Multifunctional support device for motor vehicles

Abstract

TITLE: Multifunctional Support Device for Motor Vehicle A multifunctional support device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member (3) and a plurality of tie rods (4) configured to be fixed at least to a subframe and / or body structure of the vehicle (10) from below, a body (5) configured to support at least one first component, and a plurality of tabs (6) connected to the cross member (3) configured to support at least one second component and at least one third component. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Multifunctional support device for motor vehicles

[0001] The invention relates to a multifunctional support device for a motor vehicle and an arrangement comprising it. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising said support device and / or arrangement. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting an arrangement according to the invention.

[0002] In the automotive industry, it is common practice to equip the front structure of vehicles with multiple separate supports, configured to support different components located on the front end. Such supports are typically mounted on the subframe and / or the body structure of the vehicle, for example, by attaching them to reinforcement pieces and / or tie rods, separately from one another. However, such arrangements lead to a proliferation of part numbers and, consequently, an increase in the costs required for vehicle assembly. Furthermore, interventions on the vehicle, for example, during the assembly, replacement, or repair of a component or system located on the front end, can prove complex and time-consuming because they may require multiple assembly and disassembly procedures for systems and components that do not require specific intervention but hinder access to the targeted component or system.

[0003] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a support device for a vehicle, in particular a front compartment of a vehicle, allowing better accessibility to the various components and systems equipping the front structure of the vehicle, a simplification of the assembly and disassembly of the components equipping the vehicle and a reduction of the costs involved in fixing the various components.

[0004] The invention relates to a multifunctional support device for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a cross member and a plurality of tie rods, including at least two tie rods connected to ends of said cross member, configured to be fixed at least at the level of a cradle and / or a body structure of the vehicle from below so as to extend into contact with a lower surface of said cradle and / or said body structure; - a body configured to support at least one first component; - a plurality of legs, connected to the cross member, each leg comprising at least a first attachment zone, configured to carry at least a second component, such as a cable or conduit, and a second attachment zone configured to carry at least a third component, such as a cable or conduit.

[0005] In particular, the tie rods extend at least in part from a first side of a median plane, extending parallel to the cross member and dividing it in two, and the plurality of legs extends essentially from a second side, opposite to the first side, of said plane.

[0006] Optionally: - the support device further includes at least one support member connected to the crossmember capable of supporting an additional vehicle component; and / or - the cross member and / or the tie rods include openings suitable for receiving means of fixing so as to support at least one additional component.

[0007] According to alternative embodiments: - the cross member and the tie rods form a single unit; or - the tie rods are added and fixed to the cross member, in particular by welding or screwing.

[0008] Optionally, the plurality of tie rods includes an intermediate tie rod, disposed between the tie rods connected to the ends of the cross member and configured to be fixed at least at the level of the cradle and / or the body structure of the vehicle.

[0009] In particular, the legs are attached and: - attached to the crossbar by welding; or - attached to the crossbar by means of a fastening means.

[0010] Optionally: - the first and second attachment zones of the legs are arranged in separate, transverse planes, such that the second and third components extend at a non-zero distance along at least one direction; and / or - at least one of the legs is at least partially interposed between the second component and the third component along at least one direction.

[0011] The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising a support device according to the invention and comprising at least a first component, a second component and / or a third component selected from a fluid circulation conduit, a cable, a computer, a powertrain, a filter or an exhaust device of the vehicle.

[0012] Optionally the arrangement further includes at least one additional component selected from the same types of components.

[0013] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a cradle, a body structure and a support device and / or an arrangement according to the invention, the plurality of tie rods and / or the cross member being fixed at the level of at least one of the lower surfaces of the cradle and the body structure from below so as to extend into contact with it, said lower surfaces being configured to be turned towards a ground on which the vehicle is placed.

[0014] In particular, the vehicle comprises a front part and a rear part, the support device being arranged so that the plurality of legs and the second side of the median plane are in greater proximity to the rear part of the vehicle than the tie rods and the first side of the median plane.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for mounting an arrangement according to the invention in a vehicle comprising: - attaching the legs to the crossbar; - the positioning and fixing of the first component, the second component and / or the third component on the support device; then - the fixing from below of the support device at the level of the cradle and / or the body structure by means of the tie rods and / or the cross member.

[0016] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of a support device.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation viewed from below of a arrangement according to the invention comprising a support device.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective top view representation of a part of the layout.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective top view representation of a part of the layout.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective representation viewed from below of a part of the layout.

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the support device.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the support device.

[0024] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of an arrangement 1 according to the invention comprising a multifunctional support device 2 disposed on the front structure of a vehicle 10, in particular a motor vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 considered is, for example, a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine comprising, as illustrated in the various figures, an internal combustion powertrain 11. Alternatively, the arrangement 1 according to the invention can be applied mutatis mutandis to electric vehicles 10 comprising an electric motor or to hybrid vehicles 10. The vehicle 10 can, for example, be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle.

[0025] By convention in the following description, the direction in which the vehicle 10 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X, said direction pointing towards the rear of the vehicle 10. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct coordinate system XYZ is defined, as shown in the figures where required. The terms "upper" and "lower" are understood in their general sense, the term "lower" denoting a greater proximity to the ground. Similarly, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy among said elements.

[0026] Generally, the vehicle 10 according to the invention comprises a cradle 12, a body structure 13, also referred to as a subframe, and an arrangement 1 and / or support device 2 according to the invention configured to support a plurality of components to be fitted in the front compartment of the vehicle 10. In particular, "body structure 13" means a structure forming the chassis of the vehicle and comprising elements such as longitudinal members, body cross members or frame members conventionally fitted to vehicles 10.

[0027] As further explained below, the components to be equipped are, for example and without limitation, selected from a fluid circulation conduit 14, a cable 15, a computer, part of a powertrain 11, a filter and / or an exhaust device 17 of the vehicle 10.

[0028] In general, the support device 2 comprises a cross member 3, a plurality of tie rods 4, a body 5 configured to support at least one component and a plurality of mounting tabs 6.

[0029] The cross member 3 extends at least partially along an extension direction 300, for example configured to be parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y within the vehicle 10. In particular, the cross member 3 is a profile that is at least partially straight. Preferably, the cross member 3 is a hollow profile, so as to reduce the mass and cost of the part. According to non-limiting embodiments, the cross member 3 is a square or rectangular profile comprising a plurality of sides. Alternatively, the cross member 3 is solid.

[0030] The term "tie rod" refers in particular to a reinforcing and / or connecting element. The support device 2 comprises a plurality of tie rods 4, of which at least two tie rods 4 are connected to ends of the cross member 3, defining the cross member 3 along the extension direction 300. The tie rods 4 are configured to be fixed at least at the level of the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 of the vehicle 10 from below. In other words, the tie rods 4 are configured so as to extend into contact with a lower surface 12a of said cradle 12 and / or a lower surface 13a of said body structure 13. said lower surfaces 12a, 13a being turned towards the ground on which the vehicle 10 is placed. Optionally, the same applies to the cross member 3 which is configured so as to extend into contact with the lower surface 12a of said cradle 12 and / or the lower surface 13a of said body structure 13. Thus, the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 on the one hand can be at least partially superimposed on the support device 2 so that the latter is at least partially interposed between the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 and the ground on the other hand along at least one direction, in particular here along the vertical direction Z.

[0031] Such a principle allows the support device 2, and by extension the components it carries, to be fixed underneath the vehicle 10, thus providing better access to the components. The support device 2 is therefore positioned lower than at least part of the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 on which it is mounted. As further explained below with reference to the assembly method according to the invention, the support device 2 can thus be assembled from below at the level of the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13, by a technician working underneath the vehicle 10. Fixing points for the support device 2 are thus accessible from underneath the vehicle 10, facilitating the mounting and dismounting of any component fixed to the support device 2.

[0032] Such fastening is achieved by means of a plurality of fastening points included in the various tie rods 4 and / or in the cross member, suitable for receiving fastening elements 41 such as screws and / or a screw / nut assembly. It is understood that, throughout the description below, any description made with reference to one of the tie rods 4 may extend to all or part of the plurality of tie rods 4.

[0033] The tie rods 4 are arranged at the ends of the cross member 3 and are thus connected to each other via this same cross member 3 so as to ensure the rigidity of the support device 2 along the extension direction 300, here the transverse direction Y, when the support device 2 is fitted within the vehicle 10. The cross member 3 and the tie rods 4 thus have, in particular, a reinforcement function for the cradle 12, especially in the event of a frontal impact with the vehicle 10. The cross member 3, and by extension the support device 2, also has a stabilizing function for the vehicle 10, that is to say, it allows the different behaviors within the vehicle 10 to be balanced, in particular the NVH behaviors, for "Noise, Vibration, Harshness", corresponding to the behaviors related to vibrations, noise and roughness.

[0034] The tie rods 4 can have various shapes, the shapes illustrated being in no way limiting. Optionally, the tie rods 4 are elongated pieces connected to the cross member 3 at one end, while a second, opposite end is configured to extend towards the front of the vehicle 10 when the device Support 2 is fitted within it. The tie rods 4 extend transversely to the cross member 3. Preferably, the tie rods 4 have a limited height so as not to affect the ground clearance of the vehicle 10. Here, "height" means a dimension measured along the vertical direction Z. Optionally, but preferably, the tie rods 4 include reinforcements.

[0035] According to the illustrated embodiment, the tie rods 4 are attached and fixed to the cross member 3, for example by welding and / or screwing. In particular, the tie rods 4 are connected to a lower side 31 of the cross member 3, i.e., to the lowest side of the cross member 3 configured to face the ground when the support device 2 is fitted in the vehicle 10, and / or to a lateral side 32 of the cross member 3, adjacent to the lower side 31.

[0036] Alternatively, the cross member 3 and at least part of the tie rods 4 of the plurality of tie rods 4 form a single unit. "Single unit" means that the cross member 3 and said tie rods 4 cannot be separated from each other without resulting in their degradation or even destruction.

[0037] In particular, the tie rods 4 and the cross member 3 are made of a metallic material such as sheet metal, aluminum and / or steel.

[0038] Optionally, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], 2 or 5, the plurality of tie rods 4 includes at least one intermediate tie rod 4a disposed between the tie rods 4 connected to the ends of the cross member 3 and configured to be fixed at least at the level of the cradle 12 of the vehicle 10. The preceding description relating to the tie rods 4 applies mutatis mutandis to the intermediate tie rod 4a.

[0039] The body 5 is configured to support at least one component, in particular a first component 7a. In the illustrated example, the first component 7a is, without limitation, a part of the powertrain 11. Furthermore, said component may be included in the arrangement 1 according to the invention. In particular, the body 5 is at least partially planar. Optionally, but preferably, the body 5 is made of a metallic material, such as steel.

[0040] Preferably, the body 5 is attached to and fixed onto the cross member 3, for example by welding and / or screwing. The position of the body 5 can thus be adapted as needed. In particular, the body 5 is positioned at a distance from the ends of the cross member 3, for example so as to have a central or substantially central position. In order to allow the attachment of the first component 7a considered, the body 5 and / or the first component 7a includes at least one fastening means such as a clip and / or a screw.

[0041] The plurality of legs 6 is connected to the cross member 3. In particular, the plurality of legs 6 includes legs 6 attached to and fixed to the cross member 3. The following description is made with reference to one leg 6, it is nevertheless understood that it extends to the different legs 6 of the plurality of legs 6.

[0042] Generally, the lug 6 comprises a plurality of segments. A "segment" is understood to mean a part of a whole. In particular, the lug 6 comprises at least a first segment 6a, configured to allow the lug 6 to be attached to the cross member 3, a second segment 6b, configured to carry at least a second component 7b, and a third segment 6c, configured to carry at least a third component 7c. In particular, the second component 7b and the third component 7c are selected from electrical connection or power supply cables 15 and / or conduits 14 for the circulation of a fluid, such as urea, a coolant, exhaust gases, or other fluids, as further described below.

[0043] The lug 6 is fixed by welding and / or screwing to the cross member 3. Optionally, but preferably, the lug 6 is connected to the lower side 31 or to one of the lateral sides 32 of the cross member 3. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the lug 6, in particular the first segment 6a of the lug 6, is fixed to the lower side 31 of the cross member 3. [Fig. 6] illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the lug 6, in particular the first segment 6a of the lug 6, is able to be fixed to the lateral side 32 of the cross member 3 by means of a fastening means such as a clip or a screw, not shown. Optionally, in such an alternative embodiment, the cross member 3 further includes a cutout 33 suitable for receiving at least a portion of the lug 6, in particular at least a portion of the first segment 6a. As illustrated in [Fig.6], part of the first segment 6a then extends into an internal volume of the cross member 3, which is then hollow, so as to reinforce the attachment of the leg 6. .

[0044] Optionally but preferably, in order to optimize the mounting of the support device 2 when the tie rods 4 are added, the tabs 6 and the tie rods 4 are connected to the same side of the cross member 3 or to adjacent sides of the cross member 3.

[0045] Optionally but preferably, the plurality of legs 6 is arranged so as to extend on the same side of the cross member 3, the tie rods 4 extending at least partially from a first side 30a of a median plane 30, extending parallel to the cross member 3 and also dividing it in two, and the legs 6 extending at least partially from a second side 30b, opposite the first side 30a of said plane. In particular, the legs 6 extend essentially from the second side 30b of said plane. "Essentially" means that at least 50% of each leg 6 extends from the second side 30b of the median plane 30.

[0046] In particular, when the support device 2 is fitted in the vehicle 10, it is arranged so that the plurality of tabs 6 and the second side 30b of the median plane 30 are closer to the rear of the vehicle 10 than the tie rods 4 and the first side 30a of the median plane 30. This principle ensures the protection of the components carried by the tabs 6, in particular here the second component 7b and the third component 7c, in the event of a frontal impact. of vehicle 10, the cross member 3 is then positioned upstream of at least part of the legs 6 and of the second component 7b and third component 7c along the longitudinal direction X.

[0047] The support device 2 comprises at least two legs 6, or optionally but preferably at least three legs 6 arranged along a length of the cross member 3, defined along the extension direction 300. For example, the legs 6 are distributed at regular intervals along the length of the cross member 3.

[0048] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate non-limiting examples of embodiments of the legs 6 of the support device 2.

[0049] In the various illustrated examples, the leg 6 is configured to extend at least partially alongside the cross member 3 along at least one direction. In this case, the leg 6 extends alongside the cross member 3 along the longitudinal direction X such that the leg 6 and the cross member 3 are intersected by at least one axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0050] The second segment 6b of the bracket 6, adapted to support the second component 7b, is configured to be interposed between said component and the ground when the support device 2 is fitted in the vehicle 10. The second segment 6b includes a first fastening area 61, comprising at least one opening, adapted to receive a fastening element 62 such as a staple or clip. This design ensures at least partial protection of said component, as the second segment 6b is thus closer to the ground than the second component 7b along the vertical direction Z, so that in the event of an impact it prevents direct contact with said component. Furthermore, the bracket 6 is adapted to obstruct the trajectory of at least some of the projectiles, for example, gravel.

[0051] According to alternative embodiments, visible in [Fig. 1], the second segment 6b extends perpendicularly to the cross member 3 and the median plane 30 or, alternatively, the second segment 6b is inclined relative to the cross member 3 and the median plane 30. Such an alternative makes it possible to ensure an offset, along the extension direction 300 and the transverse direction Y in the vehicle 10, between a connection zone of the lug 6 on the cross member 3 and the first attachment zone 61 of the second component 7b on the lug 6, particularly on the second segment 6b. This principle optimizes access to the various attachments and allows the attachment of the different components in the vehicle 10 to be adjusted according to the available space at the front by using lugs 6 of different shapes within the support device 2 so as to adapt to different models and arrangements of vehicles 10.

[0052] The third segment 6c, configured to carry the third component 7c, extends transversely, or even orthogonally, to the second segment 6b. In particular, the second segment 6b and the third segment 6c are adjacent. The third segment 6c is configured to be at least partially interposed between the second component 7b and the third component 7c. The third segment 6c thus maintains a non-zero distance between the second component 7b and the third component 7c, thereby limiting, or even preventing, their contact and interference. The third segment 6c includes a second attachment zone 63, comprising at least one opening, suitable for receiving a fastener 62 such as a clip or staple. The first attachment zone 61 and the second attachment zone 63 of the legs 6 are thus arranged in distinct planes, including transverse planes, so that the second component 7b and the third component 7c extend at a non-zero distance along at least one direction.

[0053] The fastening element 62 located in the first fastening zone 61 and the fastening element 62 located in the second fastening zone 63 thus extend transversely, or even orthogonally, to each other and extend on either side of the third segment 6c. In this way, they do not interfere with each other, and the same applies to the components mounted in said zones. This principle allows the spacing of the first fastening zone 61 and the second fastening zone 63, and by extension of the second component 7b and the third component 7c, along at least one direction, or even along two directions orthogonal to each other. In this case, said fastening zones are spaced along the longitudinal direction X and along the vertical direction Z.

[0054] The leg 6 thus comprises an "L" shape or substantially an "L" shape formed by the second segment 6b and the third segment 6c. When the leg 6 is mounted on the cross member 3, their cooperation thus forms a gutter or a housing, for example fitting within a "U" shape delimited by the leg 6 on one side and one of the sides of the cross member 3 on the other, such a gutter being able to receive at least one of the components, in this case at least the second component 7b.

[0055] Optionally, the tab 6 includes a lug 64, forming a free end of the tab 6 and connected, directly or indirectly, to the third segment 6c. The tab 6 is suitable for providing support and / or fastening. Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, or 6, the tab 64 includes a third fastening area 65 comprising at least one opening suitable for receiving a fastening member 62 so as to carry at least one fourth component 7d. According to non-limiting alternatives, the fourth component 7d is selected from a cable 15 or a conduit 14 as described above, or the fourth component 7d may be a part of the computer, the powertrain 11, or the exhaust system 17 of the vehicle 10.

[0056] Said tongue 64 extends, according to an example of an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], 3 or 6, transversely, or even orthogonally to the third segment 6c, for example when the tongue 64 is directly connected to said segment. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig.7], the tongue 64 extends in a plane parallel, or substantially parallel to the third segment 6c, for example when the tongue 64 and the third segment 6c are separated by an intermediate segment.

[0057] Optionally, the leg 6 includes at least one reinforcing element.

[0058] The support device 2 is also capable of retaining one or more additional component(s) 7e. Optionally, the cross member 3 and / or the tie rods 4 may include openings 8 suitable for receiving fastening means 81, visible in [Fig. 3] or 4, such as screws and / or clips suitable for cooperating with the cross member 3 and / or the tie rods 4. Optionally, such fastening means 81 include a ring or clip suitable for carrying or retaining at least one additional component 7e and / or suitable for participating in retaining the first, second, third, and / or fourth components 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d described above. Alternatively, an outer periphery of a cable 15 or a conduit 14 may include a finger or pin configured to be inserted into one of the openings 8 of the support device 2.

[0059] Optionally, the support device 2 further comprises at least one support member 9, capable of supporting at least one additional component 7e of the vehicle 10. The at least one support member 9 is connected to the crossmember 3. In this case, the support device 2 comprises a plurality of support members 9. The following description, given with reference to a support member 9, extends to a plurality of support members 9. In particular, the support member 9 is made of a metallic material, such as sheet metal, for example, steel. Alternatively, the support member 9 is made of a plastic material, in particular a reinforced plastic material, for example, reinforced with glass fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, or PBT GF.

[0060] Optionally, but preferably, the support member 9 is attached to and fixed onto the crossmember 3, for example by welding or screwing. This principle advantageously allows the integration of support members 9 adapted to specific components and / or vehicle models 10, and also allows for a certain degree of modularity in the support device 2 by adapting the position of one or more support members 9 within the support device 2 as needed.

[0061] Alternatively, the cross member 3 and at least one support member 9 form a single unit.

[0062] The support member 9 is connected to at least one side of the cross member 3. In particular, the support member 9 is connected to an upper side 34 of the cross member 3, opposite the lower side 31, and / or connected to one of the lateral sides 32. The support member 9 extends at least partially opposite the cross member 3. Preferably, the support member 9 is superimposed on the cross member 3 along the vertical direction Z, in particular such that the cross member 3 is interposed between the support member 9 and the ground on which The vehicle 10 is arranged when the support device 2 is fitted to the vehicle 10. Thus, at least one axis extending parallel to the vertical direction Z passes through the support member 9 and the cross member 3. In this way, any additional component 7e fitted to at least one support member 9 is protected from direct impacts by the cross member 3, and at least some of the gravel spray can be stopped by said cross member 3. Advantageously, the support member 9 is optionally arranged and shaped so as to extend cantilevered relative to the cross member 3. Such a principle makes it possible to adapt the position of at least one of the additional components 7e along at least one direction transverse to the cross member 3, in this case along the longitudinal direction X, when the support device 2 is fitted to the vehicle 10.

[0063] In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, which are not limiting, the support device 2 according to the invention allows the first component 7a, here a part of the powertrain 11, to be carried by means of the body 5. The plurality of tabs 6 is adapted to carry an electrical cable 15, here by means of the second segments 6b of the tabs 6, such as a low-voltage power cable 15, for example 12V, for supplying a service battery, and / or a high-voltage power cable 15, for example 400V, for a drive battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle 10. The plurality of tabs 6 is adapted to carry a fluid circulation conduit 14, for example urea, by means of the third segments 6c and / or the tabs 64 of the tabs 6.The lugs 6 advantageously limit the movement of the second component 7b and the third component 7c, thus limiting the risks of fretting corrosion.

[0064] The cross member 3 and / or the tie rods 4 are also suitable for carrying a plurality of additional components 7e, here an electrical cable 15 and / or a conduit 14, for example of cooling fluid, through the openings 8.

[0065] The support members 9 connected to the cross member 3 also allow for the retention of a plurality of additional components 7e. In particular, a first support member 9a is suitable for carrying the vehicle computer 10, a second support member 9b is suitable for carrying the exhaust device 17 of the vehicle 10 while a third support member 9c is suitable for carrying a conduit 14e, such as a urea bypass.

[0066] The support device 2 and the arrangement 1 according to the invention thus advantageously allow simultaneous and simplified access to various systems equipping the front structure of the vehicle 10. In particular, as indicated above, the support device 2 also provides a protection function for the various components and, optionally, can allow spatial separation of at least some of the components, for example, so as to place electrical components on a first portion of the crossmember 3, such as electrical cables 15 or the computer, and hydraulic and / or fluid circulation components on a second portion of the cross member 3. For example, the first portion of the cross member 3 and the second portion of the cross member 3 are arranged on either side of the body 5.

[0067] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the arrangement 1 according to the invention within a vehicle 10.

[0068] The method initially comprises assembling the support device 2. This step includes attaching the tabs 6 to the cross member 3. Optionally, this step includes attaching the tie rods 4 to the cross member 3. For example, the tie rods 4 and the tabs 6 are attached to the same side of the cross member 3. Optionally, the method also includes attaching at least one support member 9 and / or the body 5 to the cross member 3.

[0069] The method then comprises positioning and fixing the first component 7a, the second component 7b, and / or the third component 7c on the support device 2. Optionally, the same applies to at least one additional component 7e as described above. In particular, the various components are arranged so as to allow spatial separation of at least some of the components, for example, so as to place electrical components on the first portion of the cross member 3, such as electrical cables 15 or the computer, and hydraulic and / or fluid circulation components on the second portion of the cross member 3. For example, the first portion of the cross member 3 and the second portion of the cross member 3 are arranged on either side of the body 5.

[0070] Finally, the method includes attaching the support device 2, which carries the various components, from below to the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 by means of the tie rods 4. In particular, the support device 2 is attached to the cradle 12 by means of the tie rods 4 and to the body structure 13 by means of the cross member 3. Such attachment is achieved, for example, by screwing. In other words, the tie rods 4 are configured so as to extend into contact with the lower surface 12a of said cradle 12 and / or the lower surface 12a of said body structure 13, said lower surfaces facing the ground on which the vehicle 10 is positioned. Optionally, the same applies to the cross member 3, for example, so as to attach it to the lower surface 12a of the body structure 13.Such a fixing is achieved by means of fixing elements 4L Thus, the cradle 12 and / or the body structure 13 on the one hand can be at least partly superimposed on the support device 2 so that the latter is at least partly interposed between the cradle 12 and / or the structure on the one hand and the ground on the other hand along at least one direction, in particular here along the vertical direction Z. .

[0071] These principles are applied in reverse order to allow the dismantling of the arrangement 1 according to the invention within the vehicle 10.

[0072] The various components attached to the support device 2 can thus be simultaneously installed in the vehicle 10 via the support device 2, which forms a common platform. The same applies in the event of disassembly. The support device 2 thus allows for simplified mounting of various components and systems within the vehicle 10, firstly by limiting the number of separate supports to be mounted at different points on the vehicle 10 and, secondly, by allowing the support device 2 to be mounted and secured from below in the vehicle 10.

[0073] The present invention thus proposes a support device that simultaneously reinforces the front structure of the vehicle and supports a plurality of components mounted on the front of the vehicle. The support device according to the invention allows for simplified mounting and handling of a plurality of components by reducing the number of part numbers involved in the front structure of the vehicle and by allowing simultaneous attachment from below of various components to the subframe and / or body structure. The support device exhibits a high degree of modularity, allowing the invention to be repeated and adapted to various vehicle models. Centralizing the attachment of a plurality of components to the support device reduces the number of auxiliary supports and therefore costs.Optionally, the support device can allow for at least partial spatial separation of electrical and hydraulic systems. Finally, the invention optimizes and simplifies the assembly of the front of the vehicle by reducing the number of independent bolted supports and simplifying the routing of electrical cables and / or fluid passages, resulting in improved assembly ergonomics, enhanced process safety, and simplified access to the various components mounted on the front of the vehicle by centralizing at least some of their fixings at the support device.

[0074] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. Multifunctional support device (2) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - a cross member (3) and a plurality of tie rods (4), of which at least two tie rods (4) are connected to ends of said cross member (3), configured to be fixed at least at the level of a cradle (12) and / or a body structure (13) of the vehicle (10) from below so as to extend into contact with a lower surface (12a, 13a) of said cradle (12) and / or said body structure (13); - a body (5) configured to support at least a first component (7a); - a plurality of legs (6), connected to the cross member (3), each leg (6) comprising at least a first attachment zone (61), configured to carry at least a second component (7b), such as a cable (15) or conduit (14), and a second attachment zone (63) configured to carry at least a third component (7c), such as a cable (15) or conduit (14).

2. Support device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tie rods (4) extend at least in part from a first side (30a) of a median plane (30), extending parallel to the cross member (3) and dividing it in two, and the plurality of tabs (6) extend essentially from a second side (30b), opposite to the first side (30a), of said plane.

3. Support device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the support device (2) further comprises at least one support member (9) connected to the cross member (3) capable of carrying an additional component (7e) of the vehicle (10); and / or - the cross member (3) and / or the tie rods (4) comprise openings (8) capable of receiving fastening means (81) so as to carry at least one additional component (7e).

4. Support device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the cross member (3) and the tie rods (4) form a single unit; or - the tie rods (4) are attached and fixed to the cross member (3), in particular by welding or screwing.

5. Support device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the legs (6) are attached and: - fixed to the cross member (3) by welding; or - fixed to the cross member (3) by means of a fastening means.

6. Support device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first fixing zone (61) and the second fixing zone (63) of the tabs (6) are arranged in separate, transverse planes, such that the second component (7b) and the third component (7c) extend at a non-zero distance along at least one direction; and / or - at least one of the tabs (6) is at least partially interposed between the second component (7b) and the third component (7c) along at least one direction.

7. Arrangement (1) comprising a support device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising at least a first component (7a), a second component (7b) and / or a third component (7c) selected from a fluid circulation conduit (14), a cable (15), a computer, a powertrain (11), a filter or an exhaust device (17) of the vehicle (10).

8. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a cradle (12), a body structure (13) and a support device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or an arrangement (1) according to claim 7, the plurality of tie rods (4) and / or the cross member (3) being fixed at least at one of the lower surfaces of the cradle (12) and the body structure (13) from below so as to extend into contact therewith, said lower surfaces being configured to face a ground on which the vehicle (10) is placed.

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a front part and a rear part, the support device (2) being arranged so that the plurality of legs (6) and the second side (30b) of the median plane (30) have a greater proximity to the rear part of the vehicle (10) than the tie rods (4) and the first side (30a) of the median plane (30).

10. Method of mounting an arrangement (1) according to claim 7 in a vehicle (10) comprising: - fixing the legs (6) on the cross member (3); - the positioning and fixing of the first component (7a), the second component (7b) and / or the third component (7c) on the support device (2); then - the fixing from below of the support device (2) at the level of the cradle (12) and / or the body structure (13) by means of the tie rods (4) and / or the cross member (3).

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