Bumper support for a vehicle

A bumper support for a motor vehicle with a stiffening structure and at least two connections for connecting the bumper support on the one hand to a bumper and on the other hand to a vehicle body is provided. The bumper support comprises at least one extension structure arranged in the region of at least one of the connections and serving as energy absorber, which is connected to the stiffening structure in a materially joined manner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102013019124.6, filed on Nov. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to a bumper support for a vehicle with a stiffening structure and at least two connections for connecting the bumper support on the one hand to a bumper and on the other hand to a vehicle body, in particular a frame structure.

BACKGROUND

Bumper supports are usually employed for reinforcing the lower region for example of a front bumper. During the course of measures aimed at pedestrian protection, the bumper and also the bumper support are to be designed as components which, in the case of an event, give way and thereby absorb at least a part of the energy of the event. In the region of the bumper, the energy absorption capacity of the components arranged there serves for protecting an object during an event.

In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure is based on providing a bumper support with the features mentioned at the outset, which on the one hand are optimized in their stiffening effect with respect to the associated bumper and on the other hand in its absorption capacity for an event.

A bumper support for a vehicle has a stiffening structure and at least two connections for connecting the bumper support on the one hand to a bumper and on the other hand to a vehicle body, in one example, a frame structure.

The bumper support furthermore comprises at least one extension structure arranged in the region of at least one of the connections and serving as energy absorber, which is integrally connected to the stiffening structure in a materially joined manner. Because of this, the bumper support assumes a combined effect, namely on the one hand to have a reinforcing effect with respect to the bumper and on the other hand remove at least a part of the event energy. Because of the fact that the extension structure and the stiffening structure are connected to one another in a materially joined manner, an interfering effect through screws or other fastening means at the transition between the extension structure and the stiffening structure is avoided. In addition, the bumper support can be realized in a simple and cost-effective manner since through the materially joined connection of the extension structure to the stiffening structure additional fastening means as well as additional assembly time for assembling such fastening means can be saved.

Because of the materially joined connection of the extension structure to the stiffening structure, the bumper support is formed by a one-piece component. Such a one-piece component can be formed by joining at least two individual components, wherein the connection of the components can then be detached only by destroying the connection or any connecting means employed.

Appropriately, the stiffening structure is formed as an energy absorber. Through the materially joined connection of the extension structure to the stiffening structure acting as absorber, discontinuities in the load path formed by the two structures, such as for example passage openings for additional connecting means or depressions with weld seams are avoided so that during an event the bumper support can remove energy without interferences.

A particularly good function of the extension structure as energy absorber is provided when according to a configuration the extension structure is deformable, for example, elasto-plastically deformable.

In a technically simple manner, the extension structure acting as energy absorber can be realized in a technically simple manner when it consists of plastic or comprises such a material.

For example, the extension structure can be formed by injection molding, in one example, can be injection-molded onto the stiffening structure. Because of this, the extension structure with its effect as energy absorber can be realized in a simple manner. Because of this, the extension structure can also be connected to the stiffening structure in a technically simple manner, namely in that the extension structure is injection-molded onto the stiffening structure.

Appropriately, the extension structure is substantially formed with a planar design. Because of this, it is favored in its effect as energy absorber. Conceivable, furthermore, is that the extension structure and the stiffening structure are substantially generally planar. Because of this, an effect as energy absorber is favored on the one hand. In addition, this geometry is advantageous for the stiffening structure with respect to the production technology.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the extension structure surrounds the edge of the stiffening structure. Because of this, the bumper support by means of its extension structure then also acts as energy absorber, when for example an off-center event with the motor vehicle occurs. At the same time, the extension structure also acts as a mechanical protection structure with respect to the stiffening structure when the extension structure surrounds the edge of the stiffening structure. This is advantageous when the extension structure is formed from plastic and the stiffening structure for example comprises a sheet metal material or similar. A sharp edge is effectively avoided because of this. It is conceivable that the extension structure partially or completely surrounds the edge of the stiffening structure.

An embodiment can comprise in that the extension structure forms an edge structure which for example forms a positive-locking fit with respect to bumper components. Because of this it is ensured that by way of the extension structure a deformation occurs quickly and even with minor force when during an event forces act on the bumper support. Provided the stiffening structure simultaneously acts also as energy absorber a gently rising force-distance characteristic can be realized over a relatively short distance before, through the stiffening structure acting as energy absorber, high reaction forces with respect to the acting force are briskly removed.

According to an embodiment it is provided that at least one of the connections is formed on the extension structure or by the extension structure. Because of this, production advantages for the stiffening structure are obtained which can be realized in geometries that are simple and can thus be produced in a simple manner.

It is also conceivable that on the extension structure a bracket and/or hold-down is formed. Such a bracket or hold-down can be provided in order to avoid twisting of the bumper support during an event in that the hold-down or bracket comes to lie against a body component and the bumper support thus substantially remains in its installation position. Here, the hold-down acts in the manner of a positively joined movement limiter for the bumper support, which serves as stop for the body part.

Provided that the stiffening structure simultaneously serves also as energy absorber it is appropriate that the stiffening structure is elastically or elasto-plastically deformable. A possible configuration comprises for example that the stiffening structure is formed by an organic sheet. An organic sheet is to mean at least one fiber composite material or fiber matrix semi-finished product which for example consists or comprises a fiber fabric or a fiber lay, wherein the fiber fabric or fiber lay is embedded in a thermoplastic material matrix.

Though the organic sheet, the stiffening structure has the aspired stiffness and strength whereas at the same time the stiffening structure is a compact construction, compact in its height. The organic sheet also has a relatively low material weight and a relatively high specific stiffness, so that the bumper support has a very positive stiffness-density ratio and fuel consumption advantages and emission advantages for the motor vehicle are thereby obtained.

For example, the stiffening structure formed of organic sheet can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, in one example, approximately 1.0 mm. Because of this, the stiffening structure is designed in its thickness or height so compact that it can be easily arranged below a vehicle radiator, wherein at the same time the underfloor of the vehicle formed through the stiffening structure runs at a sufficient height in order to be able to run over a curb stone without contact.

By way of the organic sheet the stiffening structure can also be formed as a generally planar structure in a technically simple manner.

Appropriately, the stiffening structure and the extension structure have a deformation characteristic that is distinct compared to one another. Through the extension structure, a gently rising force-distance characteristic can be realized for example. By way of the stiffening structure acting as energy absorber, a deformation behavior can be provided so that high reaction forces can be briskly removed, which act against the forces of the event and thus an energy component of the energy is converted into elastic deformation which energy component is so great that during a test an impactor is accelerated in the opposite direction and a rotation of the impactor is initiated.

According to an embodiment it is provided that the stiffening structure has a substantially continuous depression and the side walls of the depression each face one of the connections. For example, the stiffening structure, in one example, a generally planar structure, can be formed in the manner of a tub. In this manner, the stiffening structure is brought into a geometry which has a particularly stiffening effect in vehicle transverse direction, wherein in the event of an event, elastic or elasto-plastic deformation of the stiffening structure is favored, bending out the stiffening structure running for example below a cooling module.

Furthermore, the present disclosure comprises an arrangement of a bumper support of the type described above between a bumper and the frame structure of a vehicle.

The bumper support, in its functions relative to the bumper, is activated in one example, when according to a configuration the bumper support with one of its connections is connected to the bumper and with the other connection to the frame structure.

In addition to this, the present disclosure comprises a motor vehicle with a bumper support of the type described above. The bumper support can be realized on the motor vehicle in an arrangement of the type described above.

Through the present teachings of the present disclosure, an embodiment of a bumper support is realized which in terms of weight offers a light solution with optimized energy absorption characteristics during an event with the motor vehicle. At the same time, the bumper support satisfies tightest package conditions in the motor vehicle, it can be arranged for example below the radiator of a vehicle, while adequately high ground clearance towards the bottom is provided in order to ride over a curb stone. Through the bumper support a stiff and simultaneously flexible solution for the energy absorption during an event is provided.

The bumper support, in a configuration, has a commencing gently rising force-distance characteristic on which a briskly high reaction force as counterforce to the force of the event then develops in order to convert an energy component into elastic deformation. Through the single-piece construction of the bumper support it is additionally ensured that in the event of an event, deformation of the bumper support without interference takes place which acts without interference. By way of discontinuities, such as for example depressions with weld seams, grooves and screw connections.

A person skilled in the art can gather other characteristics and advantages of the disclosure from the following description of exemplary embodiments that refers to the attached drawings, wherein the described exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1schematically shows a front vehicle300of a motor vehicle in sectional representation along a section in vehicle longitudinal direction. The front vehicle300comprises on its end facing towards the front a bumper100and a radiator400, which is arranged between the bumper100and the frame structure200of the motor vehicle.

The front vehicle300furthermore comprises a bumper support1, which is connected on the one hand to the bumper100and on the other hand to the frame structure200. To this end, the bumper support1comprises a connection3and a connection4in order to be fastened to the bumper100and to the frame structure200for example in a positive-locking and/or force-fitting manner.

The bumper support1can be a so-called lower bumper stiffener. The bumper support1comprises a stiffening structure2which serves for stiffening the bumper100and at the same time acts as an energy absorber during an event with the motor vehicle. The stiffening structure2can be formed by an organic sheet which for example has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, in one example, approximately 1.0 mm. The stiffening structure2is designed substantially planar and comprises a depression7, wherein the side walls8and9of the depression7in each case face one of the connections3and4. The depression7substantially runs in vehicle transverse direction.

The bumper support1furthermore comprises two extension structures5and6, of which the one extension structure5is arranged in the region of the connection3and the other extension structure6is arranged in the region of the connection4and in each case are connected to the stiffening structure2in a materially joined manner. The extension structures5and6lie in the load path formed by the bumper support1and during an event serve as energy absorbers in that the extension structures5and6in the event of a force, remove at least a part of the energy through deformation. To this end, the extension structures5and6comprise plastic and in one example, are formed by injection molding. For example, the extension structures5and6are injection-molded onto the stiffening structures2, so that because of this a connection between the extension structures5and6and of the stiffening structure2is realized without utilizing additional connecting means, and weld seams or the like interferences in the structure of the bumper support1is realized.

The deformation of the extension structures5and6under an acting force F is indicated inFIG. 1by the course of the line11, while the deformation does not only relate to the extension structure5but the extension structure6can also deform during an event.

The extension structures5and6form the end region of the bumper support1each located opposite the other in the region of the connections3and4, wherein the stiffening structure2is located in between. In one example, the connections3and4are formed on the extension structures5and6, for example, created through molding-on by the injection-molding method.

In one example, the extension structures5are oriented substantially horizontally in the installation position according toFIG. 1, wherein the side walls8and9of the stiffening structure2following thereon run obliquely downwards in order to form the tub-shaped configuration of the stiffening structure2with its depression7running in vehicle transverse direction. Because of this, the deformation characteristic of the stiffening structure2is favored during an event.

Provided that the force F acts on the bumper100, the extension structure5for example is deformed first according to the line11while bending-out of the stiffening structure2in the direction according to the arrow12occurs following this. This deformation behavior occurs on both sides of the bumper support1, i.e. also opposite the connection4and the extension section6provided there and the side wall9of the stiffening structure2.

FIG. 2shows an embodiment of a bumper support1′ for a vehicle, wherein the bumper support1′ there is at least schematically shown in a top view. The bumper support1′ can be formed identically to the bumper support1according toFIG. 1.

As is evident fromFIG. 2, the stiffening structure2is designed substantially planar, wherein the extension structures5and6are connected to one another by means of the laterally arranged extension structures13and14. Through the extension structures5,6and13,14, a ring structure is thus formed which surrounds the stiffening structure2. The extension structures5,6,13and14form an edge structure, which surrounds the edge of the stiffening structure2and is connected in a materially joined manner, for example, by injection molding onto the edge of the stiffening structure2.