between 1 m / s to 5 m / s.