SK10982000A3 - A chassis element for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) is obtained from at least one pressed or profiled bar which is then subjected to bending, preferably in three dimensions.

Description

The invention relates to a chassis 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 bogie element is defined which defines the front door space and which is manufactured by pressing.

The use of this method of manufacturing an element of this kind has a number of disadvantages, such as the fact that it is impossible to obtain complex shapes, in particular notches, and that a considerable amount of waste is produced.

In order to avoid such disadvantages, it is an object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle chassis element which is made of at least one molded or profiled rod, which is then subjected to bending.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on a chassis element of a motor vehicle which is obtained from at least one molded or profiled rod, which is subsequently subjected to bending.

In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle chassis element, the profiled bar is bent in three dimensions.

The chassis element of a motor vehicle according to the invention may have a constant cross-section or a variable cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the chassis element of a motor vehicle according to the invention has first and second arms that delimit the front and top portions of the door space of the motor vehicle side.

Preferably, the motor vehicle chassis element has a third arm which delimits the rear portion of the door space of the motor vehicle side.

Preferably, the second arm extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space and the third arm whose length is shorter than the height of the door space projects transversely from its rear end.

The chassis element of the motor vehicle according to the preferred embodiment is annular and open along the forming line and defines the perimeter of the door space.

The invention therefore provides the use of bending methods that are significantly simpler and more economical than the pressing methods in order to achieve the final desired shape of the bogie element being manufactured. However, pressing methods within the scope of the present invention can still be used to produce a rod which is subsequently subjected to bending operations. In any case, the pressing is in fact used to obtain pieces of simple shape when the disadvantages described above do not arise.

However, the final complex shape of the bogie element is achieved by bending the rod in all necessary dimensions, specifically in three dimensions, so as to be able to shape the necessary notches and minimize the amount of waste produced during processing.

Due to the flexibility afforded by the bending tools, it is also advantageously possible to make adjustments in a short time and also to quickly prepare the system, i.e. to rebuild it when production goes from producing an element having a particular shape to another having a different shape.

These advantages are particularly important in the production of prototypes or experimental pieces, as well as in the production of related elements intended to be mounted on different versions of the same model, such as sedans, estate and coupes.

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

Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, given 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 including a chassis element according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 from a different perspective; and

Fig. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of motor vehicle sides including chassis elements manufactured according to further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The side of a sedan vehicle comprises (FIGS. 1 and 2) a bogie element 10 having first, second and third arms 12, 14, 16 intended to surround the front, upper and rear door spaces. The element 10 is C-shaped in cross-section and is obtained by bending a profiled bar in three dimensions.

Conventional chassis and bodywork components of the motor vehicle are attached to element 10 such as mudguard 18, center pillar 20, front and rear retainers 22, 24, cover 26 for upper arm 14, bottom cross member 28 for windshield and rear and front roof elements 30 , 32.

The other elements 34, 36 are also connected to the element 10, which elements are annular and open along the forming line 38 and define the perimeter of the door space at the front and rear. The elements 34, 36 are also obtained by bending the profiled bar in three dimensions.

Fig. 3 shows a variant embodiment of the invention. In this figure, parts that are the same or equivalent to those shown in the preceding figures are designated with the same reference numerals and are not further described.

In this case, the element 10 has only the first and second limbs 12, 14 intended to surround the front and top of the door space. The rear portion of the door space is bounded by a rear pillar 40 separated from the element 10.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this figure, parts that are the same or equivalent to those shown in the preceding figures are designated with the same reference numerals and are not further described.

In this case, the second arm 14 of the element 10 extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space, and the third arm 16b, the length of which is less than the height of the door space, projects transversely from its rear end. This configuration is adapted to the vehicle type of the vehicle.

Naturally, the details of construction and embodiments may vary widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated by way of example only, while the principles of the invention will remain the same 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 motor vehicle sides, but also for luggage compartments, doors and the like.

Claims (8)

A motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36), characterized in that it is obtained from at least one molded or profiled rod which is subsequently subjected to bending. Motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to claim 1, characterized in that said rod bends in three dimensions. Motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a constant cross-section. Motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it has a variable cross-section. Motor vehicle chassis 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 top portions of the door space of the motor vehicle side. Motor vehicle chassis 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 motor vehicle side. Motor vehicle chassis 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 transversely from its rear end. A motor vehicle chassis 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.