Motor vehicle structure with reinforced third lane

Abstract

The invention relates to a front structure (14) of a motor vehicle, the front structure comprising a vertical support (34) for supporting a motor vehicle bumper system; a front side member, also called a front crossmember, fixed to the vertical support; a reinforcement arm (30) with a front end (40) having a mounting interface (42) to the vertical support; and a mounting pin (44) for the reinforcement arm to the vertical support through the mounting interface. The front structure further comprises a reinforcement piece (50) through which the mounting pin passes, said reinforcement piece (50) being located at the mounting interface to optimize the transmission of forces from the vertical support (34) to the reinforcement arm (30) in order to stiffen the mounting interface (42) around at least one mounting pin. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle structure with reinforced third lane

[0001] The invention relates to a low-overlap frontal collision of a motor vehicle. The invention concerns the reinforcement of a third load path in the structure of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a motor vehicle structure with a triple load transmission path in the event of a frontal impact. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] In order to meet certain safety tests, the requirements of which are continually increasing, motor vehicles are designed to withstand different types of collisions. Specifically, a motor vehicle must be able to withstand collisions at different speeds and for different overlaps. The overlap corresponds to the transverse proportion of the vehicle in contact with the obstacle involved in the collision. The test success criterion includes data on the deceleration experienced by a user inside the passenger compartment.

[0003] During a high-speed collision, for example at 64 km / h, against a fixed obstacle with a 25% overlap, the front structure is stressed in a demanding way since only one side can absorb and dissipate the energy of the impact before the obstacle reaches the passenger compartment.

[0004] To better control deformations and distribute the forces applied to the front of the structure during a high-speed frontal impact, the front structure generally benefits from a triple load path. This triple path comprises a lower path under the bumper crossmember, an upper path via the bumper crossmember and the frame rails, and a third path above the upper path. These three paths generally terminate at the front base, at the front edge of the passenger compartment.

[0005] At their front ends, these three tracks are connected to a vertical support that extends vertically. In order to control the deformation of the three tracks and to maintain the position of the crossbeams that this vertical support receives, it is necessary to optimize its stability during the programmed deformation of the front structure.

[0006] On each side, the structure also features a front pillar for attaching a front end panel. The front pillar is successively connected to the engine cradle, the front frame rail, and a wing reinforcement piece, also called a third path, in that it provides an additional path for transmitting forces to the front pillar in the event of a frontal collision. The reinforcement piece is generally attached to the front pillar by screws. Such an architecture optimizes force transmission. However, there is a need to further improve the structure's behavior in the event of a frontal impact.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to increase the safety of the front structure of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the mass, safety, and control of deformation during a frontal collision of a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a front structure for a motor vehicle, the front structure comprising a vertical support intended to support a motor vehicle bumper system; a front longitudinal member fixed to the vertical support; a reinforcement arm with a front end having a fixing interface to the vertical support; at least one fixing axis of the reinforcement arm to the vertical support through the fixing interface; remarkable in that the front structure further comprises a reinforcement piece through which at least one fixing axis passes, said reinforcement piece being at the fixing interface so as to stiffen the fixing interface at the level of at least one fixing axis.

[0009] The invention adds reinforcement to the attachment point between the vertical support and the reinforcement arm. This precaution secures their connection and prevents separation in the event of a peak force during a collision at at least 50 km / h, preferably at least 64 km / h.

[0010] Document FR3124476B1 presents a structural assembly for a vehicle comprising a stretcher line and an upper support cup for a suspension system. During a collision, its connecting element is designed to deform by transmitting forces to the cup via a load path. Thus, the level of safety increases. However, this document does not propose a solution suitable for stability between a reinforcement arm and a vertical support arranged in front of a stretcher.

[0011] Preferably, the front end of the reinforcement arm includes a housing, the reinforcement piece being in said housing.

[0012] Preferably, the fastening interface includes means for fastening the reinforcement piece to the reinforcement arm; and / or the vertical support includes a transverse wall and a longitudinal wall extending longitudinally from the transverse wall, the reinforcement piece being against the longitudinal wall.

[0013] Preferably, the reinforcement arm comprises a main section, and the front end comprises a fixing tab against the reinforcement piece; said fixing tab being inclined relative to the main section.

[0014] Preferably, the reinforcement arm includes a stiffening stamping extending longitudinally along the reinforcement piece.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one fixing axis comprises at least two fixing axes, and the reinforcing piece comprises at least two fixing holes through which the at least two fixing axes pass.

[0016] Preferably, the reinforcing arm comprises a first thickness and the part of reinforcement includes a second layer that is thicker than the first layer.

[0017] Preferably, the vertical support comprises a third thickness greater than the first thickness.

[0018] Preferably, the vertical support comprises a lower half and an upper half; the front spar and the reinforcement arm being fixed to said upper half.

[0019] Preferably, the reinforcing piece is vertically at the level of the midpoint. peri.

[0020] Preferably, the reinforcing piece comprises a flat sheet.

[0021] Preferably, the reinforcing piece is rectangular.

[0022] Preferably, the front longitudinal member extends towards the rear of the vertical support.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one fixing axis comprises a first axis of fixing and a second fixing axis, the reinforcing piece extends from the first fixing axis to the second fixing axis.

[0024] Preferably, the stiffening stamping extends from the housing.

[0025] Preferably, the stiffening stamping connects the fixing lug and the main section.

[0026] Preferably, the reinforcement arm is above the front longitudinal member.

[0027] Preferably, the fixing interface is between the reinforcement arm and the vertical pillar.

[0028] Preferably, the fixing interface is perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0029] Preferably, the reinforcing piece fits the vertical pillar.

[0030] Preferably, the reinforcing piece comprises a thickness between 1.00 mm and 3.00 mm.

[0031] Preferably, the reinforcing piece comprises a thickness between 1.20 mm and 2.00 mm.

[0032] Preferably, the reinforcement piece includes a reinforcement plate.

[0033] Preferably, the vertical support is a front pillar.

[0034] Preferably, the vertical support forms the front end of the front structure.

[0035] Preferably, the second layer is at least twice as thick as the first layer.

[0036] Preferably, the reinforcing piece optimizes the transmission of forces from the front pillar to the reinforcing arm

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a front structure for a motor vehicle, the front structure comprising a front pillar for receiving a front end of a motor vehicle; a main side member fixed to the front pillar; a reinforcement arm with a front end forming an interface for attachment to the front pillar; at least one axis for attaching the reinforcement arm to the front pillar through the interface of fixing; remarkable in that the front structure further includes a reinforcing piece through which at least one fixing axis passes, said reinforcing piece being at the fixing interface so as to stiffen the fixing interface around at least one fixing axis.

[0038] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a front structure, remarkable in that the front structure conforms to the invention; the motor vehicle further comprises an engine cradle fixed to the vertical support and extending longitudinally at the level of the reinforcement piece.

[0039] Preferably, the engine cradle extends longitudinally under the front side member.

[0040] Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a front wing attached to the reinforcement arm.

[0041] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a front fascia including the bumper system, the front fascia being fixed to the front pillar.

[0042] Preferably, the structure includes a front foot behind the vertical support.

[0043] Preferably, the reinforcement arm and the front spar extend forward from the front foot.

[0044] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0045] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a portion of the front structure of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0048] Fig. 3 represents a front structural reinforcement arm of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 4 represents a front end of a front structural reinforcement arm of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a cross-section of a front structure reinforcement arm fixing interface of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0051] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the front structure to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0052] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0053] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0054] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0055] In the present description, equality between values ​​is not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality allows a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0056] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0057] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the front structure mounting configuration, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0058] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0059] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0060] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms the body of the vehicle. The structure 12 may be a main structure in that it extends substantially over the entire length and width of the motor vehicle 10. It may include body sections. The components are mounted on the structure 12. The engine, axles, suspension systems, and steering system are mounted on it. The structure 12 comprises an assembly of stamped sheet metal fastened to one another, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the structure is an assembly of tubes connected to one another, for example, so as to form a truss.

[0061] Structure 12 includes a front portion designated as front structure 14. The The front structure 14 receives the front fascia, including the bumper system 16. The bumper system 16 comprises a bumper skin, shock absorbers, and at least one crossmember. It is located at the front. The bumper system 16 is configured to absorb energy in the event of a pedestrian impact, as well as in the event of a collision with another vehicle. It is capable of elastic deformation, thus returning to its original position without permanent deformation, for an impact at a speed of up to 10 km / h.

[0062] The front structure 14 defines a front compartment 18. The front compartment 18 is located in front of the central compartment forming the passenger compartment. The front compartment 18 is generally an engine compartment or a cargo compartment. The front axle is arranged there. The front structure 14 is located in front of the passenger compartment.

[0063] Structure 12 is symmetrical. Hereafter, the description will be given in relation to one of the sides, but applies to each side of structure 12, and therefore to each side of the front structure 14.

[0064] The structure 12 includes a central longitudinal member 20 extending towards the rear of the front pillar 22. It forms the base of the structure 12. The front pillar 22 is located in front of the passenger compartment. The front pillar 22 defines the front structure 14. It forms a vertical column. The front pillar 22 provides a mounting support for the front side door 24.

[0065] The front structure 14 also includes a front side member 26, located in front of the passenger compartment. The front side member 26 is commonly referred to as the front frame rail or frame rail. It extends longitudinally forward from the front foot 22. The front side member 26 runs along the front compartment 18. At its front end, it includes a shock-absorbing box. It forms a main side member of the front structure 14. In the event of a frontal collision with an obstacle, the front side member 26 forms a primary path for transmitting forces, specifically a main path.

[0066] Preferably, the front structure 14 further includes an engine cradle 28. The engine cradle 28 is attached to the front foot 22 and extends forward of it. It rests on the front axle and supports, in particular, the powertrain. The engine cradle 28 is located in the front compartment 18. In the event of a frontal collision with an obstacle, the engine cradle 28 forms a second path for transmitting forces; or a lower path.

[0067] The front structure 14 further includes a reinforcing arm 30. The reinforcing arm 30 provides a mounting support for the front wing 32. The front wing 32 is an exterior panel. It forms the body of the motor vehicle. The front wing 32 defines the wheel arch. It extends from the front side door 24 to a lighting device on the front panel. The front wing 32 extends along the entire length of the com- front compartment 18, and masks the front longitudinal member 26.

[0068] The reinforcement arm 30 extends along the front side member 26. It is located above it. It generally has an arched shape. The reinforcement arm 30 delimits the top of the front compartment 18. In the event of a frontal collision with an obstacle, the reinforcement arm 30 forms a third path for transmitting forces.

[0069] Thus, the front structure 14 has a triple force transmission path, which improves force transmission. Controlled deformation is better managed in the case of a low overlap collision; that is, with a transverse overlap of at most 40%; preferably at most 25%.

[0070] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0071] Figure 2 shows a side view of the front structure 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to Figure 1. The front compartment 18 is exposed.

[0072] The front structure 14 includes a vertical support 34. The vertical support 34 extends vertically. Its main extension is vertical. The vertical support 34 forms a mounting support for the bumper system, and more generally a mounting support for the front fascia. It supports a heat exchanger. It is located at the front end of the front compartment 18. The front side member 26 extends rearward from the vertical support 34.

[0073] The front side member 26 and the reinforcement arm 30 are fixed to the vertical support 34, particularly at their front ends. The vertical support 34 comprises a lower half and an upper half. The front side member 26 and the reinforcement arm 30 are fixed, preferably one above the other, to said upper half. The lower half is fixed to the engine cradle (not shown). The presence of the reinforcement arm 30 limits the tilting of the vertical support 34 in the event of a low-overlap frontal collision. This contributes to safety.

[0074] The reinforcement arm 30 is laterally positioned on the side of the vertical support 34 in order to control its lateral tilting in the event of a low-overlap collision. Its barrier function is better ensured.

[0075] The vertical support 34 comprises a transverse wall 36 and at least one longitudinal wall 38, for example, a transversely external longitudinal wall. The longitudinal wall 38 extends longitudinally from the transverse wall 36. The vertical support 34 forms a housing that is open at the front. The reinforcing arm 30 is attached to the longitudinal wall 38. Thus, the reinforcing arm 30 is laterally attached to the vertical support 34. It is fixed there by means of an axle, for example, with screws. This facilitates any necessary repairs.

[0076] The reinforcing arm 30 and the front longitudinal member 26 can be hollow bodies. They Each of these components can be profiles. They may consist of two shells, fixed to one another. They define the transverse boundary of the front compartment 18. Their internal recesses increase the rigidity of the front structure. They are typically made of metal, for example, steel or aluminum alloy. Other alloys are being considered to optimize safety. The vertical support 34 and the front foot 22 may be made of the same material, as may the entire structure.

[0077] Figure 3 shows a front structural reinforcement arm 30 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The vertical support attached to it is not shown for clarity. The reinforcement arm 30 is a left-hand reinforcement arm viewed from the inside. It is partially shown. Only its outer shell is depicted.

[0078] The reinforcement arm 30 includes a front end 40. The front end 40 is intended to be fixed to the vertical support. The front end 40 forms a fixing interface 42 for the reinforcement arm 30, which is mounted to the vertical support. The fixing is ensured by at least one fixing pin 44, in this case by two fixing pins 44 (shown in dashed lines). The fixing pins 44 pass through the fixing interface 42, and therefore through the front end 40. They may be of the screw or rivet type.

[0079] The front end 40 of the reinforcement arm 30 includes a housing 46. This housing 46 is a front housing. The housing 46 forms a recess. It is surrounded by a bearing surface of the front end 40. The bearing surface is intended to be against the vertical support. The reinforcement arm 30 also has a stiffening channel 48. The stiffening channel 48 has a U-shaped profile. It extends substantially along the entire length of the reinforcement arm 30 from the front end 40. The stiffening channel 48 extends from the housing 46.

[0080] The front structure further includes a reinforcing piece 50. The reinforcing piece 50 is rectangular here. However, it may have other shapes. The reinforcing piece 50 is arranged at the fastening interface 42. The reinforcing piece 50 is contained within the housing 46. It conforms to its contour. The housing 46 forms an impression whose contour conforms to the reinforcing piece 50.

[0081] The reinforcing piece 50 is metallic; or alternatively made of plastic. The reinforcing piece 50 is traversed by the fixing axes 44. The reinforcing piece 50 is at the fixing interface 42 in order to optimize the transmission of forces from the vertical support to the reinforcing arm 30 in order to strengthen and stiffen the fixing interface around each fixing axis 44.

[0082] In the event of a collision, the risk of failure of the fastening interface 42 is reduced. The position of the vertical support is better controlled during the transmission of forces. This improves passive safety.

[0083] The reinforcing piece 50 comprises a flat sheet. For example, the flat sheet is made of rectangular shape. It has fixing holes 52 through which the fixing axes 44 pass. A double fixing axis mounting improves rotational stability and limits tilting of the vertical support.

[0084] The reinforcement arm 30 comprises a main section 54 (partially shown). The main section 54 extends over at least 80% of the reinforcement arm 30. The reinforcement arm 30 further comprises a mounting bracket 56 at its front end 40. The mounting bracket 56 is against the reinforcement piece 50. It is intended to be attached to the vertical support. The mounting bracket 56 is inclined relative to the main section 54, for example at an angle greater than or equal to 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°. This inclination improves its stability against the vertical support.

[0085] The reinforcing piece is intended to be vertically positioned at the level of the upper half of the vertical support. The reinforcing piece is intended to be against the longitudinal wall of the vertical support.

[0086] According to an alternative of the invention, the reinforcing arm is transversely between the reinforcing piece and the vertical support.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a front structural reinforcement arm 30 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The vertical support attached to it is not shown for clarity. The reinforcement arm 30 is a left-hand reinforcement arm viewed from the outside. The two plates, for example the two shells forming the reinforcement arm 30, are shown pressed against each other.

[0088] The front structure includes a reinforcement piece 50 through which the fixing axes 44 pass. The reinforcement piece 50 is at the fixing interface 42 in order to optimize the transmission of forces from the vertical support to the reinforcement arm so as to stiffen the fixing interface around each fixing axis 44. On this side, the stiffening channel 48 forms a protrusion.

[0089] The reinforcement arm 30 includes a stiffening stamping 58 extending longitudinally along the reinforcement piece 50. The stiffening stamping 58 forms a bubble. It extends outwards. It is located at the junction between the stiffening channel 48 and the front end 40. The stiffening stamping 58 overlaps the housing 46. Thus, it reduces any potential bending of the front end 40, and therefore of the mounting bracket 56, in the event of a frontal collision. The housing 46 and / or the stiffening stamping 58 is formed in both sheets of the reinforcement arm 30.

[0090] The fastening interface 42 includes means 60 for fastening the reinforcement piece 50 to the reinforcement arm 30. For example, the fastening means 60 include an electric weld point. Thus, the reinforcement piece 50 is temporarily held in place during the assembly of the reinforcement arm 30.

[0091] According to an alternative of the invention, the reinforcement arm essentially comprises a single sheet of metal.

[0092] Figure 5 is a cross-section of a fastening interface 42 between a vertical support 34 and a reinforcing arm 30 of the front structure 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The cross-sectional plane is along the fastening axes 44 and perpendicular to the longitudinal wall 38.

[0093] The fixing pins 44 include clamping means. They allow non-destructive disassembly. They help to lock the reinforcing piece 50 between the vertical support 34 and the reinforcing arm 30, in particular against its front end 40.

[0094] The reinforcing arm 30, particularly at its front end 40, comprises a first thickness. The reinforcing piece 50 comprises a second thickness greater than the first thickness; preferably at least twice as thick, or at least three times as thick. This difference in thickness increases the reinforcement. The second thickness is constant. In addition, the vertical support 34 comprises a third thickness greater than the first thickness; for example, by at least 50%. These thicknesses are measured transversely.

[0095] The housing 46 includes a depth, for example a minimum depth. The depth is transverse. It is equal to the second thickness in order to house the reinforcing piece inside the reinforcing arm 30.

[0096] The fastening means 60 connect the reinforcement piece 50 to the reinforcement arm 30; to the hollow of the housing 46. The fastening means may include adhesive.

[0097] According to an alternative of the invention, the fastening means attach the reinforcement piece to the vertical support.

[0098] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments presented by all the figures.

[0099] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Front structure (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the front structure (14) comprising a vertical support (34) intended to support a bumper system (16) of a motor vehicle (10); a front side member (26) fixed to the vertical support (34); a reinforcement arm (30) with a front end (40) having a fixing interface (42) to the vertical support (34); at least one fixing axis (44) of the reinforcement arm (30) to the vertical support (34) through the fixing interface (42); characterized in that the front structure (14) further comprises a reinforcement piece (50) crossed by the at least one fixing axis (44), said reinforcement piece (50) being at the fixing interface (42) so as to stiffen the fixing interface (42) at the at least one fixing axis (44).

2. Front structure (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the front end (40) of the reinforcing arm (30) comprises a housing (46), the reinforcing piece (50) being in said housing (46).

3. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the fixing interface (42) comprises means (60) for fixing the reinforcing piece (50) to the reinforcing arm (30); and / or the vertical support (34) comprises a transverse wall (36) and a longitudinal wall (38) extending longitudinally from the transverse wall (36), the reinforcing piece (50) being against the longitudinal wall (38).

4. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinforcing arm (30) comprises a main section (54), and the front end (40) comprises a fixing lug (56) against the reinforcing piece (50); said fixing lug (56) being inclined relative to the main section (54).

5. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcing arm (30) comprises a stiffening stamping (58) extending longitudinally along the reinforcing piece (50).

6. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one fixing axis (44) comprises at least two fixing axes (44), and the reinforcing piece (50) comprises at least two fixing orifices (52) crossed by the at least two fixing axes (44).

7. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reinforcing arm (30) comprises a first thickness and the reinforcing piece (50) comprises a second thickness greater than the first thickness; preferably, the vertical support (34) comprises a third thickness greater than the first thickness.

8. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the vertical support (34) comprises a lower half and an upper half; the front spar (26) and the reinforcement arm (30) being fixed to said upper half; preferably the reinforcement piece (50) is vertically at the level of the upper half.

9. Front structure (14) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reinforcing piece (50) comprises a flat sheet; preferably, the reinforcing piece (50) is rectangular.

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front structure (14), characterized in that the front structure (14) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9; the motor vehicle further comprises an engine cradle (28) fixed to the vertical support (34) and extending longitudinally at the level of the reinforcement piece (50); preferably the engine cradle (28) extends longitudinally under the front side member (26).

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