A CHASSIS ELEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract: The motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) is obtained from at least one pressed or profiled bar which is then subjected to bending, preferably in three dimensions.

Description: A chassis element for a motor vehicle The present invention concerns a chassis element for a motor vehicle. European patent number EP-A-0 749 890 describes a self- supporting side of a motor vehicle comprising an inner part and an outer part, between which is interposed an annular chassis element which defines the front door space, and which is manufactured by pressing. The use of this technique to manufacture an element of this kind has a number of disadvantages such as, for example, the fact that it is impossible to obtain complex shapes, in particular, undercuts, and that a significant quantity of waste is generated. In order to overcome the aforesaid disadvantages, the object of the present invention is a chassis element for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it is manufactured from at least one pressed or profiled bar which is then subject to bending. The essence of the present invention is therefore the use of bending techniques - which are significantly simpler and more economical than pressing techniques - to obtain the final desired shape for the chassis element being manufactured. However, pressing techniques can still be used within the ambit of the present invention in order to manufacture the bar that is subsequently subjected to the bending operations. In any case, pressing is, in fact, used to obtain pieces of simple shape, when the disadvantages described above do not arise. However, the final complex shape of the chassis element is obtained by bending the bar in all necessary dimensions, specifically in three dimensions, so as to be able to form the necessary undercuts and reduce the quantity of waste produced during working to a minimum. By virtue of the flexibility made possible by the bending tools, it is also advantageously possible to make modifications in short periods of time and also rapidly to set up the system, that is, to re-equip it, when production passes from the manufacture of an element having a particular shape to the manufacture of an element having a different shape . These advantages are particularly relevant in the manufacture of prototypes or experimental pieces, and also in the manufacture of related elements intended to be mounted on different versions of the same model, for example, saloons, station wagons and coupes. The chassis element of the invention may have a constant or variable section and may be made from any metal commonly used in the construction of motor vehicles, in particular, high strength steel which, although difficult to work by pressing, enables consistent reductions in weight to be obtained for the same performance. Further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description, given with reference to the accompanying drawings and purely by way of non-limitative example, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the side of a motor vehicle including a chassis element according to the invention; Figure 2 is a view of the side of Figure 1 from a difference perspective; and Figures 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of sides of motor vehicles including chassis elements manufactured according to respective further embodiments of the present invention. The side of a saloon type motor vehicle includes (Figures 1 and 2) a chassis element 10 having first, second and third arms 12, 14, 16 intended to surround respectively the front, top and rear of the door space. The element 10 is C-shape in section and is obtained by bending a profiled bar in three dimensions . Conventional components of the motor vehicle chassis and body are attached to the element 10, such as a cill 18, a central pillar 20, front and rear lock supports 22, 24, a cover 26 for the upper arm 14, a lower cross-beam 28 for the windscreen and front and rear roof elements 30, 32. Further elements 34, 36 are also associated with the element 10, which elements are annular and open along a generatrix 38, and define the perimeter of the door space at the front and rear, respectively. The elements 34, 36 are also obtained by bending a profiled bar in three dimensions. Figure 3 illustrates a variant embodiment of the invention. In this drawing, the parts that are the same as or equivalent to those illustrated in the " preceding drawings are given the same reference numerals and are not further described. In this case, the element 10 has first and second arms 12, 14 only, intended to surround the front and top, respectively, of the door space. The rear of the door space is bordered by a rear pillar 40 separate from the element 10. 4 Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. In this drawing, the parts that are the same as or equivalent to those illustrated in the preceding drawings are given the same reference numerals and are not described further. In this case, the second arm 14 of the element 10 extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space and a third arm 16b, the length of which is less than the height of the door space, projects transversely from the rear end thereof. This configuration is adapted to a station wagon type of motor vehicle. Naturally, with the principle of the invention remaining the same, the details of construction and the embodiments can be widely varied with respect to that described and illustrated, purely by way of example, without by this departing from the ambit of the invention. In particular, elements according to the invention can be used not only for the manufacture of sides of motor vehicle chassis, but also for boot spaces, doors and the like.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36), characterised in that it is obtained from at least one pressed or profiled bar which is subsequently subjected to bending. 2. A motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said bar is bent in three dimensions. 3. A motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it has a constant section. 4. A motor vehicle chassis element (10, 34, 36) according to any of Claims 1 and 2 , characterised in that it has a variable section. 5. A motor vehicle chassis element (10) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it has first and second arms (12, 14) that border the front and the upper parts, respectively, of the door space of a side of the motor vehicle. 6. A motor vehicle chassis element (10) according to Claim 5, characterised in that it also has a third arm (16) that borders the rear part of the door space of the side of the motor vehicle. 7. A motor vehicle chassis element (10) according to Claim 5, characterised in that the second arm (14) extends rearwardly beyond the end portion of the door space, and a third arm (16b), the length of which is shorter than the height of the door space, protrudes transversely from the rear end thereof. 8. A motor vehicle chassis element (34, 36) according to any of Claims from 1 to 4, characterised in that it is annular and open along a generatrix (38), and defines the perimeter of a door space.

Inventors: PASSONE PIETRO, PASSONE, PIETRO
Applicants: E M A R C S P A, PASSONE PIETRO, E.M.A.R.C. S.P.A., PASSONE, PIETRO
Application year: 1999
Main classification: B62D25
IPC codes: B62D25, B62D29, B62D65