Front end of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a front end

Abstract

Front end of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a front end. The invention relates to a front end (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - two longitudinal structural beams (5) extending on either side of a powertrain (7) of said vehicle, - a front cradle (13), arranged under said powertrain, extending under said longitudinal structural beams, - two wedge supports (27), - two suspension wedges (25) adapted to filter at least in part the vibrations of said powertrain, each being supported by said wedge supports and comprising a fixing interface (29) for said powertrain. According to the invention, each of said wedge supports (27) is fixed, on the one hand, to said front cradle (13) and, on the other hand, to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams (5), and said wedge supports are connected to each other by a transverse crossmember (31).The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a front end. Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Front end of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a front end Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, in particular to the deformation behavior of motor vehicles in the event of a low-overlap frontal impact.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a front face of a motor vehicle as well as a motor vehicle comprising such a front face. Prior art

[0003] A front end of a motor vehicle typically comprises longitudinal structural beams, commonly called "stretchers", extending longitudinally relative to the motor vehicle on either side of a powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0004] The longitudinal structural beams belong to a body structure, comprising structural elements defining the frame of the motor vehicle.

[0005] At its front part, the body structure is connected to a front cradle, typically comprising a main body mounted under the powertrain.

[0006] The main body of the front cradle is connected to the body structure via fixing interfaces, commonly called "horns" or "posts", consisting of a cylindrical part extending substantially vertically relative to the motor vehicle and connecting the main body of the front cradle to the longitudinal structural beams.

[0007] The front cradle further comprises cradle extensions extending forward of the main body of the cradle. The cradle extensions are formed by longitudinal lower beams positioned parallel to each side of the powertrain, below the longitudinal structural beams.

[0008] Each front end of the longitudinal structural beams and the cradle extensions is fixed to a facade support, extending vertically relative to the motor vehicle and serving in particular to support the front face of the vehicle.

[0009] The front face is further provided with a plurality of transverse crosspieces, each having a first end fixed to one of the two front supports, on one side of the vehicle, and a second end fixed to the other of the two front supports, on the other side of the vehicle.

[0010] These transverse crosspieces comprise in particular a lower transverse crosspiece and an upper transverse crosspiece, with reference to their locations respective relative to the front face.

[0011] These transverse cross members are intended to absorb the transverse forces that may occur in particular in the event of a vehicle impact, particularly in the event of a small overlap frontal impact. Such a small overlap frontal impact may be demonstrated by a small overlap test ("small overlap frontal crash test" in English) which consists of projecting a motor vehicle at a speed of 64 km / h towards a rigid obstacle such as a barrier, with an overlap range between the obstacle and the front of the vehicle of less than 25%. This type of test makes it possible to imitate impacts with a wall or a post at the front and side of the vehicle.

[0012] The transmission of transverse forces from one side of the motor vehicle to the other is carried out by means of the lower and upper transverse cross members of the front face of the motor vehicle.

[0013] The front face further comprises a set of suspension shims adapted to filter out vibrations linked to the operation of the powertrain during acceleration, braking, jolts, shaking of the motor vehicle, etc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the suspension shims are carried by shim supports mounted on the front subframe, the powertrain being supported by the suspension shims.

[0015] A disadvantage of such a front end is that, in the event of an impact suffered by the motor vehicle, and in particular during a frontal impact with low overlap, the cradle extensions tend to become vertical. This leads to a risk of separation between the suspension shims and the powertrain, which could lead to a collapse of the powertrain.

[0016] Another disadvantage lies in the complexity of integrating the different elements constituting the front face, the space available in the front face being relatively small. Statement of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to this end relates to a front end of a motor vehicle, comprising: - two longitudinal structural beams extending on either side of a powertrain of said motor vehicle, - a front cradle, arranged under said powertrain and extending under said longitudinal structural beams, - two wedge supports, - two suspension shims adapted to filter at least in part the vibrations of said powertrain, each being supported by said shim supports and comprising an interface for fixing said powertrain, said front face being remarkable in that each of said wedge supports is fixed, on the one hand, to said front cradle and, on the other hand, to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams, and in that said wedge supports are connected to each other by a transverse crosspiece.

[0018] Thus, by providing a front face of which each of the wedge supports is fixed, on the one hand, to the front cradle, and, on the other hand, to the corresponding longitudinal structural beams, and by providing to connect the wedge supports to each other by a transverse cross member, an assembly is obtained which is suitable both for reinforcing the front face during an impact, for transmitting the forces via the cross member and for supporting the powertrain.

[0019] In the present invention, the wedge supports provide a mechanical connection between the front cradle and the longitudinal structural beams, whereas in the prior art this connection is provided by the cradle horns.

[0020] This makes it possible, through the assembly formed by the wedge supports, the suspension wedges and the transverse cross member, to pool the functions associated with the cradle horns, the suspension wedges and the transverse cross member. In this way, the assembly of the front face is simplified.

[0021] Finally, in the event of an impact suffered by the motor vehicle, in particular a frontal impact with low overlap, the transverse cross member transmits the forces towards the side of the vehicle opposite that impacted during the impact, which makes it possible to maintain the powertrain in position and prevent it from collapsing.

[0022] According to optional characteristics of the front face according to the invention: - said front cradle comprises a main body arranged under said powertrain and cradle extensions extending said main body at the front, said cradle extensions extending under the longitudinal structural beams, and each of said wedge supports is fixed, on the one hand, to said cradle extension and, on the other hand, to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams; - at least one of said wedge supports comprises a housing for receiving said suspension wedge; - said wedge supports and said transverse crosspiece define a single-piece assembly; - alternatively, said transverse crosspiece is attached to said wedge supports; - at least one of said wedge supports is screwed to said front cradle and to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams; - said wedge supports and said transverse crosspiece define an assembly designed to allow said assembly to be mounted in said front face in a reversible manner.

[0023] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a front face, remarkable in that said front face is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a front face of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0026] [Fig.2] is a front view of the front face according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig.3] is a side view of the front face according to the invention.

[0028] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising the wedge supports and the crossbar.

[0029] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the path of forces on the front face of the vehicle according to the invention during a frontal impact with low overlap, the front face being seen from above.

[0030] [Fig.6] shows an alternative assembly of the assembly comprising the wedge supports and the transverse cross member, the front face being seen from above. Description of the embodiments

[0031] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same reference.

[0032] By convention, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations will be adopted, without limitation, indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle.

[0033] In the following, the terms “left”, “right”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0034] Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0035] Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2 showing a front face 1 of a motor vehicle according to the invention, respectively seen in perspective and seen from the front.

[0036] The front face 1 comprises two upper longitudinal structural beams 5, commonly called “stretchers”, extending longitudinally relative to the motor vehicle, on either side of a powertrain 7 of the motor vehicle.

[0037] The front face 1 comprises, at the front of the power unit 7, a rack mechanism 8 forming part of a steering system of the motor vehicle.

[0038] The longitudinal structural beams 5 are mounted at their front part on facade supports (not shown) present on one side and the other of the vehicle. automobile, for example extending substantially vertically relative to the motor vehicle.

[0039] The longitudinal structural beams 5 are bordered in their outer part by wheel arches 9.

[0040] The assembly formed by the longitudinal structural beams 5 and the facade supports belongs to a motor vehicle body structure 11. The body structure 11 is connected at its front part to a front cradle 13.

[0041] The front cradle 13 comprises a main body 15 mounted under the power unit 7.

[0042] The front cradle 13 further comprises cradle extensions 17 extending in front of the main body 15 of the cradle under the longitudinal structural beams 5.

[0043] The cradle extensions 17 are constituted by longitudinal lower beams positioned parallel on either side of the power unit 7, below the longitudinal structural beams 5.

[0044] For example, the front ends 19 of the longitudinal structural beams 5 and the front ends 21 of the cradle extensions 17 are fixed to a facade support extending vertically relative to the motor vehicle and serving in particular to support the front face 1 of the vehicle.

[0045] The cradle extensions 17 are connected to each other in the lower part of the front face 1 by means of a lower transverse crosspiece 23.

[0046] The front face 1 further comprises two suspension wedges 25 carried by wedge supports 27.

[0047] The suspension shims 25 comprise a fixing interface 29 of the powertrain 7, adapted to support the powertrain 7.

[0048] The suspension shims 25 are adapted to filter at least in part the vibrations linked to the operation of the powertrain 7. In one embodiment, the suspension shims 25 comprise a shock absorber made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber.

[0049] According to the invention, the wedge supports 27 are fixed both to the front cradle 13 and to the corresponding longitudinal structural beams 5. The wedge supports 27 can for example be fixed by screwing to the front cradle 13 and to the corresponding longitudinal structural beams 5.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the invention, the wedge supports 27 are connected to each other by a transverse crosspiece 31.

[0051] The transverse cross member 31 comprises a hollow body adapted to transmit transverse forces from one longitudinal structural beam 5 to the other when the motor vehicle undergoes a frontal impact with an overlap of less than or equal to 25%.

[0052] Thus, by providing for fixing the wedge supports 27 to both the front cradle 13 and to the corresponding longitudinal structural beams 5, the wedge supports 27 provide a mechanical connection between the front cradle 13 and the longitudinal structural beams 5.

[0053] We refer to [Fig.3] showing the front face 1 seen from the side.

[0054] In the longitudinal plane (L, V), the front cradle 13 has a “Z” shaped geometry. The cradle extension 17 extends in a substantially horizontal plane Pi (L, T) positioned above a substantially horizontal plane P2 containing the main body 15 of the front cradle 13.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, each wedge support 27 is fixed to the cradle extensions 17 and to the corresponding longitudinal structural beams 5.

[0056] The fact of providing a double fixing of the wedge support 27, to the extension 17 of the front cradle 13 on the one hand, and to the corresponding longitudinal structural beam 5 on the other hand, makes it possible to transfer the forces undergone by the front cradle 13 to the longitudinal structural beam 5 and thus to avoid a verticalization of the front cradle 13 which could occur at the level of the extensions 17 due to its “Z” shaped geometry. This limits the risk of separation between the suspension wedges 25 and the powertrain 7 which could lead to a collapse of the powertrain 7.

[0057] Reference is made to [Fig.4] which is a perspective view of an assembly 33 comprising the wedge supports 27 supporting the suspension wedges 25 and the transverse crosspiece 31.

[0058] The wedge supports 27 each comprise a housing 35 for receiving the corresponding suspension wedge 25.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the suspension wedges 25 have a generally circular geometric shape and the receiving housings 35 have a complementary, generally cylindrical geometric shape.

[0060] In a first embodiment, the assembly 33 formed by the wedge supports 27 and by the transverse crosspiece 31 is in one piece.

[0061] Alternatively, the transverse crosspiece 31 can be attached to the wedge supports 27, for example by welding.

[0062] Reference is made to [Fig.5] showing the front face 1 in top view to describe the path of forces during a low overlap frontal impact suffered by the motor vehicle.

[0063] When a low-overlap frontal impact occurs, for example on the left side of the motor vehicle, the vehicle undergoes longitudinal forces at the front cradle 13.

[0064] The front face 1 undergoes longitudinal forces represented by the arrow 36 taken up by the left extension 17 located in the front part of the front cradle 13.

[0065] The longitudinal forces 36 are then transmitted to the longitudinal structural beam 5 via the left wedge support 27.

[0066] Similarly, the left wedge support 27 transmits part of the forces to the right wedge support 27, via the transverse crosspiece 31, as represented by the arrows 37.

[0067] The forces represented by the arrows 36, 37 described for the left side of the motor vehicle can be found on the right side of the motor vehicle in a symmetrical manner, in the event of a low-overlap frontal impact occurring on the right side of the motor vehicle.

[0068] According to one arrangement, the powertrain 7 has a specific position in the front face 1 depending on whether the driving position is on the left or right of the front face 1. Thus, when the driving position is on the left, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the powertrain 7 is offset to the right of the motor vehicle relative to a longitudinal median plane. For this purpose, the right suspension support 27 is shorter than the left suspension support 27 when the driving position is on the left.

[0069] Reference is made to [Fig.6] showing an alternative mounting of the assembly 33, the front face 1 being seen from above.

[0070] Here, the driving position is located to the right of the front face 1. The powertrain 7 is offset to the left of the motor vehicle relative to a longitudinal median plane.

[0071] The left suspension support 27 is here shorter than the right suspension support 27.

[0072] According to one arrangement of the invention, the assembly 33 formed by the wedge supports 27 and by the transverse cross member 31 is designed to allow mounting in the front face 1 in a reversible manner, depending on whether the driving position is located on the left or on the right of the motor vehicle 1. Reversibility is obtained by a 180° rotation of the assembly 33.

[0073] Thanks to such an arrangement, the number of references necessary for the manufacture of the front face 1 according to the invention is reduced.

[0074] As goes without saying, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this motor vehicle front end and of this motor vehicle comprising such a front end, described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary it embraces all the variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Front end (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - two longitudinal structural beams (5) extending on either side of a powertrain (7) of said motor vehicle, - a front cradle (13), arranged under said powertrain (7) and extending under said longitudinal structural beams (5), - two shim supports (27), - two suspension shims (25) adapted to filter at least in part the vibrations of said powertrain (7), each being supported by said shim supports (27) and comprising a fixing interface (29) for said powertrain (7), said front end (1) being characterized in that each of said shim supports (27) is fixed, on the one hand, to said front cradle (13) and, on the other hand, to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams (5), and in that said supports (27) wedge are connected to each other by a transverse crosspiece (31).

2. Front end (1) according to claim 1, wherein said front cradle (13) comprises a main body (15) arranged under said power unit (7) and cradle extensions (17) extending said main body (15) at the front, said cradle extensions (17) extending under the longitudinal structural beams (5), characterized in that each of said wedge supports (27) is fixed, on the one hand, to one of said cradle extensions (17) and, on the other hand, to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams (5).

3. Front face (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of said wedge supports (27) comprises a housing (35) for receiving one of said suspension wedges (25).

4. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said wedge supports (27) and said transverse crosspiece (31) define a single-piece assembly (33).

5. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said transverse crosspiece (31) is attached to said wedge supports (27).

6. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said wedge supports (27) is fixed by screwing to said front cradle (13) and to said corresponding longitudinal structural beams (5).

7. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said wedge supports (27) and said transverse crosspiece (31) define an assembly (33) designed to allow said assembly to be mounted in said front face (1) in a reversible manner.

8. Motor vehicle comprising a front face (1), characterized in that said front face (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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