Assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a bumper beam and two absorbers.

Abstract

An assembly (10) for a bumper device of a motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper beam (12) and two absorbers (14); the bumper beam (12) is formed by an elongated hollow body comprising two ends at which the absorbers (14) are fixed; the assembly (10) further comprises two modular extension pieces (18); each modular extension piece comprising a body (20) with a first portion fixed to one end of the bumper beam (12), and a second portion projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the bumper beam (12). A lateral absorption plate (24) is further arranged at the end of the second portion of the body (20) of each modular extension piece (18), and extends laterally to the absorbers (14); preferably parallel to the absorbers. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a bumper beam and two absorbers.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bumpers for motor vehicles. The present invention relates more particularly to an assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a bumper beam, and two absorbers, as well as a vehicle comprising such an assembly.

[0002] A motor vehicle generally comprises at least one bumper device, also called a shock absorption system. The bumper device may comprise at least one assembly comprising a transverse bumper beam, for example an upper beam and a lower beam, and at least two longitudinal absorbers associated with each beam. The assembly may also comprise plates allowing the device to be fixed to the structure of the vehicle.

[0003] The production of such an assembly must satisfy numerous requirements, in particular impact tests. These impact tests are not all regulated in the same way depending on the geographical areas in which the vehicle is to be marketed.

[0004] For example, vehicles intended for the North American market must meet a low overlap impact protocol, with a lateral force component. In this test the vehicle is subjected to an impact with low overlap at one end of the bumper. This impact includes a transverse force component. In this case, it is necessary to absorb this transverse component so as to ensure the repairability of the vehicle.

[0005] Such a test protocol does not impose the same constraints on vehicles intended for the European market. In particular in Europe, the vehicle is not subjected to an impact comprising a transverse force component.

[0006] In order to limit production costs, we seek to design vehicle silhouettes that are easily adaptable to the constraints of different marketing areas.

[0007] Document WO2017 / 083997 discloses a shock-absorbing device placed on the front bumper of a vehicle. The bumper device comprises several layers for absorbing energy during an impact, and a panel comprising lateral protrusions. The lateral protrusions do not comprise a means for absorbing the lateral components of the forces during an impact.

[0008] Document CN211223333 relates to a motor vehicle comprising a bumper device with detachable wings attached laterally to the bumper. Front bumpers used to absorb energy in the event of impacts. These wings are detachable to facilitate transport of the bumper device. This document does not provide for the absorption of transverse components of impacts.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to address at least one of the problems and / or drawbacks mentioned above. In particular, the invention aims to propose a simple overall solution for a bumper device of a motor vehicle making it possible to meet the constraints of a low-overlap impact protocol with a lateral force component, and comprising parts which can be used in assemblies intended for different geographical areas.

[0010] For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for a bumper device of a motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper beam and two absorbers; the bumper beam is formed by an elongated hollow body comprising two ends at which the absorbers are fixed; the assembly further comprises two modular extension pieces; each modular extension piece comprising a body with a first part fixed to one end of the bumper beam, and a second part projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the bumper beam. The assembly is remarkable in that a lateral absorption plate is further arranged at the end of the second part of the body of each modular extension piece, and extends parallel to the absorbers.

[0011] The lateral absorption plate of the modular extension parts constitutes a simple extension of the latter. The lateral absorption plate is an element making it possible to absorb the transverse components of impacts of the "small overlap" type according to the standards in force in the United States. The extension part is called modular because to adapt the assembly to a market in which the standards in force are less restrictive, the lateral absorption plate can be easily cut to reduce the mass of the assembly and reduce the consumption of the vehicle.

[0012] In embodiments, each modular extension piece further comprises at least one reinforcing element, fixed on the one hand to the body, and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate.

[0013] The reinforcing element makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the modular extension part, and therefore the use of a lesser material thickness for said modular extension part. The reinforcing element also makes it possible to improve the behavior of the modular extension part in the event of impacts, by avoiding bending of the body.

[0014] Preferably, the lateral absorption plate is made in one piece with the body of the modular extension piece. This solution is economical and simple to produce.

[0015] In alternative embodiments, the lateral absorption plate is an attached part fixed to the modular extension part by welding and / or by means of the reinforcing element. Preferably the lateral absorption plate is integral with the reinforcing element.

[0016] Whatever the embodiment chosen, at least one reinforcing element will preferably be formed by a hollow body; preferably formed by a U-shaped profiled element. A profiled type hollow body is rigid with a saving of material.

[0017] In embodiments, at least one reinforcing element is formed by a plate welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate; preferably each modular extension piece comprises at least two reinforcing elements and therefore has at least two superimposed plates welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate.

[0018] Preferably, each reinforcing element extends over the body of the modular extension piece over a distance of less than 80% of the distance between the side absorption plate and the end of the bumper beam; preferably over a distance of less than 70%.

[0019] This allows the modular extension piece to bend without the reinforcing element coming into contact with the bumper beam, which would hinder the deformation of the modular extension piece. This avoids the risk of breakage of the modular extension piece.

[0020] Preferably, each modular extension piece being capable of deforming towards a crushing position in the event of an impact, the assembly is remarkable in that in the crushing position, the reinforcing element is in contact with an absorber or a plate of an absorber, so as to limit the risks of breakage of the modular extension piece.

[0021] In embodiments, the absorbers comprising one end fixed to the bumper beam and another end equipped with a fixing plate, each modular extension part being capable of deforming towards a crushing position in the event of an impact, the assembly is remarkable in that each lateral absorption plate is dimensioned so that in the crushing position the lateral absorption plate is in contact with an absorber or a plate of an absorber.

[0022] The dimensioning of the lateral absorption plate makes it possible to ensure the transmission of forces towards the absorber plates and / or the absorbers, and consequently towards side members of the vehicle structure, rather than towards the absorbers which are not configured to absorb lateral impact components.

[0023] Preferably, the second portion of the body of the modular extension piece is angled with the bumper beam. This increases the curvature of the bumper beam to accommodate styling, and protects technicians from sharp edges of the bumper beam during assembly.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one bumper device comprising at least one assembly according to the first aspect.

[0025] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a modular extension part intended to be mounted in an assembly according to the first aspect, the modular extension part comprising an elongated flat body with a first part comprising means for fixing to a bumper beam, a second part in the extension of the first part; preferably forming an angle with the first part. The modular extension part is remarkable in that it further comprises a lateral absorption plate made of the same material as the second part, in its extension, and forming an angle with the second part; preferably an angle between 90° and 180°; preferably an angle between 110° and 150°.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a modular extension part intended for a motor vehicle assembly comprising at least one bumper beam, two absorbers; and at least two modular extension parts.

[0027] The method is remarkable in that it comprises at least one step of forming each modular extension part comprising a body and a lateral absorption plate made integrally with the body, by stamping and / or die-cutting; and in that it further comprises a step chosen from a step of fixing a rigid reinforcing element, fixed on the one hand to the body, and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate for the formation of an assembly according to the first aspect; or a step of cutting each lateral absorption plate, in order to remove it.

[0028] Such a method includes an alternative with a cutout which allows a weight saving when the assembly is intended for a vehicle which will not be used on the North American market.

[0029] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given by way of example with reference to the attached drawing plates in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a front perspective view of a detail of an assembly for a bumper device of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a rear perspective view of a detail of an assembly for a bumper device of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top view of [Fig.2].

[0033] In the remainder of the description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the assembly, the modular extension part, the vehicle, or other process steps to which it refers. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of".

[0034] Similarly, the terms "lower", "upper", "high" and "low" will be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms "lower" and "low" indicate a greater proximity to the ground in the vertical direction than the terms "upper" and "high" respectively.

[0035] The terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “front” and “rear” will be understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0036] A motor vehicle comprises at least one bumper device, which comprises at least one assembly 10, a detail of which is shown in [Fig.l]. The assembly 10 comprises at least one bumper beam 12 and two absorbers 14, only one of which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0037] The bumper beam 12 is formed by an elongated hollow body comprising two ends at which the absorbers 14 are fixed. The bumper beam 12 may be a straight or curved beam so as to adapt to the silhouette of the vehicle.

[0038] The absorbers 14 are elongated pieces which may have a variable length as required depending on the type and silhouette of the vehicle. They extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam. The absorbers 14 comprise one end fixed to the bumper beam and another end which may be equipped with an extension, not shown, or a fixing plate 16 to fix them to the structure of the vehicle.

[0039] The assembly further comprises two modular extension pieces 18, only one of which is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0040] The arrangement of the assembly being symmetrical with respect to a median transverse plane of the bumper beam, the person skilled in the art will easily be able to design the assembly from the details shown in [Fig.l] to 3.

[0041] The modular extension part 18 is a metal part, such as for example steel, which is added to the bumper beam 12. The modular extension part can be formed by a piece of steel sheet. For example by a piece of sheet metal with a thickness between 1.0 and 2.5 mm; preferably between 1.2 and 2.0 mm.

[0042] The modular extension piece may be fixed to a front face of the bumper beam, i.e. to a face opposite the face to which the absorber is fixed. The modular extension piece 18 may be fixed to the bumper beam by any means, and preferably by welding.

[0043] The modular extension piece 18 comprises a body 20, which is advantageously an elongated body. The body 20 comprises a first portion fixed to one end of the bumper beam, and a second portion projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the bumper beam. In the context of a curved beam, this means the average longitudinal direction.

[0044] The body 20. The first part of the body may comprise means for fixing the body to the bumper beam 12, such as for example one or more tabs 22 for fixing by welding the body 20. In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the body comprises a tab 22 for fixing to an upper face of the bumper beam 12.

[0045] The second portion extends in the extension of the first portion, and preferably forms an angle with the first portion. The angle of the second portion is generally chosen to increase the curve at the end of the bumper beam and correspond to style constraints. This angle can also allow the body 20 to at least partially cover the end of the bumper beam so as to protect technicians from the sharp edges of the bumper beam during assembly.

[0046] The body 20 may also comprise stiffening elements such as, for example, ribs, undulations, etc.

[0047] A lateral absorption plate 24 is further arranged at the end of the second part of the body of the modular extension piece 18, and extends laterally to the absorber 14. The lateral absorption plate 22 extends the modular extension piece 18 towards the absorber, i.e. in the case of a front bumper device, towards the rear of the vehicle, and vice versa. The lateral absorption plate 22 may form an angle with the body 20 so as to be preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the absorber. The angle formed between the second part of the body 20 of the modular extension piece 18 is preferably an angle between 90° and 180°. Preferably an angle between 100° and 160°. Preferably an angle between 110° and 150°. Preferably an angle between 110° and 140°.

[0048] The lateral absorption plate 24 may be integral with the body of the modular extension piece 18, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Alternatively, the lateral absorption plate may also be an added piece fixed to the modular extension piece, preferably by welding.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in embodiments, the modular extension piece 18 further comprises at least one rigid reinforcing element 26, fixed on the one hand to the body 20, and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate 24. The reinforcing element 26 is fixed on faces of the modular extension piece 18 which are in the direction of the absorbers as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0050] The reinforcing element 26 may be formed by a plate welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate, a hollow body, or any other type of element making it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the modular extension part 18.

[0051] In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the assembly comprises a reinforcing element 26 formed by a hollow body welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate; preferably the hollow body is a U-shaped profiled element which may comprise fixing lugs.

[0052] In embodiments not shown, the modular extension part comprises a reinforcing element formed by a metal plate welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate, or comprises two reinforcing elements formed by two superimposed metal plates welded to the body and to the lateral absorption plate.

[0053] In embodiments, not shown, the reinforcing element may be integral with the lateral absorption plate. In this case, the lateral absorption plate is preferably a part added to the body of the modular extension part. The lateral absorption plate may then be fixed to the body of the modular extension part by means of the reinforcing element.

[0054] The reinforcing element 26 may comprise stiffening elements such as, for example, ribs, undulations, etc.

[0055] Upon impact with a transverse component at the modular extension piece 18, the modular extension piece deforms, and the second part of the body and the lateral absorption plate move toward the absorber, to a crushing position. In order not to hinder the deformation of the modular extension piece 18, the reinforcing element 26 extends over the body 20 of the modular extension piece over a distance of less than 80% of the distance between the lateral absorption plate 24 and the end of the bumper beam 12; preferably over a distance of less than 70%.

[0056] The lateral absorption plate 24 can be dimensioned so that in the crushed position of the modular extension part 18, the lateral absorption plate is in contact with an absorber 14 or a plate 16 of an absorber.

[0057] A method of producing a modular extension part for a motor vehicle assembly comprising at least one bumper beam, two absorbers; and at least two modular extension parts can allow to obtain a modular extension part capable of absorbing shocks with a lateral component, or a lightweight modular extension part. The method comprises at least one step of forming each modular extension part comprising a body and a lateral absorption plate integral with the body, by stamping and / or die-cutting.

[0058] The method further comprises a step of fixing a rigid reinforcing element, fixed on the one hand to the body, and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate for the formation of an assembly for a bumper device of a vehicle as described above; or a step of cutting each lateral absorption plate.

Claims

Claims

1. An assembly (10) for a bumper device of a motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper beam (12) and two absorbers (14); the bumper beam (12) is formed by an elongated hollow body comprising two ends at which the absorbers (14) are fixed; the assembly (10) further comprises two modular extension pieces (18); each modular extension piece comprising a body (20) with a first portion fixed to one end of the bumper beam (12), and a second portion projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the bumper beam (12); a lateral absorption plate (24) being further arranged at the end of the second portion of the body (20) of each modular extension piece (18), and extending laterally to the absorbers (14);preferably parallel to the absorbers, characterized in that each modular extension piece (18) further comprises at least one reinforcing element (26), fixed on the one hand to the body (20), and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate (24).;

2. Assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral absorption plate (24) is made in one piece with the body (20) of the modular extension piece (18).

3. Assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral absorption plate (24) is an attached part fixed to the modular extension part (18) by welding and / or by means of the reinforcing element (26); preferably the lateral absorption plate (24) is integral with the reinforcing element (26).

4. Assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one reinforcing element (26) is formed by a hollow body; preferably formed by a U-shaped profiled element.

5. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one reinforcing element (26) is formed by a plate welded to the body (20) and to the lateral absorption plate (24); preferably each modular extension piece comprises at least two reinforcing elements and therefore has at least two superimposed plates welded to the body (20) and to the lateral absorption plate (24).

6. An assembly (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that each reinforcing element (26) extends over the body of the modular extension piece over a distance of less than 80% of the distance between the side absorption plate (24) and the end of the bumper beam (12); preferably over a distance of less than 70%.

7. Motor vehicle with at least one bumper device comprising at least one assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6.

8. Modular extension part (18) intended to be mounted in an assembly according to claim 2, the modular extension part (18) comprising an elongated body (20) with a first part comprising means for fixing to a bumper beam, a second part in the extension of the first part; preferably forming an angle with the first part; the modular extension part (18) is characterized in that it further comprises a lateral absorption plate (24) made of the same material as the second part, in its extension, and forming an angle with the second part; preferably an angle between 90° and 180°.

9. A method of producing a modular extension part (18) intended for an assembly (10) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper beam (12), two absorbers (14); and at least two modular extension parts (18); the method is characterized in that it comprises at least one step of forming each modular extension part (18) comprising a body (20) and a lateral absorption plate (24) integral with the body, by stamping and / or embossing; and in that it further comprises a step chosen from a step of fixing a rigid reinforcing element (26), fixed on the one hand to the body (20), and on the other hand to the lateral absorption plate (24) for the formation of an assembly according to claim 1; or a step of cutting each lateral absorption plate (24), in order to remove it.

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