Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION
Detonation energy absorption device and vehicle
equipped with same
The invention relates to an energy absorption device for
protecting a vehicle element, in particular a vehicle
element of a military vehicle, against a detonation
effect, comprising a first fastening element which can
be connected to a vehicle chassis or a vehicle hull, and
a second fastening element which can be connected to the
vehicle element which is to be protected, at least two
webs being arranged between the first and the second
fastening element.
Furthermore, the application relates to a vehicle with
an energy absorption device of this type.
DE 10 2010 052 151 Al has disclosed a cab for a
construction vehicle, which cab has at least one
hydraulically damped rubber bearing means and, in the
rear region of the cab, at least one roll stabilization
means. As a result, improved suspension comfort of the
cab in the case of relatively rapid transport journeys
is achieved. In principle, however, suspension systems
of construction vehicle cabs follow quite different
objectives (they do not provide any protection against
detonations) than suspension systems of military
vehicles, with the result that they are not comparable.
DE 10 2007 002 576 Al has disclosed a decoupled pedal
unit with a foot plate of a military vehicle.
Suspension systems of vehicle elements of military
vehicles are known, for example, from DE 10 2008 053 152
Al and WO 2014/048420 Al. Said documents in each case
disclose deformation means which mount a vehicle element.
The deformation means are configured to be deformed in
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-21
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the case of a mine impact and to absorb energy, with the
result that the mine impact cannot be transmitted directly
to the vehicle element. Both the fastening means and the
webs are not provided in a common plane, but are intended
to move past one another during the deformation. The
deformation means which are disclosed from DE 10 2008 053
152 Al and WO 2014/048420 Al in said documents are of
comparatively large overall design, and solve the conflict
of objectives between elastic mounting and energy
absorption in the case of a plastic deformation merely to
an insufficient extent.
Proceeding herefrom, the invention is based on the object
of providing an energy absorption device for a vehicle,
in particular a military vehicle, which energy absorption
device has a small overall design and solves said
conflict of objectives.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided
an energy absorption device for protecting a vehicle
element against a detonation effect, comprising:
a first fastening element which can be connected to a
vehicle chassis and/or a vehicle hull; and
a second fastening element which can be connected to
the vehicle element which is to be protected;
at least two webs being arranged between the first
and the second fastening element;
wherein the at least two webs are arranged in such a
way that they lie above one another in a common plane;
wherein flexurally reinforced transition zones are
configured between the fastening means and respective
adjoining webs;
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-21
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wherein flexurally reinforced corners are configured
in each case between the webs; and
wherein internal radii between the webs in the
flexurally rigid corners, and/or internal radii in the
transition zones become greater from the second fastening
element toward the first fastening element.
In some embodiments, the vehicle element is a military
vehicle element.
In some embodiments, the webs have at least one deformation
zone.
In some embodiments, the first fastening element, the
second fastening element, the at least two webs and the at
least one deformation zone are arranged in such a way that
they lie above one another in the plane which lies
perpendicularly with respect to the first and the second
fastening element.
In some embodiments, the webs are of resiliently flexible
configuration.
In some embodiments, transition deformation zones are
configured so as to adjoin the flexurally reinforced
transition zones.
In some embodiments, the deformation zones are configured
so as to adjoin the flexurally reinforced corners.
In some embodiments, the second fastening element toward
the first fastening element, the deformation zones are
configured such that they can at least partially be
deformed with greater difficulty than the preceding
deformation zones, with the result that the energy
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-21
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absorption device has a progressive deformation
characteristic curve.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the webs becomes
greater from the second fastening element toward the first
fastening element, with the result that the energy
absorption device has a progressive spring characteristic
curve.
In some embodiments, the webs are arranged in a sawtooth-
like manner in alternating directions.
In some embodiments, the internal radii are configured
between the webs in the flexurally rigid corners, and/or
the internal radii are configured in the transition zones.
In some embodiments, a vehicle element, the vehicle element
being connected via the energy absorption device to the
vehicle.
In some embodiments, the vehicle element being a cab, a
floor, an intermediate floor, a vehicle body, a foot plate,
a seat means, a weapons system, a device mount or a shelf.
In some embodiments, the cab is vehicle cab.
According to the invention, an energy absorption device is
provided for protecting a vehicle element, in particular
of a military vehicle, against a detonation effect. The
energy absorption device comprises a first fastening
element which can be connected to a vehicle chassis or a
vehicle hull, and a second fastening element which can be
connected to the vehicle element which is to be protected.
At least two webs are arranged between the first and the
second fastening element. The at least two webs are
arranged in such a way that they lie above one another in
a common plane.
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Furthermore, according to the invention, a vehicle, in
particular a military vehicle, is provided, comprising
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an energy absorption device of this type or as described
in the following text and a vehicle element, the vehicle
element being connected via the energy absorption device
to the vehicle.
The vehicle can be, for example, a wheeled or tracked
vehicle. The tracked vehicle can be, for example, an
armoured recovery vehicle, a sapper tank, a mine clearing
tank, an armoured personnel carrier or a battle tank. The
wheeled vehicle can be, for example, a heavy truck, a
semitrailer, a crane or a light wheeled tank.
The energy absorption device according to the invention
provides an energy absorption device of small overall
design which firstly provides elastic mounting of the
vehicle element which can be connected to it and can
likewise absorb a high amount of energy in the form of
deformation energy in the case of a detonation.
The vehicle element which is connected to the energy
absorption device can be, for example, a cab or a
protective space of a vehicle. The cab can be, in
particular, a protected cab. The vehicle element can
likewise be a vehicle body, a platform, a floor, a sprung
floor, an intermediate floor, a floor panel or a
constituent part of one of the abovementioned elements.
Furthermore, the vehicle element can be a foot plate, a
seat means, a weapons system, a device mount, a shelf or
can be a constituent part of one of the abovementioned
elements.
By way of the energy absorption device according to the
invention, the vehicle element is protected against a
detonation effect, as can be brought about, for example,
by way of a mine or a booby trap.
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The energy absorption device according to the invention
makes it possible that it is deformed plastically in a
controlled manner in the case of a detonation and the
vehicle element which can be connected to it is not
damaged.
It can preferably be provided that the webs have at least
one deformation zone.
The at least one deformation zone is a zone, in which the
webs deform in a plastic manner if they are deflected to
a correspondingly pronounced extent. This takes place by
way of the construction of the energy absorption device
which causes the webs to deform in the deformation zones
first of all.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the webs are
weakened in the deformation zones by way of material
selection or geometry in such a way that they deform in
the deformation zones first of all.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the first fastening
element, the second fastening element, the at least two
webs and the at least one deformation zone are arranged
in such a way that they lie above one another in the
plane which lies perpendicularly with respect to the
first and the second fastening element.
Here, the fastening elements and the webs of the energy
absorption device are arranged in a common plane in a
concertina-like manner, with the result that an energy
absorption device of small overall design is produced.
It can be provided in one development of the energy
absorption device that the webs are of flexurally elastic
configuration, with the result that the energy absorption
device mounts the vehicle element in a sprung manner.
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This achieves a situation where the energy absorption
device permits elastic mounting of the vehicle element
as long as the deflection does not become too great.
Therefore, in normal driving situations of the vehicle,
mounting of the vehicle element can take place, whereas
an energy absorption by way of plastic deformation is
realized in order to protect against a detonation effect.
It can be provided in one advantageous development that
flexurally reinforced transition zones are configured
between the fastening devices and the respective adjacent
webs.
The configuration of the flexurally reinforced, in
particular substantially flexurally rigid, transition
zones achieves a situation where the webs of the energy
absorption device do not simply buckle or break off, but
rather a defined deformation is achieved in the region
of the transition deformation zones of the webs.
Furthermore, it can be provided in one development that
the transition deformation zones are configured so as to
adjoin the flexurally reinforced transition zones.
Furthermore, it can be provided that flexurally
reinforced, in particular substantially flexurally
rigid, corners are configured in each case between the
webs.
This achieves a situation where the webs and not the
corners experience a deformation in a targeted manner.
Furthermore, a situation is achieved where the energy
absorption device does not simply buckle or collapse in
the corners, and it is avoided that the webs lie flush
on one another. The webs can therefore be subjected to
bending in a targeted manner. In addition, this ensures
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that a plastic deformation of a deformation zone of the
web is possible, which deformation zone is arranged
downstream in the resilient deflection of an elastic
deformation of a web. This ensures that both sufficient
elastic suspension and plastic deformation are possible.
Furthermore, it can be provided in one refinement that
the deformation zones are configured so as to adjoin the
flexurally reinforced corners.
Furthermore, it can be provided that, from the second
fastening element toward the first fastening element, the
deformation zones are configured such that they can at
least partially be deformed with greater difficulty than
the preceding deformation zones, with the result that the
energy absorption device has a progressive deformation
characteristic curve.
As a result, the deformation sequence is influenced in a
targeted manner, with the result that the deformation
zones are deformed in a defined sequence.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the thickness of the
webs becomes greater from the second fastening element
toward the first fastening element, with the result that
the energy absorption device has a progressive spring
characteristic curve.
This achieves a situation where the elastic deformability
of the webs is of different configuration, and the spring
characteristic curve of the energy absorption device can
be influenced in a targeted manner.
As an alternative, the spring characteristic curve can
be degressive.
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Furthermore, it can be provided that the webs are
arranged in a sawtooth-like manner in alternating
directions.
As a result, a particularly space-saving energy
absorption device is provided.
It can be provided in one refinement of the energy
absorption device that internal radii are configured
between the webs in flexurally rigid corners, and/or
internal radii are configured in the transition zones.
Notch stresses are induced in the deformation zones in a
targeted manner by way of the configuration of internal
radii. The notch stress which occurs can be influenced
by way of the magnitude of the radius of the internal
radii, with the result that the magnitude of the notch
stresses and also the limit, within which the deformation
occurs, can be set by way of the radius.
In one advantageous development, the internal radii
between the webs in the flexurally rigid corners and/or
internal radii in the transition zones can become greater
from the second fastening element toward the first
fastening element.
As a result, the deformation sequence is set in a targeted
manner, with the result that a deformation occurs
gradually from the second fastening element toward the
first fastening element.
This achieves a situation where the notch stresses are
highest within the deformation zones directly on the
first fastening element, and the deformation also occurs
first of all in the vicinity of the chassis.
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As an alternative to the abovementioned sequence,
however, it is also possible that the internal radii
between the webs in flexurally rigid corners and/or the
internal radii in the transition zones become greater
from the first fastening element toward the second
fastening element. This achieves a situation where the
notch stresses are highest within the deformation zones
directly on the second fastening element, and the
deformation occurs first of all in the vicinity of the
vehicle element.
In the following text, the invention is to be explained
on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to
the drawings, in which:
fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a first
vehicle according to the invention with at
least one deformation device according to the
invention,
fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a second
vehicle according to the invention with at
least one deformation device according to the
invention,
fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a third
vehicle according to the invention with at
least one deformation device according to the
invention,
fig. 4a shows a diagrammatic illustration of an energy
absorption device according to the invention
in a starting position,
fig. 4b shows a diagrammatic illustration of the energy
absorption device according to the invention
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in a starting position with marking of the
plane E,
fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the energy
absorption device according to the invention
in an intermediate position, and
fig. 6 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the energy
absorption device according to the invention
in a deformed position.
Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 according to the invention with
a vehicle chassis 2. A vehicle element 10 is configured
on the vehicle chassis 2. The vehicle 1 is preferably a
military vehicle. The vehicle element 10 can be, for
example, a cab, a driver's cab, a platform, a vehicle
body or the like. At least one energy absorption device
100 which mounts the vehicle element 10 on the vehicle 1
is arranged between the vehicle element 10 and the
vehicle chassis 2.
The energy absorption device 100 serves to protect the
vehicle element 10 against a detonation effect and is
shown in greater detail in figs. 4a to 6. The energy
absorption device 100 according to figs. 4a to 6 is found
in all vehicles according to figs. 1 to 3.
Fig. 2 shows a second vehicle 1' according to the
invention which corresponds substantially to the first
vehicle 1, with the difference that the vehicle element
10' is a floor or intermediate floor. The vehicle element
10' is mounted on the vehicle chassis 2 of the vehicle 1
by means of at least one energy absorption device 100.
The vehicle element 10' is arranged within a cab or a
driver's cab.
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Fig. 3 shows a third vehicle 1" according to the
invention with a vehicle hull 2'. A vehicle element 10"
is mounted by means of at least one energy absorption
device 100 within the vehicle hull 2'. The vehicle
element 10" can be, for example, a vehicle interior
compartment or a protective space. In a difference from
fig. 3, however, the vehicle element 10" can also be a
floor or intermediate floor.
According to fig. 3, the vehicle element 10" is
connected by way of a plurality of energy absorption
devices 100 to the vehicle hull 2' and is mounted within
the latter.
Fig. 4a shows a diagrammatic illustration of an energy
absorption device 100 according to the invention in a
starting position, that is to say a position, in which
the energy absorption device 100 is not deformed.
The energy absorption device 100 comprises a first
fastening element 110 which can be connected to the
vehicle chassis 2 or the vehicle hull 2' of the vehicle
1. The first fastening element 110 is configured as a
panel or sheet and, in the installed state, is connected
to the vehicle chassis 2 or the vehicle hull 2'.
Furthermore, the energy absorption device 100 comprises
a second fastening element 120 which can be connected to
the vehicle element 10 which is to be protected. The
second fastening element 110 is preferably likewise
configured as a panel or plate and, in the installed
state, is connected to the vehicle element 10.
The wall thickness and the dimensions of the first
fastening element 110 and of the second fastening element
120 can be adapted in a manner which differs from one
another to the geometry of the energy absorption device
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100. As shown in fig. 1, the first fastening element 110
can have a smaller wall thickness and can be of wider
configuration than the second fastening element 120.
At least two webs 130, 140, 150, 160 are arranged between
the first and the second fastening element 110, 120. In
one refinement, there can be four webs 130, 140, 150,
160, as shown in fig. 4a.
As can be seen in fig. 4a and fig. 4b, the first fastening
element 110, the second fastening element 120, the webs
130, 140, 150, 160 and the deformation zones 172, 174,
182, 184, 192, 194 are arranged in such a way that they
are arranged above one another in a common plane E, the
common plane E lying perpendicularly with respect to the
two fastening elements 110, 120.
Here, the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 are arranged above one
another in a zigzag-like manner which alternates in
different directions. In other words, the webs 130, 140,
150, 160 are arranged above one another in a concertina-
like manner.
In order to achieve sprung mounting of the vehicle
element 10 by way of the energy absorption device 100,
the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 are in each case of flexurally
elastic configuration.
The length of the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 can differ from
one another, with the result that, for example, a first
web 130 and a fourth web 160 which are connected to the
fastening elements 110, 120 are shorter than a second web
140 and third web 150.
The different length of the webs 130, 140, 150, 160
achieves a situation where they can compress elastically
to a different extent, and the result is a defined bending
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shape of the energy absorption device 100 in the case of
an elastic deformation. A bending shape of this type as
a consequence of an elastic deformation is shown in fig.
5, for example.
Flexurally reinforced corners 170, 180, 190 are
configured in each case between the webs 130, 140, 150,
160. The flexurally reinforced corners 170, 180, 190 are
configured in such a way that they substantially do not
bend and ensure that, in the case of an elastic
deformation of the webs 130, 140, 150, 160, the
flexurally reinforced corners 170, 180, 190 ensure that
the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 are not folded up by way of
deformation of the corners 170, 180, 190. This achieves
a situation where, in addition to an elastic deformation,
a plastic deformation of the deformation zones 172, 174,
182, 184, 192, 194 can take place in the case of a
relatively pronounced deflection.
As shown in fig. 4a, the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 in each
case have at least one deformation zone 172, 174, 182,
184, 192, 194. The deformation zones 172, 174, 182, 184,
192, 194 are configured in each case so as to adjoin the
flexurally reinforced corners 170, 180, 190.
Flexurally reinforced transition zones 112, 122 are
configured between the fastening means 110, 120 and the
respective adjoining webs 130, 160. Said transition zones
have a comparable effect to the flexurally reinforced
corners 170, 180, 190.
The transition deformation zones 115, 125 are configured
so as to adjoin the flexurally reinforced transition
zones 112, 122.
As shown in fig. 4a, internal radii R2, R3, R4 are
configured between the webs 130, 140, 150, 160 in the
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deformation zones 172, 174, 182, 184, 192, 194, and/or
internal radii Ri, R5 are configured in the transition
zones 112, 122.
According to figure 4a, the internal radii R2, R3, R4
which are configured between the webs 130, 140, 150, 160
in the flexurally rigid corners 170, 180, 190 become
greater from the second fastening element 120 toward the
first fastening element 110.
In one refinement, a fourth radius R4 between the third
web 150 and the fourth web 160 is the greatest. A third
radius R3 between the second web 140 and the third web
150 is smaller than the fourth radius (R3 < R4). A second
radius R2 between the first web 130 and the second web
140 is smaller than the third radius R3. The following
mathematical relationship applies to the radii R2 to R4:
R2 < R3 < R4.
According to fig. 4a, the internal radii Ri, R5 in the
transition zones 112, 122 are preferably configured so
as to be equally great. As is apparent from fig. 4a, the
radii Ri and R5 are both smaller than the radius R2. The
following mathematical relationship applies to the radii
Ri to R5: Ri = R5 < R2 < R3 < R4.
The thickness ti,
t2, t3, t4 Of the webs 130, 140, 150,
160 can be configured so as to be greater from the second
fastening element 120 toward the first fastening element
110, with the result that the energy absorption device
100 has a progressive spring characteristic curve. The
following mathematical relationship applies to the
thicknesses -Li to t4: ti < t2 < t3 < t4.
Fig. 4b once again clearly illustrates the position of
the plane E, the plane E being identified in a hatched
manner. As can be seen from fig. 4b, the plane E lies
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perpendicularly with respect to the first and the second
fastening element 110, 120. The first fastening element
110, the second fastening element 120, the at least two
webs 130, 140, 150, 160 and the at least one deformation
zone 172, 174, 182, 184, 192, 194 are arranged in such a
way that they lie above one another in the plane E.
Fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the energy
absorption device 100 according to the invention in an
intermediate position, in which the energy absorption
device 100 is deformed elastically. The flexurally rigid
corners 170, 180, 190 are substantially non-deformed in
this intermediate position, and the webs 130, 140, 150,
160 are deformed elastically. Fig. 5 therefore shows the
energy absorption device 100 in an elastically compressed
state.
Fig. 6 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the energy
absorption device 100 according to the invention in a
deformed position, in which the energy absorption device
100 is deformed plastically.
From the second fastening element 120 toward the first
fastening element 110, the deformation zones 172, 174,
182, 184, 192, 194 are configured such that they can at
least partially be deformed with greater difficulty than
the preceding deformation zones 172, 174, 182, 184, 192,
194, with the result that the energy absorption device
100 has a progressive deformation characteristic curve.
In addition, a deformation sequence of the deformation
zones of the energy absorption device 100 is specified
by way of the deformation which is pronounced to
different extents.
In so far as the preceding disclosure relates to an energy
absorption device 100 per se, this is also considered at
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the same time to be disclosed for a vehicle with an energy
absorption device 100 of this type.
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LIST OF DESIGNATIONS
1 First vehicle
Second vehicle
1" Third vehicle
2 Vehicle chassis
2' Vehicle hull
Vehicle element
10' Vehicle element
10 10" Vehicle element
100 Energy absorption device
110 First fastening element
112 First transition zone
115 First transition deformation zone
120 Second fastening element
122 Second transition zone
125 Second transition deformation zone
130 First web
140 Second web
150 Third web
160 Fourth web
170 First deformation zone
180 Second deformation zone
190 Third deformation zone
Ri First radius
R2 Second radius
R3 Third radius
R4 Fourth radius
R5 Fifth radius
Plane
ti Thickness of the first web
t2 Thickness of the second web
t3 Thickness of the third web
t4 Thickness of the fourth web
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-06-21
