DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING WIRE ELEMENTS, ADAPTABLE ACCORDING TO THE WHEELBASE OF A VEHICLE STRUCTURE

Abstract

A support device (DS) supports M wire elements (EF) of a vehicle having a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2. This device (DS) comprises a chute (GS) housing a part of each wire element (EF) and comprising first (E1) and second (E2) ends to which are coupled first (P1) and second (P2) fixing pieces fixedly secured to the lower face of a structure. At least one of the second end (E2) and second fixing piece (P2) is provided with N indexing elements (EI) placed one behind the other to define N coupling zones corresponding respectively to the N wheelbases, in order to allow coupling of the second fixing piece (P2) on the second end (E2) at a coupling zone adapted to the wheelbase of the structure to which the device (DS) is secured. Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING WIRE ELEMENTS, ADAPTABLE ACCORDING TO THE WHEELBASE OF A VEHICLE STRUCTURE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles having structures whose wheelbases may have different lengths, and more precisely to the support devices which equip such structures. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles comprise at least one support device intended to support wire elements (such as, for example, electric cables and / or fluid transport conduits) and fixedly secured to the underside of their structure. This is for example the case, although not limited to, support devices which are responsible for supporting under a vehicle floor electric cables to be connected to a rechargeable battery and / or fluid transport conduits of a braking or fuel supply circuit.

[0003] This type of support device is intended to simplify and therefore facilitate the coupling of certain wire elements on assembly lines by technicians who are placed under the structure of the vehicle with their arms in the air, due to their grouping and support.

[0004] Currently, when we want to equip vehicles with wheelbase structures of different lengths, we are forced to design for each vehicle a support device which is specifically adapted to its wheelbase, which is expensive and time-consuming and complicates the management of stocks and supplies to assembly lines.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] It proposes in particular for this purpose a support device, on the one hand, intended to support M wire elements of a vehicle having a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M > 1 and N > 2, and, on the other hand, comprising a chute housing a part of each wire element and comprising first and second ends to which are coupled respectively first and second fixing parts intended to be fixedly secured to a lower face of a structure.

[0007] This support device is characterized by the fact that at least one of the second end and second fixing part is provided with at least one set of N indexing elements placed one behind the other to define N coupling zones corresponding respectively to the N wheelbases, in order to allow coupling of the second fixing part on the second end at a coupling zone adapted to the wheelbase of the structure to which the device must be secured.

[0008] Thus, the support device can be adapted according to the length of the wheelbase of the structure to which it is to be fixedly secured.

[0009] The support device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - in a first embodiment, each indexing element of one of the second end and second fastener may be a hole for at least partially accommodating a protrusion that comprises the other of the second end and second fastener;

[0011] - in a second embodiment, each indexing element of one of the second end and second fixing piece may be a protrusion intended to be housed at least partially in a hole that comprises the other of the second end and second fixing piece;

[0012] - N can be between two and five;

[0013] - N can be equal to three;

[0014] - its second fixing part may comprise at least one side wall provided with the N indexing elements of a set;

[0015] - its chute may comprise an upper face in which M are defined central grooves intended to partially and respectively house the M wire elements;

[0016] - it may comprise at least one intermediate flange coupled to the chute in part above the M wire elements to prevent them from coming out;

[0017] - its chute may comprise two lateral faces each provided with a groove lateral. In this case, the first and second fixing parts may each comprise two side walls each provided on an internal face with a rib housed in one of the lateral grooves.

[0018] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising M wire elements, a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M > 1 and N > 2, and a support device of the type presented above and fixedly secured to a lower face of its structure.

[0019] For example, this vehicle may comprise a battery placed below, and against, the support device, and fixedly secured to the lower face of its structure. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0021] [fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an example of a rea development of a support device according to the invention, supporting wire elements and placed on a battery before its attachment to the lower face of a vehicle structure,

[0022] [fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the support device of figure 1 supporting wire elements and before the coupling of its first and second fixing parts to its chute,

[0023] [fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, part of the device support of figures 1 and 2 supporting wire elements, and

[0024] [fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the second end of the support device of figure 2 before coupling the second fixing part to its chute. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] The invention aims in particular to propose a support device DS intended to support M wire elements EF of a vehicle and adaptable to the length of the wheelbase of a structure of this vehicle which can be chosen from N structures.

[0026] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the support device DS is intended to equip a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, a support device DS can equip any vehicle comprising a structure capable of supporting at least one support device on its lower face. Consequently, the invention relates to any type of vehicle, whether land, sea (or river), or air.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a support device DS according to the invention placed on and against an upper face of a rechargeable battery BR of a vehicle before the latter two (DS and BR) are fixedly secured to the lower face of a structure of this vehicle. For example, this structure (not shown) may be the floor of the vehicle. It will be noted that other equipment of the vehicle could be placed under and against the support device DS, or the latter (DS) could have nothing under it after having been fixedly secured to the structure of a vehicle.

[0028] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one chute GS, supporting M wire elements EF of a vehicle having a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M > 1 and N > 2, and first PI and second P2 fixing parts, intended to be secured fixed to a lower face of a structure.

[0029] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, M is equal to seven. But M can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0030] Also in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, N is equal to three. But N can take any value greater than or equal to two. For example, N can be between two and five.

[0031] The GS chute is a support housing a portion of each wire element EF and comprises first E1 and second E2 opposite ends to which the first PI and second P2 fixing pieces are coupled respectively.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, at least one of the second end E2 and second fixing part P2 is provided with at least one set of N indexing elements E1 placed one behind the other to define N coupling zones corresponding respectively to the N footings to which the support device DS can adapt. Each of the N indexing elements E1 of a set allows coupling of the second fixing part P2 to the second end E2 at the coupling zone which is adapted to the footing of the structure to which the support device DS must be fixedly secured.

[0033] In other words, the use of a first indexing element El allows coupling of the second fixing part P2 on the second end E2 at a first coupling zone adapted to a structure having a first wheelbase, the use of a second indexing element El allows coupling of the second fixing part P2 on the second end E2 at a second coupling zone adapted to a structure having a second wheelbase (less than the first), the use of a third indexing element El allows coupling of the second fixing part P2 on the second end E2 at a third coupling zone adapted to a structure having a third wheelbase (less than the second), and so on.

[0034] This provides a DS support device which can be adapted according to the length of the wheelbase of the structure to which it is to be fixedly secured.

[0035] At least two embodiments can be envisaged for indexing.

[0036] In a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, each element indexing El of one of the second end E2 and second fixing part P2 is a hole which is intended to house at least partially a protrusion PR which comprises the other of the second end E2 and second fixing part P2. It will be understood that in this case there is at least one set of N holes El placed one behind the other, and a protrusion PR associated with each set. Each protrusion PR can, for example, be a pin (or finger) which is housed in the hole El which must be used to adapt the support device DS to its host structure.

[0037] In a second embodiment, not illustrated, each indexing element El of one of the second end E2 and second fixing part P2 is a protrusion which is intended to be housed at least partially in a hole which comprises the other of the second end E2 and second fixing part P2. It will be understood that in this case there is at least one set of N protrusions El placed one behind the other, and a hole associated with each set. Each protrusion El can, for example, be a pin (or finger) which is housed in the corresponding hole.

[0038] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, it is the second fixing part P2 which comprises a side wall PLI provided with the N indexing elements E1 of a set. Each protuberance PR is then defined on a side face FL of the second end E2 of the chute GS.

[0039] But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the second end E2 of the chute GS could comprise a lateral face FL provided with the N indexing elements El of a set, each protuberance PR then being defined on a lateral wall PLI of the second fixing part P2.

[0040] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the support device DS comprises two sets of N indexing elements El defined on the two substantially mutually parallel side walls PLI of the second fixing part P2. This makes it possible to optimize the coupling of the latter (P2) to the chute GS. But the support device DS could comprise only one set of N indexing elements EL

[0041] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, that the chute GS may comprise an upper face FS in which M central grooves (or grooves) RC are defined, intended to partially and respectively house the M wire elements EF. This makes it possible to guide and hold each wire element EF. Preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly, each central groove (or groove) RC has a cross-section which is adapted to the cross-section of the wire element EF which it must house, in order to guide and hold it even better.

[0042] It will also be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that the coupling of the first PI and second P2 fixing pieces to the chute GS can be done by clipping. For this purpose, the chute GS can comprise two lateral faces FL each provided with a lateral groove (or groove) RL, and the first PI and second P2 fixing pieces can each comprise two lateral walls PLI each provided on an internal face with a rib housed in one of these lateral grooves (or grooves) RL.

[0043] It will be understood that the first PI and second P2 fixing pieces are coupled to the GS chute (here by clipping) once the M wire elements EF have been housed in the GS chute (here in the corresponding central RC grooves (or grooves)).

[0044] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 2 and 4, that the first PI and second P2 fixing pieces can pass above the M wire elements EF over a relatively long length (typically a few centimeters) in order to prevent these wire elements EF from coming out, and therefore to clamp them at the level of the first E1 and second E2 ends of the chute GS respectively. This makes it possible to guide and hold the wire elements EF even better.

[0045] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 4, that the second end E2 of the chute GS may comprise on at least one of its lateral faces FL a lateral opening OL allowing the lateral exit of the neighboring wire element EF before it reaches its end face.

[0046] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, that the second fixing part P2 may comprise a fixing lug PF allowing it to be fixedly secured to its host structure, for example by screwing or stapling. When the battery BR (or any other attached equipment) is placed under and against the support device DS, this fixing lug PF may also, optionally but advantageously, serve for the fixed securing of this battery BR (this other attached equipment) to the host structure, in particular by bolts. When the battery BR is itself placed in the vicinity of other attached equipment, such as for example a fuel or hydrogen tank, this fixing lug PF may also, optionally but advantageously, serve for the fixed securing of this other attached equipment to the host structure, in particular by bolts.

[0047] For its part, the first fixing part PI can be fixedly secured to its host structure by screwing or stapling, for example.

[0048] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, that the support device DS may also comprise at least one intermediate flange BI coupled to the chute GS partly above the M wire elements EF in order to prevent the latter (EF) from coming out. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly, each intermediate flange BI may have a cross-section in the shape of an inverted U (or stirrup).

[0049] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, this coupling can be done by clipping. For this purpose, each intermediate flange BI can comprise two side walls each provided on an internal face with a rib NC housed by clipping in one of the lateral grooves RL defined in the two lateral faces FL of the chute GS (and already used for clipping the side walls PLI of the first PI and second P2 fixing parts).

[0050] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in FIG. 2, three intermediate flanges BI are coupled to the chute GS by being distributed between the first PI and second P2 fixing parts. This ensures not only support and guidance along the entire length of the GS trunking, but also avoids the generation of parasitic noise. But there could be only one intermediate BI flange or two intermediate BI flanges.

[0051] When the battery BR (or any other attached equipment) is placed under and against the support device DS, it can advantageously be dismantled in an after-sales service without having to dismantle this support device DS and the wire elements EF which it supports.

Claims

Claims

1. Support device (DS) for supporting M wire elements (EF) of a vehicle having a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M > 1 and N > 2, said device (DS) comprising a chute (GS) housing a part of each wire element (EF) and comprising first (El) and second (E2) ends to which are coupled respectively first (PI) and second (P2) fixing pieces intended to be fixedly secured to a lower face of a structure, characterized in that at least one of said second end (E2) and second fixing piece (P2) is provided with at least one set of N indexing elements (El) placed one behind the other to define N coupling zones corresponding respectively to said N wheelbases,in order to allow coupling of said second fixing part (P2) on said second end (E2) at a coupling zone adapted to the wheelbase of the structure to which said device (DS) must be secured.,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each indexing element (El) of one of said second end (E2) and second fixing part (P2) is a hole intended to house at least partially a protuberance (PR) which comprises the other of said second end (E2) and second fixing part (P2).

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each indexing element (El) of one of said second end (E2) and second fixing part (P2) is a protuberance intended to be housed at least partially in a hole which comprises the other of said second end (E2) and second fixing part (P2).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that N is between two and five.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second fixing part (P2) comprises at least one side wall (PLI) provided with said N indexing elements (El) of a set.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said chute (GS) comprises an upper face (FS) in which M central grooves (RC) are defined, intended to partially and respectively house said M wire elements (EF).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate flange (BI) coupled to said chute (GS) partly above said M wire elements (EF) in order to prevent the latter (EF) from coming out.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said chute (GS) comprises two lateral faces (FL) each provided with a lateral groove (RL), and in that said first (PI) and second (P2) fixing parts each comprise two lateral walls (PLI) each provided on an internal face with a rib housed in one of said lateral grooves (RL).

9. Vehicle comprising M wire elements (EF) and a structure chosen from N having different wheelbases, with M > 1 and N > 2, characterized in that it further comprises a support device (DS) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly secured to a lower face of said structure.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a battery (BR) placed below, and against, said support device (DS), and fixedly secured to said lower face of the structure.

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