COUPLING PART FOR STRUT BAR AND FRONT APRON OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
The introduction of a coupling part in motor vehicles distributes shock forces more efficiently, addressing the challenge of absorbing significant forces without increasing structural element thickness, thus reducing weight and cost while enhancing handling and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023005834
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently absorbing significant shock forces without increasing the thickness and weight of structural elements, leading to higher costs and energy consumption.
A coupling part is introduced that is fixedly secured to the front apron and strut bar, distributing shock forces more effectively through additional structural elements, including a V-shaped design with specific angles and materials like steel, allowing for greater force absorption without increasing element thickness.
The coupling part enhances force distribution and absorption, reducing the need for thicker structural elements, thereby minimizing weight and cost increases while improving vehicle handling and safety.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: COUPLING PIECE FOR ANTI-ROLL BAR AND FRONT PANEL OF A VEHICLE AUTOMOBILE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to motor vehicles, and more precisely to the front blocks of such vehicles. State of the art
[0002] Certain motor vehicles comprise a structure comprising in an engine compartment, extending to a front apron, a front unit comprising two right and left anchoring parts, an anti-roll bar, and at least one front cradle (with its right and left extensions), right and left side members and right and left upper arms which together provide, in particular, the support of at least part of the powertrain (or GMP) of the vehicle.
[0003] The front cradle is installed under the stretchers and defines a low force path. The right and left stretchers define an intermediate force path. The right and left upper arms are installed above the stretchers and define a high force path.
[0004] Each upper arm extends upwards to an area located between a front leg of the structure, which is fixedly secured to a corresponding side member, and a front upright of the structure which is fixedly secured to the corresponding front leg.
[0005] Each stretcher extends towards a corresponding front leg, and comprises a rear end, opposite the front end of the vehicle, and fixedly secured to the front leg.
[0006] The two anchoring pieces are used to secure the upper ends of the right and left shock absorbers.
[0007] The anti-roll bar is installed in the transverse direction of the vehicle and has two opposite ends which are fixedly secured respectively to the two anchoring parts. It contributes to the stiffening of the front block.
[0008] When a shock absorber works or absorbs a shock, it transfers forces to the anchoring part to which its upper end is secured, and part of these forces is in turn transferred to the anti-approximation bar and then to the other anchoring part. The number of structural elements absorbing the aforementioned forces (anchoring parts and anti-approximation bar) being low, the more we want these structural elements to be able to absorb significant forces, the greater their thicknesses respective must be significant. However, the more their respective thicknesses are increased, the more their cost increases and the more the weight of the vehicle increases (which then increases its consumption of driving energy).
[0009] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0010] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a coupling part intended to equip a motor vehicle comprising:
[0011] - a front apron installed in a transverse direction of the vehicle and the interface between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment,
[0012] - two anchor pieces installed on the right and left in the engine compartment and to which the upper ends of right and left shock absorbers are secured respectively, and
[0013] - an anti-rapprochement bar installed in the transverse direction in the com engine compartment and having two opposite ends fixedly and respectively secured to the anchoring parts.
[0014] This coupling part is characterized by the fact that it is suitable for being fixedly secured to the front apron and anti-approach bar, and arranged so as to transfer to the front apron part of a force undergone by the anti-approach bar in the transverse direction and coming from one of the anchoring parts.
[0015] Thanks to each coupling part, the number of structural elements absorbing the forces initially originating from a shock absorber is notably greater than in a vehicle of the prior art, which allows a significant diffusion / distribution of these forces and therefore a absorption of (much) greater forces without increasing the respective thicknesses of these structural elements.
[0016] The coupling part according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0017] - it can have a general V shape;
[0018] - in the presence of the first option, it can include, on the one hand, first and second parts suitable for being fixedly secured to the anti-approach bar, on the second hand, third and fourth parts having first ends fixedly secured and respectively to the first and second parts and second ends opposite the first ends, and suitable for respectively making first and second angles not affected with the transverse direction, and, on the third hand, a fifth part suitable for being fixedly secured to the front apron and comprising two opposite ends fixedly secured and respectively to the second ends of the third and fourth parts;
[0019] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the first and second angles can be different or identical;
[0020] - also in the presence of the last sub-option, the first and second angles can be between 70° and 100°;
[0021] - it can be made of steel;
[0022] - it can have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.
[0023] The invention also provides a motor vehicle comprising:
[0024] - a front apron installed in a transverse direction of the vehicle and the interface between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment,
[0025] - two anchor pieces installed on the right and left in the engine compartment and to which the upper ends of right and left shock absorbers are secured respectively,
[0026] - an anti-rapprochement bar installed in the transverse direction in the com engine compartment and having two opposite ends fixedly and respectively secured to the anchoring parts, and
[0027] - at least one coupling part of the type presented above and secured fixing to the front apron and anti-roll bar.
[0028] For example, this motor vehicle may comprise:
[0029] - a first coupling piece fixedly secured to the front apron and anti-roll bar approach near the right anchor piece, and
[0030] - a second coupling piece fixedly secured to the front apron and anti-roll bar approach near the left anchor piece.
[0031] Also for example, the (each) coupling part can be fixedly secured by welding and / or screwing to the front apron and anti-approach bar. Brief description of the figures
[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawing (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:
[0033] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side (in the engine compartment), a part of a vehicle structure comprising a dashboard crossmember and examples of embodiments of two coupling parts according to the invention fixedly secured to the front apron and anti-roll bar. Detailed description of the invention
[0034] The invention aims in particular to propose a coupling part PCj intended to form part of a structure SV of a motor vehicle, and making it possible to significantly improve the absorption of forces from a shock absorber without significantly penalizing the weight of the vehicle.
[0035] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that each part of PCj coupling is intended to be part of a car-type motor vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It relates in fact to any motor vehicle comprising a structure comprising, on the one hand, a front apron, and, on the other hand, right and left anchoring parts and an anti-roll bar installed in an engine compartment extending to the front apron.
[0036] In [Fig. 1] the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (automobile), which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.
[0037] In the foregoing and the following, the concept of "front" is defined in relation to the front end of the vehicle, and the concept of "rear" is defined in relation to the rear end of the vehicle (opposite the front end). Consequently, the front part of an element is (intended to be) oriented towards the front end of the vehicle, while the rear part of this element is (intended to be) oriented towards the rear end of the vehicle.
[0038] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates part of an example of a structure SV of a vehicle (automobile) delimiting a passenger compartment H and an engine compartment CM separated by a front apron TV. This structure SV comprises in particular a dashboard crossmember TP and a front block.
[0039] The dashboard crossmember TP is installed in the passenger compartment H in the transverse direction Y, being fixedly secured, in particular, to the front apron TV, and supports the dashboard (not shown). As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the fixed securing of the dashboard crossmember TP to the front apron TV can be done via two fixing parts PFj (j = 1 or 2) right and left.
[0040] The TV apron is installed along the transverse direction Y of the vehicle at the interface between the passenger compartment H and the engine compartment CM.
[0041] The front unit is installed in the engine compartment CM which extends to the front bulkhead TV. Although this is partially illustrated in [Fig.l], the front unit comprises, in particular, on the one hand, two anchoring pieces PAj (j = 1 or 2), an anti-roll bar BA, at least one coupling piece PCj, and, on the other hand, at least one front cradle (with its right and left extensions), right and left stretchers and right and left upper arms which together provide, in particular, the support of at least part of the powertrain (or GMP) of the vehicle.
[0042] The two anchoring pieces PA1 (j = 1) and PA2 (j = 2) are installed respectively on the right and on the left in the engine compartment CM and are used to secure the upper ends of right and left shock absorbers (not shown).
[0043] The anti-rapprochement bar BA is installed in the transverse direction Y in the engine compartment CM. It has two opposite ends EBj (j = 1 or 2) which are fixedly secured respectively to the anchoring parts PAj, and therefore contributes to the stiffening of the front block.
[0044] The (each) coupling part PCj is suitable for being fixedly secured to the front apron TV and to the anti-approach bar BA, and is arranged so as to transfer to the front apron TV part of a force undergone by the anti-approach bar BA in the transverse direction Y and coming from one of the anchoring parts PAj.
[0045] It will be understood that from now on when a shock absorber works or absorbs an impact, it transfers forces to the anchoring part PAj to which its upper end is secured. Then, part of these forces is in turn transferred to the anti-rapprochement bar BA which transfers them to the other anchoring part PAj' (j' j) and to at least one coupling part PCj which in turn transfers part of the forces received to the front bulkhead TV, which can then transfer part of the forces received to at least one fixing part PFj which in turn transfers part of the forces received to the dashboard crossmember TP, which can then possibly transfer part of the forces received to at least one fixing plate to which it is fixedly secured. The paths followed by the forces transferred from the left shock absorber (and therefore the left anchoring part PA2) are shown by the arrows F1 to F4 in [Fig.l].
[0046] The number of structural elements absorbing the forces initially originating from a shock absorber is therefore significantly greater (or even much greater) than in a vehicle of the prior art. This advantageously allows a significant diffusion / distribution of these forces and therefore a absorption of (much) greater forces without increasing the respective thicknesses of these structural elements. Certainly, the (each) coupling part PCj contributes to increasing the weight of the vehicle, but this increase is very small because the (each) coupling part PCj has small dimensions.
[0047] Furthermore, the coupling provided by the (each) coupling part PCj makes it possible to increase the transverse rigidity of the vehicle in its front part, and thus to improve road holding and therefore the comfort and safety of the passengers.
[0048] It will be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig.l] the vehicle comprises a first coupling piece PCI (j = 1) fixedly secured to the front apron TV and to the anti-approach bar BA near the right anchoring piece PA1, and a second coupling piece PC2 (j = 2) fixedly secured to the front apron TV and to the anti-approach bar BA near the left anchoring piece PA2. In this case, and as shown by the arrows F1 to F4, the forces from the left shock absorber (and therefore from the left anchoring part PA2) and transferred to the anti-approach bar BA are mainly transferred to the front apron TV by the right coupling part PCI. Conversely, the forces from the right shock absorber (and therefore from the left anchoring part PA2) and transferred to the anti-approach bar BA are mainly transferred to the front apron TV by the left coupling part PC2.
[0049] But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the vehicle could comprise only a single coupling part PCj fixedly secured to the front apron TV and to the anti-roll bar BA in a middle part.
[0050] For example, each coupling part PCj can be fixedly secured by welding and / or screwing (or bolting) to the front apron TV and to the anti-rapprochement bar BA.
[0051] Also for example, each coupling part PCj can, for example, be made of steel. But other resistant materials can be used.
[0052] Also for example, each coupling part PCj may, for example, have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. For example, this thickness may be between 1.9 mm and 2.1 mm.
[0053] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], each coupling part PCj may have a general V-shape. When the “tip” of the general V-shape is fixedly secured to the front apron TV, this advantageously allows at least one inclined part of this general V-shape to facilitate the transfer of forces from the anti-approach bar BA to the front apron TV (see arrow F2 in [Fig.l]). But an inverse orientation (namely the tip of the general V-shape fixedly secured to the anti-approach bar BA) may be envisaged.
[0054] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], each coupling part PCj having a general V shape can comprise first P1, second P2, third P3, fourth P4 and fifth P5 parts.
[0055] The first PI and second P2 parts are suitable for being fixedly secured to the anti-approach bar BA, for example by welding.
[0056] The third P3 and fourth P4 parts have first ends fixedly secured respectively to the first PI and second P2 parts and second ends opposite the first ends. In addition, these third P3 and fourth P4 parts are suitable for making respectively first and second non-interfering angles with the transverse direction Y.
[0057] The fifth part P5 constitutes the tip of the general V shape, and is here suitable for being fixedly secured to the front TV apron, for example by screwing. In addition, the fifth part P5 comprises two opposite ends, fixedly secured and res respectively at the second ends of the third P3 and fourth P4 parts.
[0058] It will be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig.l] the first and second angles are different. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated they could be identical. This variant is also the one which is preferred when the vehicle comprises only one coupling part PCj fixedly secured to the front apron TV and to the anti-roll bar BA in a middle part, because this makes it possible to symmetrize the transfer paths to the right and to the left.
[0059] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in [Fig.l], the first and second angles chosen may be between 70° and 100°. But other angle ranges may be envisaged.
[0060] It will also be noted that each coupling part PCj can be in one piece or made by assembling initially independent parts and for example joined together by welding. When each coupling part PCj is in one piece, it can be made by molding or by folding and / or stamping and / or cutting operations.
Claims
Claims
1. Coupling part (PCj) suitable for equipping a motor vehicle comprising i) a front apron (TV) installed in a transverse direction of said vehicle and at the interface between a passenger compartment (H) and an engine compartment (CM), ii) two anchoring parts (PAj) installed on the right and left in said engine compartment (CM) and to which upper ends of right and left shock absorbers are secured respectively, and iii) an anti-roll bar (BA) installed in said transverse direction in said engine compartment (CM) and having two opposite ends (EBj) fixedly secured and respectively to said anchoring parts (PAj),characterized in that it is suitable for being fixedly secured to said front apron (TV) and anti-approach bar (BA) and arranged so as to transfer to said front apron (TV) part of a force undergone by said anti-approach bar (BA) in said transverse direction and coming from one of said anchoring parts (PAj).,
2. Coupling piece according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a general V shape.
3. Coupling part according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises i) first (PI) and second (P2) parts suitable for being fixedly secured to said anti-approach bar (BA), ii) third (P3) and fourth (P4) parts having first ends fixedly secured and respectively to said first (PI) and second (P2) parts and second ends opposite to said first ends, and suitable for respectively making first and second angles not harmed with said transverse direction, and iii) a fifth part (P5) suitable for being fixedly secured to said front apron (TV) and comprising two opposite ends fixedly secured and respectively to said second ends of the third (P3) and fourth (P4) parts.
4. Coupling piece according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second angles are different.
5. Coupling piece according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second angles are identical.
6. Coupling piece according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each of said first and second angles is between 70° and 100°.
7. Coupling part according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is made of steel.
8. Coupling part according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.
9. Motor vehicle comprising i) a front apron (TV) installed in a transverse direction of said vehicle and at the interface between a passenger compartment (H) and an engine compartment (CM), ii) two anchoring pieces (PAj) installed on the right and left in said engine compartment (CM) and to which upper ends of right and left shock absorbers are secured respectively, and iii) an anti-roll bar (BA) installed in said transverse direction in said engine compartment (CM) and having two opposite ends (EBj) fixedly secured and respectively to said anchoring pieces (PAj), characterized in that it further comprises at least one coupling piece (PCj) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly secured to said front apron (TV) and anti-roll bar (BA).
10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises i) a first coupling piece (PCI) fixedly secured to said front apron (TV) and anti-approach bar (BA) near said right anchoring piece (PA1), and ii) a second coupling piece (PC2) fixedly secured to said front apron (TV) and anti-approach bar (BA) near said left anchoring piece (PA2).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Automobile gutter channel assembly and automobile body forecabin structure
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Tower connecting bar structure
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