DE102008047699A1 - Passenger compartment for motor vehicle, has energy absorbing component comprising flat assembly side and convexly formed molded article formed integral with assembly side on side turned away from assembly side - Google Patents

Abstract

The compartment (10) has vehicle structural components including an A-column (12), a B-column (14), a C-column (16), an instrument panel (18), roof frames (20) and vehicle doors (22), which define the compartment. The structural components are provided with lining elements (24). An energy absorbing component (26) is arranged between one of the structural components and the respective lining element. The energy absorbing component comprises a flat assembly side (28) and a convexly formed molded article (34) formed integral with the assembly side on a side turned away from the assembly side.

Description

The The present invention relates to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the one with at least one energy absorbing component for protection the vehicle occupants equipped in a collision of the motor vehicle is.

Energy absorbing Components, also called energy absorbers for short, have been known to the skilled person ever since long known. These are components that are designed in this way are that they are at a shock load, for example in an impact, deformed under absorption of energy defined. Conventional energy absorbers consist of structural elements that nationwide are arranged side by side and predominantly made of aluminum, steel, foams, elastomers or fiber composites are formed.

Next discloses the EP 0 955 211 A2 Energy absorbing components consisting of at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and at least one layer of an elastomer, which are used, inter alia, for the automotive sector.

The US 2005/0287371 A1 describes an energy absorbing element which can also be used for the motor vehicle sector, with auxetic structures and substructures, as well as an enclosure, which can be formed from plastic materials or metals.

From the WO 03/055339 A2 For example, a self-supporting, energy absorbing material is known that includes an elastomeric matrix of a polymeric foam that is filled with a silicone and impregnated with a liquid to form an elastically compressible composite.

The DE 102 01 085 A1 shows an impact absorber for machine tools, which must withstand a repeated load and is constructed for this purpose of at least two elastomers with different spring properties for generating a progressive elastic damping system.

task In the present invention, it is a motor vehicle passenger compartment with improved protection for the vehicle occupants to accomplish.

These Task is by a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with the Characteristics of claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments The invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Of the Passenger compartment of a motor vehicle has several, the passenger compartment defining vehicle structural elements on the inside the passenger compartment side facing provided with trim elements are, wherein between at least one of the vehicle structural elements and the respective cladding element an energy absorbing Component is arranged from a synthetic polymer material. According to the invention, the energy absorbing Component a substantially flat mounting side, with which it is durable attached to the vehicle structural element or the cladding element is, as well as on its side facing away from the mounting side we least a substantially convex shaped, integral with the mounting side trained molding on.

The Energy absorbing component according to the invention for the occupant protection of a motor vehicle passenger compartment used is characterized by its simple and space-saving Construction as well as its excellent energy absorption properties out. The high efficiency of the energy absorbing component is both in the material properties of the synthetic polymer material as well as in the deformation properties of its geometric shape founded.

The essentially flat mounting side of the energy absorbing component is essentially flat, d. H. without significant surveys and Wells trained, but of course follows the contour of the vehicle structural element or covering part facing it. In other words, the mounting side within the scope of the invention also designed, for example, curved or curved be.

In A preferred embodiment of the invention is the energy absorbing Component formed from a silicone.

Further may be the energy absorbing component in one embodiment have exactly one shaped body. Alternatively, this one Energy absorbing component a variety of moldings have, the matrix-like, waffle-like, honeycomb, cruciform or the like are arranged.

at these embodiments have or possess the or the shaped bodies of the energy absorbing component preferably a form selected from a group from the geometric shapes cone, pyramid, tetrahedron, hemisphere, Dome, mushroom and the like.

In Another alternative of the invention comprises the energy absorbing Component on several rib-like molded body.

In An embodiment of the invention is the mounting side of the energy absorbing Component with the vehicle structural element or the cladding element cohesive, positive and / or non-positive connected. For example, the vehicle structural element or the Cladding element have at least one recess and on the mounting side of the energy absorbing component can at least be formed another shaped body, with a this at least one recess is engaged. alternative or additionally, the mounting side of the energy absorbing Component with the vehicle structural element or the cladding element be glued or potted.

The Vehicle structural element is for example an A-pillar, a B-pillar, a C-pillar, an instrument panel, a vehicle door, a roof frame, an impact protection for the knee and / or foot area, a vehicle roof or like.

Further yield advantageous developments of the present invention from the subclaims and the description below preferred embodiments. This shows, partially schematized:

1 a side view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in which the present invention is advantageously applicable;

2 Sectional views of various embodiments of the invention according to line AA in 1 ;

3 Sectional views of various other embodiments of the invention according to line AA in 1 ; and

4 Perspective representations of an energy absorbing component (views A) and a trim part (views B) according to further embodiments of the invention.

In 1 First, a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is exemplified, in which the present invention can be used in an advantageous manner.

The passenger compartment 10 is generally defined by several vehicle structure elements, of which in 1 only an A-pillar 12 , a B-pillar 14 , a C-pillar 16 , the instrument panel 18 , the roof frame 20 and two vehicle doors 22 are indicated. These and other vehicle structural elements 12 - 22 are at theirs inside the vehicle compartment 10 facing side usually with cladding elements 24 provided to the passenger compartment 10 visually appealing. In addition, the cladding elements 24 be provided with additional technical and / or comfort features.

To protect the vehicle occupants is the passenger compartment 10 generally equipped with several energy absorbing components. Due to the increasing density of packing and integration in the automotive industry, the free spaces and component distances are becoming ever smaller. The energy absorbing components are therefore designed to save space and between the vehicle structural elements 12 - 22 and the respective trim elements 24 arranged, more precisely in corresponding recesses of the cladding elements 24 inserted.

The energy absorbing components are made of a synthetic polymer material, especially formed from a silicone.

• – gleichmäßige Leistungsfähigkeit über den gesamten Temperaturbereich;
• – extreme Elastizität;
• – hohe Kraftübertragung;
• – Temperaturbeständigkeit im Bereich von etwa –100°C bis etwa +250°C;
• – leichte Formgebung im Umformverfahren;
• – mögliche Einstellung unterschiedlicher Shore-Härten und Zonen;
• – mögliche Einstellung unterschiedlicher Deformationsgeschwindigkeiten zum Beispiel in Längs- und Querrichtung;
• – wachsende Steifigkeit mit der Deformationsgeschwindigkeit;
• – genaue Anpassung des Bauteils an die Konstruktions- und Funktionsumgebung auch bei komplexen Geometrien und engen Bauräumen;
• – bei Mehrkomponentensystemen sind bis zu etwa 120 Materialparameter anpassbar;
• – mögliche Aggregatzustände von teigig bis fest, ggf. auch leicht flüssig;
• – Entzug von Lufteinschlüssen durch Vakuumverfahren wie beispielsweise Vakuumgießen möglich.

Silicones are based on a variety of possible compounds of siloxane structures; in particular, linear, branched, cyclic ring-shaped and crosslinked connections are possible. Silicones also have special properties that make them particularly suitable for use in energy-absorbing components in the automotive sector to meet the crash requirements:

• - uniform performance over the entire temperature range;
• - extreme elasticity;
• - high power transmission;
• - Temperature resistance in the range of about -100 ° C to about + 250 ° C;
• - easy shaping in the forming process;
• - possible setting of different shore hardnesses and zones;
• - possible adjustment of different deformation speeds, for example in the longitudinal and transverse directions;
• - increasing stiffness with the deformation speed;
• - Accurate adaptation of the component to the design and functional environment even with complex geometries and tight spaces;
• In multi-component systems, up to about 120 material parameters can be adapted;
• - possible aggregate states of doughy to solid, possibly also slightly liquid;
• - Removal of trapped air by vacuum methods such as vacuum casting possible.

In 2A to D are different variants of a first embodiment of the integration of an energy absorbing component between the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 and cladding element 24 shown.

As in 2A shown has the energy absorbing component 26 a substantially flat mounting side 28 on, the contour of the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 is adjusted and with which the component 26 permanently on the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 is attached. For fastening the component 26 has the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 a recess 30 on, with which one on the component 26 integrally formed molding 32 engaged. The molded body 32 of the energy absorbing component 26 For example, in the recess 30 of the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 locked, clipped or buttoned. In addition, there is also a sticking or potting of the energy absorbing component 26 with the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 possible.

On his the mounting side 28 opposite side has the energy absorbing component 26 also a shaped body 34 on. In the embodiment of 2A is only one such molded body 34 intended. This shaped body 34 is essentially convex and integral with the mounting side 28 formed, for example, as a part produced by injection molding. The molded body 34 of the energy absorbing component 26 from 2A has the geometric shape of a dome.

The one shaped body 32 on the mounting side 28 serves the permanent attachment of the energy absorbing component 26 on the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 and the other shaped body 34 For example, it is elastically deformed in the event of a crash while absorbing energy. Due to the fixed fixation, the special properties of the silicone and the geometric shape of the deformable molding 34 owns the energy absorbing component 26 The invention features excellent properties and provides improved occupant protection for a passenger compartment 10 of a motor vehicle.

In the 2 B illustrated variant of the energy absorbing component 26 differs from the component described above by the shape of the recess 30 in the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 , the appropriate shape of the molding 32 on the mounting side 28 of the component 26 and the mushroom-like shape of the other shaped body 34 , The other features as well as the properties and advantages of this energy absorbing component 26 correspond to those of the component 26 from 2A ,

In the 2C illustrated variant of the energy absorbing component 26 differs from the components described above in that the substantially flat mounting side 28 flat with the inside of the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 glued or potted, and by the tetrahedral shape of the other shaped body 34 , The other features as well as the properties and advantages of this energy absorbing component 26 correspond to those of the components 26 from 2A and B.

At the in 2D illustrated variant of the energy absorbing component 26 is the component 26 not on the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 but on the cladding element 24 attached. For this purpose, the cladding element 24 with a corresponding recess 36 formed, in which the molded body 32 of the energy absorbing component 26 intervenes. The other features as well as the properties and advantages of this energy absorbing component 26 correspond to those of the components 26 from 2A to C.

While in the embodiments of the 2A to D dome-like, mushroom-like and tetrahedral shaped bodies 34 at the energy absorbing components 26 are formed, the present invention is not limited to these geometric shapes of the moldings 34 limited. Other suitable geometric shapes for the deformable moldings 34 of the component 26 For example, hemisphere, cones, pyramid and the like.

Referring to 3A and B will now be a second embodiment of an energy absorbing component 26 described in more detail.

While the components 26 the variants of the 2A to D each have a limited extent in a plane parallel to the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 and cladding element 24 own and each with only a single deformable molded body 34 are formed, the energy-absorbing components 26 this embodiment formed flat and have on their flat mounting side 28 opposite side a variety of moldings 34 ' on.

These shaped bodies 34 ' are, for example, waffle-like, as in 3A and B, but may be arranged, for example, also matrix-like, honeycomb-like, cross-shaped or the like. Regarding the geometric shapes of these moldings 34 ' apply the above statements to the moldings 34 analogous. The essentially flat mounting side 28 of the component 26 is preferably with the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 or the cladding element 24 glued flat or potted. In addition, for fastening the component 26 on the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 or cladding element 24 also here corresponding recesses 30 . 36 and shaped bodies 32 be provided.

A third embodiment of an energy absorbing component of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS 4A and B described in more detail.

The energy absorbing component 26 This embodiment again has a substantially flat mounting side 28 on, the surface with the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 connected, preferably glued or potted. On the mounting side 28 opposite side are to optimize the absorption behavior of the component 26 several rib-like shaped bodies 34 '' educated. The geometric shapes of these convex moldings 34 '' can be triangular for example (see 4A ), semicircular, circular-segment-like, elliptical (see 4B ), polygonal or the like.

Analogous to the variant of 2D can these energy absorbing components 26 alternatively also on the cladding element 24 be attached. Further, in this embodiment, too, for permanent attachment of the component to the vehicle structural element 12 - 22 or the cladding element 24 corresponding recesses 30 . 36 and shaped bodies 32 be provided.

The other features as well as the properties and advantages of these energy absorbing components 26 from 4A and B correspond to those of the above-explained components 26 from 2 , LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 10 vehicle space 12 A column 14 B-pillar 16 C-pillar 18 dashboard 20 roof frame 22 vehicle doors 24 cladding element 26 energy absorbing component 28 mounting side 30 recess 32 moldings 34 . 34 ' . 34 '' moldings 36 recess

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0955211 A2 [0003]
• US 2005/0287371 A1 [0004]
• WO 03/055339 A2 [0005]
• - DE 10201085 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Passenger compartment ( 10 ) of a motor vehicle, with a plurality of vehicle structural elements defining the passenger compartment ( 12 - 22 ) located at the inside of the passenger compartment ( 10 ) facing side with cladding elements ( 24 ), wherein between at least one of the vehicle structural elements ( 12 - 22 ) and the respective cladding element ( 24 ) an energy absorbing component ( 26 ) is arranged from a synthetic polymer material, characterized in that the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) a substantially flat mounting side ( 28 ), with which it permanently on the vehicle structural element ( 12 - 22 ) or the cladding element ( 24 ), and on its mounting side ( 28 ) facing away from at least one substantially convex shaped, integral with the mounting side ( 28 ) shaped bodies ( 34 ) having. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) is formed of a silicone. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy-absorbing component ( 26 ) exactly one shaped body ( 34 ) having. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy-absorbing component ( 26 ) a plurality of moldings ( 34 ' ), which are arranged in a matrix-like, waffle-like, honeycomb-like, cross-like or the like. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the molded body or bodies ( 34 . 34 ' ) of the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) has a shape selected from a group consisting of the geometric shapes cone, pyramid, tetrahedron, hemisphere, dome, mushroom and the like. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy-absorbing component ( 26 ) a plurality of rib-like shaped bodies ( 34 '' ) having. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting side ( 28 ) of the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) with the vehicle structural element ( 12 - 22 ) or the cladding element ( 24 ) is connected cohesively, positively and / or non-positively. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 7, characterized in that the vehicle structural element ( 12 - 22 ) or the cladding element ( 24 ) at least one recess ( 30 . 36 ) and on the mounting side ( 28 ) of the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) at least one further shaped body ( 32 ) is formed, which with one of the at least one recess ( 30 . 36 ) is engaged. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the mounting side ( 28 ) of the energy absorbing component ( 26 ) with the vehicle structural element ( 12 - 22 ) or the cladding element ( 24 ) is glued or potted. Motor vehicle passenger compartment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle structural element ( 12 - 22 ) is an A pillar, a B pillar, a C pillar, an instrument panel, a vehicle door, a roof frame, a knee and / or foot impact protector, a vehicle roof, or the like.