Side member liner for automotive vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side member liner (1) for a motor vehicle, the liner (1) being configured to be integrated into a side member in order to reinforce an upper face of the side member and thus increase its rigidity. The liner (1) comprises a main face (11) configured to extend vertically above the upper face of the side member, and a first support tab (12) configured to be affixed to the upper face of the side member. The first support tab (12) extends from the main face (11) through an opening (13) provided on said main face (11), near a rear edge (111) of the main face (11). According to the invention, the first support tab (12) is formed by a piece of the main face (11) of the liner (1) cut and shaped to form said first support tab (12). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Side member lining for motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of chassis components for motor vehicles that enhance the passive safety of such vehicles, and more particularly in the event of a rear-end collision. More specifically, the invention relates to a side member liner and a chassis arrangement for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the prior art, motor vehicles equipped with a chassis are known. This chassis comprises a subframe formed, at the rear of the motor vehicle, by longitudinal members that extend predominantly along a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle's elongation. Such longitudinal members are located on either side of the chassis and allow cross members to be attached to each other in order to form a rigid subframe. The longitudinal members extend longitudinally between the front and rear of the chassis and include at least lateral rear longitudinal members arranged on the right and left sides of the chassis relative to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

[0003] In addition, the side members also allow for the mounting of running gear interfaces, particularly the rear axle. Such interfaces require high rigidity—both static and dynamic—to withstand normal vehicle use as well as impacts and accidents. To this end, it is known to reinforce these running gear mounting interfaces on the side members.

[0004] However, a known disadvantage of adding these additional reinforcements at the running gear interfaces on the side members lies in a more complex underbody structure and an increase in mass and higher costs for the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of motor vehicles equipped with such underbody structures.

[0005] We also know of document FR3139786 which describes a rear side member extension for the motor vehicle, the side member extension forming a right angle connected to the rear side member by means of support flaps which work with the rear side member. Such a side member extension is connected to the rear end of the rear side member in order to reinforce the connection with a rear crossmember.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new spar lining in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a reinforcement of the side member at the level of a running gear mounting interface which is lightweight.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose such a reinforcement which is easy to mount on the side member and, more generally, which is economical.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a side member lining for a motor vehicle, the lining being configured to cover an upper face of the side member, the lining comprising:

[0010] - a main face which is configured to extend vertically above the side member;

[0011] - a first support leg on a bottom of the longitudinal member, the first support leg extending from the main face through an opening made on said main face, near a rear edge of the main face relative to a longitudinal axis;

[0012] - a second support leg on a bottom of the longitudinal member, the second support leg extending from a lateral edge of the main face and near a front edge of said main face.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the motor vehicle on which the lining conforming to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a direction extending from front to back or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis.Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the motor vehicle towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0014] In addition, a proper elongation axis is also defined in the frame of reference of the lining, the proper elongation axis being defined by the principal elongation direction of the lining, defined in particular by the elongation direction of the principal face, that is to say the largest dimension of said principal face. In the context of integrating the lining onto the side member and / or into the vehicle In automobiles, the elongation axis of the lining is coincident or substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the side member forms a prismatic span extending relative to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, at each lateral edge of said motor vehicle. The side members form structural elements of the motor vehicle to which other parts of the motor vehicle are attached. The side members thus provide the rigidity necessary for the operation of the motor vehicle, during driving sequences, but also in the event of an accident in order to transmit the forces resulting from said impact towards absorption devices or towards the running gear of the motor vehicle, for example. The side members are generally made of steel profiles, giving the body structure its robustness.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the lining forms a mechanical interface piece that covers an upper or lower portion of the side member to which it is attached. The lining is supported on the side member by means of its first and second support tabs. The lining thus reinforces the mechanical rigidity of the side member, particularly along the transverse and / or longitudinal axes, both statically and under dynamic loads during the vehicle's driving phases. Additionally, the lining according to the invention allows other mechanical elements of the chassis assembly, and in particular suspension mounting interfaces, to interface with the side member. The lining is formed from sheet metal, for example, by stamping.The lining is preferably formed from a thin metal sheet, for example greater than 3 mm. The lining is advantageously made of steel or an alloy containing steel.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the main face of the lining is a main horizontal elongation face along the longitudinal axis. The main face of the lining is intended to extend parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom of the spar to which it is attached and on which it rests.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the first support tab extends from the main face. The first support tab is integral with the support face and is designed to interact with the bottom of the spar to which the lining is attached. The first support tab extends from the main face towards the bottom of the spar. The first support tab is formed from a shaped metal sheet, for example by stamping.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the second support tab extends from the main face. The second support tab is integral with the support face and is designed to interact with the bottom of the spar to which the lining is attached. The second support tab extends from the main face towards the bottom of the spar. The second support tab is formed from a shaped metal sheet, for example, by stamping. The use of two support tabs between the lining and the spar thus makes it easier to position the lining on the spar during assembly, and it also allows for better load distribution—and therefore greater rigidity—during the various mechanical stresses on the spar.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the opening is provided on the main face of the lining. The opening is delimited by a closed contour of arbitrary shape.

[0021] Thus, the lining according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it is simple to manufacture and install on the side member. The lining can be manufactured using traditional and economical manufacturing methods, and can be implemented on a large scale and for high production volumes. More specifically, the lining according to the invention allows for reinforcement of the running gear attachment interface at the side member by means of the first support tab and / or the second support tab which, extending from the main face of the lining, allow for better positioning of the lining on the side member before these parts are joined together.

[0022] The lining conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0023] - the lining is configured to be associated with an end part of the side member, such as, for example, a front or rear portion of the side member. More specifically, the lining is configured to interact with the side member at or near a mounting interface for a running gear—for example, a rear axle—of the motor vehicle on said side member. Indeed, the lining according to the invention reinforces the side member and the mounting interface of the running gear. In the context of the present invention, the side member with which the lining is intended to interact is preferably a rear side member, located near the trunk of the motor vehicle;

[0024] - the first support leg extends from the main face and through the opening, so that a free end of the first support lug is intended to bear against the bottom of the spar. The free end of the first support lug forms a support platform intended to be affixed against the bottom of the longeronnet. The free end of the first support lug is located at a distance from the main face of the lining. This advantageous configuration allows for a non-zero vertical clearance between the bottom of the longeronnet and the supporting face of the lining. In particular, the first support lug has a first support flange forming a free end of said first support lug, the first support flange being intended to bear against the bottom of the longeronnet;

[0025] - the first support tab is made of material with the main face of the lining. In the context of the present invention, "made from material" means that the first support tab and the main face of the lining are produced by the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one or both being wholly or partially damaged or destroyed. The first support tab is obtained by punching and / or stamping the main face of the lining according to the invention. This advantageous configuration avoids increasing the mass of the lining compared to those already known, since the first support tab is obtained by "taking" a portion of the main face, which is then shaped and folded to form said support tab;

[0026] - the first support leg results from a partial cutting of the opening and a The portion of the main face located at the opening thus cut is folded. In other words, an upper edge of the first support tab forms part of the closed contour delimiting the opening. This advantageous configuration allows the first support tab to be integrated into the lining. The first support tab is located between the two lateral edges of the lining. This clever configuration facilitates the integration of the lining onto the spar without increasing the weight of the lining or the width of the lining on the spar.

[0027] - generally speaking, the first supporting leg has a general conformation in " L" or in "S" from the main face.

[0028] - the second support leg extends from the main face so that a The free end of the second support lug is designed to bear against the bottom of the spar. The free end of the second support lug forms a support platform intended to be placed against the bottom of the spar. The free end of the second support lug is located at a distance from the main face of the lining. This advantageous configuration allows for a non-zero vertical clearance between the bottom of the spar and the bearing face of the lining. In particular, the second support lug has a second support flange forming a free end of said second support lug, the second support flange being designed to bear against the bottom of the spar;

[0029] - the second support leg is made of material with the main face of the lining. In the context of the present invention, "made from material" means that the second support tab and the main face of the lining are produced by the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one or both being wholly or partially damaged or destroyed. The second support tab is obtained by punching and / or stamping the main face of the lining according to the invention. This advantageous configuration avoids increasing the mass of the lining compared to those already known;

[0030] - the second support leg has a general "L" or "S" shape since the main face.

[0031] - the lining has lateral rebates extending from the main face and on either side of said main face, relative to a transverse axis, each lateral rebate being designed to bear against a lateral face of the longeron. This advantageous configuration facilitates the mounting and fastening of the lining to the longeron. Indeed, the lateral rebates of the lining allow the lining to be positioned between the lateral faces of the longeron. Consequently, the interaction between the rebates of the lining and the lateral faces of the longeron on the one hand, and the support tabs of the lining and the bottom of the longeron on the other hand, facilitates the fastening of the lining to the longeron;

[0032] - each side rebate extends from a rear edge towards a front edge of the lining. Each lateral rebate extends secantly from the main face of the lining. Preferably, each lateral rebate extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the main face of the lining.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, a chassis arrangement for a motor vehicle is proposed, the chassis arrangement comprising:

[0034] - a longitudinal member extending along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal member comprising a base and two lateral faces which extend projecting from the base and on either side of said base, along the longitudinal axis;

[0035] - a lining conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to any one of them of its improvements, the lining being associated with the longonnet.

[0036] The chassis arrangement is thus simpler to assemble due in particular to the support tabs of the lining, as mentioned previously, such a longitudinal member is thus reinforced and allows for better transmission of forces in the chassis arrangement according to the invention in the event of a rear impact for example.

[0037] The side member is preferably of the rear side member type. A rear side member is located along a lateral edge of the rear trunk of the motor vehicle equipped with such a chassis arrangement.

[0038] The chassis arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0039] - the main face of the lining extends vertically along the bottom of the spar, the the first support leg and the second support leg of the lining being each in support on the bottom of said spar, so that the support face is located at a distance from said bottom;

[0040] - each lateral rebate of the lining is supported against the lateral face corresponding to the spar. In other words, the lining is housed between the two lateral faces of the spar;

[0041] - each lateral rebate is fixed securely to the lateral face of the longitudinal member at to which it is associated, preferably by welding;

[0042] - the first support edge of the first support leg is fixed securely to the bottom of the side member, preferably by welding. Advantageously, the first support edge of the first support lug is fixed simultaneously and securely to the bottom of the side member and to a rear axle crossmember end of the chassis arrangement, preferably by welding in three layers;

[0043] - the second support edge of the second support leg is fixed securely to the bottom of the spar, preferably by welding.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising at least one chassis arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0045] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0047] [Fig.1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of a spar lining conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed view of the spar lining shown in [Fig.1]

[0049] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of chassis arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention;

[0050] [Fig.4] illustrates a first detailed view of the chassis arrangement shown in [Fig.3];

[0051] [Fig.5] illustrates a second detailed view of the chassis arrangement shown on the [Fig.3].

[0052] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0053] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0054] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0055] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the lining 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0056] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction between one side of the motor vehicle and the opposite side of the same motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of the same motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0057] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as if taken along a direction extending from front to rear or rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0058] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0059] In addition, a proper elongation axis is also defined in the frame of reference of the lining 1, the proper elongation axis being defined by the principal elongation direction of the lining 1, defined in particular by the elongation direction of the principal face 11, that is to say the largest dimension of said principal face 11. In the context of the integration of the lining 1 onto the spar 2 and / or in the motor vehicle, the proper elongation axis of the lining 1 is coincident or substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis X.

[0060] The invention relates to a lining 1 for a side member 2 of a motor vehicle, the lining 1 being configured to cover an upper face 20 of the side member 2, the lining 1 comprising:

[0061] - a main face 11 which is configured to extend vertically above the spar 2;

[0062] - a first support leg 12 on a bottom of the longitudinal member 2, the first leg support 12 extending from the main face 11 through an opening 13 arranged on said main face 11, near a rear edge 111 of the main face 11 relative to a longitudinal axis X;

[0063] - a second support leg 14 on a bottom of the longitudinal member 2, the second leg support 14 extending from a lateral edge of the main face 11 and near a front edge 112 of said main face 11.

[0064] The invention, according to its first aspect, differs from the prior art in that the lining 1 of the side member 2 comprises the first support tab 12 at the rear edge 111 of the support face. The presence of this first support tab 12 facilitates the positioning of the lining 1 in the side member 2, that is to say on the upper face 20 and between the lateral faces 21 of said side member 2, but it also allows for better transmission of longitudinal forces – static or dynamic – through the side member 2 by doubling its rigidity.

[0065] Thus, the lining 1 extends in an intercalary manner - in a horizontal plane delimited by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y - in the stringer 2 to which it is associated.

[0066] The first support tab 12 of the lining 1 extends from the main face 11 towards the upper face 20 of the spar 2 located below. The first support tab 12 is formed from a metal sheet cut from the main face 11 of the lining 1 and shaped, for example by stamping.

[0067] Thus, as can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 2 and 5, the first support tab 12 extends from and through the opening 13 formed on the main face 11 of the lining 1. The opening 13 is cut from the main face 11 of the lining 1 and along a closed contour 131. Naturally, the dimensions of the closed contour 131 – and in particular along the longitudinal axis X – are such that, when the first support tab 12 is bent from the main face 11, it can then abut the upper face 20 of the spar 2 located below. In other words, a length of the opening 13 taken between an attachment edge 132 of the first support tab 12 and the opposite edge of the closed contour 131 along the longitudinal axis X, is greater than a height taken between the main face 11 of the lining 1 and the upper face 20 of the spar 2.

[0068] At its attachment edge 132, the contour 131 of the opening 13 forms a fold connecting the first support tab 12 to the main face 11 of the lining 1. The first support tab 12 has an "S" or "L" shape in order to present a first support edge 121 against the upper face 20 of the spar 2. The first support tab 12 is shaped by stamping for example.

[0069] Along the transverse axis Y, the contour 131 of the opening 13 is located at a distance from a lateral edge of the first support tab 12 to facilitate its shaping. To this end, the closed contour 131 of the opening 13 defines recessed areas 133 located on either side of the attachment edge 132 of the first support tab 12, as shown in [Fig. 2]. Each recessed area 133 is located at a transverse end of the attachment edge 132. Each recessed area 133 forms a fillet from the attachment edge 132 towards the closed contour 131 of the opening 13. This advantageous configuration facilitates the folding of the first support tab 12.

[0070] The second support tab 14 of the lining 1 extends from the main face 11 towards the upper face 20 of the spar 2 located below. The second support tab 14 is formed from a metal sheet made from the main face 11 of the lining 1 and shaped, for example by stamping.

[0071] Thus, as can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 1 and 3, the second support lug 14 has an "S" or "L" shape in order to present a second support rim 141 against the upper face 20 of the longitudinal member 2. The second support lug 14 is shaped by stamping for example.

[0072] The second support lug 14 is located at a front edge 112 of the main face 11 of the lining 1 in order to improve the stability of the lining 1 when it is assembled on the spar 2 - by welding - and to improve the transmission of forces between the lining 1 and the spar 2, thus strengthening the resistance of the spar 2 to static loads or to dynamic forces exerted on said spar 2.

[0073] As shown in the FIGURES, the lining 1 has lateral rebates 15s extending from the main face and on either side of said main face 11, relative to the transverse axis Y. Each rebate collaborates with the lateral face 21 of the adjacent side member 2 so as to be welded together. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to increase the rigidity – particularly along the transverse axis Y – of the side member 2 equipped with such a lining 1. Each lateral rebate 15 extends from the rear edge 111 to the front edge 112 of the main face 11 of the lining 1. Each lateral rebate 15 extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the main face 11 of the lining 1.

[0074] The main face 11 of the lining 1 has a light 113 which allows a mounting interface for a rear axle to pass through the lining 1 onto the side member 2.

[0075] According to a second aspect, the invention also addresses a chassis arrangement 3 for a motor vehicle, the chassis arrangement 3 comprising:

[0076] - a longitudinal member 2 extending along the longitudinal axis X, the longitudinal member 2 comprising a base and two lateral faces 21 which extend in projection from the upper face 20 and on either side of said upper face 20, along the longitudinal axis X. The side member 2 is preferably of the type of a rear side member 2 equipping a motor vehicle on either side of a rear trunk;

[0077] - a lining 1 as described above and associated with the spar 2.

[0078] In summary, the invention relates to a side member 2 lining 1 for a motor vehicle, the lining 1 being configured to be integrated into a side member 2 in order to reinforce an upper face 20 of the side member 2 to increase its rigidity. The lining 1 comprises a main face 11 which is configured to extend vertically above the upper face 20 of the side member 2, and a first support tab 12 configured to be affixed to the upper face 20 of the side member 2, the first support tab 12 extending from the main face 11 through an opening 13 provided on said main face 11, near a rear edge 111 of the main face 11. According to the invention, the first support tab 12 is formed by a piece of the main face 11 of the lining 1 cut and shaped to form said first support tab 12.

[0079] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Lining (1) of side member (2) for motor vehicle, the lining (1) being configured to cover an upper face (20) of the side member (2), the lining (1) comprising: - a main face (11) which is configured to extend vertically from the side member (2); - a first support tab (12) on a bottom of the side member (2), the first support tab (12) extending from the main face (11) through an opening (13) provided on said main face (11), near a rear edge (111) of the main face (11) relative to a longitudinal axis (X); - a second support leg (14) on a bottom of the spar (2), the second support leg (14) extending from a lateral edge of the main face (11) and near a front edge (112) of said main face (11).

2. Lining (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first support tab (12) is made of material with the main face (11) of the lining (1).

3. Lining (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support lug (12) has a first support rim (121) forming a free end of said first support lug (12), the first support rim (121) being intended to bear against the bottom of the spar (2).

4. Lining (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support tab (14) is made of material with the main face (11) of the lining (1).

5. Lining (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support lug (14) has a second support rim (141) forming a free end of said second support lug (14), the second support rim (141) being intended to bear against the bottom of the spar (2).

6. Lining (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lining (1) has lateral rebates (15)s extending from the main face and on either side of said main face (11), relative to a transverse axis (Y), each lateral rebate (15) being intended to bear against a lateral face (21) of the spar (2).

7. Motor vehicle chassis arrangement (3), the chassis arrangement (3) comprising: - a side member (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), the side member (2) comprising a bottom and two lateral faces (21) extending projecting from the bottom and on either side of said bottom, along the longitudinal axis (X); - a lining (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the lining (1) being associated with the side member (2).

8. A chassis arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main face (11) of the lining (1) extends vertically from the bottom of the side member (2), the first support lug (12) and the second support lug (14) of the lining (1) each bearing on the bottom of said side member (2), so that the support face is located at a distance from said bottom.

9. A chassis arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein each side rebate (15) is fixed securely to the side face (21) of the side member (2) to which it is associated, preferably by welding.

10. Motor vehicle comprising at least one chassis arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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