Air guide module of a motor vehicle and its mounting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle front air guide module (10) fixed to a transverse structural element. This module comprises a frame (12) having a lower wall (12a) provided with at least two fixing lugs (15, 16) extending in a direction perpendicular to the lower wall (12a). The lower wall and the fixing face (15a, 16a) of each of the fixing lugs are intended to bear against corresponding faces of the transverse structural element. At least one mounting aid lug (17, 18) secured to the lower wall and having an L shape defines with the lower wall an open space receiving with a mounting clearance the transverse structural element. A part (17b, 18b) of the at least one mounting aid lug located opposite the lower wall has a length L greater than the mounting clearance, preventing incorrect mounting. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Air guide module of a motor vehicle and method of mounting same

[0001] The present invention relates to an air guide module provided with element(s) ensuring its correct positioning when it is mounted on a vehicle. The present invention also relates to the method of mounting this air guide module.

[0002] An air guide has the function of channeling the air entering through at least one opening or ventilation grille in the front facade or front bumper skin of the vehicle to lead it to a set of elements grouped together in what is called a "cooling case". This term refers to all the elements necessary for cooling the engine, sometimes stacked in layers or partly superimposed. The cooling case is conventionally composed of the engine cooling water radiator, possibly the air-air exchanger (Air Supercharger Cooler-RAS) and the condenser.

[0003] In the trade, a "technical front end" (FAT) is a structure located in front of the engine block and whose function is to support various components, mainly the engine block radiator. The FAT can take many forms. In some cases, it is reduced to a simple transverse beam. In other cases, it constitutes a more or less complex shaped chassis integrating the cooling case. The FAT also typically integrates various functions such as a hood stop support, a hood lock support or a jamb supporting the hood lock, etc.

[0004] Some air guides are formed by assembling several separate air guide modules provided with sealing lips and arranged between the FAT and the front of the vehicle. In some vehicles, these air guide modules are installed on either side of structural elements of the vehicle, typically cross members. In this case, a first module is located between the FAT and the structural elements and a second module is located between the structural elements and the front of the vehicle, this second module being fixed to the structural elements. In the assembled position, flexible lips of the first module are in sealing contact against the second module. However, for the flexible lips of the first module to perform their sealing function, they must bear on the second module towards the outside of the second module in the case of lips located vertically, and upwards in the case of the horizontal lower lip.If this sealing position of the lips is always obtained for the lips located vertically, this is not the case for the horizontal lower lip because this, according to the assembly direction of the second . module can be deflected downwards and not upwards. This downward deflection occurs when the second module is placed in a vertical downward movement.

[0005] The invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing an air guide module whose structure makes it possible to avoid incorrect positioning during its assembly.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to an air guide module for a front face of a motor vehicle, this module being intended to be fixed to a transverse structural element of the vehicle in a mounting position, in particular to a lower transverse structural element, and optionally to an upper transverse structural element. This module comprises a frame defining an air duct, said frame having a substantially horizontal, or horizontal, lower wall in the mounting position. This lower wall comprises at least two fixing lugs extending in a direction substantially perpendicular, or perpendicular, to the lower wall, these fixing lugs each having a fixing face, the lower wall and the fixing face of each of the fixing lugs being intended to bear against adjacent corresponding faces of the transverse structural element in the mounting position.In particular, the lower wall and the fixing face of each of the fixing lugs are typically intended to bear against an upper face and a front face of the transverse structural element.

[0007] The air guide module according to the invention further comprises at least one mounting aid lug secured to the lower wall, said at least one mounting aid lug having an L shape defining with the lower wall an open space towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position, this space being intended to receive with a mounting clearance the transverse structural element in the mounting position. In addition, a portion of the at least one mounting aid lug located opposite the lower wall has a length greater than the mounting clearance, this length being measured substantially perpendicularly, or perpendicular, to the fixing faces of the fixing lugs.

[0008] Due to the presence of one or more mounting aid tabs, the air guide module according to the invention cannot be mounted on the vehicle in a vertical direction. Indeed, during a movement from top to bottom, the at least one mounting aid tab will come into abutment against the transverse structural element of the vehicle, keeping the air guide module, and in particular its fixing tabs, at a distance from the transverse structural element, the free end of the at least one guide tab sliding vertically on the transverse structural element until it can pass under the latter. The guide module can then be moved horizontally towards the rear of the vehicle until it reaches a support on the fixing faces of the tabs for fixing on the transverse structural element, the latter being housed, with a mounting clearance, in the space defined by the at least one mounting aid bracket and the lower face of the module. This mounting clearance facilitates the mounting of the module, the function of the at least one mounting aid bracket being solely to prevent incorrect movement of the module during its mounting and not a precise positioning in height of the module relative to the structural element. Thus, the height of the open space towards the rear defined by a mounting aid bracket and the lower wall of the air module is equal to the height of the transverse structural element of the vehicle plus the mounting clearance.

[0009] The spacing obtained by the abutment of the part of the assembly aid tab located opposite the lower wall depends on the length of this part and must therefore be greater than the assembly clearance. Typically, this length can be at least twice as long as the assembly clearance, for example two to five times as long.

[0010] Typically, the mounting clearance may be a few millimeters, for example 1.5 to 10 mm, most often 1.5 to 4 mm, for example 2 or 3 mm.

[0011] Advantageously, the guide module may comprise at least two mounting aid tabs. This may make it easier to mount the module.

[0012] Advantageously, for easier positioning, the guide module may comprise two mounting aid tabs located on either side of the fixing tabs in a transverse direction in the mounting position.

[0013] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle assembly comprising a transverse structural element, in particular a lower transverse structural element, and an air guide module according to the invention, in which:

[0014] - the transverse structural element has an upper face and a lower face connected by a front face and a back face, - the lower wall of the air guide module and the fixing faces of its fixing lugs bear against, respectively, said upper face and said front face of the transverse structural element, - said fixing lugs are assembled to said front face of the transverse structural element, and - the at least one assembly aid lug extends along said front face of the transverse structural element over the entire height of the latter, and along a portion of the lower face of the transverse structural element, the at least one assembly aid lug being separated from said transverse structural element by said assembly clearance.

[0015] Advantageously, the assembly may comprise another air guide module mounted behind the transverse structural element, and comprising a frame terminating another air duct, said frame having a lower wall of which a front transverse edge has a sealing lip inclined upwards, a lower face of this sealing lip being in abutment against a rear edge of the lower wall of the air guide module. Such a position of the sealing lip ensures an optimal seal between the two air guide modules. Said edge of the lower wall of the air guide module can typically extend substantially perpendicular to said lower wall.

[0016] Advantageously, the assembly may comprise a second transverse structural element arranged above the first mentioned transverse structural element. An upper part of the frame of the air guide module is then fixed to the second transverse structural element. Optionally, an upper part of the frame of the other air guide module may also be fixed to the second transverse structural element.

[0017] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising an air guide module according to the invention, or an assembly according to the invention.

[0018] The invention finally relates to a method for mounting an air guide module according to the invention on a motor vehicle comprising a lower transverse structural element and an upper transverse structural element, the lower transverse structural element having an upper face and a lower face connected by a front face and a rear face. The method comprises the following steps:

[0019] - contacting the air guide module, in particular an upper part of the latter, with the upper transverse structural element, the air guide module being in an inclined position, its lower wall being distant from the lower transverse structural element,

[0020] - pivoting the air guide module backwards until at least one mounting aid tab comes into contact with the lower transverse structural element, the air guide module, in particular an upper part thereof, remaining in contact with the upper transverse structural element during pivoting,

[0021] - vertical downward movement of the air guide module by exerting a pressure on the air guide module towards the two transverse structural elements, the air guide module remaining in contact with the two transverse structural elements, this displacement movement being continued until the lower wall of the air guide module is in contact with the upper face of the lower transverse structural element, - horizontal movement of the air guide module towards the lower transverse structural element until the fixing lugs, and in particular their fixing faces, are in contact with the front face of the structural element lower transverse,

[0022] - fixing the fixing lugs to the lower transverse structural element.

[0023] These different mounting steps can in particular allow correct positioning of the air guide module relative to another air guide module which is mounted on the vehicle behind the structural elements. This other air guide module comprises a frame defining an air duct and having a lower wall of which a front transverse edge has an upwardly inclined sealing lip. The sealing lip is typically inclined upwards towards the front of the vehicle. This other air guide module is thus already mounted on the vehicle when implementing the steps of the method according to the invention. During its horizontal movement towards the rear, the lower wall of the air guide module according to the invention, and in particular a rear edge thereof, then pushes upwards the sealing lip of the other air guide module already mounted on the vehicle.In this way, at the end of this horizontal movement, the lower face of this sealing lip is in contact with the lower wall of the air guide module, and in particular in contact with the rear edge of the latter, which ensures optimal sealing between the two modules.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of the rear of the air guide module according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the front of an assembly according to a mode of carrying out the invention.

[0027] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the front of the two air guide modules shown [Fig.2], before assembly.

[0028] [Fig.4] represents a longitudinal section of the assembly of [Fig.2].

[0029] [Fig.5] shows an enlarged perspective view of a mounting aid tab and a fixing tab in a mounting position of an air guide module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.6] represents perspective views (a)-(d) of assembly steps of the assembly shown [Fig.2].

[0031] The orientations expressed in the description of the figures are given with reference to a conventional XYZ orthonormal reference frame of a motor vehicle, the X axis representing the longitudinal direction, oriented from front to rear of the vehicle, the Y axis representing the transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction, oriented upwards, of the vehicle.

[0032] In the remainder of the description, the terms front and rear refer in a manner classic at the front and rear of the motor vehicle.

[0033] By substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical, we mean a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ±20°, or even at most ±10° or at most ±5°, with a horizontal, longitudinal or vertical direction / plane.

[0034] By substantially parallel, perpendicular or at right angles is meant a direction / angle deviating by at most ±20°, or even at most ±10° or at most ±5° from a direction / plane that is parallel, perpendicular or at right angles.

[0035] Identical references may be used from one figure to another to designate identical or similar elements.

[0036] [Fig.l] represents an air guide module 10 of a front face of a motor vehicle.

[0037] In a mounting position, shown for example in [Fig. 2], the air guide module 10 is fixed to a lower transverse structural element 1 of the vehicle, and generally also to an upper transverse structural element 2 of the vehicle, as shown in this figure.

[0038] These transverse structural elements 1, 2, arranged vertically one above the other, are typically in the form of hollow profiles, of generally rectangular section, as visible in [Fig.4]. In particular, the lower transverse structural element 1 has a lower face 1a, an upper face 1b, substantially horizontal, connected to each other by a front face 1c and a rear face 1d. In certain embodiments, the transverse structural elements may have a radius of curvature in the horizontal plane, the center of the radius of curvature being located towards the rear of the vehicle relative to the element in question.

[0039] The air guide module 10 comprises a frame 12 defining an air duct 14. The frame 12 has a lower wall 12a that is substantially horizontal in the mounting position. This lower wall 12a comprises at least two fixing lugs 15, 16 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower wall 12a, these fixing lugs each having a fixing face 15a, 16a. These fixing faces 15a, 16a are directed towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position.

[0040] In this mounting position, the lower wall 12a and the fixing face 15a, 16a of each of the fixing lugs 15, 16 come to bear against adjacent corresponding faces of the lower transverse structural element 1 in the mounting position, here the upper face 1b and the front face 1c ([Fig.2], 4).

[0041] The guide module 10 further comprises at least one mounting aid lug secured to the lower wall 12a. In the example shown, two mounting aid lugs 17, 18 are provided. Each of these mounting aid lugs has an L shape defining with the lower wall 12a a space open towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position and intended to receive, in the mounting position, the transverse structural element 1 with a mounting clearance. This mounting clearance “j” in the mounting position is more particularly visible in [Fig.5]. In this [Fig.5], one of the fixing lugs 15 is supported against the front face le of the transverse structural element 1. The mounting assistance lug 17 extends along the front face le of the transverse structural element 1 over the entire height of the latter (in the Z direction), and along a part of the lower face la of the transverse structural element 1, while being distant from the mounting clearance “j” of the front face le and the lower face la.

[0042] Whatever the embodiment, each mounting aid tab 17, 18 thus has a first part 17a, 18a extending substantially perpendicularly from the lower wall 12a, and a second part 17b, 18b extending substantially perpendicularly to the first part, towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position. The dimension of this second part 17b, 18b is thus sufficient so that, when it is in contact against the front face 1c of the transverse structural element 1 (along the longitudinal direction X), the fixing face of each fixing tab is located at a distance from this front face 1c (along the longitudinal direction X), thus preventing its fixing to the transverse structural element 1. This dimension or length “L”, shown [Fig.l], is thus greater than the mounting clearance.

[0043] In the example shown, the mounting aid tabs 17, 18 are arranged on either side of the fixing tabs 15, 16, which can facilitate the mounting of the air guide module 10.

[0044] The invention is however not limited by the number of mounting aid legs. It is thus possible to provide one, two or more mounting aid legs depending on the configuration of the air guide module.

[0045] The frame 12 of the guide module 10 further has an upper part 12b and lateral parts 12c, 12d. Depending on its dimensions, it may also have one or two vertical reinforcing spacers 12e (then dividing the air duct 14 into three parts, as seen in Figures 1 and 3). In the example shown, the frame 12 is further bordered by a sealing lip 12f on a part of its periphery, to ensure sealing with the front bumper of the vehicle (not shown). The guide module 10 also generally has upper fixing lugs 19, here at its upper part 12b, near transverse ends thereof, for fixing it to the upper transverse structural element 2.

[0046] [Fig. 2] shows an assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention comprising the air guide module 10 and the transverse structural element 1 in an assembled state (i.e. in a mounting position of the air guide module). In the embodiment shown, the assembly 100 further comprises the element upper transverse structure 2 and another air guide module 20.

[0047] This second air guide module 20 is for example a radiator air guide, the air guide module 10 being for example a front bumper air guide.

[0048] The second air guide module 20 is mounted behind the lower transverse structural element 1, and generally also behind the upper transverse structural element 2, as visible [Fig. 2]. It comprises a frame 22 defining another air duct 24, this frame 22 having a lower wall 22a of which a front transverse edge has a sealing lip 23 inclined upwards, a lower face of this sealing lip bearing against a rear edge 12g of the lower wall 12a of the air guide module 10 when the latter is in the mounting position (see [Fig. 4]). This rear edge 12g extends, in this example, substantially perpendicular to the lower wall 12a for better support of the sealing lip 23.

[0049] The method of mounting the air guide module 10 according to the invention is now described with reference to [Fig.6].

[0050] The air guide module 20 will preferably already have been mounted behind the transverse structural elements 1, 2.

[0051] The assembly begins by bringing the air guide module 10, and more precisely its upper part 12b, into contact with the upper transverse structural element 2, the air guide module 10 being in an inclined position, its lower wall 12a being distant from the lower transverse structural element 1, as shown in (a) of [Fig.6].

[0052] Then, the air guide module 10 is pivoted backwards, the air guide module 10, specifically its upper part 12b, remaining in contact with the upper transverse structural element 2 during the pivoting, as shown in (b) of [Fig. 6], the arrow F1 indicating the direction of pivoting. This pivoting is continued until the mounting aid tabs 17, 18 come into contact (in abutment) with the front face 1e of the lower transverse structural element 1, as shown in (c) of [Fig. 6]. In this abutment position of the mounting aid tabs, and more specifically of their second parts 17b, 18b, the fixing faces 15a, 16a are at a distance from the front face 1e, so that it is not possible to fix them.

[0053] The guide module 10 is then moved vertically downwards, according to the arrow F2 shown in (c) of [Fig.6], while exerting pressure on the air guide module 10 in the direction of the two transverse structural elements 1, 2 (i.e. towards the rear of the vehicle), the air guide module 10 remaining in contact with the two transverse structural elements 1, 2. This vertical downward movement is continued until the lower wall 12a of the guide module air 10 is supported against the upper face 1b of the lower transverse structural element 1, as shown in (d) of [Fig.6].

[0054] The air guide module 10 is then moved horizontally towards the lower transverse structural element 1 in the direction of the arrow F3, as shown in (d) of [Fig. 6]. This movement is continued until the fixing lugs 15, 16, and more precisely their fixing faces 15a, 16a, are in contact with the front face 1c of the lower transverse structural element, as visible in FIGS. 2, 4, 5. The guide module 10 is then in the mounting position. As already explained, during this horizontal movement, the lower wall 12a of the air guide module 10, and in particular its rear edge 12g, pushes upwards the lower sealing lip 23 of the other air guide module 20, for optimal sealing of the assembly.

[0055] The air guide module 10 can then be fixed to the lower transverse structural element 1, by fixing the fixing lugs 15, 16, for example by screws and / or rivets. In general, the air guide module 10 also comprises one or two upper fixing lugs 19 (two in the example shown), which are then fixed to the upper transverse structural element 2 during this fixing step, also by screwing and / or placing rivets.

Claims

Claims

1. Air guide module (10) for a front face of a motor vehicle, intended to be fixed to a transverse structural element (1) of the vehicle in a mounting position, said module comprising a frame (12) defining an air duct (14), said frame (12) having a substantially horizontal lower wall (12a) in the mounting position, said lower wall (12a) comprising at least two fixing lugs (15, 16) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower wall (12a), these fixing lugs (15, 16) each having a fixing face (15a, 16a), the lower wall (12a) and the fixing face (15a, 16a) of each of the fixing lugs being intended to bear against adjacent corresponding faces of the transverse structural element (1) in the mounting position, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mounting aid lug (17, 18) secured to the lower wall (12a),said at least one mounting aid lug having an L shape defining with the lower wall (12a) an open space towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position, this space being intended to receive with a mounting clearance the transverse structural element 1 in the mounting position, and in that a part (17b, 18b) of the at least one mounting aid lug located opposite the lower wall (12a) has a length greater than the mounting clearance, this length being measured substantially perpendicular to the fixing faces of the fixing lugs.,

2. Air guide module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two mounting aid tabs (17, 18).

3. Air guide module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises two mounting aid tabs (17, 18) located on either side of the fixing tabs (15, 16) in a transverse direction in the mounting position.

4. Motor vehicle assembly (100) comprising a transverse structural element (1) and an air guide module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the transverse structural element (1) has an upper face (1b) and a lower face (la) connected by a front face (le) and a rear face (Id), - the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10) and the upper faces (1b) and a lower face (la) connected by a front face (le) and a rear face (Id), - the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10) and the upper faces (1b) and a lower face (la) connected by a front face (le) and a rear face (Id), - the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10) and the lower ... fixing (15a, 16a) of its fixing lugs (15, 16) are in abutment against, respectively, said upper face (1b) and said front face (le) of the transverse structural element (1), - said fixing lugs are assembled to said front face of the transverse structural element, and - the at least one mounting aid lug (17, 18) extends along said front face (le) of the transverse structural element over the entire height of the latter, and along a part of the lower face (la) of the transverse structural element, the at least one mounting aid lug (17, 18) being separated from said transverse structural element by said mounting clearance.

5. Assembly (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises another air guide module (20) mounted behind the transverse structural element (1), and comprising a frame (22) defining another air duct (24), said frame (22) having a lower wall (22a) of which a front transverse edge has a sealing lip (23) inclined upwards, a lower face of this sealing lip bearing against a rear edge (12g) of the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10).

6. Assembly (100) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that it comprises a second transverse structural element (2) arranged above the transverse structural element (1), and in that an upper part (12b) of the frame (12) of the air guide module (10) is fixed to the second transverse structural element (2).

7. A motor vehicle comprising an air guide module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or an assembly (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. A method of mounting an air guide module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 on a motor vehicle comprising a lower transverse structural element (1) and an upper transverse structural element (2), the lower transverse structural element (1) having an upper face (1b) and a lower face (1a) connected by a front face (1e) and a rear face (1d), said method comprising the following steps: - bringing the air guide module (10) into contact with the upper transverse structural element (2), the air guide module (10) being in an inclined position, its lower wall (12a) being distant from the lower transverse structural element (1),

9. - pivoting the air guide module (10) backwards until the at least one assembly aid tab (17, 18) comes into contact with the lower transverse structural element (1), the air guide module (10) remaining in contact with the upper transverse structural element (2) during pivoting, - vertical downward movement of the air guide module (10) by exerting pressure on the air guide module (10) in the direction of the two transverse structural elements (1, 2), the air guide module (10) remaining in contact with the two transverse structural elements (1, 2), this movement of movement being continued until the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10) is in abutment against the upper face (1b) of the lower transverse structural element (1), - horizontal movement of the air guide module (10) towards the lower transverse structural element (1) until the fixing lugs (15, 16) are in contact with the front face (le) of the lower transverse structural element (1), - fixing the fixing lugs (15, 16) to the lower transverse structural element (1). A mounting method according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle further comprises a further air guide module (20) comprising a frame (22) defining an air duct (24), said frame (22) having a bottom wall (22a) a front transverse edge of which has an upwardly inclined sealing lip (23), and, during the horizontal displacement step, the bottom wall (12a) of the first-mentioned air guide module (10) pushes upwards the sealing lip (23) of the further air guide module.

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