U.S. patent application number 09/731902 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for transverse-member module for a front or rear side end region of a motor vehicle and method of making same.
Invention is credited to Artner, Bernd, Kruger-Eppstein, Albrecht.
Application Number | 20010011833 09/731902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7931738 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010011833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Artner, Bernd ; et
al. |
August 9, 2001 |
Transverse-member module for a front or rear side end region of a
motor vehicle and method of making same
Abstract
A transverse-member module for a front or rear end of a motor
vehicle has a box-shaped flexible member from which protrude two
deformation units which are spaced apart and parallel to each other
and are intended for connection to a respective longitudinal member
of a body-supporting structure of the motor vehicle. The flexible
member is formed by two vertical profiles arranged spaced apart and
parallel one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the
vehicle, and by at least two horizontal profiles which extend
between the vertical profiles and are arranged spaced apart and
parallel one above another in the vertical direction of the
vehicle, the horizontal profiles being of structurally identical
design.
Inventors: |
Artner, Bernd; (Renningen,
DE) ; Kruger-Eppstein, Albrecht; (Stuttgart,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EVENSON, McKEOWN, EDWARDS & LENAHAN, P.L.L.C.
1200 G Street, N.W., Suite 700
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
7931738 |
Appl. No.: |
09/731902 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/187.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 21/152
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/189 |
International
Class: |
B62D 025/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 1999 |
DE |
199 58 996.8 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Transverse-member module for a front- or rear-side end region of
a motor vehicle, having a box-shaped flexible member from which
protrude two deformation units which are spaced apart parallel to
each other and are intended for connection to a respective
longitudinal member of a body-supporting structure of the motor
vehicle, wherein the flexible member is formed by two vertical
profiles arranged spaced apart and parallel one behind the other in
a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and by at least two
horizontal profiles which extend between the vertical profiles and
are arranged spaced apart and parallel one above another in a
vertical direction of the vehicle, the horizontal profiles being of
structurally identical design.
2. Transverse-member module according to claim 1, wherein each
horizontal profile has a U-shaped profile, the two U limbs each
forming bearing flanges for the plane connection to the vertical
profiles.
3. Transverse-member module according to claim 1, wherein the two
vertical profiles are of structurally identical design.
4. Transverse-member module according to claim 2, wherein the two
vertical profiles are of structurally identical design.
5. Transverse-member module according to claim 1, wherein a
profiled strip provided with sockets for add-on parts is provided
in a region of a lower edge of the vertical profile which is at the
rear-based on a normal direction of travel.
6. Transverse-member module according to claim 2, wherein a
profiled strip provided with sockets for add-on parts is provided
in a region of a lower edge of the vertical profile which is at the
rear-based on a normal direction of travel.
7. Transverse-member module according to claim 5, wherein the
profiled strip is designed as an integral continuation of the
vertical profile.
8. Transverse-member module according to claim 6, wherein the
profiled strip is designed as an integral continuation of the
vertical profile.
9. Transverse-member module according to claim 1, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
10. Transverse-member module according to claim 2, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
11. Transverse-member module according to claim 3, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
12. Transverse-member module according to claim 5, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
13. Transverse-member module according to claim 7, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
14. Transverse-member module according to claim 8, wherein the
deformation units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal
structures which are connected rigidly to the flexible member.
15. Transverse-member module according to claim 1, wherein a
profiled strip provides with socket for add-on parts is provide in
a region of a lower edge of the profile which is at a side of the
box-shaped flexible member closest to the longitudinal member when
in an assembled in use position.
16. Transverse-member module according to claim 15, wherein the
profiled strip is designed as an integral continuation of the
vertical profile.
17. Method of making a vehicle support frame transverse-member
module which in use is supported by deformation units connected
with end regions of longitudinal body support members, comprising;
spacing a pair of vertical sheet profiles in a vehicle support
frame longitudinal direction, and connecting at least two identical
horizontal sheet profiles to the vertical sheet profiles to thereby
form a box-shaped transverse-member module.
18. Method according to claim 17, wherein each horizontal profile
has a U-shaped profile, the two U limbs each forming bearing
flanges for the plane connection to the vertical profiles.
19. Method according to claim 17, wherein the two vertical profiles
are of structurally identical design.
20. Method according to claim 18, wherein the two vertical profiles
are of structurally identical design.
21. Method according to claim 17, wherein a profiled strip provides
with socket for add-on parts is provide in a region of a lower edge
of the profile which is at a side of the box-shaped flexible member
closest to the longitudinal member when in an assembled in use
position.
22. Method according to claim 21, wherein the profiled strip is
designed as an integral continuation of the vertical profile.
23. Method according to claim 17, wherein the deformation units are
designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal structures which are
connected rigidly to the flexible member.
24. Method according to claim 17, comprising welding a threaded nut
to one of the vertical sheet profiles said threaded nut in use
forming parts of a vehicle towing assembly.
25. Method according to claim 17, wherein said sheet profiles are
made of sheet method, and wherein said connecting includes welding
the profiles together.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the priority of German application
199 58 996.8, filed Dec. 8, 1999, the disclosure of which is
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] The invention relates to a transverse-member module for a
front- or rear-side end region of a motor vehicle, having a
box-shaped flexible member from which protrude two deformation
units which are spaced apart parallel to each other and are
intended for connection to a respective longitudinal member of a
body-supporting structure of the motor vehicle.
[0003] A transverse-member module of this type is disclosed in
German Patent Document DE 195 11 868 A1 (corresponding U.S. Pat.
No. 5,785,367). The transverse-member module has a flexible member
which runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is of
box-shaped design by the joining together of two half-shells. The
flexible member can be secured with the aid of deformation units to
two longitudinal members of the body-supporting structure, the
deformation units protruding at right angles from the flexible
member and, when the transverse-member module is fitted, being
connected in alignment with the longitudinal members in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The deformation units are
designed as sheet-metal boxes which are more resistant to
deformation than the flexible members.
[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a transverse-member
module of the type mentioned above which has a simplified structure
and ensures cost-effective production.
[0005] This object is achieved in that the flexible member is
formed by two vertical profiles arranged spaced apart and parallel
one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,
and by at least two horizontal profiles which extend between the
vertical profiles and are arranged spaced apart and parallel one
above another in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the
horizontal profiles being of structurally identical design. The
vertical profiles and the horizontal profiles therefore produce a
stable box profile for the flexible member, the profiles, when
produced from metal sheet, preferably being welded. However, the
vertical and horizontal profiles may also be connected to one
another with the aid of fastening elements in the form of rivets,
screws or the like according to other contemplated embodiments of
the invention. The structurally identical design of the horizontal
profiles results in a simple and cost-effective structure for the
flexible member. In addition to the two necessary horizontal
profiles which contribute to the box shape of the flexible member,
one or more further horizontal profiles may also be arranged
between the vertical profiles, thereby resulting in a further
increase in the resistance to bending of the flexible member. The
selection of the number of horizontal profiles to be used is
undertaken as a function of the loading demands made in each case
on the transverse-member module.
[0006] In one refinement of the invention, each horizontal profile
has a U-shaped profile, the two U limbs each forming bearing
flanges for the plane connection to the vertical profiles. This
ensures a particularly stable connection of the horizontal profiles
to the vertical profiles.
[0007] In a further refinement of the invention, the two vertical
profiles are of structurally identical design. This results in a
further reduction in the outlay on production for the
transverse-member module, since both the horizontal profiles and
the vertical profiles are of structurally identical design in each
case.
[0008] In a further refinement of the invention, a profiled strip
provided with sockets for add-on parts is provided in the region of
a lower edge of the vertical profile which is at the rear-based on
a normal direction of travel. As a result, the vertical profile at
the rear side has an additional function by also serving as a
support for add-on parts.
[0009] In a further refinement of the invention, the profiled strip
is designed as an integral continuation of the vertical profile. A
structure for the transverse-member module is thereby obtained
which is further simplified.
[0010] In a further refinement of the invention, the deformation
units are designed as energy-absorbing sheet-metal structures which
are connected rigidly to the flexible member. As a result, the
transverse-member module is designed as a compact sheet-metal
constructional unit which can be joined together entirely
beforehand and can be connected to the longitudinal members as a
finished constructional unit.
[0011] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a front- or rear-side end
region of a motor vehicle, which is provided with one embodiment of
a transverse-member module according to the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the
transverse-member module of FIG. 1 along the section line II-II in
FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 3 shows, in an enlarged illustration, a longitudinal
section through a further flexible member of a transverse-member
module similar to FIG. 2, which is essentially of identical design
and is additionally provided with a profiled strip for add-on
parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] A motor vehicle has a body-supporting structure which is
provided in a front-end region with two longitudinal members 1
which protrude parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction
of the vehicle. A transverse-member module in the form of a front
module 2 is connected via corresponding holding brackets 5 to the
front ends of the longitudinal members 1, it being possible for the
connection to be of releasable or non-releasable design. In the
same manner, a corresponding transverse-member module can be fitted
to longitudinal members of a rear region of a motor vehicle, which
longitudinal members protrude to the rear in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle, and so the following designs for the
transverse-member module 2 designed as a front module apply in an
identical manner to a corresponding transverse-member module at the
rear end.
[0016] The front module 2 has a flexible member 3 which runs in the
transverse direction of the vehicle and is designed, in a manner
described in greater detail below, as a sheet-metal structure.
Protruding at right angles and parallel to each other from the
flexible member 3, and aligned in each case with the left or right
longitudinal member 1, are two deformation units 4 which are
designed as crash boxes and whose end regions which face the front
ends of the longitudinal members 1 are assigned bracket sections 5a
which can be connected to the holding brackets 5 of the
longitudinal members 1. Each deformation unit 4 has an upper boom
and a lower boom which are produced from metal sheet and are
provided with deformation beads directed inwards in each case. In
addition, the deformation units 4 may also be provided with lateral
sheet-metal booms (not illustrated) which likewise extend between
the flexible member 3 and the holding brackets 5. The illustrated
upper boom of each deformation unit 4 is secured by a connecting
flange 12 on an upper side of the flexible member preferably by
welding. The lower boom of each deformation unit 4 is
secured--likewise preferably by welding--to a rear side of the
flexible member 3 by a connecting flange 11 angled perpendicularly
downwards.
[0017] The flexible member 3 has, according to FIG. 2, a front--as
seen in the normal direction of travel--profiled boom 6, which runs
in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is orientated
vertically and serves as a vertical profile, and also a rear
profiled boom 7 constituting the rear side of the flexible member 3
with respect to the longitudinal members 1 and serving as a
vertical profile. The rear profiled boom 7 is orientated at a
distance from and parallel to the front profiled boom 6. The two
profiled booms 6, 7 are of structurally identical design and have,
in the region of their upper edge and in the region of their lower
edge, webs which are continuous over the length thereof, are in
each case curved outwards and increase the stability of the
profiled booms 6, 7, which are otherwise of planar design. The two
profiled booms 6, 7 are produced from metal sheet.
[0018] The flexible member 3 also has a horizontal profile 8
serving as an upper boom, and a further horizontal profile 8
serving as a lower boom, the two horizontal profiles 8 being of
structurally identical design. The two horizontal profiles 8 have a
U-shaped profile, one U limb 9, which faces the front profiled boom
6, being connected to the profiled boom 6 and a rear U limb being
connected to the rear profiled boom 7. The horizontal profiles 8,
which have a U-shaped profile, are arranged between the two
profiled booms 6, 7 in such a manner that the U limbs 9, 10 each
protrude downwards parallel to each other--as seen in the vertical
direction of the vehicle. As a result, an upper side of the upper
horizontal profile 8 ends approximately flush with the upper edges
of the profiled booms 6, 7. The connecting flange 12 of the upper
boom of the deformation unit 4 is fitted onto this upper side. The
lower horizontal profile 8 is inserted between the two profiled
booms 6, 7--as seen in the vertical direction of the vehicle--in
such a manner that the downwardly protruding U limbs 9, 10 end
approximately in the region of shoulders of the outwardly curved
webs of the profiled booms 6, 7.
[0019] In order to reinforce the hollow chamber formed by the
profiled booms 6, 7 and the upper and lower horizontal profiles 8,
a further horizontal profile 8 of structurally identical design is
inserted halfway between the two horizontal profiles 8 and its U
limbs 9, 10 likewise protrude downwards parallel to the profiled
booms 6, 7 and are connected flat--preferably by welding--to the
respective insides of the profiled booms 6, 7. In other exemplary
embodiments of the invention, depending on the height of the
particular flexible member, additional horizontal profiles of
structurally identical design may be inserted in the interior of
the hollow chamber formed by the profiled booms and the upper and
lower horizontal profiles. In all of the horizontal profiles 8, the
connection to the front and the rear profiled boom 6, 7 takes place
in each case in an identical manner by welding or/and with the aid
of fastening elements in the form of rivets, screws or the
like.
[0020] In addition, there is welded onto a rear side of the rear
profiled boom 7 a collar weld nut 13 which is orientated coaxially
to and in alignment with corresponding apertures (not illustrated)
in the two profiled booms 6, 7 and in the U limbs 9, 10 of the
central horizontal profile 8 and constitutes part of a towing
attachment. A towing screw bolt is inserted from the front along
the axis (indicated by dash-dotted lines) through the apertures
into the collar weld nut 13 and screwed tightly therein.
[0021] The flexible member 3a according to FIG. 3 corresponds
essentially to the flexible member 3 and the transverse-member
module 2 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and where components are
identical the same reference numbers have also been used. The only
difference in the flexible member 3a according to FIG. 3 is that
the rear profiled boom 7a is extended downwards in the region of
its lower edge by an angled profiled strip 14 which is provided
with a grid of holes. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the
profiled strip 14 constitutes an integral continuation of the
curved web in the region of the lower edge of the profiled boom 7a.
The profiled strip 14 serves for the fastening of add-on functional
parts in the region of the flexible member 3a. Additional headlamps
or else parts of functional devices located in the engine
compartment, such as the heating and air-conditioning system or the
like, may in particular be provided as the functional parts.
[0022] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since
modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit
and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the
art, the invention should be construed to include everything within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *