Motor vehicle with at least one hood movement guide piece in the event of a frontal impact.

Abstract

A motor vehicle comprising a front portion with a body structure that includes two front fenders (16) on which a hood is mounted by means of at least one hinge (18); each front fender (16) comprising an outer surface (20) facing outwards from the vehicle. The hood hinge (18) is fixed to the outer surface (20) of one of the front fenders (16), and the vehicle further comprises at least one hood movement guide (22) in the event of a frontal impact. The guide (22) is fixed to the vehicle's body structure and comprises a guide surface (24) inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, arranged opposite the hood or hinge (18), and rearward with respect to it. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle with at least one guide piece for hood movement in case of frontal impact.

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and in particular to the front parts of motor vehicles comprising a body structure and a hood.

[0002] A motor vehicle includes a front section located in front of the passenger compartment, comprising a body structure and a hood under which the engine can be arranged. The front section typically includes two fenders to which the hood is attached by means of hinges.

[0003] Such a vehicle must meet numerous requirements, including crash tests. These tests can be used to assess whether the vehicle provides adequate protection for passengers and / or pedestrians, or to evaluate the vehicle's repairability, depending on the damage it has sustained.

[0004] The repairability aspect makes it possible to estimate the cost of repairs on a tested vehicle and to define the vehicle's insurance class. Thus, a lower insurance premium will be charged for a vehicle that obtains a good repairability rating, making it more economically attractive to a potential buyer.

[0005] For example, in a crash test to assess a vehicle's repairability, the vehicle is subjected to a frontal impact against a rigid obstacle at a speed of less than 16 km / h. For instance, to ensure good vehicle repairability, the rearward movement of components at the front of the vehicle is limited to prevent any component from contacting and damaging a door. The rearward movement of a component against a front door also has a safety aspect, as it could obstruct the opening of a front door and complicate passenger exit in the event of an accident.

[0006] In a frontal collision in a conventional motor vehicle, the front fender receives the forces transmitted by the hood and may strike a front door. In other motor vehicles, the front fender is located entirely below the hood. In a frontal collision, the forces may be transmitted by the hood and / or the hinge that secures the hood to the body structure, all the way to the front door of the vehicle.

[0007] Systems are known for limiting the recoil of a component of the front part of a vehicle, such as that described in document FR2934227, which describes a motor vehicle comprising a bodywork component consisting of a front wing connected to the body by attachment points. The wing includes means for limiting its recoil in the event of a frontal impact. These means include at least one additional attachment point with a right-angle mounting bracket fixed to the Front wing liner. This document provides a solution to limit the recoil of the front wing in the event of an impact, but does not describe a way to limit the recoil of the hood when the forces received by the latter are transmitted directly to the front doors.

[0008] Document FR2965005 describes a motor vehicle comprising a hood mounted on the vehicle structure by means of hinges. Each hinge comprises a fixed element and a movable element articulated relative to each other about a pivot axis. The fixed element has a tab with a pin which, in a frontal impact, engages in an opening in the movable element. The movable element is then locked, preventing the hood from impacting the front fender on the opposite side.

[0009] This latter solution improves the repairability of the vehicle in the event of a frontal collision by limiting the movement of the hood, but proposes a complex part which requires a modification of the hinge which links the hood with the body structure of the vehicle, which constitutes an economic disadvantage in the manufacture of the vehicle.

[0010] The invention aims to improve upon known prior art solutions. In particular, the invention aims to provide a motor vehicle incorporating simple means for preventing damage to a front door in the event of a frontal collision, such as repairability, which are inexpensive to manufacture.

[0011] To this end and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a front part with a body structure which includes two front wings on which a hood is mounted by means of at least one hinge; each front wing comprising an outer surface oriented towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0012] The vehicle is notable in that the hood hinge is fixed to the outer surface of one of the front wings, and in that the vehicle further includes at least one hood movement guide piece in the event of a frontal impact; the guide piece is fixed to the body structure of the vehicle, and includes a guide surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, arranged opposite the hood or the hinge, and rear with respect to it.

[0013] The guide piece does not stop the movement of the hood or its hinge in the event of an impact, but rather deflects its movement so that it does not come into contact with a front door of the vehicle. It has been observed that in the event of a frontal impact at less than 16 km / h, the hood recoils by only a few millimeters. Deflecting the hood in a direction inclined relative to its longitudinal direction is sufficient to prevent contact with a front door. The guide piece is a simple component that has a minimal impact on the vehicle's manufacturing cost.

[0014] In embodiments, the hinge comprising at least one base element, fixed to the front wing, and at least one movable element fixed to the hood, the hinge being movable between deployed positions in which the hood is open, and a folded position in which the hood is closed; the vehicle is notable in that in the folded position of the hinge, the guide piece is arranged opposite and behind the movable element of the hinge.

[0015] In some vehicles, the position of the hinge's moving element when the hinge is folded is rearward relative to the hood horn (which is the rearmost part of the hood). By deflecting this hinge element, it is prevented from damaging or touching the door.

[0016] Preferably, the moving element of the hinge comprises an end with a flat surface opposite the guide surface, in the closed position of the hinge, said flat surface being then parallel to the guide surface.

[0017] Since the guide surface is parallel to the surface of the hinge element opposite it, this increases the contact area between the guide piece and the hinge during a repairable impact. The hinge is then better guided by the guide piece.

[0018] Advantageously, the guide surface covers at least 75% of the transverse width of the hinge's moving element in its closed position. Preferably, the guide surface covers at least 80% of the hinge's moving element in its closed position. Preferably, the guide surface extends beyond the hinge's moving element in its closed position.

[0019] The guide surface covers a significant portion of the transverse width of the moving element of the hinge to ensure good contact in the event of a frontal impact, and therefore a well-oriented deflection.

[0020] In some embodiments, the guide piece is a bent sheet metal part. Preferably, the guide piece is a bent sheet metal part forming a U-shape with tabs for attaching it to the vehicle body structure; one arm of the U forming the guide surface. Such a guide piece is simple and economical to manufacture.

[0021] Preferably, the guide piece is a steel sheet metal part having a thickness of at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm. The guide piece has high rigidity to ensure good guidance in the event of a repair-type impact.

[0022] Preferably, the guide piece is welded to the vehicle body structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the guide surface is a transverse flat surface forming an angle with the vertical; preferably an angle of 10° to 45°. This allows for an upward deflection of the hood or hinge. Preferably an angle of 10° to 35°; and preferably an angle of 15° to 20°.

[0024] In some embodiments, the guiding surface is a vertical flat surface forming an angle with the transverse direction of the vehicle. Preferably an angle of 10° to 45°. Preferably an angle of 10° to 35°; and preferably an angle of 15° to 20°.

[0025] This allows a sideways deflection of a moving element of the hinge. The guide piece can be simplified compared to an upward deflection. For example, if the guide piece is a piece of bent sheet metal, all the bends can be made in the same direction so as to obtain a vertical guide surface fixed to a vertical body element.

[0026] Advantageously, the distance between the guide surface and the hood or hinge is less than 5 mm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; preferably less than 4 mm; preferably less than 3 mm.

[0027] Generally, the gap between the hood and the front door of the vehicle can be up to a few millimeters. The guide surface can then deflect the hood or the front hinge element so that it does not come into contact with the front door.

[0028] In embodiments, the hood extends along the entire length in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the front part thereof, and the vehicle includes two front wings arranged entirely below the hood, and each of them carries a guide piece for hood movement in the event of a frontal impact.

[0029] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings on which:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a mode of realization of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of a detail of the vehicle in [Fig.1], showing a hood hinge, without the hood;

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view of [Fig.2] according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a top view of [Fig.3];

[0034] In the remainder of this description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the vehicle to which it refers. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of".

[0035] Similarly, the terms "lower", "higher", "top" and "bottom" shall be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms "lower" and "bottom" indicate a greater proximity to the ground in the vertical direction than respectively the terms "superior" and "high".

[0036] The terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "front" and "rear" shall be understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 with a passenger compartment and a front section 12. The passenger compartment includes front doors 11, only one of which is shown in Figure 1. The front section 12 includes a hood 14, mounted on a vehicle body structure that includes at least two front fenders 16, one of which is shown in Figures 2 to 4. The hood 14 is mounted on the front fenders 16 by means of at least one hinge 18. Note that to better visualize the hinge, the hood is not shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0038] In the vehicle shown in [Fig.1], the hood 14 extends along the entire length in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the front part thereof, and the two front wings 16 are arranged entirely below the hood 14. Other hood configurations are also possible.

[0039] The hood 14 is typically mounted on two hinges 18, one of which is shown in Figures 2 to 4, located on each side of the vehicle. The hinges 18 are arranged according to a desired hood opening direction. For example, they can be arranged at the rear of the front part of the vehicle, at the hood horns 19. The vehicle will subsequently be described at the level of one of the two hinges. Those skilled in the art can adapt these features to another hinge by symmetry.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the front wing 16 is a substantially vertical part of the vehicle's body structure. It is located in front of the front door 11. The front wing 16 comprises an inner surface facing the engine compartment (not shown) and an outer surface 20 opposite the inner surface and facing outwards from the vehicle. The hinge 18 can be attached to the outer surface 20 of the front wing 16 by clamping, for example, using screws or any other suitable means.

[0041] the vehicle 10 further includes at least one guide piece 22 for moving the hood in the event of a frontal impact allowing the repairability of a vehicle to be assessed.

[0042] The guide piece 22 is fixed to the vehicle body structure, for example to the front fender, a window pillar, or another element of the vehicle body structure. It comprises a guide surface 24 inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, arranged opposite the hood 14 or a hinge 18, and rearward with respect to it. In a frontal impact, the hood or the hinge recoils and makes contact with the guide piece at its guide surface. The guide surface is advantageously positioned in line with the recoil stroke of the hood or a hinge during a frontal impact. In the examples described below, the guide surface is arranged opposite hinge 18.

[0043] The hinge 18 allows the hood 14 to be moved from the front of the rotating vehicle. It can be moved between deployed positions in which the hood is open, and a folded position in which the hood is closed onto the engine compartment (not shown).

[0044] The hinge 18, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, comprises at least one base element 26 fixed to the front wing, and at least one movable element 28 fixed to the hood 14. The hinge 18 may be a simple hinge comprising one or two cylindrical shanks linking the base and movable elements, or a compound hinge comprising one or more movable elements in addition to the movable element fixed to the hood, forming a joint between the movable element fixed to the hood and the base element, such as connecting rods 30.

[0045] In the closed position of the hinge 18, the guide piece 22 can be arranged opposite and behind the moving element 28. When the hinge is a compound hinge, comprising connecting rods, the guide piece is preferably arranged opposite the rearmost moving element of the hinge. In the examples in Figures 2 to 4, this is again the moving element 28.

[0046] During a frontal impact, the moving element 28 of the hinge comes into contact with the guide surface 24 of the guide piece. To improve the contact area, the moving element of the hinge may include an end with a flat surface 32 which is opposite the guide surface 24 in the closed position of the hinge. Said flat surface 32 is then advantageously parallel to the guide surface as shown in [Fig. 2].

[0047] The guide piece 22 can be a metal part, such as a sheet of steel. The guide piece can also be made of plastic, as for example when it is arranged opposite the hood.

[0048] In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4, the guide piece 22 is a bent sheet metal piece. Preferably, the guide piece is a bent sheet metal piece forming a U with tabs 34 for attachment to the vehicle body structure. One arm of the U forms the guide surface 24.

[0049] In order to achieve good rigidity, the guide piece can be a steel sheet piece with a thickness of at least 2.5 mm; preferably at least 3 mm. In some variations, the guide piece may include stiffening means such as ribs.

[0050] The fixing of the guide piece 22 on the body element of the vehicle can preferably be done by welding, or by another means sufficiently robust to prevent the movement of the guide piece despite the vibrations of the environment of the engine compartment.

[0051] The guiding surface 24 can be a flat surface or have a relief allowing guidance in a determined direction.

[0052] In the event of a frontal impact, the movable element 28 of the hinge 18 or the cover 14 is guided in translation along the guide surface to be deflected from its rearward direction. The distance between the guide surface and the cover or the movable element of the hinge in the closed position of the hinges may be less than 5 mm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; preferably, less than 4 mm; preferably less than 3 mm.

[0053] To deflect the movable element 28 from the hinge 18, it is preferable that, in the closed position of the latter, the guide surface covers at least 75% of the transverse width of the movable element of the hinge; preferably at least 80%. The guide surface may also cover the entire transverse width of the movable element of the hinge, or even extend beyond it.

[0054] For example, in the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the guide surface 24 is a transverse flat surface forming an angle with the vertical; preferably an angle of 10° to 45°. Preferably an angle of 10° to 35°; and preferably an angle of 15° to 20°. The hinge 18 can then be deflected upwards in the event of a frontal impact.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide surface 24 is a vertical flat surface forming an angle with the transverse direction of the vehicle; preferably an angle of 10° to 45°, preferably an angle of 10° to 35°, and preferably an angle of 15° to 20°. The hinge 18 can then be deflected outwards from the vehicle in the event of a frontal impact.

[0056] When the guide piece 22 is positioned opposite the hinge 18, the direction of the deflection of the hinge induced by the guide surface 24 can be as different from the directions shown in the examples of figures 2 to 4.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front part (12) with a body structure which comprises two front wings (16) on which a hood (14) is mounted by means of at least one hinge (18); each front wing (16) comprising an outer surface (20) facing the outside of the vehicle; the hinge (18) of the hood being fixed to the outer surface (20) of one of the front wings (16), and the vehicle further comprising at least one guide piece (22) for moving the hood (14) in the event of a frontal impact;the guide part (22) being fixed to the body structure of the vehicle, and comprising a guide surface (24) inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10), arranged opposite the hood (14) or the hinge (18), and behind it or the latter, the hinge (18) comprising at least one base element (26), fixed to the front wing (16), and at least one movable element (28) fixed to the hood (14), the hinge (18) being movable between deployed positions in which the hood (14) is open, and a folded position in which the hood (14) is closed;in the folded position of the hinge (18), the guide piece (22) being arranged opposite and behind the movable element (28) of the hinge, characterized in that the movable element (28) of the hinge comprises an end with a flat surface (32) opposite the guide surface (24), in the closed position of the hinge, said flat surface (32) then being parallel to the guide surface (24).;

2. Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide surface (24) covers at least 75% of the transverse width of the movable element (28) of the hinge, in the closed position of the latter.

3. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide piece (22) is a piece of folded sheet metal; preferably, the guide piece (22) is a piece of folded sheet metal forming a U with tabs (34) for fixing to the body structure of the vehicle; one of the branches of the U forming the guide surface (24).

4. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide piece (22) is a sheet metal piece made of steel having a thickness of at least 2.5 mm; preferably at least 3 mm.

5. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide surface (24) is a vertical plane surface forming an angle with the transverse direction of the vehicle; preferably an angle of 10° to 45°.

6. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide surface (24) is a transverse plane surface forming an angle with the vertical; preferably an angle of 10° to 45°.

7. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distance between the guide surface (24) and the hood (14) or the hinge (18) is less than 4 mm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

8. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hood (14) extends over the entire length in the transverse direction of the vehicle (10) in the front part thereof, and the vehicle comprises two front wings (16) arranged entirely below the hood (14); and in that each of them carries a piece for guiding the movement of the hood (14) in the event of a frontal impact.

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