GB2486551A

GB2486551A - Rollover protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2486551A
Application number: GB1121381.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Josip Vlahovic; Mathias Froeschle
Original assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Current assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Priority date: 2010-12-17
Filing date: 2011-12-12
Publication date: 2012-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-12
Also published as: FR2969072B1; GB2486551B; DE102010061304A1; FR2969072A1; GB201121381D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a rollover protection system for a vehicle having a cross-member 2 which extends between two fastening brackets 4, 5. In order to provide a stable cross-member, which cross-member can be produced inexpensively, the cross-member comprises a front 18 and rear 19 beam which are configured as separate parts. The rear beam may be reinforced with respect to the front beam, where the reinforcement comprises a reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile (31-34, figure 4) which extends along the cross-member in such a way that an interface between the fastening bracket and cross-member is covered by the plate and/or profile. Two rollover bodies or bars 8, 9 may be pivoted out or extended between the two beams from a rest position (figure 8) into a rollover protection position. The two beams may be connected to one another in the centre at the bottom and/or the top by means of a reinforcing plate (36), and the beams may be configured as hollow profiles (figures 34-38). The invention is particularly intended for providing rollover protection in an open cabriolet vehicle.

Description

Rollover protection system The invention relates to a rollover protection system having a crossmember which extends between two fastening brackets.

German laid open application IDE 10 2008 018 484 Al has disclosed a rollover protection system for motor vehicles having two rollover bodies which can be extended from a rest position, in which they are locked by means of a holding io device in an element which is fixed to the vehicle, into a supporting functional position. The element which is fixed to the vehicle is configured as a box girder shaped transverse member. A similar rollover protection system is known from German laid open application IDE 10 2007 058 335 Al.

The invention seeks to provide a stable crossmember for a rollover protection system, which crossmember can be produced inexpensively.

In a rollover protection system having a crossmember which extends between two fastening brackets, this may be achieved by the fact that the crossmember comprises a front and a rear beam which are configured as separate parts. The fastening brackets serve to attach the rollover protection system to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle, which carrying structure is also called a vehicle body. The expressions front and rear relate to a vehicle longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, which vehicle longitudinal direction is also called the x axis or x direction of the vehicle. The crossmember extends in a vehicle transverse direction which is also called the y axis or y direction of the vehicle. The crossmember is preferably curved convexly upward in relation to the vehicle, i.e. away from the surface on which the vehicle is positioned, that is to say in a z direction of the vehicle. The two beams are preferably spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, that is s to say in the x direction, to such an extent that the intermediate space between the two beams can be utilized at least partially for receiving rollover bodies and/or a drive device for the rollover protection system.

One preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the rear beam is reinforced with respect to the front beam. As a result, the stability of the crossmember can be improved considerably during operation of the rollover protection system, in is particular if the motor vehicle rolls over.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that two rollover bodies can be pivoted out or extended between the two beams from a rest position into a rollover protection position. In their rest position, the two rollover bodies are arranged at least partially between the two beams. In their extended or pivoted out rollover protection position, the two rollover bodies protrude with the majority of their longitudinal extent upward between the two beams.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the two beams are fastened to different sides of the fastening brackets. The two beams are preferably fastened to the fastening brackets on the outside, in particular to fastening tabs of the fastening brackets. The rollover bodies are preferably attached pivotably to the fastening brackets on the inside, in particular to the fastening tabs of the fastening brackets.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that a reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile are/is attached to the rear beam for reinforcement. The reinforcing plate or reinforcing profile preferably extends parallel to or along the crossmember. The reinforcing plate or reinforcing profile is preferably equipped with ribs which likewise extend parallel to or along the crossmember.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile extend/extends from the fastening bracket along the crossmember in such a way that an interface between the fastening bracket and the crossmember is covered by the reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile. Each fastening bracket is preferably assigned (i.e.associated with) at least one reinforcing plate or reinforcing profile which emanates from the fastening bracket and reaches over that end of the rear beam of the crossmember which is assigned to the fastening bracket. The reinforcing plate or reinforcing profile is connected fixedly to the fastening bracket and the crossmember, for example in a material to material manner, preferably by welding, or in a positively locking manner, for example with the aid of screw connection elements or rivet connection elements.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the two beams are connected to one another in the center at the bottom and/or at the top by a reinforcing plate. The expressions bottom and/or top relate to the z axis of the vehicle as described above. Here,, the reinforcing plates are preferably dimensioned in such a way that sufficient space remains free between the two beams for extending the rollover bodies and/or for routing out the drive device of the rollover protection system.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the beams are configured as hollow profiles. The hollow profiles can be formed from a sheet metal material which is provided with at least one welded seam, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the crossmember.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the beams are configured as extruded profiles. The extruded profiles preferably have a substantially rectangular cross section which is particularly advantageously divided by webs.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the rollover protection system is distinguished by the fact that the rear beam has a greater extent in a vehicle longitudinal direction than the front beam. As a result of the greater extent, the rear beam is reinforced with respect to the front beam.

Furthermore, an aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having an above-described rollover protection system.

The motor vehicle is preferably an open sports car which is also called a cabriolet.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which different exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawing, in which: figs. 1 to 4 show perspective illustrations of a rollover protection system according to different exemplary embodiments, figs. 5 and 6 show a detail from figure 2 with an extended and a retracted rollover body, is figs. 7 and 8 show two cross sections with extended and retracted rollover bodies, figs. 9 and 10 show a rear view and a plan view of the rollover protection system, figs. 11 to 18 in each case show a rollover bar according to different exemplary embodiments and in different views, fig. 19 shows a drive device for the rollover protection system with a tension spring, figs. 20 and 21 show a latching device of the rollover protection system, fig. 22 shows a base piece of a rollover body, figs. 23 and 24 shows a latching element of the latching device from figs. 20 and 21, s figs. 25 to 32 show different views of a fastening bracket with a node profile according to different exemplary embodiments, fig. 33 shows a perspective illustration of a crossmember with two beams, figs. 34 to 38 show different cross-sectional forms of the beams of the crossmember from fig. 33, fig. 39 shows a simplified illustration of different positions of a rollover body with a latching device, and fig. 40 shows a perspective illustration of the tension spring of the drive device from fig. 19.

Figures 1 to 4 show a rollover protection system I according to the invention having a crossmember 2 in different views and/or according to different exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 shows an ISO view from the rear. Figure 2 shows an ISO view from the front. ISO stands for International Standards Organization. The crossmember 2 extends between two fastening brackets 4, 5 in the transverse direction of a motor vehicle which is equipped with the rollover protection system 1 according to the invention.

The transverse direction or transverse axis of the motor vehicle is also called the y direction or y axis. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle is also called x direction or x axis. A z axis of the motor vehicle extends perpendicularly to a plane which is defined by the x axis and the y axis and serves to define the vertical extent of the motor vehicle.

to The motor vehicle having the rollover protection system 1 according to embodiments of the invention is preferably an open sports car which is also called a cabriolet vehicle. The rollover protection system 1 comprises two rollover bodies 8, 9 which can be pivoted out or extended from a retracted or is pivoted in rest position into a rollover protection position.

In figures 3 and 4, the rollover body 8 is situated in its extended or pivoted out rollover protection position. In contrast, the rollover body 9 is situated in its retracted or pivoted in rest position.

The fastening brackets 4, 5 are embodied in each case as a node profile with a basic body or housing 10. A connecting arm 11 emanates from the basic body or housing 10, which connecting arm 11 has a lateral attaching face 12 at its free end for lateral attachment of the rollover protection system 1 to a carrying structure of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, a connecting base 14 is fastened by way of a lower attaching face 15 to the housing or basic body 10 of the fastening bracket 4; 5. The fastening brackets 4, 5 are fastened by way of the lower attaching face 15 to a carrying structure situated under it of the motor vehicle. Forces which act on the rollover protection system 1 during operation, in particular in an accident with a rollover, can be supported stably and reliably by the lateral and lower attachment of the rollover protection system 1.

The node profiles of the fastening brackets 4, 5 are preferably of identical or analogous configuration on both sides. As will still be described in the following text, the rollover bodies 8, 9 are attached pivotably to the fastening io brackets 4, 5 and are provided with a pivoting angle limiting means. Moreover, the rollover bars 8, 9 can latch in different positions and at different heights. The rollover bodies 8, 9 which are also called rollover bars are particularly preferably locked in their rest position.

The rollover bars or rollover bodies 8, 9 can be released with the aid of a triggering mechanism in the case of a rollover, with the result that they extend or pivot out automatically from their rest position into their rollover protection position via a corresponding drive which comprises a spring device, for example. The rollover bodies 8, 9 latch in their rollover protection position.

The crossmember 2 comprises a front beam 18 and a rear beam 19. In cross section, the two beams 18, 19 have substantially the design of rectangles, the long sides of which are arranged in the z direction of the motor vehicle. The two beams 18, 19 are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, that is to say in the x direction, so that an intermediate space results for receiving the rollover bodies 8, 9.

Furthermore, triggering devices 21, 22 are arranged in the intermediate space between the two beams 18, 19, which triggering devices 21, 22 serve to lock the rollover bodies 8, 9 in their retracted or pivoted in rest position.

The rollover bodies 8, 9 are preferably prestressed into their extended or pivoted out rollover protection position by a spring device, with the result that, when they are released by the triggering device 21, 22, they pivot out or extend automatically about pivot pin axes 24, 25 from their rest position into their rollover protection position. The pivot pins are attached in each case to the fastening brackets 4, 5 and are preferably arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction, that is to say in the x direction.

It can be seen in figure 2 that the rollover bodies 8, 9 can be trimmed with protective foam elements 28, 29, in particular at the front and rear. The protective foam elements 28, 29 serve to avoid head injuries in the case of contact with the rollover body 8, 9. As an alternative or in addition, the protective foam elements 28, 29 serve to improve the overall visual impression of the rollover protection system 1.

The open arrangement of the beams 18, 19 with the above-described intermediate space achieves a situation in a simple way where the rollover bodies 8, 9 can pivot out and in.

Moreover, the open arrangement of the beams 18, 19 makes it possible that drive elements of a drive system for the rollover bodies 8, 9 can be routed downward out of the crossmember 2.

Figures 3 and 4 show that the rear beam 19 can be provided with reinforcing elements 31 to 34 for reinforcement. It is seen in figure 3 that the reinforcing elements 31, 32 are arranged in such a way that they reach over the respective fastening bracket 4, 5 and the rear beam 19.

Here, the reinforcing elements 31 to 34 are preferably configured as extruded profiles. However, the reinforcing elements can also be formed from sheet metal. The reinforcing io elements 31 to 34 can be connected to the respective fastening bracket 4, 5 and the rear beam 19 in a material to material manner, f or example by welding. However, the reinforcing elements 31 to 34 can also be fastened to the fastening bracket 4, 5 and the rear beam 19 in another way, for example with the aid of screws or rivets.

For the further reinforcement of the crossmember 2, the intermediate space between the two beams 18, 19 can be bridged at the top by a reinforcing plate 36 which is connected fixedly to the beams 18, 19, for example in a material to material manner by welding. In an analogous manner, the two beams 18, 19 can be connected to one another at the bottom by a similar reinforcing plate. It is to be ensured in the design of the reinforcing plates 36 that sufficient space remains for retracting and extending the rollover bodies 8, 9 and for the drive device.

Figure 5 shows the rollover bar 8 in its pivoted out rollover protection position. Figure 6 shows the rollover bar 8 in its retracted rest position. In contrast to the preceding figures, the pivot pin axis of the rollover bar 8 is not provided with the numeral 24, but rather with the designation 38.

The rollover bar 8 is held in its rollover protection position (shown in figure 5) with the aid of a latching device 40. The latching device 40 comprises a latching element 41 which is attached pivotably to the fastening bracket 4. The latching element 41 is prestressed upward against the rollover body 8 by a compression spring 42.

The pivoting movement of the rollover bar 8 about the pivot a pin 38 is limited by a pivoting angle limiting device 50. The pivoting angle limiting device 50 ensures that the rollover bar 8 can pivot only between its rest position and its rollover protection position, but not beyond.

The pivoting angle limiting device 50 comprises a pivoting angle limiting pin 51 which is attached to the rollover bar 8 and is arranged with its two ends in pivoting angle limiting recesses 52. The pivoting angle limiting recesses 52 are provided at the front and rear on the fastening bracket 4 and serve to limit the movement of the pivoting angle limiting pin 51. For this purpose, the pivoting angle limiting recesses 52 in each case have the shape of a circular arc.

The pivoting out or extending movement of the rollover bar 8 is initiated with the aid of a drive device 60 which comprises a tension spring 61. The tension spring 61 is hooked with one end on a hooking pin 62 which is fastened to the crossmember 2. The hooking pin 62 is arranged in the x direction of the vehicle. The pivoting angle limiting pin 51 is likewise arranged in the x direction of the vehicle and serves to hook the other end of the tension spring 61 on the rollover body 8.

A suitable prestress of the tension spring 61 with a tensile load ensures, in a simple manner, that the rollover bar 8 extends when a locking pin 64 at the end of the rollover bar 8 is released by the triggering device 21.

In figure 7, the rollover bars 8, 9 are situated in their rollover protection position. In figure 8, the rollover bars 8, 9 are situated in their rest position. A face 70 at the free end of the rollover bar 9 has, for example, an extent of approximately 50 square centimeters. In figures 7 and 8, 71 io and 72 indicate different contours of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The dimensions of the rollover bars 8, 9 and their pivoting angles are preferably designed in such a way that the rollover bars 8, 9 do not protrude beyond the contour 72 of the motor vehicle. A height difference between the two is contours 71, 72 can be some centimeters.

Figure 9 shows the rollover protection system 1 in a rear view with pivoted out rollover bars 8, 9. Figure 10 shows the rollover protection system 1 with retracted rollover bars 8, 9 in plan view. It is seen in figures 9 and 10 that the reinforcing elements 31, 32 reach over both the associated fastening bracket 4, 5 and the rear beam 19 of the crossmember 2.

It is seen in figure 11 that the latching element 41 of the latching device 40 is attached to the fastening bracket 4 such that it can be pivoted about a pivot pin 78. The pivot pin 78 extends in the x direction of the vehicle. At its end which faces the latching device 40, the rollover bar 8 has latching recesses (or ratchet teeth) 79 which interact with at least one latching projection (or pawl) 80, in order to latch the rollover bar 8 in its pivoted out rollover protection position. The rollover bar 8 can be fixed at different heights during pivoting out in a simple way via the number and arrangement of the latching recesses 79.

It is seen in figures 11 to 14 that the box-shaped rollover bar 8 comprises a base piece 90 and two edge plates 91, 92 at one end for the pivotable attachment of the rollover bar 8.

The edge plate 91 has substantially the design of an angle bracket with a long and a short limb. The edge plate 92 has one end with a curvature which provides a receiving space for the locking pin 64. The curvature merges at the end into a fastening tab, by way of which the edge plate 92 is connected, for example in a material to material manner, to the short limb of the edge plate 91. The two edge plates 91, 92 are as connected to one another approximately in the center by a ribbed plate 100 for reinforcement.

In the installed state of the rollover bar 8, the base piece 90, the two edge plates 91, 92 and the ribbed plate 100 are arranged between two cover plates 93, 94. The base piece 90, the edge plates 91, 92 and the ribbed plate 100 are connected to the cover plates 93, 94 and optionally to one another, preferably in a material to material manner, for example by welding.

The cover plate 94 has a circular recess 96 toward the base piece 90. In the region of the ribbed plate 100, the cover plate 94 has an elongate recess 97 which serves to weld the ribbed plate 100 to the cover plate 94. As is seen in figure 12, the cover plate 94 can have a further recess 98 for fastening the locking pin 64.

In each case one circular recess 101, 102 is provided in the cover plates 93, 94 for receiving the pivot pin 38 and 24. A circular recess 103 which likewise serves for receiving the pivot pin 38 and 24 is arranged in the base piece 90 between s the circular recesses 101, 102.

Moreover, the cover plates 93, 94 have two smaller circular recesses 104, 105 which serve, together with a circular recess 106 in the base piece 90, for receiving the pivoting angle io limiting pin 51. In the region of the recess 96 which is provided in the cover plate 94, moreover, the base piece 90 has a recess 107 which is accessible from the outside through the recess 96, for example for assembly purposes. A slot-like hooking recess 108 opens into the recess 107, which hooking is recess 108 serves to hook the associated end of the tension spring 61 on the pivoting angle limiting pin 51 in the base piece 90 of the rollover bar 8. As has been described above, the cover plate 93 can be provided with a plate-like protective foam element 110 in order to protect against injuries or in order to improve the visual appearance.

It is indicated in figure 15 that a dedicated fastening element 112 can also be used to hook the tension spring 61.

The fastening element 112 then replaces the pivoting angle limiting pin 51. Furthermore, it is seen in figure 15 that the pivot pin axis 38 comprises a tubular pin body 114 for the rollover bar 8, which pin body 114 extends through the through holes 101 to 103. A screw 115 extends through the tubular pin body 114. Together with a nut 116, the screw 115 serves to fasten the rollover bar 8 pivotably to the fastening bracket 4, as can be seen in figure 1, for example, where the pivot pin axis is provided with the designation 24.

Figures 15 and 16 show a rollover body 118 which comprises a box-shaped extruded profile body 120 in contrast to the rollover bar 8 which is configured as a box-shaped sheet metal s part. The extruded profile body 120 comprises an extruded profile with a web or two rectangular hollow profiles 121, 122 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the rollover bar 118. The extruded profile body 120 is connected fixedly to the base piece 90 at one end, for example in a material to io material manner by welding. The other end of the extruded profile body 120 is closed by a closing plate 124 which is connected fixedly to the extruded profile body 120, for example in a material to material manner by welding. The locking pin 64 is fastened to the extruded profile body 120 in is a similar manner as in the case of the rollover bar 8. The base piece can be configured and used in precisely the same way in the case of the rollover bar 118 as in the case of the rollover bar 8.

Figures 17 and 18 show the rollover bar 8 which is configured as a sheet metal construction and the rollover bar 118 which is configured as an extruded profile next to one another in perspective and partially transparently. With a comparable strength, the rollover bar 118 which is configured as an extruded profile has the advantage that it has a lower weight than the rollover bar 8 in a sheet metal construction. The base pieces 90 are preferably milled from a solid aluminum material piece and can be of identical configuration in the case of the rollover bars 8 and 118. The rollover bars can also be configured as forged parts.

Figure 19 illustrates the attachment of the tension spring 61.

One end 131 of the tension spring 61 serves to hook the tension spring 61 on the crossmember. One end 132 of the tension spring 61 serves to hook the tension spring 61 on the rollover bar 8. The end 131 is fastened to the crossmember, for example, with the aid of a pin 134 and a spacer sleeve 135. The end 132 of the tension spring 61 is hooked, for example, on a pin 138 which is fastened to the rollover bar 8.

The pin 138 corresponds, f or example, to the pin 112 in figure 15 or the pivoting angle limiting pin 51 in figures 5 and 6.

Figure 40 shows the tension spring 61 and how it is hooked with its end 132 on the pin 138. The pin 138 is provided in the center with an annular groove 240, into which the bent is over end 132 of the tension spring 61 engages. A displacement (indicated by arrows) of the pin 138 relative to the end 132, and vice versa, is prevented reliably by the engagement of the end 132 into the annular groove 240.

Figures 20 and 21 show how the latching element 41 of the latching device 40 is prestressed against the rollover bar 8 with the aid of the compression spring 42. At one end, the compression spring 42 is attached to the fastening bracket 4 (only indicated) in a pivotable manner with the aid of a pin 141. The other end of the compression spring 42 is attached to the latching element 41 in a pivotable manner with the aid of a further pin 142.

Figure 22 shows the base piece 90 alone in perspective. The base piece is formed from a solid material piece 150. The solid material piece 150 can be configured as an extruded profile, as a cast part or as a forged part. The recesses 103, 106, 107 and 108 are made in the solid material 150 by milling.

Figures 23 and 24 show the latching element 41 in perspective s in different views. Like the base piece 90, the latching element 41 can be milled as an extruded profile piece from a solid material 155. At one end of the solid material piece 155, a bearing body 156 is configured with a through hole 157 for receiving the pivot pin which is denoted by 78 in figure 11. Furthermore, the latching element 41 comprises a through hole 158 for the pin which is denoted by 142 in figure 21.

Moreover, the latching element 41 has an embossed portion 159 for the compression spring 42.

It is seen in figures 25 to 32 that the fastening bracket 4, like the fastening bracket 5, has two fastening tabs 171, 172 which emanate from the housing or basic body 10 of the fastening bracket 4 which is configured as a node profile. The basic body or the housing 10 extends substantially in the z direction of the vehicle. The fastening tabs 171 and 172 extend parallel to one another in the x direction of the vehicle. The intermediate space between the fastening tabs 171 and 172 serves to receive the pivotably attached end of the rollover bar 8. The beams 18 and 19 of the crossmernber 2 are fastened on the outside to the fastening tabs 171 and 172.

The fastening tabs 171, 172 in each case have a through hole 175, 176 for the pivot pin axis 38 and 24 of the rollover bar 8. Moreover, the fastening tabs 171, 172 in each case have a through hole 177, 178, as is seen in figure 32. The through holes 177, 178 serve to receive the pivot pin 78 for the latching elements 41; 42 (see figure 11) . The through holes 175; 176 and 177; 178 of the fastening tabs 171; 172 are spaced apart from one another in the z direction of the vehicle.

The fastening tabs 171; 172 in each case have an arcuate pivoting angle limiting recess 181; 182 between the through holes 171, 177; 172, 178. The pivoting angle limiting recess 181 corresponds to the pivoting angle limiting recess 52 in figures 5 and 6 and serves to receive and guide the pivoting io angle limiting pin 51.

As is seen in figures 25 to 27, the node profiles of the fastening brackets 4, 5 can be formed from aluminum as milled extruded profiles. However, as is seen in figures 28 to 32, is the node profiles of the fastening brackets 4, 5 can also be welded together from individual sheet metal parts 171, 172, 191, 192 and 14. The associated welded seams 201 to 204 are indicated in figure 28.

Figure 33 shows a crossmember 2 in perspective. The crossmember 2 comprises a front beam 18 and a rear beam 19 which are connected to one another at the top and bottom in a central region by reinforcing plates 36, 36a. As is indicated in a section 210, the two beams 18, 19 are configured as hollow profiles, in particular extruded profiles.

Figures 34 to 38 in each case show two cross sections 211, 212; 213, 214; 221, 222; 223, 224; 225, 226 which show by way of example how the beams 18 and 19 of the crossrnember 2 can be configured. The cross sections 221 to 214 are sheet metal variants. The cross sections 221 to 226 are extruded profiles.

The hollow profiles 211, 212 which are shown in figure 34 are in each case a substantially rectangular hollow profile with a welded seam which extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective beam. The hollow profiles 213 and 214 which are s shown in figure 35 are hollow profiles which are connected to one another in the center by a welded seam which extends in the longitudinal direction, in such a way that a two-chamber hollow profile results. The two hollow profiles can also be connected to one another by spot welding or with the aid of to rivets.

The extruded profiles 221 to 226 which are shown in figures 36 to 38 are configured substantially as rectangular profiles with four hollow chambers which extend in the longitudinal direction of the respective beam. The extruded profiles 221, 222 are provided in each case on the outside with rounded portions. The extruded profiles 223 and 224 have the design of rectangles.

The cross sections 211 to 214 and 221 to 224 are in each case of symmetrical configuration in pairs. In contrast, the extruded profiles 225 and 226 which are shown in figure 38 are of different configuration, that is to say asymmetrical. The extruded profile 226 which is assigned to the rear beam 19 has a greater thickness than the extruded profile 225 which is assigned to the front beam 18. The extent of the extruded profiles 225, 226 in the x direction of the vehicle is called the thickness.

Figure 39 illustrates how the rollover bar 8 can be latched at different extended heights 231, 232, 233 with the aid of the latching device 40. Three different extended heights 231 to 233 can be realized in a simple way by the number and arrangement of latching recesses 79 on the rollover bar 8.

Claims

Patent Claims 1. A rollover protection system having a crossmember which extends between two fastening brackets, wherein the crossmember comprises a front and a rear beam which are configured as separate parts.
2. The rollover protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear beam is reinforced with respect to the front io beam.
3. The rollover protection system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein two rollover bodies can be pivoted out or extended between the two beams from a rest is position into a rollover protection position.
4. The rollover protection system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two beams are fastened to different sides of the fastening brackets.
5. The rollover protection system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile are/is attached to the rear beam for reinforcement.
6. The rollover protection system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile extend/extends from the fastening bracket along the crossmember in such a way that an interface between the fastening bracket and the crossmember is covered by the reinforcing plate and/or reinforcing profile.
7. The rollover protection system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the two beams are connected to one another in the center at the bottom and/or at the top by a reinforcing plate.
8. The rollover protection system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the beams are configured as hollow profiles.io
9. The rollover protection system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beams are configured as extruded profiles.
10. The rollover protection system as claimed in any of the is preceding claims, wherein the rear beam has a greater extent in a vehicle longitudinal direction than the front beam.
11. A rollover protection system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
12. A motor vehicle, comprising the rollover protection system as claimed in any of the preceding claims.