JP2009030747A - Development structure and impact absorbing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a development structure installed in a planar and narrow portion before developed, to be three-dimensionally developed in a planar shape for effectively absorbing impact energy, and to provide an impact absorbing device for developing the development structure arranged at a collision position to absorb impact energy and absorb (relax) impact in the case of unavoidable collision. <P>SOLUTION: The development structure 10 has a planer shape. In the state where a first development member 14 is laid on a second development member 16, when a rotation part 40 of the second development member 16 is thrust at its reverse face side, the rotation part 40 is rotated while being moved and connection beams 42 are deflected with elastoplastic deformation. When the rotation part 40 and a rotation part 20 are moved to the utmost limits in the thrusting direction, the development of the development structure 10 is completed with a ratchet locked to form a solid crossing structure 12 where a plurality of connection beams 22 and the connection beams 42 cross one another. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a deployment structure and an impact absorbing device, and in particular, a deployment structure that can be deployed in a three-dimensional manner from a plane, an impact absorbing device that deploys the deployment structure at the collision position and absorbs the impact caused by the collision, About.

  Conventionally, in a collision safety structure for a vehicle, collision energy is absorbed by deformation of a component of the vehicle, and an impact force to the vehicle and an occupant is reduced. For example, in the case of a frontal collision, the front body breaks at the time of the collision and absorbs the collision energy, and the impact force on the occupant is alleviated. For this reason, various structures for efficiently absorbing collision energy have been proposed for vehicle components (Patent Document 1).

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an impact absorbing buffer device including a motion conversion device. The motion conversion device has a beam structure consisting of branch-like arrangement elements. This beam structure converts linear motion (impact) into rotational motion, absorbs and cushions the impact, and improves the impact absorption capacity. Yes.

  Recently, consideration has also been given to the safety of pedestrians. For example, various structures have been proposed in which collision energy is efficiently absorbed by using the viscous resistance of a shock absorber, and not only a vehicle or an occupant but also a shock that a pedestrian receives during a collision (Patent Documents 2 and 3). ).

  For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a vehicle front bumper device having a two-stage bumper structure. The two-stage bumper structure is a structure in which a low-level bumper is usually provided below the bumper. This low bumper directs pedestrians to fall into the hood during a collision. The vehicle front bumper device of Patent Document 2 includes a low-level bumper position adjusting means and a shock absorber (such as a hydraulic cylinder). When a pedestrian collides, the shock absorber's viscous resistance is adjusted and the position of the lower bumper is adjusted to optimize the pedestrian's falling moment.

Patent Document 3 proposes an impact mitigation device for a vehicle in which a bumper is supported by a shock absorber and the impact on the bumper is mitigated by the elastic force and damping force of the shock absorber. In the impact mitigation device of Patent Document 3, the shock absorber is configured by a variable damper that is put into practical use as a suspension for an automobile, and when the vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the damping force of the variable damper is weakened to soften the bumper.
JP 2000-257688 A JP 2003-260994 A JP-A-10-109605 JP 2002-528682 A

  However, in an impact absorption structure that absorbs collision energy by deformation of the component member, not only the vehicle component member, in order to effectively absorb the collision energy, an area for deforming the component member is secured in advance. There is a problem of having to leave. For this reason, the use and range which can apply an impact-absorbing structure are restrict | limited, and the impact-absorbing structure which absorbs collision energy effectively cannot be installed in a narrow part.

  For example, in order to preserve the cabin space in the event of a vehicle collision, a part of the body must be secured in advance as a deformation area. In the case of a frontal collision, the front body breaks and can effectively absorb the collision energy, but in a collision from an oblique direction or a side direction, even if the thin side body breaks, there is a possibility that the collision energy cannot be fully absorbed. is there. In addition, as described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to improve the shock absorption capacity against a frontal collision by mounting a side member having a structure in which a large number of beam structures are stacked in the length direction. The gap is narrow and it is difficult to accommodate complex beam structures. For this reason, it cannot be applied to a collision from an oblique direction or a side surface direction.

  In addition, as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, a collision absorbing structure that absorbs collision energy by using the viscous resistance of a shock absorber (hydraulic cylinder or the like) must secure an area for placing the shock absorber in advance. There is a problem that must be. It is difficult to reduce the size of the shock absorber, and it cannot be installed in a narrow portion as in the case of the shock absorbing structure that absorbs collision energy by deformation of the constituent members. Moreover, although it can respond to the collision from a specific direction, it cannot respond to the collision from arbitrary directions.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 4 proposes a deployable shock absorbing device as an attempt to make the initial shape of the shock absorbing structure compact. In this shock absorbing device, a beam compressed by mechanical actuator means expands to form an energy absorbing structure. For this reason, it is possible to provide a relatively long “collapse length” after deployment, despite the small size of the initial shape.

  Certainly, the initial shape is more compact than the energy absorbing structure after deployment. However, the structure of the actuator means is complicated and it is difficult to reduce the size and weight, and there is still a problem that an area for storing the actuator means and the compressed beam must be secured in advance. To do. After all, it cannot be installed in a narrow part.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to have a flat surface before deployment and to be installed in a narrow part. It is in providing the expansion | deployment structure which can be absorbed in. Another object of the present invention is to provide an impact absorbing device capable of absorbing a collision energy by absorbing a collision energy by deploying a deployment structure disposed at the collision position when a collision is unavoidable. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the unfolded structure according to claim 1 includes a first support frame, a first rotating part disposed inside the first support frame, and the first rotating part being the first support. A plurality of first connecting beams that connect the first rotating part and the first support frame so as to rotate the first rotating part in the first direction when moving away from the frame; A first deployment member that can be deployed in a state in which the first rotation unit is separated from the first support frame, a second support frame, a second rotation unit disposed inside the second support frame, and the second rotation The second rotating part and the second support so that the second rotating part rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the part moves in a direction away from the second support frame. A plurality of second connecting beams provided so as to connect the frame and not to interfere with the first connecting beam during deployment. A second deployment member that is arranged to overlap the first deployment member and that can be deployed in a state in which the second rotating portion is separated from the second support frame, and the first deployment member and the second deployment member. When the first rotating part and the second rotating part move by a predetermined distance, the first rotating part rotates in the direction opposite to the first direction and the second rotating part rotates in the first direction. And a rotation preventing member provided on each of the opposing sides of the first rotating part and the second rotating part so as to prevent rotation in the direction opposite to the two directions. .

  In the first deployment member of the deployment structure described above, the first rotating portion disposed inside the first support frame is coupled to the first support frame by a plurality of first coupling beams. In the unfolded state where the first rotating part is separated from the first support frame, the plurality of first connecting beams function as beams arranged between the first supporting frame and the first rotating part. The plurality of first connecting beams rotate the first rotating part in the first direction when the first rotating part moves in a direction away from the first support frame.

  On the other hand, in the second deployment member disposed so as to overlap the first deployment member, the second rotating portion disposed inside the second support frame is coupled to the second support frame by a plurality of second coupling beams. Yes. In the unfolded state in which the second rotating part is separated from the second support frame, the plurality of second connecting beams function as beams arranged between the second support frame and the second rotating part. The plurality of second connecting beams rotate the second rotating part in the second direction when the second rotating part moves in a direction away from the second support frame.

  Since the plurality of second connecting beams are provided so as not to interfere with the first connecting beams of the first expanding member when the second expanding member is expanded, the second expanding members are arranged so as to overlap the first expanding member. In this state, both the first deployment member and the second deployment member are developed in a three-dimensional manner from the plane to form a three-dimensional intersection structure having a plurality of beams.

  When the first deploying member and the second deploying member are deployed and the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit move by a predetermined distance, the rotation preventing member rotates the first rotating unit in the direction opposite to the first direction. And rotation of the 2nd rotation part in the direction opposite to the 2nd direction is blocked, and a deployment state (steric intersection structure) is fixed. In this three-dimensional intersection structure, when an impact is applied, each of the plurality of beams is deformed to absorb collision energy. Further, the three-dimensional intersection structure can effectively absorb the collision energy not only in the collision from the front but also in the collision from the oblique direction.

  In this way, the above-described unfolded structure forms a three-dimensional crossing structure that can absorb collision energy by unfolding. The collision energy can be absorbed effectively.

  In the expanded structure, it is preferable that at least each of the first connection beam and the second connection beam is formed of a flat plate-like elastic-plastic material. At the time of unfolding, the connecting portion formed of a flat plate-like elastic-plastic body can bend following the movement of the rotating portion, and can form a beam between the support frame and the rotating portion without breaking. In addition, after the deployment, when an impact is applied to the three-dimensional intersection structure, each of the plurality of connecting beams is elastically plastically deformed and can absorb the collision energy.

  The first support frame, the first rotating portion, and the plurality of first connecting beams of the first deployment member may be integrally formed of a flat plate-like elastic-plastic body, and the second deployment member The second support frame, the second rotating portion, and the plurality of second connecting beams may be integrally formed of a flat plate-like elastic-plastic body.

  Moreover, the amount of collision energy absorption can be adjusted by changing the arrangement and number of beams in the three-dimensional intersection structure. When the rotation preventing member prevents rotation in the reverse direction, the plurality of first connecting beams and the plurality of first connecting beams and the second rotating portion are arranged such that the distance that the second rotating part moves in the direction away from the second support frame is maximized. It is preferable that a plurality of second connection beams are arranged. For example, when each of the plurality of first connection beams is disposed along the inner periphery of the first support frame, the first connection beam can be lengthened, and the stroke during rotation (the rotating portion is in the pressing direction). The distance traveled to) increases and the amount of collision energy absorbed increases.

  The outer peripheral shape and inner peripheral shape of the first support frame and the outer peripheral shape of the first rotating part are similar triangles, and each inner periphery of the first support frame is triangular. Each of the three first connecting beams is preferably arranged along the side. Similarly, the outer peripheral shape and inner peripheral shape of the second support frame and the outer peripheral shape of the second rotating part are similar triangles, and the inner peripheral shape of the second support frame is a triangle. Each of the three second connecting beams is preferably arranged along each side. The unfolded structure having a triangular plan view can be spread on the installation site without any gaps. In addition, the structure in which the rotating part is supported by the three connecting beams does not have a connecting beam to play, and can effectively absorb the collision energy.

  Each of the three first connection beams has one end connected to the first support frame near one top of the first support frame and the other end adjacent to the top of the first support frame. More preferably, it is connected to the first rotating part in the vicinity of the other top part. The first connecting beam can be lengthened, the stroke at the time of deployment is increased, and the amount of collision energy absorbed is increased.

  Moreover, it is preferable that either one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is provided with a rotating shaft, and the other is provided with a bearing for receiving the rotating shaft. By providing the rotating shaft and the bearing, the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion can be rotated coaxially.

  In addition, a notch is provided in the vicinity of the end of the first connecting beam connected to the first rotating part, and a notch is provided in the vicinity of the end of the second connecting beam connected to the second rotating part. It is preferable. By providing a notch in the vicinity of the end portion of the connecting beam, the end portion of the connecting portion is easily bent at the time of deployment, and it is easy to follow the movement of the rotating portion without breaking.

  In order to achieve the above object, an impact absorbing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to an impact absorbing portion in which a plurality of deployment structures of the present invention are arranged in a plane or in parallel, and to specify a collision position of an impact object. Information acquisition means for acquiring information and each of the plurality of deployed structures arranged separately, and the first rotating part of the expanded structure in a direction in which the first rotating part separates from the first support frame To move the second rotating part of the unfolding structure in a direction in which the second rotating part moves away from the second support frame to expand the second expanding member. When a collision is detected or when a collision is predicted to be unavoidable based on the information acquired by the plurality of deployment driving units and the information acquisition unit, the installation is performed at the specified collision position. The first exhibition of unfolded structure As to deploy the member and the second expansion member, it is characterized in that it is configured to include a control unit for controlling said plurality of expansion drive unit.

  Since the above-described shock absorbing device uses the unfolded structure of the present invention for the shock absorbing portion, it can be installed in a narrow portion. In addition, when the deployment drive unit is individually provided for each of the plurality of deployment structures arranged and a collision is detected based on the information for identifying the collision position of the collision object acquired by the information acquisition unit Alternatively, when the collision is predicted to be unavoidable, the plurality of deployment driving units are configured to deploy the first deployment member and the second deployment member of the deployment structure installed at the identified collision position. Therefore, when a collision is unavoidable, the deployment structure disposed at the collision position can be deployed to absorb the collision energy and absorb (relax) the impact.

  In the above-described impact absorbing device, it is preferable that the deployment drive unit includes an airbag device. Or the said expansion | deployment drive part can also be set as the structure which moves the said 1st rotation part and the said 2nd rotation part by pressing the bag body enclosed with gas or the liquid to the said expansion | deployment structure.

  As described above, the unfolded structure of the present invention is flat before being unfolded and can be installed in a narrow portion, and has the effect of being able to effectively absorb collision energy by unfolding from a plane to a solid. is there. In addition, since the shock absorbing device of the present invention uses the unfolded structure of the present invention, it can be installed in a narrow part, and when the collision is unavoidable, the unfolded structure disposed at the collision position is It has the effect that it can be deployed to absorb impact energy and absorb (relax) impact.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Expanded structure>
First, a development structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(Appearance of unfolded structure before and after unfolding)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a deployment structure 10 according to the present embodiment before deployment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the same unfolded structure 10 after unfolding. As shown in FIG. 1, the unfolded unfolded structure 10 has a planar shape that is a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view. When the central portion of the unfolded structure 10 is pressed from the back side, as shown in FIG. 2, the unfolded structure is expanded from the plane and the ratchet described later is locked to form a three-dimensional intersection structure 12 in which a plurality of beams intersect. To do. When an impact is applied to the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 from the surface side, each of the plurality of beams undergoes elasto-plastic deformation and absorbs collision energy. Because of the three-dimensional intersection structure 12, collision energy can be effectively absorbed not only in a collision from the front but also in a collision from an oblique direction.

(Exploded structure decomposition structure)
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the development structure 10. The unfolded structure 10 includes a flat plate-shaped first unfolded member 14 having a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view, a plate-shaped second unfolding member 16 having the same size as the first unfolded member 14 and a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view, It consists of Each of the 1st expansion | deployment member 14 and the 2nd expansion | deployment member 16 is formed with the board | plate material (plate-shaped elastic-plastic body) which has elasticity, such as a metal and resin. Edges corresponding to the vertices of the equilateral triangle are formed with rounded corners. The first deployment member 14 is overlaid so that the back side thereof faces the front side of the second deployment member 16. Then, a support frame 18 described later of the first deployment member 14 and a support frame 38 described later of the second deployment member 16 are joined. Thereby, the expansion | deployment structure 10 is completed.

  Resin materials that make up the plate materials include general-purpose resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS), polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, and styrene-based resins. A thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic elastomer can be used. A composite material reinforced with fiber or a bonded structure of a metal, a fiber material, and a resin is also suitable as the material.

  In addition, if the beam breaks immediately at the time of collision, the impact will not be sufficiently relaxed, resulting in problems such as exposing the fracture surface. Therefore, when using a plate material that is easily broken, it is preferable to reinforce each of the first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member 16 with a reinforcement member, such as affixing a reinforcing cloth or a reinforcement tape to the surface. While avoiding embrittlement and breakage by reinforcement, collision energy can be effectively absorbed by elastic-plastic deformation.

(First deployment member)
4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the first deployment member 14, FIG. 4 (A) is a plan view when the first deployment member 14 is viewed from the front surface side, and FIG. 4 (B) is from the back surface side. It is a perspective view when seen. The first deployment member 14 includes a support frame 18 whose outer peripheral shape and inner peripheral shape are substantially equilateral triangles, a rotating portion 20 whose outer peripheral shape is provided inside the support frame 18, and a support frame 18 and a rotating portion. And a plurality (three in this example) of connecting beams 22 are connected. The support frame 18 and the connecting beam 22 are each formed with a predetermined width. Hereinafter, the width of the support frame 18 is referred to as “frame width”, and the width of the connecting beam 22 is referred to as “beam width”.

  Further, the support frame 18, the rotating portion 20, and the plurality of connecting beams 22 are integrally formed with the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body by making a predetermined shape of cuts 24 into the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body. The thicknesses of the support frame 18, the rotating unit 20, and the connecting beam 22 may be the same or different. For example, in order to facilitate elastic-plastic deformation, it is preferable to form the rotating portion 20 and the connecting beam 22 thinner than the support frame 18.

  Each of the cuts 24 has the same shape, and is arranged at a symmetrical position with respect to the center axis of the equilateral triangle. In the present embodiment, three V-shaped cuts 24 are formed in the first deployment member 14. The width of the notch 24 is narrower than the frame width of the support frame 18 and the beam width of the connecting beam 22 and is substantially constant. Hereinafter, the width of the cut 24 is referred to as a “cut width”.

  Each of the cuts 24 starts from the vicinity of the first vertex with any one of the three vertices of the equilateral triangular first deployment member 14 as the first vertex, and the first vertex and the second adjacent to the first vertex. Extends in parallel to one side of the equilateral triangle connecting the apex of the second, bends in front of the second apex, extends in parallel to one side of the equilateral triangle connecting the second apex and the third apex, and is in front of the third apex. end with.

  By forming the three cuts 24, the three long connecting beams 22 are separated from the supporting frame 18 while leaving the three connecting portions 26 where the connecting beams 22 are connected to the supporting frame 18, and are connected. The equilateral triangular rotating part 20 is separated from the connecting beam 22, leaving three connecting parts 28 where the beam 22 is connected to the rotating part 20. In other words, one end of each connecting beam 22 is connected to the support frame 18 by the connecting portion 26, and the other end of each connecting beam 22 is connected to the rotating portion 20 by the connecting portion 28. Thus, the rotating part 20 is connected to the support frame 18 by the three connecting beams 22.

  In the first deployment member 14, it is preferable to make a cut 24 so that the length of the connecting beam 22 is as long as possible. As the connecting beam 22 becomes longer, the stroke at the time of deployment (the distance that the rotating part 20 moves in the pressing direction) becomes larger. In the present embodiment, the length of the connecting beam 22 is designed to be the longest by disposing each of the connecting beams 22 in parallel with the sides of the equilateral triangle just inside the inner periphery of the support frame 18. ing. In addition to the length of the connecting beam 22, the shape of the notch 24 should be designed in consideration of the frame width of the support frame 18, the beam width of the connecting beam 22, the notch width of the notch 24, the widths of the connecting portions 26 and 28, etc. Is preferred.

  For example, the starting point of the notch 24 is a position located on the inner side by the frame width from each of the two sides forming the first vertex of the first deployment member 14 so that the support frame 18 has a predetermined frame width. can do. The break point (V-shaped vertex) of the notch 24 is a frame width from one side of an equilateral triangle connecting the second vertex and the third vertex so that the connecting beam 22 and the connecting portion 26 have a predetermined beam width. , The beam width, and the cut width can be set to a position on the inner side by the sum of the width. The end point of the notch 24 is the frame width and beam width from one side of the equilateral triangle connecting the third vertex and the first vertex so that the rotating portion 20 and one end of the connecting beam 22 are connected with the same width as the beam width. It is possible to set the position on the inner side by the sum of two times the width and two times the cut width.

  In the present embodiment, each of the three connecting portions 28 is arranged near the break point of the three cuts 24. For this reason, the edges of each connecting portion 28 are rounded with corners cut away in order to facilitate the movement of the connecting portion 28. Further, a V-shaped notch 30 is provided on the side of the edge of each connecting portion 28 close to the connecting beam 22 in order to facilitate bending of the connecting beam 22 at the connecting portion 28. .

  In the center of the rotating part 20, a through-hole 32 having a perpendicular line passing through the center point of the regular triangular rotating part 20 as an axis is formed in a circular shape with a predetermined diameter. A ratchet recess 34 is formed around the through hole 32 on the back surface side of the rotating portion 20. In the present embodiment, six recesses 34 are formed at equal intervals so as to surround the through hole 32.

  The back side of the support frame 18 is joined to the support frame 38 of the second deployment member 16. On the back side of the support frame 18, an alignment recess 36 is formed in order to facilitate alignment during bonding. In the present embodiment, recesses 36 are formed in the vicinity of each apex of the triangular first deployment member 14, and three recesses 36 are formed on the back side of the support frame 18.

(Second deployment member)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the second deployment member 16, FIG. 5 (A) is a plan view when the second deployment member 16 is viewed from the surface side, and FIG. 5 (B) is from the surface side. It is a perspective view when seen. The second deployment member 16 includes a support frame 38 whose outer peripheral shape and inner peripheral shape are substantially equilateral triangles, a rotary portion 40 whose outer peripheral shape is provided inside the support frame 38, and a support frame 38 and a rotary portion. And a plurality (three in this example) of connecting beams 42 that connect 40. The support frame 38 and the connecting beam 42 are each formed with a predetermined width. In the present embodiment, the frame width of the support frame 38 is the same as the frame width of the support frame 18 of the first deployment member 14, and the beam width of the connection beam 42 is the same as that of the connection beam 22 of the first deployment member 14. The width is the same as the beam width.

  Moreover, the support frame 38, the rotation part 40, and the some connection beam 42 are integrally formed in the flat plate-shaped elastic-plastic body by making the notch | incision 44 of a predetermined shape in a flat-plate-shaped elastic plastic body. The thicknesses of the support frame 38, the rotating part 40, and the connecting beam 42 may be the same or different. Similar to the first deployment member 14, it is preferable to form the rotating portion 40 and the connecting beam 42 thinner than the support frame 38 in order to facilitate elastic-plastic deformation.

  Each of the cuts 44 has the same shape, and is arranged at a symmetrical position with respect to the center axis of the equilateral triangle. In the present embodiment, three V-shaped cuts 44 are formed in the second deployment member 16. The width of the notch 44 has a thicker portion and a thinner portion than the frame width of the support frame 18 and the beam width of the connecting beam 22. Hereinafter, the width of the cut 44 at the thick portion is referred to as “maximum width”, and the width of the cut 44 at the thin portion is referred to as “minimum width”.

  Each of the cuts 44 starts from the vicinity of the first vertex with any one of the three vertices of the second deployment member 16 having an equilateral triangle as the first vertex, and the second vertex adjacent to the first vertex. Extends in parallel to one side of the equilateral triangle connecting the apex of the second, bends in front of the second apex, extends in parallel to one side of the equilateral triangle connecting the second apex and the third apex, and is in front of the third apex. end with. If the first apex → second apex → third apex is set clockwise in the first deployment member 14, the first apex → second apex → third Vertices are set counterclockwise. This is because the rotating unit 40 is rotated in the reverse direction to the rotating unit 20 of the first deployment member 14.

  By forming the three cuts 44, the three elongated connecting beams 42 are separated from the support frame 38, leaving three connecting portions 46 where the connecting beams 42 are connected to the support frame 38. The equilateral triangular rotating part 40 is separated from the connecting beam 42, leaving three connecting parts 48 where the beam 42 is connected to the rotating part 40. That is, one end of each connecting beam 42 is connected to the support frame 38 by the connecting portion 46, and the other end of each connecting beam 42 is connected to the rotating portion 40 by the connecting portion 48. Thus, the rotating part 40 is connected to the support frame 38 by the three connecting beams 42. In the present embodiment, the width of the joint portion 46 is the same as the width of the joint portion 26 of the first deployment member 14, and the width of the joint portion 48 is the same as the width of the joint portion 28 of the first deployment member 14. Width.

  Further, the connecting beam 42 of the second expanding member 16 and the connecting beam 22 of the first expanding member 14 are parallel to the same side of the equilateral triangle in a state where the first expanding member 14 is superimposed on the second expanding member 16. When arranged, the direction in which the connecting beam 42 extends (direction from the connecting portion 46 to the connecting portion 48) is opposite to the direction in which the connecting beam 22 extends (direction from the connecting portion 26 to the connecting portion 28). Yes (see FIG. 3). Thereby, the rotation part 40 of the 2nd expansion | deployment member 16 rotates in the reverse direction with respect to the rotation part 20 of the 1st expansion | deployment member 14. FIG.

  In the second deployment member 16, the connecting beam 42 and the rotating portion 20 and the connecting beam 22 of the first expanding member 14 do not interfere with each other at the time of deployment, and the rotating portion 40 and the connecting beam 22 of the first expanding member 14 are mutually connected. Cut 44 is made so as not to interfere. When these interferences occur, the deployment of the deployment structure 10 is hindered. Moreover, it is preferable to make the notch 44 so that the length of the connection beam 42 may become as long as possible similarly to the 1st expansion | deployment member 14. FIG. The longer the connecting beam 42, the larger the stroke at the time of deployment. In the present embodiment, each of the connecting beams 42 is arranged in parallel to each side of the equilateral triangle, on the inner side from the inner periphery of the support frame 38 by the amount obtained by adding the beam width and twice the minimum cut width. By doing so, the length of the connecting beam 42 is designed to be the longest.

  As with the first deployment member 14, it is preferable to design the shape of the cut 44 as appropriate. For example, the starting point of the notch 44 may be a position located on the inner side by the frame width from each of the two sides forming the vertex of the second deployment member 16 so that the support frame 38 has a predetermined frame width. it can. The notch 44 extends from the starting point to the maximum width, extends in parallel with one side of the equilateral triangle with the maximum width, and converges to the point before the break point. The break point of the notch 44 is equal to the sum of the frame width, the maximum width of the notch 44, and the beam width from one side of the equilateral triangle of the second deployment member 16 so that the connecting beam 42 has a predetermined beam width. It can be a position on the inside. The notch 44 has a minimum width from the break point to the end point and extends parallel to one side of the regular triangle of the second deployment member 16. The end point of the notch 44 is the frame width, the maximum width of the notch 44, the beam from one side of the equilateral triangle of the second deployment member 16 so that the rotating part 40 and one end of the connecting beam 42 are continuous with the same width as the beam width. It is possible to set a position on the inner side by an amount corresponding to the sum of the double width and the minimum width of the notch 44.

  As with the first deployment member 14, the edges of each connecting portion 48 are rounded with corners cut away to facilitate the movement of the connecting portion 48. Further, a V-shaped notch 50 is provided on the side of the edge of each connecting portion 48 close to the connecting beam 42 in order to facilitate the bending of the connecting beam 42 at the connecting portion 48. .

  At the center on the surface side of the rotating part 40, a cylindrical convex part 52 having a perpendicular line passing through the center point of the equilateral triangular rotating part 40 is formed with a predetermined diameter. The columnar convex portion 52 is rotatably fitted into the through hole 32 of the first deployment member 14 in a state where the first deployment member 14 is superimposed on the second deployment member 16 (see FIG. 3). That is, the columnar convex portion 52 of the second deployment member 16 is the “shaft”, and the through hole 32 of the first deployment member 14 functions as a “bearing” that receives this “shaft”. The rotating unit 20 and the rotating unit 40 of the second deployment member 16 rotate on the same axis. A ratchet convex portion 54 is formed around the cylindrical convex portion 52. In the present embodiment, three convex portions 54 are formed at equal intervals so as to surround the cylindrical convex portion 52.

  Further, the surface side of the support frame 38 is joined to the support frame 18 of the first deployment member 14. On the surface side of the support frame 38, an alignment convex portion 56 is formed in order to facilitate alignment at the time of joining. In the present embodiment, three convex portions 56 are formed on the surface side of the support frame 38 in the vicinity of each vertex of the triangular second deployment member 16. By fitting each of the convex portions 56 of the support frame 38 into the concave portion 36 provided in the support frame 18 of the first deployment member 14, the support frame 38 and the support frame 18 of the first deployment member 14 overlap well. Thus, the first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member 16 are aligned.

(Ratchet mechanism)
The unfolded structure 10 is unfolded from a plane to form a three-dimensionally intersecting structure 12 in which a ratchet is locked and a plurality of beams intersect. A ratchet is a mechanism used to limit the direction of movement to one side. Here, the ratchet mechanism of the deployment structure 10 will be described. 6A is a plan view of the rotating portion 20 of the first deployment member 14 as viewed from the front surface side, and FIG. 6B is a view of the rotating portion 40 of the second deployment member 16 as viewed from the surface side. FIG. FIGS. 6C and 6D are perspective views showing how the ratchet is locked.

  As described above, the ratchet recess 34 is formed on the back surface side of the rotating portion 20 of the first deployment member 14 so as to surround the through hole 32. When the rotating unit 20 is pressed from the back side, the rotating unit 20 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the rotation axis A. As the rotating part 20 rotates, the concave part 34 also moves. On the other hand, a ratchet convex portion 54 is formed on the surface side of the rotating portion 40 of the second deployment member 16 so as to surround the cylindrical convex portion 52. When the rotating unit 40 is pressed from the back side, the rotating unit 40 rotates clockwise with respect to the same rotation axis A. The convex part 54 moves with the rotation of the rotating part 40.

  The ratchet convex portion 54 is formed in a “claw” shape having an inclined surface, as shown in FIG. The ratchet recess 34 is formed in a shape having an inclined surface at the bottom so as to be fitted to the projection 54. In a state where the first deployment member 14 is superimposed on the second deployment member 16, the rotating unit 20 and the rotating unit 40 are pressed from the back side, and the rotating unit 40 and the rotating unit 20 rotate in the opposite directions. At this time, the convex portion 54 of the rotating portion 40 moves relative to the concave portion 34 of the rotating portion 20 in the arrow A direction.

  The convex part 54 of the rotating part 40 is fitted into the concave part 34 of the rotating part 20 by rotation. When the convex portion 54 fitted in the concave portion 34 moves relatively in the direction of arrow A, the convex portion 54 can escape from the concave portion 34 along the inclined surface of the concave portion 34. On the other hand, even if an attempt is made to move in the direction of the arrow B opposite to the direction of the arrow A, the claw is caught and cannot be removed from the recess 34. Thereby, the rotation direction is limited to one direction.

  Since the rotating part 20 is connected to the support frame 18 by the connecting beam 22, and the rotating part 40 is connected to the support frame 38 by the connecting beam 42, the rotating part 20 and the rotating part 40 move along the rotation axis A, As the distance from each support frame increases, a force acts in a direction in which the rotating portion is pulled back, that is, in a direction in which rotation due to pressing is stopped. However, as described above, since the rotation direction is limited to one direction, the rotating unit cannot be pulled back. Therefore, at the position where the rotating part 40 and the rotating part 20 are rotated to a predetermined angle, the convex part 54 and the concave part 34 cannot come out of the fitted state, and the ratchet is locked.

(Deployment behavior)
7A to 7C are plan views for explaining the deployment behavior of the deployment structure 10, and FIGS. 8A to 8C are perspective views for explaining the deployment behavior of the deployment structure 10. FIG. In any of the figures, the state where the first deployment member 14 is superimposed on the second deployment member 16 (deployment structure 10) is viewed from the back side.

  FIGS. 7A and 8A show the state of the unfolded structure 10 before unfolding. The unfolded structure 10 before unfolding has a planar shape that is a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view.

  FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B show a state during development. When the rotating portion 40 of the second expanding member 16 is pressed from the back side in a state where the first expanding member 14 is superimposed on the second expanding member 16, the direction in which the rotating portion 40 is pressed along the rotation axis A It rotates around the rotation axis A while moving to. When viewed from the back side, the rotating unit 40 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis A as illustrated by the dotted line. Further, the rotating portion 20 of the first deployment member 14 is pressed from the back surface side by the rotating portion 40, and the rotating portion 20 rotates coaxially while moving in the direction pressed along the rotation axis A. When viewed from the back side, the rotating unit 20 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis A as illustrated by the solid line.

  In the second deployment member 16, both ends of the connecting beam 42 begin to bend due to elastic-plastic deformation as the rotating portion 40 moves. In particular, the connecting portion 46 where the connecting beam 42 is connected to the support frame 38 and the connecting portion 48 where the connecting beam 42 is connected to the rotating portion 40 are curved by elastic-plastic deformation. Similarly, in the first developing member 14, both ends of the connecting beam 22 begin to bend due to elastic-plastic deformation as the rotating portion 20 moves. In particular, the connecting portion 26 where the connecting beam 22 is connected to the support frame 18 and the connecting portion 28 where the connecting beam 22 is connected to the rotating portion 20 are curved by elastic-plastic deformation.

  FIGS. 7C and 8C show a state after development (when development is completed). When the rotating unit 40 and the rotating unit 20 move to the limit in the direction pressed along the rotation axis A, the ratchet is locked at the position where the rotating unit 40 and the rotating unit 20 have rotated to a predetermined angle, and the unfolded structure 10. Deployment is complete. In this example, the deployment is completed at a position where the rotating unit 40 and the rotating unit 20 are rotated in the opposite directions by about 45 degrees. Thereby, the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 having a plurality of beams of the connecting beam 22 and the connecting beam 42 is formed. In this example, the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 having a total of six beams including three connecting beams 22 and three connecting beams 42 is formed.

  In the 2nd expansion | deployment member 16, the connection beam 42 further bends by elastic-plastic deformation with the further movement of the rotation part 40. FIG. In particular, the connecting portion 46 is significantly curved, and the connecting portion 48 is bent near the notch 50. Similarly, in the first deployment member 14, the connecting beam 22 is further bent due to elastic-plastic deformation as the rotating portion 20 further moves. The connecting portion 26 is greatly curved, and the connecting portion 28 is bent near the notch 30.

(Shock absorbing capacity during deployment)
The impact absorbing ability of the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 was verified by a collision experiment shown below.
First, a prototype of the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 was produced. FIG. 9 is a design diagram of the first developing member 14 used for forming the prototype. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the first deployment member 14 viewed from the surface side, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the symmetry axis of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a design diagram of the second developing member 16 used for forming the prototype. FIG. 10A is a plan view of the second deployment member 16 as viewed from the surface side, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of symmetry of FIG.

  The unit of the described numerical value is mm (millimeter). In general, each of the first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member 16 is an equilateral triangle having an outer peripheral shape with a side length of about 9 cm. The thickness of the support frame is 3 mm, and the thickness of the rotating part and the connecting beam is 1 mm. The first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member 16 are made of ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene resin), and the support frame, the rotating portion, and the connecting beam are integrally formed. The first development member 14 shown in FIG. 9 and the second development member 16 shown in FIG. 10 were overlapped to produce the development structure 10 described above. The center part of the unfolded structure 10 was pressed from the back side and unfolded until the ratchet was locked, and a prototype of the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 was obtained. The stroke (deployment distance) of the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 was about 3.5 cm.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a method of a collision experiment. A cart 60 with the prototype three-dimensional intersection structure 12 attached thereto was caused to collide with the rigid wall surface 62, and a change in acceleration received by the cart was measured. Using the cart 60 provided with the L-shaped loading platform 64, with the prototype three-dimensional intersection structure 12 attached to the rear surface 66 of the loading platform 64, the cart 60 is 1.7 m / s (meter / second) in the direction of arrow C. And collided with the rigid wall surface 62.

FIG. 12A is a graph showing a change in acceleration received by the cart 60 to which the solid intersection structure 12 is not attached, and FIG. 12B is a graph showing a change in acceleration received by the cart 60 having the solid intersection structure 12 attached thereto. It is. The vertical axis represents acceleration, and its unit is G. 1G is converted to 9.80665 m / s ² . The horizontal axis represents time, and its unit is ms (millisecond).

  As shown in FIG. 12 (A), in the trolley 60 to which the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 is not attached, the acceleration received by the trolley 60 at the time of collision suddenly changed (decelerated). In just 10ms after the collision, the acceleration changed by 62G. This represents the magnitude of the impact received by the carriage. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), in the cart 60 to which the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 is attached, the acceleration received by the cart 60 at the time of collision did not change rapidly, and the maximum value of the acceleration also decreased. During the 40 ms from the impact, the acceleration changed only 18G. The collision energy was absorbed slowly, and the impact force received by the carriage 60 was greatly reduced. Similarly, the reaction force received by the collision object (the rigid wall surface 62) is also reduced.

  13A to 13I are high-speed video camera images obtained by shooting the collision experiment. Images are taken at intervals of 2 ms. 13A is an image at the time of collision, FIG. 13B is an image 2 ms after the collision, FIG. 13C is an image 4 ms after the collision, FIG. 13D is an image 6 ms after the collision, 13E is an image 8 ms after the collision, FIG. 13F is an image 10 ms after the collision, FIG. 13G is an image 12 ms after the collision, and FIG. 13H is 14 ms after the collision. An image, FIG. 13 (I), is an image 16 ms after the collision. From these images, each of the plurality of beams of the prototype three-dimensional intersection structure 12 is elasto-plastically deformed and bent at the central portion between the collision and 16 ms, and finally some of the beams are bent. It can be seen that the collision energy is absorbed.

<Shock absorber>
Next, a schematic configuration of the shock absorbing device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this shock absorbing device, when a collision is detected (including when a collision is predicted to be unavoidable), the above-described unfolded structure 10 (see FIG. 1 and the like) is expanded to form a three-dimensional intersection structure having a plurality of beams. 12 is used, and an “impact absorbing structure” that absorbs collision energy is used. First, this shock absorbing structure will be described.

(Shock absorbing structure)
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the shock absorbing structure 70 provided with the deployment structure 10. The shock absorbing structure 70 presses the deployment structure 10 including the first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member 16 and the central portion of the deployment structure 10 from the back side by the operation of the airbag, thereby And an unfolding drive unit 72 for unfolding. The deployment drive unit 72 includes a support frame 74 having an outer circumferential shape and an inner circumferential shape that are the same shape (substantially equilateral triangle) as the first deployment member 14 and the second deployment member, and an airbag device 76 attached to the inside of the support frame 74. And.

  The deployment drive unit 72 is overlaid so that the front surface side from which the airbag protrudes faces the back surface side of the second deployment member 16. On the surface side of the support frame 74, an alignment projection 78 is formed in order to facilitate alignment during bonding. A concave portion (not shown) that fits the convex portion 78 is provided at a corresponding position on the back surface side of the second deployment member 16. Then, the support frame 74 of the deployment drive unit 72 and the support frame 38 of the second deployment member 16 are aligned and joined. Thereby, the shock absorbing structure 70 is completed.

  FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the airbag apparatus 76, and FIG. 15B is a schematic view showing a state in which the airbag apparatus 76 is activated. The air bag device 76 includes an inflator 80 that instantaneously generates gas and a bag (bag body) 82 that instantly inflates due to the gas sent from the inflator 80. Before the airbag device 76 operates, the bag 82 is folded and stored between the second deployment member 16 and the deployment drive unit 72. When a collision is detected, a drive signal is input to the inflator 80 (ignition current is turned on), gas is sent to the back 82, and the back 82 is instantly expanded.

(Shock absorbing operation)
FIGS. 16A to 16D are side views for explaining the operation of the shock absorbing structure 70 absorbing the collision energy. In this side view, the shock absorbing structure 70 is viewed from one side of the equilateral triangle.

  FIG. 16A shows the state of the shock absorbing structure 70 before a collision is detected (before deployment). The shock absorbing structure 70 is configured by superimposing the first deployment member 14, the second deployment member 16, and the deployment drive unit 72 in this order, and has a planar shape. The first deployment member 14 side on which the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 is formed is the front surface side, and the deployment drive unit 72 side is the back surface side. The shock absorbing structure 70 is installed with the back side facing the installation surface.

  FIG. 16B shows the state of the shock absorbing structure 70 immediately after the collision is detected (when the deployment is completed). When a collision is detected, a drive signal is input to the inflator 80, gas is sent to the back 82, and the back 82 is instantaneously expanded. The swollen back 82 presses the rotating portion 20 of the first deploying member 14 and the rotating portion 40 of the second deploying member 16 toward the surface side. The rotating part 20 and the rotating part 40 rotate in the reverse direction on the same axis while moving in the pressed direction. The ratchet is locked at a position where each of the rotating unit 40 and the rotating unit 20 is rotated to a predetermined angle, and the deployment is completed.

  As described above, both ends of the connecting beam 22 of the first developing member 14 and the connecting beam 42 of the second developing member 16 are bent by elastic-plastic deformation. That is, the connecting portion 26 of the first developing member 14 and the connecting portion 46 of the second developing member 16 are significantly curved. Further, the connecting portion 28 of the first developing member 14 is bent near the notch 30, and the connecting portion 48 of the second expanding member 16 is bent near the notch 50. Thereby, the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 in which a plurality of beams of the connecting beam 22 and the connecting beam 42 intersect is formed.

  FIG. 16C shows the state of the shock absorbing structure 70 after the deployment is completed (after deployment). When the expansion is completed, the gas is released from the bag 82, and the bag 82 is deflated. Even if the back 82 is squeezed, the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 is maintained because the ratchet is locked.

  FIG. 16D shows a state of the shock absorbing structure 70 after applying a load. A weight 84 is placed on the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 of the shock absorbing structure 70 and a load is applied to the shock absorbing structure 70. This is the same state as when impact energy is given to the shock absorbing structure 70. The connecting beam 22 of the first deploying member 14 and the connecting beam 42 of the second deploying member 16 are elastically plastically deformed to absorb collision energy.

  In the process of absorbing the collision energy, the connecting beam 22 of the first deployment member 14 is relaxed in the bending at the connecting portion 26, and the central portion starts to bend due to elastic-plastic deformation. Similarly, in the connecting beam 42 of the second deployment member 16, the bending at the connecting portion 46 is alleviated, and the central portion begins to bend due to elastic-plastic deformation. When the connection beam 42 of the second deployment member 16 is shorter than the connection beam 22 of the first deployment member 14, the second deployment member 16 attempts to return to the state before deployment. For this reason, the connecting beam 22 of the first deployment member 14 is further elasto-plastically deformed and bent at the central portion or the connecting portion 28 of the connecting beam 22.

  FIGS. 17A to 17C are side views for explaining another example of the shock absorbing operation of the shock absorbing structure 70. In the shock absorbing operation shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D, the back 82 is squeezed after the deployment is completed. In this shock absorbing operation, the gas pressure in the back 82 is maintained after the deployment, The expanded bag 82 is also used to absorb the collision energy. Note that FIG. 17A is the same diagram as FIG. 16A, and FIG. 17B is the same diagram as FIG. 16B.

  FIG. 17C shows the state of the shock absorbing structure 70 after applying a load. A weight 84 is placed on the three-dimensional intersection structure 12 of the shock absorbing structure 70 and a load is applied to the shock absorbing structure 70. The connection beam 22 of the first deployment member 14 and the connection beam 42 of the second deployment member 16 are elastically plastically deformed to absorb collision energy. The expanded bag 82 absorbs collision energy by releasing or moving the gas in the bag 82. For example, as shown, the expanded back 82 is deformed flat and absorbs collision energy.

  When a large load is applied to the shock absorbing structure 70, it is preferable to use the expanded bag 82 together. When the back 82 is used in combination, the internal pressure in the back can be changed according to the characteristics of the collision object by using a reinforcing fiber such as carbon fiber as the material of the back 82. When the load of the three-dimensionally crossed structure 12 alone cannot be supported, that is, when the collision energy cannot be absorbed, the internal pressure of the back 82 is increased to absorb the collision energy.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of the shock absorbing structure 70. Since the shock absorbing structure 70 before deployment has a planar shape, a large number of shock absorbing structures 70 can be arranged in two dimensions. As described above, the first deployment member 14 side is the front surface side, and the deployment drive unit 72 side is the back surface side. The shock absorbing structure 70 is installed with the back side facing the installation surface. The unfolding structure 10 included in the shock absorbing structure 70 unfolds toward the near side in the drawing. In the present embodiment, since the shock absorbing structure 70 has a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view, it can be spread over the installation site without any gap. In addition, although the example which arrange | positions the shock absorption structure 70 planarly was shown here, the shock absorption structure 70 can also be arrange | positioned in parallel according to a use.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an installation site when the shock absorbing structure 70 is installed in a vehicle. In preparation for the collision with the colliding object, the hood panel 90, the front bumper 92, the front side door 94, the front fender panel 96, the front pillar 98, and the like can be installed. The shock absorbing structure 70 having a compact and planar shape includes a gap between the outer panel and the inner panel constituting the hood panel 90, a space between the bumper cover and the bumper frame of the front bumper 92, and the hood panel 90 and the front panel. It can also be installed in a narrow and small part where a crush box cannot normally be installed, such as a gap with the fender panel 96. Moreover, you may install in a luggage door or a rear bumper in preparation for the collision at the time of back.

(Shock absorber)
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the shock absorbing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. This impact absorbing device is mounted on a vehicle and used. The shock absorber 100 according to the present embodiment includes a deployment structure 10, a sensor group 102 installed as information acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying a collision position of a colliding object, and the deployment structure 10. A deployment drive unit 72 that deploys the deployment structure 10 by pressing from the back side, and a control unit 104 that controls the deployment drive unit 72 so that the deployment drive unit 72 operates based on information acquired from the sensor group 102. , Is provided.

  The unfolding structure 10 and the unfolding drive unit 72 constitute the shock absorbing structure 70 described above. As described above, a large number of shock absorbing structures 70 are installed in various parts of the vehicle where a collision is expected, such as the hood panel 90, the front bumper 92, the front side door 94, the front fender panel 96, and the front pillar 98.

  The sensor group 102 includes a video camera 102A that captures the front, side, and rear of the host vehicle, an infrared camera 102B that captures thermal images of the front, side, and rear of the host vehicle, and the front, side, and rear of the host vehicle. Are provided with a radar 102C for detecting the obstacle (collision object), and a pressure-sensitive sensor 102D for detecting a collision from the front, side, and rear to the host vehicle. The radar 102C may be a laser radar or a millimeter wave radar. Data obtained by each of the video camera 102A, the infrared camera 102B, the radar 102C, and the pressure sensor 102D is sequentially input to the control unit 104.

  The control unit 104 is provided with a collision site estimation unit 106 that estimates a site where the colliding object collides, and a collision range estimation unit 108 that estimates a range where the colliding object collides at the estimated collision site. When the collision is detected or the collision is predicted to be unavoidable based on the data input from the sensor group 102, the shock absorbing structure 70 installed in the estimated collision range of the estimated collision site. The unfolding drive unit 72 is actuated to deploy the unfolding structure 10 at the collision position. The three-dimensional intersection structure 12 having a plurality of beams is formed by the development, and the collision energy is absorbed by the three-dimensional intersection structure 12.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation routine performed by the control unit 104. First, in step S10, the risk of collision is detected based on the data input from the sensor group 102. For example, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the collision object and the approach direction of the collision object from the data obtained by the radar 102C. If the approaching direction of the colliding object is known, it can be determined whether the collision is a frontal collision or a side collision, and the part where the colliding object collides can be estimated. In the next step S12, the shape / weight / velocity of the collision object is predicted based on the data input from the sensor group 102. If the shape, weight, and speed of the collision object are known, it is possible to estimate the specific collision range at the collision site as well as the site where the collision object collides.

  Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the collision can be avoided from the predicted shape / weight / velocity of the collision object. If it is determined that a collision can be avoided (affirmative determination), the routine ends there. On the other hand, if it is determined that a collision cannot be avoided (negative determination), in order to deploy the deployment structure 10 of the shock absorbing structure 70, a drive signal is output to the deployment drive unit 72, and the routine is terminated. In this way, a control operation can be performed according to the characteristics of the collision object, such as the deployment structure 10 of a necessary part being deployed.

  As described above, the deployment structure and the shock absorbing structure of the present embodiment have a compact and planar shape before deployment, and therefore should be installed in a narrow and small part where a crash box or the like cannot be installed. Can do. Moreover, since the deployment structure and the shock absorbing structure of the present embodiment are substantially equilateral triangles in plan view, they can be spread without any gaps in the installation site.

  In addition, since the deployment structure and the shock absorbing structure of the present embodiment form a three-dimensional intersection structure with a plurality of beams after deployment, each of the plurality of beams is elastic when an impact is applied from the surface side. It can be plastically deformed to absorb collision energy. In particular, because of the three-dimensional intersection structure, collision energy can be effectively absorbed not only in a collision from the front but also in a collision from an oblique direction. Furthermore, the amount of collision energy absorption can be adjusted by changing the arrangement and number of beams in the three-dimensional intersection structure according to the application. That is, it is possible to give arbitrary rigidity.

  In addition, since the shock absorbing device of the present embodiment has a large number of shock absorbing structures including the deploying structure arranged on a collision object such as a vehicle and individually controlled to drive, the deploying structure arranged at the collision position The body can be deployed to absorb the impact of collision. That is, a control operation can be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the collision object, such as deploying a deployment structure at a necessary site.

  Also, based on the data input from the sensor group, the presence / absence of a colliding object is determined, and the shape / weight / velocity of the colliding object is measured. If the collision cannot be avoided by estimating the range of the collision, the deployment structure disposed at the estimated collision position can be deployed to absorb the impact caused by the collision.

<Modification>
Hereinafter, modifications of the above embodiment will be described.

(Modification of deployment drive unit)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the airbag device is used for the deployment drive unit that deploys the deployment structure is described. However, it is only necessary that the deployment structure can be pressed, and the pressing member is not limited to the airbag device. You may make it press the bag body with which gas and liquid were enclosed like an air cap against an expansion | deployment structure.

(Modification of deployment drive mechanism)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the deployment structure is expanded by pressing has been described. However, the deployment structure can be formed by a material that self-deforms by heating or voltage application, and the deployment structure can be deployed by self-deformation. . As the self-deforming material, a bimetal obtained by plying two kinds of metal plates having different thermal expansion coefficients, a polymer actuator that swells / shrinks by changing the concentration distribution of mobile ions in the polymer gel by the action of an electric field, etc. are used. be able to.

  FIGS. 22A and 22B are examples in which a development structure is formed of a material that is self-deformed by heating. As shown in FIG. 22 (A), the unfolding structure 10A is composed of a flat plate-like first developing member 14A and a flat plate-like second developing member 16A having the same size as the first developing member 14A. Yes. Each of the first deployment member 14A and the second deployment member 16A is formed of a material that is self-deformed by heating.

  The expanded structure 10A has the same configuration as the expanded structure 10 except for the materials. That is, the first deployment member 14 </ b> A has the same structure as the first deployment member 14, and the second deployment member 16 </ b> A has the same structure as the second deployment member 16. The first deployment member 14A and the second deployment member 16A are used in an overlapping manner.

  A heater 72A is attached to the deployment structure 10A as a deployment drive unit that deploys the deployment structure 10A. When the deployment structure 10A is heated by the heater 72A, as shown in FIG. 22B, each of the first deployment member 14A and the second deployment member 16A is self-deformed and deployed, and a three-dimensional structure having a plurality of beams. A crossing structure 12A is formed. Also in the three-dimensional cross structure 12A formed in this way, each of the plurality of beams undergoes elasto-plastic deformation and absorbs collision energy.

  FIGS. 23A and 23B show an example in which a development structure is formed of a material that self-deforms when a voltage is applied. As shown in FIG. 23 (A), the unfolding structure 10B is configured by a flat plate-like first developing member 14B and a flat plate-like second developing member 16B having the same size as the first developing member 14B. Yes. Each of the first deployment member 14B and the second deployment member 16B is formed of a material that is self-deformed by application of a voltage. The unfolded structure 10B has the same configuration as the unfolded structure 10 except for the materials.

  The unfolded structure 10B is connected to a control circuit in which a switch 72B and a power source 72C are connected in series. As shown in FIG. 23B, when the switch 72B is turned on, a voltage is applied to the deployment structure 10B by the power source 72C, and each of the first deployment member 14B and the second deployment member 16B is self-deformed and deployed. The three-dimensional intersection structure 12B having a plurality of beams is formed. In the three-dimensional intersection structure 12B formed in this way, each of the plurality of beams undergoes elasto-plastic deformation and absorbs collision energy.

(Applicable variants)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the shock absorbing structure is installed in the vehicle body such as a front bumper has been described. However, the shock absorbing structure having a compact and planar shape is also installed in a narrow and small part. be able to. It can also be used as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) device. That is, it can also serve as a collision buffer structure or actuator in a fine space.

(Modified example of unfolded structure)
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a structure in which a deployment structure having a substantially equilateral triangle in plan view is used and one rotating part is supported by three connecting beams in a three-dimensional intersection structure has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. A suitable shape can be selected according to the application. The amount of collision energy absorption can be adjusted by changing the arrangement and number of connecting beams in the three-dimensional intersection structure. Moreover, the planar view shape, the shape of the rotating portion, and the shape / arrangement / number of connecting beams may be different between the first deployment member and the second deployment member constituting the deployment structure.

  An expanded structure with an equilateral triangle in plan view can be arranged in a plane without gaps, and is most preferable from the viewpoint of ease of plane arrangement, but the shape of the expanded structure in plan view is a circle (perfect circle, ellipse). Etc.) and polygons other than triangles (rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, etc.). Further, the structure in which the rotating part is supported by the three connecting beams is most preferable because there is no play beam, but the number of connecting beams supporting the rotating part is not limited to three. Two or four or more may be used. When the number of connecting beams increases, the amount of collision energy absorption due to elastic-plastic deformation increases. Increasing the length of the connecting beam increases the amount of collision energy absorbed by elastic-plastic deformation. Increasing the width of the connecting beam increases the amount of collision energy absorbed by elastic-plastic deformation.

  The width of the connecting beam need not be constant, and the beam width may change in the longitudinal direction of one connecting beam. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting beam need not be rectangular, and the thickness may change in the longitudinal direction of the cross-section.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of a development structure having a circular plan view. The first deploying member has two connecting beams, and the connecting beam 42C of the second deploying member 16C has four connecting beams. FIG. 24A is a plan view of a first deployment member that constitutes the deployment structure, FIG. 24B is a plan view of a second deployment member that constitutes the deployment structure, and FIG. It is a perspective view of the three-dimensional intersection structure formed by unfolding a deployment structure.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, the first deployment member 14C includes a support frame 18C having a circular outer peripheral shape and an inner peripheral shape, and a rotating portion 20C having a circular outer peripheral shape provided inside the support frame 18C. Two arc-shaped connecting beams 22C that connect the support frame 18C and the rotating portion 20C are provided. The support frame 18C, the rotating portion 20C, and the two connecting beams 22C are integrally formed in the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body by making a predetermined shape of cuts 24C into the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body. In this example, two substantially C-shaped cuts 24 </ b> C are formed in the first deployment member 14 </ b> C.

  One end of each connecting beam 22C is connected to the support frame 18C by a connecting portion 26C, and the other end of each connecting beam 22C is connected to the rotating portion 20C by a connecting portion 28C. Thus, the rotating portion 20C is connected to the support frame 18C by the two connecting beams 22C. In the center of the rotating portion 20C, a through hole 32C having a perpendicular line passing through the center point of the circle as an axis is formed in a circular shape with a predetermined diameter. In addition, a V-shaped notch 30C is provided on the side of each connecting portion 28C near the connecting beam 22C in order to facilitate the bending of the connecting beam 22C at the connecting portion 28C. .

  As shown in FIG. 24B, the second deployment member 16C includes a support frame 38C having a circular outer peripheral shape and an inner peripheral shape, and a rotating portion 40C having a circular outer peripheral shape provided inside the support frame 38C. Four arcuate connecting beams 42C that connect the support frame 38C and the rotating portion 40C are provided. The support frame 38 and the connecting beam 42 are each formed with a predetermined width. The support frame 38C, the rotating portion 40C, and the two connecting beams 42C are integrally formed in the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body by making a predetermined shape of cut 44C into the flat plate-like elastic-plastic body. In this example, four substantially C-shaped cuts 44C having partially different thicknesses are formed on the first deployment member 14C. The rotating portion 40C and the connecting beam 42C are arranged so as not to interfere with the rotating portion 20C and the connecting beam 22C of the first deployment member 14C during deployment.

  One end of each connecting beam 42C is connected to the support frame 38C by a connecting portion 46C, and the other end of each connecting beam 42C is connected to the rotating portion 40C by a connecting portion 48C. Thus, the rotating portion 40C is connected to the support frame 38C by the four connecting beams 42C. At the center on the surface side of the rotating portion 40C, a columnar convex portion 52C having a perpendicular line passing through the center point of the circular rotating portion 40 is formed with a predetermined diameter. Further, a V-shaped cutout 50C is provided on the side of the edge of each connecting portion 48C close to the connecting beam 42C in order to facilitate the bending of the connecting beam 42C at the connecting portion 48C. .

  As shown in FIG. 24C, the first deployment member 14C is superimposed on the second deployment member 16C. In a state where the columnar convex portion 52C of the second deployment member 16C is rotatably fitted in the through hole 32C of the first deployment member 14C, the first deployment member 14C and the second deployment member 16C are deployed, and a plurality of A three-dimensional intersection structure 12C is formed in which the beams cross. In this example, a three-dimensional intersection structure 12C having a total of six beams of two connecting beams 22C and four connecting beams 42C is formed. By making the shape of the unfolded structure in a plan view circular, the connecting beam 22C and the connecting beam 42C can be formed long along the inner diameter of the support frame, and the stroke at the time of unfolding can be increased. Further, as compared with the expanded structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the amount of collision energy absorption due to elastic-plastic deformation increases as the number of the connecting beams 42 </ b> C increases.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance before expansion | deployment of the expansion | deployment structure which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance after the expansion | deployment structure shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of an expansion | deployment structure. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a 1st expansion | deployment member, (A) is a top view when the 1st expansion | deployment member is seen from the surface side, (B) is a perspective view when it sees from the back surface side. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a 2nd expansion | deployment member, (A) is a top view when the 2nd expansion | deployment member is seen from the surface side, (B) is a perspective view when it sees from the surface side. (A) is a top view when the rotation part of the 1st deployment member is seen from the surface side, (B) is a top view when the rotation part of the 2nd development member is seen from the surface side. (C) And (D) is a perspective view which shows a mode that a ratchet is locked. (A)-(C) are top views for demonstrating the expansion | deployment behavior of an expansion | deployment structure. (A)-(C) are perspective views for demonstrating the expansion | deployment behavior of an expansion | deployment structure. It is a design drawing which shows the structure of the 1st expansion | deployment member which comprises the expansion | deployment structure used for verification experiment. (A) is the top view which looked at the 1st deployment member from the surface side, and (B) is an AA sectional view of (A). It is a design drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd expansion | deployment member which comprises the expansion | deployment structure used for verification experiment. (A) is the top view which looked at the 2nd expansion | deployment member from the surface side, (B) is BB sectional drawing of (A). It is the schematic which shows the method of a collision experiment. (A) is a graph showing the change of the acceleration which the trolley | bogie which has not attached the solid intersection structure receives, and (B) is a graph showing the change of the acceleration which the trolley which attached the solid intersection structure receives. (A)-(I) are the high-speed video camera image which image | photographed the collision experiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the impact-absorbing structure provided with the expansion | deployment structure. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an airbag apparatus, (B) is the schematic which shows the state which the airbag apparatus act | operated. (A)-(D) are side views for demonstrating the operation | movement which a shock absorption structure absorbs collision energy. (A)-(C) are side views for demonstrating another example of the impact-absorbing operation | movement of an impact-absorbing structure. It is a top view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a shock absorption structure. It is a perspective view which illustrates the installation part in the case of installing a shock absorption structure in vehicles. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the shock absorber which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the action | operation routine which a control part performs. (A) And (B) is a side view which shows the example which formed the expansion | deployment structure with the material which self-deforms by heating. (A) And (B) is a side view which shows the example which formed the expansion | deployment structure with the material which self-deforms by voltage application. It is a figure which shows the example of the expansion | deployment structure with a planar view circular. (A) is a plan view of a first deployment member constituting the deployment structure, (B) is a plan view of a second deployment member constituting the deployment structure, and (C) is a deployment of the deployment structure. It is a perspective view of the three-dimensional intersection structure formed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Unfolding structure 10A Unfolding structure 10B Unfolding structure 12 Three-dimensional intersection structure 12A Three-dimensional intersection structure 12B Three-dimensional intersection structure 14 First deployment member 14A First deployment member 14B First deployment member 16 Second deployment member 16A Second deployment member 16B Second deployment member 18 First support frame 20 First rotating portion 22 First connecting beam 24 Notch
26 connecting portion 28 connecting portion 32 through hole 34 recessed portion 36 recessed portion 38 second support frame 40 second rotating portion 42 second connecting beam 44 notch
46 connecting portion 48 connecting portion 52 convex portion 54 convex portion 56 convex portion 60 carriage 62 rigid wall surface 64 load platform 66 rear surface 70 shock absorbing structure 72 deployment drive portion 72A heater 72B switch 72C power supply 74 support frame 76 airbag device 78 convex portion 80 inflator 82 Back 84 Weight 90 Food panel 92 Front bumper 94 Front side door 96 Front fender panel 98 Front pillar 100 Shock absorber 102 Sensor group 102A Video camera 102C Radar 102D Pressure sensor 102B Infrared camera 104 Control unit 106 Collision part estimation means 108 Collision Range estimation means

Claims (13)

When the first support frame, the first rotation unit disposed inside the first support frame, and the first rotation unit move in a direction away from the first support frame, the first rotation unit is moved to the first support frame. A plurality of first connecting beams that connect the first rotating part and the first support frame so as to rotate in a direction, and the first rotating part can be deployed away from the first support frame. A first deployment member;
When the second support frame, the second rotation unit disposed inside the second support frame, and the second rotation unit move in a direction away from the second support frame, the second rotation unit is moved to the first support frame. The second rotating part and the second support frame are connected so as to rotate in a second direction opposite to the one direction, and a plurality of provided so as not to interfere with the first connecting beam during deployment. A second deployment member comprising a second connecting beam, arranged to overlap the first deployment member, and capable of being deployed in a state in which the second rotating portion is separated from the second support frame;
When the first deploying member and the second deploying member are deployed and the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are moved by a predetermined distance, the direction of the first rotating unit is opposite to the first direction. A rotation preventing member provided on each of the opposing sides of the first rotating part and the second rotating part so as to prevent the rotation of the second rotating part and the rotation of the second rotating part in a direction opposite to the second direction;
A deployment structure characterized by comprising:   2. The unfolded structure according to claim 1, wherein at least each of the first connecting beam and the second connecting beam is formed of a flat-plate elastic-plastic body.   The said 1st support frame of the said 1st expansion | deployment member, the said 1st rotation part, and these 1st connection beams are integrally formed with the flat elastic material. Expanded structure.   The said 2nd support frame of the said 2nd expansion | deployment member, the said 2nd rotation part, and these 2nd connection beam were integrally formed with the flat elastic material. Expanded structure.   When the rotation preventing member prevents rotation in the reverse direction, the plurality of first connecting beams and the plurality of first connecting beams and the second rotating portion are arranged such that the distance that the second rotating part moves in the direction away from the second support frame is maximized. The expansion | deployment structure of any one of Claim 1 to 4 by which the some 2nd connection beam is arrange | positioned.   6. The unfolded structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first connection beams is disposed along an inner periphery of the first support frame.   The outer peripheral shape and inner peripheral shape of the first support frame and the outer peripheral shape of the first rotating part are similar triangles, and the inner peripheral shape is a triangle on each side of the inner periphery of the first support frame. A deployment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the three first connection beams is disposed along the first connection beam.   Each of the three first connection beams has one end connected to the first support frame near one top of the first support frame and the other end adjacent to the top of the first support frame. The unfolded structure according to claim 7, wherein the unfolded structure is connected to the first rotating portion near another top portion.   The rotating shaft is provided in one of the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion, and the bearing for receiving the rotating shaft is provided in the other, 9. Expanded structure.   A notch is provided near the end of the first connecting beam connected to the first rotating part, and a notch is provided near the end of the second connecting beam connected to the second rotating part. The expansion | deployment structure of any one of Claim 1-9 characterized by these. An impact absorbing portion in which a plurality of the deployment structures according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are arranged in a planar shape or in parallel;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information for identifying the collision position of the collision object;
The first deployment member is provided for each of the plurality of deployed deployment structures, and the first deployment member is moved by moving the first rotation unit of the deployment structure in a direction in which the first rotation unit is separated from the first support frame. A plurality of deployment drive units that deploy the second deployment member by moving the second rotation unit of the deployment structure in a direction in which the second rotation unit separates from the second support frame;
When the collision is detected or the collision is predicted to be unavoidable based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, the first expansion of the expansion structure installed at the specified collision position A control unit for controlling the plurality of deployment drive units so as to deploy the member and the second deployment member;
A shock absorbing device comprising:   The impact absorbing device according to claim 11, wherein the deployment driving unit includes an airbag device.   The said expansion | deployment drive part moves the said 1st rotation part and the said 2nd rotation part by pressing the bag body with which gas or the liquid was enclosed to the said expansion | deployment structure. Shock absorber.