PIPE PROTECTION KIT WITH SPREADER

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipeline protection assembly comprising at least two pipelines (C1, C2), a pipeline spacer (2), at least one aerodynamic screen subjected to vibratory forces, and a protruding element (12) extending from the aerodynamic screen and located near the pipelines, the pipelines extending locally parallel to a first direction (X). The pipeline spacer (2) comprises a main body (4) with at least two pipeline retention positions, one per pipeline. The pipeline spacer is characterized in that it comprises two extensions (41, 42) extending from the main body parallel to the first direction (X). The protruding element (12) is interposed between the two extensions along a second direction (Y), transverse to the first direction. The two extensions are interposed between the two pipelines. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: PIPELINE PROTECTION ASSEMBLY WITH SPACER

[0001] The invention relates generally to the underbody fixing of pipes in a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a pipe protection assembly comprising a spacer for the underbody spacing and indexing of pipes or hoses for protection purposes.

[0002] Various pipes are present under the floor of a motor vehicle, in particular the pipes of the braking system and those of the fuel supply. Staples are usually used to mechanically fix the pipes, cables or others, which are located under the floor of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. These staples are fixed by screws or clips to the floor and hold the pipes in position in order to avoid possible damage due to interactions with their environment.

[0003] In some places it is not possible to fix these staples to the floor. For example in an area which is generally located at the rear of the vehicle and in front of the fuel tank, the floor is at a higher level. In addition, in the area in question, aerodynamic screens are provided above which the fuel lines and the brake system lines run.

[0004] Aerodynamic turbulence occurs when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. Some turbulence causes flapping of the aerodynamic screens, particularly in the vertical direction in the front area of ​​the tank where the aerodynamic screens are not attached directly to the structure of the vehicle but are attached to each other.

[0005] Patent application FR3078506A1 describes a solution with a pipe spacer which comprises a central orifice capable of receiving a protruding element. This solution makes it possible to prevent a pipe from coming into contact with a protruding element projecting from an aerodynamic screen. However, it has been found that the mounting of such a spacer could still be made easier; moreover, the known spacer does not make it possible to attenuate the flapping of the screen.

[0006] The inventors therefore sought to further optimize the solution meeting the requirement of avoiding any interference between the fuel lines and elements which could damage them during the life of the vehicle. The inventors also sought to reduce the amplitude of the beats and the intensity of the sound waves which can result from them.

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a pipeline protection assembly comprising at least two pipes, a pipe spreader, at least one aerodynamic screen subjected to vibratory movements and a protruding element projecting from the aerodynamic screen and located near the pipes, the pipes extending locally parallel to a first direction, said pipe spreader comprising a main body with at least two pipe holding locations, with one location per pipe, characterized in that said pipe spreader comprises at least two extensions extending from the main body parallel to the first direction, the protruding element being interposed between the two extensions along a second direction, transverse to the first direction, the two extensions being interposed between the two pipes.

[0008] Thanks to the arrangements promoted above, the two extensions frame the protruding element and prevent any contact between a pipeline and the protruding element.

[0009] The two extensions are elongated and elongated along the first direction. Their length may be substantially greater than a typical cross-sectional dimension (e.g. a diameter) of the protruding element that they frame. Said length may be chosen between 15 mm and 40 mm.

[0010] Such a length makes it possible to take into account wide dispersions and a tolerance of the positions of the protruding elements in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Advantageously, even with fairly wide positioning tolerances in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the spacer can be installed around the pipes. Then, at the time of mounting the aerodynamic screens, there is a benefit of possible resetting and indexing relative to the aerodynamic screens in the transverse direction, and a tolerance of the dispersions in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The holding locations provide fixation of the pipes relative to the spacer, in the axial direction as well as in the radial direction, the closing of the spacer causes a tightening of each of the pipes.

[0013] Regarding the expression "at least one aerodynamic screen", it must be understood that one can have a single aerodynamic screen, but in a central configuration in the presentation of the present invention, there are two aerodynamic screens, locally superimposed, one covering the other in the area of ​​interest.

[0014] Regarding the phrase "at least two extensions", it is noted that it is possible for the spacer to comprise four extensions, two which extend axially towards the positive X from the main body and two which extend towards the negative X.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one damping element is provided under the main body, interposed between the main body and the aerodynamic screen.

[0016] According to one option, the damping element bears on the aerodynamic screen in order to modify the natural vibration frequency of the aerodynamic screen, in particular according to the vertical direction, and in order to reduce the amplitude of its vibrations.

[0017] Advantageously, this avoids a potential source of noise in the event of flapping caused by aerodynamic turbulence, or at the very least reduces the amplitude of the flapping.

[0018] According to different embodiments, the damping element can be either an added foam placed under the main body of the spacer, or one or more flexible projections extending from the main body downwards to meet the aerodynamic screen.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the damping element is formed by two flexible feet extending from the main body.

[0020] According to one option, the flexible legs extend obliquely relative to a vertical direction.

[0021] According to one option, the flexible feet are preferably made in one piece from the main body. This avoids the need for an additional specific part.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the main body is formed from a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge zone interposed between the first and second portions.

[0023] Thus, the spacer can be inserted transversely on either side of the pipes while the hinge is open, then the hinge is closed and the spacer comes to grip the two pipes. The assembly is simple and intuitive, without requiring the pipes to be threaded axially into the locations.

[0024] The closing and clipping are carried out on the vehicle assembly preparation plate before the aerodynamic screens are subsequently installed under the vehicle body.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the spacer is obtained integrally by molding as a single piece.

[0026] This allows for a very low cost price, and the proposed solution proves to be economical.

[0027] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second portions comprises for each location a substantially semi-cylindrical receiving space.

[0028] After installation of the spacer, the two facing semi-cylindrical parts together form a cylindrical location. The tightening of the pipes when closing the spacer is thus balanced and well distributed circumferentially.

[0029] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second portions comprises engagement and / or clipping elements. The closure is thus secure, and the maneuver required to reopen the spacer requires simultaneous intervention at several locations on the engagement elements, which can only occur during a targeted maintenance intervention.

[0030] The two pipes may be of the same diameter, but in a typical configuration, the two pipes may have different diameters.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the hinge zone is on the side of the location of the small diameter pipe, which allows for minimal bulk along the vertical direction.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the main body extends transversely to the first direction. The spacer function is thus performed in a reliable and robust manner, with a very light spacer part.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the two extensions flare downwards, the two extensions together form a receiving space opening by flaring downwards.

[0034] This gives a drain effect and automatic resetting of the position of the pipes in relation to the protruding element when the screens are mounted.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the two extensions are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane separating the two holding locations, the vertical median plane being perpendicular to the second direction, at an equal distance from the two holding locations.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the two locations comprise a first substantially cylindrical location having a first longitudinal axis and a second substantially cylindrical location having a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes being parallel and separated by a pipe center distance (which is moreover identical to the center distance of the locations).

[0037] According to one option, the axial length of the extensions is between 50% and 150% of the nominal center distance of the pipes.

[0038] For example, the axial length of the extensions may be close to the nominal center distance of the pipes.

[0039] According to one option, the spacer has a dimension L2 of the main body in the first direction between 100% and 150% of a diameter of the largest pipe to be clamped.

[0040] As a result, the size and weight of the main body of the spreader are particularly reduced.

[0041] According to one option, the spacer has a dimension of the main body in the vertical direction between 120% and 140% of a diameter of the largest pipe to be clamped.

[0042] As a result, due to the very good compactness in height, the integration of the protection assembly into the constrained geometric architecture of the vehicle is facilitated.

[0043] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a body, a fuel tank and a pipe protection assembly as described above, ca characterized in that said pipe protection assembly is located under the body of said vehicle, said protruding element being a screw barrel of the aerodynamic screen arranged under the body of said vehicle.

[0044] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a front area of ​​a fuel tank with an aerodynamic screen covering illustrating the potential problem addressed by the present invention; [Fig.2] shows schematically, in perspective view from above, a front area of ​​a tank forming part of the vehicle illustrating an example of a pipe protection assembly; [Fig.3] shows schematically, in perspective view, two pipelines with an example of the construction of the spacer; [Fig.4] shows schematically, in perspective view, the spreader alone; [Fig.5] schematically shows a front view of the retractor illustrating the open position and the closed position; [Fig.6] shows schematically in a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction the area of ​​the spreader [Fig.7] illustrates an example of a second embodiment.

[0045] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For reasons of clarity of the description, certain elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In the present description, the terms 'pipe' or 'conduit' may be used interchangeably to designate the same entity.

[0046] By convention, a motor vehicle moves in an orthogonal spatial reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis X following a direction of movement of said motor vehicle, a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y, the vertical axis being directed from bottom to top.

[0047] The potential problem addressed by the present invention is now illustrated with reference to [Fig. 1], in a configuration where the spacer is absent.

[0048] Aerodynamic screens are provided under the vehicle. In the area of ​​interest here, there is an overlap area 14 between a first aerodynamic screen 10 located under the fuel tank, and a second aerodynamic screen 11 located under an area in front of the tank, in particular in line with the rear seat legs of the vehicle.

[0049] For the mutual assembly of the aerodynamic screens, a screw fixing is provided by screwing a screw 13 into a screw barrel 12. The screw barrel forms a protruding element which projects upwards from the aerodynamic screen above. The screw 13, once screwed into the barrel 12, secures the two aerodynamic screens together.

[0050] A configuration has been illustrated where the aerodynamic screen located under the tank covers the other aerodynamic screen from above in the overlap zone 14, but of course the reverse is entirely possible.

[0051] The fuel lines C1, C2 are connected to a tank 3 of the vehicle via connectors 8. The fuel lines C1, C2 pass just above the aerodynamic screens.

[0052] The upper part of [Fig.l] (IA) shows the normal situation, desired by the designers, in which the pipes C1 and C2 are distant from the screwing barrel 12, without interaction with it, for example by a distance of approximately 10 mm.

[0053] However, as shown in the lower part of [Fig.l] (IB), when traveling at high speed, the aerodynamic screens 10 and 11 may be subject to deflections marked S1 and S2 in Y and Z, respectively, which may cause contact between the screw barrel 12 and the pipes C1, C2. Repeated contact between the pipes C1, C2 and the screw barrel 12 is likely to degrade the condition of the pipes C1, C2 and cause a leak. The installation of a protective sheath around the pipes C1, C2 could be considered to prevent damage to them, but such a sheath is expensive and requires increased assembly time.

[0054] The fuel lines C1, C2 may be made of high-density polyethylene. However, they may also be made of metal or any other synthetic material suitable for the function. The fuel may be a hydrocarbon of the gasoline or diesel type.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the two pipes C1, C2 have different respective diameters D1, D2. D1 is smaller than D2. According to another example, the two pipes can be of the same diameter.

[0056] Generally, the outer diameter of the pipes can be between 4 mm and 10 mm, for example preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0057] [Fig. 2] shows an example of mounting, on fuel pipes C1 and C2, of a particular embodiment of the spacer included in the pipe protection assembly according to the invention. In this example, the pipe spacer 2 is installed in the overlap zone 14 between the aerodynamic screens 10 and 11, where the fuel pipes C1, C2 pass.

[0058] As known per se, the tank is equipped with a gauge well equipment marked 30, with a gauge and a pump. Conventionally, a supply pipe to the engine and a return pipe (or vapor management) are provided.

[0059] The pipe spacer 2 comprises a main body 4 with at least two pipe holding locations marked E1 and E2.

[0060] One location is provided per pipeline, that is to say that each of the canals- lisations benefits from individual accommodation.

[0061] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the pipe spacer 2 comprises at least two extensions 41, 42 extending from the main body parallel to the first direction X. Each extension is in the form of a tongue which extends from a root 44 to a free end 45. Each extension comprises in section a front face 49, the section of which is curved, to come into contact, if necessary, with the protruding element 12. Each extension comprises in section a dorsal face, provided with a reinforcing rib 43 which tapers towards the free end 45.

[0062] Once the vehicle assembly is complete, the protruding element 12 is interposed between the two extensions 41, 42 along the transverse direction Y.

[0063] We note that the two extensions 41,42 flare out downwards.

[0064] The two extensions together form a receiving space which opens and widens downwards, so that the protruding element can be repositioned if necessary if it is not already well positioned, thus creating a so-called 'swallow' effect.

[0065] The protruding element 12 has a diameter of a few millimeters. The two extensions are elongated and elongated along X. The length L1 along X of the protruding element 12 is substantially greater than the diameter of the protruding element. Said length L1 can be chosen between 15 mm and 40 mm, but other dimensions are not excluded. Such a length makes it possible to accept different positions of the protruding element as illustrated in dotted lines in [Fig.4],

[0066] Furthermore, the two extensions 41, 42 are interposed between the two pipes C1, C2, without contact with the pipes, therefore without a source of potential noise.

[0067] According to one option, the axial length L1 of the extensions is between 50% and 150% of the nominal center distance EY of the pipes.

[0068] The main body 4 extends transversely to the first direction X, in other words the main body extends perpendicularly to the direction of projection of the extensions.

[0069] It is noted that the two extensions 41, 42 can act as guides to align the extensions parallel to the first longitudinal direction X. The assembly operator can thus install the body of the spacer perpendicular to the pipes, by aligning the extensions 41, 42 with the first direction X. This prevents the spacer from being placed at an angle during its assembly.

[0070] The main body 4 comprises a first substantially cylindrical location E1 having a first longitudinal axis X1 and a second substantially cylindrical location E2 having a second longitudinal axis X2. The first and second longitudinal axes are parallel and separated by a pipe center distance EY. The center distance EY pipes, identical to the center distance of the holding locations, can be for example between 3 cm and 8 cm.

[0071] The first location E1 is formed by the union of a lower semi-cylindrical receiving space and an upper semi-cylindrical receiving space, which are assembled there astride the first pipe C1. Similarly, the second location E2 is formed by the union of a lower semi-cylindrical receiving space and an upper semi-cylindrical receiving space, which are assembled there astride the second pipe C2.

[0072] According to one example, the main body 4 of the spacer has a dimension L2 of the main body along the first direction X between 100% and 150% of a diameter of the largest pipe to be clamped, here D2. L2 could however be larger or smaller than the above interval.

[0073] The main body 4 of the spacer has a dimension H2 of the main body in the vertical direction Z between 120% and 140% of a diameter of the largest pipe to be clamped, here D2.

[0074] The compactness of the protection assembly is therefore excellent according to Z.

[0075] The two extensions 41, 42 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane PMV separating the two holding locations E1, E2. The vertical median plane PMV is perpendicular to the first direction X and to the second direction Y, it is located at an equal distance from the two holding locations E1, E2.

[0076] According to one example, the main body 4 is formed from a first portion 21, a second portion 22, and a hinge zone 23 interposed between the first and second portions 21, 22.

[0077] Advantageously, in the example illustrated, the spacer 2 is obtained entirely by molding as a single piece.

[0078] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the spacer 2 is presented in an open position denoted PI (for example as molded). The hinge zone 23 is flexible and allows the first portion 21 to be easily pivoted relative to the second portion 22 to close the spacer 2 on the two pipes C1, C2. This closed position denoted P2 is shown in dotted lines in [Fig.5]. Closing the spacer on the pipes is natural and intuitive.

[0079] Clipping hooks 47 are provided which are inserted behind shoulders in the opposite counterpart, as known per se and therefore not described in more detail here.

[0080] The closure is made at a joint coinciding with a horizontal plane PXY as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0081] Further, two flexible legs 62 extending downwardly from the main body 4 are provided.

[0082] The two flexible feet 62 are preferably made in one piece from the body main, in the integral part molding operation.

[0083] Alternatively, the damping element may be an added foam placed under the main body of the spacer.

[0084] Expressed more generally, the main body 4 comprises at least one damping element interposed between the main body and the aerodynamic screen, in order to modify the natural flapping frequency of the aerodynamic screens and / or to reduce the amplitude of these flappings.

[0085] Depending on the nominal dimension mounting, when the aerodynamic screens are fixed under the vehicle, this slightly stresses the damping element or damping elements located under the main body of the spacer 2.

[0086] Regarding the assembly method, the fuel tank 3 and the fuel pipes C1, C2 are installed on an assembly preparation plate. The pipe spacer 2 is then installed around the pipes.

[0087] Then, the body is assembled on the assembly preparation plate.

[0088] We then proceed to the assembly of the aerodynamic screens 10, 11 under the body of the vehicle. Then the protruding element 12 is housed between the extensions 41, 42 of the spacer 2.

[0089] Note that the hinge zone 23 is on the side of the location of the small diameter pipe C1, which makes it possible to have, for the spacer, a minimal bulk along the vertical direction Z, with a minimal material thickness along Z on the side of the location of the large diameter pipe C2.

[0090] The section of each extension 41, 42 decreases from its root 44 to its free end 45 so as to create a clearance angle facilitating demolding.

[0091] The spacer 2 is preferably made of synthetic polymer material. For example, a polymer from the polyethylene, polyamide or polypropylene family may be chosen. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) may also be chosen.

[0092] Once assembled, the main body is relatively rigid while the extensions remain flexible. Even if the protruding element rubs against an extension, it does not damage the pipes.

[0093] [Fig.7] illustrates an example of a second embodiment. According to this variant, in addition to the features not described again which are considered identical or similar to what has been described above, two complementary extensions 141, 142 are provided which extend from the main body 4 opposite the extensions 41, 42 already described. The complementary extensions 141, 142 are similar in structure and function to the first extensions.

[0094] It is thus possible to frame a protruding element 112 which would be arranged opposite a reference position, relative to the main body 4.

[0095] This configuration also makes it possible to handle the case of a diversity where the small and large pipes are reversed. The protection function is achieved whether the protruding element is arranged in front of or behind the main body of the spreader.

[0096] We note that it is possible to have additional locations, namely a third location or even a fourth location to manage more than two pipelines.

Claims

Claims

1. Pipe protection assembly comprising at least two pipes (Cl, C2), a pipe spacer (2), at least one aerodynamic screen (10, 11) subjected to vibratory movements and a protruding element (12) projecting from the aerodynamic screen and located near the pipes (Cl, C2), the pipes extending locally parallel to a first direction (X), said pipe spacer (2) comprising a main body (4) with at least two pipe holding locations (E1, E2), with one location per pipe, characterized in that said pipe spacer comprises at least two extensions (41, 42) extending from the main body parallel to the first direction (X), the protruding element (12) being interposed between the two extensions along a second direction (Y), transverse to the first direction, the two extensions being interposed between the two pipes (Cl,C2).,

2. Protective assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided under the main body comprises at least one damping element interposed between the main body and the aerodynamic screen.

3. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the shock-absorbing element is formed by two flexible feet (62) extending from the main body, and preferably made in one piece from the main body.

4. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main body is formed from a first portion (21), a second portion (22), and a hinge zone (23) interposed between the first and second portions.

5. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spacer is obtained integrally by molding as a single piece.

6. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main body extends transversely to the first direction (X).

7. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two extensions (41, 42) widen downwards, the two extensions together form a receiving space opening by widening downwards.

8. Protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two extensions are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane (PMV) separating the two holding locations (El, E2), the vertical median plane being perpendicular to the second direction (Y), at an equal distance from the two holding locations.

9. Protection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two locations comprise a first location (El) substantially cylindrical having a first longitudinal axis (XI) and a second location (E2) substantially cylindrical having a second longitudinal axis (X2), the first and second longitudinal axes being parallel and separated by a pipe center distance (EY).

10. Electric motor vehicle comprising a body, a fuel tank (3) and a pipe protection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said pipe protection assembly is located under the body of said vehicle, said protruding element being a screw barrel (12) of the aerodynamic screen (10) arranged under the body of said vehicle.

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