Air guidance module of a motor vehicle and its mounting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a front-end air guide module (10) for a motor vehicle, attached to a transverse structural element. This module comprises a frame (12) having a lower wall (12a) provided with at least two mounting tabs (15, 16) extending perpendicularly to the lower wall (12a). The lower wall and the mounting face (15a, 16a) of each of the mounting tabs are designed to bear against corresponding faces of the transverse structural element. At least one mounting aid tab (17, 18), integral with the lower wall and having an L-shape, defines an open space with the lower wall, allowing for the transverse structural element to be mounted with a clearance. A portion (17b, 18b) of the at least one mounting aid tab located opposite the lower wall has a length L greater than the clearance, preventing incorrect mounting. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Air guidance module for a motor vehicle and its mounting method

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

[0002] An air guide serves to channel air entering through at least one opening or ventilation grille in the front fascia or front bumper skin of the vehicle to a set of components grouped together in what is called a "cooling system." This term refers to all the components necessary for cooling the engine, sometimes stacked in layers or partially superimposed. The cooling system typically consists of the engine water radiator, possibly the air-to-air intercooler (Air-to-Charge Intercooler - ACI), and the condenser.

[0003] In the trade, a "front technical face" (FAT) is a structure located in front of the engine block and designed to support various components, primarily the engine block's radiator. The FAT can take many forms. In some cases, it is simply a transverse beam. In others, it constitutes a more or less complex chassis incorporating the cooling system. The FAT also typically integrates various functions such as supporting hood stops, the hood latch, or a strut that supports the hood latch, etc.

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

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

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an air guidance module for the front end of a motor vehicle, this module being intended to be attached 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 lower wall that is substantially horizontal, or horizontal, in the mounting position. This lower wall comprises at least two mounting tabs extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular, or perpendicular, to the lower wall, each of these mounting tabs having a mounting face, the lower wall and the mounting face of each of the mounting tabs being intended to bear against corresponding adjacent 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 integral with 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. Furthermore, 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 perpendicular, or perpendicular to, the mounting faces of the mounting lugs.

[0008] Due to the presence of one or more mounting aids, the air guide module according to the invention cannot be mounted on the vehicle in a vertical direction. Indeed, during a downward movement, at least one mounting aid will come to rest against the vehicle's transverse structural element, holding the air guide module, and in particular its mounting lugs, at a distance from the transverse structural element. The free end of at least one guide lug slides vertically along the transverse structural element until it can pass underneath it. The guide module can then be moved horizontally towards the rear of the vehicle until the mounting faces of the lugs come into contact with the module. The module is attached to the transverse structural element, which is then fitted, with some clearance, into the space defined by at least one mounting bracket and the underside of the module. This clearance facilitates module installation; the function of the at least one mounting bracket is solely to prevent incorrect module movement during installation, not to ensure precise vertical positioning of the module relative to the structural element. Therefore, the height of the rearward opening defined by a mounting bracket and the underside of the air module is equal to the height of the vehicle's transverse structural element plus the clearance.

[0009] The gap obtained by bringing the portion of the mounting aid lug located opposite the lower wall into contact with the stop depends on the length of this portion and must therefore be greater than the mounting clearance. Typically, this length can be at least twice as long as the mounting clearance, for example, two to five times longer.

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

[0011] Advantageously, the guide module may include at least two mounting aid tabs. This may facilitate the mounting of the module.

[0012] Advantageously, for easier positioning, the guide module may include 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 guidance module according to the invention, in which:

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

[0015] Advantageously, the assembly may include another air guide module mounted behind the transverse structural element, and comprising a frame terminating another air duct, said frame having a lower wall with a leading transverse edge bearing an upwardly inclined sealing lip, an underside of this sealing lip bearing against a rear edge of the lower wall of the air guide module. Such a position of the sealing lip ensures optimal sealing between the two air guide modules. Said edge of the lower wall of the air guide module typically extends substantially perpendicularly to said lower wall.

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

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

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for mounting an air guidance 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] - bringing the air guidance module into contact, in particular an upper part of This one, with the upper transverse structural element, the air guide module being in an inclined position, its lower wall being away from the lower transverse structural element,

[0020] - pivoting the air guide module backwards until at least one the mounting aid bracket 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] - downward vertical movement of the air guide module by exerting a pressure on the air guide module in the direction of 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 brackets to the lower transverse structural element.

[0023] These various assembly steps can, in particular, allow for the correct positioning of the air guide module relative to another air guide module 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 with a leading transverse edge having 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 the steps of the method according to the invention are carried out. 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 with its rear edge, which ensures optimal sealing between the two modules.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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

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

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

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

[0029] [Fig.5] represents an enlarged perspective view of an assembly aid lug and a fixing lug 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 classic orthonormal XYZ frame of reference of a motor vehicle, the X axis representing the longitudinal direction, oriented from front to back of the vehicle, the Y axis representing the transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right, and the Z axis representing the vertical direction, oriented upwards, of the vehicle.

[0032] In the remainder of the description, the terms front and rear refer in a 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 of at most ±10° or of at most ±5°, with a horizontal, longitudinal or vertical direction / plane.

[0034] By substantially parallel, perpendicular or at a right angle, we mean a direction / angle that deviates by at most ±20°, or even by at most ±10° or by at most ±5° from a parallel, perpendicular or right-angle direction / plane.

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

[0036] Fig. 1 represents an air guidance module 10 of a front face of a motor vehicle.

[0037] In a mounting position, represented for example in [Fig.2], the air guidance 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, generally rectangular in cross-section, as seen in [Fig. 4]. In particular, the lower transverse structural element 1 has a lower face la and an upper face 1b, substantially horizontal, connected by a front face le and a rear face Id. In some 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 includes 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 includes at least two mounting tabs 15, 16 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower wall 12a, each of these mounting tabs having a mounting face 15a, 16a. These mounting 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 rest against corresponding adjacent faces of the lower transverse structural element 1 in the mounting position, here the upper face 1b and the front face ([Fig.2], 4).

[0041] The guide module 10 further comprises at least one mounting aid lug integral with 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 an open space 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 gap. This mounting gap "j" in the mounting position is particularly visible in [Fig. 5]. In this [Fig. 5], one of the fixing tabs 15 is supported against the front face of the transverse structural element 1. The mounting aid tab 17 extends along the front face of the transverse structural element 1 over its entire height (in the Z direction), and along a portion of the lower face of the transverse structural element 1, while remaining separate from the mounting gap "j" on the front face and the lower face.

[0042] Regardless of the embodiment, each mounting aid 17, 18 thus has a first portion 17a, 18a extending substantially perpendicularly from the lower wall 12a, and a second portion 17b, 18b extending substantially perpendicularly to the first portion, towards the rear of the vehicle in the mounting position. The dimension of this second portion 17b, 18b is thus sufficient so that, when it is in contact with the front face of the transverse structural element 1 (along the longitudinal direction X), the mounting face of each mounting aid is located at a distance from this front face (along the longitudinal direction X), thus preventing its attachment to the transverse structural element 1. This dimension or length "L", shown [Fig. 1], 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 not limited, however, by the number of mounting aid tabs. One, two, or more mounting aid tabs may be provided depending on the configuration of the air guide module.

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

[0046] Figure 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 of upper transverse structure 2 and another air guidance 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 shown in [Fig. 2]. It comprises a frame 22 defining another air duct 24, this frame 22 having a lower wall 22a, a front transverse edge of which has an upwardly inclined sealing lip 23, an underside 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 perpendicularly to the lower wall 12a for better support of the sealing lip 23.

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

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

[0051] The assembly begins by bringing the air guide module 10, and more specifically 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 away from the lower transverse structural element 1, as represented in (a) of [Fig.6].

[0052] Next, the air guide module 10 is pivoted rearward, 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], with arrow Fl indicating the direction of pivoting. This pivoting continues until the mounting aid tabs 17, 18 come into contact (against their stop) with the front face le of the lower transverse structural element 1, as shown in (c) of [Fig. 6]. In this stop position of the mounting aid tabs, and more specifically of their second parts 17b, 18b, the mounting faces 15a, 16a are at a distance from the front face le, so that it is not possible to fix them.

[0053] The guide module 10 is then moved vertically downwards, along arrow F2 shown in (c) of [Fig. 6], while pressure is applied to 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 downward vertical movement is continued until the lower wall 12a of the guide module air 10 either in support 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 arrow F3, as shown in (d) of [Fig. 6]. This movement continues until the mounting tabs 15, 16, and more specifically their mounting faces 15a, 16a, are in contact with the front face of the lower transverse structural element, as seen in Figures 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 attached to the lower transverse structural element 1 by securing the mounting brackets 15, 16, for example with screws and / or rivets. Generally, the air guide module 10 also includes one or two upper mounting brackets 19 (two in the example shown), which are then attached to the upper transverse structural element 2 during this fastening step, also by screwing and / or riveting.

Claims

Demands

1. Air guide module (10) of a front end of a motor vehicle, intended to be attached 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 lower wall (12a) that is substantially horizontal in the mounting position, said lower wall (12a) comprising at least two mounting tabs (15, 16) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower wall (12a), these mounting tabs (15, 16) each having a mounting face (15a, 16a), the lower wall (12a) and the mounting face (15a, 16a) of each of the mounting tabs being intended to bear against corresponding adjacent faces of the transverse structural element (1) in the mounting position, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mounting aid tab (17, 18) attached to the lower wall (12a),said at least one mounting aid bracket 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 bracket 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 mounting brackets.

2. Air guidance 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 guidance 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 guidance module (10) and the faces of fixing (15a, 16a) of its fixing tabs (15, 16) are in contact against, respectively, said upper face (1b) and said front face (le) of the transverse structural element (1), - said fixing tabs are assembled to said front face of the transverse structural element, and - at least one mounting aid tab (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, at least one mounting aid tab (17, 18) being separated from said transverse structural element by said mounting set.

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 an upwardly inclined sealing lip (23), an underside face of this sealing lip being in contact with 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) disposed 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. Motor vehicle comprising an air guidance 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 for 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 (la) connected by a front face (le) and a rear face (Id), 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 away from the lower transverse structural element (1),

9. - pivoting of the air guide module (10) backwards until at least one mounting 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 displacement 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 displacement movement being continued until the lower wall (12a) of the air guide module (10) is in contact with 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 tabs (15, 16) are in contact with the front face (le) of the lower transverse structural element (1), - fixing the fixing brackets (15, 16) to the lower transverse structural element (1). Assembly method according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle further comprises another air guidance module (20) comprising a frame (22) defining an air duct (24), said frame (22) having a lower wall (22a) having a front transverse edge having an upwardly inclined sealing lip (23), and, during the horizontal movement step, the lower wall (12a) of the first air guidance module (10) referred to pushes upwards the sealing lip (23) of the other air guidance module.

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