Modular bracket with adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to a front bracket (4) for a motor vehicle, comprising a body (18) for being rigidly fixed to a structure (4) of the vehicle, and a fixing interface (20) for fixing a suspension triangle of a front axle of the vehicle, the fixing interface being arranged on the body (18) and laterally on both sides of the body. The fixing interface (20) for fixing the suspension triangle is added to the body (18). The invention also relates to a front structure (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising the front bracket (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the field of front structures of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] The published patent document FR3046590A1 describes a front bracket for a motor vehicle, which generally comprises: a substantially flat body intended to be rigidly fixed to the structure of the vehicle; and fixing interfaces intended to fix a suspension triangle, a lower profile generally known as a bracket extension, and an upper longitudinal structural profile generally known as a bracket. These interfaces are formed integrally with the body of the bracket, which is in fact formed by mechanically welding and assembling different metal elements of the sheet metal, profile and stamping type. This bracket itself has good properties in terms of stiffness / weight ratio. However, due to its one-piece construction, the bracket needs to be replaced in the event of deformation caused by a vehicle collision. Moreover, it needs to be dimensioned and manufactured in a specific way, not only for each vehicle model, but also for each given vehicle model variant with a variant implementation of the front axle. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a bracket that is more economical, especially when repairing vehicles after a collision and when vehicle types have variations in the configuration of the parts fixed to the bracket.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a front bracket for a motor vehicle, the front bracket comprising a main body, the main body being used to be rigidly fixed to the structure of the vehicle; a fixing interface for fixing a suspension triangle of a front axle of the vehicle, the fixing interface being arranged on the main body and laterally on both sides of the main body; characterised in that the fixing interface for fixing the suspension triangle is added to the main body.

[0005] “Adding” is understood to mean fastening, for example, by means of screws.

[0006] “Laterally on both sides of the main body” is understood to mean on the left and right side of the main body.

[0007] The fixing interface may include any combination of one or more of the following elements: a hole for passing a fixing screw, a fixing stud, and a hole for receiving a pivoting element.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bracket comprises a fixing interface on the body for fixing to two lower longitudinal profiles forming a bottom channel for absorbing the forces in the event of a frontal impact, the fixing interface being added to the body.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bracket comprises, on the body, fixing interfaces for fixing to two superstructure profiles of the vehicle, the fixing interfaces being added to the body.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at each of the two lateral sides of the bracket, a fixing interface for fixing a suspension triangle, a fixing interface for fixing to two lower longitudinal profiles forming a bottom channel for absorbing forces and / or a fixing interface for fixing to two upper structure profiles is formed on the front adapter.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing interface formed on the front adapter for fixing the suspension triangle is a front fixing interface for fixing the suspension triangle; fixing interfaces for fixing the suspension triangle are also formed on the rear adapter, respectively.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the front adapter piece and, if applicable, the rear adapter piece are solid pieces made of forged metal.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body comprises, at each of the two lateral sides, a front housing which receives a corresponding front adapter and, if appropriate, a rear housing which receives a corresponding rear adapter.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body comprises two main stampings which are superposed and form an internal volume in which each of the front housing and, if appropriate, the rear housing is formed by the main stampings.

[0015] Advantageously, the bracket also comprises a reinforcement arranged at the front and below the body, the reinforcement being a U-shaped stamping with two branches generally aligned with the fixing interface for fixing to the two lower longitudinal profiles forming the bottom channel absorbing the forces. The two branches of the U and the mentioned fixing interface are configured to cooperate with each other for fixing to the two lower longitudinal profiles forming the bottom channel absorbing the forces.

[0016] The object of the present invention is also to provide a structure of a motor vehicle, which includes a front bracket; and a front axle with two suspension triangles, which are pivotally mounted on the front bracket; characterized in that the front bracket complies with the present invention, and the suspension triangle is pivotally mounted on a fixed interface on the front bracket for fixing the suspension triangle.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structure further comprises: two lower longitudinal profiles, the two lower longitudinal profiles extending forward from a fixing interface for fixing the lower longitudinal profiles and added to the main body; and / or two upper structural profiles, the two upper structural profiles extending forward, the fixing interface for fixing the upper structural profiles being fixed to the upper structural profiles, the fixing interface being added to the main body.

[0018] The measure of the invention is advantageous in that it brings advantages of modularity and repairability. In fact, by adapting the fixing interface for fixing the front axle (in this case, by adapting the front adapter and optionally the rear adapter), different configurations of the front axle can be made compatible with the body. The same is true for different configurations of the lower longitudinal profile (front carrier extension) and the upper structure profile (bracket) that forms the bottom channel that absorbs the forces in the event of a frontal impact. In addition, these interfaces can be made fragile in the event of an impact to protect the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0020] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front bracket according to the invention and a part of a vehicle front structure according to the invention.

[0021] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detail of the left front portion of the bracket.

[0022] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Detail of the right side of the front carrier of the vehicle, on which the suspension triangle of the front axle of the vehicle is pivotally mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Having shown one embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that many variations are possible.

[0024] Figure 1 A motor vehicle front structure, more particularly a bottom portion of the front structure, is shown. Figure 1The front structure 2 of the bumper consists essentially of a front carrier 4 and a bottom channel 6 which absorbs the forces in the event of a frontal impact with the vehicle. The bottom channel 6 consists essentially of two lower longitudinal profiles 8 which extend forward from the carrier 4. These profiles are usually referred to as carrier extensions. These lower longitudinal profiles 8 are in this case connected to one another at their front ends by a crossbeam 10. The crossbeam is in this case rigidly fixed to the lower longitudinal profiles 8 so as to form a rigid, one-piece component. The front lower crossbeam 12 of the bumper is supported by the lower longitudinal profiles 8 via a deformable box 14. The deformable box is fixed to a fixing plate 16 at the front end of the lower longitudinal profiles 8.

[0025] The bracket 4 comprises a body 18 having a generally developed form, which is configured for fixing to the rest of the structure of the motor vehicle. The body 18 in this case is mainly formed by an upper stamping 18.1 and a lower stamping 18.2 which are superimposed and assembled with each other to form an internal volume. Figure 1 As can be seen in Figure 4 , the bracket 4 also comprises different fixing interfaces for fixing to various elements of the motor vehicle. The bracket thus comprises a fixing interface 20 for fixing to the suspension triangle of the front axle, a fixing interface 22 for fixing to two upper longitudinal structural profiles (not shown, generally referred to as brackets), and a fixing interface 24 for fixing to the lower longitudinal profile 8. These interfaces 20, 22 and 24 advantageously comprise holes and / or fixing studs. In this case, the fixing interface 20 for fixing to the suspension triangle of the front axle and the fixing interface 24 for fixing to the two lower longitudinal profiles 8 are formed by fixing holes on an elongated and common solid element, while the fixing interface 22 for fixing to the two upper longitudinal structural profiles is a stud on a curved element (generally referred to as a front bracket angle) in order to engage the mentioned profiles or brackets from the bottom part of the structure of the vehicle.

[0026] exist Figure 1 It can be seen that the interfaces 20, 22 and 24 are formed by a front adapter 26 on each lateral side of the vehicle. In fact, each of the two adapters 26 is a single piece and has interfaces 20, 22 and 24. More precisely, each of these two adapters 26 comprises a generally elongated and horizontal portion 26.1 forming the interfaces 20 and 24 and a generally curved and vertical portion 26.2 forming the interface 22. The adapter portion 26 is rapported on the body 18 of the bracket 4. According to mechanical common sense, "rapported" means a rigid attachment by reversible fixing. To this end, the generally elongated and horizontal portion 26.1 is arranged in a front housing 18.3 formed in the body 18 and is fixed thereto by screws. The front adapter 26 is advantageously a forged solid piece of metal.

[0027] Still reference Figure 1It can be observed that the main body 18 may also have a rear receiving portion 18.4 on each lateral side, the rear receiving portion being used to receive the rear adapter (in Figure 3 ), the rear adapter is used as a rear fixing interface for fixing the suspension triangle of the front axle.

[0028] It is advantageous to note that the front housing 18.3 and the rear housing 18.4 are each formed by an internal volume of the body delimited by the cut edges of the upper stamping 18.1 and the lower stamping 18.2, these edges being provided with holes for receiving the fastening screws. Thus, the front adapter 26 and the rear adapter are rigidly fixed by being inserted into the respective housings 18.3 and 18.4 and then by installing the fastening screws passing through the upper stamping 18.1, the lower stamping 18.2 and these adapters, thereby being accommodated.

[0029] Also refer to Figure 1 , it can be observed that the bracket 4 may also include a reinforcement 28, arranged at the front and below the body 18, having a U-shaped profile (seen from above) with two branches, which are generally aligned with the generally elongated and horizontal portion 26.1 of the front adapter 26 and with the lower longitudinal profile 8. The screws that ensure the fixing of the lower longitudinal profile 8 to the corresponding fixing interface 24 on the front adapter 26 also pass through the reinforcement 28. The reinforcement 28 is generally flat and is advantageously a stamping with a rigid protrusion along its periphery, which has a reduced height less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed view from above of the left front part of the bracket 4 of FIG. 4. It can be seen that the front adapter 26 also includes a fixing interface 30 for fixing to the body 18 of the bracket 4. This interface 30 includes a plurality of holes traversed by screws extending over the thickness of the internal volume formed by the body 18. In this figure, the upper stamping 18.1, the lower stamping 18.2 and the respective housings 18.3 and 18.4 of the body 18 can be seen more particularly.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Detail of the right front part of the bracket of the axle, which is equipped with the suspension triangle of the front axle. It can be seen that the suspension triangle 32 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 4, more precisely on the fixed interface. The triangle 32 includes a first pivot connection of the "silent-bloc" type (anti-vibration elastic element) on one side of the bracket, that is, it is formed by an external pipe, an internal pipe and a shaft passing through the internal pipe, the internal pipe being housed in the external pipe and connected to the external pipe by means of rubber rings vulcanized on these pipes. Figure 3 As can be seen from the figure, the axle mentioned has flats at its two ends, which are rigidly fixed to the fixing interface 20 on the front adapter 26. It can also be seen that the suspension triangle 32 comprises a second pivoting connection, also on one side of the bracket, which is pivotally connected to a fixing interface 34.1 on the rear adapter 34. This rear adapter comprises a fixing interface 34.2 for fixing to the body 18 of the bracket 4. The second pivoting connection is implemented in this case by a pin rigidly connected to the triangle, which is inserted in a "silent block" (anti-vibration elastic element) housed in the tubular part of the rear adapter 34 forming the fixing interface 34.1. The rear adapter 34 is advantageously made of steel by welding the pipe part forming the fixing interface 34.1 for fixing to the suspension triangle to a more solid part forming the fixing interface 34.2 for fixing to the body 18.

[0032] From what has been described above, it is understood that the front lower structure described above, in particular in relation to the bracket, has modular advantages, since adapters specific to different vehicle models and / or variants can be implemented, while keeping the body of the bracket single and common. Moreover, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the lower longitudinal profile and the adapter can be easily replaced, without necessarily requiring the replacement of the body of the bracket, which can be expensive to operate.

Claims

1. A front bracket (4) for a motor vehicle, the front bracket comprising: - a body (18) adapted to be rigidly fixed to the structure (2) of the vehicle; - a fixing interface (20, 34.1) for fixing a suspension triangle (32) of a front axle of the vehicle, the fixing interface (20, 34.1) for fixing the suspension triangle (32) being arranged on the body (18) and laterally on both sides of the body, the fixing interface (20, 34.1) for fixing the suspension triangle (32) being added to the body (18) and formed on the front adapter (26), Characterized in that the front bracket also includes a fixing interface (24) on the body (18) for fixing to two lower longitudinal profiles (8), the two lower longitudinal profiles forming a bottom channel (6) for absorbing forces in the event of a frontal impact, the fixing interface (24) for fixing to the two lower longitudinal profiles (8) being added to the body and formed on the front adapter (26), The fixing interface (20, 34.1) formed on the front adapter (26) for fixing the suspension triangle (32) is a front fixing interface for fixing the suspension triangle; the fixing interfaces (20, 34.1) for fixing the suspension triangle are also formed on the rear adapter (34), respectively. The body (18) comprises, at each of the two lateral sides, a front housing (18.3) for receiving a corresponding front adapter (26) and a rear housing (18.4) for receiving a corresponding rear adapter (34).

2. The front bracket (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket comprises, on the body (18), fixing interfaces (22) for fixing to two superstructure profiles of the vehicle, the fixing interfaces (22) for fixing to two superstructure profiles being added to the body.

3. The front bracket (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that: At each of the two lateral sides of the bracket, a fixing interface (22) for fixing to two superstructure profiles is formed on the front adapter (26).

4. The front bracket (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front adapter (26) and the rear adapter (34) are solid pieces made of forged metal.

5. The front bracket (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (18) includes an upper main stamping part (18.1) and a lower main stamping part (18.2), wherein the upper main stamping part and the lower main stamping part are stacked and form an internal volume, and each of the front accommodating part (18.3) and the rear accommodating part (18.4) is formed in the internal volume by the upper main stamping part and the lower main stamping part.

6. A structure (2) for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising: - a front bracket (4); as well as - a front axle with two suspension triangles (32) which are pivotably mounted on the front bracket (4); It is characterized in that the front bracket (4) complies with any one of claims 1 to 5, and the suspension triangle (32) can be pivotally mounted on a fixing interface (20, 34.1) on the front bracket for fixing the suspension triangle.

7. The structure (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The front bracket (4) complies with claim 1 or 2, and the structure further comprises: - two lower longitudinal profiles (8) extending forwards from a fixing interface (24) for fixing said lower longitudinal profiles; and / or - Two superstructure profiles, the two superstructure profiles extending forward, to which the fixing interface (22) for fixing the superstructure profiles is fixed.

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