JP2009040187A - Vehicular bumper device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular bumper device capable of suitably absorbing impact energy, by restraining addition of eccentric force to side members, for example, when a vehicle collides. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicular bumper device has a pair of first crush boxes 13 respectively interposed between a first bumper reinforcement 17 and a pair of side members 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, in both end parts of the first bumper reinforcement 17 extending in the width direction of the vehicle, a pair of second crush boxes 21 respectively interposed between a second bumper reinforcement 23 and the radiator support side 12 joined to an end part of the pair of side members 11, in both end parts of the second bumper reinforcement 23 extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and a pair of third crush boxes 27 arranged on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle, having a front end part joined to the radiator support side 12 and having a rear end part joined to a suspension member joined to the side members 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle bumper device.

  Conventionally, as a bumper device for vehicles, what was indicated, for example in patent documents 1 is known. As shown in FIG. 4, the bumper device for a vehicle is arranged at a bumper inhose 91 extending in the width direction of the vehicle (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 4), and at both ends in the width direction of the bumper innose 91. And a pair of side members 93 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle via the two crash boxes 92.

  The vehicular bumper device includes a pair of stays 94 that are coupled to the lower portions of the bumper reinhose 91 at both ends in the width direction, and both ends that extend in the width direction of the vehicle and are coupled to both the stays 94. And a protruding member 95. Each stay 94 is also coupled to a coupling portion between the crash box 92 and the side member 93. And the coupling | bond part with the protrusion member 95 of each stay 94 is shape | molded by the bellows shape, and forms the energy absorption part 94a.

In such a configuration, for example, at the time of a vehicle collision, first, the energy absorbing portion 94a of the stay 94 starts to be deformed by the contact of the protruding member 95, and the impact energy at that time is absorbed.
JP 2002-145113 A

  By the way, in this vehicle bumper device, since the stay 94 supports the load generated when the projecting member 95 and the energy absorbing portion 94a are deformed, the stay 94 has sufficient strength to support the load. It is necessary to secure. In this case, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4, for example, when a vehicle load F91 is applied from the protruding member 95 to the stay 94 during a vehicle collision, an eccentric force (vehicle longitudinal direction) is applied to the side member 93. Force F92 in a direction inclined with respect to the side), and the side member 93 or the crash box 92 may be bent without being plastically deformed in the axial direction. In this case, the impact energy at the time of the vehicle collision cannot be sufficiently absorbed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular bumper device that can suppress the application of an eccentric force to a side member at the time of a vehicle collision and can suitably absorb impact energy.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a pair of first bumper in hoses extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at both ends of the first bumper in hoses extending in the width direction of the vehicle. A pair of first crash boxes that are respectively interposed between the side members of the vehicle and absorb the applied load by plastic deformation in the axial direction to absorb impact energy, and a second bumper inhose extending in the width direction of the vehicle The two bumper-in hoses and the support members coupled to the ends of the pair of side members are respectively interposed at both ends of the pair of members, and the applied load is absorbed by the axial plastic deformation to cause an impact. A pair of second crash boxes for absorbing energy and disposed on both sides of the vehicle in the width direction, one end portion is coupled to the support member, and the other end portion is coupled to the side member. Is the coupled to the mounting member, and summarized in that and a pair of third crash box to absorb the impact energy by absorbing a load applied in the axial direction of the plastic deformation.

  According to this configuration, a larger impact energy can be absorbed by the three-stage crash box including the first to third crash boxes. Further, the third crash box has a function of supporting deformation of the second crash box interposed between the support member and the mounting member in addition to a function of absorbing impact energy by its own plastic deformation. Thus, it is possible to suppress an eccentric force (a force in a direction inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction) from being applied to the side member due to the vehicle front-rear load applied to the second crash box.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicular bumper device according to the first aspect, the second crash box is formed by plastically deforming and absorbing impact energy in a manner of being folded back in the axial direction. The gist is to have a space that allows the box to be folded back in the axial direction.

  According to this configuration, the second crash box is plastically deformed (so-called turning deformation) in a manner that is allowed in the space and folded back in the axial direction, so that at least the second crash box contacts the coupling portion (support member). It can continue to absorb impact energy until it comes into contact. For this reason, it is not necessary to expect the crushing residue to the front end side of the coupling portion of the second crash box, and the impact energy can be efficiently absorbed in a small space.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vehicular bumper device according to the first or second aspect, the tip of the third crash box is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle front-rear direction than the tip of the second crash box. This is the gist.

  According to this configuration, the tip of the third crash box is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the tip of the second crash box, so that the timing at which the third crash box is plastically deformed is determined. The timing of the second crash box can be delayed from that timing, and the deformation of the second crash box can be supported more reliably.

The gist of the invention described in claim 4 is the vehicle bumper device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support member is configured by a radiator support.
According to this configuration, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed by configuring the support member with an existing radiator support for supporting the radiator.

The gist of a fifth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle bumper device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the mounting member is formed of a suspension member.
According to this configuration, the mounting member is configured by an existing suspension member for supporting a suspension, an engine, and the like, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

  In the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a vehicular bumper device that can prevent an eccentric force from being applied to a side member at the time of a vehicle collision and can suitably absorb impact energy.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a vehicle bumper device according to this embodiment applied to a front portion of a vehicle such as an automobile. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the structure on one side in the width direction of the vehicle (right side toward the front of the vehicle) is partially omitted. As shown in the figure, this vehicular bumper device has a pair of side members 11 disposed on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle and constituting a part of the body. Each side member 11 is made of, for example, a metal plate, has a hollow structure with a substantially square cross section, and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

  A radiator support side 12 as a supporting member made of, for example, a metal plate is fixed to the front end of each side member 11 by welding in a manner that closes the opening of the side member 11. The pair of radiator support sides 12 together with a radiator support upper (not shown) that bridges between both upper ends and a radiator support lower (not shown) that bridges between both lower ends constitute a radiator support that supports the radiator.

  A first crash box 13 made of, for example, a metal plate and having a hollow structure with a substantially square cross section and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is attached to the front surface of each radiator support side 12. The first crush box 13 is disposed such that the center line in the front-rear direction coincides with the center line in the front-rear direction of the side member 11, and the radiator support is provided in a bracket 14 fixed to the rear end thereof by welding. The side 12 is fastened with bolts 15 and nuts. The pair of first crush boxes 13 absorb the applied energy by absorbing the applied load by plastic deformation in the axial direction. Each first crush box 13 is plastically deformed in a bellows shape in the axial direction.

  A plate 16 made of, for example, a metal plate is fixed to the front end of each first crash box 13 by welding in a manner that closes the opening of the first crash box 13. Each end portion of the first bumper-in hose 17 extending in the width direction is fastened with a bolt 18 and a nut. The first bumper-in hose 17 has a constant cross section having a substantially square cross section made of, for example, an aluminum extruded material, and the pair of first crash boxes in the above-described manner at both ends in the width direction of the vehicle. 13 is supported.

  Each radiator support side 12 has a circular through hole 12a penetrating in the front-rear direction on the lower side of the bracket 14, and the radiator support side 12 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 12a. A lidded cylindrical second crush box 21 having a diameter and disposed along the center line of the through hole 12a is attached. The second crush box 21 is formed by, for example, deep drawing of a metal plate (steel plate), and the base end portion thereof is folded back to the front end side over the entire circumference to form an annular circumferential groove 21a. In addition, the outer flange 21b is formed by being bent radially outward from the tip of the circumferential groove 21a. The second crash box 21 located below the first crash box 13 is fastened to the radiator support side 12 with bolts 22 and nuts at an outer flange 21b. The second crush box 21 is arranged so that the center line in the front-rear direction coincides with the center line in the front-rear direction of the first crush box 13 (and the side member 11) in plan view. The pair of second crash boxes 21 absorb the applied energy by absorbing the applied load by plastic deformation in the axial direction.

  Each of the second crash boxes 21 is plastically deformed (so-called turning deformation) in a manner of being folded back in the axial direction, and a space S that allows folding back in the axial direction is provided behind the second crash box 21. Exists. This space S is an existing space that exists without any special design change due to the structure of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second crush box 21 is deformed by turning so as to be accommodated in the space S, so that at least the second crush box 21 is connected to the coupling portion (radiator support side 12). The impact energy can continue to be absorbed until it comes into contact. In addition, the circumferential groove 21 a that is bent on the radiator support side 12 side of each second crash box 21 forms a stress concentration portion that is a starting point of turning deformation of the second crash box 21.

  At the front end of each second crash box 21, each end portion of a second bumper inhose 23 extending in the vehicle width direction is fastened with a bolt 24 and a nut. The second bumper-in hose 23 has a constant cross section made of, for example, an aluminum extruded material and has a substantially rectangular cross section. It is supported. Note that the position of the front end face of the second bumper rein hose 23 is set to substantially coincide with the position of the front end face of the first bumper rein hose 17 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, for example, at the time of a vehicle collision, an impact from the front is basically applied to the first and second bumper in hoses 17 and 23 simultaneously.

  A metal suspension member 26 as a mounting member is coupled to the base end portion of the side member 11 on the lower side thereof. The suspension member 26 is for mounting a front suspension, an engine, or the like, for example, and constitutes a part of the body. A substantially rectangular cutout 26a that opens to the front side and the lower side is formed in the lower portion of the suspension member 26. The height position of the upper surface of the notch 26 a is set to coincide with the height position of the lower surface of the radiator support side 12.

  The lower surface of the radiator support side 12 is made of, for example, a metal plate and has a hollow structure with a substantially square cross section, and one end of a third crash box 27 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is fastened with a bolt 28 and a nut. At the same time, the other end of the third crush box 27 is fastened to the upper surface of the notch 26a with a bolt 29 so as to be in contact with the bottom surface of the notch 26a. The third crush box 27 is arranged so that the center line in the front-rear direction coincides with the center line in the front-rear direction of the side member 11 in plan view. It goes without saying that the front end of the third crash box 27 is disposed on the rear side, which is the inner side in the vehicle front-rear direction than the front end of the second crash box 21. The pair of third crash boxes 27 absorb the applied load by the axial plastic deformation and absorb the impact energy. Each third crush box 27 is plastically deformed in a bellows shape in the axial direction.

  Here, when an impact is applied from the front due to a vehicle collision or the like, the impact is transmitted to the side member 11 (body) via the first bumper-in hose 17 and the first crash box 13, and the second It is transmitted to the side member 11 that supports the radiator support side 12 via the bumper-in hose 23 and the second crash box 21. At this time, the first and second crush boxes 13 and 21 together with the first and second bumper in hoses 17 and 23 are plastically deformed, so that the shock transmitted to the body is buffered.

  At this time, the third crash box 27 supports the deformation of the second crash box 21 until the end of the deformation of the second crash box 21, so that the load in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle applied to the second crash box 21 Application of an eccentric force (force in a direction inclined with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle) to the side member 11 is suppressed. When the deformation of the second crash box 21 is almost completed, the third crash box 27 cushions the impact transmitted to the suspension member 26 (body) by plastically deforming itself.

Thereby, the impact energy applied to the body and the passenger is absorbed.
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the present embodiment, the three-stage crash box including the first to third crash boxes 13, 21, and 27 can absorb a larger impact energy, and the safety of the vehicle is reduced. A vehicle excellent in performance can be realized. Further, the third crash box 27 interposed between the radiator support side 12 and the suspension member 26 has an end of deformation of the second crash box 21 in addition to an impact energy absorbing function by its own plastic deformation. In addition to having the function of supporting the deformation of the second crash box 21, the force applied to the second crash box 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is eccentric with respect to the side member 11 (in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). It is possible to suppress the application of a force in a tilted direction. For example, at the time of a vehicle collision, the first crash box 13 and the side member 11 can be prevented from being bent without being plastically deformed (axial crushing) in the axial direction. Thereby, impact energy can be absorbed suitably, and the safety | security of a vehicle can be improved by extension.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the second crush box 21 is deformed by turning so as to be accommodated in the existing space S, so that at least the second crush box 21 comes into contact with the coupling portion (the radiator support side 12). Can continue to absorb impact energy. For this reason, it is not necessary to expect the crushing residue to the front side of the coupling portion of the second crash box 21, and the impact energy can be efficiently absorbed in a space-saving manner. In addition, it has been confirmed that approximately 30% of the total length (length in the front-rear direction) of the crush box that plastically deforms in a bellows shape is generated as an uncrushed portion. That is, if the impact energy absorption amount of the crash box is equal, the space can be saved by approximately 30% of the total length.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the front end of the third crash box 27 is disposed on the inner side (rear side) in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the front end of the second crash box 21. The timing of plastic deformation can be delayed from the timing of the second crash box 21, and the deformation of the second crash box 21 can be supported more reliably.

  (4) In the present embodiment, the second crash box 21 is coupled by the existing radiator support for supporting the radiator, so that the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced. be able to.

  (5) In the present embodiment, the connection of the third crash box 27 is configured by an existing suspension member for supporting a suspension, an engine, and the like, so that an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and as a result, the cost is reduced. Can be reduced.

(6) In the present embodiment, the second crash box 21 can be further deformed by turning to further stabilize the load when absorbing the impact energy.
(7) In the present embodiment, for example, the first and second crash boxes 13 are absorbed by absorbing a larger impact energy in the three-stage crash box including the first to third crash boxes 13, 21, and 27. , 21 in the front-rear direction can be shortened, and a vehicle with excellent design with a shorter overhang (distance from the center of the front wheel to the front end of the bumper) can be realized.

  (8) In this embodiment, the impact energy is absorbed in a wider range by the first and second bumper-in hoses 17, 23, etc., thereby reducing the load per unit area applied to the opponent vehicle at the time of collision between vehicles, for example. It is possible to suppress the harmfulness of the host vehicle.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
-In the said embodiment, the absorption start timing of the impact energy by the 1st and 2nd bumper in hoses 17 and 23 (the 1st and 2nd crash boxes 13 and 21) is delayed to some extent from either one to the other. It may be.

  Further, the absorption of impact energy by the third crash box 27 may be started before the deformation of the second crash box 21 is completed. However, it is preferable to set the shock energy absorption start timing by the first to third crash boxes 13, 21, 27, etc. so that the load applied to the body or the like does not become excessive.

  In the above embodiment, a blind nut may be employed instead of any of the bolts 15, 18, 22, 24, 28 related to fastening of each member and the nut combined with the bolt. In this case, unlike the combination of the bolt and the nut, it is not necessary to set the mounting direction in two directions, and the mounting direction may be only one direction, so that the mounting performance can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the radiator support side 12 and the first crash box 13 or the first crash box 13 and the first bumper-in hose 17 may be joined by welding. Further, the radiator support side 12 and the second crash box 21, or the second crash box 21 and the second bumper-in hose 23 may be joined by welding. Further, the radiator support side 12 and the third crash box 27, or the third crash box 27 and the suspension member 26 may be joined by welding.

-In the said embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the 1st bumper-in hose 17 may be a character of a mouth, a character of a day, or a rice field.
-In the said embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the 2nd bumper-in-hose 23 may be a Japanese character, an eye character, or a rice field.

In the embodiment, the first and second bumper in hoses 17 and 23 may be formed of a metal plate.
-In the said embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the 1st and 3rd crush boxes 13 and 27 may be a Japanese character, an eye character, or a rice field.

-In the said embodiment, you may form the 1st and 3rd crush boxes 13 and 27 with the extrusion material of aluminum.
In the embodiment, the second crush box 21 may have a structure that plastically deforms in a bellows shape and absorbs impact energy. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the second crush box 21 may be a mouth shape, a day shape, an eye shape, a rice field shape, or the like. The second crush box 21 may be formed of an aluminum extruded material.

  In the above-described embodiment, the suspension member 26 may not be directly connected to the side member 11, and may be substantially integrated with the side member 11 via an appropriate intermediate member.

The perspective view which shows one Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the same embodiment. (A) (b) is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  S ... space, 11 ... side member, 12 ... radiator support side (support member), 13 ... first crash box, 17 ... first bumper inhose, 21 ... second crash box, 23 ... second bumper inhose , 26: Suspension member (mounting member), 27: Third crash box.

Claims (5)

The both ends of the first bumper inhose extending in the vehicle width direction are respectively interposed between the first bumper inhose and the pair of side members extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. A pair of first crash boxes that absorb the impact energy by absorbing the plastic deformation of
At both ends of the second bumper inhose extending in the width direction of the vehicle, the second bumper inhose is interposed between and added to the support members coupled to the ends of the pair of side members, respectively. A pair of second crash boxes for absorbing impact energy by absorbing the load by plastic deformation in the axial direction;
Arranged on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle, one end is coupled to the support member, and the other end is coupled to a mounting member coupled to the side member, and the applied load is A vehicular bumper device comprising: a pair of third crash boxes that absorb impact energy by absorbing plastic deformation. The vehicle bumper device according to claim 1,
The second crush box is formed by plastic deformation in a manner that is folded back in the axial direction to absorb impact energy,
A vehicular bumper device having a space that allows the second crush box to be folded back in the axial direction. The vehicle bumper device according to claim 1 or 2,
The vehicle bumper device is characterized in that the tip of the third crash box is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle front-rear direction than the tip of the second crash box. In the bumper device for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The bumper device for a vehicle, wherein the support member is configured by a radiator support. In the vehicle bumper device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The vehicle bumper device is characterized in that the mounting member comprises a suspension member.

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