Repair component for a vehicle cooling module and vehicle cooling module having the same

Abstract

A repair component (1) for a vehicle cooling module (50) comprises a first element (10) having a buffer portion (11), a first fixing interface (12) located on the first element (10) for fixing to the vehicle module (50), a second element (20) connected to the first element (10), and a second fixing interface (22) located on the second element (20) for fixing the repair component (1) to the vehicle structure, wherein the first element (10) is connected to the second element (20) via a connecting portion (30) The invention relates to a vehicle cooling module (50) and a first fixing interface (12) comprising a tongue portion (13) adapted to be releasably connected to a slot (51) in a vehicle cooling module (50), wherein the first fixing interface (12) comprises a first side wall (15) extending adjacent to the tongue portion (13) between the tongue portion (13) and the buffer portion (11) so as to create a usable space between the tongue portion (13) and the first side wall (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a repair component for replacing a broken mounting assembly of a vehicle cooling module. The present invention also relates to a vehicle cooling module having the repair component and a combination thereof. Background Art

[0002] All types of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, buses, and trucks, have cooling components for their cooling systems. Typically, the radiator is located at the front of the vehicle, behind the bumper. Therefore, they are often damaged in head-on collisions, even at low speeds. If the radiator or the core of the cooling element is damaged, the radiator becomes faulty, and the vehicle cannot be driven to the nearest repair shop and must be towed. Furthermore, if the radiator, or more generally the radiator, is damaged, it must be replaced with a new one, resulting in high repair costs.

[0003] From the prior art it is known to mount a radiator or more generally a vehicle cooling module on a vehicle using mounting assemblies. In the event of a head-on collision, these mounting assemblies can break, without damaging the radiator itself. After the accident, the mounting assembly must be replaced.

[0004] In known solutions, vehicle cooling modules are equipped with a separate plastic fastening element, such as a dovetail, on the continuous cooling module. In the event of an accident, this separate plastic fastening element is replaced with an identical part. This solution requires additional parts (i.e., separate plastic fastening elements) to be attached not only to one vehicle cooling module as a post-accident repair solution, but also to all subsequent cooling modules. This implies additional working time and, therefore, additional costs.

[0005] There is a need for a repair member that can be easily attached to a vehicle cooling module after an accident, thereby minimizing repair costs. There is also a need for a vehicle cooling module that is mounted in a manner such that the water tank does not leak in the event of a head-on collision and is easily repaired with the repair member. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is in particular a repair component for a vehicle cooling module, which comprises a first element with a buffer portion, a first fixing interface located on the first element for fixing to the vehicle module, a second element connected to the first element, and a second fixing interface located on the second element for fixing the repair component to the vehicle structure, wherein the first element is connected to the second element via a connecting portion, which is suitable for controllably breaking when a predetermined force is applied to the buffer portion, wherein the first fixing interface comprises a tongue portion, which is suitable for releasably connecting to a groove in the vehicle cooling module, and the first fixing interface comprises a first side wall, which extends adjacent to the tongue portion between the tongue portion and the buffer portion, so that a free space is generated between the tongue portion and the first side wall.

[0007] Preferably, wherein the tongue portion has a plate-like shape and a rectangular cross-section.

[0008] Preferably, the tongue portion comprises a blocking section adapted to be frictionally secured in a groove of a vehicle cooling module.

[0009] Preferably, the bumper portion is adapted to operate along an impact axis and the tongue portion extends along a tongue axis perpendicular to the impact axis.

[0010] Preferably, the first side wall extends along an axis Yw perpendicular to the striking axis Xb and the tongue axis Zt.

[0011] Preferably, the repair member further comprises a second side wall extending parallel to the first side wall on an opposite side of the tongue portion.

[0012] Preferably, the repair member further comprises a top wall extending above the tongue portion when viewed along an axis Yt passing through the tongue portion parallel to the Yw axis.

[0013] Preferably, the top wall is inclined relative to the tongue portion.

[0014] Preferably, the repair member further comprises a bottom wall extending below the tongue portion when viewed along an axis Yt passing through the tongue portion parallel to the Yw axis, the bottom wall being situated on the opposite side of the tongue portion relative to the top wall.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom wall is inclined relative to the tongue portion.

[0016] Preferably, the repair member further comprises a face wall perpendicular to the first side wall, wherein the tongue portion protrudes from the face wall.

[0017] Preferably, the first side wall comprises a through hole for a screw.

[0018] Another object of the invention is an assembly comprising a repair member as described above, and a vehicle cooling module comprising a groove and at least one contact side wall, the repair member being attached to the vehicle cooling module such that the tongue portion is introduced into the groove and the first side wall is in contact with the contact side wall.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is an assembly comprising a repair member as described above and a vehicle cooling module, wherein the contact side wall comprises a through hole for a screw, which is coaxial with the through hole of the repair member and is used to fix the vehicle cooling module and the repair member together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Examples of the present invention will become apparent and be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figures 1a-1c shows the breaking of a mounting assembly and its replacement by a repair member according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 The repair component is shown in perspective view;

[0023] 3a and 3b show the repair member in top view, with a closer view of the connecting portion;

[0024] Figure 4 Another perspective view of the repair component is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a repair member;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a portion of a vehicle cooling module after removal of a broken mounting assembly;

[0027] Figure 7 A portion of a vehicle cooling module with service components is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figures 1a-1c The illustration shows the fracture of a mounting assembly of a vehicle cooling module 50 and its replacement with a repair component 1 according to the present invention. When a vehicle strikes an object, force is transferred from the vehicle cross member to the vehicle cooling module 50 via the impact bumper 61. Mounting element 62, which serves as a means of attaching the vehicle cooling module 50 to the vehicle structure, fractures at a predetermined location. If the radiator is intact, the impact bumper 61 is removed, the fractured area is polished, and the repair component 1 is installed on the cooling module. Details of the repair component 1 are explained below.

[0029] Figure 2Repair member 1 is shown in perspective. Generally, repair member 1 comprises a first element 10 having a buffer portion 11 and a second element 20 connected to first element 10. First element 10 functions to absorb impacts from a cross member or other vehicle component. First element 10 also serves to mount repair member 1 to vehicle cooling module 50. Second element 20 is intended to mount repair member 1 to the vehicle structure. Second element 20 serves as a mounting device for vehicle cooling module 50.

[0030] Figures 3a and 3b show the repair component 1 in a top view, with a closer view of the connecting portion 30. The first element 10 is connected to the second element 20 via the connecting portion 30, which is adapted to controllably break when a predetermined force is applied to the buffer portion 11. In particular, the connecting portion 30 includes a connecting arm 31 between the first element 10 and the second element 20. Preferably, there are multiple connecting arms 31. At least one arm 31 has a weakened portion 32, which is designed to break more easily than the remaining arms 31. This can be achieved by selectively reducing the thickness of the arms. In this case, there are three arms 31 connecting the first element 10 and the second element 20, of which the middle one has a weakened portion 32. Due to this weakened portion 32, the propagation of the crack line can be controlled to only pass through the arm 31, and not in the direction of the first element 10 or the second element 20.

[0031] Figure 4 Another perspective view of the repair member 1 is shown, and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown.On the first element 10 a first fixing interface 12 for fixing the repair member 1 to the vehicle module 50 is located, whereas on the second element 20 a second fixing interface 22 for fixing the repair member 1 to the vehicle structure is located.

[0032] The first fixing interface 12 includes a tongue portion 13. The tongue portion 13 is adapted to be releasably connected to the slot 51 in the vehicle cooling module 50. In other words, the shape and dimensions of the tongue portion 13 are configured so that it can be inserted into the dedicated slot 51 in the vehicle cooling module 50, so that it is securely attached to the dedicated slot 51 while retaining the possibility of separation. Preferably, the tongue portion 13 has a plate-like shape and a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the tongue portion 13 can decrease along its length to improve the fixation within the slot 51. The tongue portion 13 can include a blocking section 14 adapted to be frictionally fixed in the slot 51 of the vehicle cooling module 50. The blocking section 14 can be, for example, of a locally enlarged thickness.

[0033] The first fixing interface 12 includes a first sidewall 15 that extends between the tongue portion 13 and the bumper portion 11, adjacent to the tongue portion 13, thereby creating a usable space between the tongue portion 13 and the sidewall 15. Generally, the bumper portion 11 is adapted to operate along the impact axis Xb, and the tongue portion 13 extends along a tongue axis Zt perpendicular to the impact axis Xb. The first sidewall 15 extends along an axis Yw perpendicular to the impact axis Xb and the tongue axis Zt. Preferably, the first sidewall 15 is a flat wall extending from the tongue portion 13 substantially below the tongue portion 13, preferably extending below the tongue portion 13 at a distance of at least twice the thickness of the tongue portion 13 measured along the axis Yt.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, there is a free space between the tongue portion 13 and the first side wall 15 when viewed along an axis Xt parallel to the striking axis Xb, the axis Xt extending through the tongue portion 13 .

[0035] Repair member 1 may further include a second side wall 16 extending parallel to first side wall 15 on the opposite side of tongue portion 13. Repair member 1 may also include a top wall 17 extending above tongue portion 13 when viewed along axis Yt passing through tongue portion 13 parallel to the Yw axis. Top wall 17 may be inclined relative to tongue portion 13. A bottom wall 18 may also be present, extending below tongue portion 13 when viewed along axis Yt passing through tongue portion 13 parallel to the Yw axis, located on the opposite side of tongue portion 13 from top wall 17. Bottom wall 18 may be inclined relative to tongue portion 13. Tongue portion 13 may protrude from a face wall 19 perpendicular to first side wall 13. In any case, a space is created between at least tongue portion 13 and first side wall 15, into which a portion of the vehicle cooling module is introduced for secure connection, enabling force transmission when impact is received by bumper portion 11. Since the force can be transmitted with certainty, the connecting portion 30 is allowed to break in a controlled manner. This particular design allows this to be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0036] The first side wall 15 may include holes 19 for screws, such as through holes, which enable a more secure connection to the vehicle cooling module 50 .

[0037] Figure 6 The portion of the vehicle cooling module 50 is shown after the broken mounting assembly has been removed. In the same perspective view, Figure 7A vehicle cooling module portion with a repair component is shown. The vehicle cooling module 50, in this case a part of a radiator, has a groove 51 and at least one contact side wall 53. When the repair component 1 is attached to the vehicle cooling module 50, the tongue portion 13 is introduced into the groove 51 and the first side wall 15 comes into contact with the contact side wall 53. In this way, a secure arrangement is formed between the cooling module 50 and the repair component 1. Preferably, the vehicle cooling module 50 also comprises a front contact wall 52 which, after assembly, faces the face wall 19 of the repair component 1 and preferably comes into contact with the face wall 19 of the repair component 1. If as Figure 6 As shown, if there are multiple face walls on the vehicle cooling module 50, the repair member 1 can actually surround them and ensure the correct positioning of the repair member after the tongue portion 13 is inserted into the groove 51 of the vehicle cooling module 50. The inclined top wall 17 and bottom wall 18 can follow the shape of the vehicle cooling module 50 for better alignment and protection of the connection. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the top wall 17 is not inclined.

[0038] The contact side wall 53 may include a hole or through-hole 54 for a screw, coaxial with the through-hole 19 of the repair member, for fastening together the vehicle cooling module 50 and the repair member 1 in a secure manner. In this case, after assembly, the screw is inserted into the two openings and, if necessary, removed for another replacement of the repair member in the event of another collision.

[0039] In any case, the repair member can be broken after assembly and in the event of a crash in the connection area 30. Its components can then be removed and another repair member can be installed.

[0040] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A repair member (1) for a vehicle cooling module (50), the repair member comprising a first element (10) having a buffer portion (11), a first fixing interface (12) located on the first element (10) for fixing to the vehicle cooling module (50), a second element (20) connected to the first element (10), and a second fixing interface (22) located on the second element (20) for fixing the repair member (1) to a vehicle structure, wherein: The first element (10) is connected to the second element (20) via a connecting portion (30), the connecting portion (30) being adapted to controllably break when a predetermined force is applied to the buffer portion (11), wherein the first fixing interface (12) includes a tongue portion (13), the tongue portion (13) being adapted to releasably connect with a groove (51) in the vehicle cooling module (50), and the first fixing interface (12) including a first side wall (15), the first side wall (15) extending between the tongue portion (13) and the buffer portion (11) adjacent to the tongue portion (13) so as to generate a free space between the tongue portion (13) and the first side wall (15).

2. The repair member (1) according to claim 1, wherein The tongue portion (13) has a plate-like shape and a rectangular cross-section.

3. The repair member (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The tongue portion (13) includes a blocking section (14) adapted to be frictionally secured in a groove (51) of a vehicle cooling module (50).

4. Repair member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The buffer portion (11) is adapted to operate along an impact axis Xb, and the tongue portion (13) extends along a tongue axis Zt perpendicular to the impact axis Xb.

5. Repair member (1) according to claim 4, wherein The first side wall (15) extends along an axis Yw perpendicular to the impact axis Xb and the tongue axis Zt.

6. The repair member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second side wall (16) extending parallel to the first side wall (15) on the opposite side of the tongue portion (13).

7. Repair member (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a top wall (17) extending above said tongue portion (13) when viewed along an axis Yt passing through said tongue portion (13) parallel to said axis Yw.

8. Repair member (1) according to claim 7, wherein The top wall (17) is inclined relative to the tongue portion (13).

9. Repair member (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a bottom wall (18) extending below the tongue portion (13) when viewed along an axis Yt passing through the tongue portion (13) parallel to the axis Yw, the bottom wall (18) being located on the opposite side of the tongue portion (13) relative to the top wall (17).

10. Repair member (1) according to claim 9, wherein The bottom wall (18) is inclined relative to the tongue portion (13).

11. The repair member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a face wall (19) perpendicular to the first side wall (15), wherein: The tongue portion (13) protrudes from the face wall (19).

12. Repair member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first side wall (15) comprises a through hole for a screw.

13. An assembly comprising a repair member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a vehicle cooling module (50), the vehicle cooling module comprising a groove (51) and at least one contact side wall (53), the repair member (1) being attached to the vehicle cooling module (50) such that the tongue portion (13) is introduced into the groove (51) and the first side wall (15) is in contact with the contact side wall (53).

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein The contact side wall (53) comprises a hole (54) for a screw, the hole (54) being coaxial with the through hole of the repair component and being used to fix the vehicle cooling module (50) and the repair component (1) together.

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