DE102015221362A1 - Energy absorption device, vehicle and method for absorbing energy - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to provide an energy absorbing device, in particular for absorbing crash energy in the event of a vehicle crash, which is simple and enables variable energy absorption, it is proposed that the energy absorbing device comprises a widening device and an energy absorbing element, the energy absorbing element being for energy absorption by means of the widening device deformable, wherein the expansion device and the energy absorbing element along a force introduction direction relative to each other are movable, wherein the expansion device comprises a base portion and at least one deforming element, wherein the at least one deforming element is fixed to the base portion and acts to deform the energy absorbing element directly to the energy absorbing element and the widening device is a damping device for damping a relative movement of the at least one Deformierelements relative to the base portion during the deformation of the energy absorbing element comprises.

Description

The present invention relates to an energy absorbing device, in particular for absorbing crash energy in the event of an accident of a vehicle.

An energy absorption device is for example from the DE 10 2007 020 896 A1 known.

Another energy absorption device is for example from DE 10 2011 105 646 A1 known.

The present invention has for its object to provide an energy absorption device which is simple in construction and allows variable energy absorption.

This object is achieved, according to the invention, by an energy absorbing device comprising a widening device and an energy absorbing element, wherein the energy absorbing element is deformable by the widening device for energy absorption, wherein the widening device and the energy absorbing element are movable relative to one another along a direction of force introduction, wherein the widening device comprises a base section and at least one Deformierelement, wherein the at least one Deformierelement is fixed to the base portion and acts to deform the energy absorbing element directly to the energy absorbing element and wherein the expansion device comprises a damping device for damping a relative movement of the at least one Deformierelements relative to the base portion during deformation of the energy absorbing element.

Due to the fact that the energy absorption device preferably comprises a damping device for damping a relative movement of the at least one deforming element relative to the base section, the energy absorption is preferably variable.

In particular, it can be provided that the energy absorption due to the damping device is variable relative to the expansion device as a function of a relative speed of the energy absorption element.

The energy absorbing device is preferably for absorbing crash energy in case of an accident of a vehicle.

It may be favorable if the at least one deforming element of the expansion device is supported in the force introduction direction on the base section of the expansion device.

Supporting in the force introduction direction is preferably to be understood as meaning that movement in the force introduction direction is effectively prevented.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the at least one deforming element is supported by the damping device in the direction of force introduction to the base portion.

It may be advantageous if the at least one deforming element of the expansion device is supported on the base section in a direction perpendicular to the direction of introduction of the force, in particular a radially inwardly directed direction.

In particular, it can be provided that the at least one deforming element is supported by means of the damping device in a direction perpendicular to the direction of force introduction direction, in particular in a radially inwardly directed direction at the base portion.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the damping device comprises a receiving space for receiving a damping medium.

The receiving space is preferably arranged between the at least one deforming element and the base section.

It may be favorable if the receiving space extends from the at least one deforming element as far as the base section.

In particular, it may be provided that the receiving space for receiving a damping medium is substantially identical to a gap between the at least one deforming element and the base portion.

The receiving space preferably completely fills the gap. The damping medium preferably comprises a liquid and / or a solid.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the damping medium is formed from a liquid and / or a solid.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the damping medium is or comprises a gas.

A damping medium may for example be a foam, for example plastic foam, metal foam and / or ceramic foam.

Further, as a damping medium, for example, a fluid, in particular a suspension, an emulsion, a mixture, a foam, a gas mixture, a solution, a Newtonian fluid and / or a non-Newtonian fluid may be provided.

It can be advantageous if the damping medium comprises an elastic solid or is formed by an elastic solid. For example, a light wood with preferably high compression capability can be provided as a damping medium. A light wood is for example balsa wood.

As a damping medium can also be provided, for example, a solid granules.

The base portion of the expansion device is formed, for example, of a metallic material.

However, it can also be provided that the base portion of the expansion device comprises a plastic material or is formed from a plastic material. For example, a fiber-reinforced plastic material may be provided.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the base section of the expansion device comprises a fiber-ceramic material or is formed from a fiber-ceramic material, in particular a mechanically highly loadable fiber-ceramic material.

In addition, it may be favorable if the base section of the expansion device is formed from a ceramic material, in particular a non-fiber-reinforced ceramic material.

At least one deforming element preferably comprises a metallic material, a ceramic material and / or a plastic material. It may be favorable if the material of the at least one deforming element is a fiber-reinforced material.

For example, it may be provided that the at least one deforming element is formed from a metallic material, a ceramic material and / or a plastic material.

The damping medium is preferably a medium which changes its flow properties under pressure and / or by applying an electromagnetic field.

It may be favorable if the energy absorption device comprises a field generation device for generating an electromagnetic field and / or a control device for controlling the field generation device.

The field generating device is or preferably comprises a coil and / or a capacitor, by means of which or by means of which the damping medium can be exposed to a desired electromagnetic field.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the damping medium is a medium which changes its flow properties and / or resistance properties under increased pressure.

It can be provided that the damping medium generates a varying resistance level depending on a cross section through which the damping medium is pressed during the deformation of the energy absorption element.

It can be advantageous if the damping medium can be pushed through a nozzle, for example to take energy out of the system "energy absorption device" and / or to redirect an impulse in another direction.

In one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the damping medium comprises a rheological fluid, for example an electrorheological and / or magnetorheological fluid.

It may be favorable if the receiving space comprises a plurality of receiving chambers for separately accommodating different types of damping medium and / or for separately receiving damping media having different physical and / or chemical properties.

For example, it can be provided that a plurality of receiving chambers, which are separated from one another, for example by means of membranes, are filled with different damping media. Depending on a level of the crash energy introduced, a suitable partial failure of the damping device, in particular by deliberately destroying one or more receiving chambers, can preferably be achieved by suitable selection of the damping media.

The base portion of the expander preferably forms a central core of the expander.

The core is preferably formed of a metallic material and / or of a plastic material.

At least one deforming element is preferably formed substantially annular or sleeve-like.

It can be advantageous if the at least one deforming element surrounds the base section in an annular or sleeve-like manner.

It may be advantageous if an inner surface of the at least one deforming element is moved during the deformation of the energy absorbing element in the direction of the outer surface of the base portion, in particular, so that a damping medium arranged therebetween is displaced.

An outer surface of the base portion and an inner surface of the at least one deforming element are preferably formed at least partially complementary to each other.

Preferably, the at least one deforming element is arranged at a distance from the base section.

The energy absorption element is preferably formed as a hollow cylinder. In particular, a hollow-cylindrical energy-absorbing element or a hollow-cylindrical energy absorption element with a square, elliptical or other base surface can be provided.

The energy absorption element is preferably a tube, for example a metal tube or a (fiber-reinforced) plastic tube. In particular, it can be provided that the energy absorption element is a tube made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic material or a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material.

It may be favorable if the energy absorption element, the at least one deforming element and / or the base section are at least approximately rotationally symmetrical about an axis extending parallel to the direction of introduction of the force.

It may be advantageous if the energy absorption element, the at least one deforming element and the base portion are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.

The at least one deforming element and the base section of the expander device are preferably formed by different sections or regions of an integral expander body of the expander device.

The expansion body is preferably formed from a metallic material, a ceramic material and / or a plastic material, preferably a fiber-reinforced material.

The object underlying the present invention is further achieved in that the energy absorption device comprises a widening device and an energy absorbing element, wherein the energy absorbing element is deformable for energy absorption by means of the widening device, wherein the widening device and the energy absorbing element are movable relative to each other along a force introduction direction, wherein the widening device a base portion and at least one deforming element, wherein the at least one deforming element is fixed to the base portion and acts to deform the energy absorbing element directly on the energy absorbing element, and wherein the expanding device comprises a deflecting device for variably deflecting the at least one deforming element relative to the base portion.

A deflection is to be understood in particular as moving the at least one deforming element in a direction perpendicular to the direction of force introduction or obliquely to the direction of force introduction, in particular radially outward.

The deflection device preferably comprises a gas generator and / or a mechanical actuating device for targeted deflection of the at least one deforming element.

It may be favorable if the energy absorption device comprises a plurality of deforming elements, which in particular are distributed uniformly around the base section.

The expansion device preferably comprises a receiving device, on which one or more deforming elements are arranged to be movable, in particular elastically yieldably arranged to be movable.

The receiving device may, for example, be a section of a widening body of the widening device.

It may be favorable if the widening device comprises a deflection device formed as a positioning device, by means of which an angle of attack of one or more deforming elements can be changed, in particular depending on a predetermined, determined and / or required energy absorption capacity.

It may be favorable if an angle of attack of one or more deforming elements can be changed immediately before and / or during an energy absorption process.

It may be favorable if the widening device, in particular a widening body of the widening device, at least in sections, has the shape of a cylinder, a cone and / or an elliptical paraboloid.

One or more deforming elements are preferably arranged so as to be rotatable or tiltable or elastically bendable about one or more axes of rotation oriented essentially perpendicular to the force introduction direction.

The energy absorption device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle.

In particular, the energy absorption device can be used in a passenger car and / or truck but also in trains and other vehicles.

The present invention therefore also relates to a vehicle comprising one or more of the energy absorption devices according to the invention.

The vehicle according to the invention preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the energy absorption device.

The energy absorption device is preferably used for absorbing crash energy in the event that the vehicle is involved in an accident and should be absorbed in the vehicle introduced energy, in particular for occupant protection.

An energy absorption device is arranged, for example, on a supporting structure of the vehicle, for example the body, or integrated therein.

For example, it may be provided that the energy absorption device is arranged on the one hand on the supporting structure, in particular the body, and on the other hand on a planking, such as a bumper, of the vehicle.

In particular, when an energy absorbing device is integrated with the supporting structure of the vehicle, energy can be absorbed efficiently when the supporting structure is deformed in an accident of the vehicle.

The present invention further relates to a method of absorbing energy.

The invention is in this respect the task of providing a method by means of which energy is efficient and suitable for the particular case absorbable.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for absorbing energy, the method comprising: deforming an energy absorption element by means of an expansion device by moving the expansion device along a force introduction direction relative to the energy absorption element.

The method according to the invention can preferably be carried out by means of an energy absorption device according to the invention.

It can be advantageous if the at least one deforming element is designed as a shell or shell, which preferably surrounds the base section of the expansion device at least in sections.

In particular, it can be provided that the at least one deforming element is formed by a partially segmented or completely segmented shell.

By means of the energy absorption device according to the invention are preferably "weak" accident opponents of a vehicle less resilient than "strong" opponents, since preferably by means of the damping device, an automatic adjustment of the energy absorption performance can be achieved.

A degree of expansion, that is to say a strength of the widening of the energy absorption element, is preferably controllable, in particular actively controllable or passively controllable.

Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

In the drawings show:

1 a schematic section through a first embodiment of an energy absorbing device in which a widening device is provided for expanding an energy absorbing element;

2 one of the 1 corresponding schematic representation of the expansion device 1 wherein a deforming element has been moved slightly toward a base portion of the expander;

3 one of the 2 corresponding schematic representation of the expansion device, wherein the deforming element has been moved more towards the base portion;

4 one of the 1 corresponding schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device, wherein a plurality of receiving chambers for receiving damping medium between a Deformierelement and a base portion of the expansion device are provided;

5 one of the 1 corresponding schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an energy absorbing device in which a one-piece expansion body is provided, which forms at least one deforming element and the base portion of the expansion device; and

6 one of the 1 corresponding schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device, in which a plurality of support elements are provided between a deforming element and a base portion of the expansion device.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

One in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment of a whole as 100 The designated energy absorbing device serves to absorb energy, in particular crash energy in the event of an accident of a vehicle 102 ,

The energy absorption device 100 This is in particular on a supporting structure 104 of the vehicle 102 can be arranged or integrated into the same.

The energy absorption device 100 includes an energy absorbing element 106 and a widening device 108 , which along a direction of force introduction 110 are movable relative to each other.

The force introduction direction 110 is in particular the direction in which a force in the event of an accident of the vehicle 102 in the energy absorption device 100 is initiated.

In particular, this is the energy absorption element 106 on the expander 108 deferred or the expansion device 108 in the energy absorption element 106 pushed.

The expansion device 108 is formed as a whole substantially in the shape of an elliptical paraboloid or a cone.

Preferably, the expansion device 108 essentially rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal central axis 112 educated.

The energy absorption element 106 is preferably also substantially rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal central axis 112 educated.

In particular, the energy absorption element 106 and the expansion device 108 substantially coaxial with the same longitudinal central axis 112 arranged.

The energy absorption element 106 is preferably formed substantially hollow cylindrical.

The expansion device 108 includes a base section 114 , by means of which the expansion device 108 for example, on the supporting structure 104 of the vehicle 102 is fixed.

Furthermore, the expansion device comprises 108 one or more deforming elements 116 , by means of which the expansion device 108 directly on the energy absorbing element 106 can act.

In particular, the one or more deforming elements engage 116 directly on the energy absorption element 106 to expand this.

The one or more deforming elements 116 preferably surround the base section 114 essentially annular or sleeve-like.

In particular, the one or more Deformierelemente 116 formed as a shell, which has the shape of a hollow elliptical paraboloid and the base portion 114 surrounds.

Between the one or more deforming elements 116 on the one hand and the base section 114 On the other hand, there is a gap 118 educated.

The gap 118 forms in particular a recording room 120 for receiving a damping medium 122 ,

This is in particular a damping device 124 the expansion device 108 educated.

The damping device 124 serves in particular to influence a relative movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 relative to the base section 114 during a crash of the vehicle 102 , thus in particular during the deformation of the energy absorption element 106 ,

The damping device 124 serves in particular to a movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 in the direction of the base section 114 to oppose a resistance.

The resistance in particular varies depending on how strongly by means of the energy absorption element 106 on the one or more deforming elements 116 or by means of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 on the energy absorbing element 106 is acted upon.

In a very rapid action, the damping medium 122 due to its viscosity are displaced only delayed, so that the movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 a great resistance is opposed.

At a slow force and thus a slow movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 can the damping medium 122 however, be dissipated relatively quickly, resulting in a low resistance.

From the 2 and 3 this difference is indicated by differently dimensioned arrows.

So is according to 2 provided that with strong force only a small amount of damping medium 122 can be removed, so that the deforming element 116 is moved accordingly low, while according to 3 a lower force (slower force) is provided, resulting in a higher displacement of the damping medium 122 and thus to a stronger movement of the deforming element 116 leads.

In the illustrated embodiment of the energy absorption device 100 can be provided in particular that the one or more Deformierelemente 116 and the base section 114 and the energy absorption element 106 are formed of one or more metallic materials.

The damping medium 122 is for example a liquid, in particular a rheological fluid.

In a further development of the energy absorption device 100 can be provided that the expansion device 108 additionally or alternatively to the damping device 124 a coupling device 126 for coupling the one or more deforming elements 116 with the base section 114 includes.

The coupling device 126 is in particular as a deflection device 128 formed and serves to deflect the one or more Deformierelemente 116 with respect to the longitudinal central axis 112 in the radial direction to the outside.

The deflection device 128 For this purpose, in particular a gas generator or other mechanical actuation for the targeted movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 include.

An in 4 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 is different from the one in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment essentially in that the receiving space 120 is segmented and in particular a plurality of receiving chambers 130 includes.

The reception chambers 130 are, for example, annular around the longitudinal central axis 112 arranged and / or trained.

In particular, it can be provided that the receiving chambers 130 the recording of different attenuation media 122 serve.

In particular, this can be a targeted failure, ie bursting of walls of the receiving chambers 130 be enabled by a force to ultimately the deformation of the energy absorbing element 106 Automatically adapt to different crash cases.

Incidentally, the in 4 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 in terms of structure and function with in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment, so that reference is made to the above description in this respect.

An in 5 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 is different from the one in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment essentially in that the expansion device 108 a one-piece expansion body 132 comprising both the base section 114 as well as one or more deforming elements 116 forms.

The expansion body 132 in this case comprises in particular a section which has a receiving device 134 for connecting the one or more deforming elements 116 with the base section 114 forms.

The one or more deforming elements 116 are at the in 5 illustrated embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 at least partially elastic.

In particular, it can be provided that the one or more deforming elements 116 at the respective the receiving device 134 facing end are at least partially elastic.

Instead of an elastic training but also a plastic deformability can be provided.

It is crucial that the one or more Deformierelemente 116 in the in 5 illustrated initial position of the energy absorption device 100 at a predetermined distance from the base portion 114 are arranged to extend away, so that in the space 118 a damping medium 122 is receivable.

Incidentally, the in 5 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 in terms of structure and function with in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment, so that reference is made to the above description in this respect.

An in 6 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 is different from the one in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment substantially in that the one or more Deformierelemente 116 by means of one or more support elements 136 on the base section 114 are supported.

The support elements 136 in particular serve the correct positioning of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 relative to the base section 114 in the 6 illustrated initial state of the energy absorption device 100 , The one or more support elements 136 are then deformable in particular without significant resistance, if by means of the expansion device 108 the energy absorption element 106 is deformed. That the support elements 136 surrounding damping medium 122 then serves to generate the desired deformation resistance.

However, it can also be provided that one or more support elements 136 for generating a supplemental resistance in the movement of the one or more deforming elements 116 in the direction of the base section 114 serve. In particular, differently dimensioned and / or stable support elements can be used here 136 be provided to a desired course of movement of the one or more Deformierelemente 116 to realize in the event of a crash.

Incidentally, the in 6 illustrated alternative embodiment of an energy absorption device 100 in terms of structure and function with in the 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment, so that reference is made to the above description in this respect.

In further (not shown) embodiments of energy absorption devices 100 may be one or more features of the energy absorbing devices described above 100 be combined with each other.

For example, it can be provided that the receiving space 120 through the use of several receiving chambers 130 is segmented (see 4 ) and that between the receiving chambers 130 several support elements 136 (please refer 6 ) are provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 The energy absorbing device

102

 vehicle

104

 carrying structure

106

 Energy absorbing element

108

 expander

110

 Direction of force application

112

 Longitudinal central axis

114

 base section

116

 deforming element

118

 gap

120

 accommodation space

122

 damping medium

124

 damping device

126

 coupling device

128

 deflecting

130

 receiving chamber

132

 expansion body

134

 cradle

136

 support element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007020896 A1 [0002]
• DE 102011105646 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Energy absorption device ( 100 ), in particular for the absorption of crash energy in the event of an accident of a vehicle ( 102 ), characterized in that the energy absorption device ( 100 ) an expansion device ( 108 ) and an energy absorption element ( 106 ), wherein the energy absorption element ( 106 ) for energy absorption by means of the expansion device ( 108 ) is deformable, wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) and the energy absorption element ( 106 ) along a force introduction direction ( 110 ) are movable relative to each other, wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) a base section ( 114 ) and at least one deforming element ( 116 ), wherein the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) at the base portion ( 114 ) and deforming the energy absorbing element ( 106 ) directly on the energy absorption element ( 106 ) and wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) a damping device ( 124 ) for damping a relative movement of the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) relative to the base portion ( 114 ) during the deformation of the energy absorbing element ( 106 ). Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) by means of the damping device ( 124 ) in the force introduction direction ( 110 ) at the base portion ( 114 ) is supported. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the damping device ( 124 ) a recording room ( 120 ) for receiving a damping medium ( 122 ), wherein the receiving space ( 120 ) between the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) and the base section ( 114 ) is arranged. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the damping medium ( 122 ) comprises a liquid and / or a solid or is formed from a liquid and / or a solid. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the damping medium ( 122 ) is a medium which changes its flow properties under pressure and / or by applying an electromagnetic field. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the receiving space ( 120 ) several receiving chambers ( 130 ) for separately accommodating different types of attenuation media ( 122 ). Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base section ( 114 ) a central core of the expansion device ( 108 ). Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) is formed substantially annular or sleeve-like. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) the base section ( 114 ) surrounds annular or sleeve-like. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an outer surface of the base portion ( 114 ) and an inner surface of the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) are formed at least partially complementary to each other. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the energy absorbing element ( 106 ) is formed as a hollow cylinder. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) and the base section ( 114 ) of the expansion device ( 108 ) through different sections or regions of a one-piece expansion body ( 132 ) of the expansion device ( 108 ) are formed. Energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the energy absorption device ( 100 ) an expansion device ( 108 ) and an energy absorption element ( 106 ), wherein the energy absorption element ( 106 ) for energy absorption by means of the expansion device ( 108 ) is deformable, wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) and the energy absorption element ( 106 ) along a force introduction direction ( 110 ) are movable relative to each other, wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) a base section ( 114 ) and at least one deforming element ( 116 ), wherein the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) at the base portion ( 114 ) and deforming the Energy absorption element ( 106 ) directly on the energy absorption element ( 106 ) and wherein the expansion device ( 108 ) a deflection device ( 128 ) for the variable deflection of the at least one deforming element ( 116 ) relative to the base portion ( 114 ). Vehicle ( 102 ), in particular motor vehicle, comprising one or more energy absorption devices ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13. Method for absorbing energy, in particular by means of an energy absorption device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: deforming an energy absorbing element ( 106 ) by means of a widening device ( 108 ) by moving the expansion device ( 108 ) along a force introduction direction ( 110 ) relative to the energy absorption element ( 106 ).

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