Motor vehicle body structure including a puncture-resistant protection device for a structural element

Abstract

Motor vehicle body structure comprising a puncture-resistant protection device for a structural element. The invention relates to a motor vehicle body structure, comprising: - a first structural element (19), comprising a hollow body, - a reinforcing tube (21), fixed inside said hollow body and extending longitudinally inside said hollow body, comprising two ends, - a second structural element (25), juxtaposing said hollow body of said first structural element at at least one of said ends of said reinforcing tube. According to the invention, the body structure comprises a protection device (27) for said reinforcing tube (21) comprising at least one bearing face whose shape conforms to the shape of said second structural element, said bearing face being arranged at at least one of said ends of said reinforcing tube (21) and defining a support-plane connection with said second structural element (25).Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle body structure comprising a puncture-resistant protection device for a structural element. Technical field

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle body structure. Previous technique

[0003] A motor vehicle body structure comprises a set of sheet metal structural elements providing rigidity to the motor vehicle, assembled together and forming the frame of the motor vehicle.

[0004] Among these elements, the front face of the vehicle includes a set of load paths capable of absorbing part of the loads occurring in particular in the event of a frontal impact suffered by the vehicle or in the event of a small overlap frontal impact which can be materialized by a small overlap frontal crash test which consists of projecting a motor vehicle at a speed of 64 km / h towards a rigid obstacle such as a barrier with an overlap range between the obstacle and the front face of the vehicle of less than 25%.

[0005] In the context of vehicle electrification, the mass of electric or hybrid vehicles has increased considerably compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

[0006] In order to enable the body structure to better withstand stresses, particularly in the event of a frontal impact or a frontal impact with low overlap, especially in the context of vehicle electrification, it may be envisaged to reinforce the body structure by means of reinforcing tubes fixed inside one or more hollow bodies formed by the structural elements of the vehicle's body structure.

[0007] For example, such reinforcing tubes can be arranged inside a bay frame or a longitudinal side member defining part of the perimeter of the body underbody.

[0008] The arrangement of a reinforcing tube inside a hollow body of the body structure makes it possible to reinforce this hollow body in order to prevent it from bending, in particular in the event of a frontal impact or a low overlap frontal impact.

[0009] However, in the event of a frontal impact or a low overlap frontal impact suffered by the vehicle, the front or rear end of the reinforcement tube may impact during the impact the sheet metal element adjacent to the front or rear of the hollow body in which the reinforcement tube is mounted.

[0010] Such an impact on the sheet metal element can cause it to be punctured, creating a weak point which increases the risk of bending of the hollow body inside which the reinforcing tube is mounted, which can lead to a reduction in the ability to withstand forces which may occur in the event of an impact, in particular frontal or low overlap, thus increasing the risk of intrusion and injury to the occupants. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, relates to a motor vehicle body structure comprising: - a first structural element, comprising a hollow body, - a reinforcing tube, fixed inside said hollow body and extending longitudinally inside said hollow body, comprising two ends, - a second structural element, juxtaposing said hollow body of said first structural element at the level of at least one of said ends of said reinforcement tube, said body structure being remarkable in that it includes a protection device for said reinforcement tube comprising at least one bearing face whose shape follows the shape of said second structural element, said bearing face being arranged at the level of at least one of said ends of said reinforcement tube and defining a support-plane connection with said second structural element.

[0012] Thus, by providing for the body structure to be equipped with a protection device for the reinforcement tube, comprising a bearing face whose shape follows the shape of said second structural element and arranged at the level of at least one of the ends of the reinforcement tube and defining a support-plane connection with the second structural element, it is the bearing face of the protection device which bears against the second structural element in the event of an impact suffered by the motor vehicle, in particular in the event of a frontal impact or a low overlap frontal impact.

[0013] Unlike the prior art, it is not the reinforcing tube itself that bears against the second structural element adjacent to the first structural element in the event of an impact on the motor vehicle. This prevents the reinforcing tube from puncturing the second structural element.

[0014] In this way, the second structural element is not perforated in the event of an impact suffered by the vehicle, which limits the risk of bending the hollow body of the first structural element and ensures good resistance of the forces from the structural elements of the body structure.

[0015] Thus, in the event of a collision, particularly a frontal or low-overlap collision, the risk of intrusion is limited and the safety of the occupants on board the vehicle is improved.

[0016] According to optional features of the body structure according to the invention: - said protective device is fixed to said reinforcing tube; - said protective device comprises at least two lateral faces fixed to the outside of said reinforcing tube, said at least two lateral faces being directly attached to said support face; - said protective device is welded to said reinforcing tube; - the thickness of said bearing face is greater than or equal to 1mm; - said support face has a rectangular geometric shape; - said reinforcing tube has a circular cross-section and said at least two lateral faces have a rectangular geometric shape; - the distance between said support face and an extreme edge of said reinforcing tube is between approximately 5mm and approximately 10mm; - said first structural element is a bay frame upright and said second structural element is a wing lining; - said first structural element is a longitudinal side member, defining part of a perimeter of a subframe of said body structure, and said second structural element is a front foot connecting said longitudinal side member to a bay post. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig-1] shows partially in perspective a motor vehicle body structure according to the invention.

[0019] [Fig.2] is an enlargement of area II of [Fig. 1], viewed from inside the cash register structure.

[0020] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an example embodiment of the device protective device mounted on a reinforcement tube.

[0021] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the protective device seen according to a variant of realization. Description of the implementation methods

[0022] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In what follows, the terms "left", "right", "lower" and "upper" are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Reference is made to [Fig.1] partially showing in perspective a body structure 1 of a motor vehicle 3.

[0027] The motor vehicle 3 has at the level of a front face 5 two upper longitudinal structural beams 7, commonly called "stretchers", extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle 3, on either side of a powertrain (not shown) of the vehicle 3, and forming part of a first path for the reabsorption of forces of the vehicle 3 during a frontal collision generally called "upper path" or "upper path" or even "stretcher line".

[0028] Below the upper track are two longitudinal lower beams 9 positioned parallel to each other on either side of the powertrain. The lower beams 9 form part of a second load-bearing structure for the vehicle 3 during a frontal impact, generally called the "lower track" or "lower track".

[0029] A third load-bearing path, comprising wing liners 11, also extends longitudinally on either side of the powertrain. The third load-bearing path allows the transmission of forces from the front of the vehicle 3 to a front support 13 connecting a longitudinal side member 15, defining a portion of the perimeter of the body underbody, to a corresponding window pillar 17.

[0030] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing an enlargement of zone II of [Fig.1], seen from inside the box structure 1.

[0031] The body structure 1 includes a first structural element 19, for example a sheet metal structural element, defined in the embodiment example illustrated in the figures by the bay upright 17.

[0032] The first structural element 19 comprises a hollow body, inside which is fixed a reinforcing tube 21 arranged to reinforce the hollow body in order to prevent it from bending, particularly in the event of a frontal impact or a low-overlap frontal impact. For this purpose, the reinforcing tube 21 extends longitudinally relative to the hollow body of the structural element 19.

[0033] The reinforcing tube 21 comprises a first end 23 and a second end (not visible in the figures).

[0034] The body structure 1 further comprises a second structural element 25, for example a sheet metal structural element, juxtaposed with the hollow body of the first element structural 19 at the level of the first end of the reinforcing tube 21. In the embodiment example illustrated in the figures, the second structural element 25 is defined by the wing lining 11 belonging to the third load transfer path.

[0035] The body structure 1 includes a protection device 27 for the reinforcing tube 21 arranged between the first structural element 19 and the second structural element 25.

[0036] Reference is made to [Fig.3], which is a schematic view showing an example of the embodiment of the protection device 27 mounted on the reinforcement tube 21.

[0037] The protection device 27 of the reinforcing tube includes a bearing face 29 whose shape matches the shape of the second structural element 25.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bearing face 29 of the protection device 27 is flat.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bearing face 29 is arranged at the first end 23 of the reinforcing tube 21.

[0040] However, the bearing face 29 can be arranged at the second end of the reinforcing tube 21 or at both ends of the reinforcing tube 21, depending on the desired protection requirement for the reinforcing tube 21.

[0041] More specifically, the bearing face 29 is arranged outside the reinforcing tube 21. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bearing face 29 is arranged outside the first end 23 of the reinforcing tube 21.

[0042] The assembly formed by the bearing face 29 of the protection device 27 and by the second structural element 25 defines a support-plane connection.

[0043] The bearing face 29 thus bears against the second structural element 25 so as to define a support-plane connection with the second structural element 25.

[0044] Thus, in the event of a shock suffered by the motor vehicle, in particular a frontal shock or a low overlap frontal shock, no direct contact is made between the reinforcing tube 21 and the second structural element 25 adjacent to the first structural element 19.

[0045] In one embodiment, the protective device 27 can be fixed to the reinforcing tube 21.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the protective device 27 comprises two lateral faces 31, 33 fixed to the outside of the reinforcing tube 21.

[0047] The lateral faces 31, 33 can be attached to the reinforcing tube 21 at the assembly areas 35, 37, respectively. The protective device 27 can be assembled onto the reinforcing tube 21, for example, by welding, using spot welds and / or weld beads. Alternatively, the protective device 27 can be assembled onto the reinforcing tube 21 using fasteners, for example, by means of fixing screws.

[0048] The presence of the two lateral faces 31, 33 fixed to the outside of the reinforcement tube 21 allows for good retention of the protective device 27 on the reinforcement tube 21.

[0049] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the two lateral faces 31, 33 are directly attached to the support face 29.

[0050] The protective device 27 can, for example, be manufactured by bending a metal plate, or by stamping.

[0051] Alternatively, the side faces 31, 33 can be brought together with the bearing face 29 at the level of assembly areas 39, 41, for example by welding using spot welds and / or weld beads.

[0052] The protective device 27 can, for example, be made of high yield strength steel.

[0053] In one embodiment, the thickness of the bearing face 29 is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0054] The bearing face 29 may, for example, have a rectangular geometric shape. The reinforcing tube 21 has a circular cross-section. The lateral faces 31 and 33 have a rectangular shape, which allows for secure attachment of the protective device 27 to the reinforcing tube 21.

[0055] When the side faces 31, 33 of the protective device 27 are attached to the reinforcing tube 21 by welding using weld beads, the length of the side faces 31, 33 must be sufficient to allow for the arrangement of the weld beads. For example, the length of each of the side faces 31, 33 is greater than or equal to approximately 10 mm.

[0056] Also, in order to respect the welding tolerances and avoid weakening the assembly between the reinforcing tube 21 and the protective device 27, no contact is made between the reinforcing tube 21 and the bearing face 29 of the protective device 27. For example, the distance between an extreme edge of the reinforcing tube 21 and the bearing face 29 of the protective device is between approximately 5mm and approximately 10mm.

[0057] Reference is made to [Fig.4] showing an alternative embodiment of the protection device 27.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the protection device 27 comprises, in addition to the two lateral faces 31, 33, a third lateral face 43 arranged between the lateral faces 31, 33. In one embodiment, the three lateral faces 31, 33, 43 have a U-shaped cross-section.

[0059] The side faces 31, 33, 43 are directly attached to the bearing face 29. As before, the protective device 27 can, for example, be manufactured by bending a metal plate or by stamping. Alternatively, the side faces 31, 33, 43 can be attached to the bearing face 29, for example, by welding using spot welds and / or weld beads. In addition, the third side face 43 can also be welded to the reinforcing tube 21.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the first structural element 19 is defined by the bay post 17 and the second structural element 25 is defined by the wing lining 11 belonging to the third load transfer path.

[0061] More broadly, the invention applies to any reinforcing tube fixed inside a hollow body of a structural element of the body structure 1.

[0062] For example, the first structural sheet metal element 19 can be defined by the longitudinal side rail 15 and the second structural element 25 can be defined by the front foot 13 connecting the longitudinal side rail 15 to the bay pillar 17.

[0063] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this motor vehicle body structure described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Body structure (1) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising: - a first structural element (19), comprising a hollow body, - a reinforcing tube (21), fixed inside said hollow body and extending longitudinally inside said hollow body, comprising two ends, - a second structural element (25), juxtaposing said hollow body of said first structural element (19) at the level of at least one of said ends of said reinforcing tube (21), said body structure (1) being characterized in that it comprises a protection device (27) of said reinforcing tube (21) comprising at least one bearing face (29) the shape of which follows the shape of said second structural element (25), said bearing face (29) being arranged at the level of at least one of said ends of said reinforcing tube (21) and defining a support-plane connection with said second structural element (25).

2. Carcass structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said protective device (27) is fixed to said reinforcing tube (21).

3. Carriage structure (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said protection device (27) comprises at least two lateral faces (31, 33, 43) fixed to the outside of said reinforcement tube (21), said at least two lateral faces (31, 33, 43) being directly integral with said support face (29).

4. Carriage structure (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said protective device (27) is welded to said reinforcing tube (21).

5. Carcass structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of said bearing face (29) is greater than or equal to 1mm.

6. Box structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said support face (29) has a rectangular geometric shape.

7. Body structure (1) according to claim 3 or according to any one of claims 4 to 6 combined with claim 3, characterized in that said reinforcing tube (21) has a cross-section circular transverse and in that said at least two lateral faces (31, 33, 43) have a rectangular geometric shape.

8. Carriage structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distance between said bearing face (29) and an extreme edge of said reinforcing tube (21) is between about 5mm and about 10mm.

9. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first structural element (19) is a bay post (17) and said second structural element (25) is a fender liner (11).

10. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first structural element (19) is a longitudinal side member (15), defining a part of a perimeter of a subframe of said body structure (1), and said second structural element (25) is a front foot (13) connecting said longitudinal side member (15) to a window frame pillar (17).

Images