Anti-sagging, reinforced bumper for a land vehicle

Abstract

A bumper (PC) is fitted to a vehicle and comprises a crossmember (TA) coupled to a structural part of the vehicle, and a frame (AP) comprising two mounting brackets fixedly attached to the crossmember (TA) by being supported by it, and an anti-sag bracket (PAA) located between the mounting brackets and on which a support piece (PM) is mounted, movable in a vertical direction so as to be immobilized in a bearing position in which it rests on the crossmember (TA). The support piece (PM) and anti-sag bracket (PAA) comprise first (EC1) and second (EC2) coupling elements cooperating to couple them to each other with freedom of movement in the vertical direction while preventing rotation of one relative to the other. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: BUMPER WITH ANTI-SAGGING FRAME FOR A LAND VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to land vehicles, and more precisely to bumpers (or shields) which are intended to equip front or rear parts of land vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Certain land vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise a front part and / or a rear part comprising a bumper (or shield) of large dimensions, which requires that it comprises not only a shock absorption device but also a frame, both masked by a bumper (or shield) skin.

[0003] The absorption device comprises at least one cross member (or beam) which is installed transversely. Generally, the absorption device also comprises two energy absorbers, each having a first end fixedly secured to the cross member and a second end coupled to a structural part of the vehicle, and arranged so as to compress their material in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the event of an impact suffered by the cross member, in order to absorb at least part of the energy of this impact.

[0004] The frame comprises a structure to which the skin is fixedly secured in order to give it rigidity, and comprising two fixing lugs fixedly secured to the crosspiece while being supported by the latter. Generally, the two fixing lugs are fixedly secured to the crosspiece near the two opposite ends of the latter, and therefore the further these two opposite ends are from each other, the greater the distance separating the two fixing lugs. However, the greater the distance separating the two fixing lugs, the greater the risk of sagging or bending of the part of the frame structure which is suspended above the crosspiece.

[0005] To avoid such sagging or bending, it has been proposed, in particular in patent document FR-A1 3104509, to add to the frame, between its fixing lugs, an anti-sagging lug on which is installed a support piece which is movable in the vertical direction so as to be able to be immobilized in a support position in which it rests on the crosspiece. When installing the frame, the technician begins by firmly securing the two fixing lugs to the crosspiece, then adjusts the vertical position of the support piece relative to the anti-sag bracket so that it rests on the crosspiece and thus the anti-sag bracket ensures its function (i.e. prevents the sagging of the frame structure).

[0006] The support piece is immobilized in its support position by means of a screw. However, the vibrations and shocks generated and experienced by the vehicle tend to induce a progressive unscrewing of this screw, and therefore it may happen that the support piece moves vertically and / or transversely and / or is driven in rotation relative to the anti-sag bracket. This can then induce unpleasant and potentially worrying clashes for the vehicle passengers, and a possible deformation of the frame and therefore also of the skin which can modify the spacing between the skin edge and at least one neighboring bodywork equipment (such as for example the front hood or a wing). In addition, in the event of complete unscrewing of the screw, the support piece is no longer secured to the anti-sag bracket at all, and therefore falls, which can cause even greater deformations of the frame and the skin.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a bumper intended to equip a vehicle and comprising:

[0009] - a cross member suitable for being coupled to a structural part of the vehicle, and

[0010] - a frame comprising two fixing lugs fixedly secured to the crosspiece being supported by the latter and an anti-sagging bracket located between the fixing brackets and on which is installed a support piece movable in a vertical direction in order to be immobilized in a support position in which it rests on the crosspiece.

[0011] This bumper is characterized by the fact that its support piece and anti-sag tab comprise first and second coupling elements cooperating together to couple them to each other with freedom of movement in the vertical direction while preventing rotation of one relative to the other.

[0012] Thus, the support piece can now pre-equip the anti-sag bracket and therefore the frame before it arrives on a vehicle assembly line, and be permanently immobilized in its support position relative to the lower part of the anti-sag bracket, without risk of rotating or shifting transversely.

[0013] The bumper according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - the support piece may comprise two first coupling elements defined at the same level in the vertical direction, and the anti-sag leg can comprise two second coupling elements defined at the same level in the vertical direction;

[0015] - each first coupling element may be a clipping tab, and each second coupling element may be an oblong hole having its largest dimension in the vertical direction and suitable for receiving by clipping a corresponding clipping tab;

[0016] - the anti-sag tab may comprise two walls extending mainly in the vertical direction and a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the latter and between which the support piece is installed with reduced transverse clearance in order to allow its guidance in the vertical direction when placed in its support position while participating in preventing rotation of the support piece relative to the anti-sagging bracket;

[0017] - it may comprise a return element pushing the support piece towards the crosspiece so that it automatically moves towards its support position;

[0018] - in the presence of the last option, the support piece may comprise the element of return, and the anti-sagging tab may comprise a protuberance extending at least in the longitudinal direction and against which a free end of the return element bears under stress in order to push the support piece towards the crosspiece;

[0019] - also in the presence of the last option, the return element can be a tab flexible ;

[0020] - it may comprise two energy absorbers each having a first end fixedly secured to the crossmember and a second end intended to be coupled to the structural part of the vehicle, and arranged so as to compress their material in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the event of an impact suffered by the crossmember.

[0021] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a structural part to which at least one bumper of the type presented above is fixedly secured. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of an exemplary embodiment of a bumper according to the invention, before it is fitted to a front part of a vehicle,

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a lower part of an anti-sag bracket of the bumper of [Fig.l], equipped with an example of a support piece in a support position relative to the upper face of the crosspiece,

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the face rear, the support piece of [Fig.2] in the support position relative to the upper face of the crosspiece, and

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front and section in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of the left part of the bumper of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose a bumper (or shield) PC, intended to be installed in a front or rear part of a vehicle to absorb energy in the event of an impact suffered by this front or rear part, and comprising an anti-sagging bracket PAA with a support piece PM which can be installed permanently in a support position.

[0028] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the bumper (or shield) PC is intended to be part of a motor vehicle, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact relates to any land vehicle comprising a front or rear part which must include a bumper, possibly of large dimensions in transverse and vertical directions.

[0029] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the bumper PC is intended to be part of a front part of a motor vehicle. But the bumper PC can also be intended to be part of a rear part of a land vehicle.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0031] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates part of an exemplary embodiment of a PC bumper (or shield) according to the invention, before it is installed in a part (here front) of a vehicle (here automobile).

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a bumper PC, according to the invention, comprises at least one cross member TA, intended to be coupled to a structural part of a vehicle (here in the front part), and a frame AP fixedly secured to this cross member TA.

[0033] The TA crossmember is part of a shock absorption device which can also, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], comprise two absorbers of energy AEj right (j = 1) and left (j = 2), although this is not an obligation. In what follows and what precedes the letter j associated with the alphanumeric reference of an element of a figure designates the right side (j = 1) or left side (j = 2) of this element, with reference to the right and left sides of the vehicle.

[0034] This cross member TA has its greatest extension along the transverse direction Y of the vehicle and is preferably made of metal, for example steel or aluminum.

[0035] Each energy absorber AEj comprises first E1 and second E2 opposite ends. The first end E1 is fixedly secured to a rear face of the crossmember TA and the second end E2 is intended to be coupled to a structural part of the vehicle (here forming part of its front part). Each energy absorber AEj is preferably made of metal, for example steel or aluminum.

[0036] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the coupling between each second end E2 of an energy absorber AEj and the corresponding structural part of the vehicle can be done via a fixing plate PTj. The latter (PTj) can, for example, be welded to the second end E2 of the associated energy absorber AEj and screwed onto the part (here front) of the vehicle. The fixed attachment of each first end E1 to the rear face of the crossmember TA is preferably done by welding.

[0037] Each energy absorber AEj is arranged so as to compress its material along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle in the event of an impact suffered by the cross member TA.

[0038] The AP frame comprises a structure extending transversely and vertically above the crosspiece TA and comprising two fixing lugs PFj and an anti-sagging lug PAA, and to which a skin (not shown) is intended to be fixedly secured. This skin is intended to completely mask the AP frame and the absorption device (here TA, AEj and PTj).

[0039] The two fixing lugs PFj are fixedly secured to the crosspiece TA by being supported by the latter (TA). For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the two fixing lugs PFj can be fixedly secured to the crosspiece TA near the two opposite ends of the latter (TA). Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], each fixing lug PFj can be fixedly secured to the crosspiece TA via a fixing bracket EFj, fixedly secured to the latter (TA) and the position of which in the vertical direction Z is preferably adjustable.

[0040] The anti-sag tab PAA is located between the two fixing tabs PFj, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], at an equal distance from the latter (PFj). As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a support piece PM is installed on the anti-sag tab PAA while being movable in the vertical direction Z in order to be able to be immobilized in a (adjustable) support position in which it rests on the crosspiece TA. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, in its support position the support piece PM rests on the upper face FS of the crosspiece TA. But in an alternative embodiment, in its support position the support piece PM could rest on an upper face of a part fixedly secured to the crosspiece TA. It will be understood that the support piece PM equips the lower part of the anti-sagging bracket PAA in order to make the length (along Z) of the latter (PAA) variable and therefore adaptable, and thus to allow it to rest (here) on the upper face FS of the crosspiece TA in order to prevent the sagging of the transverse part of the structure of its frame AP.

[0041] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, the support piece PM may have a section in a longitudinal and vertical plane having a general L-shape. In this case, it is its lower wall which comes to bear (here) on the upper face FS of the crosspiece TA, while its “vertical and transverse” wall is coupled and secured to the lower part of the anti-sagging tab PAA. But the support piece PM could have sections in the longitudinal and vertical plane having other general shapes.

[0042] The immobilization of the support piece PM relative to the lower part of the anti-sag tab PAA, once placed in its support position, can be done, for example, by means of a screw (or a bolt) V, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2. For this purpose, the screw V passes through the support piece PM, possibly via a guide piece PG' (see [Fig. 3]), and is screwed into a threaded hole in this lower part of the anti-sag tab PAA.

[0043] According to the invention, and as is better shown in Figures 3 and 4, the support piece PM and the anti-sagging tab PAA respectively comprise first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements which cooperate together to couple them to each other with freedom of movement in the vertical direction Z (for position adjustment) while preventing rotation of one relative to the other.

[0044] Thanks to the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements, the support part PM can now pre-equip the anti-sag bracket PAA and therefore the reinforcement AP before it arrives on a vehicle assembly line, and be permanently immobilized in its support position relative to the lower part of the anti-sag bracket PAA, without risk of rotating or shifting transversely. There is therefore no longer any risk of the support bracket PAA generating clashes, and of the reinforcement and the skin being deformed, and consequently of the spacing between the skin edge and a neighboring bodywork equipment being modified. In addition, there is no longer risk that the PM support piece will become detached from the PAA anti-sag bracket if the V screw is completely unscrewed.

[0045] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figures 3 and 4, the support piece PM may comprise two first coupling elements EC1 which are defined at the same level along the vertical direction Z. In this case, the anti-sagging tab PAA may comprise two second coupling elements EC2 defined at the same level along the vertical direction Z. This makes it possible to avoid transverse movements and rotations of the support piece PM in the event of complete unscrewing of the screw V.

[0046] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figures 3 and 4, each first coupling element EC1 can be arranged in the form of a clipping tab. In this case, each second coupling element EC2 can be an oblong hole having its largest dimension along the vertical direction Z and suitable for receiving by clipping a corresponding clipping tab EC1. But it is also possible to have an inverse arrangement in which each second coupling element EC2 is a clipping tab and each first coupling element EC1 is an oblong hole having its largest dimension along the vertical direction Z and suitable for receiving by clipping the corresponding clipping tab.

[0047] Clip-on coupling is advantageous because a technician can easily perform it and it allows easy decoupling, for example for the purpose of replacing the PM support part. But other types of coupling can be considered.

[0048] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, that the lower part of the anti-sag tab PAA may comprise two walls PG extending mainly in the vertical Z and longitudinal X directions and between which the support piece PM is installed with reduced transverse clearance. This allows precise guidance of the support piece PM in the vertical Z direction when it is placed in its support position, but also participation in preventing rotation of the support piece PM relative to the anti-sag tab PAA as well as preventing translation in the transverse Y direction.

[0049] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, that the bumper PC can advantageously comprise a return element ER which is arranged so as to push the support piece PM towards the cross member TA so that it automatically moves towards its support position in the phase of assembling the frame AP to the cross member TA. This further facilitates the work of the technician during the assembly of the frame AP and the cross member TA, since he no longer needs to vertically translate the support piece PM with one of his hands (which makes it available for another task).

[0050] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, it is the support piece PM which can comprise the return element ER. In this case, the anti-sag tab PAA comprises a protuberance PL which extends at least in the longitudinal direction X and against which a free end of the return element ER bears under stress in order to push (vertically downwards) the support piece PM towards the crosspiece TA. In the example illustrated, the protuberance PL is a small wall which projects forward on the lower part of the anti-sag tab PAA while extending in the transverse directions Y and longitudinal X. But other arrangements of the protuberance PL can be envisaged.

[0051] It is also possible to have a reverse arrangement in which the return element ER is part of the lower part of the anti-sagging tab PAA, and pushes (vertically downwards) on a protuberance PL which the support piece PM comprises.

[0052] By way of example, the return element ER may be a flexible tab, as illustrated non-limitingly. It may then optionally comprise an end which passes through a dedicated hole defined in the protuberance PL as illustrated non-limitingly. But the return element ER may be in other forms, and in particular in the form of a return spring.

[0053] It will also be noted that the walls PG are particularly useful in the presence of the return element ER, since they force the support piece PM to move vertically towards its support position when it is pushed automatically by the return element ER, preventing it from shifting transversely.

Claims

Claims

1. Bumper (PC) intended to equip a vehicle and comprising i) a cross member (TA) suitable for being coupled to a structural part of said vehicle, and ii) a frame (AP) comprising two fixing lugs (PFj) fixedly secured to said cross member (TA) while being supported by the latter (TA) and an anti-sagging lug (PAA) located between said fixing lugs (PFj) and on which is installed a support piece (PM) movable in a vertical direction in order to be immobilized in a support position in which it rests on said cross member (TA), said support piece (PM) and anti-sagging lug (PAA) comprising first (EC1) and second (EC2) coupling elements cooperating together to couple them to each other with freedom of movement in said vertical direction while preventing rotation of one relative to the other,characterized in that each first coupling element (EC1) is a clipping tab, and each second coupling element (EC2) is an oblong hole having its largest dimension in said vertical direction and suitable for receiving by clipping a corresponding clipping tab (EC1).

2. Bumper according to claim 1, characterized in that said support piece (PM) comprises two first coupling elements (EC1) defined at the same level in said vertical direction, and said anti-sagging tab (PAA) comprises two second coupling elements (EC2) defined at the same level in said vertical direction.

3. Bumper according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said anti-sag tab (PAA) comprises two walls (PG) extending mainly in said vertical direction and a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the latter and between which is installed with a reduced transverse clearance said support piece (PM) in order to allow its guidance in said vertical direction when it is placed in its support position while participating in preventing the rotation of said support piece (PM) relative to said anti-sag tab (PAA).

4. Bumper according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a return element (ER) pushing said support piece (PM) towards said crosspiece (TA) so that it automatically moves towards its support position.

5. Bumper according to claim 4, characterized in that said support piece (PM) comprises said return element (ER), and in that said anti-sagging tab (PAA) comprises a protuberance (PL) extending at least in said longitudinal direction and against which a free end of said return element (ER) bears under stress in order to push said support piece (PM) towards said crossmember (TA).

6. Bumper according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said return element (ER) is a flexible tab.

7. Bumper according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises two energy absorbers (AEj) each having a first end (El) fixedly secured to said crossmember (TA) and a second end (E2) intended to be coupled to said structural part of the vehicle, and arranged so as to compress their material in a longitudinal direction of said vehicle in the event of an impact suffered by said crossmember (TA).

8. Land vehicle comprising a structural part, characterized in that it further comprises at least one bumper (PC) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly secured to said structural part.

9. Land vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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