VEHICLE WITH FRONT SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM INCLUDING SIDE ABSORBERS

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle with a front shock absorption system (1) comprising longitudinal beams (3), upper absorbers (5) arranged as extensions of said longitudinal beams (3), and an upper beam (7) transversely connecting the upper absorbers (5), the upper beam (7) having two ends and lateral extensions (15) at its ends, the front shock absorption system (1) further comprising an assembly (9) forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin (13) and at least one reinforcing element (11) comprising a lateral absorber (17) arranged opposite one of said lateral extensions (15). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE WITH FRONT SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM COMPRISING LATERAL ABSORBERS

[0001] Motor vehicles are equipped with a shock absorption system adapted to manage frontal impacts between the vehicle and a pedestrian, in particular at the level of his legs. The objective is, on the one hand, to absorb the energy of the impact, and on the other hand to limit the injuries inflicted on the pedestrian and to prevent him from passing under the vehicle.

[0002] For this purpose, the shock absorption system generally comprises two parts, a part called the "lower track" and a part called the "higher track" and the performance in terms of pedestrian impact at the level of the legs is ensured by a compromise of stiffness between the high track and the lower track.

[0003] The lower track is positioned at the central deflector of the front bumper of the vehicle and will "whip" the lower leg of the pedestrian in order to prevent the latter from passing under the vehicle. The upper track is, for its part, positioned at the level of the front bumper beam of the vehicle and allows the energy of the impact to be dissipated, in order to limit injuries to the pedestrian. The objective is to lay the leg as much as possible in order to limit shearing of the knee. To this end, the upper track comprises an energy absorption device called a "leg absorber", which is located between the bumper beam and the bumper skin of the vehicle. The crushing of the leg absorber, during a collision, will place the upper track in a position further back than the lower track relative to the vehicle, thereby causing the pedestrian's leg to lie down in the direction of the hood of the vehicle.

[0004] Such a device, for example in the form of a polypropylene foam absorber, is for example described in document EP3300963B1. Such a device has proven satisfactory and effective with regard to frontal impacts of the pedestrian type and repairability impacts.

[0005] However, when the pedestrian impact is located at the outer edge of the bumper, it has been found that this type of absorber generates rotational movements of the leg, degrading the performance of the vehicle in terms of pedestrian protection.

[0006] A solution remains to be found to overcome this problem. Doc CN101084140B relates to a vehicle bumper system comprising a beam and a thermoformed energy absorber, positioned on one face of the beam. The thermoformed energy absorber comprises a plurality of elongated crush boxes thermoformed from a base flange. As a result, the central area has less impact aggressive, intended to reduce pedestrian injuries upon impact. This configuration is interesting but insufficient during pedestrian impacts on the outer edge of the bumper.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems and drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, a solution remains to be found to improve the performance of a vehicle in terms of pedestrian protection during an impact on the outer edge of a bumper.

[0008] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle with a front shock absorption system comprising longitudinal stretchers, upper absorbers arranged as an extension of said longitudinal stretchers and an upper beam transversely connecting the upper absorbers, the upper beam having two ends and lateral extensions at its ends, the front shock absorption system further comprising an assembly forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin and at least one reinforcing element; the vehicle being remarkable in that and in that at least one reinforcing element comprises a lateral absorber arranged opposite one of said lateral extensions.

[0009] As will be understood from reading the definition which has just been given, the invention is remarkable in that it will place deformable absorbers at the outer edge of the bumper, by fixing said absorbers (called lateral absorbers) to the assembly forming a bumper and not to the upper bumper beam. The lateral absorbers are not in contact with the bumper beam but opposite it. Their positioning on the assembly forming a bumper and preferably on a bumper skin reinforcement, provides it with stability preventing it from sliding on or under the upper beam during impact kinematics and therefore avoids generating non-optimal behavior in collision kinematics.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the assembly forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin and at least one reinforcing element, the vehicle is remarkable in that at least one lateral absorber is integrally formed with at least one reinforcing element. Thus, not only are the risks of the lateral absorber becoming detached in an impact kinematics reduced, but its positioning is maintained during an impact kinematics. The lateral absorbers are positioned under the vehicle's headlights and do not risk sliding on the upper beam during the impact and therefore causing non-optimal behavior. Preferably, the reinforcing element and the lateral absorber are made of a plastic or composite material comprising at least 30% recycled plastic resin. The addition of recycled material makes it possible to reduce the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the lateral extensions extend from the ends of the upper beam towards the rear of the vehicle in a direction forming an angle between 5 and 30° with the transverse direction of the vehicle. The lateral extensions are elements allowing to absorb the transverse components of impacts of the "small overlap" type according to the standards in force in the United States. Their orientation towards the rear of the vehicle at a given angle allows to adapt to the style of the vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers has a rear face intended, during an impact, to be placed in abutment on the lateral extension opposite which it is arranged, said rear face is configured to have an angle similar or equal to that of said lateral extension. This arrangement will make it possible to create optimal absorption conditions but also guarantee the dissipation of energy during an impact. The rear surface of the lateral absorber will match the surface of the lateral extension, so that the absorber comes into contact with the lateral extension over its entire bearing surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers is in the form of a hollow box. This makes it possible in particular to mold the reinforcement and the lateral absorber in a single piece, the lateral absorber then being in the form of a hollow box open on one of its faces.

[0014] Preferably, each or at least one of the side absorbers has a structure showing folds or grooves configured to generate progressive deformation kinetics. The side absorber(s) may have a design similar to the upper or lower absorbers.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the lateral extensions are elements added to the upper beam. This configuration makes it easier to produce the upper beams.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the lateral extensions have a length of between 40 and 80 mm; preferably between 50 and 70 mm.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the upper beam further has a lower extension arranged centrally along the length of the upper beam. Preferably, the lower extension is in the form of a fixing plate and in that a central absorber is fixed on said plate. Indeed, it has been found that the desired benefits in terms of pedestrian impact could be achieved by the addition of a central absorber positioned on a lower extension of the upper beam.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers has a rear face placed opposite one of the lateral extensions of the upper beam and said rear face is arranged spaced from said lateral extension; preferably, spaced 8 to 25 mm apart. This configuration makes it possible on the one hand to minimize the risk of parasitic noise of the vibration type when the vehicle is moving but also to only stress the absorber and the lateral extension in the event of an impact of a certain force.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a bumper skin reinforcement element for a vehicle according to the first aspect, remarkable in that it comprises at least one lateral absorber intended to be positioned opposite a lateral extension of an upper beam of the vehicle; preferably, the reinforcement element has a body and the lateral absorber(s) are integral with said body.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an assembly forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin and at least one reinforcing element, remarkable in that the reinforcing element is according to the second aspect.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bumper skin reinforcement element for a vehicle according to the first aspect, the reinforcement element having a body, the method is remarkable in that it comprises a step of fixing at least one lateral absorber to the body of the reinforcement element or of molding at least one lateral absorber with said body so that the body and the lateral absorber(s) are integral with said body.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bumper skin reinforcement element according to the second aspect, the reinforcement element having a body, the method is remarkable in that it comprises a step of fixing at least one lateral absorber to the body of the reinforcement element or of molding at least one lateral absorber with said body so that the body and the lateral absorber(s) are integral with said body.

[0023] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended figures and listed below.

[0024] [Fig.l] is a side view of a front shock absorption system according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig. 2] is an isometric view of an upper beam of a front impact absorption system having lateral extensions

[0026] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the bumper skin reinforcement, the assembly forming a bumper, the vehicle or other steps in the method to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will respectively designate that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0027] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference system of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration, unless otherwise specified. otherwise. The term "longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. The term "front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle. The terms "bottom" and "lower" will indicate a closer proximity to the ground than the terms "top" and "upper" respectively.

[0028] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all whole numbers and, where appropriate, fractions included in that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 when referring to, for example, a number of items, and may also include 1.5; 2; 2.75, and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of endpoints also includes the recited endpoint values ​​themselves (e.g., 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range cited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein.

[0029] Reference throughout this description to "an embodiment" means that a feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Particular features, structures, or embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. By way of additional guidance, definitions of the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of this disclosure.

[0031] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0032] Reference will be made to [Fig.l] illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention. The vehicle with a front shock absorption system 1 according to the invention comprises longitudinal stretchers 3, upper absorbers 5 arranged in extension of said longitudinal stretchers 3 and an upper beam 7 transversely connecting the upper absorbers 5. The shock absorption system front 1 further comprises an assembly 9 forming a bumper comprising at least one reinforcement 11 and a bumper skin 13. As also visible in [Fig.2], the upper beam 7 has lateral extensions 15 configured to extend said upper beam 7 transversely towards the outside of the vehicle beyond the upper absorbers 5. The lateral extensions are fixed on the ends of the upper beam 7.

[0033] The invention is remarkable in that the assembly 9 forming a bumper comprises lateral absorbers 17 arranged to be placed opposite said lateral extensions 15. The lateral absorbers 17 are therefore carried by the assembly 9 forming a bumper and not by the upper beam 7 but will cooperate with the latter in order to absorb an impact. During the collision kinematics, a lateral absorber 17 will initially move forward until it rests on the lateral extension 15 of the upper beam 7, then in a second step it will deform to absorb the impact.

[0034] For this purpose, the lateral absorbers 17 are dimensioned so that their rear face or support face is spaced from the lateral extension 15, defining an air gap. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers 17 has a rear face placed opposite one of the lateral extensions 15 of the upper beam 7 so that said rear face is arranged spaced from said lateral extension 15 by a distance of between 8 and 25 mm; preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

[0035] It will be understood that, according to the invention, the lateral absorbers 17 are arranged opposite the lateral extensions 15 and are therefore not aligned with the upper absorbers 5. They are in fact offset in the transverse direction, the upper absorbers 5 having a more internal position than the lateral absorbers 17.

[0036] In a known manner, an assembly 9 forming a bumper is part of the bodywork parts of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, which are visible to the user. Many parts forming the bodywork of a vehicle are currently prepared from plastic material; this makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and therefore its greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and / or improve the autonomy of the vehicle for electrically powered vehicles. Thus, the assembly 9 forming a bumper generally comprises a bumper skin 13 which is often made up of an assembly of elements. Among these elements, mention may be made of the side crosspieces (or bumper cheeks), the lower skirt, the deflector, the ventilation grille(s) (when present), the license plate holder or various hubcaps.The bumper skin 13 nevertheless often shows a certain flexibility which implies that it is associated with one or more bumper skin reinforcement elements 11, the whole being supported by a frame of . bumper. Thus, in the invention, the assembly 9 forming a bumper comprises a bumper skin 13 and at least one bumper skin reinforcing element 11, hereinafter referred to as reinforcing element 11.

[0037] In order to preserve the external appearance of the bumper skin from an aesthetic point of view, the person skilled in the art will have an advantage in having the lateral absorbers 17 fixed or carried by reinforcing elements 11 rather than on or by the bumper skin 13.

[0038] Thus, according to an embodiment not shown, at least one lateral absorber 17 is fixed to a reinforcing element. This fixing can be done by any means, such as for example by gluing, clipping or screwing.

[0039] Nevertheless, a person skilled in the art will have an advantage in having at least one lateral absorber 17 made of the same material as the reinforcing element 11 with which it is associated. In other words, it is advantageous for a lateral absorber 17 to be molded in one piece with a reinforcing element 11. Thus, not only are the risks of the lateral absorber 17 becoming detached in an impact kinematics reduced, but also the assembly is more robust and more economical in terms of production and assembly costs. Thus, preferably, the reinforcing element 11 has a body and the lateral absorber(s) 17 are made of the same material as said body.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one bumper skin reinforcement 11 and / or at least one lateral absorber 17 is made of a plastic or composite material.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass fibers, carbon fibers, fibers of plant origin, talc or a mixture of the above.

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least one bumper skin reinforcement 11 and / or at least one lateral absorber 17 is made of a plastic or composite material with a plastic material matrix and a reinforcement, and at least one bumper skin reinforcement 11 and / or at least one lateral absorber 17 comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic resin based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably at least 20% by weight, and more preferably at least 30% by weight, and even more preferably, at least 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the ecological footprint of the vehicle.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one bumper skin reinforcement 11 and / or at least one at least one side absorber 17 is made of a plastic or composite material with a plastic material matrix and a reinforcement, and at least one bumper skin reinforcement 11 and / or at least one side absorber 17 comprises 10 to 80% by weight of recycled plastic resin based on the total weight of the plastic material; more preferably 20 to 60% by weight or 30 to 50% by weight.

[0044] It will be understood that the lateral absorbers 17 are intended for shock absorption and therefore comprise a shape adapted to their function. Thus, according to an embodiment not shown, the lateral absorbers 17 may be in the form of a leaf spring, in particular in the case where they are attached to a reinforcing element. In the case where they are made in one piece with a reinforcing element, but not only, the lateral absorbers 17 will advantageously be in the form of hollow boxes capable of being crushed in order to absorb a shock. Preferably, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers 17 has a structure showing folds or grooves configured to generate progressive deformation kinetics. Optionally, the lateral absorber(s) 17 have a general shape of a right prism with a triangular base.

[0045] According to the invention, the upper beam 7 has lateral extensions 15 configured to extend said upper beam 7 transversely towards the outside of the vehicle beyond the upper absorbers 5. The lateral extensions 15 are preferably metal parts, for example made of steel, which are integral or added to the upper bumper beam 7; preferably added. The lateral extensions 15 are advantageously 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. The lateral extensions 15 are preferably fixed to the front face of the upper bumper beam 7. The fixing of the lateral extensions 15 to the upper bumper beam 7 can be done by any means, and preferably is done by welding.

[0046] The lateral extensions 15 are in the form of an elongated body so as to have a length of between 40 and 80 mm; preferably between 50 and 70 mm.

[0047] The lateral extensions 15 are in the form of an elongated body with a first part fixed to one end of the upper beam 7, and a second part projecting from the end in a longitudinal direction of the upper beam 7. In the context of a curved beam, this means the average longitudinal direction. The lateral extension 15 may also comprise stiffening elements such as, for example, ribs, corrugations, etc.; in particular on its second part. The first part comprises means for fixing the lateral extension 15 to the upper beam 7, for example, one or more tabs for fixing the lateral extension 15 by welding. It is also possible for the lateral extension 15 comprises a tab for fixing to the upper face of the upper beam 7.

[0048] The second part extends in the extension of the first part, and preferably forms an angle with the first part. The angle of the second part is generally chosen to increase the curve at the end of the upper beam and to correspond to style constraints. Thus advantageously, the lateral extensions 15 extend from the ends of the upper beam 7 towards the rear of the vehicle in a direction forming an angle of between 5 and 30° with the transverse direction of the vehicle; preferably from 10 to 20°.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will have an advantage in that each or at least one of the lateral absorbers 17 has a rear face intended, during an impact, to be placed in abutment on the lateral extension 15 opposite which it is arranged, said rear face is configured to have an angle similar or equal to that of said lateral extension.

[0050] Thus, preferably, the bearing face of the lateral absorbers 17 has an inclination forming an angle of between 5 and 30° with the transverse direction of the vehicle; preferably from 10 to 20°. Optionally, the bearing face of the lateral absorbers 17 has a curve or a shape complementary to the curve or to the shape of the surface of the lateral extension 15 with which it will come into contact during a collision kinematics.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper beam 7 further has a lower extension 19 arranged centrally along the length of the beam. This extension is intended to carry a central absorber 23. Thus, the lower extension is advantageously in the form of a fixing plate 21 and a central absorber 23 is fixed to said fixing plate 21.

[0052] The central absorber 23 is preferably a foam absorber, for example formed from a foam chosen from a polyether, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyurethane foam, preferably polyethylene foam. For example, the foam may be an expanded polyethylene foam of the NEOPOLEN® type.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.l], the vehicle comprises a shock absorption system comprising an upper track and a lower track. The upper track comprising the upper beam 7. The lower track of the vehicle comprises side members 27, lower absorbers 29 arranged as an extension of said side members 27 and a lower beam 33 transversely connecting the lower absorbers 29. According to a preferred embodiment visible in [Fig.l], the lower beam 33 has lower lateral extensions 31 configured to transversely extend said lower beam 33 towards the outside of the vehicle beyond the lower absorbers 29. The lower lateral extensions 31 are fixed on the ends of the lower beam 33. The lower beam 33 is positioned more before the upper beam 7, in this way, during an impact with the leg of a pedestrian, the latter will be more easily laid down towards the hood of the vehicle. Indeed, the low track is positioned at the level of the central deflector of the front bumper of the vehicle and will "whip" the lower leg of the pedestrian in order to prevent the latter from passing under the vehicle.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a bumper skin reinforcement element 11 for a vehicle as described above, the reinforcement element having a body, the method is remarkable in that it comprises a step of fixing at least one lateral absorber 17 to the body of the reinforcement element 11 or of molding at least one lateral absorber 17 with said body so that the body and the lateral absorber(s) 17 are integral with said body.

[0055] Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle and / or an assembly 9 forming a bumper, remarkable in that it comprises a step of manufacturing a reinforcing element, the reinforcing element having a body, the method is remarkable in that it comprises a step of fixing at least one lateral absorber 17 to the body of the reinforcing element 11 or of molding at least one lateral absorber 17 with said body so that the body and the lateral absorber(s) 17 are integral with said body and a step of assembling or mounting said reinforcing element 11 on said vehicle or in said assembly 9 forming a bumper.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle with front shock absorption system (1) comprising longitudinal stretchers (3), upper absorbers (5) arranged as an extension of said longitudinal stretchers (3) and an upper beam (7) transversely connecting the upper absorbers (5), the upper beam (7) having two ends and lateral extensions (15) at its ends, the front shock absorption system (1) further comprising an assembly (9) forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin (13) and at least one reinforcing element (11); the vehicle being characterized in that and in that at least one reinforcing element (11) comprises a lateral absorber (17) arranged opposite one of said lateral extensions (15).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, the vehicle being characterized in that at least one lateral absorber (17) is integral with at least one reinforcing element (11); preferably, the reinforcing element (11) and the lateral absorber (17) are made of a plastic or composite material comprising at least 30% recycled plastic resin.

3. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lateral extensions (15) extend from the ends of the upper beam (7) towards the rear of the vehicle in a direction forming an angle of between 5 and 30° with the transverse direction of the vehicle; preferably, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers (17) has a rear face intended, during an impact, to rest on the lateral extension (15) opposite which it is arranged, said rear face is configured to have an angle similar to or equal to that of said lateral extension (15).

4. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each or at least one of the lateral absorbers (17) is in the form of a hollow box; preferably, each or at least one of the lateral absorbers (17) has a structure showing folds or grooves configured to generate progressive deformation kinetics.

5. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lateral extensions (15) are elements attached to the upper beam (7) and / or the lateral extensions (15) have a length of between 40 and 80 mm; preferably between 50 and 70 mm.

6. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper beam (7) further has a lower extension (19) arranged centrally along the length of the upper beam (7); preferably, the lower extension (19) is in the form of a fixing plate (21) and in that a central absorber (23) is fixed on said fixing plate (21).

7. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each or at least one of the lateral absorbers (17) has a rear face placed opposite one of the lateral extensions (15) of the upper beam (7) and in that said rear face is arranged spaced from said lateral extension (15); preferably, spaced 8 to 25 mm apart.

8. Reinforcing element (11) for a vehicle bumper skin according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one lateral absorber (17) intended to be positioned opposite a lateral extension of an upper beam of the vehicle; preferably, the reinforcing element (11) has a body and the lateral absorber(s) (17) are integral with said body.

9. Assembly (9) forming a bumper comprising a bumper skin (13) and at least one reinforcing element (11), characterized in that the reinforcing element (11) is according to claim 8.

10. Method for manufacturing a reinforcement element (11) for a vehicle bumper skin according to one of claims 1 to 7, the reinforcement element having a body, the method is characterized in that it comprises a step of fixing at least one lateral absorber (17) to the body of the reinforcement element (11) or of molding at least one lateral absorber (17) with said body so that the body and the lateral absorber(s) (17) are integral with said body.

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