Motor vehicle glove box

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage compartment (20), such as a glove box, located in front of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The storage compartment comprises: a loading opening (24), a rear partition (26) delimiting the passenger compartment, a front partition (28) opposite the rear partition, and two side partitions extending from the front partition to the rear partition. The front partition includes an opening (32). The storage compartment includes a removable panel (34) closing the opening, and detachable fastening means (50) adapted for attaching the removable panel to the rear partition. The storage compartment is configured so that the detachable fastening means release the removable panel (34) from the front partition in the event of an impact of a ventilation device against said removable panel towards the rear partition. The impact results from a frontal collision of the motor vehicle. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle glove box

[0001] The invention relates to the front collision of a motor vehicle and the phenomena of intrusion into the passenger compartment. The invention relates to the field of storage systems in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a storage box opening into a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] Generally, a motor vehicle comprises a dashboard delimiting the passenger compartment. The dashboard has a structure extending in three directions in order to hold different equipment. In particular, it receives a box dedicated to the storage of objects. The storage box (storage compartment or glove box) is a device movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in the dashboard. It is added at the end of the assembly line, and is connected to certain electrical harnesses.

[0003] In traffic, a motor vehicle is exposed to front collisions; and this at different speeds. For high-speed impacts; in particular at more than 50 km / h; the front compartment deforms. During an impact against another vehicle or a fixed obstacle, the engine block moves back and pulls certain equipment. The apron also tends to move back, and therefore to push the storage box. Because of the objects it contains when it is heavily filled, the latter is likely to open; and therefore to form a dangerous protrusion for the passenger facing said storage box.

[0004] Document FR2911827B1 presents a motor vehicle storage compartment. The storage compartment comprises a rigid body having an access opening opening in a loading direction, the body being intended to be firmly fixed to the structure of the vehicle between the opening and the opposite end of the body. The storage compartment can be subjected to an impact in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. The body is in a single piece and is produced by molding. It comprises, in the loading direction, two parts having impact resistances which are different, the part closest to the opening having an impact resistance greater than that of the part furthest away, and the attachment of the storage compartment to the structure of the vehicle is carried out by the first part.

[0005] The less resistant part, forming a part with programmed rupture, comprises either a pivoting part or weakened walls. However, the solution with a pivoting part is bulky compared to the loading space it offers; while the solution with weakened walls generates debris during the programmed rupture.

[0006] For comfort, a ventilation system allows the air in the passenger compartment to be renewed via different air vents. The air is driven by one or several blowers, also called fans, placed in front of the passenger compartment. For reasons of compactness, one of the blowers is arranged in front of the storage box; and behind the apron delimiting the passenger compartment from the front compartment. In the event of a frontal impact, the apron pushes the blower against the storage box according to a complex kinematics.

[0007] The presence of a programmed rupture part is not compatible with the proximity of the blower and its specific behavior in the event of an impact. Compliance with the programmed rupture is not guaranteed since the blower only locally reaches the programmed rupture part. Therefore, in the event of a frontal impact, the storage box remains likely to become a dangerous protrusion.

[0008] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the safety specific to a motor vehicle storage box. The invention also aims to optimize the safety, storage space, and manufacturing of a motor vehicle storage box.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a storage box intended to be in front of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle; the storage box comprising: a loading opening, a rear partition intended to delimit the passenger compartment, a front partition opposite the rear partition, at least one lateral partition extending from the front partition to the rear partition; remarkable in that the front partition comprises an opening; the storage box comprises: a removable wall closing the opening, detachable fixing means adapted to fix the removable wall to the rear partition; the storage box being configured so that the detachable fixing means release the removable wall from the front partition in the event of an impact against said removable wall towards the rear partition.

[0010] The combination of the removable wall and the detachable fastening means provides a targeted removable area whose disassembly effort is more controlled. By this means, the interaction between the ventilation device and the storage box is controlled, and the transmission of forces to the storage box is reduced in the event of an impact. Therefore, the storage box remains in the closed position despite impact of the ventilation device; and retains its safety configuration.

[0011] Preferably, the removable wall extends vertically from the loading opening; preferably the front partition comprises a connecting rod between the loading opening and the opening.

[0012] Preferably, the storage box comprises a pivot connection intended to be fixed to a structure of the motor vehicle, the removable wall being above the pivot connection.

[0013] Preferably, the opening comprises an internal periphery, the fixing means detachable comprising hooks extending from the removable wall cooperating with said internal periphery.

[0014] Preferably, the storage box comprises a hinge vertically spaced from the detachable fixing means and connecting the removable wall to the front partition; preferably, the hinge comprises a first branch extending from the removable wall and along the front partition, and at least one second branch extending from the front partition and along the removable partition.

[0015] Preferably, the removable wall comprises at least one positioning stud between the detachable fixing means; preferably, the opening in the front partition comprises a positioning notch cooperating with the positioning stud.

[0016] Preferably, the front partition comprises a first section at a first distance from the rear partition, a second section at a second distance from the rear partition, a bent portion connecting the first section to the second section; the first distance being greater than the second distance; the opening and the removable wall being in the second section.

[0017] Preferably, the storage box comprises a lower partition, the removable wall being vertically between the loading opening and the lower partition; the lower partition, the front partition, the rear partition and the at least one side partition forming a single-piece tank.

[0018] Preferably, the loading opening is an upper opening.

[0019] Preferably, the loading opening is above the removable wall.

[0020] Preferably, the box comprises an internal width, the removable wall extending transversely over at least half of the internal width.

[0021] Preferably, the positioning pads are between two consecutive brackets.

[0022] Preferably, the removable wall is generally rectangular.

[0023] Preferably, the removable wall comprises a peripheral edge, the detachable fixing means being distributed around said peripheral edge.

[0024] Preferably, the first branch and the second branch are parallel.

[0025] Preferably, the first branch and the second branch extend in opposite directions.

[0026] Preferably, the hinge comprises a lower plate, the second branch cooperating with said lower plate.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention provides a storage box for a motor vehicle with a passenger compartment; the storage box comprising a single-piece tank with a loading opening, a lower partition vertically opposite the loading opening; remarkable in that the single-piece tank comprises an opening vertically between the loading opening and the lower partition lower; the storage box comprises a removable wall closing the opening, detachable fixing means adapted to fix the removable wall in the opening; the storage box being configured so that the detachable fixing means release the removable wall from the tank in the event of a front impact against said removable wall.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment, a storage box at the front of the passenger compartment; remarkable in that the storage box is in accordance with the invention; the motor vehicle further comprises a ventilation device, the removable wall facing the ventilation device.

[0029] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a longitudinal clearance between the removable wall and the ventilation device of between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0030] Preferably, the ventilation device comprises an outer casing with a first width, the removable wall comprising a second width greater than or equal to the first width.

[0031] Preferably, the storage box is configured to be open towards the passenger compartment.

[0032] Preferably, the longitudinal play is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0033] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a dashboard with a niche receiving the storage box.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.2] shows from above a motor vehicle storage box according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 3] shows from the front a motor vehicle storage box according to the invention.

[0039] [Fig.4] shows from the front an opening in a motor vehicle storage box according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig. 5] is a front view of a removable wall of a motor vehicle storage box according to the invention.

[0041] In the following description, the term "understand" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or storage box to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will refer respectively to that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the storage box, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0046] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0047] [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.

[0048] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment 14, the cargo compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The passenger compartment 14 houses several rows of seats.

[0049] The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other. The structure 12 comprises an apron 16 delimiting the passenger compartment 14 of the front compartment, which is for example an engine compartment. The structure 12 may also comprise a dashboard crossmember (not shown) which delimits the passenger compartment 14, under the windshield.

[0050] A ventilation system comprises at least one ventilation device 18, as well as a heat exchanger in order to heat or cool the passenger compartment 14. The ventilation device 18 is behind, and in the upper part of the apron 16.

[0051] In front of the passenger compartment 14, a storage box 20 makes it possible to gather and lock goods. The storage box 20 has a storage volume of at least 3 liters, preferably at least 5 liters, more preferably at least 10 liters. It is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration by tilting said storage box. In the open configuration, it opens onto the passenger compartment 14. Transversely, the storage box 20 is opposite the driver. It is in front of the front row of seats (not shown). The vehicle has a dashboard with a recess into which the storage box 20 tilts.

[0052] In the event of a frontal impact at a speed greater than or equal to 50 km / h, the ventilation device 18 moves back approximately 40 mm. It comes into contact with the storage box 20. This contact tends to open it, which would be a risk for the front passenger. A regulation requires that the storage box 20 remain closed for such a frontal impact.

[0053] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0054] [Fig. 2] shows a storage box 20 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0055] The storage box 20 is viewed from the rear and from above in order to expose its storage volume 22, or empty volume. The storage box 20 comprises: a loading opening 24, a rear partition 26 intended to delimit the passenger compartment 14, a front partition 28 opposite the rear partition 26, at least one lateral partition 30 extending from the front partition 28 to the rear partition 26. The front partition 28 and the rear partition 26 extend transversely and vertically over the entire storage volume 22.

[0056] The front partition 28 comprises an opening 32 closed by a removable wall 34 in the event of impact; that is to say which detaches in the event of impact against the removable wall 34.

[0057] The storage box 20 also comprises a lower partition 36. The lower partition 36 is flat and generally horizontal. The combination of the lower partition 36, the front partition 28, the rear partition 26 and each side partition 30, forms a single-piece tank 70, such as a box or a single-piece container. The partitions are made in one piece. The rear partition 26 comprises a covering, for example identical to the dashboard, on the rear face.

[0058] The removable wall 34 is vertically between the loading opening 24 and the lower partition 36. The loading opening 24 is above the removable wall 34, so that the top of the front partition 28 is more flexible, and provides less rigidity in the event of an impact. This aspect limits the risk of the storage box opening. 20, and therefore contributes to security.

[0059] The removable wall 34 extends vertically from the loading opening 24. This aspect extends the clearance released by the removable wall 34, and reduces the transmission of force from the ventilation device 18 to the rear partition 26 which carries a locking device 38.

[0060] The storage box 20 comprises at least one pivot connection 40, for example two pivot connections 40 (only one visible). They are on each side. The pivot connections 40 are secured to the front partition 28 via the side partitions 30 which carry them. The pivot connections 40 are also fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle. The removable wall 34 is vertically spaced from each pivot connection 40. The removable wall 34 is above the pivot connections 40, therefore spaced from a rigid zone of the storage box 20. The distance of the removable wall 34 from the pivot connections 40 reduces the leverage effect in the event of impact with the ventilation device 18; and therefore the risk of accidental opening.

[0061] The front partition 28 comprises an angled portion 42 between a first section 44 at a first distance from the rear partition 26, and a second section 46 at a second distance from the rear partition 26. The angled portion 42 physically connects the first section 44 to the second section 46. These two sections are transverse sections. The first distance and the second distance are measured longitudinally. They may be average lengths. The first distance is greater than the second distance; preferably by at least 10%, more preferably by at least 30%. The configuration with the angled portion 42 limits the twisting of the storage box 20 when it is opened and closed; despite the mass of the goods it contains.

[0062] The removable wall 34 comprises a bent front surface matching the bent portion 42. The opening 32 and the removable wall 34 are in the second section 46. This aspect compensates for the rigidity of the front partition 28 by bringing them closer to the center.

[0063] The storage box 20 comprises an internal width 48. The removable wall 34 extends transversely over at least half of the internal width 48. This aspect also compensates for the rigidity of the front partition 28. The internal width 48 is measured transversely, and / or along the pivot axis of the pivot links 40.

[0064] The loading opening 24 is an upper opening. When the storage box 20 is opened, it tilts as a whole thanks to the pivot connections 40, and exposes the loading opening 24 in the passenger compartment 14.

[0065] According to an alternative of the invention, the loading opening is formed as a rear partition. The rear partition comprises a pivoting flap. An upper partition closes the top of the storage volume. The storage volume is fixed relative to the structure of the motor vehicle.

[0066] The ventilation device 18 comprises an outer casing 64 with a first width 66. The outer casing 64 comprises a chamber in which a bladed rotor (not shown) rotates. The removable wall 34 comprises a second width 68 greater than or equal to the first width 66. The first width 66 and the second width 68 are measured in the transverse direction. This configuration makes it possible to partially house the ventilation device 18 in the ventilation device 18. The outer casing 64 passes through the opening 32 in the event of an impact, and does not push the storage box 20 forward, which limits its risk of opening.

[0067] [Fig. 3] partially shows a storage box 20 of a motor vehicle. The view is centered on the front face of the removable wall 34. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The rear partition 26 is visible in the background.

[0068] The front partition 28 comprises an opening 32 which forms a longitudinal passage. The removable wall 34 extends vertically from the loading opening 24. It closes the opening 32. It extends over its entire width and its entire height.

[0069] The storage box 20 further comprises detachable fastening means 50. The detachable fastening means 50 are reversible. They are adapted to fasten the removable wall 34 to the front partition 28 until a force exceeding a threshold is reached. The storage box 20 is configured so that the detachable fastening means 50 release the removable wall 34 from the front partition 28 in the event of a rearward impact against the latter. For example, when it is struck by the ventilation device, it detaches. The detachable fastening means 50 come undone.

[0070] Towards the front, the opening 32 is substantially narrower than the removable wall 34 in order to retain it towards the front; and to allow it to move towards the rear in the event of an impact.

[0071] The opening 32 comprises an internal perimeter 52, the detachable fixing means 50 comprising hooks 54 extending from the removable wall 34 and cooperating with said internal perimeter 52. The internal perimeter 52 forms a closed loop. In this case, five hooks 54 are provided. However, any other number can be provided depending on the need. The hooks 54 can be elastic hooks.

[0072] The storage box 20 comprises a hinge 56. The hinge 56 is vertically spaced from the detachable fixing means 50 in order to facilitate the detachment phase of the latter in the event of an impact. The hinge 56 connects the removable wall 34 to the front partition 28. The hinge 56 allows the removable wall 34 to tilt, and allows its movement to be guided in the event of an impact. It ensures retention.

[0073] The hinge 56 comprises one or two first branches 58 extending from the removable wall 34 and along the front partition 28. The hinge 56 further comprises a second branch 60 extending from the front partition 28 and along the wall removable 34.

[0074] The first branches 58 and the second branch 60 are parallel. The first branches 58 and the second branch 60 extend in opposite directions. They cross vertically; and are arranged at the lower edge of the removable wall 34 in order to allow it to tilt forward in the event of an impact.

[0075] The hinge 56 comprises at least one first stiffening rib projecting from the removable wall 34, and / or at least one second stiffening rib projecting from the front partition 28. The stiffening ribs 62 are formed on the branches of the hinge 56. Thus, the latter resist impact, and guarantee the tilting of the removable wall 34.

[0076] Generally, the motor vehicle, and in particular the storage box 20, is configured so that in the event of a front collision at a speed greater than a threshold speed; the ventilation device pushes the removable wall in order to detach it from the front partition. The ventilation device overcomes the holding effect of the detachable fixing means 50.

[0077] [Fig. 4] shows a single-piece tank 70 for a motor vehicle storage box. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The removable wall is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0078] The opening 32 communicates with the storage volume 22. It comprises an internal perimeter 52 which surrounds it. It extends vertically and transversely in the front partition 28. The internal perimeter 52 comprises straight vertical sections. They laterally delimit the opening 32. They are intended to cooperate with the detachable fixing means. Their straight nature facilitates the production of the single-piece tank 70 by molding.

[0079] The opening 32 of the front partition 28 comprises at least one, preferably several positioning notches 72 intended to cooperate with positioning studs of the removable wall. The positioning notches 72 are formed in the internal periphery 52, for example in its upper side.

[0080] The front partition 28 comprises a connecting rod 74 between the loading opening 24 and the opening 32. The connecting rod 74 separates them. It extends transversely and forms the upper edge of the front partition 28. It limits deformations, in particular following the demolding of the single-piece tank 70.

[0081] [Fig. 5] shows a removable wall 34 of a motor vehicle storage box. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4. The removable wall 34 is seen from the front.

[0082] The removable wall 34 is generally rectangular. The detachable fixing means 50 comprise positioning means and / or holding means. The removable wall 34 comprises a raw front face receiving the means 50 detachable fixings, and a back side with a layer of felt.

[0083] The removable wall 34 comprises positioning studs 82. The positioning studs 82 cooperate with the positioning notches. This aspect makes it possible to position the removable wall 34 relative to the opening. In addition, the positioning studs 82 are between the detachable fastening means 50. This feature makes it possible to position the detachable fastening means 50 so that they detach in a predefined manner. This contributes to safety. For example, a positioning stud 82 is positioned transversely between two consecutive hooks 54.

[0084] Each hook 54 comprises a flexible blade and a head providing retention. The heads have inclined stops allowing their release in the event of an impact, and therefore the release of the detachable fixing means 50. The inclined stops are for example inclined by less than 90° in order to facilitate their release in the event of an impact.

[0085] The removable wall 34 comprises a peripheral edge 76. The detachable fixing means 50 are distributed around said peripheral edge 76, for example on at least three sides. The positioning studs 82 are on the upper side of the peripheral edge 76.

[0086] The hinge 56 comprises a lower plate 78 with a cavity 80 for receiving the second branch of the front partition. The cavity 80 is between the first branches 58. The first branches 58 extend from the lower plate 78. Generally, the plate is opposite the positioning studs.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable wall and / or the one-piece tank is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. 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 or carbon fibers.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the removable wall comprises polypropylene; preferably with talc.

[0089] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0090] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Storage box (20) intended to be in front of a passenger compartment (14) of a motor vehicle (10); the storage box (20) comprising: a loading opening (24), a rear partition (26) intended to delimit the passenger compartment (14), a front partition (28) opposite the rear partition (26), at least one side partition (30) extending from the front partition (28) to the rear partition (26); characterized in that the front partition (28) comprises an opening (32); the storage box (20) comprises: a removable wall (34) closing the opening (32), detachable fixing means (50) adapted to fix the removable wall (34) to the rear partition (26); the storage box (20) being configured so that the detachable fixing means (50) release the removable wall (34) from the front partition (28) in the event of impact against said removable wall (34) towards the rear partition (26).

2. Storage box (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the removable wall (34) extends vertically from the loading opening (24); preferably the front partition (28) comprises a connecting rod (74) between the loading opening (24) and the opening (32).

3. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the storage box (20) comprises a pivot connection (40) intended to be fixed to a structure (12) of the motor vehicle (10), the removable wall (34) being above the pivot connection (40).

4. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening (32) comprises an internal periphery (52), the detachable fixing means (50) comprising hooks (54) extending from the removable wall (34) cooperating with said internal periphery (52).

5. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage box (20) comprises a hinge (56) vertically spaced from the detachable fixing means (50) and connecting the removable wall (34) to the front partition (28); preferably, the hinge (56) comprises a first branch (58) extending from the removable wall (34) and along the front partition (28), and at least one second branch (60) extending from the front partition (28) and along the removable partition.

6. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the removable wall (34) comprises at least one positioning stud (82) between the detachable fixing means (50); preferably, the opening (32) of the front partition (28) comprises a positioning notch (72) cooperating with the positioning stud (82).

7. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the front partition (28) comprises a first section (44) at a first distance from the rear partition (26), a second section (46) at a second distance from the rear partition (26), an angled portion (42) connecting the first section (44) to the second section (46); the first distance being greater than the second distance; the opening (32) and the removable wall (34) being in the second section (46).

8. Storage box (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the storage box (20) comprises a lower partition (36), the removable wall (34) being vertically between the loading opening (24) and the lower partition (36); the lower partition (36), the front partition (28), the rear partition (26) and the at least one side partition (30) forming a single-piece tank (70).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a passenger compartment (14), a storage box (20) at the front of the passenger compartment (14); characterized in that the storage box (20) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; the motor vehicle (10) further comprises a ventilation device (18), the removable wall (34) facing the ventilation device (18); preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a longitudinal clearance between the removable wall (34) and the ventilation device (18) of between 5 mm and 30 mm.

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the ventilation device (18) comprises an outer casing (64) with a first width (66), the removable wall (34) comprising a second width (68) greater than or equal to the first width (66).

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