Deformation structure and motor vehicle having a deformation structure

Abstract

A deformation energy absorption structure has at least a first layer and a second layer which are spaced apart from each other and are mounted to be movable relative to each other in the deformation or load direction. The first and second layers have complementary protrusions and recesses, which are designed such that the protrusions of the first layer can dip into the recesses of the second layer and the protrusions of the second layer can dip into the recesses of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are connected to each other by a deformation control device such that, in the event of a high impulse in the deformation direction, the protrusions of the first layer dip into the recesses of the second layer and the protrusions of the second layer dip into the recesses of the first layer such that the deformation structure is deformed in the deformation direction at a relatively low level of force, and, in the event of a low impulse in the deformation direction, the protrusions of the first layer hit the protrusions of the second layer such that the deformation structure is deformed further in the deformation direction at a relatively high level of force or that a greater force can be transmitted by the deformation structure. The first and second layers are formed from a plurality of deformation base elements which are produced separately from one another and are interconnected.