Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-22
2003-08-19
Gordon, Stephen T. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S182100, C296S182100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06607239
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention
The invention relates to a pillar structure, and more particularly, to a pillar structure applied to a body of an automobile.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 20
shows an example (WO92/11158) of a pillar structure applied to a body of an automobile.
A center pillar
70
is made of an extruded material or casting material. The center pillar
70
is provided with members
72
,
74
,
76
,
78
,
80
and
82
which are cut such that their heights are different from one another stepwisely.
In the aforementioned structure, the number of parts constituting the pillar is increased and thus, a weight of the pillar itself is adversely increased. When a function part (such as a shoulder belt anchor) is mounted to the center pillar
70
, it is necessary to secure mounting means (such as a bracket) by welding or the like for supporting the function part to the center pillar
70
. As a result, the number of parts is further increased and a mass thereof is increased.
EP 0 836 983 A2 discloses a pillar structure capable of incorporating the function part within a cross section of a pillar, and having a horizontal cross section opened toward the inner side of a passenger compartment.
When a load such as a collision is applied to such a pillar from its side, it is difficult to deform the pillar in a desired deformation mode, and impact energy can not be absorbed efficiently in some cases.
Furthermore, EP 0 952 067 A2 shows a center pillar for a vehicle having an open cross-section over its whole length, wherein an opening thereof is open towards the passenger compartment. Reinforcing ribs are provided inside the cross-section of the pillar. In case of a side impact, the sharp edges will approach passengers, thus increasing risk of injury. Accordingly additional cover means have to be provided to maintain security of the passengers
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a pillar structure capable of saving weight and enhancing absorbing effect of impact energy. This object is solved with a pillar having the features of claim
1
.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2192075 (1940-02-01), Gregoire
patent: 3724153 (1973-04-01), Wessells, III et al.
patent: 5570558 (1996-11-01), Persson
patent: 33 07 093 (1983-09-01), None
patent: 0 836 983 (1998-04-01), None
patent: 0 952 067 (1999-10-01), None
patent: A 6-503778 (1994-04-01), None
patent: A 6-286646 (1994-10-01), None
patent: A 6-286650 (1994-10-01), None
patent: A 6-286651 (1994-10-01), None
patent: A 7-118783 (1995-05-01), None
patent: A 11-192968 (1999-07-01), None
patent: WO 92/11158 (1992-07-01), None
Carpenter Scott
Gordon Stephen T.
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
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