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: Layout for a motor vehicle comprising a hood locking assembly and a load-bearing frame element

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

[0002] In the automotive industry, a cooling module is typically fitted to the front of the vehicle. In particular, the cooling module is mounted on a plurality of load-bearing frame elements, including a lower element and an upper element, corresponding to structural elements of the vehicle located in front of the powertrain and whose function is to support various vehicle components.

[0003] It is particularly known to secure various cables and connections to the load-bearing frame elements. In particular, the vehicle's hood locking assembly is partially mounted on the upper load-bearing frame element. At least one lock is mounted on a central or lateral portion of the load-bearing frame element, while a lock actuating device 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 via a cable conventionally attached to the upper load-bearing frame element. In a known manner, the cable is attached above the load-bearing frame element, between the hood and said element, or below the load-bearing 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 to the driver by reducing the vertical dimension measured at the front between the ground and the hood.

[0005] Furthermore, additional constraints may limit the possibilities for fixing the cable. This is the case, for example, with the transverse bulk of the front of the vehicle due to the specific shapes of the headlights, or the need to limit the cable bends 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 cable fixing of the hood locking assembly which is inexpensive, compact and allows for simple mounting in the vehicle.

[0007] The invention relates to a motor vehicle arrangement comprising a locking assembly including a lock adapted to lock a vehicle hood, an actuation device configured to remotely actuate the lock, and a cable connecting the actuation device to the lock. The arrangement further comprises a supporting frame element adapted to retain a vehicle heat exchanger and to hold the lock, the supporting frame element extending at least partially along a first direction and being disposed between a first space, configured to include a vehicle powertrain, and a second vehicle space. The supporting frame element comprises a plurality of walls and an opening, disposed in one of the walls, passing from the first space to the second space and through which the cable is disposed transversely to the first direction.

[0008] In particular, the plurality of walls of the supporting frame element includes a “U” or substantially “U” shaped structure comprising a first wall and a second wall, opposite each other, and an intermediate wall connecting them, the opening being disposed in the intermediate wall.

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

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

[0011] Optionally, the supporting frame element includes a support member, extending outward from a face of the supporting frame element, in particular from a face turned towards the second space, the support member being able to form a stop for the cable.

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

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

[0014] In particular, the arrangement further includes at least one cable fixing device capable of keeping the cable 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 further extends to a method of mounting an arrangement according to the invention in a vehicle, comprising: - the positioning of the actuation device in the vehicle; - attaching one end of the cable to the actuation device; then - pulling the cable by passing successively through the first space, through the opening of the supporting frame element and then through the second space; - the fixing of a second end of the cable, opposite the first end, to the lock.

[0017] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, which is by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view representation of an example 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 element.

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

[0021] Fig. 4 is a schematic top view representation of the arrangement.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the layout.

[0023] The [Fig.6] is a schematic front view representation of the positioning of a cable of the locking assembly passing through an opening in the supporting frame element.

[0024] The [Fig.7] is a schematic rear view representation of the positioning of a cable of the locking assembly passing through an opening in the supporting frame element.

[0025] The [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional representation viewed from the side of the cable passing through an opening in the supporting frame element.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic rear view representation of the cable attachment on the supporting frame element.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 considered can be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 can be a passenger vehicle 1 or a commercial vehicle 1. Also, the vehicle 1 can have a combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid powertrain.

[0028] According to conventions relating to the automotive field, throughout the description below, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction, oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction The direction of a line located in a plane parallel to the ground on which 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 coordinate system. The terms "up" and "down" or "upper" and "lower" are understood in their general sense, with "down" and "lower" denoting a greater proximity to the ground. The same applies to the terms "front" and "rear." Similarly, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy among them.

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

[0030] Conventionally, the cooling module 2 is mounted on a support frame. The support frame includes, in particular, at least one element of a technical front end of the vehicle 1. A "technical front end" is understood to mean a structure located in front of the powertrain and configured to support various components of the vehicle 1 and / or integrate various functions of the vehicle 1, as further described below. The support frame includes, for example, a lower crossmember, arranged along a first direction 100 parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. The support frame also includes a support frame element 3, in particular an upper one, at least partially arranged above the cooling module 2. Preferably, the support frame element 3 extends at least partially along the first direction 100.

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

[0032] The locking assembly 4 comprises at least one lock 41 suitable for locking a hood of the vehicle 1. The lock 41 is mounted on the support frame element 3 and is suitable for cooperating with a strike plate, not shown, attached to the hood. According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the lock 41 is located in a central portion of the support frame element 3. "Central" here 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 support frame element 3. Alternatively, the lock 41 may have an off-center position.

[0033] The locking assembly 4 also includes 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 of the vehicle 1, in the space located under the hood of the vehicle 1.A first end 43a of the cable 43 is connected to the actuation device 42 while a second, opposite end 43b of the cable 43 is connected to the lock 4L. The first end 43a includes a first connecting end, suitable for making the connection with the actuation device 42, and the second end 43b includes a second connecting end, suitable for making the connection with the lock 4L. As is known, the cable 43 is optionally surrounded by a sheath, in particular of plastic material, over all or part of its length.

[0034] The supporting frame element 3 has an elongated shape, i.e., 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 suitable for retaining 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 and / or fluid connections.

[0035] The load-bearing 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, front-end elements such as an air intake grille. In particular, the load-bearing 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 observes successively the first space 5a, then the load-bearing frame element 3, and then the second space 5b. Preferably, the load-bearing frame element 3 is at least partially 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 through which the cable 43 is disposed. "Through-hole" means that the hole 7 extends through the thickness of at least one of the walls 6 and allows direct or indirect communication between the first space 5a and the second space 5b. The hole 7 thus allows the cable 43 to be positioned transversely to the first direction 100, from the first space 5a to the second space 5b by passing through the supporting frame element 3. The presence of the hole 7 in the supporting frame element 3 eliminates the need for a fixing above or below the supporting frame element, as is conventionally done.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 present a smaller vertical footprint.

[0037] The supporting frame element 3 can have variable shapes. The supporting frame element 3 comprises at least one straight or substantially straight segment 31 parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction 100. In particular, the straight segment 31 carries the lock 4L. According to one embodiment, the supporting frame element 3 is such that the straight segment 31 represents the essential part of its length, i.e. at least 50% of its length, or even at least 60%. Preferably, the supporting frame element 3 also includes, as illustrated in [Fig.4], at least one inclined segment 32 relative to the straight segment 31 and the first direction 100, the inclined segment 32 including the opening 7. For example, the inclined segment 32 has an inclination [3, between 15 and 40°, or preferably between 20 and 30°, relative to the straight segment 31 and 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 straight segment 31 when fitted in the vehicle 1. Such a principle makes it possible to advance the orifice 7 relative to the straight 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 includes, in particular, a metal structure overmolded with at least one plastic material. For example, the metal structure is made of steel. Without limitation, the plastic material is polypropylene, in particular PP-GF30. The supporting frame element 3 thus has a structure resistant to stress and vibration, as well as to high temperatures resulting from the operation of the powertrain, for example, temperatures exceeding 90 °C.

[0039] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate an optional but preferred embodiment of the load-bearing frame element 3 in which the plurality of walls 6 of the load-bearing frame element 3 comprises a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped structure. In particular, such a U-shaped structure is observed in a profile of the load-bearing frame element 3 lying 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 each other and forming the arms of the U, and an intermediate wall 6c connecting the first wall 6a and the second wall 6b. In particular, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the intermediate wall 6c extends vertically or substantially vertically. The plurality of walls 6 thus delimits an intermediate volume 61, located between the first space 5a and the second space 5b, open on at least one side.For example, the open side faces the first space 5a, with the intermediate wall 6c positioned in front of the intermediate volume 61, so as to provide at least partial protection for at least one component located within the intermediate volume 61, for example, the cable 43 or a connection as described above, in the event of a frontal impact. The intermediate volume 61 is thus suitable for receiving at least part of the cable 43. Preferably, the opening 7 is located in the intermediate wall 6c.

[0040] The opening 7 serves to secure the cable 43. It helps to hold the cable 43 relative to the supporting frame element 3. The opening 7 can have various shapes, for example, polygonal, circular, or oblong. Preferably, the opening 7 has a rounded shape, particularly circular or oblong. The opening 7 thus has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape within the thickness of the supporting frame element 3. The opening 7 is sized to allow the passage of the cable 43, particularly the passage of at least one end of the cable 43 and the fitting on it. Preferably, the opening 7 is sized to allow the passage of the second end 43b and the second fitting of the cable 43.

[0041] The opening 7 is, for example, made by perforation or cut, carried out transversely to the wall containing it. For example, the opening 7 is made by a perforation or cut orthogonal to the wall containing 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 wear on a portion of the cable 43 disposed 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 includes the first end 43a of the cable 43. In particular, it is at least partially located at the level of the first space 5a and / or the intermediate volume 61. A second portion 43d of cable 43, distinct from the first portion 43c, extends from the orifice 7 to the lock 41. The second portion 43d of cable 43 extends into the second space 5b.

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

[0045] Optionally, the supporting frame element 3 includes a bearing member 33, projecting from one face of the supporting frame element 3 and adapted to act as a stop for the cable 43. In this case, the bearing member 33 is located at the intermediate wall 6c, specifically at a first face 601 of the intermediate wall 6c, facing the second space 5b. The bearing member 33 is arranged at at least one edge of the opening 7, for example, close to it. "Close to" means a distance of 3 cm or less, or even 2 cm or 1 cm, from at least one edge of the opening 7. The bearing member 33 and the intermediate wall 6c are made of material. 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 measured here between the first face 601 and a vertex of the support member 33 along a direction orthogonal to the first face 601. Optionally, but preferably, the vertex of the support member 33 is rounded. The support member 33 thus makes it possible to increase the bend angle of the cable 43 and to limit the risk of wear of the cable 43 at the contact areas with 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 located 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 located in the second space 5b. The first bend 44 and the second bend 45 have, respectively, a bend angle α1, α2 greater than or equal to 80°, or even 100°. For example, the first bend 44 and the second bend 45 have a curvature angle al, a2 greater than 130°, or even 145°. For example, these curvature angles each represent the angle measured at the intersection of two half-lines following the path of the cable portion considered.

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

[0048] Optionally, the arrangement 10 according to the invention further comprises at least one cable fastening element 9, such as a clip or clamp, suitable for holding the cable 43 securely attached to the supporting frame element 3. Preferably, the fastening elements 9 are at least partially located in the intermediate volume 61 and / or in the first volume. Each fastening element 9 is mounted on one of the walls 6 of the plurality of walls 6 or is mounted on at least one reinforcing element 8, namely, in this case, the reinforcing wall. In particular, the fastening elements are configured to cooperate with the first portion 43c of the cable 43.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the arrangement 10 according to the invention. The mounting method comprises, firstly, positioning the actuating device 42 in the vehicle 1, as described above. Next, the first end 43a of the cable 43 is attached to the actuating device 42, in particular by means of the first end fitting. A technician then proceeds to pull the cable 43 through successively the first space 5a, the opening 7 of the supporting frame element 3, and then 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 in the first direction 100, and then through the second space 5b.At the point where cable 43 passes through opening 7, cable 43, as described above, has one or more bends with an angle greater than or equal to 80° or even 100°, for example, even greater than or equal to 130° or 145°. Finally, the method includes fixing the second end 43b of cable 43 to the lock 41, in particular by means of the second end piece.

[0050] When the arrangement 10 includes one or more fastening members 9, the method also includes a step of fastening the cable 43 relative to the supporting frame element 3 by means of said fastening members 9. Such a step may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with or subsequent to the step of fastening the second end 43b.

[0051] The present invention thus proposes 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 and 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 method and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. A vehicle (1) motor vehicle arrangement (10) comprising a locking assembly (4) including a lock (41) adapted to lock 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 support frame element (3) adapted to retain a heat exchanger of the vehicle (1) and retaining the lock (41), the support frame element (3) extending at least partially along a first direction (100) and being disposed between a first space (5a), configured to include a powertrain of the vehicle (1), and a second space (5b) of the vehicle (1), the support frame element (3) comprising a plurality of walls (6) and an opening (7), disposed in one of the walls (6),traversing from the first space (5a) to the second space (5b) and wherein the cable (43) is arranged transversely to the first direction (100); characterized in that the supporting frame element (3) comprises a straight or substantially straight segment (31), carrying the lock (41), and at least one inclined segment (32) having an inclination [3, between 15 and 40°, or even between 20° and 30°, relative to the straight segment (31) and the first direction (100), in that the inclined segment (32) extends towards the second space (5b) such that the inclined segment (32) extends at least partly in front of the straight segment (31) and in that the opening (7) is included in the inclined segment (32).

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), opposed, and an intermediate wall (6c) connecting them, the opening (7) being disposed in the intermediate wall (6c).

3. An arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - at least one portion of the cable (43) disposed in the second space (5b) extends in support of at least one edge of the orifice (7); and / or - at the point where the cable (43) passes through the orifice (7), the cable (43) includes one or more bends, each with an angle greater than or equal to 80°, or even 100°, or greater than 130°, or even 145°.

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

5. Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame element (3) comprises a support member (33), extending projecting from a face of the supporting frame element (3), in particular from a face turned towards the second space (5b), the support member (33) being able to form a stop for the cable (43).

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

7. Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one cable (43) fixing member (9) capable of holding the cable (43) securely attached to the supporting frame element (3).

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

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

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