JP2001158312A - End body structure of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an end body structure of a vehicle provided with a cylindrical shock absorbing member supported by a vehicle body and a bumper strength member extending in the cross direction of the vehicle such that an engaging section provided in the bumper strength member is brought into engagement with the outer end of the shock absorbing member during a collision, thus allowing effective use of the shock absorption stroke of the shock absorbing member to its maximum, and preventing the shock absorbing member from being affected by the distortion of the end of the bumper strength member, so that a stable shock absorption characteristic can be secured. SOLUTION: The end body structure of the vehicle has at the front or rear of the vehicle the bumper strength member 1 extending in the cross direction of the vehicle. The cylindrical shock absorbing member 6 is provided which projects outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The inwardly folding section 6a of the shock absorbing member 6 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is supported against the vehicle body 2 and the curved bumper strength member 1 is provided outward of the shock absorbing member 6 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The bumper strength member 1 is provided with the engaging section 8 which is brought into engagement with the outer end of the shock absorbing member 6 in a collision causing displacement of the bumper strength member 1 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an end body structure of a vehicle having a bumper strength member extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion or a rear portion of the vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an end body structure of a vehicle in the above-mentioned example, there is a structure described in, for example, West German Patent Publication No. 3711692. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 (showing a state at the time of inputting a collision load) and FIG. 11 (showing a state at the time of normal operation), a front part curved so that the central portion projects forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction when viewed from a plane. While a bumper reinforcement 91 of the bumper is provided, front side frames 92, 92 are provided on the vehicle side, and pipe-shaped energy absorbing members 94, 94 are provided on the front side frames 92, 92 via end brackets 93, 93. And attach
Brackets 95 and 95 fixed to the rear side of the bumper reinforcement 91 and the above-described energy absorbing members 94 and 9
4 is pin-connected with bolts 96, 96. This pin connection allows the bumper reinforcement 91 to move in the rotational direction at the time of collision.

According to this conventional structure, the bracket 95 and the tip end of the energy absorbing member 94 are pin-connected so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The energy absorbing member 94 is shown in FIG.
While plastic curling deformation as shown in 0, collapsed,
Although there is an advantage that the collision energy can be absorbed and the impact absorbing stroke of the energy absorbing member 94 can be effectively used to the utmost, there are the following problems.

That is, the cost is increased due to the complicated structure of the above-mentioned pin connection structure.
When the curved bumper reinforcement 91 receives a frontal collision load as shown in FIG.
Both ends in the vehicle width direction of the above-described bumper reinforcement 91 supported by the front side frames 92, 92 via the 93 are bent forward in the vehicle front-rear direction as indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. Due to this forward bending, the pin connection position moves outward in the vehicle width direction, and the pipe-shaped energy absorbing member 94 falls obliquely outward in the vehicle direction, so that the energy absorption of the pipe-shaped energy absorbing member 94 occurs. There was a problem that the characteristics became unstable.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a cylindrical shock absorbing member supported by a vehicle body and a bumper strength member extending in the vehicle width direction, and an engaging portion provided on the bumper strength member collides. Sometimes, the shock absorbing member is configured to be engaged with the outer end portion, so that the shock absorbing stroke of the cylindrical shock absorbing member can be effectively utilized to the utmost, and of course, the shock absorbing member has a bumper strength. An object of the present invention is to provide an end vehicle body structure of a vehicle that can secure stable shock absorption characteristics without being affected by bending of a member end.

The present invention also provides an end body structure of a vehicle in which a shock at the time of collision can be absorbed by a reliable plastic curling deformation of a cylindrical shock absorbing member by supporting the shock absorbing member on a side frame. For the purpose of providing.

The present invention further provides a bumper stay for attaching the bumper strength member to the vehicle body, a mounting position of the bumper strength member to the vehicle body by the bumper stay, and a position where the outer end of the above-described shock absorbing member faces the engaging portion. Are set at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction, displacement of the outer end portion of the cylindrical shock absorbing member and the engaging portion is less likely to occur when a collision load is input, and both (the engagement between the shock absorbing member and the It is an object of the present invention to provide an end vehicle body structure of a vehicle in which good engagement of the first and second parts can be obtained and energy can be reliably absorbed by the shock absorbing member.

According to the present invention, furthermore, the upper and lower portions of the bumper stay supporting the above-mentioned shock absorbing member are joined to the bumper strength member, so that the outer end of the cylindrical shock absorbing member and the bumper strength member are provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an end vehicle body structure of a vehicle that is less likely to be displaced from a joint portion in a vehicle width direction and that can secure more reliable energy absorption characteristics by an impact absorbing member.

[0009]

An end body structure of a vehicle according to the present invention is an end body structure of a vehicle having a bumper strength member extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion or a rear portion of the vehicle. A cylindrical shock absorbing member protruding outward in the direction is provided, and an inwardly bent portion of the shock absorbing member in the vehicle front-rear direction is supported by the vehicle body. A curved bumper strength member is provided, and the bumper strength member is provided with an engagement portion that engages with an outer end portion of the shock absorbing member when the bumper strength member is displaced in the vehicle front-rear direction. is there.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing member is supported by an outer end of a side frame extending in the vehicle front-rear direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a bumper stay for mounting the bumper strength member to a vehicle body is provided, and a mounting position of the bumper strength member to the vehicle body by the bumper stay and an outer end of the shock absorbing member are formed by the engagement portion. And the position opposite to are set at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower portions of the bumper stay supporting the shock absorbing member are provided with joining portions to be joined to the bumper strength member.

[0013]

According to the present invention, at the time of normal operation before a collision, the distal end of a cylindrical shock absorbing member whose inner bent portion is supported by the vehicle body, and the engaging portion provided on the bumper strength member Are in the disengaged state, and the two are engaged only at the time of a collision, so that the shock absorbing stroke of the cylindrical shock absorbing member can be utilized most effectively, and of course, the shock absorbing member The bumper strength member is not affected by the bending of the end portion of the strength member, and there is no fear that the bumper strength member is deformed in the vehicle exterior direction, so that stable shock absorption characteristics can be secured.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the above-described shock absorbing member is supported by the side frame, the inwardly bent portion of the cylindrical shock absorbing member is formed by a side frame as a vehicle body rigid member. Backed up. For this reason,
The impact at the time of collision can be absorbed by reliable plastic curling deformation of the cylindrical impact absorbing member.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bumper stay for mounting the above-described bumper strength member on a vehicle body is provided.
The position where the bumper strength member is attached to the vehicle body by the bumper stay and the position where the outer end of the cylindrical shock absorbing member faces the engagement portion of the bumper strength member are set at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the position of the engagement portion on the side of the bumper strength member is regulated by the bumper stay, so that when the collision load is input, the displacement between the outer end portion of the cylindrical shock absorbing member and the engagement portion is less likely to occur, and both of these are prevented. Is obtained, and reliable energy absorption by the shock absorbing member can be achieved.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower portions of the bumper stay supporting the above-described impact absorbing member are provided with the joining portions which are joined to the bumper strength member, so that the outer end of the cylindrical impact absorbing member is provided. It is difficult for the position and the engaging portion provided on the bumper strength member side to be displaced in the vehicle width direction, so that the above-described shock absorbing member can secure more reliable energy absorption characteristics.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings show a front body structure of a vehicle as an example of a body structure at an end of the vehicle. In FIGS. 1 to 4, a bumper reinforcement 1 as a bumper strength member extending in a vehicle width direction is provided at a front portion of the vehicle. ing.

The bumper reinforcement 1 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and is formed in a curved shape so as to protrude forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction as viewed from a plane as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a pair of left and right vehicle body rigid members extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are provided as front side frames 2 and 2,
End brackets 3, 3 are joined and fixed to the front end openings of the front side frames 2, 2, respectively.

The above-mentioned end bracket 3 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, it has an opening 3b at the center of the main surface 3a, and has a total of four bent pieces 3c formed integrally from the four sides of the main surface 3a backward. 4
Are fixed to the front side opening of the front side frame 2 by welding means.

A plurality of bolts 4 and 4 are welded and fixed to the end bracket 3 in advance, and the threaded portions of these bolts 4 and 4 project forward. On the other hand, a bumper stay 5 for mounting the above-described bumper reinforcement 1 to a front side frame 2 as a vehicle body via an end bracket 3 is provided.

The bumper stay 5 has a main surface 5b provided with a plurality of bolt insertion holes 5a, 5a (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the bolts 4, 4, and a plate extending forward and backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction from above and below the main surface 5b. It is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross-section with the joint portions 5c, 5c in the shape of a circle.

At the center of the main surface 5b of the bumper stay 5, a ring-shaped support portion 5d for supporting an energy absorbing pipe described later is integrally formed. Are provided to allow the joints 5c to bend when the load is input.

On the other hand, an energy absorbing pipe 6 that undergoes plastic curling deformation when a load is input is provided as a cylindrical shock absorbing member, and a rear bent portion 6a of the energy absorbing pipe 6 is provided on the back surface of the main surface 5b of the bumper stay 5 described above. The bumper stay 5 and the energy absorbing pipe 6 are integrated by welding and fixed, and the energy absorbing pipe 6 itself protrudes forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction through the inside of the ring-shaped support portion 5d.

As described above, the energy absorbing pipe 6 described above is used.
3 are joined to the bumper reinforcement 1 by welding means as shown in FIG. 3, and the bumper reinforcement 1 is connected to the front side via the bumper stay 5 as shown in FIG. It is attached to the end bracket 3 at the front end of the frame 2,
In this case, the nuts 7, 7 are screwed into the bolts 4, 4 from the openings 1a, 1a formed in the bumper reinforcement 1 with a tool such as a nut runner.

In the above-mentioned bumper reinforcement 1, a portion facing the energy absorbing pipe 6 is provided at the time of the collision of the vehicle.
When the is displaced in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, an engaging portion 8 that engages with the front end of the energy absorbing pipe 6 is integrally formed. In this embodiment, the above-described engaging portion 8 is formed in a concave shape that is depressed toward the rear side of the vehicle.
It is configured to engage within.

When the above-mentioned components, that is, the bumper reinforcement 1, the bumper stay 5, the energy absorbing pipe 6, the end bracket 3, and the front side frame 2 are assembled, the energy absorbing pipe 6 is located forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The front end of the energy absorbing pipe 6 and the above-described engaging portion 8 are set in a non-engaged state (non-coupled state).

Further, the position where the bumper reinforcement 1 is attached to the vehicle body (refer to the front side frame 2) by the above-mentioned bumper stay 5 and the position where the front end of the energy absorbing pipe 6 is opposed to the above-mentioned engaging portion 8 are defined by the vehicle. They are set at approximately the same position in the width direction. 2 to 4 show only the structure of the front body of the vehicle on the left side, but the right side is symmetrical to the structure of FIGS. 2 to 4.

The operation of the vehicle body structure thus constructed will be described in detail below. When the vehicle collides from the normal state (non-collision state) shown in FIG. 2 and a collision load is input to the bumper reinforcement 1 from the front, the bumper reinforcement 1 retreats, and the bumper reinforcement 1 retreats to some extent. At this time, the engaging portion 8 is engaged with the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 from the state shown in FIG.
The above energy absorbing pipe 6 is crushed while undergoing plastic curling deformation and absorbs collision energy. At this time, a bead 5e provided on the bump
Since the engaging portion 8 of the bumper reinforcement 1 is engaged with the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6, the energy absorbing pipe 6 is not plastically inclined in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. Curling deformation occurs, and finally, the bumper reinforcement 1 and the energy absorbing pipe 6 are completely crushed.

As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the normal state before the collision, the inwardly bent portion 6a has a cylindrical shape supported by the vehicle body (see the front side frame 2). The tip end of the shock absorbing member (see energy absorbing pipe 6) and the engaging portion 8 provided on the bumper strength member (see bumper reinforcement 1) are in a disengaged state, Since 6, 8 are engaged,
The shock absorbing stroke of the cylindrical shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6) can be effectively used to the maximum.
In addition, since it is not based on the pin connection as in the conventional example, the above-described shock absorbing stroke can be used most effectively, and the shock absorbing member (the energy absorbing pipe 6) can be used.
(See Bumper Reinforcement 1)
) At both ends in the vehicle width direction, and there is no fear that the shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6) is deformed outwardly of the vehicle, so that stable shock absorbing characteristics can be secured. . In addition, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Since the above-described shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6) is supported by the side frame (see the front side frame 2), the cylindrical shock absorbing member is provided.
The inside bent portion 6a of the energy absorbing pipe 6 is backed up by the front side frame 2 as a vehicle body rigid member. Therefore, the impact at the time of collision can be absorbed by reliable plastic curling deformation of the cylindrical impact absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6).

Further, a bumper stay 5 for attaching the above-mentioned bumper strength member (see bumper reinforcement 1) to a vehicle body (see front side frame 2) is provided, and a bumper strength member using this bumper stay 5 (see bumper reinforcement 1). And the position where the outer end of the cylindrical impact absorbing member (see energy absorbing pipe 6) faces the engaging portion 8 of the bumper strength member (see bumper reinforcement 1). Since the positions are substantially the same in the vehicle width direction, the position of the engaging portion 8 on the side of the bumper strength member (refer to the bumper reinforcement 1) is regulated by the bumper stay 5, so that when the collision load is input, the cylindrical impact The displacement between the outer end of the absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6) and the engaging portion 8 is unlikely to occur, and good engagement between these two 6, 8 is obtained. Reliable energy absorption by the hammer absorber (see energy absorbing pipe 6) it can be achieved.

In addition, on both upper and lower portions of the bumper stay 5 supporting the above-described shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6), there are provided connecting portions 5c, 5c which are connected to the bumper strength member (see the bumper reinforcement 1). Therefore, the outer end of the cylindrical shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6),
Displacement in the vehicle width direction with respect to the engaging portion 8 provided on the bumper strength member (refer to the bumper reinforcement 1) is unlikely to occur, and the above-described shock absorbing member (see the energy absorbing pipe 6) further ensures. Energy absorption characteristics can be ensured.

As shown in the embodiment, when the bumper stay 5 and the energy absorbing member 6 are integrated, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, if a bendable portion such as a bead 5e is formed on the bumper stay 5, the impact absorbing effect of the energy absorbing member 6 is not hindered by the bumper stay 5.

Further, when the bumper reinforcement 1 is connected to the front side frame 2 as a vehicle body via the bumper stay 5, the bumper reinforcement 1 can contribute to the improvement of the overall rigidity of the vehicle body.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the vehicle body structure at the end of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the bumper reinforcement 1 corresponding to the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 projects rearward, and This is provided with a ring-shaped engaging portion 9 whose outer diameter is smaller than its inner diameter.

Also in this embodiment, during normal operation (non-collision), the engaging portion 9 and the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 are set in a non-engaging state, and the bumper reinforcement 1 is mounted on the vehicle. The above-described engaging portion 9 engages with the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 at the time of a collision that is displaced in the front-rear direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the other constructions, operations, and effects are almost the same as those of the previous embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the same parts as those in the previous figure are denoted by the same reference numerals. , And detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment of the vehicle body structure at the end of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the bumper reinforcement 1 corresponding to the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 projects rearward, and An engagement portion 10 having an annular bead structure whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter 6 is provided, and the inside of the annular bead is set as a load transmitting portion 11.

Also in this embodiment, in the normal state (non-collision), the engaging portion 10, the load transmitting portion 11, and the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 are set in the non-engaging state, and the bumper The engaging portion 10 and the load transmitting portion 11 are engaged with the distal end of the energy absorbing pipe 6 at the time of a collision in which the force 1 is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the other constructions, operations, and effects are almost the same as those of the previous embodiment, and therefore, in FIG. , And detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the vehicle body structure at the end of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the bumper reinforcement 1 corresponding to the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 projects forward and has a pipe. 6 is provided with a convex engaging portion 12 which can be engaged with the outer peripheral portion.

Also in this embodiment, during normal operation (non-collision), the engaging portion 12 and the tip end of the energy absorbing pipe 6 are set in a non-engaged state, and the bumper reinforcement 1 is mounted on the vehicle. The above-described engaging portion 12 engages with the tip of the energy absorbing pipe 6 at the time of a collision that is displaced in the front-rear direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the other constructions, operations, and effects are almost the same as those of the previous embodiment, and therefore, in FIG. , And detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In each of the embodiments described above, the end body structure of the vehicle is applied to the front body structure on the front bumper side, but this end body structure can also be applied to the rear body structure on the rear bumper side.

That is, a bumper strength member extending in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the vehicle (refer to rear bumper reinforcement).
In the rear body structure of a vehicle provided with, a cylindrical shock absorbing member (see energy absorbing pipe) protruding rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided, and a front bent portion of the shock absorbing member in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided on the vehicle body. (See rear side frame), and a curved bumper strength member (see Rear Bumper Reinforcement) behind the shock absorbing member in the vehicle front-rear direction.
A rear portion of the vehicle provided with an engagement portion that engages with a rear end of the shock absorbing member when the bumper strength member is displaced in the vehicle front-rear direction (at the time of a rear collision). The vehicle body structure may be adopted.

In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the bumper strength member of the present invention corresponds to the bumper reinforcement (reinforcing member) 1 of the embodiment, and similarly, the same applies to the cylindrical impact member. The absorbing member corresponds to the energy absorbing pipe 6 capable of plastic curling deformation, the vehicle body corresponds to the front side frame 2, and the engaging portions are the engaging portions 8, 9,.
The side frame corresponds to any one of 10 and 12, and the side frame corresponds to the front side frame 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the bolt 4 is welded and fixed to the end bracket 3 in advance, and the bumper stay 5 is attached using the nut 7. However, the reverse configuration, that is, the nut is previously attached to the end bracket 3. You may comprise so that it may be fixed by welding and the bumper stay 5 may be attached using a bolt. Further, the above-described bumper strength member is not limited to the reinforcement (reinforcement member), but may be a metal bumper itself.

[0049]

The shock absorbing stroke of the energy absorbing pipe 6 as a cylindrical shock absorbing member can be utilized effectively to the utmost, and the energy absorbing pipe 6 can be used as a bumper strength member (bumper reinforcement 1). (See FIG. 2), the stable impact absorption characteristics of the energy absorbing pipe 6 can be secured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an end body structure of a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an engagement state between an engagement portion and a tip end of the shock absorbing member.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing plastic kerning deformation of the shock absorbing member.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the vehicle end body structure of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing still another embodiment of the vehicle end structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing still another embodiment of the end body structure of the vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an end body structure of a conventional vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an end body structure of a conventional vehicle.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Bumper reinforcement (bumper strength member) 2 ... Front side frame (vehicle body) 5 ... Bumper stay 5c ... Joint part 6 ... Energy absorption pipe (shock absorption member) 6a ... Bending part 8, 9, 10, 12 ... Joint

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An end body structure of a vehicle having a bumper strength member extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion or a rear portion of the vehicle,
A cylindrical shock absorbing member protruding outward in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided, and an inwardly bent portion of the shock absorbing member in the vehicle front-rear direction is supported on the vehicle body. The bumper strength member is provided with an engagement portion that engages with an outer end of the shock absorbing member when the bumper strength member is displaced in the vehicle front-rear direction. End body structure of the vehicle. 2. An end body structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said shock absorbing member is supported at an outer end of a side frame extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. 3. A bumper stay for attaching the bumper strength member to a vehicle body, wherein a mounting position of the bumper strength member with respect to the vehicle body by the bumper stay and a position where an outer end of the shock absorbing member faces the engagement portion are: 2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body structure is set at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction. 4. An end body structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein joining portions are provided at upper and lower portions of the bumper stay for supporting the shock absorbing member, the joining portions being joined to the bumper strength member.