front end of a motor vehicle incorporating an active inflatable system and motor vehicle comprising such a front end

Abstract

The invention relates to a front end (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a front bumper including a leading edge (9) arranged in the lower part of said front bumper, said leading edge extending along at least one leading-edge plane inclined forwards relative to a transverse plane of said motor vehicle. According to the invention, the front end includes a reversible inflatable system comprising at least one outer envelope (13) adapted to alternate between a retracted position and a deployed position in which said at least one outer envelope (13) defines a bulge relative to said leading edge (9). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Front end of a motor vehicle incorporating an active inflatable system and motor vehicle comprising such a front end. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, in particular to the field of passive safety of an all-terrain type motor vehicle in the event of a frontal collision.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a front face of a motor vehicle and to a vehicle comprising such a front face. Previous technique

[0003] A motor vehicle has a leading edge arranged in the lower part of the front bumper.

[0004] In a sedan-type motor vehicle, the leading edge is substantially vertical.

[0005] Behind the bumper, in the lower part of the vehicle, the front face includes an absorption beam system, effective in the event of a pedestrian collision and allowing better support in the event of a high-speed frontal collision.

[0006] In an "all-terrain" type vehicle, the leading edge extends globally in a plane inclined forwards, relative to a transverse plane of the vehicle.

[0007] This allows the vehicle to overcome obstacles such as access ramps or ditch exits, as well as slopes with significant inclines, while limiting the risk of damage to the front bumper, in particular the risk of the front bumper being torn off.

[0008] Thus, this type of architecture with an inclined leading edge offers better vehicle behavior in this type of situation, compared to a sedan-type vehicle with a substantially vertical leading edge.

[0009] However, the environment of the front face behind the leading edge in this type of architecture does not allow the integration of an absorber beam system of the type equipping vehicles with a vertical leading edge.

[0010] In the event of a frontal collision involving a motor vehicle with an inclined leading edge, the energy absorbed is low at the beginning of the impact. Furthermore, the absorbed energy is not uniform. Therefore, the vehicle decelerates in a suboptimal manner.

[0011] Also, the inclined shape of the leading edge has the effect of increasing the amount of air that rushes under the vehicle, which induces a low aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and for this purpose relates to a front face of a motor vehicle, comprising a front bumper including a leading edge arranged in the lower part of said front bumper, said leading edge extending along at least one leading plane inclined forward relative to a transverse plane of said motor vehicle, said front face being remarkable in that it includes a reversible inflatable system comprising at least one outer envelope adapted to pass alternately between a retracted position and a deployed position in which said at least one outer envelope defines a bulge relative to said leading edge.

[0013] Thus, by planning to equip the front of an all-terrain vehicle with such a reversible inflatable system, in the deployed position, the outer casing defines a bulge relative to the leading edge of the bumper and, in the retracted position, the leading edge remains inclined.

[0014] In this way, when the inflatable system is in its deployed position, the leading edge angle is increased, creating uniform support on the lower part of the bumper. Thus, in the event of a frontal collision, the lower part of the bumper is crushed at the level of the outer casing of the reversible inflatable system, which helps to dissipate some of the impact energy. This improves the vehicle's handling in a frontal collision, while maintaining the vehicle's obstacle-crossing capabilities when the inflatable system is in its retracted position.

[0015] Furthermore, increasing the angle of attack when the inflatable system is in its deployed position reduces the amount of air flowing under the vehicle, thus improving its aerodynamic efficiency. This improves the vehicle's air penetration, thereby reducing fuel consumption. When the vehicle is electric, this allows for a reduction in the size of the traction battery, and consequently, a reduction in its mass.

[0016] According to optional features of the front face according to the invention: - the passage from said retracted position to said deployed position is obtained by introducing a gaseous fluid inside said at least one outer envelope of said reversible inflatable system; - said at least one outer casing of said reversible inflatable system includes a means of escaping the gaseous fluid; - a front part of said at least one outer envelope of said reversible inflatable system is contained in a substantially vertical plane when said reversible inflatable system occupies said deployed position; - said reversible inflatable system is controlled by a control device coupled to a computer of said motor vehicle, said control device being adapted to allow the passage of said at least one outer envelope from said retracted position to said deployed position when said motor vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed; - said reversible inflatable system is controlled via a control means accessible from a passenger compartment of said motor vehicle; - said front bumper comprises an outer skin, and said at least one outer casing of said reversible inflatable system defines at least a part of said outer skin of said front bumper; - said at least one outer casing is made of an elastomeric material; - said at least one outer envelope defines a single-chamber compartment or a two-chamber compartment or a three-chamber compartment.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a front face, remarkable in that said front face is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] is a side view of a front face of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0020] [Fig.2] is an enlargement of zone II of [Fig.1], the inflatable system being shown in retracted position.

[0021] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2], the inflatable system being shown in the deployed position.

[0022] [Fig.4] is a side view of a front face of a sedan-type vehicle not part of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.5] is a top view of the front face according to the invention, the inflatable system being according to a first embodiment.

[0024] [Fig.6] is a top view of the front face according to the invention, the inflatable system being according to a second embodiment.

[0025] [Fig.7] is a top view of the front face according to the invention, the inflatable system being according to a third embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.8] is a top view of the front face according to the invention, the inflatable system being according to a fourth embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0027] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0028] By convention, and without limitation, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations will be adopted as indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle.

[0029] In what follows, the terms "left", "right", "lower" and "upper" are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Reference is made to [Fig.1], which is a side view of a front face 1 of a motor vehicle 3 according to the invention.

[0032] Vehicle 3 is an all-terrain vehicle type vehicle.

[0033] For example, but not necessarily, vehicle 3 may be of the electric type with battery (motor vehicle known as “BEV”, Anglo-Saxon acronym for “Battery Electric Vehicle”) or of the hybrid type comprising a thermal engine and an electric motor which operate simultaneously or alternately so as to reduce the power consumed by the motor vehicle, for example a plug-in hybrid vehicle (motor vehicle known as “PHEV”, English acronym for “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle”).

[0034] The front face 1 of the vehicle 3 includes a front bumper 5 having an outer skin 7 whose function is primarily aesthetic. A leading edge 9 of the vehicle 3 is arranged in the lower part of the front bumper 5.

[0035] The leading edge 9 extends in an attack plane PA inclined towards the front of the vehicle 3 relative to a transverse plane (V, T) of the vehicle 3. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the attack plane PA is inclined at an angle α equal to approximately 45° with respect to the horizontal.

[0036] According to the invention, the front face 1 comprises a reversible inflatable system 11, the operation of which is detailed with reference to Figures 2 and 3, to which reference is now made, and showing an enlargement of zone II of [Fig. 1], the inflatable system 11 being represented respectively in retracted position and in deployed position.

[0037] The reversible inflatable system 11 includes an outer envelope 13 adapted to alternately pass between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the outer envelope 13 defines a bulge relative to the leading edge 9.

[0038] The transition from the retracted position to the deployed position of the outer envelope 13 is achieved by introducing a gaseous fluid inside the outer envelope 13.

[0039] According to one provision, the outer casing 13 includes a means for escaping the gaseous fluid contained inside the outer casing 13, for example one or more exhaust valves (not shown).

[0040] When the outer envelope 13 is in the deployed position, the shape of the outer envelope 13 defines a leading edge 9' in which the angle of attack is increased compared with that defined by the leading edge 9, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0041] When the outer envelope 13 is in the retracted position, the outer envelope 13 does not form a bulge relative to the leading edge 9 of the motor vehicle 3.

[0042] The operation of the inflatable system 11 of the invention is as follows.

[0043] When the inflatable system 11 occupies its deployed position, the angle of attack of the leading edge 9' is increased compared with that defined by the leading edge 9.

[0044] This makes it possible to create a homogeneous support in the lower part of the front bumper 5, unlike the situation in which the inflatable system 11 is retracted, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0045] In the event of a frontal impact on the vehicle 3 when the inflatable system 11 is deployed, the outer casing 13 initially absorbs some of the forces induced by the frontal impact. Subsequently, the gaseous fluid present in the outer casing 13 is expelled through the exhaust system, which manages the pressure during the change in shape of the outer casing 13 as the frontal impact unfolds, thus preventing the outer casing 13 from rupturing.

[0046] When the inflatable system 11 is in its retracted position, the vehicle 3 retains its obstacle-crossing properties, the leading edge 9 remaining inclined.

[0047] In one embodiment, the transition from the retracted to the deployed position of the inflatable system 11 can be performed systematically, for example, when the vehicle 3 exceeds a predetermined speed. To achieve this, the inflatable system 11 can be controlled by a control device (not shown) coupled to a computer in the vehicle 3. Thus, above the predetermined speed, the inflatable system 11 moves from its retracted to its deployed position, and when the vehicle decelerates below the predetermined speed, the inflatable system 11 moves from its deployed to its retracted position. In one example embodiment, the predetermined speed can be between approximately 50 km / h and approximately 60 km / h.

[0048] In another embodiment, the alternating transition between the retracted and deployed positions of the inflatable system 11 can be achieved at the driver's request, independently of the vehicle's speed 3, via a control means accessible from the passenger compartment, so that the alternating transition between the retracted and deployed positions of the inflatable system 11 can to be carried out manually by the driver, by actuating the control means.

[0049] In another embodiment, the inflatable system 11 can occupy its retracted position only when the vehicle 3 is used in off-road mode, regardless of its speed. In this case, the transition from the deployed to the retracted position can be initiated by the driver via a control accessible from the passenger compartment, or automatically when the vehicle 3 is operating in off-road mode.

[0050] In one embodiment, the inflatable system 11 can be fixed inside the front bumper 5.

[0051] In a first embodiment, the outer skin 7 of the front bumper 5 can be made of an elastic material, for example of an elastomeric material.

[0052] In a second embodiment, the skin 7 of the front bumper 5 can be mounted pivoting about a substantially transverse axis so as to free up, when pivoting, a space suitable for allowing the deployment of the outer envelope 13. In this case, it is not necessary for the outer skin 7 of the front bumper 5 to be made of an elastic material.

[0053] Alternatively, the inflatable system 11 can be fixed to the outside of the front bumper 5, on the outer skin 7 of the front bumper 5.

[0054] The outer casing 13 of the inflatable system 11 can be made of an elastomeric material. For example, the outer casing 13 is made of synthetic rubber.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, when the inflatable system 11 is in its deployed position, a front portion 15 of the outer casing 13 is substantially contained within a substantially vertical plane Pv. Thus, when the inflatable system 11 is in its deployed position, the outer casing 13 has an aerodynamic shape comparable to that of a leading edge 109 of a sedan-type vehicle 103, illustrated in [Fig. 4] showing a side view of the front 101 of a sedan-type vehicle 103, which is not part of the invention.

[0056] The front part 15 of the outer casing 13 can be flat or curved, or follow a three-dimensional surface according to style or architectural requirements of the vehicle 3.

[0057] Reference is made to figures 5 to 8 showing the front face 1 of the vehicle 3 in top view, respectively according to a first, second, third and fourth embodiment of the inflatable system 11.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the outer casing 13 defines a single-chamber compartment 17 extending in a transverse direction from the vehicle 3. In such an embodiment, the air inlet for the cooling system the vehicle can for example be arranged in the upper part of vehicle 3. Alternatively, when vehicle 3 is of the electric type, the air intake can be removed, for example through the use of a closed circuit system.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the outer casing 13 defines a two-chamber compartment 19 extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle 3. This allows better management of the internal pressure of the chambers of the two-chamber compartment 19 during the inflation of the outer casing 13 and during crushing in the event of a frontal impact suffered by the vehicle 3.

[0060] The chambers of the two-chamber compartment 19 can be separated from each other, as shown in [Fig. 6]. This allows for the creation of an opening in the central part of the front face 1 of the vehicle 3, enabling the definition of an air inlet for the cooling system of the vehicle 3.

[0061] The chambers of the two-chamber compartment 19 can be placed side by side, as shown in [Fig. 7]. In this case, the air inlet configuration for the vehicle's cooling system is similar to that used when the outer casing 13 defines a single-chamber compartment 17.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the outer casing 13 defines a three-chamber compartment 21 extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle 3. This allows for even better management of the internal pressure of the chambers of the three-chamber compartment 21 during the inflation of the outer casing 13 and during crushing in the event of a frontal impact suffered by the vehicle 3.

[0063] Different sizes and shapes of outer casing are possible. Several outer casings 13 arranged in parallel or in series can equip the inflatable system 11.

[0064] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this front face and of this motor vehicle comprising such a front face, described above only by way of illustrative examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Front face (1) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising a front bumper (5) including a leading edge (9) arranged in the lower part of said front bumper (5), said leading edge (9) extending along at least one leading plane (PA) inclined forward relative to a transverse plane of said motor vehicle (3), said front face (1) being characterized in that it comprises a reversible inflatable system (11) comprising at least one outer envelope (13) adapted to pass alternately between a retracted position and a deployed position in which said at least one outer envelope (13) defines a bulge relative to said leading edge (9).

2. Front face (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage from said retracted position to said deployed position is obtained by introducing a gaseous fluid inside said at least one outer envelope (13) of said reversible inflatable system (11).

3. Front face (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one outer envelope (13) of said reversible inflatable system (11) comprises a means for escaping the gaseous fluid.

4. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a front part of said at least one outer envelope (13) of said reversible inflatable system (11) is contained in a substantially vertical plane (Pv) when said reversible inflatable system (11) occupies said deployed position.

5. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said reversible inflatable system (11) is controlled by a control device coupled to a computer of said motor vehicle (3), said control device being adapted to allow the passage of said at least one outer envelope (13) from said retracted position to said deployed position when said motor vehicle (3) exceeds a predetermined speed.

6. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said reversible inflatable system (11) is controlled by means of a control means accessible from a passenger compartment of said motor vehicle (3).

7. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said front bumper (5) comprises an outer skin (7), characterized in that said at least one outer envelope (13) of said reversible inflatable system (11) defines at least a part of said outer skin (7) of said front bumper (5).

8. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one outer casing (13) is made of an elastomeric material.

9. Front face (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one outer casing (13) defines a single-chamber compartment (17) or a two-chamber compartment (19) or a three-chamber compartment (21).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a front face (1), characterized in that said front face (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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