CZ20002689A3 - Motor vehicle body element - Google Patents

Abstract

The solution is an element (10, 34, 36) of a motor vehicle body made of at least one pressed or shaped bent rod, which is bent preferably in three dimensions.

Description

Motor vehicle body element

Technical field

The present invention relates to a vehicle element of a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

EP-A-0 749 890 discloses a self-supporting side of a motor vehicle comprising an inner part and an outer part between which an annular body element is defined which defines a front door space and which is made by pressing.

The use of this technique for producing an element of this type has a number of disadvantages, such as the fact that it is impossible to obtain complex shapes, in particular recesses, and that a considerable amount of waste is generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, the object 20 of the present invention of the motor vehicle body element is characterized in that it is made of at least one molded or shaped bar, which is then subjected to bending.

Accordingly, the present invention is based on the use of 25 bending techniques - which are considerably simpler and more economical than pressing techniques - to obtain the final desired shape of the bodywork element being manufactured.

However, pressing techniques can still be used within the scope of the present invention to produce a bar which is subsequently subjected to bending operations. In any case, it is

In fact, the molding is used to obtain parts of a simple shape without the disadvantages described above.

However, the final complex shape of the bodywork element is achieved by bending the rod in all necessary dimensions, more precisely in three dimensions, so as to create the necessary recesses and minimize the amount of waste generated during manufacture.

As a result of utilizing the flexibility allowed by the bending tools, it is also advantageously possible to make modifications in short time periods and also to quickly adjust the entire system, i.e. to rebuild its equipment when manufacturing goes from forming an element having a certain shape to forming an element having a different shape.

These advantages are particularly noticeable in the production of prototypes or test pieces, as well as in the production of appropriate elements intended to be mounted on different versions of the same model, such as saloons, salons, estate and coupé.

The body element of the present invention may have a constant or variable cross-section and be made of any metal commonly used in the construction of motor vehicles, especially high strength steel, which, although difficult to press, allows consistent weight reduction at the same power.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of non-limiting example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a side of a motor vehicle comprising a body member according to the present invention;

2 is a side view of FIG.

1, but from a different perspective;

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are exploded perspective views of a side of a motor vehicle comprising a body member made in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The side of a sedan vehicle comprises (see FIGS. 25 and 2) a body member 10 having first, second and third limbs 12, 14, 16 intended to surround the front, top and rear doors respectively. The body element 10 has a C-shaped cross-section and is achieved by bending the shaped bar in three dimensions.

Conventional bodywork and chassis components of the motor vehicle are fastened to an element 10 such as a sill 18, a center pillar 20, a front and a rear locking bracket 22 and 24., a cover 26 for the upper arm 14, a lower cross member 28 for the front window and the front. and a rear roof element 30 and 32.

The other elements 34, 36 are also associated with the bodywork element 10, the elements 34, 36 being annular and open along the forming line 38, and define the perimeter of the door space at the front and rear respectively. The elements 34, 36 are also obtained by bending the shaped bar in three dimensions.

Giant. 3 illustrates a variant embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, parts that are the same or equivalent to those illustrated in the preceding figures are assigned the same reference numerals and are not described in greater detail below.

In this case, the body member 10 only has first and second arms 12, 14, which are intended to surround the front and upper doors, respectively. The rear side of the door space is bounded by a rear pillar 40 separated from the body member 10.

Giant. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, parts that are the same or equivalent to those illustrated in the preceding figures are assigned the same reference numerals and are not described in greater detail below.

In this case, the second arm 14 of the body member 10 extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space, and the third arm 16b, whose length is less than the height of the door space, projects transversely from its rear end. This arrangement is adapted for a motor vehicle of the combi type.

Of course, the principles of the present invention remain the same, wherein the details of construction and embodiments may be varied widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated, purely by way of example, without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the elements according to the invention can be used not only for the production of the sides of motor vehicle bodies, but also for luggage compartments, doors and the like.

Claims (8)

A bodywork element (10, 34, 36) of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it is formed of at least one molded or shaped bar which is subsequently subjected to bending. Motor vehicle body element (10, 34, 36) according to claim 1, characterized in that said rod is bent in three dimensions. Motor vehicle body element (10, 34, 36) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a constant cross-section. Motor vehicle body element (10, 34, 36) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it has a variable cross-section. Motor vehicle body element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has first and second arms (12, 14) which delimit the front and rear portions of the door space of the motor side, respectively. 20 vehicles. Motor vehicle body element (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it also has a third arm (16) which delimits the rear portion of the door space of the side of the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle body element (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second arm (14) extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space and the third arm (16b) whose length is shorter than the height of the door space protrudes laterally from 30 of its rear end. Motor vehicle body element (34, 36) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is annular and open along the forming line (38) and defines a perimeter of the door space.