Support structure for vehicles, made from hollow steel sections

US7273247B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THYSSEN KRUPP STAHL AG · DE

Inventors

• Axel Grueneklee · Duisburg, DE
• Lothar Patberg · Aachen, DE
• Dariush Philipp · Krefeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 15, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2007
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D25/082
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure for vehicles, made from a longitudinal member (1) comprising at least two interconnected hollow sections (10, 11). One of the hollow sections continues in the direction of the bumper (5). In the case of a crash with low-speed impact, there is a targeted deformation of the single hollow section (10c), which makes it possible to carry out repairs economically. In the case of a higher-speed impact, the more rigid support structure of the double hollow section for protecting passengers comes into play. Since in this design the impact absorber, which is usually arranged between the longitudinal member and the bumper, can be done without, there is also a reduction in the number of components required, and thus in the overall weight.