Assemblies for motor vehicles comprising a hood locking assembly and a load-bearing frame element

Abstract

TITLE: Motor vehicle arrangement comprising a hood locking assembly and a support frame element. Motor vehicle arrangement (10) comprising a locking assembly (4) including a lock (41) adapted to lock a hood, an actuating device, and a cable (43), the arrangement (10) further comprising an elongated support frame element (3) extending along a first direction and being disposed between a first space (5a), comprising an engine compartment of the vehicle, and a second space (5b) of the vehicle, the support frame element (3) including an opening (7) passing through from the first space (5a) to the second space (5b) and in which the cable (43) is disposed transversely to the first direction. Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a hood locking assembly and a supporting frame element

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a hood locking assembly and a supporting frame element. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an arrangement. The invention finally relates to a method of mounting the arrangement.

[0002] In the automotive industry, a cooling module is conventionally equipped on the front of the vehicle. In particular, the cooling module is mounted on a plurality of supporting frame elements, in particular a lower element and an upper element, corresponding to structural elements of the vehicle located in front of the powertrain and having the function of supporting different components of the vehicle.

[0003] It is known in particular to carry out the fixing of various cables and connections on the supporting frame elements. In particular, the hood locking assembly of the vehicle is partly mounted on the upper supporting frame element. At least one lock is mounted on a central part or a lateral part of the supporting frame element while a device for actuating the lock is mounted so as to be accessible from the passenger compartment, for example on the body structure. The actuating device is connected to the lock by means of a cable conventionally fixed to the upper supporting frame element. In a known manner, the cable is fixed above the supporting frame element, between the hood and said element, or below the supporting frame element, between the cooling module and said element.

[0004] Such examples of fixing the cable of the hood locking assembly nevertheless generate additional vertical bulk incompatible with a context of lowering the hood aimed at ensuring better visibility for the driver by reducing the vertical dimension measured on the front face between the ground and the hood.

[0005] Furthermore, additional constraints may limit the possibilities for fixing the cable. This is for example the case of the transverse size of the front face of the vehicle due to specific shapes of the front headlights or the need to limit the bends of the cable to large radii of curvature in order to ensure its proper operation.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide an alternative to the fixing of the cable of the hood locking assembly which is inexpensive, space-saving and allows simple mounting in the vehicle.

[0007] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a locking assembly comprising a lock capable of locking a hood of the vehicle, an actuating device configured to remotely actuate the lock and a cable connecting the actuating device to the lock. The arrangement further comprises a supporting frame element capable of holding a heat exchanger of the vehicle and holding the lock, the supporting frame element extending at least partly along a first direction and being arranged between a first space, configured to comprise a powertrain of the vehicle, and a second space of the vehicle. The supporting frame element comprises a plurality of walls and an orifice, arranged in one of the walls, passing from the first space to the second space and in which the cable is arranged transversely to the first direction.

[0008] In particular, the plurality of walls of the supporting frame element comprises a "U" or substantially "U" shaped structure comprising a first wall and a second wall, opposite each other, and an intermediate wall connecting them together, the orifice being arranged in the intermediate wall.

[0009] In particular: - at least a portion of the cable arranged in the second space extends in support of at least one edge of the orifice; and / or - at the level of the passage of the cable through the orifice, the cable comprises one or more bends each with an angle greater than or equal to 80°, or even 100° or even greater than 130°, or even 145°.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the orifice is delimited by at least one rounded edge or fillet.

[0011] Optionally, the supporting frame element comprises a support member, extending in projection from one face of the supporting frame element, in particular from a face facing the second space, the support member being capable of forming a stop for the cable.

[0012] In particular, the supporting frame element comprises a reinforcing member.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the supporting frame element comprises a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear segment, carrying the lock, and at least one inclined segment having an inclination [3, of between 15 and 40°, or even between 20° and 30°, relative to the rectilinear segment and to the first direction, the orifice being included in the inclined segment.

[0014] In particular, the arrangement further comprises at least one cable fixing member capable of holding the cable securely attached to the supporting frame element.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a powertrain and a cooling module, the vehicle further comprising an arrangement according to the invention, the supporting frame element carrying the cooling module.

[0016] The invention finally extends to a method of mounting an arrangement according to the invention in a vehicle, comprising: - the positioning of the actuating device in the vehicle; - fixing a first end of the cable to the actuating device; then - pulling the cable by passing successively through the first space, through the hole in the supporting frame element and then through the second space; - fixing a second end of the cable, opposite the first end, to the lock.

[0017] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0018] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation in front view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle comprising an arrangement.

[0019] [Fig.2] is a schematic front view representation of the arrangement comprising a hood locking assembly and a supporting frame member.

[0020] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation seen from the front of the arrangement.

[0021] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation seen from above of the arrangement.

[0022] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation in section seen from above of the layout.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation viewed from the front of the positioning of a cable of the locking assembly passing through an orifice in the supporting frame member.

[0024] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation seen from behind of the positioning of a cable of the locking assembly passing through an orifice in the supporting frame member.

[0025] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the passage of the cable passing through an orifice in the supporting frame element.

[0026] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation seen from behind of the cable attachment to the supporting frame element.

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 considered may be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a private vehicle 1 or a utility vehicle 1. Also, the vehicle 1 may have a thermal, electric or hybrid engine.

[0028] According to the conventions relating to the automotive field, throughout the following description, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction, oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to a ground on which the vehicle 1 rests is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, we define a direct XYZ reference frame. The terms "top" and "bottom" or "upper" and "lower" are understood in their general sense, the terms "bottom" and "lower" designating a greater proximity to the ground. The same applies to the terms "front" and "rear". Also, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements.

[0029] The vehicle 1 comprises at least one engine of a powertrain arranged at the front of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 also comprises a cooling module 2, also referred to as a cooling case, and comprising one or more heat exchanger(s) and / or radiator(s). It is equipped on the front face of the vehicle 1, upstream of the powertrain along the longitudinal direction X, and is intended for the thermal management, particularly the cooling, of the at least one engine of a powertrain.

[0030] Conventionally, the cooling module 2 is mounted on a supporting frame. The supporting frame comprises in particular at least one element of a technical front face of the vehicle 1. The term "technical front face" means a structure located in front of the powertrain and which is configured to support different components of the vehicle 1 and / or integrate different functions of the vehicle 1, as further explained below. The supporting frame comprises for example a lower cross member, arranged along a first direction 100 parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. The supporting frame also comprises a supporting frame element 3, in particular an upper one, at least partly arranged above the cooling module 2. Preferably, the supporting frame element 3 extends at least partly along the first direction 100.

[0031] The vehicle 1 also comprises an arrangement 10 according to the invention, comprising a locking assembly 4 and the supporting frame element 3.

[0032] The locking assembly 4 comprises at least one lock 41 capable of locking a hood of the vehicle 1. The lock 41 is mounted on the supporting frame element 3 and is capable of cooperating with a striker, not shown, fixed to the hood. According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lock 41 is arranged in a central portion of the supporting frame element 3. Here, the term “central” means a position centered or substantially centered along the transverse direction Y, and / or the first direction 100, within the vehicle 1 or relative to a length of the supporting frame element 3. Alternatively, the lock 41 may have an eccentric position.

[0033] The locking assembly 4 also comprises an actuating device 42 configured to remotely actuate the lock 41 and a cable 43 connecting the actuating device 42 to the lock 41. The actuating device 42 is, for example, mounted so as to be accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. In particular, the actuating device 42 is mounted on a part of a body structure of the vehicle 1. The cable 43 then extends from the passenger compartment to the front face of the vehicle 1, in the volume located under the hood of the vehicle 1.A first end 43a of the cable 43 is connected to the actuating device 42 while a second end 43b of the cable 43, opposite, is connected to the lock 4L. The first end 43a comprises a first connecting end piece, capable of ensuring the connection with the actuating device 42, and the second end 43b comprises a second connecting end piece, capable of ensuring the connection with the lock 4L. In a known manner, the cable 43 is optionally surrounded by a sheath, in particular made of plastic material, over all or part of its length.

[0034] The supporting frame element 3 has an elongated shape, that is to say that it has a length strictly greater than its width, in particular a length at least three times greater than its width. As indicated above, at least a portion of the supporting frame element 3 extends along the first direction 100. The supporting frame element 3 is capable of holding the cooling module 2 of the vehicle 1 and carries the lock 4L. Optionally, the supporting frame element 3 allows the attachment of other components of the vehicle 1 such as electrical connections and / or fluid connections.

[0035] The supporting frame element 3 is arranged so as to be interposed between a first space 5a, comprising the powertrain, in particular an engine compartment of the vehicle 1, and a second space 5b of the vehicle 1, comprising for example elements of the front face such as an air flow inlet grille. In particular, the supporting frame element 3 is interposed between the first space 5a and the second space 5b when moving along a second direction 200, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal direction X. In other words, an observer moving along the second direction 200 from the rear of the vehicle 1 towards the front successively observes the first space 5a then the supporting frame element 3 then the second space 5b. Preferably, the supporting frame element 3 is at least partly vertically aligned with the cooling module 2.The supporting frame element 3 and the cooling module 2 are thus crossed by at least one axis extending along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and to the second direction 200, and here parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0036] The supporting frame element 3 comprises a plurality of walls 6 and a through hole 7 in which the cable 43 is arranged. By "through" is meant that the hole 7 extends in the thickness of at least one of the walls 6 considered and allows communication, direct or indirect, between the first space 5a and the second space 5b. The orifice 7 thus allows the positioning of the cable 43 transversely to the first direction 100, from the first space 5a to the second space 5b passing through the supporting frame element 3. The presence of the orifice 7 in the supporting frame element 3 makes it possible to dispense with the need to provide a fixing above or below the supporting frame element as is conventionally implemented. Consequently, the dimensions of the supporting frame element 3 along the vertical direction Z and / or the third direction 300 can be reduced so as to have a smaller vertical footprint.

[0037] The supporting frame element 3 may have variable shapes. The supporting frame element 3 comprises at least one rectilinear segment 31 or substantially rectilinear segment parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction 100. In particular, the rectilinear segment 31 carries the lock 4L. According to an exemplary embodiment, the supporting frame element 3 is such that the rectilinear segment 31 represents the majority of its length, i.e. at least 50% of its length, or even at least 60%. Preferably, the supporting frame element 3 also comprises, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], at least one inclined segment 32 relative to the rectilinear segment 31 and to the first direction 100, the inclined segment 32 comprising the orifice 7. For example, the inclined segment 32 has an inclination [3, of between 15 and 40°, or even preferentially between 20 and 30°, relative to the rectilinear segment 31 and to the first direction 100.In particular, the inclined segment 32 extends towards the second space 5b, so that the inclined segment 32 extends at least partly in front of the rectilinear segment 31 when it is equipped in the vehicle 1. Such a principle makes it possible to advance the orifice 7 relative to the rectilinear segment 31, carrying the lock 41, so that the cable 43 does not have an unsuitable curvature, that is to say here ensuring that one or more curvatures observed at the level of the orifice 7 have an angle strictly greater than 90°.

[0038] The supporting frame element 3 comprises in particular a metal structure overmolded with at least one plastic material. For example, the metal structure is made of steel. In a non-limiting manner, the plastic material is polypropylene, in particular PP-GF30. The supporting frame element 3 thus has a structure resistant to forces and vibrations as well as to high temperatures, resulting from the operation of the powertrain, for example temperatures above 90°C.

[0039] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate an optional but preferred embodiment of the supporting frame element 3 in which the plurality of walls 6 of the supporting frame element 3 comprises a “U” or substantially “U” shaped structure. In particular a such a “U” structure is observed in a profile of the supporting frame element 3 included in a plane orthogonal to the first direction 100. The plurality of walls 6 comprises a first wall 6a and a second wall 6b, opposite and forming the branches of the “U”, and an intermediate wall 6c connecting the first wall 6a and the second wall 6b together. In particular, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the intermediate wall 6c extends vertically or substantially vertically. The plurality of walls 6 thus delimits an intermediate volume 61, arranged between the first space 5a and the second space 5b, open on at least one side.For example, the open side is turned towards the first space 5a, the intermediate wall 6c being arranged in front of the intermediate volume 61, so as to ensure at least partial protection of at least one member arranged in the intermediate volume 61, for example the cable 43 or a connection as explained above, in the event of a frontal impact. The intermediate volume 61 is thus capable of receiving at least part of the cable 43. Preferably, the orifice 7 is arranged in the intermediate wall 6c.

[0040] The orifice 7 serves to fix the cable 43. It helps to hold the cable 43 relative to the supporting frame element 3. The orifice 7 can have variable shapes, for example polygonal, circular or oblong. Preferably, the orifice 7 has a rounded shape, in particular circular or oblong. The orifice 7 thus has a shape, in the thickness of the supporting frame element 3, cylindrical or frustoconical. The orifice 7 is dimensioned so as to allow the passage of the cable 43, particularly the passage of at least one of the ends of the cable 43 and the end piece equipping it. Preferably, the orifice 7 is dimensioned so as to allow the passage of the second end 43b and the second end piece of the cable 43.

[0041] The orifice 7 is, for example, produced by perforation or cutting, made transversely to the wall comprising it. For example, the orifice 7 is produced by a perforation or cutting orthogonal to the wall comprising it.

[0042] The orifice 7 is delimited by one or more edges. Optionally but preferably, the orifice 7 is delimited by at least one rounded edge 71, also referred to as a fillet, so as to limit the wear of a portion of the cable 43 arranged in the orifice 7.

[0043] A first portion 43c of the cable 43 extends from the actuating device 42 to the orifice 7. The first portion 43c of the cable 43 comprises the first end 43a of the cable 43. In particular, it is at least partly arranged at the level of the first space 5a and / or the intermediate volume 61. A second portion 43d of the cable 43, distinct from the first portion 43c, extends from the orifice 7 to the lock 4L. The second portion 43d of the cable 43 extends into the second space 5b.

[0044] In particular, at least one portion of the cable 43 is arranged in contact with the edge of the orifice 7 or at least one of the edges of the orifice 7. In particular the second portion 43d of the cable 43 is arranged in support of said edge. For example, said edge is the rounded edge 71.

[0045] Optionally, the supporting frame element 3 comprises a support member 33, extending in projection from one face of the supporting frame element 3 and is capable of forming a stop for the cable 43. In this case, the support member 33 is arranged at the intermediate wall 6c, in particular at the level of a first face 601 of the intermediate wall 6c, facing the second space 5b. The support member 33 is arranged at the level of at least one edge of the orifice 7, for example in proximity thereto. By “in proximity” is meant a distance less than or equal to 3 cm, or even 2 cm or even 1 cm from the at least one edge of the orifice 7. The support member 33 and the intermediate wall 6c are made in one piece. The support member 33 surrounds all or part of the orifice 7. For example, for a circular orifice 7 as illustrated, the support member 33 has the shape of an arc of a circle surrounding part of the orifice 7.The support member 33 has a height greater than or equal to 2 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 2.5 mm or even 2.6 mm. The height is here measured between the first face 601 and a top of the support member 33 along a direction orthogonal to the first face 601. Optionally but preferably, the top of the support member 33 is rounded. The support member 33 thus makes it possible to increase the angle of curvature of the cable 43 and to limit the risks of wear of the cable 43 at the contact zones with the at least one edge of the orifice 7.

[0046] When the cable 43 is arranged within the arrangement 10, it comprises a plurality of bends at the orifice 7, in particular a first bend 44 and a second bend 45. The first bend 44 is formed by the first portion 43c of the cable 43, that is to say by the portion of the cable 43 arranged in the first space 5a and / or in the intermediate volume 61. The second bend 45 is formed by the second portion 43d of the cable 43, that is to say by the portion of the cable 43 arranged in the second space 5b. The first bend 44 and the second bend 45 respectively have a bending angle a1, a2 greater than or equal to 80°, or even 100°. For example, the first curvature 44 and the second curvature 45 respectively have a curvature angle a1, a2 greater than 130°, or even 145°. For example, said curvature angles each represent the angle measured at the intersection of two half-lines following the path of the portion of cable considered.

[0047] According to an optional exemplary embodiment, the supporting frame element 3 advantageously comprises at least one reinforcing member 8. For example, the reinforcing member 8 is a reinforcing wall arranged in the intermediate volume 61. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing member 8 extends at least between two opposite walls 6 of the supporting frame element 3, for example between the first wall 6a and the second wall 6b. In the example illustrated, the reinforcing member 8 extends along the third direction 300, parallel to the vertical direction. Optionally, the supporting frame element 3 comprises a plurality of reinforcing members 8 distributed over all or part of the length of the supporting frame element 3, i.e. along the first direction 100 in particular. Optionally, the supporting frame element 3 and the at least one reinforcing member 8 are made in one piece.

[0048] Optionally, the arrangement 10 according to the invention further comprises at least one fixing member 9 for the cable 43, such as a clip or a clamp, capable of holding the cable 43 secured to the supporting frame element 3. Preferably, the fixing members 9 are at least partly arranged in the intermediate volume 61 and / or in the first volume. Each fixing member 9 is mounted on one of the walls 6 of the plurality of walls 6 or is mounted on the at least one reinforcing member 8, namely here the reinforcing wall. In particular, the fixing members are configured to cooperate with the first portion 43c of the cable 43.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for mounting the arrangement 10 according to the invention. The mounting method comprises, in a first step, positioning the actuating device 42 in the vehicle 1, as described above. Then, the first end 43a of the cable 43 is fixed to the actuating device 42, in particular by means of the first end piece. A technician then proceeds to pull the cable 43 by passing successively through the first space 5a, through the orifice 7 of the supporting frame element 3 and then through the second space 5b. The cable 43 thus passes through the first space 5a, then through the supporting frame element 3, and by extension through the intermediate volume 61, passing transversely to the first direction 100, then into the second space 5b.At the level of the passage of the cable 43 through the orifice 7, the cable 43, as indicated above, has one or more bends of angle greater than or equal to 80° or even 100°, for example even greater than or equal to 130 or 145°. Finally, the method comprises the fixing of the second end 43b of the cable 43 to the lock 41, in particular by means of the second end piece.

[0050] When the arrangement 10 comprises one or more fixing members 9, the method also comprises a step of fixing the cable 43 relative to the supporting frame element 3 by means of said fixing members 9. Such a step can be carried out before, simultaneously with or after the step of fixing the second end 43b.

[0051] The present invention thus provides an arrangement comprising a hood locking assembly and a supporting frame element allowing the attachment of a cable of the locking assembly according to an inexpensive, space-saving alternative allowing simple mounting in the vehicle.

[0052] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or mode and to any technically effective combination of such means to the extent that they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a locking assembly (4) comprising a lock (41) capable of locking a hood of the vehicle (1), an actuating device (42) configured to remotely actuate the lock (41) and a cable (43) connecting the actuating device (42) to the lock (41), the arrangement (10) further comprising a supporting frame element (3) capable of holding a heat exchanger of the vehicle (1) and holding the lock (41), the supporting frame element (3) extending at least partly along a first direction (100) and being arranged between a first space (5a), configured to comprise a powertrain of the vehicle (1), and a second space (5b) of the vehicle (1), the supporting frame element (3) comprising a plurality of walls (6) and an orifice (7), arranged in one of the walls (6),crossing from the first space (5a) to the second space (5b) and in which the cable (43) is arranged transversely to the first direction (100).,

2. Arrangement (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of walls (6) of the supporting frame element (3) comprises a "U" or substantially "U" shaped structure comprising a first wall (6a) and a second wall (6b), opposite each other, and an intermediate wall (6c) connecting them together, the orifice (7) being arranged in the intermediate wall (6c).

3. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - at least a portion of the cable (43) arranged in the second space (5b) extends in abutment against at least one edge of the orifice (7); and / or - at the level of the passage of the cable (43) through the orifice (7), the cable (43) comprises one or more bends each with an angle greater than or equal to 80°, or even 100° or even greater than 130°, or even 145°.

4. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the orifice (7) is delimited by at least one rounded edge (71) or fillet.

5. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting frame element (3) comprises a support member (33), extending projecting from one face of the supporting frame element (3), in particular from a face facing the second space (5b), the support member (33) being capable of forming a stop for the cable (43).

6. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame element (3) comprises a reinforcing member (8).

7. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting frame element (3) comprises a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear segment (31), carrying the lock (41), and at least one inclined segment (32) having an inclination [3, of between 15 and 40°, or even between 20° and 30°, relative to the rectilinear segment (31) and to the first direction (100), the orifice (7) being included in the inclined segment (32).

8. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fixing member (9) for the cable (43) capable of holding the cable (43) integral with the supporting frame element (3).

9. Vehicle (1) comprising a powertrain and a cooling module (2), the vehicle further comprising an arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the supporting frame element (3) carrying the cooling module (2).

10. A method of mounting an arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 in a vehicle (1), comprising: - positioning the actuating device (42) in the vehicle (1); - fixing a first end (43a) of the cable (43) to the actuating device (42); then - pulling the cable (43) successively through the first space (5a), into the orifice (7) of the supporting frame element (3) and then into the second space (5b); - fixing a second end (43b) of the cable (43), opposite the first end (43a), to the lock (41).

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