Protective device against gravel impact on a motor vehicle shock absorber

Abstract

This assembly comprises a crossmember (2) of a motor vehicle axle and a tubular shock absorber (3) oriented along a longitudinal axis (X) and bearing on the crossmember (2). The assembly further comprises a protective device (1) having a base (4) fixed to the crossmember (2) and integral with a screen (5) covering at least part of the shock absorber (3), so as to protect the shock absorber (3) against the impact of gravel. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting against the impact of gravel on a motor vehicle shock absorber technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of anti-gravel protection devices for motor vehicle shock absorbers. Previous techniques

[0002] In the prior art, protection against gravel spray of the shock absorbers and the cross members that support them is obtained by means of applying a protective layer to their external surface, most often by spraying wax under pressure carried out by an operator.

[0003] Although this solution provides good protection against the risks of gravel abrasion and corrosion when properly implemented, it remains costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, it requires specialized personnel. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to provide an effective, inexpensive, easy-to-implement, and standardizable anti-gravel protection device.

[0005] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a cross member of a motor vehicle train and a tubular shock absorber oriented along a longitudinal axis and bearing on the cross member.

[0006] The assembly further includes a protective device having a base fixed on the cross member and attached to a screen covering at least part of the shock absorber, so as to protect the shock absorber against the impact of gravel.

[0007] As will be understood from the definition just given, the invention proposes a protective device arranged above the shock absorber and fixed to the crossmember. In the event of a projection of gravel or gravel, the screen and the base of the device provide protection for the shock absorber and the crossmember respectively against impacts.

[0008] Preferably, the screen extends along the longitudinal axis between a first free end and a second end fixed to the base. This configuration facilitates the implementation of the device, by fixing the device on only one side.

[0009] For example, the screen covers the shock absorber over a distance ranging from 20% to 100% of the length of a tube of the shock absorber.

[0010] According to one feature, the screen has a cross-section that can be chosen from a U-shaped section, a C-shaped section or a circular arc-shaped section.

[0011] Advantageously, the assembly includes a gap between the screen and the shock absorber. This configuration allows free movement of the shock absorber.

[0012] According to another feature, the clearance is variable along the screen between a first value corresponding to the first end and a second value corresponding to the second end, the first value being greater than the second value. Such clearance further facilitates the movement of the shock absorber.

[0013] Preferably, the base includes two fixing lugs, each intended to cooperate with fixing means arranged on the crossbar and oriented along two fixing axes substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0014] For example, the protection device is a single piece.

[0015] Advantageously, the protective device is equipped with stiffening means. Such stiffening means make it possible to reduce the mass of the device by arranging the material optimally while respecting given stiffness criteria.

[0016] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one assembly as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a device for protection against the impact of gravel according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0019] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the whole of [Fig.1] without the protective device. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0020] As shown in [Fig. 1], a stone chip protection device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is fixed to a crossmember 2 of a motor vehicle axle. A tubular shock absorber 3 bears against the crossmember 2 and is oriented along a longitudinal axis X.

[0021] The protective device 1 is provided with a base 4 fixed to the cross member 2 and integral with a screen 5. The screen 5 covers at least part of the shock absorber 3, so as to protect it against the impact of gravel. In other words, the screen 5 masks the shock absorber 3 and forms a physical barrier that prevents gravel from reaching the shock absorber 3.

[0022] The screen 5 is oriented along the longitudinal axis X and extends between a first free end 5a and a second end 5b opposite the first free end 5a and attached to the base 4. Preferably, the screen 5 covers the shock absorber 3 over a distance from 20% to 100% of the length of a tube 3a of the shock absorber 3.

[0023] Preferably, the screen 5 is not in contact with the damper 3, but is disposed at a predetermined distance corresponding to a clearance, referenced "e", between the screen 5 and the damper 3, so as to facilitate the movement of the damper 3. According to one embodiment, the clearance "e" is variable along the screen 5, between a first value corresponding to the free end 5a and a second value corresponding to the end 5b fixed to the base 4. For example, the first value is greater than the second value, so as to allow a greater movement of the damper 3 on the side of the free end 5a.

[0024] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the screen 5 has a U-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a cross-section of a different shape, for example a C-shaped section or a circular arc-shaped section.

[0025] The base 4 includes two fixing tabs 6, each intended to cooperate with fixing means 7 arranged on the cross member 2 ([Fig.2]).

[0026] It should be noted that identical or similar elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0027] Preferably, the mounting lugs 6 are attached to the cross member 2 by any suitable fastening means 7, for example by tightening with a screw and nut system. Alternatively, the base 4 can be attached to the cross member 2 by welding or by embedding.

[0028] Here, the fixing means 7 are oriented along two fixing axes A, B substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0029] In order to reinforce the screen 5, the latter may also include stiffening means 8, for example: one or more corrugations, ribs, or rim, or a combination thereof.

[0030] Advantageously, the protective device 1 is monobloc, that is to say, it is made in one piece. The protective device 1 is, for example, made of metal or plastic, so as to facilitate its manufacture.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly comprising a cross member (2) of a motor vehicle train and a tubular shock absorber (3) oriented along a longitudinal axis (X) and bearing on said cross member (2), characterized in that said assembly further comprises a protection device (1) having a base (4) fixed on said cross member (2) and integral with a screen (5) covering at least part of said shock absorber (3), so as to protect said shock absorber (3) against the impact of gravel.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said screen (5) extends along said longitudinal axis (X) between a first free end (5a) and a second end (5b) fixed to said base (4).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said screen (5) covers said shock absorber (3) over a distance from 20% to 100% of the length of a tube (3a) of said shock absorber (3).

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said screen (5) has a cross-section selectable from a U-shaped section, a C-shaped section or a circular arc-shaped section.

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a set (e) between said screen (5) and said damper (3).

6. Assembly according to claim 5 dependent on claim 2, wherein said clearance (e) is variable along said screen (5) between a first value corresponding to the first end (5a) and a second value corresponding to the second end (5b), said first value being greater than said second value.

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said base (4) comprises two mounting lugs (6) each intended to cooperate with mounting means (7) disposed on said cross member (2) and oriented along two mounting axes (A, B) substantially perpendicular to each other.

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said protective device (1) is monobloc.

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said protective device (1) is provided with stiffening means (8).

10. Motor vehicle comprising at least one assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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