Foam padding for a rearview mirror with a hinged cover for an automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to a foam insert (1) for a hinged rearview mirror of a motor vehicle, the foam insert (1) being intended to be placed between a base of the hinged rearview mirror and a body panel of the motor vehicle, the foam insert (1) comprising a central region (12) and a peripheral region (11), as well as sound insulation means located at the peripheral region (11) and providing sound insulation between the base and the body panel. According to the invention, the sound insulation means comprise at least one acoustic baffle (14) extending projecting from the peripheral region (11) towards the body panel, so as to improve the sealing of the hinged rearview mirror at a rear upper point (13). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Foam padding for a motor vehicle's hinged rearview mirror

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the design of external safety features of motor vehicles, enabling a driver to perceive the road scene around their vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a foam lining for a hinged rearview mirror of a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the prior art, surface-mounted exterior mirrors are known, such that a base of the mirror is fixed rigidly to a body element and supports a mirror body. As is known, such exterior mirrors are located on either side of the passenger compartment and near a front windshield, so as to allow the driver to see them easily.

[0003] A known drawback of such folding mirrors lies in sealing defects between the base and the opposing body panel. Indeed, the junction between the base and the body panel—through its various components, such as, for example, a frame, a sliding frame, or a door lining—is not perfect, as the shapes and dimensions of the base and the body panel never correspond perfectly. This situation is particularly evident at the rear upper points of such folding mirrors, as they have a particularly tight geometry that is difficult to align during assembly.

[0004] Consequently, such sealing defects lead to the presence of openings between the base and the bodywork element, through which outside air can then infiltrate, generating unwanted noise and causing dissatisfaction and fatigue for the occupants of the motor vehicle.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a new foam padding for a pocket rearview mirror, in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead, in addition, to other advantages.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to improve the sealing of a motor vehicle at the level of an exterior rearview mirror.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to improve the thermal and acoustic comfort of such a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a foam trim for a hinged rearview mirror of a motor vehicle, the foam trim being intended to be placed between a base of the rearview mirror and gusset and a bodywork element of the motor vehicle, the trim foam comprising a central region and a peripheral region, the trim foam comprising sound insulation means located at the level of the peripheral region and enabling sound insulation to be achieved between the base and the bodywork element.

[0009] According to the invention, the sound insulation means comprise at least one acoustic baffle.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the motor vehicle on which the upholstery foam conforming to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a direction extending from front to back or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the motor vehicle towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the padding foam is a filler element used in folding rearview mirrors to fill an interior space within the folding rearview mirror. The padding foam extends from the base of the folding rearview mirror.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, a hinged rearview mirror is a rearview mirror that projects from a lateral edge of the motor vehicle. The hinged rearview mirror is mounted against the body panel of the motor vehicle and securely fixed to it. In the context of the present invention, the hinge thus forms a base for supporting and fixing the rearview mirror to the body panel.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the base of the hinged rearview mirror defines a bearing surface for the mirror—and in particular its hinge—against the bodywork element. The base forms a surface that is generally flat or substantially flat, the general shape of which is complementary to that of the opposite bodywork element against which the base rests. Preferably, the base is made of a plastic material, preferably obtained from... tiellement by molding.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the bodywork element is the part to which the hinged rearview mirror is attached, and at which point the sealing defects are present on known hinged rearview mirrors. The bodywork element preferably forms the front lateral corner of the motor vehicle, at the level of a front pillar located near a windshield of said motor vehicle. Indeed, at the intersection between the front pillar and the edge of the front door of the motor vehicle, the bodywork element receiving the hinged rearview mirror has a substantially triangular shape, at least one vertex of which—and in particular the upper rear corner—makes the fitting of the sound and thermal insulation parts and elements difficult and imperfect.Also, in the context of the present invention, the bodywork element is now associated with one or more acoustic baffles that work together with the bodywork element and the base to enhance said insulation. By way of non-limiting example, the bodywork element includes a door frame of the motor vehicle, a sliding frame of a side window of the motor vehicle, and / or a side door lining of said motor vehicle.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the sound insulation means are located on the periphery of the central region of the foam padding. The sound insulation means comprise, for example, a lip seal intended to be compressed between the base and the body panel when the folding rearview mirror is mounted on the motor vehicle. Generally, the sound insulation means extend circumferentially around all or part of the base. However, it is noted that, in known folding rearview mirrors, the sound insulation means do not extend around a complete peripheral contour of such mirrors, or are even absent from an upper rear corner of said mirrors; or at the very least, they are less effective in this area.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the acoustic baffle aims to resolve the observed defects by improving the acoustic and soundproofing of known folding rearview mirrors. Thus, the foam padding according to the first aspect of the invention comprises geometric structures that delimit narrow passages, forcing the incoming air to flow in a zigzag pattern, thereby reducing its speed and the flow rate through at least one acoustic baffle. In the context of the present invention, the acoustic baffle can take many forms. In all cases, it is configured to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage between the base of the folding rearview mirror and the body panel opposite it, and to increase the passage path between said base and said body panel.

[0017] Thus, foam padding conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the The technical problem lies in the fact that the presence of at least one acoustic baffle enhances sound and thermal insulation around the peripheral contour of the foam padding, which was imperfect on known pocket mirrors. Thus, integrating at least one acoustic baffle into the foam padding simplifies manufacturing processes and integration into the pocket mirror, without requiring additional parts or assembly steps. As mentioned previously, the specific geometry of the at least one acoustic baffle effectively resolves the observed residual sealing problems. Furthermore, the foam padding according to the invention is versatile enough to be easily used or adapted to several models of pocket mirrors, thereby reducing both manufacturing and installation costs, and even replacement costs.

[0018] The padding foam according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - at least one acoustic baffle is located at the level of an upper point rear of the peripheral region of the padding foam. In the context of the present invention, the rear upper point corresponds to a rear corner of the peripheral foam, taken relative to the longitudinal axis, and located at the top, relative to the vertical axis. Indeed, it is generally observed that, in known pocket-style rearview mirrors, this region offers less sound and heat insulation. Therefore, locating at least one acoustic baffle near this rear upper point effectively solves this problem. Of course, the at least one baffle can be associated with any other region exhibiting a sealing defect;

[0020] - at least one chicane comprises a plurality of protrusions adjacent to each other of the others and which all protrude from the peripheral region of the foam lining. The protrusions thus make it possible to fill a gap formed between the base and the opposing bodywork element, or to extend opposite said gap. This advantageous configuration thus leads to improved sealing at the level of the peripheral region and between the base and the opposing bodywork element;

[0021] - the protrusions are of the cylindrical type. In other words, each The protrusion is delimited by a closed contour that can take any shape and is developed along a straight generatrix. Preferably, the generatrix extends perpendicularly to the plane formed by the peripheral region of the padding foam. More generally, the generatrix extends perpendicularly or slant. possibly perpendicular to the part of the peripheral region located at the level of the protrusion in question. The closed contour of the protrusions is, for example, circular or polygonal;

[0022] - the protrusions are arranged in a staggered pattern. This configuration advantageous allows for the delimitation of a narrow air passage between said protrusions and for obtaining better insulation efficiency;

[0023] - the protrusions extend in a direction secant with respect to a plane of contact of the base against the bodywork element. This advantageous configuration thus leads to improved sealing in the peripheral region and between the base and the opposite bodywork element;

[0024] - the protrusions are distributed along a peripheral edge of the foam trim. In other words, the protrusions are located along the peripheral edge of the trim foam, that is, close to the body panel with which the body foam is intended to interact. This advantageous configuration thus leads to improved sealing in the peripheral region and between the base and the opposing body panel;

[0025] - at least one acoustic baffle is made of material with the peripheral region of the padding foam. In the context of the present invention, “made from material” means that at least one acoustic baffle and the peripheral region of the padding foam are made from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be separated from each other without one and / or the other being totally or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0026] - the padding foam is of the thermoformed foam type.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, a pocket rearview mirror for a motor vehicle is proposed, the pocket rearview mirror comprising a base for fixing to a bodywork element of a motor vehicle and a foam trim according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, the foam trim being integral with the base.

[0028] Advantageously, the body panel includes at least one opening located opposite the foam padding, each opening being configured to allow the insertion and passage of at least one acoustic baffle. In other words, each opening in the body panel has an opening, relative to the transverse axis, through which an acoustic baffle is inserted. This configuration thus allows for a finer fit between the foam padding—at the level of each acoustic baffle—and the body panel located opposite it, and in particular at the level of each corresponding opening. Consequently, acoustic and thermal sealing is improved.

[0029] At least one light is provided on an edge of the body element. At least one light is located near an upper rear edge of the body element.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising an external hinged rearview mirror conforming to the second aspect of the invention, the external rearview mirror being fixed securely to a bodywork element of said motor vehicle.

[0031] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of the realization of the foam of trim conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0034] [Fig.2] illustrates an association view of the padding foam shown in [Fig.1] with a bodywork component of a motor vehicle;

[0035] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional view of a pocket rearview mirror according to the invention

[0036] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the rearview mirror integration context at gusset according to the invention on a motor vehicle.

[0037] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0038] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0039] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0040] With reference to the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the foam padding 1 is intended to be mounted.

[0041] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between A lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse Y-axis is understood to run in a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse Y-axis.

[0042] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as if taken along a direction extending from front to rear or rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0043] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0044] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention first addresses a foam trim 1 for a hinged rearview mirror 3 of a motor vehicle, the foam trim 1 being intended to be placed between a base 31 of the hinged rearview mirror 3 and a bodywork element 2 of the motor vehicle. The foam trim 1 comprises:

[0045] - a central region 12;

[0046] - a peripheral region 11;

[0047] - sound insulation means located at the level of the peripheral region 11 and allowing for sound insulation between the base 31 and the bodywork element 2.

[0048] According to the invention, the sound insulation means comprise at least one acoustic baffle 14.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the padding foam 1 has a generally triangular shape. The padding foam 1 is delimited by peripheral edges that form a polygonal shape. The peripheral edges are straight or substantially straight. In particular, the peripheral edges form the peripheral region 11 of the padding foam 1. The peripheral edges form a flat surface or a raised edge to facilitate the support of the padding foam 1 against the base 31 of the hinged rearview mirror 3 and / or against the body element 2.

[0050] The central region 12 extends inside the peripheral region 11 and its peripheral edges, relative to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. The central region 12 has a greater thickness than the peripheral region 11, relative to the transverse axis Y. The central region 12 of the padding foam 1 is intended to fill an internal volume of the gusset rearview mirror 3.

[0051] The sound insulation means extend to the peripheral region 11, and allow for a watertight seal of the hinged rearview mirror 3 at its base 31 and the bodywork element 2 intended to be located opposite it. Particularly advantageously, at least one acoustic baffle 14 is part of these sound insulation measures.

[0052] In particular, at least one acoustic baffle 14 is located at a rear upper tip 13 of the trim foam 1. The rear upper tip 13 forms a rear upper corner of the trim foam 1. In particular, when the trim foam 1 is mounted on a hinged rearview mirror 3 on a motor vehicle, at least one baffle is associated with a rear upper corner of the hinged rearview mirror 3, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 4.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the padding foam 1 comprises several acoustic baffles 14 that are adjacent to one another. Each acoustic baffle 14 has a protrusion 141 that extends outward from the peripheral region 11. Each acoustic baffle 14 extends outward along the transverse axis Y. In the illustrated embodiment, each acoustic baffle 14 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical profile is delimited by a closed circular contour and a generatrix parallel to the transverse axis Y, and perpendicular to the portion of the peripheral region 11 located near said acoustic baffle 14.

[0054] All the baffles are of equal length measured along their own axis of elongation, i.e., along the transverse axis Y in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, the acoustic baffles 14 may have different lengths. Furthermore, all the acoustic baffles 14 have the same closed contour. Alternatively, the acoustic baffles 14 may have different closed contours. More generally, the acoustic baffles 14 may all be identical or different from one another, depending on the desired effects.

[0055] Generally, the acoustic baffles 14 are located close to each other, so that the protrusions 141 are adjacent to each other or separated by a simple gap. The acoustic baffles 14 may be staggered relative to each other or, as seen in [Fig. 1], aligned along a guideline that is parallel or substantially parallel to one of the peripheral edges of the padding foam 1.

[0056] With reference to [Fig. 2], it is understood that the acoustic baffles 14 are configured to be inserted into corresponding openings 21 located opposite each other on the bodywork element 2. In particular, each opening 21 forms a through-hole, relative to the transverse axis Y, so that one of the acoustic baffles 14 can be inserted into it, preferably without play. As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the openings 21 have a U-shaped profile with trans-dimensional dimensions versales correspond to a diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 141 of the corresponding acoustic baffle 14.

[0057] The lights 21 of the bodywork element 2 are associated with a rear upper corner of said bodywork element 2. Thus, when the trim foam 1 is assembled on the gusseted rearview mirror 3, the acoustic baffles 14 extend through the lights 21 of the bodywork element 2 and close the space, so as to ensure a better seal between these two parts.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], the invention also relates to a hinged rearview mirror 3 for a motor vehicle. The hinged rearview mirror 3 is a front exterior rearview mirror 3, located on one of the lateral edges of the motor vehicle, near the front pillar and the windshield of said motor vehicle. The hinged rearview mirror 3 comprises a base 31 for mounting on a body element 2 of the motor vehicle and a foam insert 1 as described above and integral with the base 31.

[0059] In summary, the invention relates to a foam lining 1 for a hinged rearview mirror 3 of a motor vehicle, the foam lining 1 being intended to be placed between a base 31 of the hinged rearview mirror 3 and a body element 2 of the motor vehicle, the foam lining 1 comprising a central region 12 and a peripheral region 11, as well as sound insulation means located at the level of the peripheral region 11 and enabling sound insulation between the base 31 and the body element 2. According to the invention, the sound insulation means comprise at least one acoustic baffle 14 which extends in projection from the peripheral region 11 and towards the body element 2, so as to improve the sealing of the hinged rearview mirror 3 at the level of a rear upper point 13.

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Foam padding (1) of a rearview mirror (3) with a hinged cover for a motor vehicle, the foam padding (1) being intended to be placed between a base (31) of the rearview mirror (3) with a hinged cover and a body element (2) of the motor vehicle, the foam padding (1) comprising a central region (12) and a peripheral region (11), the foam padding (1) comprising sound insulation means located at the level of the peripheral region (11) and enabling sound insulation to be achieved between the base (31) and the body element (2); characterized in that the sound insulation means comprise at least one acoustic baffle (14).

2. Padding foam (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one acoustic baffle (14) is located at a rear upper tip (13) of the peripheral region (11) of the padding foam (1).

3. Filling foam (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one baffle comprises a plurality of protrusions (141) adjacent to each other and all extending in projection from the peripheral region (11) of the filling foam (1).

4. Padding foam (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusions (141) are of the type of cylindrical protrusions (141).

5. Filling foam (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the protrusions (141) are arranged in a staggered pattern with respect to each other.

6. Padding foam (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the protrusions (141) extend in a secant direction with respect to a contact plane of the base (31) against the body element (2).

7. Padding foam (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the protrusions (141) are distributed along a peripheral edge of the padding foam (1).

8. Padding foam (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the padding foam (1) is of the thermoformed foam type.

9. Hinged rearview mirror (3) for motor vehicle, the hinged rearview mirror (3) comprising: - a base (31) for fixing to a bodywork element (2) of a motor vehicle; - a foam filling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the foam filling (1) being integral with the base (31).

10. Motor vehicle comprising an external hinged rearview mirror (3) according to the preceding claim, the external rearview mirror (3) being fixed securely to a bodywork element (2) of said motor vehicle.

Images