Vehicle body component, panel, vehicle and associated assembly method
The vehicle cash register panel with a foldable flap simplifies installation and improves robustness by creating a reception volume for the fixing organ, enabling secure and precise mounting on vehicle structures.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021005907
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle cash registers require complex installation processes due to the need for tools to fix panels to vehicle structures, and the panels are not robust enough to withstand the constraints generated by the fixing organs.
A vehicle cash register panel with a mobile flap that can be folded to create a reception volume for the fixing organ's head, allowing easy installation and enhanced robustness, featuring a flap with a fixing window and support portions to maintain the fixing organ securely.
Facilitates easy and robust installation of vehicle cash registers by maintaining the fixing organ in place, ensuring precise positioning and enhancing panel strength.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Vehicle body element, panel, vehicle and associated mounting method
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body element comprising:
[0002] - a panel comprising a main section, the main section comprising at least at least one fixing hole defining a fixing axis; and
[0003] - at least one panel fixing member, intended to fix the panel to a vehicle structure, the fixing member comprising a body extending through the fixing hole, and a head, intended to cooperate with the main section to fix the panel to the vehicle structure.
[0004] In the field of vehicle bodies, it is common to use vehicle body elements comprising a panel, such as for example a body bottom, an engine bottom or a trunk underside, and a fixing member. The panel is generally fixed to a vehicle structure by means of the fixing member, for example to form the bottom of the vehicle body, the engine bottom or even a trunk underside.
[0005] An example of a vehicle body element is presented in document EP3408163.
[0006] Such vehicle body elements are not, however, entirely satisfactory. Indeed, a tool such as a clamping tool is often necessary for installing the fixing member on a vehicle structure. It is then very complex for an operator to simultaneously hold the clamping tool, the fixing member and the panel to install the vehicle body element on a vehicle structure, which leads to a significant assembly time.
[0007] Furthermore, known panels sometimes prove to be insufficiently robust to withstand the stress concentrations generated by the fixing members on the panel, at the level of their fixings on the vehicle structure.
[0008] An objective of the invention is then to propose a robust vehicle body element which is easy to install.
[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a body element as mentioned above, in which the panel comprises a flap, integral with the main section, the flap being movable between an unfolded position and a folded position, in which the flap is folded over the main section and defines with the main section a volume for receiving the head of the fixing member, around the head of the fixing member, the flap being configured to hold the head in the receiving volume when the flap is in its folded position.
[0010] A panel comprising a flap defining a volume for receiving the fixing head is particularly advantageous, such a flap allowing the fixing member to be held in place with a view to fixing the panel to a vehicle structure. Such a flap is also particularly advantageous for solidifying the panel around the fixing hole.
[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the vehicle body element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:
[0012] - the flap defines a fixing window, the fixing window being aligned with the fixing axis when the flap is in its folded position, the radial section of the fixing window being smaller than the radial section of the head of the fixing member; - the head comprises a fixing end and a holding plate, the fixing end extending through the fixing window and the holding plate extending between the flap and the main section when the flap is in its folded position; - the cross-section of the body of the fixing member is at least 10% less than the radial extent of the fixing hole; - the flap comprises a holding portion and a support portion, the holding portion being offset from the main section and the support portion resting on the main section when the flap is in its folded position; - the support portion extends all around the fixing member when the flap is in its folded position; and - the flap is glued and / or welded to the main section when the flap is in its folded position.
[0013] The invention further relates to a panel intended to construct a body element as mentioned above, the panel comprising:
[0014] - a main section, the main section comprising at least one orifice of fixing defining a fixing axis, and
[0015] - a flap, made in one piece with the main section, the flap being movable between a unfolded position and a folded position, in which the flap is folded over the main section and defines with the main section a receiving volume for a head of a fixing member, the flap being configured to hold a head of a fixing member in the receiving volume when the flap is in its folded position.
[0016] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a body element as mentioned above and a vehicle structure, the head of the fixing member cooperating with the main section to fix the panel to the vehicle structure.
[0017] The invention further relates to a method of mounting a body element such as as mentioned above including the following steps:
[0018] - insertion of the body of the fixing member through the fixing hole of the main section, and
[0019] - folding the flap on the main section towards its folded position, to define with the main section a volume for receiving the head of the fixing member around the head of the fixing member.
[0020] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the assembly method further comprises the following step(s):
[0021] - gluing the flap and / or the main section before the folding step, for the solida- joining the flap to the main section after the folding step, and / or
[0022] - welding of the flap to the main section after the folding step for joining from the flap to the main section.
[0023] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the figures in which:
[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a vehicle body element according to the invention mounted and installed on a vehicle body;
[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a panel and of a fixing member of the vehicle body element of [Fig.l], before mounting the body element;
[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a representation similar to that of [Fig.2], of the element vehicle body during preparation for assembly of the vehicle body element; and
[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a representation similar to that of Figures 2 and 3, of the vehicle body element after preparation for assembly of the vehicle body element.
[0028] Referring to [Fig.l], a vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle structure 12 and a vehicle body member 14, also called body member 14.
[0029] The vehicle 10 is preferably a motor vehicle such as for example a car, a truck or a bus.
[0030] The vehicle structure 12 comprises for example a chassis 16 of the vehicle 10 and is configured to accommodate the body element 14.
[0031] The body element 14 is for example an element intended to extend under the vehicle structure 12 when the vehicle is in the normal operating position. The body element 14 is for example fixed under the vehicle structure 12, facing a surface on which the vehicle is intended to travel. The body element 14 then forms a rocker panel, or bottom panel, of the vehicle 10.
[0032] The body element 14 comprises a panel 18 and a panel fixing member 20, also called fixing member 20.
[0033] With reference to [Fig.2], the panel 18 comprises a main section 22 and at least one flap 24. The panel 18 is formed in a single piece.
[0034] The panel 18 is for example formed from a composite material. The composite material forming the panel 18 comprises for example fibers, such as fibers commonly used as reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers but also textile fibers such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PA (polyamide) fibers coated with a matrix such as a matrix based on a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene, or low melting point PET (less than 200°C).
[0035] The panel 18 comprises a cooperating face 26 and an exposed face 28, the cooperating face 26 and the exposed face 28 defining between them a thickness of the panel 18. The thickness of the panel is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm.
[0036] The main section 22, for example, extends substantially horizontally when the vehicle 10 is in the normal operating position.
[0037] The main section 22 is for example adapted to protect the vehicle structure 12 from the surface on which the vehicle is traveling. The main section 22 is for example adapted to resist projections of gravel.
[0038] The main section is a portion of the panel 18 and the surface area of the main section 22 represents for example between 80% and 95% of the surface area of the panel 18. The surface area of the main section 22 is for example between 0.5 m2 and 10 m2.
[0039] The main section 22 comprises for example a free edge 30 and comprises at least one joining edge 32. The main section 22 defines at least one fixing orifice 33.
[0040] The free edge 30 of the main section 22 defines a free edge of the panel 18.
[0041] The joining edge 32 of the main section 22 is connected to the flap 24.
[0042] The fixing orifice 33 passes through the main section 22 and opens on the one hand onto the cooperation face 26 and on the other hand onto the exposed face 28.
[0043] The fixing orifice 33 defines a fixing axis F-F'. The fixing axis F-F' extends substantially perpendicular to the cooperation face 26 and to the exposed face 28.
[0044] The diameter of the fixing hole is preferably between 4 mm and 15 mm.
[0045] The fixing orifice 33 extends along a joining edge 32. In particular, the distance between the fixing hole 33 and the joining edge is less than or equal to a width of the flap 24 connected to the main section 22 by said joining edge 32, as will be described later. The distance between the fixing hole 33 and the joining edge 32 is for example between 20 mm and 60 mm.
[0046] In this example, the flap 24 is integral with the main section 22. The flap 24 is a portion of the panel 18 extending in the continuity of the section main section 22 and being connected to the main section by a joining edge 32 of the main section 22.
[0047] The width of the flap 24, that is to say the distance between the joining edge 32 and the free edge of the panel portion 18 forming the flap, is preferably between 50 mm and 150 mm.
[0048] The flap 24 is movable between an unfolded position, as shown in [Fig.2], and a folded position, as shown in [Fig.4].
[0049] When it is in its unfolded position, the flap 24 extends in the extension of the main section 22. In other words, the flap 24 and the main section 22 extend substantially along the same plane.
[0050] When in its folded position, the flap 24 is folded over the main section 22, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. A portion of the cooperating face 26 of the portion of the panel 18 forming the flap 24 is then pressed against a portion of the cooperating face 26 of the portion of the panel 18 forming the main section 22.
[0051] As seen in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the joining edge 32 is defined by a fold when the flap 24 is in its folded position and is defined by a line along which the flap 24 is intended to be folded when the flap 24 is in its unfolded position.
[0052] In a particular variant, and as illustrated in [Fig.l], the panel 18 comprises a groove 34 extending on the exposed face 28 on the joining edge 32, thus defining the joining edge 32. Such a groove 34 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the passage of the flap 24 from its unfolded position to its folded position.
[0053] The flap 24 is preferably glued and / or welded to the main section 22 when the flap 24 is in its folded position. The body element 14 then comprises a layer of glue 35 and / or a weld (not shown) arranged between the main section 22 and the flap 24. In the example of [Fig. 1], a layer of glue 35 is arranged between the main section 22 and the flap 24 folded over the main section 22.
[0054] The flap 24 defines with the main section 22 a reception volume 36 when the flap 24 is in its folded position.
[0055] The flap 24 preferably comprises a holding portion 38 and a support portion 40. In a particular variant illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the flap comprises a fixing window 42 allowing access to the fixing member 20.
[0056] The holding portion 38 is formed from a portion of the flap 24 recessed relative to the support portion 40. The holding portion 38 is in particular offset from the support portion 40 in an orientation going from the cooperation face 26 to the exposed face.
[0057] The holding portion 38 is offset by at least 2 mm from the support portion 40.
[0058] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the support portion 40 extends all around the holding portion 38. When the fixing member 20 is inserted into the fixing orifice 33 and the flap is in its folded position as will be described later, the support portion 40 extends all around the fixing member 20.
[0059] When the flap 24 is in its folded position, the holding portion 38 is offset from the main section 22 and the support portion 40 bears on the main section 22.
[0060] When the flap 24 is glued to the main section 22, the entire support portion 40 is for example glued to the main section.
[0061] When the flap 24 is welded to the main section 22, the holding portion 38 is preferably arranged between the weld (not shown) and the joining edge 32.
[0062] The fixing window 42 is formed by an orifice passing through the flap 24. The fixing window 42 is for example aligned on the fixing axis F-F' when the flap 24 is in its folded position.
[0063] The fixing window 42 is for example formed in the holding portion 38 of the flap 24 and preferably in the center of the holding portion 38.
[0064] The fixing member 20 is intended to fix the panel 18 on the vehicle structure 12. In the example of [Fig.l], the fixing member fixes the panel 18 on the vehicle structure 12.
[0065] The fixing member 20 fixes, for example, the panel to the vehicle structure 12 by screwing or clipping.
[0066] The fixing member 20 comprises a body 44 and a head 46. The body 44 and the head 46 are integral with each other.
[0067] The body 44 is preferably elongated along the fixing axis F-F'.
[0068] The body 44 extends through the fixing hole 33. The body 44 is intended to cooperate with the vehicle structure 12 to maintain the fixing member 20 on the vehicle structure 12.
[0069] The cross-section of the body 44 around the fixing axis F-F' is at least 10% less than the radial extent of the fixing orifice 33. This allows a mounting clearance ensuring the exact positioning of the fixing members 20 with respect to the holding orifices of the chassis 16.
[0070] The head 46 of the fixing member 20 cooperates with the main section 22 to fix the panel to the vehicle structure 12, as illustrated in [Fig.l] and 4. The head 46 is in particular radially wider than the body 44 around the axis F-F'.
[0071] When the flap 24 is in its folded position, the head 46 is arranged in the receiving volume 36, the receiving volume 36 thus being a receiving volume 36 of the head 46 of the fixing member 20. The receiving volume 36 is in particular defined by the flap 24 around the head 46. The flap 24 is thus configured to hold the head 46 in the receiving volume 36 when the flap 24 is in its folded position.
[0072] The head 46 is for example arranged away from the flap 24 in the reception volume 36. and is for example mobile in rotation around the axis F-F'.
[0073] When the flap 24 includes a window 42, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the radial section of the window 42 is smaller than the radial section of the head 46 of the fixing member 20. For example, the diameter of the window 42 is smaller than the diameter of the head 46.
[0074] As visible in Figures 1 to 4, the head 46 comprises for example a fixing end 48 and a holding plate 50.
[0075] The holding plate 50 holds the panel 18 against the vehicle structure 12.
[0076] The holding plate 50 extends between the flap 24 and the main section 22 when the flap 24 is in its folded position. The holding plate 50 is radially wider around the axis F-F' than the fixing hole 33 and, when the holding plate comprises a fixing window 42, than the fixing window 42.
[0077] The thickness of the holding plate 50 is for example less than or equal to the offset between the holding portion 38 and the support portion 40.
[0078] As seen in [Fig.l], the fixing end 48 extends for example through the fixing window 42.
[0079] A method for mounting a vehicle body element 14 as previously described will now be presented. The steps presented form in particular a method of preparation for mounting integrated into the method for mounting a vehicle body element 14.
[0080] Initially, the flap 24 is placed in its unfolded position. The method comprises a step of inserting the body 44 of the fixing member 20 through the fixing orifice 33 of the main section 22. The head 46 of the fixing member 20 is arranged to bear on the main section 22 and more particularly on the cooperation face of the main section 22.
[0081] The method then comprises a step of folding the flap 24 onto the main section 22. [Fig. 2] represents the body element 14 during the folding step. The flap 24 is thus brought towards its folded position to define with the main section 22 the receiving volume 36 of the head 46 of the fixing member 20 around said head 46 of the fixing member 20.
[0082] The method preferably comprises a gluing step and / or a welding step.
[0083] When the flap 24 and the main section 22 are intended to be glued to each other, a step of gluing the flap 24 and / or the main section 22 takes place before folding the flap 24 onto the main section 22. A layer of glue is then applied to the flap 24 and / or to the main section 22. The flap 24 is then secured by gluing to the main section 22, to be held in its folded position on the main section 22, by folding the flap 24 onto the main section 22.
[0084] Alternatively, or in addition, the flap 24 is welded to the main section 22 to secure the flap 24 to the main section 22 during a step of welding the flap 24 to the main section 22. The step of welding the flap 24 to the main section 22 with a view to securing them then takes place after the folding step.
[0085] As seen above, a panel 18 comprising a flap configured to hold the head 46 of the fixing member 20 in a receiving volume is particularly advantageous for holding the fixing member 20 on the panel 18 with a view to fixing the panel 18 to the vehicle structure 12. The flap 24 is furthermore particularly advantageous for reinforcing the panel 18.
[0086] The presence of a fixing window 42 in the flap 24 is particularly advantageous for fixing the fixing member 20 to the chassis. Such a fixing window 42 also makes it possible to check the presence of a fixing member 20 in the fixing orifice 33.
[0087] A head 46 comprising a fixing plate 42 allows particularly effective maintenance of the fixing member 20 on the panel 18, while limiting the thickness of the flap 24 folded around the head 46.
[0088] The use of a fixing member 20 having a body 44 whose cross-section is much smaller than the cross-section of the fixing orifice 33 is particularly advantageous for overcoming the manufacturing tolerances of the panel 18 and / or of the vehicle structure 12 when mounting the panel 18 on the vehicle structure 12.
[0089] A flap 24 comprising a holding portion 38 offset from the support portion 40 is particularly advantageous for allowing movement of the fixing member 20 in the panel 18, which may prove useful for fixing the fixing member 20 to the vehicle structure 12. A support portion 40 extending all around the fixing member 20 is furthermore particularly advantageous for ensuring the robustness of the body element 14.
[0090] Gluing and / or welding the flap 24 in its folded position is particularly advantageous for stiffening the panel 18 and ensuring good support for the fixing member 20.
Claims
Claims
1. Body element (14) of a vehicle (10) comprising: - a panel (18) comprising a main section (22), the main section (22) comprising at least one fixing orifice (33) defining a fixing axis (F-F'); and - at least one fixing member (20) of the panel (18), intended to fix the panel (18) to a vehicle structure (12), the fixing member (20) comprising a body (44) extending through the fixing orifice (33), and a head (46), intended to cooperate with the main section (22) to fix the panel (18) to the vehicle structure (12);characterized in that the panel (18) comprises a flap (24), integral with the main section (22), the flap (24) being movable between an unfolded position and a folded position, in which the flap (24) is folded over the main section (22) and defines with the main section (22) a receiving volume (36) for the head (46) of the fixing member (20), around the head (46) of the fixing member (20), the flap (24) being configured to hold the head (46) in the receiving volume (36) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.;
2. A body element (14) according to claim 1, wherein the flap defines a fixing window (42), the fixing window (42) being aligned with the fixing axis (F-F') when the flap (24) is in its folded position, the radial section of the fixing window (42) being smaller than the radial section of the head (46) of the fixing member (20).
3. A body member (14) according to claim 2, wherein the head (46) comprises a fixing end (48) and a holding plate (50), the fixing end (48) extending through the fixing window (42) and the holding plate (50) extending between the flap (24) and the main section (22) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.
4. A body element (14) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-section of the body (44) of the fixing member (20) is at least 10% less than the radial extent of the fixing orifice (33).
5. A body element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (24) comprises a holding portion (38) and a support portion (40), the holding portion (38) being offset from the main section (22) and the support portion (40) being in support on the main section (22) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.
6. A body element (14) according to claim 5, wherein the bearing portion (40) extends all around the fixing member (20) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.
7. A body element (14) according to any preceding claim, wherein the flap (24) is glued and / or welded to the main section (22) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.
8. Panel (18) intended to construct a body element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the panel (18) comprising: - a main section (22), the main section (22) comprising at least one fixing orifice (33) defining a fixing axis (F-F'), and - a flap (24), integral with the main section (22), the flap (24) being movable between an unfolded position and a folded position, in which the flap (24) is folded over the main section (22) and defines with the main section (22) a receiving volume (36) for a head (46) of a fixing member (20), the flap (24) being configured to hold a head (46) of a fixing member (20) in the receiving volume (36) when the flap (24) is in its folded position.
9. Vehicle (10) comprising a body element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a vehicle structure (12), the head (46) of the fixing member (20) cooperating with the main section (22) to fix the panel (18) to the vehicle structure (12).
10. Method for mounting a body element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - inserting the body (44) of the fixing member (20) through the fixing orifice (33) of the main section (22), and - folding the flap (24) on the main section (22) towards its folded position, to define with the main section (22) a receiving volume (36) of the head (46) of the fixing member (20) around the head (46) of the fixing member (20).
11. Mounting method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the following step(s): - gluing the flap (24) and / or the main section (22) before the folding step, for securing the flap (24) to the main section (22) after the folding step, and / or - welding the flap (24) to the main section (22) after the folding step for securing the flap (24) to the main section (22).