DE2846830A1 - VEHICLE FLOOR AND PROCESS FOR ITS MANUFACTURING - Google Patents

Description

DR. SOLF & ZAPF PATENTANWÄLTE

DR.-ING. DIPL.-ING. A. SOLF DIPL.-ING. CHR. ZAPF

Wall 27/29 56OO Wuppertal 1 P.O. Box 13-219

I / p / 1197

K + M Plastics, Inc., 1601 Pratt Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007, USA

Vehicle support floor and process for its manufacture

The field of the invention relates generally to automotive, load-bearing components or components, known as load-bearing floors, a designation that is generally used Used for a core or stiffening plate that is inserted into the back wall of a car seat bench built in or connected to it, which can be folded down to carry loads. That core or that stiffening plate must reinforce the rear wall enough so that it is safe in the event of vibrations or at Accidents and not giving way, bending or collapsing. The core must provide the connections with what the rear seat can be reclined to an upright or angled position while the seat is in use by passengers will. In addition, the core must provide the articulation means that the pivoting of the rear seat between the enable two positions intended for use. Furthermore, the core must have anchoring means provide for the various mounting braces that are required to keep the rear seat in its floor position to anchor, either alone or with other parts. The core or stiffening plate must be strong enough to carry any kind of load the vehicle can take without it

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or it gives way or collapses.

Other requirements for such products include durability, light weight, and opportunity one to be economically manufacturable to the vehicle manufacturer to enable the loading area or the supporting floor in a vehicle at a low selling price to be able to install. Support floors used up to now have been constructed from steel and / or have recently been made from steel Aluminum (an attempt to make the loading area lighter).

Known load floors of the generic type have been made from many individual parts, with Welding and screwing techniques are used.

Reinforcing ribs are provided for strength either pressed into the metal plate or are welded onto the same. The attachment of hinges, connectors, fastening arms and the like complicates manufacturing and increases cost. Load shelves Metal require special tools, casting fixtures and machining fixtures for manufacturing, which increase the required capital expenditure. Differences z. B. require in the models of vehicles Design differences and greatly increase the expenditure required.

Despite the modern production methods available, load-bearing floors are heavy, expensive and tend to deform through use. If they are heavy when used as a floor or as a backrest When exposed to loads over a long period of time, the metal base will bend and change shape remains.

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It is known that structural members for vehicles are molded from molded synthetic resins. Such components are molded from glass fiber reinforced epoxy resins, whereby they are either poured into molds and cured therein or used in multilayer laminates. If such components for the Intended for use under heavy loads, they must be made in situ using conventional techniques or constructed in the same way as metal components, usually by hand. Conventional Manufacturing methods require large molds in which the layers of fiberglass and resin are alternate placed, whereupon the product is cured.

Despite such techniques, it was previously of the opinion that there were no components made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resins or from the resins themselves, which are completely closed and hollow. These molding processes are even more expensive than metalworking and the parts are not as stable and durable. The load floor can be used as a Core in a folding vehicle seat can also be used in vehicle doors that support glass panes and must support the mechanism for raising and lowering the same and for side panels used as doors or Serve ventilation without glass, and which must be actuated. For all parts that are stable and durable and the technical equipment and accessories have to carry, the trays and their manufacturing techniques can be used as described below to be revealed.

Accordingly, a support base is provided, in particular for the core of a foldable vehicle seat or the like, load-bearing motor vehicle components through a hollow, blow molded

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Manufactured component made of synthetic resin, the continuous thickness of which is significantly less than his Size consisting of a pair of substantially parallel walls with one on the outside Connecting wall that connects the former around the component with a multitude of connecting elements, which extend between the parallel walls inside the component, and wherein each element is in one piece is formed with a first parallel wall and is formed by an indentation process has a bottom substantially parallel with the first parallel wall from which the indented spatial shape extends, the depth of the depressed spatial shape being selected so that that said bottom with the inner or inner surface of the second and opposite Wall is brought into connection with the formation of a stiffening or a framework with it, which is approximately has twice the thickness of one of the parallel walls, the depressed three-dimensional shape during the Process step of blow molding (blow molding) is produced and thereby said floor and said area of the corresponding parallel walls are permanently welded together, the connecting elements are continuously distributed over the entire component in order to stiffen and strengthen the component, which thus has a configuration that is adapted to the automotive hardware and even security guaranteed.

Furthermore, a support base is provided, characterized in that at least one of the said penetrations or depressions extend over a certain distance over the length of said support floor extends and a channel-shaped, reinforcing structural

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has part made of metal, which is attached to the bottom and sides.

In addition, a method for manufacturing the products is created, with a support base as a hollow component which is a pair of substantially parallel, opposed, spaced-apart Has walls and a narrow outer wall that connects the opposing walls, Has depressions in at least one of said parallel walls, which extend up to the opposite Wall extending to form connecting members therebetween, characterized by the method steps the blow molding process, being a mold is provided which has an area of projections in the size and arrangement to accommodate the depressions of the To form the support floor, the height of two times the thickness of a parallel wall and being used for forming of the connecting elements, the molded parts are brought together via or around a parison during the Shaping process, are separated again after the shaping and the supporting base is removed.

In addition, the method further includes a reinforcing metal component which is a permanent part of the support floor is installed and fastened in one of the recesses, characterized by additional Steps, namely by forming one of said projections with smaller dimensions at its ends and sides than other protrusions or depressions by an amount substantially equal to is equal to the thickness of the reinforcing member, laying the reinforcing member on said one Projection and fixing of the same in its position, then bringing the mold parts together

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around the parison, with the reinforcing member during the cooling of the loading floor after the shaping process can slide to the locking or fixing to effect the reinforcing component. 5

Fig. 1 is a relatively simple schematic view showing the arrangement of seats in a station wagon vehicle shows to illustrate the location of a core of a rear seat, which is also used as The loading area is used.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of part of the core of the backrest of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the same. 15th

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, the section being taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2, and FIG the view is shown on a larger scale.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view, the section being taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 2; and the view is shown on a slightly larger scale.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3 in the direction indicated.

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view through a modified embodiment of the invention which includes a Represents connecting element with a different configuration than shown in FIG.

Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of a modified one Embodiment of the invention, which shows a variation of the depression used.

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Fig. 9 is a partial plan view of a modified one Body of the support floor constructed in accordance with the invention .

Figure 10 is a sectional view through the tray

1 along the line 10-10 in the specified Direction.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view of Fig. 10, but showing a modified embodiment of the invention shows.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 but shows one further another modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of a Support floor with modified design and shows the manner of the arrangement of two reinforcing components made of steel. in the core.

14 is a schematic plan view similar to FIG according to Fig. 13, which however shows a different arrangement for the reinforcing components made of steel.

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view through a part a mold for blow molding a support base which is the construction of the mold surface of the part shows who carries the reinforcing component, and which also shows the component in an exploded view Position shows how it is inserted into the mold.

Figure 16 is a partial perspective end view

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the protrusion of the shape, which shows the construction, which enables the reinforcing component to slide eu during the hardening of the support base.

The support floor is designed to bend under pressure, which gives it high strength, with the Bending is caused by elasticity and is reversible. In contrast, metal components lead to a permanent enforcement when they are bent.

The deflection increases with the length of the support floor. In loading areas designed for larger vehicles than are intended for so-called compact cars, this deflection can be undesirable. Even in smaller ones Vehicles may want to limit deflection or prevent it entirely.

As stated above, the invention relates to a support floor, in particular for motor vehicles, the floor is molded by blow molding techniques and has unusually high strength and other advantages having.

The strength is achieved through the use of fasteners that are automatically formed in the component during the molding process, and through the special distribution of these elements over the entire component. The use of such Connecting elements in combination with the resulting box shape, which is made by the blow molding process is achieved, leads to the unexpected benefits. The product is rigid enough to hold the entire Support weight that can be supported by metal decks; in addition, it is flexible and absorbent Shocks without permanent deformation; it can

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does not rattle or lose its bond, as is the case with metal decks because there is nothing there, what could come loose; because the component is a one-piece object; he cannot hurt passengers, because it can be made without sharp corners; it can be exposed because it has a textured surface can be shaped and the finish no further process step requires; it is light in weight and economical.

Blow molding in the sense of the invention is a technique that was developed relatively recently, whereby a batch of a plastic, for example a polymer, which is already in a plastic, cream-like Consistency has been transferred from a so-called head to a tubular or tube-shaped one Shape that hangs vertically from the head. This shape is called the parison, and the extruded one The amount of plastic is tailored to match that used in the finished article corresponds to the possibility for budding and similar small waste. The bottom end of the bucket is open but can be closed by pricking before deforming if the shape so requires with the purpose of allowing a slight inflation before the mold closes. * or. Pinch it off

After the parison is completely blown out, however while it is still hanging down from the head, the opposing parts of one become vertical split two-part mold brought together tightly, with the parison trapped between the mold parts will. The shape completely encloses the parison, except for a passage for air. This Passage can be through a mouthpiece that extends from the head

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hangs down, be provided; it can be provided as a mouthpiece that is at the bottom of the blow molding machine is mounted and surrounded by the closed form; it can be provided as a side mouthpiece, that is supported by the mold, or it can be a small opening in the mold through which a fine needle or the like has been inserted after the two mold parts have been brought together have been. Air can be added while the parison is being formed or shortly after it is formed and before the mold parts are brought together so that the parison is more geometrically shaped and into a uniform Is brought into shape, in which it is possibly precisely preformed. This could be the case if the final shape is a radical change from the cylindrical shape of the parison and is an pushed open one Bottom end of the parison required to allow pre-expansion.

After the mold has been closed, air is introduced into the elongated tube-shaped part the plastic resin in the mold expands with the extrusion process being interrupted when the Form was closed. After the plastic has hardened, the mold is opened, the air pressure too interrupted at any time and removed the finished product. Usually there is one small amount of budding around the parting line of the mold, and this is carefully bevelled either by means of a band saw or by hand, depending on the type of object. Plastic is still hot enough to enable this to be done easily and quickly.

The process is then repeated.

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284683Q

Obviously there is no need to coat or post-treat the mold with any material as well as handling hazardous and volatile materials, no manipulation and no requirement for metalworking tools and casting tools. One form does it all.

The drawings are explained in more detail below. Flg. 1 shows equipment in room 9 of a so-called Kombiwagens 10, which is relatively long in this example, but two seats instead of the one shown may have three. The front or driver's seat 12 has a backrest 14, which is usually used for certain movements designed to be pivotable, but not intended to be laid flat. You could have a core, but this is not necessary. The passenger seats 14 and 16 have backrests 18 and 20 which are designed to be laid flat if desired is to use the station wagon 10 for transporting goods. Different constructions are intended to fold down for one or both backrests 18 and 20 and include various types of Connecting elements, support arms, hinges and the like, which are connected to the floor of the vehicle compartment 9, the side walls, etc. are connected. None of this is shown because there are many for them Variations are possible. Mechanisms for moving the seats 14 and / or 16 can be provided to achieve the desired loading capacity and room configuration.

The backs of the seat backs 18 and 20 normally form the surface in the cargo area when the Seats are folded flat and it is necessary

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that the inside of the seat back is provided with a robust core that can serve as a floor. the Cores, as indicated by the numeral 22 in Fig. 1 in dashed lines, are within integrated into the backrest and covered with carpeting or metal or can also be uncovered, they are then executed or textured in one color or in such a way that they can be used for interior decoration of the vehicle.

The present invention relates to the construction of these cores, here for example as loading surfaces be used. However, they can also be used advantageously for doors 24 and 26.

In Fig. 2, the left half of a loading area 22 is shown, which is produced according to the invention. The right half of the loading area 22 is designed identically. Fig. 2 shows an elevation of the invention Loading area 22 is, the thickness of the loading area 22 being about 2 1/2 cm and the Width, i.e. the vertical dimension, about 54 cm and the length, that is the horizontal dimension, be approximately 1.25 m. Normally the orientation of the bed 22 is vertical, and they is folded or tilted in the usual way. When the bed 22 is used as a floor, it becomes laid flat and the surface shown in Fig.2 is will form the bottom while the surface that is shown in Fig.3, which represents the top.

The loading area 22 is designed as a completely closed, hollow plastic body (apart from one small blow opening) which is manufactured in one piece using blow molding technology. Which form the loading area 22

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The end body has a front wall 28, see Fig. 4, which normally comes from the padding of the seat cushion the seat back 18, 20 is covered, and a rear wall 30 parallel thereto, on which the load is placed will. The front wall 28 has a front surface 32 and the rear wall 30 has a rear surface 34 on. In the illustrated embodiment, there are wings 36 at the upper corners of the loading area 22. A peripheral wall 31 connects the parallel walls 28 and 30, completely around theirs Corners around.

or depressions / the loading area 22 has a number of impressions * 38,

which are formed in the front wall 28 and represent interruptions in the flat surface 32. As As shown in Fig. 2, these impressions 38 are relatively evenly spaced truncated pyramids, which are distributed over the entire surface 32. There are twenty complete ones on the left Impressions 38, a non-uniform impression 38-1 within the bend 40 below the wing 36, two complete impressions 38-3 in the center, and a corresponding design also has the right, side of the loading area 22, not shown.

The impressions 38 are formed by the fact that corresponding projections of a truncated pyramid shape are formed in one of the blow mold parts, which are closed around the extruded parison as described above will. The dimensions of the projections are chosen so that their height is sufficient to the Bring bottom end 40 (Fig. 4) in contact with the inner surface 42 of the wall 30, during the Plastic is still hot and plastic. This enables the bottom part 40 to be welded to the wall 30

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and achieved a thickened connection between the two.

After cooling, the resulting formation 44 has a rigid link or equivalent Beam extending between the parallel walls 28,30. That means forty-two Links of truncated pyramidal shape and two irregularly shaped limbs by the indentations 38-1 between the parallel walls 28, 30 are formed. This results in a lightweight, hollow, extremely strong structure that can bear considerable loads. In addition, this structure is flexible in a certain way, which means', that it is capable of withstanding impact.

However, this flexibility does not cause permanent deflection in the loading area 22. Sample of the loading area 22 according to the invention, as described above and with the specified dimensions, have passed and have passed all standard safety tests and weight tests of the automobile manufacturers just as good results achieved and in some respects even better than metal loading surfaces of the fundamentally same dimensions that are used for the same vehicle models.

The thickness of the sections 40 is approximately 5 mm, what represents approximately a doubling of the normal wall thickness. This is achieved while using a blow molding process the normal techniques provide wall thicknesses that are essentially the same everywhere.

The attachment of joints, brackets, connectors and the like is relatively simple in the case of the invention Loading area. The panels to be fastened can be inserted in sections of reduced thickness,

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which are in the finished tools for making the impressions in blow molds. This is done without affecting the strength of the part.
5

A fastener in the form of a plate that has a Has joint half or the like, for example, at the opposite lateral ends of the Loading area 22 can be attached. This is done with a bite Formed fastening portion 46, which runs below and parallel to the surface 32 and with the Surface is connected by an angled connection 48 which includes the attachment portion 46, and runs in relatively flat curves if desired. The connection 48 is no more than a continuation of the wall 28 and has the same thickness as the upper wall 50 of the mounting section 46.

The plate or the part that is to be fastened can accordingly for screws or threaded bolts that are not shown, be pre-drilled, which are screwed into nuts 52 that are in the wall 50 as Inserts are molded with. The blow mold that forms the loading area 22 has suitable configurations to form the anchor means for the nut inserts 52. A simple technique to do this , may consist in providing pins in the blow mold onto which the nuts are screwed are. After the blow mold is opened, the loading surface 22 is pulled out and the pins with the Nuts are permanently secured in it.

The portion of the loading area 22 where the panels or Joints are to be attached to sections 46,

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may be made such that it is impossible to obtain the reinforcing effect of the indentations 38. It should be noted that the reason for the frusto-pyramidal Formation of the impressions 38 is that the cross section of the connecting links 44, which thereby are produced, in a plane parallel to the walls 38,30 at the thickened bottom end is square. This creates a maximum connection area for any given geometric configuration reached, the maximum dimension of which is one side of the square. The result is a box profile Bar.

In the case of section 46 in the immediate vicinity of the three nut inserts 52 is a frustoconical impression 54 in the wall Connecting member 56 is formed and a thickened floor 58, the loading area 22 at this critical point significantly reinforced. The design of the connecting member 56 is such that it is very close to the three circular inserts 52 can be approximated. The dimensions of a practical arrangement can proportional to those given above, with reference to FIG. 4 can be determined. It should be noted that the The diameter of the upper opening 60 of the impression 54 should be a little more than 4 cm.

In Fig. 2 two plates 62 and 64 are shown; these thickened and rectangular plates are during of the blow molding process formed in one piece with in order to reinforce the loading area 22 in places, where stops, brackets or the like are attached to the opposite surface of part 22 should. Thus, the plate 62 is coincident with the bottom of the rectangular indentation 64 and encompassed

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the bottom of this impression. A bracket or connection plate or some other part should then be in the impression 64 fit in below surface 34. The impression 64 has side walls 66 and 68 that are inclined and connect the wall 30 to the floor, as best shown in FIG.

The same arrangement is provided at the bottom of the loading area 22 where the plate 64 is formed. This includes the thickened bottom wall formed by the indentation 70 made in the front wall 30. It is to be noted that the particular embodiment shown has an entire loading area for the floor provides inclined design, as shown at 72. However, this is not a problem with blow molding technology, since it is only a certain configuration of the blow mold compared to when the The bottom edge is straight, like the edge 74 at the top of the loading area.

In the case of the impression 64, the fitting to be fastened is attached to the loading surface 22 by means of screws or bolts secured, which are screwed into nut inserts 76 and 78. The nut inserts 76 and 78 are in Anchor formations 80, see FIG. 6, which are similar to formations 54, molded in. The inserts 76 and 78 are located on opposite sides of the indentation 64 along the side walls, somewhat away from the closest truncated pyramidal one Impression 38-5 and its connecting link. The side walls 66,68 and those in the cross-sections are not shown but are designated 82 and 84 (see elevation) between the parallel ones Walls 28 and 30 in the same way as the connecting links, e.g. B. 44 connected. To the

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to further strengthen the loading area according to the invention, it can be provided to provide smaller connecting links immediately adjacent to the inserts 76.78 are arranged. Thus, cylindrical impressions 86 relatively small in diameter, as in FIGS FIGS. 3 and 6 may be provided to form small connecting links 88 which have a thickened bottom 90 have where they are welded to wall 58 during the blow molding process. The impressions 86 are easy Shown frustoconical. The conical one is used for this Execution to enable easy demolding from blow molding.

In the area of the indentation 70 no inserts are shown, it can be assumed that this arrangement serves to create space for fittings that are not attached to the loading area themselves. Other designs of the cargo bed of the present invention may include inserts and reinforcing links that may be required exhibit.

The invention comprises loading surfaces of the most varied of embodiments, to which different fittings are attached could be. For example, loading flaps, doors, support plates for accessories and equipment and the like can be designed according to the invention. The blow molding process according to the invention enables an unexpected strength of the loading surfaces according to the invention.

It is also evident that the connecting links need not all be arranged in only one wall, they can also be formed in the other. In the case of a loading area - as described - it is advisable to to have some impressions in the area that after

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is arranged above, namely from the obvious Establish. For other parts where there is a specific Arrangement does not arrive, the connecting links can also partially in each of the walls of the hollow Partly be formed during the blow molding process.

In Fig. 7 a part or section of a structured part 90 is shown, which is a front wall and a rear wall 94, each of the two walls having an indentation 96 and 98, respectively, which are substantially have the same geometric configuration and orientation. The impression 96 and 98 extends each up to half of the part 90, and the dimensions are chosen so that during the blow molding process the two floor sections touch and fuse together to form a stiffener 100 of double thickness. The resulting link 102 is of a different configuration than the links 44, 88 or 56, but has the identical function, namely a beam or transverse To form a structural part that reinforces the manufactured article. The cross-sectional configuration can be square or circular or the like.

In Fig. 8 is a view of part of a structural part 104 shown, in which the indentation 106 is formed rectangular instead of square to a to show modified form of the invention. The impression can be of any geometric shape which is convenient and economical to manufacture as long as contact with the ground, e.g. B. des Bottom 108, given to the inner surface of the opposite wall and a welding of the two

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is.

A typical blow opening, as it is used for the blow molding process, is identified by numeral 110 in FIG. 3.

Particularly suitable plastics that are preferably used in blow molding to make structural parts for To produce high loads are high density polyethylene and polypropylene, but these materials are not exclusively usable, but also other materials with corresponding properties.

In Figs. 9 to 16, an expedient embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the Loading area 22, as described above, differs in that steel reinforcing elements in the Loading area are molded with, during the blow molding process.

In Fig. 9 and the section according to Fig. 10, a loading area 10 'is shown, which has a front wall 112, which has cavities of different types, as well as a flat rear wall 114. The front and rear walls are surrounded by a peripheral wall 113, which is completely closed, tied together.

The rear surface 116 is in the present Beibzw, definitions /

just play. The impressions ^ include both frusto-pyramidal Impressions 118 on the upper edge, transverse oblong and rectangular impressions 120 and an elongated rectangular impression 122, which extends over most of the length of the loading area 10 ' extends. All impressions are conical towards their bottom, and each bottom knows twice that

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Thickness of the plastic walls 112, 114 where they meet and weld them together during blow molding as described above.

These impressions all have connecting links that connect the walls 112, 114 to one another. A typical connecting link 124 is shown in the drawing and is formed by the peripheral walls of the indentation 118. The connecting links of the variously shaped impressions basically follow the shape of the impressions. Thus, the links of the rectangular impressions 120 form rectangular shapes 126. Smaller impressions 128 can also be present, which then have smaller connecting links at locations 130 form where fittings are to be attached.

The impression 122 extends essentially over

ff

the entire length of the loading area 10 'and has a steel reinforcement element 132, which in its side walls is attached by being molded into the loading area 10 'during the blow molding process has been. The reinforcement element 132 has a channel-shaped construction and can be made of cold-rolled Sheet steel embossed from 0.0747ZoIl thick steel or bent. The side arms 133 of the

or the gutter /
Channels ^ are bent outwards, as can best be seen from FIG. The dimensions are chosen such that the depth of the channel element 132 is substantially less than the depth of the indentation 122, so that plastic material can move along the free channel edges of the arms 133 during blow molding. This results in their being trapped, which prevents the reinforcement element 132 from being removed.

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In one embodiment, the depth of indentation 122 measured along the angled Sidewalls approximately 7/8 inches, while the corresponding size of the side arms 133 of the reinforcement member 132 was approximately 1/2 inch, resulting in a blocking edge 134 3/8 inch wide across the total length of the reinforcement element 132 resulted.

When relatively large parts such as the loading area according to the invention are blow molded, there is a high degree of shrinkage in the direction in which the parison was formed. Logically, the parison is in the direction of the longitudinal extension blown the loading area. The shrinkage, which occurs during the curing of the molded part, can be up to 0.018 inches per inch in length. It is now assumed that a typical inventive Loading area extends the full width of the interior of a vehicle and is 50 inches long and more, the shrinkage can be as high as about 9/10 of an inch. Steel expands when heated and contracts on cooling, however the amount of contraction is during the blow molding process insufficient to match the shrinkage of the plastic.

Since it is essential that the steel reinforcement element is fixed in the loading area, this appears Problem of preventing the core from bending, insurmountable. According to the invention is made by the design of the reinforcement element and the way in which it is within the blow mold during the Blow molding is arranged to address this problem overcome by allowing the reinforcement element relative to the loading area during curing to slide.

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It can be seen that the impression 122 is substantially greater than the length of the reinforcing element 132, so that a free section 136 on the two sjch opposite ends of the impression 122 is formed. The space created by this serves primarily to enable the sliding movement of the reinforcement element during the hardening of the loading area 10 ', What happens above all after demolding from the blow mold during cooling. This free glide prevents the reinforcement member 132 from pressing against any part of the bed 10 ' which could cause the core to bend or the walls to separate.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, two different exemplary embodiments are shown. The core 10 ″ in FIG. 3 uses a Reinforcing element 132 ', which is similar in construction to reinforcing element 132 in that it is also has outwardly curved channel arms 133 'to conform to the walls of indentation 122'; it owns however, additionally narrow edges or flanks 138 along the free edges of the channel arms this embodiment of the reinforcement element has an even stronger hold after molding inside the cargo area, because this creates pockets 140 'through the plastic material that tries to follow the contours of the reinforcement element 132. It should be noted here that the blow-molded bulb is a plastic tube having a substantially uniform wall and that when blowing in the blow mold the parison tries to follow every contour of the blow mold. As will be explained in more detail, behaves the reinforcement member 132 'during the blow molding process like a part of the blow mold and the Külbelwandung wants to enclose the same and a holding and

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Form blocking pockets 140 on opposite edges of reinforcement member 132 '.

The loading area 10 '■■ of FIG. 12 uses a channel-shaped reinforcing element 132 ", which essentially has arms 133" angled at right angles, each of which has a small lip 138 which is inserted within a pocket 140 ¹¹ during the blow molding process of the loading area 10'. "be enclosed and held in the same way as with the loading area 10".

Figures 11 and 12 are drawn to a larger scale than Figure 10 so that it can be more easily seen that the Links formed by the impressions are formed where the bottom end faces of the Weld connecting links to the opposite wall and form a double-thickness wall. Of the Impression 122 'creates an elongated link 142' that extends most of the length the loading area 10 ″ and has a thickened portion 144 ′ at its base.

When blow molding the deck 10 ', 10 ¹¹ and 10 "■ the impressions are all formed in only one wall of the core and the other wall is without impressions. Here, the blow mold is made from two parts, one part of which has a smooth surface and the other part has projections. In FIGS. 15 and 16, sections of the blow mold used according to the invention are shown with the projections. Here, the projection 150 is intended for one of the impressions 118, and the projection 152 belongs to the impression 122 or 122 '. The projections are formed in one piece with the bottom of the blow mold 154 and have the appropriate shape and the corresponding dimensions.

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_ 35 - 28A6830

sions to create the desired impressions.

The projection 152 has the same contour and the same dimensions at its ends as the projection 150 so that the free space 136 is created by the ends of the impressions, as shown in FIG. This creates a ledge or stool 156 at each end of the protrusion 152. The depth of this Paragraph is approximately the same as the thickness of the channel-shaped reinforcing element that is on the Paragraph 152 is ordered.

During the production of the molded part 154, the projection 152 can be cast on or by machine Machining the block can be generated or it can be produced separately and then by means of Machine screws are attached. When it is detachably attached, it can have various shapes of protrusions found in the same mold base 154 use.

The shape base 154 is intended for the reinforcement element 132 or 132 'which is placed on the cut-away member shown at the bulge 152 and held in place when the blow mold is used. Obviously needs a new one channel-shaped reinforcement element is then used each time when a loading platform is made, because the blow molding creates the reinforcing member; 132 or 132 ' is firmly enclosed in the loading area. In Fig. 15 is a reinforcing element corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 11 in a position above the bulge shown, which is arranged on this. The reinforcing element is dimensioned such that it does not extend to surface 158 of base 154.

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Its length is such that it fits between the end shoulders 156 so that when the seat core is molded it there is nothing that would prevent the channel-shaped reinforcing element from sliding freely. Of the Paragraph 156 forms the end of indentation 122 or 122 'which are as deep as the normal indentations, and leaves the space 136 free for the movement of the reinforcement element 132 or 132 '.

The maximum shrinkage of the loading area occurs along its length, and it is therefore best to when the reinforcement element is arranged so that it can slide in that direction. Indeed the greatest effect of the reinforcement element is given when it is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the loading area is. The fastening of the reinforcement elements 132, 132 ■ or 132 · ■ to the blow mold half before the Blow mold halves can be connected to different Way. Self-adhesive tape can be used underneath the reinforcement elements. It Evacuation openings can be used to hold the reinforcement elements in place, or a simple magnetic arrangement can be used. In Fig. 15 it is shown that permanent magnets 62 longitudinally of the bulge 152 can be arranged, which are flush with the surface and the reinforcing element Hold 132 or 132 'during the blowing process.

The reinforcement members 132, 132 'and 132 ·' are intended to prevent excessive flexibility in the loading area and to stiffen it. A wide variety of arrangements can be used for different purposes.

In Fig. 13, a loading area is shown, the two

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Reinforcing elements 164 and 166 formed with in order to achieve great strength and rigidity.

In Fig. 14 a support floor is shown, the two reinforcing elements 168 and 170, which are arranged with their ends opposite each other, but are separated in the middle of the loading area. With this arrangement, the only point where there is a bend is can or where there is flexibility in the middle. This means that the loading area is only allowed to bend to a limited extent.

It should be noted that the addition of metal elements the costs of the supporting floors produced in the blow molding process do not increase significantly, because - once the blow mold is made - only a few seconds are required to move the reinforcing elements to be arranged inside the blow mold before the blow mold parts are brought together in the blow molding machine will. It is not the same effect as creating the conventional loading area from sheet metal, since - if the seat core according to the invention is pulled out of the blow mold is finished except for the fastening of fittings. The reinforcement elements can be drilled, threaded or provided with pins or the like, which are in appropriate sockets are used, which are recessed in the mold base, so that fittings are attached immediately can, if so desired, when the loading areas are to be attached to the vehicle.

In the description and claims are the walls 28 and 30 are described as being parallel. These walls

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do not have to be geometrically parallel, but can also run at a slight angle relative to each other, to create a slightly inclined loading surface or something similar. Likewise, the walls can be different or have the same curvature. The term "parallel" is intended to be a preferred embodiment and not a limitation.

In summary, it can be stated that the loading area according to the invention is described in such a way that it is produced as a part made of polyethylene by blow molding or another synthetic polymer commonly used in blow molding Applies. The loading area according to the invention is taken from the mold as a completely finished product, on which only hinges, fastening arms and connecting pieces must be attached. Inserts can be placed in the blow mold before each production process be placed, which carry nuts or other dowels that are molded into the finished loading area and which contains fasteners in this way when the installation is to be carried out. The usual metal loading surfaces are made as a unit from a large number of pieces, so that their appearance is not very pleasing. Such known loading areas are usually within the padding of the back of the seat hidden, and parts that necessarily protrude are to be covered, painted or otherwise Way to edit.

As can be seen from the foregoing, a loading surface produced according to the invention enables the surface the same can be produced in any desired structure that is introduced into the blow mold

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can, so ζ. B. in a certain grain size. About that in addition, the plastic that is used can be any color. Thus it is possible manufacture the backrest in such a way that the loading area is exposed. This creates a hard surface created when the ground is used as a support surface for goods.

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Claims (32)

DR. SOLF & ZAPF PATENTANWÄLTE DR.-ING. DIPL.-ING. A. SOLF DIPL.-ING. CHR. ZAPF Wall 37/29 5600 Wuppertal 1 P.O. Box 13O219 I / p / 1197 K + M Plastics Inc., 1601 Pratt Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007, USA Expectations Load floor, especially for the core of a foldable vehicle seat or the like Vehicle technical component, marked i c h net by a blow molding process manufactured hollow component (22,10 ', 10' ', 10 · ■'), molded from a synthetic resin the entire thickness of which is substantially less than its Size, with a pair of mainly parallel walls (28,30,112,114) and a peripheral connecting wall (31), which connect the former to each other around the component, with a plurality of connecting elements (44,102,124,126,130), which are located between the parallel walls inside of the component extend, each connecting element being an integral part of a first parallel Wall and is shaped as a recessed or indented space shape (38,96,98), which has a floor (42), which runs mainly parallel to said first wall from which the Depressed three-dimensional shape (38) extends, the depth of the depressed three-dimensional shape (38,96,98) so is chosen that said bottom (42) in connection with the inner surface of the second and opposite parallel wall is brought and with this a stiffener or rib (40,100) 909818/0942 ORIGINAL INSPECTED K + H Plastics forms, which is approximately twice the thickness of one of the parallel walls, and wherein the recessed Spatial shape (38) is formed during the blow molding process step in which said floor and the called part of the corresponding parallel walls are permanently welded together and the connecting elements (44) are evenly distributed over the component in order to stiffen and strengthen it, and where this component has a configuration (54) that of the automotive engineering Hardware is adapted and even security is guaranteed. 2. Load floor according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one (122) of the wells extends over a certain distance over the length of the support floor and a has channel-shaped reinforcing member (132) made of metal, which on the bottom and sides of the the latter is attached. 3. Load floor according to claim 1, characterized by a recess (122) with a floor (132 ¹¹ ) that is flat in cross-section and angled outer side walls and by a reinforcing sheet metal part (132, 132, 132 ") with a channel-like or channel-like design in accordance with Bo ' Denform, which is fixed in the bottom of the recess (122) and has a somewhat smaller, but co-running longitudinal extension. 4. Load floor according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the parallel walls extend over substantially all parts and the connecting elements 909818/0942 K + M Plastics Are distributed over the entire extent of the component. 5. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least the floor the recess (132) with the non-recessed inner surface of the opposite parallel wall is connected. 6. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the trough-shaped reinforcing component (132 ¹¹ ) has straight, outwardly angled side arms (133 ¹¹ ). 7. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the channel-shaped reinforcing component (132 ¹¹ ) has straight outwardly angled side arms (133 ¹¹ ), the free ends of the side arms have an edge or a pulled-over board (138 · · ■) wear and the side walls (133 ¹ ') of the corresponding recess have pockets or grooves adapted to the edge. 8. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the length of the recess (136) is greater than the length of the reinforcing component (132) such that a free space (136) remains that allows the sliding of the reinforcing member (132) when the load floor after shaping cools down. 9. Load floor according to claim 3, characterized in that that the free ends of the gutter arms of the reinforcing member have outwardly extending edges that into the 909818/0942 K + M Plastics 28 ^ 6830 Engage grooves formed in the side walls of the recess. 10. Load floor according to claim 3, characterized in that the end regions of the Well equipped with zones that allow the sliding of the reinforcing member when the load floor cools down after molding. 11. Load floor according to claim 3, characterized in that the depth extension the side walls of the recess is larger than the corresponding extension of the channel arms of the reinforcing Component, with indentations along the length of a recess for locking or holding are provided that prevent the removal or falling out of the reinforcing component . 12. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the length of the recess (136) is greater than the length of the recess (132) such that a free space (136) remains free, which allows the sliding of the reinforcing member (132) when the load floor after the Formation cools, wherein the depth extension of the side walls of the recess is greater than the corresponding Extension of the channel arms of the reinforcing component. 13. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by a plurality of reinforcing Components, each component being arranged in a separate recess. 9098 18/094 2 K + M Plastics 28A6830 14. Load floor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized through a large number of reinforcing components that are strung together are arranged in a recess. 5 15. Load floor according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that that the hollow, after the blow molding process produced component has a substantially rectangular shape. 16. Load floor according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that that the bottom is in communication with the non-recessed inner surface of the second and opposite wall. 17. Load floor according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the floor is in connection with the floor of a second recessed spatial shape in the opposite one parallel wall and connected to the first spatial shape is such that the floors collide and during the blow molding process step be welded together. 18. Load floor according to claim 1 and / or 2, d a through characterized in that essentially all recessed spatial forms differ from a single one of the parallel walls extending inwardly, the other parallel wall being a has substantially not recessed surface which is suitable as the upper part of the load floor to serve. 909818/0942 K + M Plastics 19. Load floor according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the geometric shape of the recessed three-dimensional shapes is rectangular in cross-section. 20. Load floor according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that that the geometric shape of the recessed three-dimensional shapes in cross section has right angles and have at least some of the recessed three-dimensional shapes in the shape of a truncated cone. 21. Load floor according to claims 2 or 3, d a characterized in that at least one of the recessed spatial shapes is frustoconical. 22. Load floor according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that that at least one (88) of the recessed space shapes is substantially cylindrical. 23. Load floor according to claim 1, 2 or 3, d a characterized in that the The spatial shape has an indentation or depression or depression in a parallel wall of the component, which is formed during blow molding, with the bottom of the recess in welded joint with part of the other parallel wall is brought to a stiffener double Form thickness. 24. Load floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape has a metal insert (52) in the 909818/0942 K + M Plastics Component is anchored throughout at least one of the parallel walls and has a base for fastening elements on the outside of a parallel wall.
5 25. Load floor according to claim 1, 2 or 3, d a through characterized in that the three-dimensional shape has a depression in a parallel wall of the component which occurs during blow molding is formed, with the bottom of the recess in welded connection with part of the another parallel wall is brought to form a stiffener of double thickness, and the Spatial shape also has a metal insert (22) which is adjacent to the recess in at least one of the parallel walls is anchored throughout, and a base for fasteners on the outside of the parallel wall. 26. Load floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape is a Has metal insert (52) which is continuous in the component in at least one of the parallel walls is anchored, and has a socket for fasteners on the outer of the parallel wall and the connecting elements are also arranged in the immediate vicinity of the metal insert are. 27. Load floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape is a Depression in a parallel wall of the component, which is slightly below the surface the wall extends and a stepped wall 909818/0942 K + M Plastics possesses, which is an integral part of the parallel wall and is connected to it, being a hardware plate can be used in it. 28. Load floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional shape is a Depression in a parallel wall of the component, which is slightly below the surface extends the wall and has a stepped wall that is an integral part of the parallel wall and is connected to this, wherein a hardware plate can be inserted therein and that a second connecting element connects the stepped wall and the opposite parallel wall, to reinforce the stepped wall, the second connecting element being essentially the corresponds to the same design of the first connecting element, but an overall length which is shorter than the distance between the parallel walls. 29. Load floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized geke nn ζ e i chn e t that the spatial shape is a Depression in a parallel wall of the component, which is slightly below the surface extends the parallel wall and has a stepped wall that is an integral part of the parallel Wall and is connected to this, wherein a hardware plate can be inserted therein, and that a second connecting element interconnects the stepped wall and the opposite parallel wall connects to reinforce the stepped wall, \ the second connecting element being essentially corresponds to the same design of the first connecting element, but has an overall length 909818/0942 K + M Plastics which is shorter than the distance between the parallel walls and that a metal insert is provided which is anchored throughout the stepped wall and a base for fasteners forms on the outside of the stepped wall and at least some of the connecting elements are adjacent the metal insert are arranged. 30. Load floor according to one or more of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that that a load floor according to the invention is arranged in a backrest of a vehicle seat, which can be pivoted between at least two positions, one of which is upright and as a The backrest is used, and the other is flat and serves as a support base, with the support base in the Rear seat installed and connected to it. 31. Method for producing a load-bearing floor as a hollow component with a pair of opposing, spaced parallel walls and a narrow peripheral one Wall for connecting the opposite wall with recesses in at least one of the parallel Walls that extend to the opposite wall and form connecting elements therebetween , characterized by process steps of the blow molding process, wherein a Shape is used, one part of which has protrusions the size and configuration is equipped to shape the recesses of the load floor are required, wherein the height of the projections is chosen such that a recess is formed, the bottom of which is welded to the opposite wall in order to 909818/0942 K + M Plastics to produce stiffening that is twice the thickness of a having parallel wall, and wherein the two mold parts during the formation of the connecting elements of the shaping process brought together around a parison, then after shaping be separated again and the load floor is demolded. 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein a reinforcing metal component is used as a permanent part of the load floor is integrated and fastened in one of the depressions, characterized by additional process steps, wherein one of the projections with a smaller dimension of its end and its sides compared to others Projections is formed by an amount substantially the thickness of the reinforcing Component corresponds, and wherein the reinforcing component placed on this projection and fixed in position then the mold parts are brought around the parison and the reinforcing Component can slide during the cooling of the load-bearing floor after the shaping process, to the To cause latching or fastening of the reinforcing component. 909818/0942