FRONT WING SUPPORT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2107665 filed on July 15, 2021.

[0002] The invention relates to a front structure of a motor vehicle, and in particular to a vehicle front fender support which can be mounted on a front structure of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The engine of a motor vehicle is generally protected by a hood. In order to access the engine, the hood must be placed in an open position and it is convenient to be able to ensure that the hood remains in this position. Therefore, the hood includes a retaining member (e.g., a strut) that can be deployed on an interface at the vehicle body so as to support the hood in the open position.

[0004] Conventionally, a bonnet stay attached to the bonnet by one of its ends is deployed so that its free end hooks into an interface attached to the vehicle body.

[0005] Other configurations are possible, for example, document FR 2 945 504 describes the use of a hatch as a member for holding the hood in the open position. The hatch is designed to be moved. When the hood is in the closed position, the hatch can be stored under the hood by clipping.

[0006] These different ways of holding an engine hood in the open position require the use of a part to accommodate the holding device. Beyond the fact that it is necessary to manufacture this part, it must also be fixed to the vehicle structure or create a storage space, which requires additional fastening means, such as welding points and / or clipping means. These additional steps in the design of a vehicle take some time and can therefore generate additional costs.

[0007] In this regard, document JPS56106976U discloses a motor vehicle front fender support having the combination of features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to simplify the design of the motor vehicle.

[0009] For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a front wing support for a motor vehicle, said support comprising an upper part provided with means for fixing to a front wing of said vehicle and a lower part provided with means for fixing to a structural part of the vehicle, the upper part being connected to said lower part by a side wall, the side wall showing an external face and an internal face, said front wing support being remarkable in that the side wall shows a tab having a hole adapted to hold a bonnet stand, said tab projecting from the side of the internal face of the side wall.

[0010] As will be understood from reading the definition just given, the invention proposes to produce a front wing support designed to hold a hood stay. Indeed, in the present invention, a tab has been made in the front wing support and the tab has a hole adapted to hold a hood stay, the free end of which comprises for example a clip or a hook. The fact that the hole adapted to hold a hood stay is designed in a tab made on the side wall of the front wing support makes it possible to dispense with the use of interfaces or hatches providing such a hole. A motor vehicle having such a front wing support is therefore devoid of an additional part at this location. Also, thanks to the front wing support of the invention, it is not necessary to use welding points or to use clipping means which would have been necessary for other types of interface.

[0011] The invention also makes it possible to lighten the motor vehicle compared to conventional vehicles, because no additional part is added to hold the engine hood stay. It is useful to remember here that the current design of electric motor vehicles aims to reduce the mass of vehicles to allow the propulsion batteries to gain autonomy and that each lightening of the structure of vehicles allows progress in this direction.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tab is a cutout in the side wall and / or is integral with the side wall.

[0013] For example, the tab is a cutout in the side wall and folded to show a crease line. Preferably, the tab is folded to show a vertical crease line. The fact that the tab is folded to show a vertical crease line is the most practical implementation of the invention because it allows the forces generated by the weight of the hood to be adequately supported when the latter is held in the open position through the prop which presses on said tab.

[0014] Advantageously, the vertical fold line shows at least two reinforcing bubbles.

[0015] Preferably, the leg forms an angle of between 10° and 45° relative to the side wall, more preferably of between 15° and 40° or between 20° and 35°.

[0016] More preferably, the tab exhibits a surface area less than the extent of the opening associated with the tab.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tab shows a proximal end at the vertical fold line and a distal end arranged opposite the vertical fold line. In other words, the tab shows a proximal end at the vertical fold line and a free distal end and the proximal end has a height greater than the height of the distal end. Advantageously, the height of the vertical fold line is greater than the height of the distal end. In other words, the tab shows a beveled shape.

[0018] For example, the distance between the proximal end at the vertical fold line and the distal end is equal to or less than the height of the distal end.

[0019] Preferably, the hole adapted to hold a hood prop and presented by the tab is positioned closer to the proximal end at the vertical fold line than to the distal end.

[0020] Advantageously, the distal end is arranged in front of said vertical fold line. It is understood that this arrangement is understood when the front wing support is mounted on the vehicle.

[0021] For example, the front fender bracket further comprises an additional attachment means for a front headlight of the vehicle and in that the distal end is disposed closer to said additional attachment means than is the proximal end.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one hood, said hood having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face of said hood showing a prop with a free end, the free end of said prop being able to be in a folded position against the inner face of the hood when the latter is in the closed position and being able to be in a deployed position when the hood is in the open position; said vehicle is remarkable in that it further comprises at least one front wing support as defined according to the first aspect.

[0023] Preferably, the leg exhibits a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the crutch.

[0024] Preferably, the tab has a proximal end forming a vertical fold line with the side wall and the tab is arranged such that the distal end is disposed anterior to the proximal end.

[0025] Advantageously, the motor vehicle is a vehicle with an electric motor.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a front wing support of a motor vehicle according to the first aspect, said method comprising a step of providing a front wing support comprising an upper part provided with means for fixing to a front wing of said vehicle and a lower part provided with means for fixing to a structural part of the vehicle, the upper part being connected to said lower part by a side wall, the side wall showing an external face and an internal face, said method is remarkable in that it further comprises a step of flat cutting of the side wall in order to form a tab and a hole in said tab, the hole being adapted to hold a bonnet stand, followed by a stamping step carried out on the side of the external face of the side wall in order to bend said tab with a hole so that it projects on the side of the internal face of the side wall.

[0027] Alternatively, said method is remarkable in that it further comprises a step of cutting-folding a tab in the side wall in order to form a folded tab followed by a step of forming a hole suitable for holding a stay of the hood in said folded tab, the cutting-folding step being carried out on the side of the external face of the side wall in order to fold said tab so that it projects on the side of the internal face of the side wall.

[0028] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description given with reference to the appended figures in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 shows a profile view of the inner face of the front wing support according to the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 , where the front wing support according to the invention is seen from the front of the vehicle.

[0029] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows for the presence of other elements in the front fender support or in the vehicle to which it relates, or other steps in the manufacturing process. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "lower" and "upper" will be understood in their general sense, the term "lower" designating a greater proximity to the ground. Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" will be understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle taken in its normal direction of travel. In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. figures 1 et 2 will be described jointly.

[0030] The figures show a front fender support 1 of a motor vehicle. The front fender support 1 comprises an upper part having means 3 for attachment to a front fender of the vehicle. The front fender support 1 also comprises a lower part having means (not visible) for attachment to a structural part of the vehicle, in particular a part of the front structure of the vehicle. A side wall 7 connects the upper part to the lower part. The side wall 7 has an outer face 9 and an inner face 11. The outer face 9 of the side wall 7 may, as shown in the figure 1 , extend under the upper part of the front wing support 1. The internal face facing the engine block located under the hood.

[0031] The front wing support 1 according to the invention is remarkable in that the side wall 7 shows a tab 13 having a hole 15 adapted to hold a bonnet stay (not shown). figure 2schematizes the insertion of a hook 25 of the free end of the bonnet stay in said hole 15. The tab 13 shown by the side wall 7 projects from the side of the internal face 11 of the side wall 7.

[0032] Such a front fender support 1 makes it possible to design motor vehicles without an interface for supporting a hood strut when the latter is in the deployed position and the hood is in the open position. This results in vehicles that are simpler to develop, since it is not necessary to manufacture an interface from another part since it is sufficient to use the front fender support 1. Since the interface is created from the front fender support 1, no additional mass is added to the vehicle, which makes it possible not to weigh down the structure. In order to further lighten the structure of the vehicle, the surface area of ​​the tab 13 is less than the extent of the opening 21 which is associated with the tab 13 and present in the side wall 7.

[0033] Thus, advantageously, the tab 13 is a cutout in the side wall 7 and / or is integral with the side wall 7.

[0034] When the tab 13 is a cutout in the side wall 7, it is preferable that it is folded so as to show a vertical fold line 17. Indeed, since the tab 13 makes it possible to support the weight of the hood via the insertion of the free end of the prop in the hole 15, the force undergone by the tab 13 is oriented downwards and a vertical fold line 17 and therefore parallel to the force makes it possible to offer adequate resistance to this force. The description of the front wing support 1 according to the invention continues below by considering that the tab 13 is a cutout folded so as to show a vertical fold line 17.

[0035] The vertical fold line 17 may advantageously show at least two reinforcing bubbles 19, which will thus make it possible to maintain the opening angle of the tab 13 relative to the side wall 7. For example, the tab 13 forms an angle of between 10° and 45° relative to the side wall 7, more preferably between 15° and 40° or between 20° and 35°. The creation of at least one reinforcing bubble 19, more preferably at least two reinforcing bubbles 19, allows the tab 13 to withstand correctly in the event of a sudden lateral force, for example in the case of a gust of wind when the free end of the stand is in the deployed position and is inserted into the hole 15.

[0036] The tab 13 may have a proximal end at the vertical fold line 17 and a distal end 23 arranged opposite the vertical fold line 17. The distal end 23 is preferably arranged in front of said vertical fold line 17. The height of the vertical fold line 17 is for example greater than the height of the distal end 23, which gives the tab 13 a beveled shape. The beveled shape makes it possible to add resistance to the force experienced by the tab 13. As shown in the figures, the distance between the proximal end at the vertical fold line 17 and the distal end 23 may be equal to or less than the height of the distal end 23.

[0037] It is advantageous for the front wing support 1 according to the invention to comprise at least one additional fixing means 5 for a vehicle front headlight. Preferably, the free distal end 23 of the tab 13 is arranged as close as possible to the additional fixing means 5 for a vehicle headlight than the proximal end. It is therefore understood that the free distal end 23 is arranged in front of the fold line 17.

[0038] The hole 15 adapted to hold a cowl stay and presented by the tab 13 is positioned closer to the proximal end at the vertical fold line 17 than to the distal end 23. This allows the tab to adequately resist the forces experienced when the free end of the cowl stay is held by the hole 15.

[0039] Thus, a motor vehicle comprises at least one hood having on its inner face a strut with a free end located in a deployed position and serving as a member for holding the hood when it is in the open position. In the closed position, the free end of the strut is in a folded position against the inner face of the hood. In order to hold the hood in the open position, the invention proposes that the vehicle comprises at least one front wing support 1 as defined above.

[0040] It is understood that when the hood is in the open position, the free end of the prop in the deployed position is inserted into the hole 15 adapted to hold a hood prop and presented by the tab 13. This configuration of the vehicle according to the invention does not involve any additional part which would have to be added to its structure, which makes it possible to optimize the manufacture of the vehicle (simplification in the design and no weight gain). Advantageously, the vehicle has an electric type motorization.

[0041] Leg 13 shows a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the stand. In case of excessive stress, it is the stand that will bend first, the leg being more resistant to the force because it is part of the front wing support 1.

[0042] The method for manufacturing a front wing support 1 according to the invention is also described below. The method comprises a step of providing a front wing support 1 comprising an upper part provided with means for fixing to a front wing of said vehicle and a lower part provided with means for fixing to a structural part of the vehicle, the upper part being connected to said lower part by a side wall 7, the side wall showing an external face 9 and an internal face 11.

[0043] According to a first alternative, the method according to the invention is remarkable in that it further comprises a step of flat cutting of the side wall 7 in order to form a tab 13 and a hole 15 in said tab 13, the hole 15 being adapted to hold a prop of the hood, followed by a stamping step carried out on the side of the external face 9 of the side wall 7 in order to bend said tab 13 with a hole 15 so that it projects on the side of the internal face 11 of the side wall 7.

[0044] According to a second alternative, the method according to the invention is remarkable in that it further comprises a step of cutting-folding a tab 13 in the side wall 7 in order to form a folded tab 13 followed by a step of forming a hole 15 adapted to hold a prop of the hood in said folded tab 13, the cutting-folding step being carried out on the side of the external face 9 of the side wall 7 in order to fold said tab 13 so that it projects on the side of the internal face 11 of the side wall 7. Indeed, in a known manner, the folded tabs can be formed in a single cutting-folding step in which a perforating punch will, in a single operation, cut the tab and fold it by driving the punch into the housing of the die arranged opposite. A preliminary step of cutting a primer opening can be carried out in the sheet metal forming the front wing support 1, which makes the cutting-folding step easier.

Claims

1. A support (1) for a front fender of a motor vehicle, the support (1) comprising an upper part provided with fastening means (3) on a front fender of the vehicle and a lower part provided with fastening means on a structural part of the vehicle, the upper part being connected to the lower part by a side wall (7), the side wall (7) having an outer surface (9) and an inner surface (11), the support (1) for the front fender being characterized in that the side wall (7) has a tab (13) with a hole (15) adapted to hold a support of the bonnet, the lath (13) projecting from the inner surface (11) of the side wall (7).

2. Front wing holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tab (13) is a cutout in the side wall (7) and / or is formed in one piece with the side wall (7).

3. Front wing holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tab (13) is a cutout in the side wall (7) and is folded in such a way that it has a vertical fold line (17).

4. Front wing holder (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the tab (13) a proximal end at the vertical fold line (17) and a free distal end (23) and that the proximal end has a height which is greater than the height of the distal end (23); preferably the distance between the proximal end at the vertical fold line (17) and the distal end (23) equal to or less than the height of the distal end (23).

5. Front wing holder (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the vertical fold line (17) at least two stiffening bubbles (19) having.

6. Front wing holder (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the tab (13) a proximal end in the region of the vertical fold line (17) and a distal end (23) and that the hole (15), which for holding a support leg of the cover and of the tab (13) is presented, closer to the proximal end in the region of the vertical fold line (17) than at the distal end (23) is arranged.

7. Front wing holder (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the tongue (13) has a proximal end at the vertical bending line (17) and a distal end (23), in that the front wing holder (1) furthermore has an additional fastening device (5) for the front headlight of the vehicle, and in that the distal end (23) is arranged closer to the additional fastening device (5) than the proximal end, and / or in that the tongue (1) forms an angle of between 10° and 45° to the side wall (7).

8. Front wing holder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the side wall (7) an opening (21) with the tab (13) is connected, wherein the wing holder (1) is characterized in that the tab (13) a surface which is smaller than the extent of the opening (21).

9. A motor vehicle having at least one bonnet, the bonnet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the bonnet having a stand with a free end, the free end of the stand being capable of resting against the inner surface of the bonnet in a folded position when the bonnet is in the closed position and being capable of being in an unfolded position when the bonnet is in the open position; the vehicle being further characterized by comprising at least one front wing support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method of manufacturing a front wing mount (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising a step of providing a front wing mount (1) comprising an upper portion provided with means for attachment to a front wing of the vehicle and a lower portion provided with means for attachment to a structural portion of the vehicle, the upper portion being connected to the lower portion by a side wall (7), the side wall (7) having an outer surface (9) and an inner surface (11), the method further comprising a step of flat cutting the side wall (7) to form a tab (13) and a hole (15) in the tab (13), the hole (15) being adapted to hold a cover post followed by a cover post Embossing step performed on the side of the outer surface (9) of the side wall (7) to bend the tab (13) with a hole (15) so as to protrude on the side of the inner surface (11) of the side wall (7).