Inflatable insert for vehicle body structure.

Abstract

Inflatable insert for vehicle body structure. The invention relates to an anti-vibration insert (30) for a vehicle body structure, particularly for a motor vehicle (1), intended to be positioned at a junction (9) between a roof (4), a rear ring (5) comprising a side gutter, and a body side (7) comprising a rear quarter panel reinforcement. The insert (30) comprises a first part including a main cavity, in particular a first part made of plastic, and a second part fitting at least partially within the main cavity of the first part so as to stiffen the insert (30) and / or the junction (9), in particular to stiffen the first part, by pressing against the side gutter, in particular against a first face of the side gutter, and / or by pressing against the rear quarter panel reinforcement, in particular against a second face of the rear quarter panel reinforcement. Illustration: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Inflatable insert for vehicle body structure. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an anti-vibration insert for a junction between a roof, a rear ring, and a body side. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such an insert. The invention further relates to a vehicle body structure comprising such an arrangement and / or such an insert. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a body structure and / or such an arrangement and / or such an insert. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a vehicle, such a body structure, or such an arrangement. Prior art

[0002] A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, especially a commercial motor vehicle, generally includes a rear ring within the body structure. Such a rear ring generally surrounds the trunk opening, whether it is closed by a horizontally hinged tailgate or by one or more vertically hinged doors. Generally, a reinforcement on the right side is arranged at the junction between such a rear ring, a roof, and a right-hand side of the body. Generally, a reinforcement on the left side is arranged at the junction between such a rear ring, a roof, and a left-hand side of the body.

[0003] Only such a reinforcement must allow for the supply of power, for example electrical energy, to such a tailgate or at least such a hinged door, particularly for the locking system. Thus, such a reinforcement is generally drilled to allow the passage of conductors such as electrical wires. Obviously, an opening or drilling within such a reinforcement limits its effectiveness in terms of torsional resistance to the body structure.

[0004] Thus, it would be appropriate to improve the efficiency of such a reinforcement while allowing the trunk door(s) to be supplied with electrical power. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an insert that remedies the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide an insert that allows the torsional natural frequency of the body structure to tend towards 40 Hz. Summary of the invention

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an anti-vibration insert for a vehicle body structure, particularly for a motor vehicle, intended to be positioned at a junction between a roof, a rear ring comprising a side gutter and one side of the body including a rear quarter panel reinforcement, the insert comprising: - a first part comprising a main cavity, in particular a first part made of plastic, - a second part fitting at least partially into the main cavity of the first part so as to stiffen the insert and / or the joint, in particular to stiffen the first part, by pressing against the side gutter, in particular against a first face of the side gutter, and / or by pressing against the rear quarter panel reinforcement, in particular against a second face of the rear quarter panel reinforcement.

[0007] The second part may be made of inflating material.

[0008] The insert may include a guide means for at least one conductor, in particular a conduit-type guide means comprising at least a first orifice and at least a second orifice.

[0009] The insert may include a fastening means for fixing to such a case structure, in particular a fastening means comprising at least one tab, in particular a metal tab.

[0010] The main cavity may include a contour comprising at least one rim intended to come into contact with the second part.

[0011] The first part may include at least one stiffening rib.

[0012] The invention further relates to a rear arrangement comprising a roof, a rear ring including a side gutter and a body side including a rear quarter panel reinforcement, the arrangement including an insert as defined previously.

[0013] The invention further relates to a vehicle body structure, in particular a motor vehicle, the body structure comprising an arrangement as defined above and / or at least one insert as defined above.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one insert as defined above and / or an arrangement as defined above and / or a body structure as defined above.

[0015] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a body or vehicle assembly or structure comprising the following steps: - a step of fixing an insert as defined above, in particular a step of fixing it to a side gutter, in particular by welding at least one tab onto the side gutter, so as to obtain a pre-assembly, then - a step of fixing the pre-assembly with at least one side panel of the case in order to obtain a side panel assembly, in particular by fitting the insert in at least one side skin of the crate, then - a step of joining the body side assembly to a rear quarter panel reinforcement, in particular by pressing the second part against the side gutter, in particular by pressing against the first face of the side gutter and / or by pressing the second part against the rear quarter panel reinforcement, in particular by pressing against the second face of the rear quarter panel reinforcement by heating triggering the expansion or inflation of the second part, in particular by passing through a paint oven, so as to pre-stress the volume occupied by the insert at the junction, then - a step of fixing a roof panel so as to close a hollow section extending in particular between the side gutter, the side of the body and the rear quarter panel reinforcement. Presentation of the figures

[0016] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting reference in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0017] [fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0018] [fig.2] Fig.2 is a partial perspective view of a box structure of the vehicle according to a particular embodiment.

[0019] [fig.3] The [fig.3] is a partial section along a vertical and longitudinal or substantially vertical and longitudinal plane A of an arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0020] [fig.4] The [fig.4] is a partial section along a transverse and longitudinal plane B or substantially transverse and longitudinal of an arrangement according to a mode of embodiment.

[0021] [fig.5] Fig.5 is an exploded perspective view of an insert according to one embodiment.

[0022] [fig.6] Fig.6 is a perspective view of the insert according to the embodiment.

[0023] [fig.7] Fig.7 is another perspective view of the insert according to the method of... lisation.

[0024] [fig.8] Fig.8 is another perspective view of the insert according to the embodiment.

[0025] [fig.9] Fig.9 is a perspective view of a first part of the insert according to a method of implementation.

[0026] [fig. 10] The [fig. 10] is a view of the first part of the insert according to the embodiment.

[0027] [fig.l 1] The [fig.l 1] is another perspective view of the first part of the insert according to the embodiment.

[0028] [fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a view along direction F of the first part of the insert depending on the method of implementation.

[0029] [fig. 13] The [fig. 13] is a view along direction G of the first part of the insert according to the embodiment. Detailed description

[0030] The direction in which a motor vehicle moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a right-handed XYZ coordinate system is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to the right, and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the motor vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment.

[0032] For example, the motor vehicle 1 includes a tailgate-type trunk lid hinged about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis. Alternatively, the vehicle includes a swing-out trunk lid, preferably hinged about a vertical or substantially vertical axis. For example, the vehicle includes two swing-out trunk lids, one arranged on the right and one on the left, preferably each lid being hinged about a vertical or substantially vertical axis. For example, in the case of two swing-out lids, they have substantially the same dimensions, particularly with respect to the transverse direction in the closed position.

[0033] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the vehicle comprises a body structure 3 according to one embodiment. The vehicle and / or the body structure 3 further comprises a rear arrangement 2 according to one embodiment, illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4. The rear arrangement 2 comprises a roof 4, a rear ring 5 comprising a side gutter 6, and a body side 7 comprising a rear quarter panel reinforcement 8. The vehicle and / or the body structure 3 and / or the rear arrangement 2 further comprises at least one anti-vibration insert 30.

[0034] Note that to simplify the following description, the side described, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 2, is the left side.

[0035] In the case of symmetrical or substantially symmetrical swing doors with respect to a vertical and longitudinal median plane, the right side may also be symmetrical with respect to a vertical and longitudinal median plane.

[0036] More specifically, as illustrated in particular in [fig. 5], the insert 30 comprises a first part 10. The first part 10 preferably comprises a main cavity 11. For example, as illustrated in particular in [fig.7], the main cavity 11 comprises edges or rims 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G and 11H. Advantageously, the first part 10 is made of plastic.

[0037] The insert 30 further comprises a second part 20 which is housed at least partially within the main cavity 11 of the first part 10. Alternatively, the second part 20 is housed entirely or substantially entirely within the first part 10, in particular without exceeding or flush with the edges 11 A, 1 IB, 1 IC, 11D, 11E, 11F, 1 IG and 11H of the main cavity 11.

[0038] Advantageously, the second part 20 is made of a swelling material. By "swelling material", it is understood, for example, that it swells or is capable of undergoing expansion, in particular under the action of a temperature variation, for example a temperature rise to a threshold temperature and maintenance at this threshold temperature for a predefined period.

[0039] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 8], the insert 30 includes a guide means 40 for at least one conductor 50. Preferably, the guide means 40 is of the conduit type and includes at least one first orifice 41 and at least one second orifice 42. By conductor 50, illustrated in [Fig. 3], is meant one or more electrical wires and / or a hose intended for the transport of pressurized air or pressurized oil, for example, so as to control a component. This component is, for example, a lock for the trunk door(s) or a means for opening / closing the trunk door(s).

[0040] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5], the insert 30 includes a fastening means for attaching it to the body structure 3. This fastening means preferably includes at least one tab 31, for example two tabs 31. Advantageously still, the tab(s) are metallic so as to be able to be attached by welding. For example, as illustrated, each tab is a bracket comprising two wings, in particular a wing 32 of a shorter length than the length of a wing 33. For example, the wing 32 is intended to cooperate with a recess or groove 12 formed in the first part 10 so as to hold and / or position each tab relative to the first part 10.

[0041] More specifically, as illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the insert 30 allows the body structure 3 of the vehicle 1 to be reinforced. To do this, the insert 30 is intended to be positioned at a junction 9 between the roof 4, the rear ring 5 and the body side 7.

[0042] The second part 20, as it inflates, comes to rest in particular against the edges 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11H, and 11H of the first part 10. Thus, the first part 10, and in this case the entire insert 30, is stiffened. Furthermore, as When inflated, the second part 20 presses against the side gutter 6. More precisely, the second part 20 presses against a first face 6A of the side gutter 6. Alternatively or in addition, when inflating, the second part 20 presses against the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8. More precisely, the second part presses against a second face 8B of the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8.

[0043] An embodiment of a manufacturing process for the arrangement 2 or the body structure 3 or the vehicle is described below.

[0044] In a preliminary step, a first part 10 and preferably two tabs 31 are taken. The tabs 31 are fixed by inserting the wings 32 into the grooves 12 of the first part 10, possibly after gluing the groove and / or the wings 32. The tabs 31 are then fixed to the first part 10. The second part 20 is then positioned within the main cavity 11, for example by wedging the second part 20 against the edges 11A to 11H. The uninflated insert 30 is then obtained. Note that alternatively, it may be possible to position the second part 20 on the first part 10 before proceeding to fix the tabs 31 to the first part 10.

[0045] We then proceed to a step of fixing the insert 30 onto the side gutter 6. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in [fig.3], at least one weld point 35 is made between each tab 31, in particular each wing 33, and the side gutter 6. This gives us a pre-assembly 60 comprising the uninflated insert 30 and the side gutter 6.

[0046] The pre-assembly 60 is then fixed to a side panel 70 of the body 7. Note that the body side may include a side panel lining 71 as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8, notches or a groove 13 are provided on the first part 10. This groove 13 allows the pre-assembly 60 to be fixed, for example by fitting the insert 30 into the side panel 70 of the body 7. This results in a body side assembly 61.

[0047] The body side assembly 61 is then connected to the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8. To achieve this connection, the second part 20 is supported against the side gutter 6, preferably by a support against the first face 6A of the side gutter 6. For example, the first face 6A extends vertically or substantially vertically and possibly transversely or substantially transversely. Alternatively or in addition, preferably simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the second part 20 is supported against the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8, preferably by a support against the second face 8B of the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8. For example, the second face 8B extends horizontally, for example by being parallel or substantially parallel to a transverse and longitudinal plane. This support or these supports are obtained by passing through a paint oven or drying oven. The expansion or inflation of the second part 20. Indeed, by increasing the temperature of the second part 20, it swells, which generates pressure between the second part 20 and the first part 10, particularly within the main cavity 11 and its edges. Furthermore, contacts 36 at the first face 6A (expansion illustrated by dashed lines in Figures 3 and 4) of the lateral gutter 6 and / or contacts 38 at the second face 8B of the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8 (expansion illustrated by dashed lines in Figure 4) are also generated by this increase in volume. Thus, the increase in volume of the second part 20 pre-stresses the insert 30 at its faces that cooperate at the junction 9, particularly between the first face 6A and the second face 8B.

[0048] Advantageously, the pavilion 4 is then fixed. The fixing of the pavilion preferably allows a hollow body 62 to be closed or sealed, delimited in particular by the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8, the side gutter 6 and the side of the body 7 (illustrated figures 3 and 4).

[0049] In summary, the insert with its inflatable portion makes it possible to achieve, for example, a frequency of at least 40 Hz for the torsion of the body structure while preserving a passage for at least one conductor, for example, wiring, via the guide means 40. This frequency, in addition to guaranteeing the vehicle's endurance with respect to the stresses it undergoes during its lifespan (vibrations due to the engine, driving, etc.), also allows for good results in vibration acoustics. As mentioned, the connection between the first vertical face 6A of the side gutter 6 and the second horizontal face 8B of the rear quarter panel reinforcement 8 is ensured during the paint curing process of the body structure, which triggers the expansion of the inflatable material.In addition to the connection created between the first part 10 and these two faces by the expansion of the second part 20, the right-angled shape of the insert 30, particularly the first part 10 illustrated more precisely in Figures 9 to 13, reinforces the node 9 at the upper rear left corner of the ring 5 of the box structure 3. In other words, the plastic support 10 serves, on the one hand, to receive or support the expanding material 20 and, on the other hand, to contribute to the rigidity of the structure after the expansion of the expanding material. The expanding material connects all the faces that are opposite or nearly opposite it once expanded. Preferably, at least one rib 14, or even a network of ribs, provided in the first part 10 brings stiffness to the first part, and consequently to the insert, and once the expanding material has been expanded, to the node or junction 9.

[0050] Note that the specific shape (conduit 40, orifices 41, 42) of the insert allows the passage and guidance of the wiring through it while allowing passage through or within the hollow body 62.

[0051] In addition, the insert provides a guiding function for the conductor 50, the guiding means being able to be curved so as to orient the conductor 50. Indeed, the means 40 This is not simply a through hole; its shape allows it to guide the wiring in the correct direction during threading. Preferably, the insert 30 does not occupy the entire available volume within the hollow body 62, particularly to facilitate the installation of the conductor 50. Note that the conductor 50, preferably an electrical power supply wire, passes, for example, inside the rear ring 5, to power one or more swing doors or a tailgate, and / or at least one lock, and / or at least one brake light, and / or at least one rear wiper, and / or at least one license plate light, and passes through the insert from inside the vehicle to the outside. The perceived quality for the user is thus improved when the door(s) are open, as the wiring is invisible.For example, a cable passage hole is pre-arranged in the mold of the first plastic part 10 so as to allow the cable to pass through at the factory after the expansion of the swelling product of the second part 20.

[0052] Only the tabs 31 are welded, which facilitates assembly, as the passage of a welding clamp is generally delicate or even impossible at the level of this junction 9 of the body structure 3.

[0053] Thanks to the second part 20, which inflates against the body structure and also against the corners or edges of the first part 10, the insert 30 has a "closed" cross-section and is particularly rigid. In other words, the cross-section of the rear ring is stiffened by the expansion of the insert, which then squares the hollow body 62. The presence of the guide means 40 does not alter this rigidity once the insert is in place and the second part is inflated. Thus, the upper corner or junction 9 of the rear ring 5, subject to deformations during vehicle use, is stiffened while still allowing passage for the power supply to the electrical components. This results in less deformation of the rear ring.

[0054] As a note, the solution according to the invention therefore achieves the desired objective of improving the torsional resistance of a body structure at the level of a right or left rear upper node, while leaving a passage for power wiring and offers the following advantages: - it is economical since the cable guidance function is ensured by the anti-vibration insert, which makes it possible to eliminate a part dedicated to this function; - it can be used at any rear ring arranged on a vehicle body structure equipped with tailgate-type trunk door or swing door(s).

Claims

Claims

1. Anti-vibration insert (30) for a vehicle body structure (3), in particular a motor vehicle (1), intended to be positioned at a junction (9) between a roof (4), a rear ring (5) comprising a lateral gutter (6) and a body side (7) comprising a rear quarter panel reinforcement (8), characterized in that the insert (30) comprises: - a first part (10) comprising a main cavity (11), in particular a first part (10) made of plastic, - a second part (20) housed at least partially within the main cavity (11) of the first part (10) so as to stiffen the insert (30) and / or the junction (9), in particular to stiffen the first part (10), by pressing against the lateral gutter (6), in particular against a first face (6A) of the lateral gutter (6), and / or by pressing against the rear quarter panel reinforcement (8), in particular against a second face (8B) of the rear quarter panel reinforcement (8),the insert (30) comprising a guide means (40) for at least one conductor (50), in particular a guide means (40) of the conduit type comprising at least one first orifice (41) and at least one second orifice (42).,

2. Insert (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part (20) is made of swelling material.

3. Insert (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fixing means for fixing to such a body structure (3), in particular a fixing means comprising at least one tab (31), in particular a metal tab (31).

4. Insert (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main cavity (11) comprises a contour comprising at least one rim (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H) intended to come into contact with the second part (20).

5. Insert (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (10) comprises at least one stiffening rib (14).

6. Rear arrangement (2) comprising a roof (4), a rear ring (5) comprising a side gutter (6) and a body side (7) comprising a rear quarter panel reinforcement (8), characterized in that it comprises an insert (30) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Body structure (3) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim and / or at least one insert (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one insert (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and / or an arrangement (2) according to claim 6 and / or a body structure (3) according to the preceding claim.

9. Method for manufacturing an arrangement (2) or a body structure (3) or a vehicle comprising the following steps: - a step of fixing the insert (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in particular a step of fixing on a side gutter (6), in particular by welding at least one tab (31) on the side gutter (6), so as to obtain a pre-assembly (60), then - a step of fixing the pre-assembly (60) with at least one skin (70) of the body side (7) so as to obtain a body side assembly (61), in particular by fitting the insert (30) into the at least one skin (70) of the body side, then - a step of connecting the body side assembly (61) to a rear quarter panel reinforcement (8), in particular by pressing the second part (20) against the side gutter (6),in particular by pressing against the first face (6A) of the side gutter (6) and / or by pressing the second part (20) against the rear quarter panel reinforcement (8), in particular by pressing against the second face (8B) of the rear quarter panel reinforcement (8) by heating triggering the expansion or inflation of the second part (20), in particular by passing through a paint oven, so as to pre-stress the volume occupied by the insert (30) at the junction (9), then - a step of fixing a roof (4) so ​​as to close a hollow body (62) extending in particular between the side gutter (6), the body side (7) and the rear quarter panel reinforcement (8).,

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