U.S. patent application number 09/853082 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-24 for vehicle body for a forward vehicle structure of a motor vehicle and method of making same.
Invention is credited to Herntier, Matthias, Stahl, Rainer, Tilsner, Michael.
Application Number | 20020008408 09/853082 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7641727 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020008408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tilsner, Michael ; et
al. |
January 24, 2002 |
Vehicle body for a forward vehicle structure of a motor vehicle and
method of making same
Abstract
Vehicle body for a forward vehicle structure of a motor vehicle,
including a support structure, a fender support and a fender panel.
The fender panel being optionally replaceable by another fender
panel, so that a modified course of a joint between a front flap
and the fender can be achieved. Furthermore, the support structure
is constructed in a stable manner in connection with the members,
so that an optimal crash behavior can be achieved.
Inventors: |
Tilsner, Michael;
(Wiernsheim, DE) ; Stahl, Rainer; (Markgroeningen,
DE) ; Herntier, Matthias; (Wurmberg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EVENSON, McKEOWN, EDWARDS & LENAHAN, P.L.L.C.
Suite 700
1200 G Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
7641727 |
Appl. No.: |
09/853082 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/193.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/082
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/194 |
International
Class: |
B60N 002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2000 |
DE |
100 23 193.4 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. Vehicle body for a forward vehicle structure of a motor vehicle,
having laterally extending vehicle side members as well as a
support structure fastened thereto which can be connected with an
A-column of the vehicle body, a fender being fastened on the
support structure, wherein the support structure has one T-shaped
profile support respectively for each vehicle side which is
connected on a forward end with a respective vehicle side member,
each T-shaped profile support member including an upward-extending
foot web connected to a forward end of a fender panel and, a
transversely outward-directed center web connected with a forward
end of a fender support.
2. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the respective fender
panels of both vehicle sides extend in a V-shape with respect to a
driving direction F, wherein the respective fender panels extend at
an acute angle toward the front with respect to respective fender
supports, and wherein the fender supports are arranged displaced a
distance laterally outside of respective side members.
3. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the foot web of the
profile support is connected by a lower end standing on the side
member and extends approximately vertically to a connection element
of the fender panel which ends on the A-column
4. Vehicle body according to claim 2, wherein the foot web of the
profile support is connected by a lower end standing on the side
member and extends approximately vertically to a connection element
of the fender panel which ends on the A-column.
5. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the center web of the
profile support extends approximately horizontally and transversely
with respect to the exterior side of the vehicle and is connected
by means of its free end with the fender support.
6. Vehicle body according to claim 2, wherein the center web of the
profile support extends approximately horizontally and transversely
with respect to the exterior side of the vehicle and is connected
by means of its free end with the fender support.
7. Vehicle body according to claim 3, wherein the center web of the
profile support extends approximately horizontally and transversely
with respect to the exterior side of the vehicle and is connected
by means of its free end with the fender support.
8. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the fender panel
comprises a profiled top and bottom part which are connected with
one another, the top part receiving a profiled shaped-out fender
section and being connected with the latter and in which an edge of
an engine hood is held while resting upon it.
9. Vehicle body according to claim 2, wherein the fender panel
comprises a profiled top and bottom part which are connected with
one another, the top part receiving a profiled shaped-out fender
section and being connected with the latter and in which an edge of
an engine hood is held while resting upon it.
10. Vehicle body according to claim 3, wherein the fender panel
comprises a profiled top and bottom part which are connected with
one another, the top part receiving a profiled shaped-out fender
section and being connected with the latter and in which an edge of
an engine hood is held while resting upon it.
11. Vehicle body according to claim 4, wherein the fender panel
comprises a profiled top and bottom part which are connected with
one another, the top part receiving a profiled shaped-out fender
section and being connected with the latter and in which an edge of
an engine hood is held while resting upon it.
12. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the fender panel has
a connection element on its free end facing the A-column, which
connection element consists of a U-profile which, by means of its
legs, reaches over the fender support from above and is fastened
thereto.
13. Vehicle body according to claim 12, wherein the connection
element for the fender panel on the fender support on its free end
facing the A-column consists of a U-shaped profile part which is
held on the fender support by means of an inner angular
reinforcement and a closing part situated on the outside.
14. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the fastening of the
fender panel on a free upright end of the foot web of the profile
support takes place by way of a reinforcing element having
reinforcing metal sheets, which reinforcing element is arranged at
least on both sides of the foot web and is connected with the
fender panel.
15. Vehicle body according to claim 1, wherein the fender panel is
connected by a shaped-out section of the fender on an upper side of
the fender panel, wherein a forward area of the fender panel is
connected to the profile support, and wherein a rearward area of
the fender panel is connected to the fender support.
16. Vehicle body assembly comprising: a first fender panel, a first
fender support, and a first T-shaped profile support having a first
end section connectable with a first vehicle side member, a second
end section connectable with the first fender panel, and a third
end section connectable with the first fender support.
17. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first
end section of the first profile support is at a downwardly
extending arm of the first profile support, wherein the second end
section of the first profile support is at an upwardly extending
arm of the first profile support, and wherein the third end section
is at a laterally outwardly extending arm of the first profile
support.
18. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 17, wherein respective
forward ends of the first fender panel and first fender support are
connected at the respective second and third end sections of the
first profile support.
19. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 18, comprising a first
vehicle A-frame member, wherein a rearward end of the first fender
support is connected to the first A-frame member.
20. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 18, wherein a rearward
end of the first fender panel is connected to the first fender
support.
21. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 16, comprising: a
second fender panel, a second fender support, and a second T-shaped
profile support having a first end section connectable with a
second vehicle side member, a second end section connectable with
the second fender panel, and a third end section connectable with
the second fender support.
22. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 21, wherein said
T-shaped profile supports, fender panels and fender supports are
arranged in use symmetrically with respect to a vehicle centerline
such that the fender panels extend in a V-shape with respect to the
fender supports with the forward ends of the fender supports
laterally outward of the forward ends of the fender panels.
23. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 22, comprising fenders
supported at the respective fender panels and fender supports.
24. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 16, comprising screw
connectors for detachable connecting the T-shaped profile with the
fender panels and fender supports.
25. A vehicle body assembly comprising: a vehicle side member, a
vehicle A-frame member disposed behind and connected with the
vehicle side member, a first fender panel, a first fender support,
and a first T-shaped profile support having a first end section
connected with the first vehicle side member, a second end section
connected with the first fender panel, and a third end section
connected with the first fender support.
26. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 25, wherein the first
end section of the first profile support is at a downwardly
extending arm of the first profile support, wherein the second end
section of the first profile support is at an upwardly extending
arm of the first profile support, and wherein the third end section
is at a laterally outwardly extending arm of the first profile
support.
27. A vehicle body according to claim 26, wherein a rearward end of
the first fender support is connected to the A-frame member.
28. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 27, wherein a rearward
end of the first fender panel is connected to the first fender
support.
29. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 25, wherein a second
assembly is arranged symmetrically with respect to a vehicle
longitudinal center line.
30. Vehicle body assembly according to claim 29, comprising fenders
supported at the respective fender panels and fender supports.
31. A method of making a vehicle body assembly comprising:
providing a vehicle frame with a side member and an A-frame member
connected to the side member, providing a T-shaped profile,
connecting a downwardly extending arm of the T-shaped profile to
the side member, providing a fender panel, connecting an upwardly
extending arm on the T-shaped profile with a forward end of the
fender panel, providing a fender support, connecting a laterally
outwardly extending arm of the T-shaped profile with a forward end
of the fender support, connecting a rearward end of the fender
support with the A-frame member, and connecting a rearward end of
the fender panel with the fender support.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent
Document 100 23 193.4, filed in Germany, May 11, 2000, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle body for a forward
vehicle structure of a motor vehicle having laterally extending
vehicle side members as well as a support structure fastened
thereto which can be connected with an A-column of the vehicle
body, a fender being fastened on an arm of the support
structure.
[0003] From German Patent Document DE 42 09 879 A1, a forward body
structure of a vehicle is known which is constructed as a frame and
comprises supports which are connected with the A-column of the
vehicle and extend toward the front in the driving direction. A
transversely extending front frame is connected with the frame on
the front side, a fender being fastenable on a support of the
frame.
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a forward
vehicle body of a motor vehicle which has a support structure
which, on the one hand, ensures a simple fastening of the fender as
well as an accommodation of different front flaps and, on the other
hand, ensures a stable forward vehicle structure.
[0005] According to certain preferred embodiments of the invention,
this object is achieved by providing a vehicle body for a forward
vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, having laterally extending
vehicle side members as well as a support structure fastened
thereto which can be connected with an A-column of the vehicle
body, a fender being fastened on the support structure, wherein the
support structure has one T-shaped profile support respectively for
each vehicle side which is connected on a forward end with a
respective vehicle side member, each T-shaped profile support
member including an upward-extending foot web connected to a
forward end of a fender panel, and a transversely outward-directed
center web connected with a forward end of a fender support.
[0006] Important advantages achieved by the invention are that the
two fender panels of the forward vehicle structure can be connected
with the support structure in a simple manner, for example, by
fastening screws. It is therefore easily possible to use
differently constructed fender panels in the forward vehicle
structure in order to design the front flap with its connecting
edges according to the vehicle type to be produced. This means that
the joint between the front flap and the fender can be arranged
arbitrarily. For this purpose, the support structure has one
T-shaped profile support respectively which is connected with the
side member and which, with an upward-pointing foot web, is
fastened on the end side on the fender panel, an outward-directed
transversely situated center web being connected with a fender
support on the end side.
[0007] In certain preferred embodiments, the fender panels of both
sides are V-shaped viewed in the driving direction and are arranged
at an acute angle with respect to the support profile, the fender
being arranged at a distance from the interior side member.
[0008] In certain preferred embodiments, the profile support held
on the side member is arranged on the front side of the fender
panel and is connected with the latter, the foot web of the profile
support standing with a lower end on the side member and extending
approximately vertically with respect to a connection element of
the fender panel which ends on the A-column. The center web of the
profile support is provided to be extending approximately
horizontally and transversely directed to the exterior side of the
vehicle and, with its free end, is connected with the fender
support. As a result of this construction of the support structure,
a stable forward vehicle structure is created which, in addition to
permitting an accessible and simple fastening of the fender, also
allows a fastening of the front end part. The support structure is
supported directly on the A-column of the vehicle, so that, in the
event of a front crash, in the interaction with the side member, an
energy-absorbing forward vehicle structure is also provided.
[0009] The fender panel preferably comprises a profiled top and
bottom part, which are connected with one another, the top part
receiving a profiled shaped-out fender section and being connected
therewith, and the engine hood being held resting on the top part.
For connecting the fender panel with the profile support and with
the fender support, connection elements are provided which are made
of U-shaped and/or angular sheet metal elements. For this
fastening, the connection elements can have different
constructions, so that the corresponding fastening points between
the fender panel and the profile support and the fender support can
be designed to correspond to one another.
[0010] 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
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a forward vehicle
structure constructed according to preferred embodiments of the
invention, only the left side of the forward vehicle end being
shown with respect to the driving direction;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the forward
vehicle structure according to FIG. 1, shown with the fender panel
not yet fastened;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a rearward connection
element between the fender support and the fender panel;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a forward connection
element between the profile support and the fender panel; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a view of another embodiment of a forward
fastening between the profile support and the fender panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The forward vehicle structure 1 of a motor vehicle comprises
a support structure 2 which is connected on each vehicle side with
a side member 3 and an A-column 4 of the vehicle body. The
A-columns are connected with a side wall 5 and a front wall of the
vehicle. Together with the support structure 2, a fender is
laterally provided and, on the front side, a transversely arranged
front end part 7 is provided which is not shown in detail.
[0017] The support structure 2, in each case, comprises a T-shaped
profile support 8 connected with the side member 3 as well as a
fender panel 9 and a fender support 10 with a bearing support
11.
[0018] With respect to the driving direction F, the profile support
8 is fastened on the forward end 12 of the side member 3, and the
fender panel 9 and the fender support member 10 extend from this
profile support 8 against the driving direction F to the A-column
4, and at least the fender support member 10 is connected with this
A-column 4.
[0019] The profile support 8 has a foot web 13 extending from the
side member 3 vertically upward as well as a center web 14
extending from the side member 3 transversely to the outside and
approximately horizontally. At the free upper end of the foot web
13, fender panel 9 is fastened by way of a connection element 15.
With its free end, the fender support 10 is connected on the end
side to the center web 14. Close to the A-column 4, the fender
panel 9 is held by way of another connection element 16; 16a on the
fender support 10 and is fixed by way of fastening screws 17.
[0020] Viewed from above in the direction Z, the fender panels 9 of
both vehicle sides extend V-shaped with respect to one another in
the driving direction, and in addition, the fender panel 9 is
arranged with respect to the fender support 10 at an acute angle
.alpha., the fender panel 9 being situated above the fender support
10 which, because of the T-profile support 8, is arranged at a
distance "a" with respect to the side member 3 and displaced toward
the exterior side of the vehicle.
[0021] The fender panel 9 includes a profiled top part 9a and a
profiled bottom part 9b which may have a different cross-sectional
shape along the length.
[0022] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 3, the connection element
16 situated in the rear includes a U-shaped profile, whose legs
reach from both sides over the fender support 10, and are connected
with the latter by way of screwed connections.
[0023] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 4, the connection element
14 situated in the front includes reinforcing metal sheets 14a, 14
which reach from both sides over the free end of the foot web 13 of
the profile support 8 and are connected with the profile support by
way of screwing devices.
[0024] According to another embodiment of FIG. 5, the rearward
connection 16a of the fender panel 9 is formed by a profile
including two assembled angular metal sheets 20, 21 which reach
over the fender support 10 from both sides. The fender 6 is
connected with the angular metal sheet 20 on the web side.
[0025] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 2, the fender panel 9 is
connected by way of the connection elements 14, 16; 16a with the
support structure 2 by screwing devices 17, 22. The fender panel 9
can be replaced by another fender panel of different
configurations, which can be used with another front flap 24 for a
modified vehicle. This means that the V-shaped joint 25 between the
front flap 24 and the fender 6 may have a different course because
of the exchange of the fender panel 9.
[0026] The fender 6 is fastened on the fender panel 9 with its
upper shaped-out fender section 27 by means of screws 26, as
illustrated in detail in FIG. 1. An underside fastening of the
fender 6 takes place at least by way of screws 28 and a connection
element 29 on the fender support 10.
[0027] 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.
* * * * *