Assembly comprising a protective case and a central computer of a motor vehicle, and forming a footrest for that vehicle.

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (100) comprising a protective housing (20), wherein at least one face of the protective housing (20) extends into direct or indirect contact with a first face, referred to as face (45) of the housing, which is the principal face of an inclined area (44) of the carpet (41) of a motor vehicle (22), a second principal face of the carpet (41), opposite said face (45) of the housing, forming a footrest surface (24, 46) for a front passenger of the motor vehicle (22), characterized in that the assembly (100) comprises a central computer (21) of the motor vehicle (22), the central computer (21) being held in an internal space (28) of the protective housing (20). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly comprising a protective housing and a central computer of a motor vehicle and forming a footrest for said vehicle technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a protective housing and a central control unit of a motor vehicle, the central control unit being contained within this housing, the assembly forming a footrest for the motor vehicle. The invention therefore relates to a footrest—in particular, a footrest for the front passenger—of a motor vehicle, housing a central control unit of that motor vehicle. The invention thus relates to a central control unit of a motor vehicle, for its installation in a passenger footrest of that vehicle. The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising a central control unit installed in a passenger footrest of that vehicle.

[0002] Throughout this text, the term "central computer" of a motor vehicle refers to an electronic device in a motor vehicle that integrates, in a single location, most, if not all, of the vehicle's onboard electronic systems necessary for its safe and reliable operation. Such a central computer, also referred to as "centralized electronics," "PCU (Physical Computing Unit)," or "VCU (Vehicle Control Unit)," is considered the "brain" of the centralized electronic architecture of a new-generation motor vehicle. This central computer concentrates all of the vehicle's computing power in a single location.

[0003] The technological evolution of motor vehicles, whether internal combustion, electric, or hybrid, requires the implementation of electronic devices such as computers for managing vehicle functions and / or electronic devices for controlling vehicle performance. This evolution necessitates the implementation of such centralized electronic devices or central computers, which are economically advantageous.

[0004] But such technological development remains primarily in demand for solutions for a secure implantation of such a central computer in a motor vehicle.

[0005] The invention generally aims to meet this demand.

[0006] Solutions are sought to enable the protection of this central computer against damage that may occur during normal use of the motor vehicle, for example against exposure of the central computer to liquids - in particular exposure to water - likely to cause de- deterioration of the central processing unit.

[0007] The invention is specifically aimed at meeting this demand.

[0008] However, protection of the central computer is also required during a shock, for example, during an accidental collision. In the event of such an accidental collision, following which the vehicle driver is unable to perform these tasks independently, the central computer must be able to remain operational for a period at least sufficient to initiate procedures such as, for example, sending an alert to emergency services, unlocking the vehicle doors, or cutting off the electrical circuit. For example, a period sufficient to initiate such procedures could be 30 seconds.

[0009] The invention is specifically aimed at meeting this demand.

[0010] In addition, such a central computer consists of a high-power electronic device whose operating temperature must necessarily be regulated.

[0011] The invention is specifically aimed at meeting this demand. Previous technique

[0012] FR2981310 is known to have a footrest 1 supporting the foot of a passenger in a motor vehicle, shown in [Fig. 1]. Reference numerals 1 to 20 refer to the footrest known from FR2981310. The footrest 1 has a rigid base 4, the upper face 5 of which forms a support surface for receiving the foot(s) of the motor vehicle passenger. The rigid base 4 extends substantially in a plane inclined relative to the horizontal, the front part of the rigid base 4 being oriented upwards at a predetermined angle relative to a floor 10 of the vehicle, so as to comfortably support the passenger's foot(s). The rigid base 4 is fixed by its upper front end 6 to a part 7 of the bulkhead by removable clips 8 cooperating with studs welded to the part 7 of the bulkhead.The removable clips 8 pass through, on the one hand, an insulating layer 9 covering part of the vehicle floor 10 and, on the other hand, a coating layer 11, which is placed on top of the insulating layer 9. The rigid base 4 rests, by its lower rear end 12, freely supported relative to the floor 10, on a bearing area 13 of the coating layer 11. The rigid base 4 has a lower face 14 opposite the upper face 5 extending opposite an upper face 15 of the coating layer 11. The rigid base 4, together with the floor 10, the insulating layer 9, and the coating layer 11, creates a storage volume 16 extending between the lower face 14 of the rigid base 4 and the upper face 15 of the coating layer 11. This storage volume 16 is used in FR2981310 to contain a receptacle 19 of vehicle tire repair equipment 3, including a compressor and a tank containing a product. sealing. In a storage configuration for the tire repair aid equipment 3, the receptacle 19 is held in contact with the coating layer 11. The rigid base 4 has, on its lower face 14, suspension elements 17, 18 for the receptacle 19 to the rigid base 4, adapted so that the receptacle 19 and the rigid base 4 cooperate to delimit an enclosed space for receiving the equipment 3 in a first state of the suspension elements 17, 18. To access the tire repair aid equipment 3, the rigid sole 4 is detached from the vehicle by removing the removable clips 8, thereby making the equipment 3 accessible by simply moving the receptacle 19 relative to the rigid sole 4, for example by elastic deformation of a clipping element 18 of the rigid sole 4, cooperating with a hook 2 of the receptacle 19 and subsequent rotation of the receptacle 19 around a pivot 17 of the rigid sole 4.

[0013] The storage space for the tire repair assistance equipment in the footrest of FR2981310 is an enclosed space and does not allow for the accommodation of a functional central computer that can be supplied with electrical energy and that is equipped with means of connection with at least one functional component of the vehicle.

[0014] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0015] In particular, the storage space of FR2981310 is not suitable for housing a high-power central computer. Specifically, the storage space of FR2981310 is enclosed and does not allow for ventilation and cooling of such a central computer.

[0016] The invention aims to overcome this drawback.

[0017] The invention aims to provide an assembly comprising a protective case and a central computer of a motor vehicle disposed in this case, allowing the central computer to be temporarily maintained in a state of operation after a shock, in particular for a sufficient duration to allow the vehicle safety procedures to be carried out.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide such an assembly which is accessible to personnel likely to work on this vehicle, particularly for its maintenance.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide such an assembly allowing efficient cooling of the central computer.

[0020] The invention also aims to provide such an assembly and its installation in a motor vehicle in such a way as not to reduce or eliminate a useful storage space in the motor vehicle.

[0021] The invention also aims to provide such an assembly to overcome the above disadvantages, and at a lower cost. Description of the invention

[0022] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a protective housing, in which at least one face of the protective housing extends into direct or indirect contact with a first face, referred to as the main face of the housing, of an inclined area of ​​the carpet of a motor vehicle, a second main face of the carpet, opposite said face of the housing forming a footrest surface for a passenger in the front seat of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the assembly comprises a central computer of the motor vehicle, the central computer being held in an internal space of the protective housing.

[0023] According to the invention, the central computer is protected against chemical or physical damage by the protective housing. This housing, containing the central computer, is itself located in the passenger footwell of the motor vehicle, which the inventors have identified as the best compromise between accessibility of the central computer and protection against impacts. In the automotive field, the term "footwell" commonly refers to the lower part of the passenger compartment located in front of the front seats of a motor vehicle, designed to accommodate the feet of a driver or passenger seated in said vehicle. In particular, for the driver and / or front passenger of a motor vehicle, the "footwell" corresponds to a space bounded below by the vehicle floor and at the front by the firewall and dashboard.In general, the "footwell" has a surface that is substantially flat and inclined forwards and upwards, called a "footrest", intended to support the feet of the driver or front passenger seated in said motor vehicle.

[0024] According to the invention, the inclined area of ​​the vehicle's floor mat is inclined upwards and forwards. The expression "inclined upwards and forwards" refers to a vehicle in normal moving condition. The expression "inclined upwards (+Z) and forwards (-X)" refers to the direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system commonly used in automotive design (standard no. 0100112), in which the X-axis represents the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear; the Y-axis represents the transverse direction and is oriented to the right of the vehicle; and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction and is oriented upwards. The inclined area of ​​the floor mat forms a footrest and has an inclination chosen to allow the vehicle's passenger to rest their feet in the most comfortable position possible.

[0025] According to the invention, the protective housing has a substantially flat base extending parallel to the inclined area of ​​the mat. The base of the protective housing is itself inclined upwards and towards the front of the motor vehicle in its normal state to progress in such a way that any liquids—particularly condensation—that may be present in the protective housing are drained by gravity from the lower and rear parts of the protective housing and extracted from the housing. In some embodiments, the protective housing is equipped with a passive liquid drain at its lower part.

[0026] The installation and location of a central computer protected by a protective housing in a passenger footrest of a motor vehicle does not impact passenger comfort or safety. It allows for the continued proper functioning, updating, and maintenance of the central computer without compromising passenger comfort or reducing storage space (door pockets).

[0027] According to certain embodiments, the central computer is a central computer free from any means of its own active cooling—in particular, free from any means of ventilation—of said central computer. The term "central computer free from any means of its own active cooling" means a central computer that does not itself include any means of active cooling that are inseparable from the central computer, without degradation of the central computer and / or the cooling means.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, the central computer is a central computer free from any means of protecting said central computer against liquids. The term "central computer free from any means of protecting said central computer against liquids" means a central computer that does not itself include means of protecting the central computer that are inseparable from the central computer, without damaging the central computer and / or the means of protection.

[0029] In these embodiments, the size of the central computer itself, without any means of active cooling and / or without any means of protecting said central computer from liquids, is reduced compared to the size of a computer equipped with its own means of active cooling and / or with its own means of protecting said central computer from liquids. The size of the assembly according to the invention is reduced due to the dual function (protection from liquids and cooling) of the assembly according to the invention. This results in a small size and a correspondingly reduced cost.

[0030] According to some advantageous embodiments, the protective housing has at least one opening arranged to allow atmospheric air circulation in the protective housing and cooling of the central computer.

[0031] According to certain embodiments, the assembly comprises at least one ventilation element disposed within the internal space of the protective housing so as to be able to induce atmospheric air circulation within the protective housing and cooling Central computer system. At least one ventilation component is arranged within the internal space of the protective housing so as to form: -a flow of atmospheric air entering the protective housing and flowing into contact with the central computer, and - a flow of air heated by contact with the central computer and exiting the protective housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one ventilation element is a finned ventilation element. In some embodiments, at least one ventilation element is mounted integrally with the central control unit. In these embodiments, the housing and the cover cooperate to form a ventilation air circuit comprising the ventilation element, such as to direct an airflow entering the housing onto the central control unit and to direct a heated airflow out of the housing upon contact with the central control unit.

[0033] In some embodiments, the protective housing comprises a bowl mounted securely to the floor of the motor vehicle and a removable cover adapted to cooperate with the bowl to delimit the internal space of the protective housing. Advantageously, the bowl and the cover cooperate to form a liquid-tight seal. In some embodiments, the housing is made of at least one polymer material. In some embodiments, the cover is made of at least one metallic or polymer material.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the bowl and the cover of the protective housing together provide said at least one opening arranged to allow atmospheric air circulation in the protective housing and cooling of the central computer.

[0035] According to certain advantageous embodiments, the protective housing's basin and the removable cover are held together by elastic deformation or "clipping". Opening the protective housing is therefore facilitated during intervention by vehicle maintenance personnel.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the protective housing comprises a rear wall extending substantially in a plane orthogonal to the inclined area of ​​the mat and having at least one area of ​​weakness, adapted to be able to be broken by application of a stress exerted on the mat and on the protective housing during an impact and to allow partial crushing of the protective housing due to this stress.

[0037] The term "rear wall" is to be considered in relation to a motor vehicle in normal moving condition. The term "rear wall" defines the rear position of the wall in the protective housing, that is to say, the wall of the protective housing extending substantially in a plane with the highest abscissa (+X) relative to the direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system classically used in automotive design, in which the X axis designates the front-to-back longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and is oriented towards the rear.

[0038] The area of ​​weakness may also extend to the side walls of the protective housing, preferably to the rear portions of the side walls. Preferably, the area of ​​weakness of the side walls extends in line with the area of ​​weakness of the rear wall.

[0039] The weak point may be an area of ​​reduced wall thickness compared to the average wall thickness of the housing. The weak point is a preferential fracture zone when stress is applied to the mat, particularly during an accidental impact. In some embodiments, this weak point is a weak point of the bowl. The weak point of the protective housing may define a preferential crushing zone of the rear portion of the protective housing, particularly the rear wall and the rear portions of the side walls.

[0040] The protective housing is a breakable housing along a fracture line extending in a principal plane of the protective housing (substantially parallel to the plane of the mat) so as to allow deformation of the protective housing—specifically, deformation of a rear portion of the protective housing extending opposite the passenger's heel. Thus, in the event of an accidental impact, all or part of the forces transmitted to the mat and the protective housing by the passenger's heel are dissipated due to the fracture and deformation of the protective housing. The central control unit is thereby protected.

[0041] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a padding wedge made of thermoplastic material, interposed between the protective housing cover and the mat. In some embodiments, the padding wedge is positioned to absorb all or part of the force exerted by the passenger of the motor vehicle—particularly during an impact sustained or caused by the motor vehicle. In some embodiments, the padding wedge is made by molding.

[0042] According to certain embodiments, the internal volume of the protective housing comprises a first sub-volume containing the central control unit and at least one ventilation component, and a second sub-volume for receiving cable ends and connecting these cable ends to the central control unit. Connection components for the cable ends and the central control unit are housed within the internal volume of the protective housing and benefit from the same protection as the central control unit. These connection components remain accessible for mounting and / or maintenance of the control unit.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the protective housing comprises: -at least one air intake opening in the protective housing, each opening air intake opening into a half-space, called the cold half-space, bounded at the top by the carpet and including the central computer, and -an air outlet opening separate from each air inlet opening, said air outlet opening being equipped with a duct for the evacuation of an airflow exiting the protective housing, into a half-space, called the hot half-space, opposite said cold half-space.

[0044] In these embodiments, the heated airflow exiting the protective housing, in contact with the central computer, is directed towards the heated half-space and in such a way as to limit its re-entry into the internal volume of the protective housing through the air inlet in the protective housing. The ventilation efficiency of the central computer is improved.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the assembly according to the invention comprises means for securing the protective housing to the floor of the motor vehicle. In certain embodiments, the means for securing the protective housing to the floor of the motor vehicle are means for securing the protective housing's cup to the floor of the motor vehicle. In these embodiments, the means for securing the cup to the floor are arranged to allow the passage of a tool for securing / unsecuring—in particular by screwing / unscrewing—the means. In certain embodiments, the means for securing the cup to the floor comprise at least one tab extending from a front portion of the cup, said tab having an eyelet for screwing the cup to the floor of the vehicle.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, the central computer is mounted integrally with the housing. According to these embodiments, the assembly according to the invention is free of means for securing the central computer to the floor of the motor vehicle. According to these embodiments, the means for securing the central computer and the housing are means for attaching the central computer to the housing. According to some of these embodiments, the attachment means are fastening means comprising screws cooperating with the housing.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the housing and the cover of the casing have complementary ribs adapted to cooperate and retain the central computer within the internal volume of the casing and to allow the transfer of a force experienced by the cover to the housing. These complementary ribs cooperate with a non-sensitive portion—in particular, an edge—of the central computer, said portion of the central computer being free of a processor or electronic chip. The processors of the central computer do not experience a transfer of force, and the functionality of the central computer is therefore at least temporarily preserved during an impact that causes the impact experienced by the cover.

[0048] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising a set according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation in longitudinal section along a plane parallel to the plane Y=0 as described in [Fig.6], of a footrest of a prior art motor vehicle,

[0051] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in longitudinal section along a plane parallel to the plane Y=0 as described in [Fig.6], of an assembly according to the invention forming a footrest for a motor vehicle according to the invention,

[0052] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of an assembly according to the invention,

[0053] [Fig.4] is a perspective top view of an assembly according to the invention, of which the The lid is shown in transparency.

[0054] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation in longitudinal section along a plane parallel to the plane Y=0 as described in [Fig.6] of an assembly according to the invention after an impact sustained by the motor vehicle, and

[0055] [Fig.6] is an illustration of a classically used direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system in automotive design.

[0056] The dimensions and proportions of the elements

[0057] The [Fig. 1] has been described in the introductory part of this patent application.

[0058] The assembly 100 shown in longitudinal section in [Fig.2] comprises a housing 20 a protective housing and a central control unit 21 housed in the protective housing 20. The protective housing 20 is substantially parallelepiped in shape and has two main faces, the first of which, referred to as the floor face 59, extends downwards and forwards opposite a portion 31 of the floor 23 of the vehicle 22, and the second main face, referred to as the carpet face 60, extends backwards and upwards opposite a carpet area 44 of the vehicle 22. The carpet area 44 is inclined upwards and forwards to form a footrest 25 for a passenger 47 of this vehicle 22. In the embodiment shown, a lower face 45 of the inclined area 44 of the carpet 41 is in contact with the carpet face 60 of the protective housing 20.However, nothing prevents a spacer made of flexible or rigid material such as foam from being interposed between the carpet area 44 and the carpet face 60 of the protective housing 20. The upper face 46 of the carpet area 44 41 is free and inclined and is intended to receive the feet of the passenger 47, thus forming the footrest 25. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the floor face 59 of the protective housing 20. rests on an insulating layer 42, formed of at least one sound and / or thermal and / or vibration-damping material. As can be determined in [Fig. 2], the displacement of zone 44 of the mat 41, when the passenger 47 is not present in the vehicle 22, allows easy access to the protective housing 20.

[0059] The protective housing 20 has an opening 26 leading forward and upward into the passenger compartment 61 of the vehicle 22. The opening 26 is arranged to communicate with the passenger compartment 61 of the vehicle 22 via a passage 62 formed between the floor 23 of the vehicle 22 and a front end 63 of the carpet 4L. Due to this communication with the passenger compartment 61 of the vehicle 22, the opening 26 allows an exchange of atmospheric air between an internal space 28 of the protective housing 20 and the air of the passenger compartment 61. These exchanges result in a flow 27 of cooling air, an inlet 54 of air into the protective housing 20, and an outlet 49 of hot air from the protective housing 20.

[0060] The protective housing 20 shown in [Fig. 2] comprises a cup 29 made of at least one rigid and liquid-impermeable material and a cover 30 adapted to cooperate with the cup 29 so as to delimit the internal space 28 of the protective housing 20 and provide said opening 26. The cup 29 and the cover 30 can be assembled by any means. According to an advantageous embodiment, the cup 29 and the cover 30 can be assembled by reversible elastic deformation (or clipping). Such clipping advantageously allows easy access to the central computer 21, for example during maintenance operations. As shown in [Fig.[2] The basin 29 has a substantially flat bottom, resting on the insulating layer 42, inclined upwards and towards the front of the vehicle 22 so that liquids – in particular condensation water – that may be present in the protective housing 20 are drained by gravity to the lower part of the protective housing 20. In some embodiments not shown, the basin of the protective housing has a passive liquid drainage orifice in the lowest part of the protective housing.

[0061] According to certain embodiments, the cup 29 of the protective housing comprises a rear wall 56 having a zone 53 of fragility extending transversely (along the Y axis of the direct orthonormal frame XYZ represented in [Fig.6]) over the entire width of the rear wall 56 and, where applicable, over at least a rear part of the lateral walls of the cup 29. Such a zone 53 of fragility allows, when a stress 43 is applied in reaction to an impact, by the passenger 47 - in particular by the heel of the passenger 47 - on the area 44 of the mat 41 and on the protective housing 20, a rupture of the zone 53 of fragility in response to the crushing 43 and a partial crushing of the protective housing 20. Thus, during a collision, all or part of the stress transmitted by passenger 47 onto area 44 of mat 41 and onto housing 20 The protective forces exerted by the passenger's heel (47) are dissipated due to the fracture and deformation of the protective housing (20). The central computer is thus preserved.

[0062] The assembly 100 shown in exploded view in [Fig. 3] comprises a bowl 29 made of at least one rigid, liquid-impermeable material. The bowl 29 includes means 32 for securing the bowl 29 to the floor 23 of the vehicle 22. The securing means 32 may be of any type known per se. The bowl 29 may include at least one tab 55 extending from the bowl 29 and having an eyelet for a screw for fixing the bowl to the floor 23 of the vehicle 22. Advantageously, the securing means 32 are arranged to be accessible to a tool for securing / unsecuring the means—in particular, a screw-loosening / unscrewing tool. The assembly of the bowl 29 and the protective housing 20 is thus facilitated.According to certain embodiments, the bowl 29 may include additional fastening means 32 adapted to allow the bowl 29 to be fixed to a rafter 50 of the motor vehicle 22.

[0063] The bowl 29 comprises a plurality of mounting bores 35—in particular, three mounting bores 35—for the central computer 21 and the bowl 29. In the embodiment shown, the bores 35 are equipped with threaded rods fitted with nuts, capable of cooperating with mounting tabs for the central computer 21. In these embodiments, the central computer 21 is not directly mounted to the floor 23 of the vehicle 22, so that a single separation of the bowl 29 and the floor 23 of the vehicle 22 due to the detachment of the mounting means 32 results in the separation of the central computer 21 and the floor 23 of the vehicle 22, the bowl 29 and the central computer 21, and where applicable the cover 30, remaining securely connected.

[0064] The bowl 29 of the assembly 100 shown in [Fig. 3] has a substantially flat bottom 38. The inner face of the bottom 38 has at least one rib 36 projecting from the inner face of the bottom 38 of the bowl 29 and adapted to be in contact with the central computer 21 located in the internal space 38 of the protective housing 20. The ribs 36 are positioned opposite complementary ribs 37 (shown in [Fig. 4]) of the cover 30. The ribs 36, 37 cooperate with a non-sensitive portion 33—in particular, an edge—of the central computer 21, said portion of the central computer 21 being free of a processor or electronic chip. The ribs 36, 37 cooperate with said non-sensitive portion of the central computer 21 and retain the central computer 21 within the internal volume 38 of the housing.But the ribs 36,37 cooperate with said non-sensitive part of the central computer 21 to allow a transfer onto the bowl 29 of the forces suffered by the cover 30 during an impact while preserving the processor(s) or electronic chip(s) of the computer 21. central. The processor(s) or electronic chip(s) of the central control unit 21 are not subjected to any force transfer, or only a less intense force transfer, and the functionality of the central control unit 21 is at least temporarily preserved during this impact. The central control unit 21 is at least partially preserved and maintained in an operational state for a period necessary to initiate procedures such as, for example, sending an alert to emergency services, unlocking the vehicle doors, or disconnecting the electrical circuit. For example, this period necessary to initiate such procedures could be 30 seconds.

[0065] The assembly 100 shown in exploded view in [Fig. 3] comprises a central computer 21. In the embodiment shown, the central computer 21 includes connectors 64 with power and data cables 51 for transmitting and receiving data from the central computer 21. In the embodiment shown, the cables 51 extend into the internal volume 28 of the protective housing 20. The connectors 64 are all accessible within the protective housing 20. Their connection / disconnection is therefore facilitated by this co-location. In the embodiment shown, the central computer 21 is equipped with a ventilation element 52 arranged to create an atmospheric airflow and guide this atmospheric airflow into contact with the processor(s) of the central computer 21.Advantageously, the ventilation unit 52 is a tubular unit with an atmospheric air inlet and an outlet for air heated by contact with the hot parts of the central control unit 21. The ventilation unit 52 is an electrically powered ventilation unit, supplied with electrical energy via its own means through a connector 64. The central control unit 21 also includes partitions 65 for guiding the airflow and exchanging heat with the airflow. The atmospheric airflow can be air drawn from the passenger compartment and / or air conditioning air at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature.

[0066] The assembly 100 shown in exploded view in [Fig.3] includes a cover 30 adapted to cooperate with the bowl 29 and form the internal space 28 of the protective housing 20 containing the central computer 21 and the ventilation unit 52. In the embodiment shown, the cover 30 is provided with a duct 48 forming a chimney adapted to direct the flow of air heated by contact with the processor(s) of the central computer 21 towards the passenger compartment 61 of the vehicle 22, and in particular into a half-space, referred to as the hot half-space 58, extending into the passenger compartment 61 and limited downwards by the carpet 41. The flow of atmospheric or air conditioning air entering the protective housing 20 through the opening 26 is taken from a half-space, referred to as the cold half-space 57, limited upwards by the carpet 41 and including the central computer 21. The air inlet into the housing and the hot air outlet are disjointed and the efficiency of the ventilation and cooling of the central computer 22 is improved.

[0067] The assembly 100 according to the invention, shown in [Fig. 4], in which the cover 30 is shown in transparency, comprises a bowl 20 adapted to be securely fixed to the floor 23 of the vehicle 22 by means 32 of fastening, such as screws, bolts / nuts, or rivets. As shown in [Fig. 4], the central control unit 21 is secured to the bowl 29 by threaded rods / nuts 35. The central control unit 21 is provided with a ventilation element 52 extending into contact with the central control unit 21 and mounted securely to the central control unit 21 by clips.The ventilation unit 52 is a finned ventilation unit 52 adapted to create an airflow between an air inlet 40 in the ventilation unit 52 and an air outlet 67 49 heated by contact with the central computer 21 and guided through a duct 48 forming a chimney and exiting through an air outlet 66 oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the cooling airflow 27 entering the protective housing 20. The position and orientation of the openings 26 in the protective housing 20 and the duct 48 limit the entry of hot air into the protective housing 20. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the cooling airflow 27 entering the protective housing 20 through the two openings 26 is guided and flows into contact with the central computer 21, whereby the airflow 27 exchanges heat with the central computer 21.The cooling airflow 27 is drawn in by the ventilation unit 52, enters the ventilation unit 52 through its inlet 40 and circulates within the ventilation unit 52 in contact with the central control unit 21, thereby supplying heat from the central control unit 21 to the cooling airflow 27 to form an airflow 49 exiting the protective housing 20 through the hot air outlet 67 of the ventilation unit 52 and through the opening 66 for the heated air outlet.

[0068] The ventilation unit 52 is clipped securely to the central control unit 21. This facilitates its installation and removal from the central control unit 21. It is also possible to reverse the orientation of the ventilation unit 52 so as to, in certain embodiments, reverse the airflow within the protective housing 20.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the cover 30 has at least one rib 37 extending outward from the cover 30 into the internal space 38 of the protective housing 20. Each rib 37 is positioned opposite and complementary to the ribs 36 (shown in [Fig. 3]) of the recess 29. The ribs 36, 37 cooperate with the rim 33 of the central computer 21, the rim 33 being free of a processor or electronic chip. Consequently, a stress—in particular compression—exerted on the cover 30 is directed onto the recess 29 by these ribs and prevents this stress from being applied to a sensitive part of the central calculator 21.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the cover 30 also has a raised section 34 projecting into the internal space 38 of the protective housing 20. The raised section 34 is adapted to be able to contact a non-sensitive edge 68 of the central control unit 21. In the embodiment shown, the non-sensitive edge 68 of the central control unit 21 is an edge 68 housing the connectors 64 of the central control unit 21 but free of a processor or electronic chip. The raised section 34 cooperates with the mounting holes 35 so that a stress—in particular compression—exerted on the cover 30 is directed by the raised section 34 onto the recess 29 through the mounting holes 35 and prevents this stress from being applied to a sensitive part of the central control unit 21.

[0071] Assembly 100 shown in [Fig. 5] is a longitudinal cross-sectional illustration of a particular variant of assembly 100 according to the invention, on which a stress (schematized in [Fig. 5] by arrow 43) has been exerted by the passenger 47 of the motor vehicle 22, for example, during a collision. During this collision, the stress 43 exerted by the heel of the passenger 47 led to the rupture of the stress-response area 53 and partial crushing of the cup 29 and the protective housing 20. Thus, during a collision, all or part of the stress transmitted by the passenger 47 to the protective housing 20 via the passenger's heel is dissipated, at least in part, due to the fracture and deformation of the protective housing 20. The central computer is thus protected.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (100) comprising a protective housing (20), in which at least one face of the protective housing (20) extends into direct or indirect contact with a first face, referred to as face (45) of the housing, principal of an inclined area (44) of the carpet (41) of a motor vehicle (22), a second principal face of the carpet (41), opposite said face (45) of the housing forming a footrest surface (24,46) for a front passenger of the motor vehicle (22), characterized in that the assembly (100) comprises a central computer (21) of the motor vehicle (22), the central computer (21) being held in an internal space (28) of the protective housing (20).

2. Assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central computer (21) is a central computer (21) free from any means of its own active cooling of said central computer (21).

3. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the central computer (21) is a central computer (21) free from any means of protection of said central computer (21) against liquids.

4. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the protective housing (20) has at least one opening (26) arranged to allow circulation (27) of atmospheric air in the protective housing (20) and cooling of the central computer (21).

5. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one ventilation element (52) disposed in the internal space (28) of the protective housing (20) so as to be able to cause a circulation (27) of atmospheric air in the protective housing (20) and a cooling of the central computer (21).

6. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protective housing (20) comprises a bowl (29) mounted integrally to a floor (23) of the motor vehicle (22) and a removable cover (30) cooperating with the bowl (29) to delimit the internal space (28) of the protective housing (20).

7. Assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cup (29) of the protective housing (20) and the removable cover (30) are held together by elastic deformation.

8. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the protective housing (20) includes a rear wall (56) extending substantially in a plane orthogonal to the inclined area (44) of the mat (41) and having at least one area (53) of fragility, adapted to be able to be broken by application of a stress (43) exerted on the mat (41) and on the protective housing (20) during an impact and to allow crushing of the protective housing (20) due to this stress (43).

9. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a wedge (38) of padding made of thermoplastic material interposed between the cover and the mat.

10. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the internal volume (28) of the protective housing (20) comprises a first sub-volume containing the central computer (21) and at least one ventilation component (52) and a second sub-volume for receiving cable end(s) and connecting these cable end(s) with the central computer (21).

11. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the protective housing (20) comprises: -at least one air inlet opening (54) in the protective housing (20), each air inlet opening (54) opening into a half-space, referred to as the cold half-space, limited upwards by the mat (41) and comprising the central computer (21), and -an air outlet opening (66) separate from each air inlet opening (54), said air outlet opening (66) being provided with a duct (48) for the discharge of a flow (49) of air exiting the protective housing (20), into a half-space, referred to as the hot half-space (58), opposite said cold half-space (57).

12. Motor vehicle (2) characterized in that it comprises an assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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