Car body arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a body arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, the body arrangement (1) comprising an upper span (10) forming a high path for transmitting forces in the body arrangement (1), a central leg integral with the upper span (10) and extending from the upper span (10) towards a lateral side member, a central roof hoop (15) extending perpendicularly to the upper span (10) towards the interior of the motor vehicle, a hoop lining (101) capping the upper span (10) and comprising a docking platform (102) for a lateral end of the central roof hoop (15). According to the invention, the berthing platform (102) includes a stiffening element (16) cooperating with the central flag hoop (15) so as to reinforce the rigidity of the berthing platform (102) and to improve the transmission of forces to the central flag hoop (15).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle body arrangement

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the structural elements of motor vehicles, and in particular those contributing to the passive safety of the occupants. More specifically, the invention relates to a body arrangement for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the prior art, body arrangements forming a chassis for a motor vehicle are known. These body arrangements aim to define not only an assembly platform for the numerous components equipping such a motor vehicle, but also to define a rigid structure capable of transmitting mechanical forces, during the driving phases of the motor vehicle of course, but also during accident sequences in order to protect the occupants of the motor vehicle.

[0003] In particular, such body arrangements define, among other things, a lower load path and an upper load path. The lower load path is typically located under a passenger compartment floor and extends from the front to the rear of the motor vehicle, and on either side of each lateral edge, across the motor vehicle. The lower load path thus directs the mechanical energy and forces resulting from a frontal impact at the front or rear bumpers of the motor vehicle towards the side members and the wheels. The upper load path, for its part, distributes these forces towards structural elements forming the roof of the motor vehicle, and maintains a closed structure within the passenger compartment, ensuring the safety and physical integrity of its occupants.

[0004] Such force transmission pathways are essential for the passive safety of the occupants of the motor vehicle.

[0005] In particular, such motor vehicles are known to have, on each lateral edge:

[0006] - a side member which extends along the lower track along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle automobile;

[0007] - a high passageway formed by a bay jamb and a pavilion arch extending along the longitudinal axis and directly above the lateral stringer;

[0008] - a front pillar, a central pillar and a rear pillar which connect the lateral longitudinal member to the high channel for transmitting forces;

[0009] - a central pavilion arch that connects the upper track located on the left side of the motor vehicle to the one on the right.

[0010] In a known manner, in order to guarantee the connection between the bay jamb and the central pavilion arch at the level of the central foot of the known box arrangements, the use of a gusset forming an intermediate piece allowing the connection of the central pavilion arch on the one hand, with the bay jamb and the pavilion arch on the other hand.

[0011] This intermediate piece – the connecting gusset – not only ensures the connection between the various parts contributing to the force transmission pathways mentioned above, but also allows for the attachment of a roll bar lining and the central roof bar. Thus, the connecting gusset forms an essential mechanical interface component for assembling known body structures. It also guarantees the proper transfer of forces resulting from a lateral impact between the window frame and the central roof bar.

[0012] The invention particularly addresses cabinet arrangements lacking such a connecting gusset. In such cabinet arrangements, the central bell hoop is attached directly to the hoop lining. However, such a hoop lining does not efficiently transfer the forces resulting from a lateral impact to the central bell hoop, and significant deformation—or even breakage—occurs at the connection point between the hoop lining and the central bell hoop.

[0013] Of course, this situation is not desirable.

[0014] The present invention aims to propose a new case arrangement in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to reinforce the robustness of the connection between the hoop lining and the central pavilion hoop.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to improve the transmission of forces between the hoop lining and the central pavilion hoop.

[0017] Another object of the invention is not to increase the mass of such a box structure.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a body arrangement for a motor vehicle, the body arrangement comprising:

[0019] - an upper span forming a high channel for transmitting forces in the crate arrangement, the upper span extending along a longitudinal axis;

[0020] - a central foot attached to the upper span and extending from the span superior in the direction of a lateral spar;

[0021] - a central pavilion arch extending from the upper span along an axis transversal;

[0022] - a hoop lining covering the upper span, the hoop lining comprising a docking platform for the central flag hoop, one lateral end of the central flag hoop being fixed securely to the hoop lining at the level of said docking platform.

[0023] According to the invention, the berthing platform includes a stiffening element cooperating with the central flag hoop.

[0024] 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 body arrangement according 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 rear or from rear 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.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the upper span forms a prismatic span extending vertically from the side member, along the longitudinal axis. The upper span delimits the passenger compartment at the level of the roof of the motor vehicle. The upper span is connected to a lower load transmission route via—at least—the central support. The upper span may be formed of one or more interconnected parts, particularly at the central support, the upper end of which forms a connecting interface.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the central pillar is a structural element of the motor vehicle located on a lateral side of the vehicle, at the level of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The central pillar is situated between the first-row seats and the second-row seats of the motor vehicle. The central pillar forms a rigid element connecting a lower load-bearing element—in particular a side member—to an upper load-bearing element—at the level of the roof. The central support forms a prismatic span that extends primarily along the vertical axis. For example, the central support is configured to support the hinges of a rear door of a motor vehicle.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the central roof hoop extends transversely across the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and at the level of the roof. The central roof hoop forms a span that is fixed, at each of its lateral ends, to the upper span of the body arrangement according to the invention. The central roof hoop is made of a rigid material, such as, for example, steel. The central roof hoop is shaped by stamping. Generally, the central roof hoop takes the form of a sheet metal formed by stamping.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the hoop lining comprises a rebate covering the upper span. The hoop lining covers the upper span. The hoop lining extends primarily along the longitudinal axis. The hoop lining is formed from a rigid material, such as, for example, a metallic material, such as steel. The hoop lining is shaped by stamping. Generally, the hoop lining takes the form of a sheet metal piece shaped by stamping.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the docking platform forms a protrusion extending outward from the roll bar lining along the transverse axis. The docking platform extends inward toward the interior of the motor vehicle equipped with the body arrangement according to the invention. The docking platform is configured to accommodate the lateral end of the central roof roll bar, so as to facilitate its installation and securing. In the context of the present invention, the docking platform is formed from the same material as the rest of the roll bar lining, such that the docking lining and the roll bar lining are produced from the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one or both being wholly or partially damaged or destroyed.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the stiffening element is a reinforcement element of the docking platform, designed to prevent its deformation in the event of a lateral impact against the body arrangement according to the invention, under normal operating conditions, including standardized accident scenarios. The stiffening element is configured to improve the strength and mechanical rigidity of the docking platform, compared to known docking platforms that lack it. In the context of the present invention, "made from the same material" means that the stiffening element and the docking platform are produced from the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one or both being wholly or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0031] Thus, the body arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem mentioned above, in that it allows direct attachment of the central roof hoop to the hoop lining. Furthermore, the stiffening element of the hoop lining increases its rigidity and allows for better transmission of forces to and from the central roof hoop.

[0032] The case arrangement 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:

[0033] - the stiffening element is configured to reduce buckling of the docking platform of the roll bar lining and / or its bending and / or torsion in the event of loading following a lateral impact against the body structure according to the invention. The stiffening element has conformations - formed by stamping - which allow for better distribution of forces in the event of a lateral impact, and better transmission of them to the central roof roll bar;

[0034] - relative to the transverse axis, a width of the berthing platform of the The hoop lining is at least 40 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 90 mm. Generally, the berthing platform is dimensioned to allow the lateral end of the central flag hoop to rest against it;

[0035] - the docking platform is formed by a stamping of the arch lining. This advantageous configuration allows the cradle lining to be shaped economically;

[0036] - at the level of an upper face, the stamping forming the docking platform of The hoop lining extends over a length at least equal to the width of the central flag hoop, relative to the longitudinal axis. This advantageous configuration allows the central flag hoop to be easily positioned on the landing platform of the hoop lining. Preferably, the length of the stamping forming the landing platform of the hoop lining is between 100 mm and 200 mm, preferably equal to 150 mm, relative to the longitudinal axis;

[0037] - the stamped part forming the docking platform of the hoop liner has a The depth, relative to a vertical axis and from the upper face of the roll bar liner, is at least 3 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably 7 mm. The embossed section forming the landing platform creates a depression that facilitates the installation of the central roof roll bar. Furthermore, this recessed shape also promotes the proper transmission of forces between the cradle liner and the central roof roll bar at the landing platform in the event of a lateral impact.

[0038] - according to a first embodiment, the upper span is monolithic, that is to say, formed of a single piece extending along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper span comprises

[0039] - in the second embodiment, at its lateral end, The central roof hoop has a mounting flange configured to work with the docking platform. In other words, the mounting flange forms a docking lug that extends below a mid-section of the central roof hoop, relative to the vertical axis. The mounting flange is formed by stamping the central roof hoop. The mounting flange extends in line with the mid-section of the central roof hoop. The docking lug forming the mounting flange is located below the mid-section of the central roof hoop relative to the vertical axis. Relative to the vertical axis, the distance between the central section and the docking lug forming the mounting flange of the central roof hoop is at least a few millimeters, i.e., greater than or equal to 5 mm.Furthermore, relative to the vertical axis, the distance between the center of the central roof roll bar and the mounting platform of the roll bar liner is also at least a few millimeters, i.e., greater than or equal to 5 mm. Preferably, the distance along the vertical axis between the mounting edge and the center of the central roof roll bar and the midpoint of the central roof roll bar, or between the midpoint of the central roof roll bar and the roll bar liner, is between 8 mm and 15 mm. This advantageous configuration optimizes the available space in the roof area of ​​the vehicle and optimizes the transmission of forces between the roll bar liner and the central roof roll bar during a side impact.The berthing platform is thus particularly stressed and its geometry, complemented by the stiffening element associated with said berthing platform, makes it possible to improve this mechanical interface; .

[0040] - relative to the transverse axis, a width of the fixing rim is at least equal to 40 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 80 mm, preferably equal to 68 mm;

[0041] - the stiffening element comprises at least one stiffening rib which extends over the fixing edge of the central bellows hoop. In the context of the present invention, at least one stiffening rib has a protruding shape above the fixing edge of the central bellows hoop. In other words, the stiffening rib forms a fold that reinforces the mechanical structure of the fixing edge of the central bellows hoop;

[0042] - each at least one stiffening rib extends over a median portion of the central arch of the pavilion and on the fixing edge. Each at least one stiffening rib extends relative to the transverse axis;

[0043] - each at least one stiffening rib has a transverse "U-shaped" profile ", "V-shaped", or trapezoidal;

[0044] - more particularly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hoop central pavilion has two stiffening ribs which extend over the fixing rim, the stiffening ribs being parallel to each other and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis;

[0045] - the stiffening element comprises at least one additional groove of at least one groove in the central canopy frame, at least one additional groove being formed on the docking platform such that, when the lateral end of the central canopy frame is placed on the docking platform of the frame lining, at least one rib covers at least one groove. In the context of the present invention, the at least one additional groove has a projecting shape above the docking platform. In other words, the additional groove forms a fold that reinforces the mechanical structure of the docking platform;

[0046] - each at least one additional groove extends onto the platform docking, relative to the transverse axis. Each at least one additional groove extends relative to the transverse axis;

[0047] - each at least one complementary groove has a transverse profile "in U-shaped”, V-shaped, or trapezoidal.

[0048] - more particularly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the The berthing platform has two complementary grooves which extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a body arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0050] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0051] 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 by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0052] [Fig.1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of a crate arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0053] [Fig.2] illustrates a first detailed view of the case arrangement shown on the [Fig.l];

[0054] [Fig.3] illustrates a second detailed view of the case arrangement shown on the [Fig.l].

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0058] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle 2 on which the body arrangement 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0059] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction between one lateral side of the motor vehicle 2 and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle 2. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle 2 to a driver's side of said motor vehicle 2, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0060] 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 2. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0061] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle 2 and towards the roof of said motor vehicle 2, 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.

[0062] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention addresses a body arrangement 1 for a motor vehicle 2, the body arrangement 1 comprising:

[0063] - an upper span 10 forming a high channel for transmitting forces in the case arrangement 1, the upper span 10 extending along the longitudinal axis X. In particular, in the example of implementation illustrated in [Fig.1], the upper span 10 includes a bay jamb and a pavilion arch, the bay jamb extending in the continuation of the pavilion arch;

[0064] - a central foot 11 integral with the upper span 10 and extending from the upper span 10 towards a lateral stringer 12. The central pedestal 11 extends mainly along the vertical axis Z. The pavilion arch and the bay mullion are linked to each other at the level of the central pedestal 11;

[0065] - a central pavilion arch 15 extending from the upper span 10 along the transverse axis Y. The central roof arch 15 connects the upper left lane to the upper right lane of the motor vehicle 2;

[0066] - a hoop lining 101 covering the upper span 10. The hoop lining 101 forms a rebate for dressing the upper span 10, so that the arch lining 101 covers the upper span 10. The arch lining 101 extends predominantly along the longitudinal axis X, said arch lining 101 taking the form of a sheet metal formed by stamping.

[0067] In particular, in an area of ​​interest ZI highlighted in FIGURES 1 and 2, the roll cage lining 101 includes a docking platform 102 for the central roof roll cage 15. The docking platform 102 taking the form of a conformation which extends projecting from the roll cage lining 101, along the transverse axis Y and towards the interior of the motor vehicle 2. The docking platform 102 is configured to accommodate a lateral end of the central roof roll cage 15, so as to facilitate its placement and fixing.

[0068] The lateral end of the central flag hoop 15 is fixed securely to the hoop lining 101 at the level of said berthing platform 102. Indeed, the berthing platform 102 allows the lateral end of the central flag hoop 15 to be supported, said berthing platform 102 forming a shoulder for said lateral end of the central flag hoop 15.

[0069] According to the invention, at the level of the area of ​​interest ZI, the docking platform 102 comprises a stiffening element 16 cooperating with the central roof hoop 15. The stiffening element 16 forms a reinforcement element of the docking platform 102, with the aim of preventing or limiting its deformation during a lateral impact against the body arrangement 1. In particular, the stiffening element 16 is configured to reduce the buckling of the docking platform 102 of the hoop lining 101 and / or its bending and / or torsion in the event of loading following a lateral impact against the body structure according to the invention. The stiffening element 16 has contours—formed by stamping—that allow for better distribution of forces in the event of a lateral impact, and better transmission of these forces to the central roof hoop 15.

[0070] As can be seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, these conformations of the stiffening element 16 comprise:

[0071] - at least one, and preferably several, stiffening ribs 151 which extend along the central arch of pavilion 15; and

[0072] - at least one, and preferably several, complementary grooves 103 fitted on the berthing platform 102 of the arch lining 101. The additional grooves 103 are in equal number to the stiffening ribs 151 of the central flag arch 15, each additional groove 103 being associated with a stiffening rib 151.

[0073] The stiffening ribs 151 extend along the transverse axis Y, on the central pavilion arch 15, so as to reinforce it and increase its mechanical rigidity, in particular with regard to a bending or buckling movement resulting from a lateral impact.

[0074] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], each at least one stiffening rib 151 has a transverse profile that is "U-shaped", "V-shaped", or trapezoidal. Preferably, all the stiffening ribs 151 have the same transverse profile.

[0075] Cleverly, at each lateral end, the central canopy hoop 15 has a fixing flange 152 configured to cooperate with the docking platform 102. The fixing flange 152 forms a docking lug which extends below a middle portion of the central canopy hoop 15, relative to the vertical axis Z, the fixing flange 152 being configured to bear against the docking platform 102 of the hoop lining 101. For this purpose, the fixing flange 152 has dimensions and a shape compatible with the hoop lining 101.

[0076] The fixing rim 152 extends in line with the middle part of the central roof hoop 15. The docking tab forming the fixing rim 152 is located below the middle part of the central roof hoop 15 relative to the vertical axis Z. Relative to the vertical axis Z, a distance between the central part and the docking tab forming the fixing rim 152 of the central roof hoop 15 is at least equal to a few millimeters, i.e. greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0077] Of course, in order to maintain the mechanical performance of the middle part of the central horn hoop 15, the stiffening rib(s) 151 also extend over the fixing edge 152. The shape of the stiffening ribs 151 on the fixing edge 152 is preferably identical to that of the stiffening ribs 151 on the middle part of the central horn hoop 15.

[0078] On the side of the pavilion lining, the complementary grooves have a shape analogous to that of the stiffening ribs 151 of the central pavilion hoop 15. In other words, the additional grooves 103 are configured to accommodate and house the stiffening ribs 151 when the fixing edge 152 of the central flag hoop 15 is backed against the docking platform 102 of the hoop lining 101.

[0079] In particular, each additional groove 103 has a transverse profile that is "U-shaped", "V-shaped", or trapezoidal. More generally, the transverse profile of each additional groove 103 results from a homothetic expansion of the transverse profile of the stiffening rib 151 of the central bell arch 15 to which it is associated.

[0080] Finally, the docking platform 102 includes a part that extends outward from the hoop lining 101 towards the interior of the motor vehicle 2, relative to the transverse axis Y, and a part that takes the form of a depression on an upper face of the hoop lining 101. This depression is formed by stamping the hoop lining 101 in order to accommodate the fixing reinforcement of the central roof hoop 15.

[0081] In summary, the invention relates to a body arrangement 1 for a motor vehicle 2, the body arrangement 1 comprising an upper span 10 forming a high channel for transmitting forces within the body arrangement 1, a central support 11 integral with the upper span 10 and extending from the upper span 10 towards a lateral side member 12, a central roof hoop 15 extending perpendicularly to the upper span 10 towards the interior of the motor vehicle 2, a hoop lining 101 capping the upper span 10 and comprising a docking platform 102 for a lateral end of the central roof hoop 15. According to the invention, the docking platform 102 comprises a stiffening element 16 cooperating with the central roof hoop 15 so as to reinforce the rigidity of the docking platform 102 and to improve the transmission of forces to the central hoop of Pavilion 15.

[0082] 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 they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Body arrangement (1) for motor vehicle (2), the body arrangement (1) comprising: - an upper span (10) forming a high path for transmitting forces in the body arrangement (1), the upper span (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X); - a central leg (11) integral with the upper span (10) and extending from the upper span (10) towards a lateral side member (12); - a central roof arch (15) extending from the upper span (10) along a transverse axis (Y); - a hoop lining (101) covering the upper span (10), the hoop lining (101) comprising a docking platform (102) for the central flag hoop (15), a lateral end of the central flag hoop (15) being fixed securely to the hoop lining (101) at the level of said docking platform (102);characterized in that the berthing platform (102) includes a stiffening element (16) cooperating with the central flag hoop (15).;

2. Crate arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the docking platform (102) is formed by a stamping of the hoop lining (101) extending over a length at least equal to the width of the central flag hoop (15), relative to the longitudinal axis (X).

3. Crate arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at its lateral end, the central flag hoop (15) has a fixing rim (152) configured to collaborate with the docking platform (102).

4. Body arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the stiffening element (16) comprises at least one stiffening rib (151) which extends over the fixing rim (152) of the central roof hoop (15).

5. Body arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each at least one stiffening rib (151) extends over a median portion of the central roof hoop (15) and over the fixing rim (152).

6.

7.

8.

9. A body arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein each at least one stiffening rib (151) has a U-shaped, V-shaped, or trapezoidal transverse profile. A body arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the stiffening element (16) has at least one complementary groove (103) to the at least one groove of the central roof hoop (15), the at least one complementary groove (103) being formed on the docking platform (102) such that, when the lateral end of the central roof hoop (15) is placed on the docking platform (102) of the hoop lining (101), the at least one rib covers the at least one groove. Body arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each at least one additional groove (103) has a transverse profile in the shape of a U, V, or trapezoid. Motor vehicle (2) comprising a body arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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