Bumper assembly for a motor vehicle chassis structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a bumper assembly (1) for a chassis structure (10) of a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly (1) comprising a cross member (11) which extends across the chassis structure (10) of the motor vehicle, the cross member (11) being connected to the chassis structure (10) via a first shock absorption system (12A) located at a first lateral end of the cross member (11) and a second shock absorption system (12B) located at a second lateral end of the cross member (11). The crossmember (11) is not monolithic and comprises a first span (111) extending from the first shock absorption system (12A), and a second span (112) extending from the second shock absorption system (12B). The bumper assembly (1) includes a connecting member (13) joining the first span (111) and the second span (112). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Bumper assembly for a motor vehicle chassis structure

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of motor vehicle components located behind a motor vehicle bumper, and more particularly of protective assemblies configured to absorb an impact occurring at the front or rear of the motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a bumper assembly for a motor vehicle chassis structure.

[0002] In the prior art, bumper assemblies configured to absorb an impact occurring at the front or rear of the motor vehicle are known. During such an impact, these bumper assemblies dissipate the shock in order to protect components of the vehicle located further back, in particular components located in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle in the case of a front bumper, or components located in the trunk of the motor vehicle in the case of a rear bumper, as well as the occupants of said motor vehicle.

[0003] These bumper assemblies include at least one shock absorption system that connects the bumper—and in particular its crossmember—to a chassis structure of the motor vehicle. Each shock absorption system absorbs mechanical energy resulting from the impact against the bumper and, by deforming, dissipates it, preventing damage to other components of the motor vehicle and thus limiting repair costs.

[0004] In the case of an axial impact with minimal overlap, meaning the impact is located near a lateral end of the bumper crossmember, the entire bumper assembly must be replaced. This is because, despite the lateral location of the impact against the bumper, the kinematic coupling of the two lateral ends of the bumper crossmember, via the two shock-absorbing systems to which it is connected, leads to deformation of both shock-absorbing assemblies. Therefore, even if the impact is lateral, the entire bumper assembly must be replaced to repair the damaged vehicle.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a new set of bumpers in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to reduce repair costs in the event of a low overlap longitudinal impact, by improving the repeatability of such a bumper assembly.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a set of bumpers for a chassis structure of a motor vehicle, the set of bumpers comprising a cross member which extends across the chassis structure of the motor vehicle, the cross member being connected to the chassis structure by means of a first shock absorption system located at a first lateral end of the cross member and a second shock absorption system located at a second lateral end of the cross member.

[0008] According to the invention, the cross member comprises a first span extending from the first shock absorption system, and a second span extending from the second shock absorption system, the bumper assembly comprising a linking element from the first span to the second span.

[0009] 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 bumper assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a direction extending from front to 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.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the chassis structure forms a structural component of the motor vehicle. Located beneath the passenger compartment, the chassis structure extends primarily along the longitudinal and transverse axes of the motor vehicle, from a front bumper to a rear bumper. The chassis structure forms a subframe for the motor vehicle. Without limitation, the chassis structure comprises two side members, each extending along one lateral side of the motor vehicle. In the context of the present invention, the side member forms a prismatic span extending relative to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, at each lateral edge of said motor vehicle. The side members form structural elements The side members of the motor vehicle are structural components to which other parts of the vehicle are attached. These side members provide the rigidity necessary for the vehicle's operation, both during driving and in the event of an accident, by transmitting the resulting forces to shock absorbers or the vehicle's suspension components, for example. Side members are generally made of steel profiles, which contribute to the body structure's robustness.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, each shock absorption system is interposed between the bumper crossmember and the axial ends of the chassis structure. In the case of a front shock absorption system, each system extends between a front frame rail and the front bumper crossmember. In the case of a rear shock absorption system, each system extends between a rear end of the side rails and the rear bumper crossmember. The shock absorption system takes the form of longitudinally elongated bearing surfaces having a deformable cross-section which, when subjected to a longitudinal axial force, flattens and compresses relative to the longitudinal axis, thus dissipating a portion of the impact energy.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the crossmember forms a bumper crossmember. The bumper crossmember is a straight or curved beam that extends primarily along the transverse axis. The crossmember is rigidly fixed to the axial ends of the chassis structure—that is, to the front ends of the front frame rails in the case of a front bumper crossmember or to the rear ends of the side rails in the case of a rear bumper crossmember—via shock absorption systems. The crossmember thus forms an interface for transmitting forces to the chassis structure of the motor vehicle during a longitudinal impact.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, and particularly advantageously, the bumper crossmember is not monolithic; that is, it does not extend between the two lateral ends of the bumper assembly according to the invention by means of a single reinforcing beam. On the contrary, according to the invention, the bumper crossmember comprises two bearing surfaces—the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface—which are positioned in line with each other so as to form a single bumper crossmember. In other words, the first and second bearing surfaces forming the bumper crossmember extend collinearly relative to each other if the crossmember is straight, or along the continuity of their elongation in the case where the bumper crossmember is curved.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the connecting member is configured to allow the attachment of the first span with the second span forming the bumper crossmembers, at their central end, the connecting element thus forms an interface and connecting piece to which each first and second bearing are respectively attached at their central end, in order to link them to each other.

[0015] Thus, the bumper assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem by allowing decoupling between the first and second bearing surfaces at the connecting element. Indeed, in the event of a partial overlap impact, that is, a longitudinal impact offset on one lateral side of the bumper crossmember, then only—or primarily—the shock absorption system located opposite it will be impacted by the shock. This configuration advantageously spares the shock absorption system located on the opposite side and avoids having to replace it during subsequent repairs. In other words, in the event of a partial overlap impact, the invention makes it possible to reduce the replacement of parts to only the impacted half of the crossmember and its shock absorption system. The other half is not impacted by the shock since the second bearing surface is separate from the first.Of course, in the event of a full-coverage impact, both bearing surfaces of the bumper crossmember are affected. Thus, the invention makes it possible to offer a more modular bumper crossmember with lower repair costs than those of a monolithic crossmember.

[0016] The bumper assembly conforming 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:

[0017] - the connecting element is configured to make the first span fixed together and the second bearing surface. In other words, the first bearing surface is fixed rigidly to the connecting member, and the second bearing surface is fixed rigidly to the connecting member. The connecting member links the lateral ends of the first and second bearing surfaces, which are located opposite each other at a central part of the bumper assembly according to the invention. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the effect of a non-partial overlapping impact and therefore to limit the cost of repairs;

[0018] - the connecting member comprises a connecting flange, the connecting flange being configured to allow coupling of the first and second spans with the connecting flange by engaging complementary shapes. In particular, the connecting flange is configured to allow coupling of the free end of the first and second spans located on the central side of the bumper assembly with the connecting flange;

[0019] - the connecting flange has a complementary span to each first span and second span forming the crossbeam. In other words, the additional span of the connecting flange allows the first span of the crossbeam to be placed in direct extension of the second span of the crossbeam;

[0020] - according to a first embodiment, the additional scope is of the type female, the first and second spans forming the crossbar each being of the male type and engaging in the connecting flange. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the complementary span is of the male type, the first and second spans forming the crossbar each being of the female type and engaging in the connecting flange;

[0021] - the bumper assembly includes a third shock absorption system connecting the chassis structure to the connecting element. This advantageous configuration allows for the absorption of an impact occurring on the crossmember at its central point. In addition, this advantageous configuration improves the separation between the first and second spans of the crossmember;

[0022] - according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bumper assembly is of the type of a rear bumper assembly. Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the invention, the bumper assembly is of the type of a front bumper assembly.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a set of bumpers conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0024] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0025] 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:

[0026] [Fig. 1] illustrates a first three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of the bumper assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] illustrates a second three-dimensional view of an example embodiment of the bumper assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0028] 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 imagined comprising only a selection of features, which will be described hereafter in isolation from the others. characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0031] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the bumper assembly 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0032] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction between one side of the motor vehicle and the opposite side of the same motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of the same motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior, and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0033] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as if taken along a direction extending from front to rear or rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0034] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0035] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention addresses a bumper assembly 1 for a chassis structure 10 of a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly 1 comprising a cross member 11 extending across the chassis structure 10 of the motor vehicle, the cross member 11 being connected to the chassis structure 10 by means of a first shock absorption system 12A located at a first lateral end of the cross member 11 and a second shock absorption system 12B located at a second lateral end of the cross member 11. Cleverly, the cross member 11 comprises a first bearing 111 extending from the first shock absorption system 12A, and a second bearing 112 extending from the second shock absorption system 12B, the bumper assembly 1 comprising a connecting member 13 from the first bearing 111 to the second bearing 112.

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the first span 111 and the second span 112 are straight and form prismatic beams which extend longitudinally in front of the shock absorption systems 12A, 12B, 12C. More specifically, the first span 111 and the second span 112 are located in line with each other. In other words, the first span 111 is collinear with the second span 112, so that the first span 111 and the second span 112 together form a straight cross member 11.

[0037] The supports 111, 112 are butted together at their mid-section, that is, at a free end located opposite the other support 111, 112 of the cross member 11. Cleverly, the first support 111 is not directly attached to the second support 112. On the contrary, the invention provides that the first support 111 is fixed rigidly to the connecting member 13 and that the second support 112 is also fixed rigidly to the connecting member 13. Thus, the connecting member 13 forms an intermediate piece connecting the first support 111 and the second support 112.

[0038] The connecting member 13 is located in the central position of the bumper assembly 1, relative to the transverse axis Y. The connecting member 13 collaborates with each free end of the bearing surfaces 111, 112 of the cross member 11 located opposite each other and near a longitudinal axis X median of the bumper assembly 1.

[0039] The connecting member 13 forms a connecting flange. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the connecting flange forms a female element collaborating with the free ends of the bearing surfaces 111, 112 of the cross member 11, which are located opposite each other and near the median longitudinal axis X of the bumper assembly 1. These free ends of the bearing surfaces 111, 112 form male-type elements. Thus, the free ends of the bearing surfaces 111, 112 are configured to couple with the connecting member 13 by engaging complementary shapes. A cross-section of the connecting member 13 is complementary to a cross-section of the bearing surfaces of the cross member 11.

[0040] The connecting member 13 further includes a means for securing the bearing surfaces 111, 112 of the cross member 11. In particular, the securing means includes a screw fastening of each bearing surface 111, 112 to the connecting member 13. In particular, the first bearing surface 111 is screwed to the connecting member 13 by means of two fixing screws cooperating with the connecting member 13 and the free end of said first bearing surface 111 and located near the median longitudinal axis X of the bumper assembly 1. Similarly, the second bearing surface 112 is screwed to the connecting member 13 by means of two fixing screws cooperating with the connecting member 13 and the free end of said second bearing surface 112 and located near the median longitudinal axis X of the bumper assembly 1.

[0041] The bumper crossmember 11 is linked to the chassis structure 10 via several shock absorption systems 12A, 12B, 12C:

[0042] - a first shock absorption system 12A associated with the first span 111 of the cross member 11, at the level of a free lateral end of said cross member 11. The first shock absorption system 12A collaborates with the first span 111 via an assembly fitting 14. The assembly fitting forms a fixing plate of the lateral end of the first span 111 with the first shock absorption system 12A;

[0043] - a second shock absorption system 12B associated with the second range 112 of the cross member 11, at the level of a free lateral end of said cross member 11. The second shock absorption system 12B collaborates with the second span 112 via an assembly fitting 14. The assembly fitting forms a fixing plate of the lateral end of the second span 112 with the second shock absorption system 12B;

[0044] - a third shock absorption system 12C associated with the connecting member 13. The third shock absorption system 12C collaborates with the linking element 13 so as to form a support point on the chassis structure 10 located opposite.

[0045] According to the invention, the bumper assembly 1 as described herein can be of the type of a front bumper assembly 1 or a rear bumper assembly 1.

[0046] In summary, the invention relates to a bumper assembly 1 for a chassis structure 10 of a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly 1 comprising a cross member 11 extending across the chassis structure 10 of the motor vehicle, the cross member 11 being connected to the chassis structure 10 by means of a first shock absorption system 12A located at a first lateral end of the cross member 11 and a second shock absorption system 12B located at a second lateral end of the cross member 11. The cross member 11 is not monolithic and comprises a first bearing surface 111 extending from the first shock absorption system 12A, and a second bearing surface 112 extending from the second shock absorption system 12B, the bumper assembly 1 comprising a connecting member 13 joining the first bearing surface 111 and the second bearing surface 112.

[0047] 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. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Bumper assembly (1) for a chassis structure (10) of a motor vehicle, the bumper assembly (1) comprising a cross member (11) extending across the chassis structure (10) of the motor vehicle, the cross member (11) being connected to the chassis structure (10) via a first shock absorption system (12A) located at a first lateral end of the cross member (11) and a second shock absorption system (12B) located at a second lateral end of the cross member (11), characterized in that the cross member (11) has a first span (111) extending from the first shock absorption system (12A), and a second span (112) extending from the second shock absorption system (12B), the bumper assembly (1) comprising a connecting member (13) from the first span (111) to the second span (112).

2. Bumper assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting member (13) is configured to make the first bearing (111) and the second bearing (112) joined together.

3. Bumper assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting member (13) comprises a connecting flange, the connecting flange being configured to permit coupling of the first bearing (111) and the second bearing (112) with the connecting flange by engagement of complementary shapes.

4. Bumper assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting flange has a complementary bearing surface for each first bearing surface (111) and second bearing surface (112) forming the cross member (11).

5. Bumper assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the additional bearing is of the female type, the first bearing (111) and the second bearing (112) forming the cross member (11) each being of the male type and engaging in the connecting flange.

6. Bumper assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bumper assembly (1) comprises a third shock absorption system (12C) connecting the chassis structure (10) to the linking member (13).

7. Bumper assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bumper assembly (1) is of the type of a rear bumper assembly (1).

8. Motor vehicle comprising a set of bumpers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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