WO2000056563A1 - Strengthening bar for automobiles and method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Strengthening bar for automobiles and method for its manufacture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000056563A1
WO2000056563A1 PCT/IT2000/000085 IT0000085W WO0056563A1 WO 2000056563 A1 WO2000056563 A1 WO 2000056563A1 IT 0000085 W IT0000085 W IT 0000085W WO 0056563 A1 WO0056563 A1 WO 0056563A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
longitudinal development
strengthening bar
door
phase
longitudinal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2000/000085
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Liviana Graziosi
Original Assignee
Liviana Graziosi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Liviana Graziosi filed Critical Liviana Graziosi
Priority to AU33245/00A priority Critical patent/AU3324500A/en
Publication of WO2000056563A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000056563A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/042—Reinforcement elements
    • B60J5/0422—Elongated type elements, e.g. beams, cables, belts or wires
    • B60J5/0437—Elongated type elements, e.g. beams, cables, belts or wires characterised by the attachment means to the door, e.g. releasable attachment means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/042—Reinforcement elements
    • B60J5/0422—Elongated type elements, e.g. beams, cables, belts or wires
    • B60J5/0438—Elongated type elements, e.g. beams, cables, belts or wires characterised by the type of elongated elements
    • B60J5/0443—Beams
    • B60J5/0444—Beams characterised by a special cross section

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a strengthening bar for automobiles and a method for its manufacture.
  • Strengthening bars are used inside automobile doors as a protection in order to prevent their lateral collapse in case of an accident involving the lateral portions of the automobile itself.
  • Known strengthening bars are made of steel and introduced substantially horizontal inside the doors. These bars have high strength but also a high specific weight and consequently they make both the doors itself and the whole structure of the automobile considerably heavier, with the deriving increase in fuel consumption and limitations to performance.
  • the aim of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks and to make available a strengthening bar which, with the same strength as steel, has a lower specific weight in order to provide as small a contribution as possible to the weight of the door and to the overall weight of the automobile.
  • a further aim of the present invention is to provide a method suitable for manufacturing the aforesaid strengthening bar, in order to provide it with a high mechanical resistance against impacts.
  • the strengthening bar for automobiles and by the method suitable for manufacturing it, constituting the subject of the present invention, which are characterised by the contents of the claims set out below.
  • the strengthening bar comprises an element with longitudinal development able to be introduced substantially horizontal into an automobile door and characterised in that said element with longitudinal development is made ot composite material comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres
  • the method for manufacturing this element with longitudinal development is characterised in that it comprises a phase in which a plastic matrix is united with a plurality of reinforcing fibres which are drawn through the matrix itself, a phase in which the cross section is pre-formed, an extrusion phase through a die able to give the required cross section to the element with longitudinal development and an automatic cutting phase according to the desired length
  • Figure 1 shows a strengthening bar inserted in an automobile door
  • Figures 2 and 3 show two possible embodiment - ariations of the strengthening bar of Figure 1
  • the number 1 indicates an element with longitudinal development comprised in a strengthening bar foi automobiles
  • This element with longitudinal development 1 is shaped in such a way as to be introduced substantially ho ⁇ zontal into an automobile door 2 in order to prevent the collapse of the door itself in case of an accident involving the lateral part of the automobile
  • the element with longitudinal development 1 composes at the ends two brackets 3 able to be fastened to the door 2 by the gluing or welding of the parts
  • the element with longitudinal de ⁇ elopment 1 can present an additional point for fastening with the door 2 comprising a coupling element 4 positioned substantially in a central position relative to the element with longitudinal development itself and projecting perpendicularly thereto
  • the coupling element 4 can be fastened to the door 2 by means of threaded connections or gluing
  • the presence of the coupling element 4 provides the strengthening bar with greater strength or, for the same strength, it allows to decrease the section of the strengthening bar itself
  • the element with longitudinal development 1 is originally made of composite material comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres
  • the plastic matrix comprises a thermosetting resin, for instance polyester, acrylic, epoxy, vinylester, whereas the reinforcing fibres can be glass, carbon, aramid fibie and comprise a plurality of filaments able to provide the element with longitudinal development 1 with strength in the longitudinal direction, in addition to a fabric structure able to provide the element with longitudinal development 1 with resistance in the transverse direction
  • the element with longitudinal development 1 can present a solid section or a tubular section The lattei in particular allows, for the same weight, to reach greater strength values than a solid section
  • the sitesngthenmg bar comprises an element with longitudinal development 1 so structured as to be able to be applied onto the exterior surface of the door 2
  • the door 2 comp ⁇ ses a housing 5 against which the element with longitudinal development 1 is positioned, which thus has a cross section able to adapt itself to the housing.
  • a covering and protective sheath 6 On the element with longitudinal development 1 is applied a covering and protective sheath 6.
  • the manufacture of an element with longitudinal development 1 of a strengthening bar is originally conducted by means of a continuous pultrusion process, comprising a first phase in which a plurality of reinforcing fibres are pulled through a plastic matrix, in order to obtain the perfect co-penetration between the reinforcing fibres and the matrix itself.
  • the strengthening bar can be manufactured by means of moulding.
  • the brackets 3 can be obtained together with the element with longitudinal development 1 , to be subsequently fastened by means of gluing or with screws.
  • the coupling element 4 is present, the set may be manufactured by moulding in a single piece.
  • the dimensions and the shape both of the cross and of the longitudinal section of the strengthening bar described above may vary, in particular according to the type of door and hence of automobile whereto the bar itself must be adapted. These variations fall within the scope of the present patent, as do other possible embodiments in shape or dimensions of the brackets 3 and of the coupling element 4.
  • the strengthening bar has been described as substantially horizontal but it is evident that the aforesaid bar can also assume any inclination.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strengthening bar for automobiles of the type comprising an element with longitudinal development (1) able to be introduced into an automobile door (2), wherein said element with longitudinal development (1) is made of composite material comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres.

Description

STRENGTHENING BAR FOR AUTOMOBILES AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND ART. The present invention relates to a strengthening bar for automobiles and a method for its manufacture.
Strengthening bars are used inside automobile doors as a protection in order to prevent their lateral collapse in case of an accident involving the lateral portions of the automobile itself. Known strengthening bars are made of steel and introduced substantially horizontal inside the doors. These bars have high strength but also a high specific weight and consequently they make both the doors itself and the whole structure of the automobile considerably heavier, with the deriving increase in fuel consumption and limitations to performance.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION. The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks and to make available a strengthening bar which, with the same strength as steel, has a lower specific weight in order to provide as small a contribution as possible to the weight of the door and to the overall weight of the automobile.
A further aim of the present invention is to provide a method suitable for manufacturing the aforesaid strengthening bar, in order to provide it with a high mechanical resistance against impacts.
Said aims are fully attained by the strengthening bar for automobiles and by the method suitable for manufacturing it, constituting the subject of the present invention, which are characterised by the contents of the claims set out below. In particular, the strengthening bar comprises an element with longitudinal development able to be introduced substantially horizontal into an automobile door and characterised in that said element with longitudinal development is made ot composite material comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres
Moreover, the method for manufacturing this element with longitudinal development is characterised in that it comprises a phase in which a plastic matrix is united with a plurality of reinforcing fibres which are drawn through the matrix itself, a phase in which the cross section is pre-formed, an extrusion phase through a die able to give the required cross section to the element with longitudinal development and an automatic cutting phase according to the desired length BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
This and other features shall become more readily apparent from the following descπption of a preferred embodiment illustrated, purely by way of non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawing tables, wherein
Figure 1 shows a strengthening bar inserted in an automobile door, - Figures 2 and 3 show two possible embodiment - ariations of the strengthening bar of Figure 1
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates an element with longitudinal development comprised in a strengthening bar foi automobiles This element with longitudinal development 1 is shaped in such a way as to be introduced substantially hoπzontal into an automobile door 2 in order to prevent the collapse of the door itself in case of an accident involving the lateral part of the automobile
The element with longitudinal development 1 , as shown in Figure 1 , composes at the ends two brackets 3 able to be fastened to the door 2 by the gluing or welding of the parts According to the embodiment vaπation shown in Figure 2, the element with longitudinal de\ elopment 1 can present an additional point for fastening with the door 2 comprising a coupling element 4 positioned substantially in a central position relative to the element with longitudinal development itself and projecting perpendicularly thereto The coupling element 4 can be fastened to the door 2 by means of threaded connections or gluing The presence of the coupling element 4 provides the strengthening bar with greater strength or, for the same strength, it allows to decrease the section of the strengthening bar itself
The element with longitudinal development 1 is originally made of composite material comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres The plastic matrix comprises a thermosetting resin, for instance polyester, acrylic, epoxy, vinylester, whereas the reinforcing fibres can be glass, carbon, aramid fibie and comprise a plurality of filaments able to provide the element with longitudinal development 1 with strength in the longitudinal direction, in addition to a fabric structure able to provide the element with longitudinal development 1 with resistance in the transverse direction The element with longitudinal development 1 can present a solid section or a tubular section The lattei in particular allows, for the same weight, to reach greater strength values than a solid section
In the embodiment variation shown in Figure 3, the stiengthenmg bar comprises an element with longitudinal development 1 so structured as to be able to be applied onto the exterior surface of the door 2
In particular the door 2 compπses a housing 5 against which the element with longitudinal development 1 is positioned, which thus has a cross section able to adapt itself to the housing. On the element with longitudinal development 1 is applied a covering and protective sheath 6. The manufacture of an element with longitudinal development 1 of a strengthening bar is originally conducted by means of a continuous pultrusion process, comprising a first phase in which a plurality of reinforcing fibres are pulled through a plastic matrix, in order to obtain the perfect co-penetration between the reinforcing fibres and the matrix itself. This phase is followed by a phase for pre-forming the cross section, in which the composite material is adapted to the shape of the actual die, and by an extrusion phase through the die able to provide the element with longitudinal development 1 with the required cross section according to the type and configuration of the door 2. Lastly, an automatic cutting phase follows, wherein the element with longitudinal development 1 is cut according to the dimensions of the door whereto it is to be fastened. According to an embodiment variation, the strengthening bar can be manufactured by means of moulding. In this case the brackets 3 can be obtained together with the element with longitudinal development 1 , to be subsequently fastened by means of gluing or with screws. Obviously, if the coupling element 4 is present, the set may be manufactured by moulding in a single piece. The dimensions and the shape both of the cross and of the longitudinal section of the strengthening bar described above may vary, in particular according to the type of door and hence of automobile whereto the bar itself must be adapted. These variations fall within the scope of the present patent, as do other possible embodiments in shape or dimensions of the brackets 3 and of the coupling element 4. In particular in the present description the strengthening bar has been described as substantially horizontal but it is evident that the aforesaid bar can also assume any inclination.

Claims

1 A strengthening bar for automobiles of the type compπsing an element with longitudinal development ( 1 ) able to be introduced into an automobile door (2), characteπsed in that said element with longitudinal development ( 1) is made of composite mateπal comprising a plastic matrix and a plurality of reinforcing fibres
2 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plastic matrix comprises a thermosetting resin
3 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing fibres comprise a plurality of filaments able to prov ide the element with longitudinal development ( 1) with strength in the longitudinal direction
4 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibres comprise a fabric structure able to provide the element with longitudinal development (1) with strength in the transverse direction
5 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the element with longitudinal development (1) compπses at its extremities t o brackets (3) for coupling to the door (2)
6 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 5, wherein the element with longitudinal development (1) compπses an element (4) for coupling to the door (2) positioned substantially in central position relative to the element with longitudinal development itself and projecting perpendicularly thereto
7 A strengthening bar as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the element with longitudinal development (1) is so structured as to be able to be applied onto the exteπor surface of the door (2) and presents a cross section able to adapt itself to a housing (5) of the door itself
8 A method for manufacturing an element with longitudinal development (1) of a strengthening bar, characterised in that it compπses a phase in which a plastic matrix is united with a plurality of reinforcing fibres which are drawn through the matrix itself, a phase in which the cross section is pre-foπned, an extrusion phase through a die able to provide the element with longitudinal development ( 1 ) with the required cross section and an automatic cutting phase according to the required length.
9. A method for manufacturing an element with longitudinal development (1) of a strengthening bar, characterised in that it comprises a moulding phase, obtaining the brackets (3) together with the element with longitudinal development (1).
PCT/IT2000/000085 1999-03-19 2000-03-16 Strengthening bar for automobiles and method for its manufacture WO2000056563A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU33245/00A AU3324500A (en) 1999-03-19 2000-03-16 Strengthening bar for automobiles and method for its manufacture

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI990547 IT1311754B1 (en) 1999-03-19 1999-03-19 ANTI-BREAKAGE BAR FOR CARS AND PROCEDURE TO AREAIZE IT
ITMI99A000547 1999-03-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000056563A1 true WO2000056563A1 (en) 2000-09-28

Family

ID=11382325

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IT2000/000085 WO2000056563A1 (en) 1999-03-19 2000-03-16 Strengthening bar for automobiles and method for its manufacture

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3324500A (en)
IT (1) IT1311754B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000056563A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202010003756U1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-07-26 Rehau Ag + Co. Side crash system for motor vehicles
JP6452878B1 (en) * 2018-04-24 2019-01-16 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Door beam

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3829149A (en) * 1973-02-09 1974-08-13 L & L Prod Inc Beam construction
FR2467722A1 (en) * 1979-10-24 1981-04-30 Budd Co AUTOMOTIVE DOOR
US4307911A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-12-29 The Budd Company Reinforcement means for resisting side impacts against an automobile door
GB2082541A (en) * 1980-08-15 1982-03-10 British Petroleum Co Winding an energy absorbing resin fibre structure
US4378394A (en) * 1981-03-16 1983-03-29 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Reinforcing member
US4399174A (en) * 1981-03-16 1983-08-16 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Reinforcing material
US4861097A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-08-29 Essex Composite Systems Lightweight composite automotive door beam and method of manufacturing same
EP0236291B1 (en) * 1986-02-21 1991-04-17 Austria Metall Aktiengesellschaft Guard bar, especially for reinforcing of motor vehicle doors
DE9207615U1 (en) * 1992-06-02 1992-08-27 Mannesmann Ag, 4000 Duesseldorf, De
EP0525223A1 (en) * 1991-07-24 1993-02-03 General Electric Company Side intrusion beam
US5404690A (en) * 1993-03-26 1995-04-11 Crescive Die & Tool, Inc. Impact beam assembly method and apparatus
US5553910A (en) * 1994-03-05 1996-09-10 Hyundai Motor Co. Device for reinforcing a door of a passenger car
US5868456A (en) * 1997-09-29 1999-02-09 Trim Trends, Inc. Selectively heat treated side intrusion beams and method for making the same

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3829149A (en) * 1973-02-09 1974-08-13 L & L Prod Inc Beam construction
FR2467722A1 (en) * 1979-10-24 1981-04-30 Budd Co AUTOMOTIVE DOOR
US4307911A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-12-29 The Budd Company Reinforcement means for resisting side impacts against an automobile door
GB2082541A (en) * 1980-08-15 1982-03-10 British Petroleum Co Winding an energy absorbing resin fibre structure
US4378394A (en) * 1981-03-16 1983-03-29 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Reinforcing member
US4399174A (en) * 1981-03-16 1983-08-16 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Reinforcing material
EP0236291B1 (en) * 1986-02-21 1991-04-17 Austria Metall Aktiengesellschaft Guard bar, especially for reinforcing of motor vehicle doors
US4861097A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-08-29 Essex Composite Systems Lightweight composite automotive door beam and method of manufacturing same
EP0525223A1 (en) * 1991-07-24 1993-02-03 General Electric Company Side intrusion beam
DE9207615U1 (en) * 1992-06-02 1992-08-27 Mannesmann Ag, 4000 Duesseldorf, De
US5404690A (en) * 1993-03-26 1995-04-11 Crescive Die & Tool, Inc. Impact beam assembly method and apparatus
US5553910A (en) * 1994-03-05 1996-09-10 Hyundai Motor Co. Device for reinforcing a door of a passenger car
US5868456A (en) * 1997-09-29 1999-02-09 Trim Trends, Inc. Selectively heat treated side intrusion beams and method for making the same

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202010003756U1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-07-26 Rehau Ag + Co. Side crash system for motor vehicles
JP6452878B1 (en) * 2018-04-24 2019-01-16 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Door beam
JP2019189001A (en) * 2018-04-24 2019-10-31 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Door beam

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3324500A (en) 2000-10-09
ITMI990547A1 (en) 2000-09-19
IT1311754B1 (en) 2002-03-19

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