JP4114473B2 - Bumper structure for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular bumper structure in which a bumper reinforcement and a pair of side members are coupled by a pair of bumper stays.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 6A discloses a conventional front bumper structure. As shown in this figure, the front bumper 100 includes a front bumper cover 102 arranged with the vehicle width direction as a longitudinal direction, a long front bumper reinforcement 104 arranged on the inside thereof, and a lower part of the engine room. It is constituted by a pair of front bumper arms 108 that connect the front ends of a pair of front side members 106 and both ends of the front bumper reinforcement 104, which are arranged on both sides with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-186849
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-128951
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the front bumper structure, the following problems occur.
[0005]
FIG. 6 (B) depicts the situation when the vehicle collides at a low speed from diagonally forward (arrow P direction). As shown in this figure, when the vehicle collides at a low speed from diagonally forward, the ends of the front bumper cover 102 and the front bumper reinforcement 104 are bent inward and the front bumper arm 108 is also buckled in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this series of deformation processes, energy is absorbed at the time of collision. However, since the front bumper cover 102, the front bumper reinforcement 104, and the front bumper arm 108 are deformed, these parts must be replaced at the time of repair. If the front side member 106 is also deformed, the front side member 106 also needs to be replaced. Therefore, there is a problem that the burden of repair costs on the user becomes large (first problem).
[0006]
If the front bumper reinforcement 104 is thinned, it is possible to prevent damage such as whitening of the front bumper cover 102 at the time of low-speed collision from obliquely forward. In the case of a low-speed collision from the front, the front bumper reinforcement 104 alone cannot sufficiently absorb energy, which is not preferable in that the amount of deformation of the front bumper arm 108 increases. Further, since the front bumper reinforcement 104 is a member that connects the front side members 106 on both sides, if the cross section is narrowed, the body rigidity is greatly reduced, and the steering stability is also reduced. Absent.
[0007]
On the other hand, FIG. 6C depicts a situation when the vehicle collides at high speed from the front (arrow Q direction). As shown in this figure, when a collision occurs at a high speed, the end of the front bumper reinforcement 104 is deformed to a substantially flat state, and at that time, the edge 104A of the end of the front bumper reinforcement 104 is moved to the front. Since the edge 104A is strong against the bumper cover 102, the amount of energy absorbed decreases as the rigidity of the edge 104A increases. There is a problem that it becomes larger (second problem).
[0008]
As a result of conducting a prior art search based on the above problems, Patent Document 1 discloses that the front bumper reinforcement is divided into a center beam part and a corner beam part as an effective technique for the first problem. Although a technique has been disclosed in which either one of them can be replaced, the number of assembling steps is increased by the amount divided into a plurality of elements, and there is no effect on the second problem. The same applies to Patent Document 2.
[0009]
In consideration of the above fact, the present invention can reduce the repair cost at the time of a low-speed collision, and can increase the energy absorption efficiency at the time of a high-speed collision and reduce the load input to the counterpart vehicle. The purpose is to obtain a bumper structure.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The bumper structure for a vehicle according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a bumper reinforcement arranged along the longitudinal direction of the bumper inside the bumper cover, and a pair of vehicles arranged in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the vehicle body. A bumper structure for a vehicle that includes a pair of bumper arms that connect a front end portion of the side member and a vicinity of an end portion of the bumper reinforcement, the longitudinal end portion of the bumper reinforcementIn the middle part in the front-rear direction, a defect part penetrating in the bumper reinforcement height direction is provided, so that the end part in the longitudinal direction includes an edge on the front side of the defect part and the bumper cover side. The front part of the defect part and the rear part of the defect part located opposite to the front part of the defect part with the defect part located behind the defect part are provided separately.It is characterized by that.
[0011]
  The bumper structure for a vehicle according to the present invention described in claim 2 is:In the invention according to claim 1, the bumper reinforcement has a hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the defect portion formed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement has a substantially U shape in a lateral direction in a plan view. It is characterized by being a notch formed inIt is said.
[0013]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a collision occurs at a low speed from an oblique direction, the collision load at that time is input from the bumper cover to the end portion of the bumper reinforcement in the longitudinal direction. Here, in the present invention, the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcementIn the middle part in the front-rear direction, a defect part penetrating in the bumper reinforcement height direction is provided, so that the end part in the longitudinal direction includes an edge on the front side of the defect part and the bumper cover side. Because the front part of the defect part and the rear part of the defect part that is located behind the defect part and that faces the front part of the defect part across the defect part are provided separately. ,When a collision load is input to the end in the longitudinal direction,The front part of the missing partEasily deforms in the load input direction. Since energy is absorbed during this deformation process, it is possible to avoid deformation of the bumper arm during a low-speed collision (not until deformation of the bumper arm). In addition, the end in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement is easily deformed, so that the end in the longitudinal directionOf the front part of the defect inSince no strong reaction force is input from the edge to the bumper cover, the bumper cover is not damaged such as whitening. Therefore, it is only necessary to replace the bumper reinforcement at the time of repair, and the repair cost can be reduced.
[0014]
  On the other hand, when the vehicle collides at high speed from the front or from the back, the collision load at that time is input to the bumper reinforcement through the bumper cover. At this time, the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcementSince the defect portion provided in the portion serves to reduce the rigidity of the end portion, the front portion of the defect portion is deformed toward the rear portion of the defect portion, therebyPredetermined energy absorption is performed. This amount of energy absorption is at the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcement.Defects that reduce rigidityTherefore, the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision is increased. Moreover, the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcement isMissing partTherefore, when the collision object is a vehicle, the load input to the counterpart vehicle from the edge of the longitudinal end portion of the bumper reinforcement can be reduced.
[0015]
  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 2,The bumper reinforcement has a hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the defect formed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement is a notch formed in a substantially U shape in a horizontal direction in a plan view. Therefore, when a collision occurs at a low speed from an oblique direction and a collision load is input to the end portion in the longitudinal direction, the front portion of the notch is easily deformed (deformed so as to be round) in the load input direction.Since energy is absorbed during this deformation process, it is possible to avoid deformation of the bumper arm during a low-speed collision (not until deformation of the bumper arm). In addition, the end in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement is easily deformed, so that the end in the longitudinal directionOf the front part of the defect inSince no strong reaction force is input from the edge to the bumper cover, the bumper cover is not damaged such as whitening. Therefore, it is only necessary to replace the bumper reinforcement at the time of repair, and the repair cost can be reduced.
[0016]
  On the other hand, when the vehicle collides at high speed from the front or from the back, the collision load at that time is input to the bumper reinforcement through the bumper cover. At this time, the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcementSince the notch provided in the above-mentioned has a function of reducing the rigidity of the end, the front part of the notch is deformed toward the rear part of the notch, therebyPredetermined energy absorption is performed. This energy absorption is at the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcement.Notches that reduce rigidityTherefore, the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision is increased. Moreover, the longitudinal end of the bumper reinforcement isNotchTherefore, when the collision object is a vehicle, the load input to the counterpart vehicle from the edge of the longitudinal end portion of the bumper reinforcement can be reduced.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle bumper structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that an arrow FR appropriately shown in these drawings indicates the vehicle front side, and an arrow IN indicates the indoor side in the vehicle width direction.
[0020]
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a front bumper structure according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, a front bumper reinforcement 12 having a long and hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape is disposed inside the front bumper cover 10 along the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) of the front bumper cover 10. Has been. The front bumper cover 10 is supported by a front bumper reinforcement 12. The front bumper reinforcement 12 is formed by extrusion using an aluminum alloy. Note that both end portions of the front bumper reinforcement 12 in the longitudinal direction are bent toward the vehicle rear side in consideration of a collision (oblique projection) from obliquely forward.
[0021]
  Here, at the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12 described above, a substantially U-shape is formed in a horizontal direction in a plan view.Missing part”Is provided. Thus, the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is divided into a notch front portion 26 and a notch rear portion 28 each having a narrow width across the notch 24. Further, since the notch 24 is formed, the rigidity of the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction is reduced. In particular, the edge of the notch front portion 26 located on the vehicle front side ( The rigidity of the edge 26A facing the front bumper cover 10 is intentionally set low.
[0022]
Here, at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12 described above, cutouts 24 are provided as “rigidity-reduced portions” formed in a substantially U shape in a horizontal direction in a plan view. Thus, the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is divided into a notch front portion 26 and a notch rear portion 28 each having a narrow width across the notch 24. Further, since the notch 24 is formed, the rigidity of the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction is reduced. In particular, the edge of the notch front portion 26 located on the vehicle front side ( The rigidity of the edge 26A facing the front bumper cover 10 is intentionally set low.
[0023]
Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
[0024]
The state shown in FIG. 2A is an assembled state of the front bumper. In this state, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the vehicle collides at a low speed from the oblique front side (arrow P direction side), the collision load from the collision body 30 at that time is changed from the front bumper cover 10 to the front bumper reinforcement 12. Is input to the longitudinal end of the.
[0025]
Here, in the present embodiment, a notch 24 formed in a substantially U shape in a horizontal direction in a plan view is provided at the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 to reduce the rigidity of the edge 26A of the notch front portion 26. Therefore, when a collision load is input from the front bumper cover 10 to the notch front portion 26, the notch front portion 26 is easily deformed (deformed so as to be round) in the load input direction (arrow P direction). Since energy is absorbed in this deformation process, the front bumper arm 16 can be prevented from being deformed during a low-speed collision (that is, the front bumper arm 16 is not deformed). Further, since no strong reaction force is input to the front bumper cover 10 from the edge 26A of the notch front portion 26 of the front bumper reinforcement 12, the front bumper cover 10 is not damaged such as whitening. Accordingly, only the front bumper reinforcement 12 needs to be replaced at the time of repair, and the repair cost can be greatly reduced.
[0026]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (C), when a collision occurs at high speed from the front (arrow Q direction side), the collision load from the collision body 32 at that time causes the front bumper reinforcement via the front bumper cover 10. Is input to the ment 12. At the time of high-speed collision, the collision body 32 itself enters the engine room while being deformed. At this time, the notch front part 26 formed at the longitudinal end of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is deformed to the notch rear part 28 side, and the front bumper arm 16 and the front side member 14 are also buckled to the vehicle rear side. In the deformation process of these members, predetermined energy absorption is performed. This energy absorption amount is larger than that of the configuration in which the notch 24 is not provided in the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 as in this embodiment, so that the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision is high. Become.
[0027]
In addition, since the rigidity of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is reduced due to the formation of the notch 24, the notch front portion 26 is deformed to the notch rear portion 28 side. For this reason, when the collision body 32 is a vehicle, the load input to the collision body 32 (that is, the counterpart vehicle) from the edge 26A of the notch front portion 26 at the longitudinal end of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is small. I'll do it.
[0028]
Generally speaking, according to the front bumper structure according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the repair cost at the time of a low-speed collision and to increase the energy absorption efficiency at the time of a high-speed collision and to input the load to the counterpart vehicle. Can be reduced.
[0029]
Further, in the case of the front bumper structure according to the present embodiment, the rigidity-decreasing portion is established by forming the substantially U-shaped cutouts 24 in the horizontal direction in plan view at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12. Therefore, the number of parts does not increase. Therefore, the structure can be simplified. Further, since the number of parts does not increase, the number of assembling steps does not increase and the cost does not increase.
[0030]
In addition, the shape of the notch 24 formed in the both ends of the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12 described above is adjusted according to the rigidity of the front bumper reinforcement 12. For example, when the rigidity of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is high, it is more effective to increase the notch amount.
[0031]
  [Second Embodiment]
  Next, using FIG. 3 and FIG.A second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is not an embodiment of the vehicle bumper structure according to the present invention but a reference example. Also,The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0032]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a plate-shaped energy absorbing member (protector) 40 configured as a separate part is provided on the front side of both longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcement 12. Is attached by. The front end portion 40 </ b> A of the energy absorbing member 40 extends further outward from the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12, and is interposed between the longitudinal end portion and the front bumper cover 10. Therefore, the edge 12 </ b> A at the end in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is covered with the energy absorbing member 40.
[0033]
The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is basically the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a front bumper in which both longitudinal ends are bent toward the vehicle rear side. Whereas the reinforcement 12 is used, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a straight front bumper reinforcement 42 in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are not bent toward the vehicle rear side is used.
[0034]
Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
[0035]
When the vehicle collides at a low speed from diagonally forward, the collision load at that time is input from the front bumper cover 10 to the longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42. Here, in this embodiment, the energy absorbing member 40 that covers the edges 26A, 12A on the front bumper cover side at the ends in the longitudinal direction is disposed at the ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12, 42 in the longitudinal direction. 12 and 42, the energy absorbing member 40 is deformed in the load input direction when a collision load is input to the end in the longitudinal direction. Since energy is absorbed during this deformation process, it is possible to avoid the front bumper arm 16 from being deformed during a low-speed collision. Further, since the energy absorbing member 40 is deformed so as to wrap around the edges 12A and 42A at the longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42, a strong reaction force is input to the front bumper cover 10 from the edges 12A and 42A. It never happens. Therefore, the front bumper cover 10 is not damaged such as whitening. Therefore, at the time of repair, only the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42 need to be replaced, and the repair cost can be reduced.
[0036]
On the other hand, when the vehicle collides at high speed from the front, the collision load at that time is input to the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42 via the front bumper cover 10. At this time, the energy absorbing member 40 provided separately at the longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42 is deformed in the load input direction, whereby predetermined energy absorption is performed. Since this energy absorption amount is larger than that of the configuration in which the energy absorbing member 40 is not provided at the longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42, the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision is increased.
[0037]
Moreover, since the edges 12A and 42A at the ends in the longitudinal direction are covered by the energy absorbing members 40 provided at the ends in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42, when the collision body 32 is a vehicle, The load input to the counterpart vehicle from the edges 26A, 12A at the longitudinal ends of the front bumper reinforcements 12, 42 can be reduced.
[0038]
Generally speaking, the front bumper structure according to the present embodiment can also reduce the repair cost at the time of low-speed collision and increase the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision as in the first embodiment described above. It is possible to reduce the load input to the other party's vehicle.
[0039]
  [Third Embodiment]
  Next, using FIG.A third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is not an embodiment of the vehicle bumper structure according to the present invention but a reference example. Also,The same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0040]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a plate-shaped energy absorbing member 50 is attached to a portion of the front bumper cover 10 that faces the end in the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12. Therefore, the energy absorbing member 50 is interposed between the front bumper cover 10 and the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12, and substantially covers the edge 12A of the longitudinal end portion.
[0041]
Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
[0042]
When a collision occurs at a low speed from diagonally forward, the collision load at that time is input from the front bumper cover 10 to the end of the front bumper reinforcement 12 in the longitudinal direction. Here, in the present embodiment, the energy absorbing member 50 that substantially covers the edge 12A of the end portion in the longitudinal direction is disposed at the front portion of the front bumper cover 10 that faces the end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 in the longitudinal direction. Since the bumper cover 10 is provided separately from the bumper cover 10, the energy absorbing member 50 is deformed in the load input direction when a collision load is input to the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper cover 10 from diagonally forward. Since energy is absorbed during this deformation process, it is possible to avoid the front bumper arm 16 from being deformed during a low-speed collision. Further, since the energy absorbing member 50 is interposed, a strong reaction force is not input to the front bumper cover 10 from the edge 12A of the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12, so that the front bumper cover 10 is whitened. Such damage will not occur. Therefore, only the front bumper reinforcement 12 needs to be replaced at the time of repair, and the repair cost can be reduced.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the vehicle collides at high speed from the front, the collision load at that time is input to the front bumper reinforcement 12 via the front bumper cover 10. At this time, the energy absorbing member 50 provided separately at a portion of the front bumper cover 10 facing the edge 12A of the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is deformed in the load input direction, so that predetermined energy absorption is achieved. Is made. Since this energy absorption amount is larger than that of the configuration in which the energy absorbing member 50 is not provided at the portion of the front bumper cover 10 facing the edge 12A, the energy absorption efficiency during high-speed collision is increased.
[0044]
Moreover, since the edge 12A of the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper reinforcement 12 is covered by the energy absorbing member 50 provided at the longitudinal end portion of the front bumper cover 10, when the collision body 32 is a vehicle, The load input to the counterpart vehicle from the edge 12A at the longitudinal end of the front bumper reinforcement 12 can be reduced.
[0045]
Generally speaking, the front bumper structure according to the present embodiment can also reduce the repair cost at the time of low-speed collision and reduce the energy absorption efficiency at the time of high-speed collision as in the first and second embodiments described above. While being able to raise, the load input to the other party's vehicle can be reduced.
[0046]
In the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the front bumper. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to the rear bumper.
[0047]
Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, although the front bumper reinforcements 12 and 42 were comprised by the extrusion molding product of the aluminum alloy, not only this but the front bumper reinforcement comprised by pressing a steel plate is used. May be.
[0048]
  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, although the structure which forms the notch 24 in the edge part of the longitudinal direction of the front bumper reinforcement 12, not only this but the rigidity of edge 26A facing the front bumper cover 10 is taken. Can be loweredIt may be a defective portion, and a method of setting a slit, a hole, or the like instead of the notch 24 may be adopted.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,The vehicular bumper structure according to the present invention is provided at the end portion in the longitudinal direction by providing a missing portion penetrating in the height direction of the bumper reinforcement at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement. The front part of the defect part located on the front side of the defect part and including the edge on the bumper cover side is located opposite the front part of the defect part with the defect part located on the rear side of the defect part. Since the rear part of the missing part was provided separately,The repair cost at the time of the low-speed collision can be reduced, and the energy absorption efficiency at the time of the high-speed collision can be increased and the load input to the partner vehicle can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a front bumper structure according to a first embodiment.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory views for explaining the effect when the front bumper structure shown in FIG. 1 is adopted, in which FIG. 2A is an assembly, FIG. 2B is a low-speed collision, and FIG. 2C is a high-speed collision; It is a top view at the time.
FIG. 3 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a front bumper structure according to a second embodiment (an energy absorbing member is set in a front bumper reinforcement in which both end portions in the longitudinal direction are bent toward the vehicle rear side).
FIG. 4 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a front bumper structure (an energy absorbing member is set on a straight front bumper reinforcement) according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1 and showing a front bumper structure according to a third embodiment (energy absorbing members are set on both sides of the back surface of the front bumper cover).
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 2 for explaining a problem of a conventional front bumper structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
    10 Front bumper cover
    12 Front bumper reinforcement
    12A edge
    14 Front side member
    16 Front bumper arm
    24 Notch (Missing part)
    26A edge

Claims (2)

A bumper reinforcement disposed along the bumper longitudinal direction inside the bumper cover, a pair of side members disposed on both sides of the vehicle body with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, and the vicinity of the end of the bumper reinforcement A vehicle bumper structure comprising a pair of bumper arms that join together,
By providing a missing portion penetrating in the bumper reinforcement height direction at the middle portion in the front-rear direction at the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement,
At the end in the longitudinal direction, the front part of the defect part located on the front side of the defect part and including the edge on the bumper cover side, and the defect part located on the rear side of the defect part and sandwiching the defect part The rear portion of the missing portion disposed opposite to the front portion of the is provided separately,
A bumper structure for a vehicle. The bumper reinforcement has a hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the defect portion formed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement is a notch formed in a substantially U shape in a horizontal direction in a plan view. Yes,
The vehicular bumper structure according to claim 1.

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