SUPPORT DEVICE FOR EQUIPMENT THAT IS TO BE COUPLED TO ANOTHER EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A support device (SD) supports a first piece of equipment (EQ1) to be coupled to a second piece of equipment (EQ2) comprising at least one first through hole (TT1), and includes a support piece (PS) having: - an intermediate wall (PAI1) having first (E1) and second (E2) opposing ends, - a coupling wall (PAC) extending the first end (E1) at a first predefined angle and coupled to a clip (AF) immobilized in the first through hole (TT1), and - a fixing wall (PAF) extending the second end (E2) at a second predefined angle and to which the first piece of equipment (EQ1) is fixed. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SUPPORT DEVICE FOR EQUIPMENT TO BE COUPLED TO ANOTHER EQUIPMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to support devices intended to equip a first piece of equipment, itself intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as for example that of vehicles (possibly automobiles), first equipment is used which must be coupled to second equipment.

[0003] For example, in a motor vehicle the second piece of equipment may be a structural member, and the first piece of equipment may be a cable, a fluid conduit, a deflector or a cable passage channel.

[0004] Very often, the first piece of equipment is arranged so as to be directly and permanently attached to the second piece of equipment concerned, which requires the presence of welded studs or screws and / or clip holes, or the use of added screws (or bolts) and nuts.

[0005] However, in some cases, a local constraint may necessitate relocating the first piece of equipment (or another piece of equipment it includes) from the second piece of equipment. This is the case, for example, in a motor vehicle when a very hot component (such as part of the exhaust system) is installed near the second piece of equipment. In this case, the dimensions of the first piece of equipment must be increased to move its sensitive part further away from the heat-producing component, which increases its weight, size, and cost, and in the case of a vehicle, also increases the consumption of motive power.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a support device intended to support a first piece of equipment, itself intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment comprising at least a first through hole.

[0008] This support device is characterized in that it comprises a support piece including:

[0009] - an intermediate wall comprising first and second opposite ends,

[0010] - a coupling wall extending this first end at a first angle predefined and designed to be coupled with a clip intended to be immobilized in the first through hole of the second piece of equipment, and

[0011] - a fixing wall extending this second end at a second angle predefined and on which the first equipment is suitable to be fixed.

[0012] Thus, by coupling this support device to a second piece of equipment via a clip, a first piece of equipment can be offset from this second piece of equipment, without needing to increase the dimensions of this first piece of equipment, which advantageously avoids increasing the weight, size and price of the latter.

[0013] The support device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - the coupling wall may include in the vicinity of the first end of the intermediate wall at least one anti-rotation tab suitable for being placed near the second piece of equipment in order to prevent the support piece from rotating relative to the latter in at least one direction of rotation;

[0015] - in the presence of the first option, the coupling wall may include on the one hand and on the other side of the first end two anti-rotation tabs designed to be placed near the second piece of equipment in two distant locations in order to prevent rotation of the support piece relative to the latter in opposite directions of rotation;

[0016] - also in the presence of the first option, each anti-rotation leg can extend substantially in a continuation of the intermediate wall having a disorientation with respect to the coupling wall of a third angle function of a fourth angle between first and second walls of the second equipment which extend each other, the first wall having the first through hole, and each anti-rotation tab being intended to be placed in front of the second wall;

[0017] - the coupling wall and fixing wall can be opposite each other;

[0018] - the fixing wall may include a second through hole adapted for the passage of a screw suitable for securing the first piece of equipment;

[0019] - in the presence of the last option, the fixing wall may include a face internal on which a nut is fixedly attached, intended for screwing the screw, in the extension of the second through hole;

[0020] - the coupling wall may include at least one clipping hole specific to to allow clipping of a clipping element of a coupling part of the clip participating in the coupling of the support part to the latter.

[0021] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising at least one second piece of equipment having at least one first through hole in which a clip is installed and immobilized, to which is coupled a support device of the type shown above and to which a first piece of equipment is attached. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a transverse plane and vertical, a portion of an example of a vehicle side member comprising a first through hole in which a clip is installed, to which is coupled a support device according to the invention, to which a deflector is attached,

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a part of the longeron of [Fig.1] comprising two clips to which are coupled respectively two support devices according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, one of the support devices of the [Fig.2] coupled to a clip, and

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view, the support device of the [Fig.1] coupled to its clip. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to provide a DS support device intended to support at least partially a first EQ1 equipment and to be coupled to an AF clip suitable for being installed in a first through hole TT1 of a second EQ2 equipment.

[0028] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the second piece of equipment EQ2 is intended to be part of a motor vehicle, such as a car. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the second piece of equipment EQ2 may be an independent device or apparatus or may be part of any system, and in particular of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an appliance (possibly a household appliance), an installation (possibly industrial), or a building.

[0029] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the second component EQ2 is considered to be a side member of a motor vehicle structure. However, the invention is not limited to this type of second component EQ2. It relates in fact to any type of second component comprising at least one wall having at least one through hole in which a clip can be fixedly installed.

[0030] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the first piece of equipment EQ1 is considered to be a deflector intended to house and protect, thermally and against the projection of gravel and stones, at least one liquid conduit. But The invention is not limited to this type of first equipment EQ1. It concerns in fact any type of first equipment that must be coupled to a second piece of equipment.

[0031] In figures 1 to 4 the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (here automobile), which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an example of a second piece of equipment EQ2 (here a motor vehicle side member) comprising a first wall PE1 with a first through hole TT1 in which a clip AF is installed and immobilized, coupled to which is coupled an example of an embodiment of a support device DS according to the invention, to which is attached a first piece of equipment EQ1 (here a deflector).

[0033] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.2], that the first wall PE1 of the second equipment EQ2 (here a spar) can include at least two first through holes TT1 in which are respectively installed and immobilized two clips AF to which are respectively coupled two support devices DS according to the invention suitable for supporting the same first equipment EQ1 or two first equipment EQ1 (possibly different).

[0034] Here, the spar EQ1 also includes a second wall PE1 extending upwards, substantially perpendicularly, from its first wall PE1.

[0035] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises a first intermediate wall PAU, a coupling wall PAC, and a fixing wall PAF.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the first intermediate wall PAU comprises first E1 and second E2 ends which are opposed to each other.

[0037] Also as illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the coupling wall PAC extends the first end El of the first intermediate wall PAU at a first predefined angle, and is suitable for being coupled to a clip AF intended to be installed and immobilized in a first through hole TT1 of the first wall PE1 of the second equipment EQ2.

[0038] Also as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the fixing wall PAF extends the second end E2 of the first intermediate wall PAU at a second predefined angle, and the first equipment EQ1 is suitable for being fixed to it (PAF).

[0039] Thanks to this DS support device, which is coupled to a second EQ2 unit via an AF clip, it is now possible to relocate a first EQ1 unit (possibly including at least one other piece of equipment) compared to the second piece of equipment EQ2, without increasing the dimensions of the first piece of equipment EQ1, which advantageously avoids increasing the weight, size and price of the latter (EQ1), but also in the case of a vehicle the consumption of motive energy.

[0040] It should be noted that in the illustrated example the offset is mainly along the vertical Z direction (here downwards). However, any other direction or combination of offset directions can be considered by adapting the shape of the support piece PS to local requirements.

[0041] It should also be noted that in the illustrated example the first angle (between the first intermediate wall PAU and the coupling wall PAC) is obtuse (it is slightly greater than 90°). But this first angle could be acute or right (90°).

[0042] It should also be noted that in the illustrated example the second angle (between the first intermediate wall PAU and the fixing wall PAF) is acute (it is slightly less than 90°). But this second angle could be obtuse or right.

[0043] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 4, the coupling wall PAC may include, in the vicinity of the first end El of the first intermediate wall PAU, at least one anti-rotation tab PARj. This tab (PARj), which constitutes an extension of the coupling wall PAC, is designed to be placed near the second piece of equipment EQ2 in order to prevent the support piece PS from rotating relative to the latter (EQ2) in at least one direction of rotation. It will be understood that such an anti-rotation tab PARj opposes the rotation of the support piece PS in at least one direction of rotation when it abuts against a part of the second piece of equipment EQ2 (here, its second wall PE2).

[0044] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 1 and 4, the coupling wall PAC comprises, on either side of the first end El of the first intermediate wall PAU, two anti-rotation tabs PARj (j = 1 or 2). These tabs (PAR1 and PAR2) are designed to be placed near the second component EQ2 at two distant locations to prevent the support piece PS from rotating relative to the latter (EQ2) in opposite directions. This provides good isostatic stability to the support piece PS and therefore to the part of the first component EQ1 that it supports. However, the coupling wall PAC could comprise a single anti-rotation tab PARj, preferably with a wider portion than the width illustrated in order to act in both directions of rotation.

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 4, each PARj anti-rotation leg can extend substantially in line with The first intermediate wall PAU is misaligned with respect to the coupling wall PAC, which forms a third angle based on a fourth angle between the first PE1 and second PE2 walls of the second equipment EQ2 (which are mutually extended). In this case, each anti-rotation tab PARj is intended to be placed in front of the second wall PE2, and it should be noted that the first wall PE1 contains each first through hole TT1.

[0046] It should be noted that in the illustrated example, the third angle (between each PARj anti-rotation pin and the first PAC coupling pin) is obtuse (it is slightly greater than 90°). This results from the fact that the fourth angle (between the first PE1 and second PE2 walls) is also obtuse (it is very slightly greater than 90°). However, this third angle could be acute or right-angled when the fourth angle is acute or right-angled.

[0047] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 4, the PAC coupling wall and the PAF fixing wall may be opposite each other. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the PAC coupling wall could extend relative to the first intermediate wall PAU in a direction opposite to the direction in which the PAF fixing wall extends relative to the first intermediate wall PAU.

[0048] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 and 4, the mounting wall PAF may include a second through hole TT2 which is adapted for the passage of a screw VF. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], this screw (VF) is used to secure the first equipment EQ1 to the support piece PS (which requires that it also pass through a dedicated third through hole TT3 defined in the first equipment EQ1).

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 4, the mounting wall PAF may include an inner face FI (oriented here towards the coupling wall PAC) to which a nut EF is fixedly attached in line with the second through hole TT2. This nut EF is intended for screwing the threaded rod of the screw VF. For example, this fastening may be achieved by welding or bonding. However, in an alternative embodiment, the second through hole TT2 could be threaded, and in this case, the nut EF is not required.

[0050] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the coupling wall PAC may include at least one clipping hole TC which is designed to allow the clipping of a clipping element EC to a coupling tab PCk of the clip AF which participates in the coupling of the support piece PS to the latter (AF). Here, the clipping element EC is a clipping tab having an inclined notch that fits into the clipping hole TC to couple (by clipping) the coupling wall PAC to the clip AF.

[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the coupling wall PAC may include at least one slot FP into which a coupling tab PCk of the clip AF is inserted when the support piece PS is coupled to the latter (AF). Each coupling tab PCk is then deformable, for example due to a thinner area over a distance greater than the thickness of the coupling wall PAC, so that it can be deformed in the corresponding slot FP and thus be subjected to stress to exert pressure on the coupling wall PAC when it reaches a final position relative to its slot FP, and thus allow it to be immobilized (or fixed).

[0052] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the AF clip comprises two coupling tabs PCk (k = 1 or 2) which are respectively inserted into two slots FP of the coupling wall PAC, in order to optimize the coupling (or fastening) of the support piece PS to the AF clip. However, it could be envisaged that the AF clip comprises only one coupling tab PCk (and in this case the coupling wall PAC comprises only one slot FP).

[0053] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the AF clip also includes a second intermediate wall PAI2 and a locking portion PII. The second intermediate wall PAI2 comprises first and second opposing faces to which the second intermediate wall PAI2 and each coupling tab PCk are respectively fixedly attached. The locking portion PII is designed to be inserted into a first through hole TT1 in the first wall PE1 of the second component EQ2, and then locked in place relative to the latter (EQ2).

Claims

Demands

1. Support device (SD) for a first piece of equipment (EQ1) intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment (EQ2) comprising at least one first through hole (TT1), characterized in that it comprises a support piece (PS) having i) an intermediate wall (PAU) having first (El) and second (E2) opposite ends, ii) a coupling wall (PAC) extending said first end (El) at a first predefined angle and adapted to be coupled to a clip (AF) intended to be immobilized in said first through hole (TT1), and iii) a fixing wall (PAF) extending said second end (E2) at a second predefined angle and adapted to be fixed said first piece of equipment (EQ1).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) comprises in the vicinity of said first end (El) at least one anti-rotation tab (PARj) suitable for being placed near said second equipment (EQ2) in order to prevent rotation of said support piece (PS) relative to the latter (EQ2), in at least one direction of rotation.

3. Support device according to claim 2, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) comprises on either side of said first end (El) two anti-rotation tabs (PARj) adapted to be placed near said second equipment (EQ2) in two distant locations in order to prevent rotational drives of said support piece (PS) relative to the latter (EQ2) in opposite directions of rotation.

4. Support device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each anti-rotation tab (PARj) extends substantially in a continuation of said intermediate wall (PAU) having a misorientation with respect to said coupling wall (PAC) of a third angle as a function of a fourth angle between first (PE1) and second (PE2) walls of said second equipment (EQ2) mutually extending, said first wall (PE1) comprising said first through hole (TT1), and each anti-rotation tab (PARj) being intended to be placed in front of said second wall (PE2).

5. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) and fixing wall (PAF) are opposite each other.

6. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said fixing wall (PAF) includes a second through hole (TT2) adapted for the passage of a screw (VF) suitable for securing said first equipment (EQ1).

7. Support device according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing wall (PAF) comprises an internal face (FI) on which a nut (EF) is fixedly attached, intended for screwing said screw (VF), in the extension of said second through hole (TT2).

8. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) includes at least one clipping hole (TC) suitable for allowing clipping of a clipping element (EC) of a coupling part (PCk) of said clip (AF) participating in the coupling of said support part (PS) to the latter (AF).

9. Vehicle comprising at least one second piece of equipment (EQ2) having at least one first through hole (TT1), characterized in that said second piece of equipment (EQ2) comprises at least one clip (AF) installed and immobilized in said first through hole (TT1) and to which is coupled a support device (DS) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, to which is attached a first piece of equipment (EQ1).

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said second equipment (EQ2) is a longitudinal member.

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