MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A LATERAL REINFORCEMENT AND A REAR RING HINGE REINFORCEMENT, ORIENTED IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS, AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURED SUCH A VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a body which includes: - an upper crossmember (TS) above a rear ring of the vehicle; - two lateral gussets (GL) connected to the upper crossmember (TS); - two lateral reinforcements, each covering a portion of the corresponding lateral gusset (GL), connected to a rear fender liner, characterized in that the lateral end of the upper crossmember (TS) covers the upper end of the lateral reinforcement, the upper end partially covering the end of the gusset; and in that the body further includes two hinge reinforcements, each covering, by being attached to the lateral end, the upper end and the end of the gusset. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a vehicle. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A SIDE REINFORCEMENT AND A REAR RING HINGE REINFORCEMENT, ORIENTED IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURED BY SUCH A VEHICLE

[0001] The invention relates to the field of sheet metal and rear rings for motor vehicle bodies. The rear ring is the portion of the body that receives the rear window of the motor vehicle.

[0002] When designing the rear ring, particular attention must be paid to the load path which runs from the area of ​​the rear foot towards the rear crossmember forming the roof in order to maximize the vehicle's behavior in static and dynamic torsion.

[0003] In the latest prior art vehicle designs, a reinforcing piece is proposed on the lateral edges.

[0004] An objective of the present invention is to propose a mechanical reinforcement solution for the parts of the rear ring supporting the forces between the area of ​​the rear foot and the cross member.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a motor vehicle in a spatial frame of reference comprising a front-to-rear axis along a direction of vehicle movement; a lateral axis perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis, and a vertical axis perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis and to the lateral axis, the vehicle comprising a body which includes: - an upper cross member covering the upper edge of a rear ring of the vehicle with reference to the vertical axis, comprising a lateral end; - two lateral gussets each having one gusset end connected to one lateral end of the upper cross member, and covering the upper lateral angle of the rear ring, and a lateral edge of the rear ring with reference to the vertical axis and the lateral axis; - two lateral reinforcements, each covering a portion of the corresponding lateral gusset along the vertical and lateral axes, each having an upper end partially covering the corresponding gusset end, and a lower end connected to a rear wing lining, characterized in that the lateral end of the upper crossbar covers the upper end of the lateral reinforcement, the upper end partially covering the end of the gusset; and in that the case further comprises two hinge reinforcements, each covering and being fixed at the side end, the top end and the gusset end.

[0006] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to propose a structure having better mechanical strength supporting the forces between the area of ​​the rear foot and the cross member.

[0007] The invention provides a lateral reinforcement for the rear quarter panel lining that extends from the rear wheel arch area to connect with a hinge reinforcement for a tailgate hinge, securing the connections by means of spot welds in the front-to-rear and vertical directions. This lateral reinforcement also incorporates a clip tab for holding the assembled upper crossmember in position before its final welding to the body.

[0008] The lateral reinforcement and the connection are made along these two directions with the hinge reinforcement, generally at 90°. This also allows for the integration of a function to hold the upper cross member during the fitting.

[0009] The technical interest is to be able to properly lock the hold between the part which raises the forces of the rear wheel arch and the hinge reinforcement area by ensuring a hold in two directions generally at 90°.

[0010] Preferably, the lateral reinforcement and / or the hinge reinforcement each comprise fastening structures oriented in planes perpendicular to two or three directions in space, in particular directions along the front-back axis, the lateral axis and the vertical axis.

[0011] This allows for mechanical strength in several directions, and reinforces the constraints of the wheel arch area.

[0012] Preferably, the lateral end of the upper cross member includes a stapling hole, and the upper end of the lateral reinforcement includes a stapling tab which cooperates with the stapling hole to fix the upper cross member to the lateral reinforcement.

[0013] This allows the lateral reinforcement to be maintained on the upper cross member before the subsequent fixing of these two parts.

[0014] Preferably, the casing comprises one or more of the following weld point configurations: - the hinge reinforcement on the upper crossbar only; - the hinge reinforcement on the upper crossbar and on the lateral reinforcement; - the hinge reinforcement on the upper crossbar and on the side gusset

[0015] This allows these different parts to be joined together separately.

[0016] Preferably, the case comprises weld points between the hinge reinforcement, the upper cross member, the side reinforcement and / or the side gusset, the points of weld being at several heights along the vertical axis and at several positions along the front-back axis.

[0017] This allows the fixing points to be distributed in several positions in space to reinforce the mechanical strength of the hinge reinforcement.

[0018] Preferably, the lateral reinforcement comprises several passage holes extending longitudinally along the lateral reinforcement.

[0019] This makes it possible to limit the weight of the lateral reinforcement while allowing parts located below said reinforcement to be welded through the passage holes.

[0020] Another object of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising the following steps: - a step of positioning the ends so that the lateral end of the upper cross member overlaps the upper end of the lateral reinforcement, the upper end partially overlapping the gusset end; and - a fixing step in which the hinge reinforcements are each fixed to the side end, the top end and the gusset end.

[0021] Preferably, in the positioning step, the stapling tab of the upper end of the lateral reinforcement is put in place, in cooperation with the stapling hole of the lateral end of the upper cross member.

[0022] Preferably, in the fixing step, weld points are set up in one or more of the following weld point configurations: - the hinge reinforcement on the upper cross member only; - the hinge reinforcement on the upper crossbar and on the lateral reinforcement; - the hinge reinforcement on the upper crossbar and on the side gusset.

[0023] Preferably, in the fixing step, weld points are set up between the hinge reinforcement, the upper cross member, the lateral reinforcement and / or the lateral gusset, the weld points being at several heights along the vertical axis and at several positions along the front-back axis.

[0024] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures, in which: - [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a rear ring of a motor vehicle body suitable for implementing the invention: - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a close-up view of the crossmember assembly, the reinforcements of the body of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a view in space of a lateral reinforcement of figures 1 to 2; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates cross-sectional views along A, B and C of [Fig.2].

[0025] The invention relates to the area of ​​the rear ring of a vehicle equipped with an upper reinforcement of the quarter panel lining, and to the connections which the latter will have with the area of ​​the reinforcement of a flap hinge for a tailgate vehicle.

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a general view of the area concerned on the vehicle and Fig. 2 illustrates the same environment but with the passenger compartment, the roof and the flap inlet gutter removed.

[0027] In this area, the case includes: - a TS upper cross member; - two GL side gussets; - two lateral RL reinforcements; and - two RC hinge reinforcements.

[0028] Figure 1 actually illustrates a pavilion and a shutter inlet gutter. The upper cross member TS and the two side gussets GL are not visible because they are below the pavilion and the gutter. The upper cross member TS covers the upper edge of the rear ring with respect to the vertical axis Z.

[0029] The two lateral gussets GL each have a gusset end EG connected to a lateral end ET of the upper cross member TS. They cover the upper lateral angle of the rear ring, as well as a lateral edge of the rear ring with reference to the vertical axis Z and to the lateral axis Y.

[0030] The two lateral reinforcements RL each cover a portion of the corresponding lateral gusset GL along the vertical axis Z and the lateral axis Y. They each have an upper end ER partially covering the corresponding gusset end EG, and a lower end reinforcing the wheel arch area. In particular, the lateral reinforcement RL extends from the rear wheel arch area to the hinge reinforcement area.

[0031] According to the invention, the lateral end ET of the upper cross member TS covers the upper end ER of the lateral reinforcement RL, the upper end ER partially covering the gusset end EG. Furthermore, the case also includes two hinge reinforcements RC, each fixed to the lateral end ER, the upper end ET, and the gusset end EG.

[0032] In vehicle designs having a lateral reinforcement RL or equivalent structure, the lateral reinforcement RL is generally either abutted along the front-rear axis X with the upper cross member TS, and allows only weld points in this single direction with the hinge reinforcement RC, or disposed laterally to the hinge reinforcement RC without overlap with the hinge reinforcement RC.

[0033] The present invention proposes connections by means of maximized spot welds between the lateral reinforcement RL and the hinge reinforcement RC. These points are maximized by compared to prior art designs to achieve better performance for the static and dynamic torsional performance of the vehicle.

[0034] The lateral reinforcement RL has connections along its structure to the surrounding parts in two directions, which are generally separated by an angle of 90°. The connections are made on the two front and rear edges of the lateral reinforcement RL in the front-to-rear direction X. This double layer of stitched PS welds ensures the stiffness of the load path extending towards the hinge area of ​​the flap. Furthermore, at its base, the lateral reinforcement RL is connected in three different directions along the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0035] In the assembly process, the cross member TS is assembled to the hinge reinforcement RC. Furthermore, the lateral reinforcement RL passes completely under the hinge reinforcement RC, and is positioned under the upper cross member TS and above the lateral gusset GL.

[0036] The lateral reinforcement RL is assembled to the upper cross member TS by means of a clipping tab PA located on the lateral reinforcement (visible in [Fig. 3]). This clipping tab PA cooperates with a clipping hole TA on the upper cross member TS. This allows the upper cross member TS to be held in place before the tack welds PS are made to the body. The lateral reinforcement RL also has through holes TP which both reduce the mass of the lateral reinforcement RL and allow for tack welds of the parts located under the hollow body of the lateral reinforcement RL.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding the shutter hinge area, the lateral reinforcement RL is entirely covered by the hinge reinforcement RC. This allows for the creation of PS weld points, specifically across three layers, between the hinge reinforcement RC, the upper cross member TS, and the lateral reinforcement RL (dark points on the hinge reinforcement in [Fig. 2]). These three-layer weld points are, in particular, four in number. They are generally positioned in a quadrilateral to ensure a robust connection at the shutter hinge reinforcement. Some PS weld points may be on a vertical plane along the Z-axis, while others may be on a horizontal plane along the X-axis.

[0038] In particular, these PS weld points can be made using through holes or cutouts (not shown) at the ends in the side gusset GL.

[0039] The hinge area forms an overlap area with four parts having PS weld points better illustrated in [Fig.4]. In section B, a double-thickness PS weld point can be made between the lateral reinforcement RL and the lateral gusset GL.

[0040] To complete the connections of the area, we will find weld points with two and three complementary thicknesses but not taking into account the lateral reinforcement RL (light points on the [Fig.2]).

[0041] There are also two-thickness PS weld points between the lateral reinforcement RL and the lateral gusset GL (not shown).

[0042] The invention further relates to a vehicle manufacturing process comprising the placement of the various parts and their welding.

Claims

Demands

1. A motor vehicle in a frame of reference in space comprising a front-to-rear axis (X) along a direction of movement of the vehicle; a lateral axis (Y) perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis (X), and a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis (X) and to the lateral axis (Y), the vehicle comprising a body which includes: - an upper cross member (TS) covering the upper edge of a rear ring of the vehicle with reference to the vertical axis (Z), having a lateral end (ET); - two lateral gussets (GL) each having a gusset end (EG) connected to a lateral end (ET) of the upper cross member (TS), and covering the upper lateral angle of the rear ring, and a lateral edge of the rear ring with reference to the vertical axis (Z) and to the lateral axis (Y);- two lateral reinforcements (RL), each covering a portion of the corresponding lateral gusset (GL) along the vertical axis (Z) and the lateral axis (Y), each having an upper end (ER) partially covering the corresponding gusset end (EG), and a lower end connected to a rear wing lining, characterized in that the lateral end (ET) of the upper cross member (TS) covers the upper end (ER) of the lateral reinforcement (RL), the upper end (ER) partially covering the gusset end (EG); and in that the body further comprises two hinge reinforcements (RC), each covering by being attached to the lateral end (ET), the upper end (ET) and the gusset end (EG).

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral reinforcement (RL) and / or the hinge reinforcement (RC) each comprise fastening structures oriented in planes perpendicular to two or three directions in space, in particular directions along the front-to-back axis (X), the lateral axis (Y) and the vertical axis (Z).

3. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the lateral end (ET) of the upper crossmember (TS) comprises a stapling hole (TA), and the upper end (ER) of the lateral reinforcement (RL) comprises a tab stapling (PA) which cooperates with the stapling hole (TA) to fix the upper cross member to the lateral reinforcement (RL).

4. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the body comprises one or more of the following weld point (PS) configurations: - the hinge reinforcement (RC) on the upper cross member (TS) only; - the hinge reinforcement (RC) on the upper cross member (TS) and on the side reinforcement (RL); - the hinge reinforcement (RC) on the upper cross member (TS) and on the side gusset (GL).

5. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body comprises weld points (PS) between the hinge reinforcement (RC), the upper cross member (TS), the side reinforcement (RL) and / or the side gusset (GL), the weld points being at several heights along the vertical axis (Z) and at several positions along the front-to-rear axis (X).

6. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the side reinforcement (RL) comprises several through holes (TP) extending longitudinally along the side reinforcement (RL).

7. A method of manufacturing a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: - a positioning step of the ends so that the side end (ET) of the upper cross member (TS) covers the upper end (ER) of the side reinforcement (RL), the upper end (ER) partially covering the gusset end (EG); and - a fastening step in which the hinge reinforcements (RC) are each fixed to the side end (ET), the upper end (ER) and the gusset end (EG).

8. A manufacturing method according to claim 7 combined with claim 3, characterized in that in the positioning step, the stapling tab (PA) of the upper end (ER) of the lateral reinforcement (RL) is put in place, in cooperation with the stapling hole (TA) of the lateral end (ET) of the upper cross member (TS).

9. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that in the fixing step, the following are put in place weld points (PS) in one or more of the following weld point configurations: - hinge reinforcement (RC) on the top rail (TS) only; - hinge reinforcement (RC) on the top rail (TS) and on the side reinforcement (RL); - hinge reinforcement (RC) on the top rail (TS) and on the side gusset (GL).

10. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that in the fixing step, weld points (PS) are placed between the hinge reinforcement (RC), the upper cross member (TS), the lateral reinforcement (RL) and / or the lateral gusset (GL), the weld points (PS) being at several heights along the vertical axis (Z) and at several positions along the front-to-back axis (X).

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