Interface part for rear axle of motor vehicle, rear axle comprising such an interface part and motor vehicle comprising such a rear axle

Abstract

Interface part for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, rear axle comprising such an interface part and motor vehicle comprising such a rear axle.The invention relates to an interface part (7) for a rear axle (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising according to the invention: - an upper interface plate, comprising a fixing interface shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface carried by an anti-roll bar (5), - a lower interface plate comprising a fixing interface shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface carried by a rear deflector, - a pre-holding and anti-rotation tab (27), extending projecting relative to said upper interface plate, shaped to penetrate an orifice (29) made on said anti-roll bar and comprising a retaining edge (31) bearing against an upper face (33) of said anti-roll bar when said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab penetrates said orifice. Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Interface part for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, rear axle comprising such an interface part and motor vehicle comprising such a rear axle Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly concerns an interface part for the rear axle of a motor vehicle providing a connection between an anti-roll bar and a rear deflector.

[0002] The invention also relates to a rear axle comprising such an interface part and a motor vehicle comprising such a rear axle. Prior art

[0003] A motor vehicle comprises, in a known manner, a rear deflector, mounted in a rear axle of the vehicle at the level of an underbody of the motor vehicle.

[0004] The rear deflector is designed in particular to allow water to flow away from under the body of the vehicle, for example when the vehicle passes through a puddle of water or when the vehicle is fording.

[0005] The presence of such a rear deflector in a motor vehicle is essential. Indeed, it prevents water from impacting the rear bumper, located behind the rear deflector, such an impact being able to cause the rear bumper to be torn off.

[0006] The rear deflector is made of a plastic material and is fixed to a mudguard, also made of plastic material, by a fixing screw ensuring the assembly between the mudguard and the rear deflector.

[0007] Depending on the market in which the vehicle is intended to be used, the requirements for fording are different.

[0008] In particular, the American market involves a more severe transition than for other markets, notably the European market.

[0009] During such a ford crossing, there is a high risk of breakage of the attachment between the plastic rear deflector and the plastic mudguard, the assembly between the rear deflector and the mudguard not being designed to withstand such forces.

[0010] If the attachment between the plastic rear deflector and the plastic mudguard breaks after crossing a ford, water will enter under the vehicle body and break the deflector. The water then has a strong impact on the rear bumper, which, under the weight of the water, may be torn off the vehicle. Statement of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to do so relates to an interface part for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, made of metallic material, said interface part being remarkable in that it comprises: - an upper interface plate, comprising a fixing interface shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface carried by an anti-roll bar of a body structure of said motor vehicle, - a lower interface plate, comprising a fixing interface shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface carried by a rear deflector, - a pre-holding and anti-rotation tab,extending in projection relative to said upper interface plate and being shaped to penetrate an orifice made on said anti-roll bar when said fixing interface carried by said upper interface plate cooperates with said fixing interface carried by said anti-roll bar, said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab comprising a retaining edge shaped to bear against an upper face of said anti-roll bar when said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab penetrates said orifice made on said anti-roll bar.

[0012] Thus, by providing a metal interface part which comprises an upper interface plate shaped to cooperate with an anti-roll bar of a body structure and a lower interface plate shaped to cooperate with a rear deflector of the motor vehicle, the rigidity of the rear deflector is increased when the interface part is mounted on the anti-roll bar and on the rear deflector.

[0013] In this way, the tear resistance of the rear deflector is improved when the motor vehicle is fording.

[0014] Also, the fact that the interface part comprises a pre-holding and anti-rotation tab extending in projection relative to the upper interface plate and being shaped to penetrate an orifice made on the anti-roll bar when the fixing interface carried by the upper interface plate cooperates with the fixing interface carried by the anti-roll bar, and the fact that said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab comprises a retaining edge shaped to bear against an upper face of the anti-roll bar when the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab penetrates said orifice made on said anti-roll bar, makes it easier to mount the interface part in the vehicle.

[0015] Indeed, the introduction of the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab into the orifice made on the anti-roll bar during the assembly of the interface part on the anti-roll bar makes it possible to pre-hold the interface part in position before the operator proceeds to fix it, the retaining edge of the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab bearing against the upper face of the anti-roll bar.

[0016] This allows the operator to have both hands free to fix the interface part on the anti-roll bar.

[0017] The fixing of the interface part on the anti-roll bar can be obtained by a fixing element, for example a fixing screw, penetrating the fixing interface carried by the upper interface plate and the fixing interface carried by the anti-roll bar.

[0018] The introduction of the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab into the hole made on the anti-roll bar when mounting the interface part on the anti-roll bar makes it possible to avoid untimely rotation of the interface part when applying the tightening torque to the fixing element.

[0019] This avoids, in particular, misalignment of the fixing interface carried by the lower interface plate with the fixing interface carried by the rear deflector.

[0020] According to optional characteristics of the interface part: - said upper interface plate and said lower interface plate are connected to each other by a central connecting plate; - the angle between said lower interface plate and said central connecting plate is greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°; - the angle between said upper interface plate and said central connecting plate is greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°; - the thickness of said interface part is substantially equal to approximately 2 mm; - said central connecting plate comprises at least one stamping for stiffening said interface part, extending longitudinally relative to said central connecting plate; - said interface part is made of steel.

[0021] The invention also relates to a rear axle of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a rear deflector, mounted at the level of an underbody of said motor vehicle, designed to allow flow of water which passes under said motor vehicle, comprising a fixing interface, - an anti-roll bar, mounted opposite said rear deflector, above said rear deflector, comprising a fixing interface, - an interface part, connecting on the one hand said rear deflector and on the other hand said anti-roll bar, said rear axle being remarkable in that said interface part is according to the invention and in that said fixing interface of said upper interface plate cooperates with said fixing interface carried by said anti-roll bar and in that said fixing interface of said lower interface plate cooperates with said fixing interface carried by said rear deflector.

[0022] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a rear axle, remarkable in that said rear axle is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] shows a rear axle of a motor vehicle, seen in perspective from the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0025] [Fig.2] is an enlargement of zone II of [Fig. 1].

[0026] [Fig.3] partially shows the rear axle of the invention seen in perspective of below, the rear deflector having been hidden.

[0027] [Fig.4] partially shows the rear axle of the invention seen in perspective of above, the rear deflector having been hidden.

[0028] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the interface part of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.6] is a side view of the interface part of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0030] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same reference.

[0031] By convention, we will adopt, without limitation, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle.

[0032] In the following, the terms “left”, “right”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0033] Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0034] Reference is made to [Fig.l] showing a rear axle 1 of a motor vehicle, seen in perspective from the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The rear axle 1 comprises a rear deflector 3, mounted at the level of an underbody of the motor vehicle, designed to allow the flow of water which passes under the body of the vehicle, for example when the vehicle passes through a puddle of water or when crossing a ford.

[0036] The rear deflector 3 is for example made of a plastic material.

[0037] The rear deflector 3 can further be attached to a mudguard (not shown), which can for example be made of plastic material.

[0038] The assembly between the rear deflector 3 and the mudguard can for example be obtained using a fixing element (not shown), for example a fixing screw.

[0039] The rear axle 1 comprises an anti-roll bar 5, forming part of a body structure of the vehicle.

[0040] The anti-roll bar 5, also called an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is a suspension element designed to limit the rolling experienced by the vehicle when cornering and due to deformations of the road.

[0041] The anti-roll bar is mounted opposite the rear deflector 3, above the rear deflector 3 in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle.

[0042] According to the invention, the rear axle 1 comprises an interface part 7 connecting the rear deflector 3 to the anti-roll bar 5.

[0043] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing an enlargement of zone II of [Fig.l] and to [Fig.3] partially showing the rear axle 1 in perspective seen from below, the rear deflector 3 having been hidden for better visibility.

[0044] The rear deflector 3 comprises a fixing interface 9, typically a fixing orifice. The fixing interface 9 is adapted to cooperate with a fixing interface 11 carried by a lower interface plate 13 of the interface part 7.

[0045] The fixing interface 9, carried by the rear deflector 3, and the fixing interface 11, carried by the lower interface plate 13 of the interface part 7, are shaped to cooperate with each other and to receive a fixing element 15, typically a fixing screw and a nut.

[0046] In the same way, the anti-roll bar 5 comprises a fixing interface 17, typically a fixing orifice made on an anti-vibration support 19 of the anti-roll bar 5. The fixing interface 17 is adapted to cooperate with a fixing interface 21 carried by an upper interface plate 23 of the interface part 7.

[0047] The fixing interface 17, carried by the anti-roll bar 5, and the fixing interface 21, carried by the upper interface plate 23 of the interface part 7, are shaped to cooperate with each other and to receive a fixing element 25, typically a fixing screw and a nut.

[0048] We refer to [Fig.4] partially showing the rear axle 1 in perspective seen from above, the rear deflector 3 having been hidden for better visibility.

[0049] The interface part 7 further comprises a pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27, extending in projection relative to the upper interface plate 23.

[0050] The pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 is shaped to penetrate an orifice 29 made on the anti-roll bar 5 when the fixing interface 21 carried by the upper interface plate 23 cooperates with the fixing interface 17 carried by the anti-roll bar 5.

[0051] As shown in [Fig.4], the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 comprises a retaining edge 31 shaped to bear against a face upper 33 of the anti-roll bar 5 when the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 enters the orifice 29.

[0052] When mounting the interface part 7 on the anti-roll part 5, an operator introduces the fixing interface 21, carried by the upper interface plate 23 of the interface part 7, into the fixing screw of the fixing element 25.

[0053] Simultaneously, the operator introduces the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 into the orifice 29 made on the anti-roll bar 5.

[0054] The retaining edge 31 of the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 bears against the upper face 33 of the anti-roll bar 5, which makes it possible to pre-hold the interface part 7 in position relative to the anti-roll bar 5.

[0055] The operator can then release the interface part 7 and grasp a tool to complete the assembly of the interface part 7 on the anti-roll bar 5. For example, the operator grasps a screwdriver with both hands and tightens the nut on the fixing screw of the fixing element 25 which passes through the fixing interface 21 carried by the interface plate 23.

[0056] The fact that the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 passes through the orifice 29 made on the anti-roll bar 5 makes it possible to avoid untimely rotation of the interface part 7 when the tightening torque is applied to the fixing element 25, the pre-holding and anti-rotation tab 27 being pressed against the edge of the orifice 29 when a tightening torque is applied, which causes anti-rotation to ensure the correct position of the support once screwed.

[0057] This makes it possible to avoid, in particular, misalignment of the fixing interface 11 carried by the lower interface plate 13 of the interface part 7 with the fixing interface 9 carried by the rear deflector 3.

[0058] Reference is made to [Fig.5] showing the interface part 7 seen in perspective and to [Fig.6] showing the interface part 7 seen from the side.

[0059] The interface part 7 is for example made of steel. In one embodiment, the thickness E of the interface part 7 may be equal to approximately 2 mm.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the upper interface plate 23 and the lower interface plate 13 are connected to each other by a central connecting plate 35.

[0061] According to an optional arrangement of the invention, the angle α provided between the lower interface plate 13 and the central connecting plate 35 may be greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°. Also, the angle β between the upper interface plate 23 and the central connecting plate 35 is greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°. This allows for good positioning of the assembly tool (not shown) used by an operator to assemble the interface part 7 on the bar anti-roll 5, this tool having a relatively high height. In this way, the ergonomics of the operator's position are improved.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the central connecting plate 35 comprises a stiffening stamping 37 of the interface part 7, extending longitudinally relative to the central connecting plate 35. As a variant, several stiffening stampings 37 can be made on the central connecting plate 35.

[0063] As goes without saying, the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this interface part for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, of this rear axle comprising such an interface part and of this motor vehicle comprising such a rear axle, described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary it embraces all the variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Interface part (7) for rear axle (1) of a motor vehicle, made of metallic material, said interface part (7) being characterized in that it comprises: - an upper interface plate (23), comprising a fixing interface (21) shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface (17) carried by an anti-roll bar (5) of a body structure of said motor vehicle, - a lower interface plate (13), comprising a fixing interface (11) shaped to cooperate with a fixing interface (9) carried by a rear deflector (3), - a pre-holding and anti-rotation tab (27),extending in projection relative to said upper interface plate (23) and being shaped to penetrate an orifice (29) made on said anti-roll bar (5) when said fixing interface (21) carried by said upper interface plate (23) cooperates with said fixing interface (17) carried by said anti-roll bar (5), said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab (27) comprising a retaining edge (31) shaped to bear against an upper face (33) of said anti-roll bar (5) when said pre-holding and anti-rotation tab (27) penetrates said orifice (29) made on said anti-roll bar (5).,

2. Interface part (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper interface plate (23) and said lower interface plate (13) are connected to each other by a central connecting plate (35).

3. Interface part (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle (a) between said lower interface plate (13) and said central connecting plate (35) is greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°.

4. Interface part (7) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the angle (|3) between said upper interface plate (23) and said central connecting plate (35) is greater than approximately 80° and less than approximately 90°.

5. Interface part (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness (E) of said interface part (7) is substantially equal to approximately 2 mm.

6. Interface part (7) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 or according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that said central connecting plate (35) comprises at least one stiffening stamping (37) of said interface part (7), extending longitudinally relative to said central connecting plate (35).

7. Interface part (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said interface part (7) is made of steel.

8. Rear axle (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a rear deflector (3), mounted at the level of an underbody of said motor vehicle, designed to allow a flow of water which passes under said motor vehicle, comprising a fixing interface (9), - an anti-roll bar (5), mounted opposite said rear deflector (3), above said rear deflector (3), comprising a fixing interface (17), - an interface piece (7), connecting on the one hand said rear deflector (3) and on the other hand said anti-roll bar (5),said rear axle (1) being characterized in that said interface part (7) is according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and in that said fixing interface (21) of said upper interface plate (23) cooperates with said fixing interface (17) carried by said anti-roll bar (5) and in that said fixing interface (11) of said lower interface plate (13) cooperates with said fixing interface (9) carried by said rear deflector (3).,

9. Motor vehicle comprising a rear axle (1), characterized in that said rear axle (1) is according to claim 8.

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