Energy absorber for use as impact protection in a motor vehicle
AssigneeLisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
InventorsDominik Asenkerschbaumer, Klaus Unterreiner, Thomas Sperl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An energy absorber for use as impact protection in a motor vehicle, in particular in the region of the doors, is provided. The energy absorber can be formed as a plastics material component and comprises a plurality of ribs which together form polygonal hollow chambers. In manufacturing the energy absorber, a tool parting line of the manufacturing tool is defined such that the parting line defines at least two regions of the energy absorber displaying differing energy absorption characteristics. Upon impact, the energy absorber follows a force/distance curve which first rises linearly and then continues constantly.
Claims20
An energy absorber for use as impact protection in a door region of a motor vehicle, the energy absorber comprising:
- a plurality of ribs integrally connected to one another, wherein the integrally connected plurality of ribs form at least one hollow chamber with a polygonal cross-section that runs longitudinally with respect to the door when the energy absorber is in a fitted state;
- and
- a support element for supporting an armrest disposed on a side of the energy absorber comprising walls, a top, and a reinforcing rib perpendicular to the walls defining a hollow chamber that runs longitudinally with respect to the door when the energy absorber is in a fitted state, wherein the support element is adapted to face the armrest when the energy absorber is in a fitted state, and wherein the support element limits buckling in a vertical (Z) direction.
An energy absorber for use as impact protection in a door region of a motor vehicle, the energy absorber comprising:
- a plurality of transverse ribs extending in a horizontal (Y) direction and a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending in a vertical (Z) direction are integrally connected to one another to form at least one hollow chamber with a polygonal cross-section, wherein the energy absorber is adapted to absorb an impact force oriented substantially in a direction (X) perpendicular to both the Y and Z directions when the energy absorber is in a fitted state, wherein the longitudinal extension of the plurality of transverse and longitudinal ribs is in the X direction;
- and
- a support element for supporting an armrest disposed on a side of the energy absorber comprising walls, a top, and a reinforcing rib perpendicular to the walls defining a hollow chamber that runs longitudinally with respect to the door when the energy absorber is in a fitted state, wherein the support element is adapted to face the armrest when the energy absorber is in a fitted state, and wherein the support element limits buckling in a vertical (Z) direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.