EP2901099B1 - Deformation element and method for producing a deformation element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a deformation element for protecting a device in a vehicle by converting energy into deformation energy in a Blascheninwirkung, with an upper mounting portion for attachment to the device and a lower mounting portion for attachment to the vehicle, wherein the two mounting portions on an upper leg and a lower leg are connected together. The invention further relates to a device, in particular footrest, for a vehicle, a vehicle with a device and a method for manufacturing such a deformation element. Such a deformation element is in the US 4,711,424 described.

The invention can be used in particular in military vehicles. In particular, it serves to protect occupants and facilities from blast effects, in particular by a mine explosion.

Various concepts for the mine protection of a device in a vehicle are known in the prior art. In the DE 40 11 963 A1 For example, a structure is described in which a protective plate is supported by conical spiral springs against the floor of the vehicle and is additionally connected by ropes to the ground.

Furthermore, from the DE 10 2008 053 152 A1 a generic deformation element is known, which is preferably made of spring steel. The deformation element is U-shaped and connected via spacers to the vehicle and the device to be protected. This deformation element already provides large deformation paths. During deformation, the legs of the Us move towards each other. In the process, the semicircular bending section of the US buckles out from the fastening areas arranged at the ends of the legs. The bending section is wearing. Spacers are provided for attachment to the vehicle and device. These provide space for the bulging bend portion during deformation so that the energy does not occur through contact coupling from the vehicle over the bulging bend portion into the device, as in the deformation element of the prior art 10a and 10b shown. The deformation path that these deformation elements allow until a coupling into the device takes place through the bending section depends accordingly on the one hand from the deformation or buckling of the U-shaped portion of the deformation elements and on the other hand from the height of the spacers. However, each enlargement of the spacers requires a correspondingly larger space for the deformation elements in the vehicle and leads to a significant increase in space, weight and cost for the Gesamtfahrzeug, since the height of the vehicle increases by the same amount as the height of the spacer elements.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide protection against Blasteinwirkungen with a compact design.

This object is achieved in a deformation element mentioned above in that the two legs are arranged substantially V-shaped to each other, and that the deformation element is made of spring steel.

The V-shaped arrangement of the legs ensures that the deformation element is deformed in such a way that it does not apply or bulge during the deformation and thus allows the largest possible deformation path in relation to the installation space.

Preferably, the deformation element can be arranged between the vehicle and the device such that the legs form a horizontal V.

It is also advantageous if the deformation element is designed such that the upper leg and the lower leg are in particular side by side juxtaposition and / or movable past each other in a deformation of the deformation element. Due to this configuration is in Ratio of the height of the deformation element realized as large as possible deformation.

Also, in order to achieve a deformation path which is as large as possible in relation to the overall height, it is particularly advantageous if the deformation element folds up substantially flat during deformation.

The deformation element may be formed in one piece. Integral deformation elements are relatively simple and inexpensive to produce and also have relatively homogeneous mechanical properties.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the deformation element has a connecting portion arranged between the attachment regions, of which one flank the upper leg extends upwards and the lower leg extends downwards. This creates a compact deformation element. The connecting portion is to be understood as the area of the deformation element via which the two legs are connected to one another. The legs preferably extend together on one flank of the connecting region. The flank is to be understood as a lateral section, in particular a lateral edge of the connecting section.

It is constructively advantageous if the connecting portion is formed substantially parallel to the upper and / or lower mounting portion. In this way, the deformation element as large as possible deformation is possible in relation to its height. Preferably, the deformation path is almost as large as the distance from the vehicle to the device in the mounting region of the deformation element. For example, the deformation path can be at least 80% of the distance of Vehicle and device amount, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connecting portion is designed to be movable relative to the attachment areas. During deformation, the attachment areas move towards each other. However, since the leg length remains constant, the connection area moves in a horizontal plane away from the attachment areas. It shifts in the direction in which the legs extend from the attachment area. It is particularly advantageous if the deformation element is designed in such a way that, in the case of a deformation of the deformation element, the connecting section moves away from a straight line connecting the two fastening regions. As a result of this configuration, the device moves in the horizontal direction as little as possible relative to the vehicle during the deformation of the deformation element.

Additionally or alternatively, the deformation element may be formed such that the connecting portion moves away from a straight line passing through the centers of the upper and lower legs.

According to a further teaching of the invention, the upper and lower legs are deformable under the influence of a force directed essentially perpendicular to the vehicle in different deformation sectors offset from each other transversely to the direction of the force. In this way, the legs can not interfere with each other when deforming. It is achieved as large as possible deformation path. In this context, in particular to the embodiment of the deformation sectors, on the DE 10 2008 053 152 A1 directed.

In a further structural embodiment, each leg has at least two bending edges on which the leg is bent in different directions. Preferably, the bending edges are formed substantially transversely to the longest side of the leg. According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one, preferably the bending edges runs parallel to a surface plane, in particular a sheet plane, of the blank of the deformation element.

In order to achieve a particularly uniform deformation and force introduction into the deformation element, a leg can be divided and extend on both sides of the other leg. Particularly preferably, the two parts of the split leg are connected together at their end. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the two parts of the split leg may end up unconnected with each other.

For deformation of the deformation element which is as free of torsion as possible, the deformation element can be designed to be plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry plane. Preferably, the plane of symmetry is spanned by a vector which extends along the center line in the longitudinal direction of the undivided leg and a vector which is orthogonal to the surface of the undivided leg.

The upper and lower legs may preferably be the same length. However, the upper leg and the lower leg can also be designed to have different lengths. In this case, it is of particular advantage if the Angle between the mounting portion arranged on the shorter leg and the shorter leg is smaller than the angle between the mounting portion arranged on the longer leg and the longer leg.

Additionally or alternatively, the bisecting line of the two legs may be inclined in the direction of the attachment region of the upper or lower leg, particularly preferably in the direction of the attachment region of the shorter leg.

According to the invention, the deformation element is made of spring steel. The energy absorption capacity of deformation elements made of spring steel is particularly large. The material thickness of the spring steel is preferably at least 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably substantially 3 mm.

Also, the deformation element in the deformation may have a progressive force characteristic. The course of the force characteristic can be adjusted for example by changing the geometry of the legs.

Furthermore, the deformation element can be designed for spacer-free mounting on the vehicle or the device, preferably for mounting without spacers to the vehicle and the device.

In addition, a device of the type mentioned above is proposed to solve the above problem, which has at least one deformation element of the type described above. This results in the same advantages as in the previously described deformation element.

According to one embodiment of the device, the deformation element can be attached to the device without a spacer. Preferably, a deformation element is arranged in each corner of the device.

A particularly favorable introduction of force into the deformation elements results when the openings of the "Vs" of two opposing deformation elements point towards one another or away from one another.

In constructive terms, it has also proved to be advantageous if the deformation element (s) are configured in such a way that they are torsionally deformable upon the action of a force directed essentially perpendicular to the vehicle floor.

The deformation element can be used for a variety of devices of vehicles, such as footrests, seats, tables, storage spaces or shelves. Particularly effective is a footrest for a vehicle with a footrest plate and one or more deformation elements of the type already described has been found.

The above object is also achieved by a vehicle having at least one deformation element of the type described above or at least one device of the type described above. There are the same advantages as in the previously described deformation element and the device described above.

In a further development of the teaching, the deformation element is free of spacers via the lower leg with the vehicle floor and / or over the upper leg without a spacer with the device, in particular the footrest, connected. Preferably, the connection via connecting means, in particular screws.

Alternatively, the deformation element can be connected via the lower leg and a spacer to the vehicle floor and / or over the upper leg and a spacer with the device, in particular the footrest.

Finally, the above object is also achieved by a method of the type mentioned in that the two legs are arranged substantially V-shaped to each other, in particular bent, and that the deformation element is made of spring steel.

This results in the same advantages as in the previously described deformation element, the device described above and the vehicle described above.

According to a further embodiment of the method, a U-shaped area is cut out of a blank for the deformation element, in particular a spring steel sheet, in particular punched. After separation, by plastic deformation of the blank, the interior of the "U" can be bent as a first leg in a first direction and the exterior of the "U" as a second leg in another direction. In this way, the deformation element according to the invention can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner and without material weaknesses.

In addition, it has been found in the method to be particularly advantageous when the ends of the punched out "U's" converge. Preferably run the ends are pointed toward each other. On the one hand, this geometry ensures that when the deformation element is deformed the legs can be moved side by side and, on the other hand, that the most favorable possible flow of force is achieved in the component.

To carry out the method, the previously described deformation element, the device described above and the vehicle described above can be used.

Fig. 1

einen Fahrzeuginnenraum mit einer minengeschützten Fußauflage,

Fig. 2

die Fußauflage aus Fig. 1 mit vier Deformationselementen,

Fig. 3

die Fußauflage aus Fig. 2 in einer anderen perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4

ein Deformationselement nach den Fig. 2 und 3 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 5

ein Deformationselement in deformierten Zustand in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf ein Deformationselement gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht eines Deformationselements gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 8

eine Vorderansicht eines Deformationselements gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig.9

eine Ansicht von unten auf ein Deformationselement gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 10a

eine schematische Ansicht einer Fußauflage mit Deformationselementen gemäß dem Stand der Technik in unverformten Zustand,

Fig. 10b

eine schematische Ansicht einer Fußauflage gemäß Fig. 10a in deformierten Zustand,

Fig. 11a

eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Fußauflage in undeformiertem Zustand,

Fig. 11b

eine Fußauflage gemäß Fig. 11a im deformierten Zustand,

Fig. 12a

eine schematische Ansicht einer Fußauflage mit Deformationselementen gemäß dem Stand der Technik in unverformten Zustand,

Fig. 12b

eine schematische Ansicht einer Fußauflage gemäß Fig. 12a in deformierten Zustand,

Fig. 13a

eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Fußauflage in undeformiertem Zustand,

Fig. 13b

eine Fußauflage gemäß Fig. 13a im deformierten Zustand,

Further details will be explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. Show:

Fig. 1

a vehicle interior with a mine-protected footrest,

Fig. 2

the footrest off Fig. 1 with four deformation elements,

Fig. 3

the footrest off Fig. 2 in another perspective view,

Fig. 4

a deformation element according to the FIGS. 2 and 3 in a perspective view,

Fig. 5

a deformation element in a deformed state in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

a plan view of a deformation element according to Fig. 4 .

Fig. 7

a side view of a deformation element according to Fig. 4 .

Fig. 8

a front view of a deformation element according to Fig. 4 .

Figure 9

a view from below of a deformation element according to Fig. 4 .

Fig. 10a

a schematic view of a footrest with deformation elements according to the prior art in undeformed state,

Fig. 10b

a schematic view of a footrest according to Fig. 10a in deformed state,

Fig. 11a

a schematic view of a footrest according to the invention in undeformed state,

Fig. 11b

a footrest according to Fig. 11a in the deformed state,

Fig. 12a

a schematic view of a footrest with deformation elements according to the prior art in undeformed state,

Fig. 12b

a schematic view of a footrest according to Fig. 12a in deformed state,

Fig. 13a

a schematic view of a footrest according to the invention in undeformed state,

Fig. 13b

a footrest according to Fig. 13a in the deformed state,

The Fig. 1 shows the interior of an armored military vehicle 14 not shown with a vehicle floor 15. In the vehicle 14, a seat 16 is arranged, on which a person can sit. The feet of the person standing on the footrest 10. The footrest 10 includes a footrest plate 11 and four deformation elements. 1

In a mine action, the energy of the mine in the form of a force acting substantially perpendicular to the vehicle floor 15 force F acts on the vehicle 14. The deformation elements 1 protect the person from the energy of the mine by first decoupling the device 10 from the vehicle 14 and the others convert the energy essentially into deformation energy. For this purpose, the deformation element 1 is made of high-strength steel, in particular spring steel.

The FIGS. 2 and 3 show the footrest Fig. 1 , The footrest 10 comprises a substantially rectangular footrest plate 11. This represents the device 10 to be protected. The footrest plate 11 is formed as a footboard, in particular Aluminiumriffelblech. In the exemplary embodiment, the footrest plate 11 is limited by a peripheral edge 12.

To protect against mine action, the footrest 10 is connected via four deformation elements 1 to the vehicle floor 15. A deformation element 1 is arranged in each corner. The deformation elements 1 arranged in the corners are aligned in such a way that the openings of the Vs are pairwise aligned with each other. Alternatively, the openings of the Vs may also be aligned in pairs away from each other.

At normal tread load the deformation elements 1 are not deformed. In an overload, such as a mine action, the yield point of the material of the deformation element 1 is exceeded and it comes to plastic deformation.

The deformation elements 1 are of similar construction and are respectively connected via fastening means 9 and upper or lower spacers 13, to the device 10, here the footrest 10, or to the vehicle floor 15. By the spacers 13, a maximum stroke of the deformation elements 1 is provided. However, the deformation elements 1 can also be connected without a spacer to the device 10 and / or the vehicle 14.

The Fig. 4 a deformation element 1 is shown in undeformed state. The deformation element 1 has an upper fastening region 2, an upper leg 4, a connecting section 6, a lower leg 5 and a lower fastening region 3. In the Fig. 4 the deformation element 1 is integrally formed. The upper attachment region 2 is connected to the upper leg 4 via a bending edge 7, and the lower attachment region 3 is connected to the lower leg 5 via a bending edge 7. The two legs 4, 5 extend in a V-shape from one flank of the connecting section 6 to the attachment areas 2, 3. Bending edges 7 are likewise located at the transition between the flank of the connecting section 6 and the legs 4, 5. The bending edges 7 run parallel to one another a surface of the blank of the deformation element. 1

In the exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion 6 is formed parallel to the attachment areas 2, 3. According to another embodiment, however, the connecting portion 6 may also be formed perpendicular to the attachment areas 2, 3. The attachment regions 2, 3 may have one or more recesses 8, the bores 8, for receiving fastening means 9. About the recorded in the recesses 8 fastener 9, the deformation element 1 is connected to the device 10 and the vehicle 14. This can, as in the FIGS. 2 and 3 show spacer 13 may be provided between the attachment areas 2, 3 and the device 10 and the vehicle 14. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the deformation elements 1 can also be connected without a spacer to the vehicle 14 or the device 10.

In the Fig. 5 is the deformation element 1 from the Fig. 4 shown in a deformed state. As the Fig. 5 shows, the legs 4, 5 in the deformation without contact side by side assignable. When the legs 4, 5 juxtaposed, the deformation element 1 is folded flat.

The legs 4, 5 are here beyond even further deformed. They can also move past each other. For this purpose, however, it is necessary to attach the legs 4, 5 with spacers 13 to the device 10 or the vehicle 14.

As in the plan view according to Fig. 6 shown, one leg 5 is formed divided and extends on both sides of the other leg 4. The split leg 5 is formed longer than the undivided leg 4 in the embodiment.

In the execution according to Fig. 6 the ends of the split leg 5 are again connected to each other. In this case, between the divided leg 5 and the vehicle 14 or the device 10, a fork-shaped pedestal can be provided as a spacer element 13. However, the ends of the split leg 5 may also be formed unconnected.

In the deformation of the deformation element 1, the undivided leg 4 dives in or between the parts of the divided leg 5. The Fig. 6 is increasing that the bending edges 7 are formed at the leg ends substantially transverse to the leg longitudinal direction.

In the Fig. 7 the deformation element 1 is shown in a side view. In the view can be clearly seen that each leg 4, 5 of the deformation element 1 has two bending edges 7. The direction of the bending of the bending edges 7 has in each leg 4, 5 in different directions; once in a mathematically positive and once in a mathematically negative direction.

According to Fig. 7 the upper leg 4 is shorter than the lower leg 5 is formed. The angle A between the longer leg 5 and the attachment area 3 arranged thereon is greater than the angle B between the shorter leg 4 and the attachment areas 2 arranged thereon. However, the legs 4, 5 can also be of the same length.

Moreover, in the Fig. 7 the bisector W between the legs 4, 5 located. The bisector W can run parallel to the attachment areas 2, 3 or the connecting portion 6. However, it can also, in particular with different lengths of legs 4, 5, as in Fig. 7 shown in the direction of the attachment portion 2 of a leg 4, 5, in particular of the shorter leg 4 point.

The connecting section 6 is designed to be movable relative to the fastening areas 2, 3. In particular, the connecting portion 6 moves in a deformation of the deformation element 1 away from a straight line G _B , which connects the two attachment portion 2, 3 together. Also, the connecting portion may move away from a straight line Gs, which passes through the centers of the legs 4, 5 in a deformation of the deformation element.

In Fig. 8 a deformation element 1 is shown in a front view. In this illustration, three deformation sectors I, II, III are shown by dashed lines. If a force F directed essentially perpendicularly to the vehicle floor 15 acts on the deformation element 1, then the legs 4, 5 are deformed in deformation sectors I, II, III which are offset relative to one another in the direction of the force. This has the effect that the legs 4, 5 lie next to one another during the deformation and / or move past each other without contact.

The deformation element 1 is also formed plane symmetrical to a plane E, which is spanned by a vector along the center line of the undivided leg 4 and a vector normal to the surface of the undivided leg 4. This level is in the 8 and 9 shown as dash-dot line. Due to the plane symmetrical design of the deformation element 1 a uniform deformation of the deformation element 1 is achieved as possible. In a force acting essentially perpendicular to the vehicle floor 15, the deformation element is even deformed essentially torsion-free.

The deformation element 1 deforms over the stroke along a defined force-displacement curve. This can be adjusted by the leg geometry, for example, by widening leg 4, 5. Thus, for example, progressive force-displacement curves can be set.

The deformation element 1 of the exemplary embodiment is produced by punching out of a blank a U-shaped region 20 or punching out a blank with a U-shaped region 20 made of a high-strength steel, namely spring steel. The ends of the Us run in a pointed way.

Subsequent to the punching, the blank is reshaped so that the interior of the Us 21 is bent to one side and the exterior of the US 22 to the other side. By bending the ends of the legs 4, 5, the attachment areas 2, 3 are formed. The recesses are also introduced by punching or by drilling in the attachment areas 2, 3, preferably before forming.

10 and 10a, 10b and 12a, 12b footrests 10 are shown with deformation elements 17 according to the prior art. These deformation elements 17 also have two legs 18, 19, but are U-shaped. These deformation elements are connected via spacers or sockets to the vehicle or the device. These bases are necessary to provide the necessary space for deformation. As in the Fig. 10b and 12b As shown, the attachment portions on the legs deform more than the U-shaped portion. They thus bulge against the attachment areas. The deformation elements 17 can therefore come in the deformation due to a mine explosion with the footrest 10 and with the vehicle floor 15 into contact and thus couple the energy of the explosion over the U-shaped area in the device. By contrast, the deformation elements according to the invention lie essentially flat together, as in FIGS Fig. 11b and 13b shown so that it can not come to a power or energy coupling in the footrests 10.

Due to this flat folding, the deformation elements according to the invention, as in the comparison of Fig. 10b and 11b clearly recognizable, with the same height on a greater deformation path than the deformation elements 17 according to the prior art.

Alternatively, with a constant deformation path with the deformation elements 1 according to the invention, a significantly lower overall height can be realized than with deformation elements 17 according to the prior art, as in the comparison of FIGS. 12a and 12b with FIGS Fig. 13a and 13b becomes clear. Due to the reduced height of the deformation elements 1, it is possible to reduce the entire vehicle body by the reduction in height of the deformation elements 1. As a result, not only flatter vehicles 14 can be built with constant mine protection, but the height reduction also leads to significant weight and cost reductions.

Reference numerals:

1

deformation element

2

upper mounting area

3

lower mounting area

4

upper leg

5

lower thigh

6

connecting portion

7

bending edge

8th

Recess, hole

9

Fasteners, screws

10

Furniture, footrest

11

leg rest

12

border

13

spacer

14

vehicle

15

vehicle floor

16

Seat

17

Deformation element according to the prior art

18

Leg of the deformation element according to the prior art

19

Leg of the deformation element according to the prior art

20

U-shaped area

21

Interior of the Us

22

Exterior of the Us

A

corner

B

corner

D

Deformation element according to the prior art

e

plane of symmetry

F

force

G _B

Just

gs

Just

W

bisecting

I

deformation sector

II

deformation sector

III

deformation sector

Claims (14)

1. Deformation element for protecting a device (10) in a vehicle by converting energy into deformation energy under the action of a blast, having an upper fastening region (2) for fastening to the device (10) and a lower fastening region (3) for fastening to the vehicle (14), the two fastening regions (2, 3) being connected to each other via an upper leg (4) and a lower leg (5), the two legs (4, 5) being arranged substantially in a V shape relative to each other,
   characterized in that
   the deformation element is produced from spring steel.
2. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element (1) is formed in such a way that, in the event of a deformation of the deformation element (1), the upper leg (5) and the lower leg (4) can be laid beside one another and/or moved past one another, in particular without contact.
3. Deformation element according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element (1) collapses substantially flat during the deformation.
4. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each leg (4, 5) has at least two bending edges (7), at which the leg (4, 5) is bent in different directions.
5. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a connecting section (6) which is arranged between the fastening regions (2, 3) and from the one flank of which the upper leg (4) extends upwards and the lower leg (5) extends downwards.
6. Deformation element according to Claim 5, characterized in that the connecting section (6) is formed substantially parallel to the upper and/or the lower fastening region (2, 3).
7. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, under the influence of a force (F) directed substantially at right angles to the vehicle floor (15), the upper and the lower leg (4, 5) can be deformed in different deformation sectors (I, II, III) offset relative to one another transversely with respect to the direction of the force.
8. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one leg (5) is divided and extends on both sides of the other leg (5).
9. Deformation element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation element (1) is designed for spacer-less mounting on the vehicle (14) and device (10).
10. Device, in particular footrest, for a vehicle, characterized by at least one deformation element (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized by spacer-less fastening of the deformation element (1).
12. Method for producing a deformation element (1) for protecting a device (10) in a vehicle (14) by converting energy into deformation energy under the action of a blast, having a lower fastening region (3) for fastening to the vehicle (14) and an upper fastening region (2) for fastening to the device (10), the two fastening regions (2, 3) being connected to each other via an upper leg (4) and a lower leg (5), the two legs (4, 5) being arranged substantially in a V shape relative to each other, in particular bent, characterized in that
    the deformation element is produced from spring steel.
13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that a U-shaped region (20) is separated out, in particular punched, from a blank for the deformation element (1), in particular a spring steel plate.
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that by plastic forming of the blank following the separation, the inner of the U (21) is bent in a first direction as a first leg (4) and the outer of the U (22) is bent in another direction as a second leg (5).

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