Automotive vehicle structure with reinforced third track

Abstract

The invention relates to a front structure (14) of a motor vehicle, the front structure comprising a vertical support (34) intended to support a motor vehicle bumper system; a front side member, also called a front stretcher, fixed to the vertical support; a reinforcement arm (30) with a front end (40) having a fixing interface (42) to the vertical support; a fixing axis (44) of the reinforcement arm to the vertical support through the fixing interface. The front structure further comprises a reinforcement piece (50) crossed by the fixing axis, said reinforcement piece (50) being at the fixing interface in order to optimize the transmission of forces from the vertical support (34) to the reinforcement arm (30) in order to stiffen the fixing interface (42) around the at least one fixing axis. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to the low-overlap front collision of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to the reinforcement of a third path of a motor vehicle structure. The subject of the invention is a motor vehicle structure with a triple path for transmitting force in the event of a frontal impact. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle.

[0002] In order to satisfy certain safety tests whose level of requirement is continually increasing, motor vehicles are designed in anticipation of different types of collisions. In detail, a motor vehicle must adapt to collisions at different speeds; and this for different overlaps. The overlap corresponds to the transverse proportion of the vehicle in contact with the obstacle involved in the collision. The criterion for success of the test includes a deceleration data experienced by a user in the passenger compartment.

[0003] In a high-speed collision, for example at 64 km / h, against a fixed obstacle with an overlap of 25%, the front structure is subjected to demanding stress 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 force path. This triple path includes a low path under the bumper crossmember, an upper path via the bumper crossmember and the side members, and a third path above the upper path. These three paths generally end at the front pillar, at the front limit of the passenger compartment.

[0005] At their front ends, these three tracks are connected to a vertical support which extends vertically. In order to control the deformation of the three tracks as well as the maintenance in position of the sleepers 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 has a front pillar for fixing a front facade. The front pillar is successively connected to the engine cradle, to the front stretcher, and a wing reinforcement piece also called a third path in the sense that it materializes an additional path for transmitting forces to the front foot in the event of a front collision. The reinforcement piece is generally fixed to the front pillar by screws. Such an architecture optimizes the transmission of forces. However, there is a need to further improve the behavior of the structure in the event of a front 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 a front structure of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the mass, safety, and control of deformations during a front collision of a motor vehicle.

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

[0009] The invention adds a reinforcement to the attachment point between the vertical support and the reinforcement arm. This precaution secures their junction, 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 member is shaped to deform by transmitting forces to the cup via a force path. Thus, the level of safety increases. However, this document does not propose a solution adapted to stability between a reinforcement arm and a vertical support arranged in front of a stretcher.

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

[0012] Preferably, the fixing interface comprises means for fixing the reinforcement piece to the reinforcement arm; and / or the vertical support comprises 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 lug against the reinforcement piece; said fixing lug being inclined relative to the main section.

[0014] Preferably, the reinforcing arm comprises a stiffening stamp extending longitudinally along the reinforcing piece.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one fixing axis comprises at least two fixing axes, and the reinforcement piece comprises at least two fixing orifices crossed by the at least two fixing axes.

[0016] Preferably, the reinforcement arm comprises a first thickness and the part of reinforcement comprises a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

[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 reinforcement piece is vertically at the level of the half su superior.

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

[0021] Preferably, the reinforcement piece is rectangular.

[0022] Preferably, the front spar 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 reinforcement 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 stamp connects the fixing lug and the main section.

[0026] Preferably, the reinforcement arm is above the front side 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 reinforcement piece fits the vertical pillar.

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

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

[0032] Preferably, the reinforcement piece comprises 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 thickness is at least twice as thick as the first thickness.

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

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention provides a front structure of a motor vehicle, the front structure comprising a front pillar intended to receive a front facade of a motor vehicle; a main side member fixed to the front pillar; a reinforcement arm with a front end forming an interface for fixing to the front pillar; at least one axis for fixing the reinforcement arm to the front pillar through the interface of fixing; remarkable in that the front structure further comprises a reinforcing piece crossed by the at least one fixing axis, said reinforcing piece being at the fixing interface so as to stiffen the fixing interface around the at least one fixing axis.

[0038] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a front structure, remarkable in that the front structure is in accordance with 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 comprises a front wing fixed to the reinforcement arm.

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

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

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

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

[0045] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0046] [Fig.l] 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 reinforcement arm of the front structure of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0050] [Fig.5] is a section of a front structural reinforcement arm attachment interface for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0051] 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 motor vehicle or the front structure to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0052] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates 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 direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0054] In the present description, the ranges of values include the limits which delimit them.

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

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

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

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

[0059] [Fig.l] 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 comprise bodywork portions. The components are mounted on the structure 12. The engine, the axles, the suspension systems, the steering system are mounted there. The structure 12 comprises an assembly of stamped sheets fixed to each other, for example by welding. Alternatively, the structure is an assembly of tubes connected to each other, for example so as to form a lattice.

[0061] The structure 12 comprises a front portion called front structure 14. The front structure 14 receives the front facade; including the bumper system 16. The bumper system 16 comprises a bumper skin, shock absorbers, at least one cross member. It is in front. The bumper system 16 is configured to absorb energy in the event of a pedestrian impact, as in the event of an impact against another vehicle. It is capable of deforming elastically, therefore returning to its place without permanent deformation, for an impact at a speed of at most 10 km / h.

[0062] The front structure 14 delimits a front compartment 18. The front compartment 18 is 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 in front of the passenger compartment.

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

[0064] The structure 12 comprises a central spar 20 extending towards the rear of the front pillar 22. It forms the base of the structure 12. The front pillar 22 is in front of the passenger compartment. The front pillar 22 delimits the front structure 14. It forms a vertical column. The front pillar 22 materializes a front side door installation support 24.

[0065] The front structure 14 also has a front spar 26; in front of the passenger compartment. The front spar 26 is commonly called the front stretcher or stretcher line. It extends longitudinally from the front pillar 22, towards the front. The front spar 26 extends along the front compartment 18. At its front end, it comprises a shock-absorbing box. It forms a main spar of the front structure 14. In the event of a front collision against an obstacle, the front spar 26 forms a first force transmission path, in particular a main path.

[0066] Preferably, the front structure 14 also comprises an engine cradle 28. The engine cradle 28 is fixed to the front foot 22, and extends in front of the latter. It rests on the front axle, and in particular supports the power unit. The engine cradle 28 is in the front compartment 18. In the event of a front collision against an obstacle, the engine cradle 28 forms a second force transmission path; or lower path.

[0067] The front structure 14 further comprises a reinforcement arm 30. The reinforcement arm 30 materializes 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 delimits the wheel arch. It extends from the front side door 24 to a light device on the front facade. The front wing 32 extends over the entire length of the com- front compartment 18, and hides the front spar 26.

[0068] The reinforcement arm 30 extends along the front side member 26. It is above. It has a generally arched shape. The reinforcement arm 30 delimits the top of the front compartment 18. In the event of a front collision against an obstacle, the reinforcement arm 30 forms a third force transmission path.

[0069] Thus, the front structure 14 has a triple force transmission path, which improves the transmission of forces. The controlled deformation is better controlled in the event of a low-overlap collision; that is to say with a transverse overlap of at most 40%; preferably at most 25%.

[0070] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0071] [Fig.2] shows a side of front structure 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig.l]. The front compartment 18 is exposed.

[0072] The front structure 14 comprises a vertical support 34. The vertical support 34 extends vertically. Its main elongation is vertical. The vertical support 34 forms a support for fixing the bumper system, and more generally a support for fixing the front facade. It supports a heat exchanger. It is at the front end of the front compartment 18. The front side member 26 extends rearwardly from the vertical support 34.

[0073] The front spar 26 and the reinforcement arm 30 are fixed to the vertical support 34; in particular at their front ends. The vertical support 34 comprises a lower half and an upper half. The front spar 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 front collision with low overlap. This contributes to safety.

[0074] The reinforcement arm 30 is laterally on the side of the vertical support 34 in order to control its lateral tilting in the event of a low-overlap collision. Its role as a barrier 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 open towards the front. The reinforcing arm 30 is fixed to the longitudinal wall 38. Therefore, the reinforcing arm 30 is attached laterally to the vertical support 34. It is fixed there axially, for example with screws. This facilitates possible repairs.

[0076] The reinforcement arm 30 and the front side member 26 may be hollow bodies. They can each be profiles. They can comprise two shells, fixed to each other. They transversely delimit the front compartment 18. Their internal recesses increase the rigidity of the front structure. They are notably metallic, for example steel or aluminum alloy. Other alloys are envisaged in order to optimize safety. The vertical support 34 and the front foot 22 can comprise the same material; as can the entire structure.

[0077] [Fig. 3] shows a reinforcement arm 30 for the front structure of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 2. The vertical support attached thereto is not shown for the sake of clarity. The reinforcement arm 30 is a left reinforcement arm seen from the inside. It is partially shown. Only its outer shell is shown.

[0078] The reinforcing arm 30 comprises 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 of the reinforcing 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 dot-dash lines). The fixing pins 44 pass through the fixing interface 42, and therefore the front end 40. They can be of the screw or rivet type.

[0079] The front end 40 of the reinforcement arm 30 comprises 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 all along the reinforcement arm 30 from the front end 40. The stiffening channel 48 extends from the housing 46.

[0080] The front structure also comprises 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 fixing interface 42. The reinforcing piece 50 is contained in the housing 46. It matches its contour. The housing 46 forms an imprint whose contour matches the reinforcing piece 50.

[0081] The reinforcing piece 50 is metallic; or alternatively made of plastic material. The reinforcing piece 50 is crossed 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 reinforce and stiffen the fixing interface around each fixing axis 44.

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

[0083] The reinforcement piece 50 comprises a flat sheet. For example, the flat sheet is rectangular shape. It has fixing holes 52 crossed by the fixing axes 44. A double fixing axis assembly improves rotational support and limits tilting of the vertical support.

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

[0085] The reinforcement piece is intended to be vertically at the level of the upper half of the vertical support. The reinforcement 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] [Fig. 4] shows a reinforcement arm 30 for the front structure of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 3. The vertical support fixed thereto is not shown for the sake of clarity. The reinforcement arm 30 is a left reinforcement arm seen from the outside. The two sheets, for example the two shells forming the reinforcement arm 30, are shown pressed against each other.

[0088] The front structure comprises a reinforcing piece 50 crossed 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 so as to stiffen the fixing interface around each fixing axis 44. On this side, the stiffening channel 48 forms a protrusion.

[0089] The reinforcing arm 30 comprises a stiffening stamp 58 extending longitudinally along the reinforcing piece 50. The stiffening stamp 58 forms a bubble. It extends outwards. It is at the junction between the stiffening channel 48 and the front end 40. The stiffening stamp 58 overlaps the housing 46. Thus, it reduces any bending of the front end 40, and therefore of the fixing lug 56 in the event of a front collision. The housing 46 and / or the stiffening stamp 58 is formed in the two sheets of the reinforcing arm 30.

[0090] The fixing interface 42 comprises means 60 for fixing the reinforcement piece 50 to the reinforcement arm 30. For example, the fixing means 60 comprise an electric welding point. Thus, the reinforcement piece 50 is temporarily held during the assembly of the reinforcement arm 30.

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

[0092] [Fig. 5] is a section of a fixing interface 42 between a vertical support 34 and a reinforcement arm 30 of the front structure 14 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 3. The section plane is along the fixing axes 44, and perpendicular to the longitudinal wall 38.

[0093] The fixing axes 44 comprise clamping means. They allow non-destructive disassembly. They contribute to blocking the reinforcement part 50 between the vertical support 34 and the reinforcement arm 30, in particular against its front end 40.

[0094] The reinforcing arm 30, in particular 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 greater, or at least three times greater. 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 comprises a depth, for example a minimum depth. The depth is transverse. It is equal to the second thickness in order to house the reinforcement piece inside the reinforcement arm 30.

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

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

[0098] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown 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 part (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 side member (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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