Protective part to cover protrusions on the body structure of a powertrain of an automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective part (3) configured to cover protrusions (E1, E2) of a body structure (10) of a motor vehicle powertrain, so as to prevent the protrusions (E1, E2) from exerting mechanical stress on an electrical cable (20) of said powertrain. Said protective part (3) forms a cover comprising a first protective portion (31) defining a first housing (310) configured to include a distal end of a first protrusion (E1) of the body structure (10), and a second protective portion (32) defining a second housing (320) configured to include a distal end of a second protrusion (E2) of the body structure (10). The second protective portion (32) is configured to engage with the second protrusion (E2) for securing the protective part (3) to the body structure (10). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Protective part for covering protrusions of a body structure of a powertrain of a motor vehicle. Technical field and technological background

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective part configured to cover protrusions of a body structure of a powertrain of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a powertrain comprising the protective part, as well as a motor vehicle comprising it.

[0002] For the purposes of this description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ illustrated in [Fig. 1], classically used in automotive design. In this XYZ coordinate system, the X-axis designates the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle; the Y-axis designates the left-to-right transverse direction, oriented from the left to the right of the vehicle; the Z-axis designates the vertical direction, oriented from the bottom to the top of the vehicle.

[0003] Typically, in a motor vehicle, an engine, in particular a vehicle drive engine, is mounted on a vehicle chassis. In particular, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a powertrain architecture, although the engine is not shown. A body structure includes an engine mount 9 and a plate 10 for mounting to a vehicle chassis. One face of the mount 9 is mounted against the plate 10. A fold 90 of the mount 9 and a fold 100 of the plate 10 extend in the same direction. In particular, the folds 90 and 100 extend along the X-axis, towards the front of the vehicle. The mounting includes securing, in particular by welding, the fold 90 of the mount 9 to the fold 100 of the plate 10.

[0004] The plate 10 further includes a mounting rod 140 extending in the same direction as the folds 90, 100. In particular, the mounting rod 140 extends from a face of the plate 10 opposite to the face against which the support 9 is mounted. This mounting rod 140 is used, in particular, for mounting other elements, including other powertrain components in certain powertrain configurations according to the technical specifications of the motor vehicle. The mounting rod 140 is, in particular, a threaded rod, such as a stud. In particular, the support 9 and the plate 10 form part of the body structure that supports the right-hand powertrain mount.

[0005] A cable 20 extends opposite the folds 90, 100 and the mounting rod 140, relative to the direction of the folds 90, 100 and the mounting rod 140. The cable 20 This notably forms a power cable connecting a battery to an electric motor in the powertrain. The electrical cable is, in particular, a dynamic loop of the wiring, meaning an electrical cable that connects two elements, at least one of which is mobile. In the event of a frontal impact to the vehicle, the folds 90, 100 on one side and the mounting rod 140 on the other form protrusions El, E2 that can damage the cable 20, potentially causing damage or even breakage, resulting in an undesirable thermal or electrical risk for the customer.

[0006] It is therefore sought to provide protection for an electrical cable of the powertrain extending near protrusions of a body structure of the powertrain, in particular against an attack caused by these protrusions during a frontal impact. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a protective part configured to cover protrusions of a body structure of a powertrain of a motor vehicle, so as to prevent the exertion of mechanical stress by the protrusions on an electrical cable of said powertrain, said protective part forming a cover comprising: - a first protective portion defining a first housing configured to include a distal end of a first protrusion of the body structure, - a second protective portion defining a second housing configured to include a distal end of a second protrusion of the body structure, the second protective portion being configured to engage with the second protrusion for fixing the protective piece to the body structure.

[0008] The protective piece thus covers the two protrusions of the body structure, protecting the electrical cable from mechanical stress caused by these protrusions, particularly during close proximity, especially violent proximity, between the body structure and the electrical cable. Thanks to the two protective sections, the electrical cable is protected against both the first and second protrusions. Furthermore, the second protective section serves a dual purpose: protecting the electrical cable and securing the protective piece to the body structure, thereby reducing the number of parts in the powertrain assembly.

[0009] To fix the protective piece to the body structure, the second portion of the protector engages with the second protrusion. In particular, the piece The protective cover requires no additional fasteners. Specifically, the cover attaches itself by inserting the second protrusion into the second section of the cover. This benefits industrial performance in terms of assembly time and labor. In particular, the operator does not need any tools for assembly.

[0010] In particular, from the point of view of assembly ergonomics, the protective part has a geometry such that it ensures a good grip by the operator's hand.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the protective piece is configured to be fixed to the body structure only by the second portion of protection.

[0012] According to one embodiment: - the first protective portion includes a first opening configured to receive the first protrusion of the body structure, and a first wall extending along the edge of the first opening and defining said first housing, - the second protective portion includes a second opening configured to receive the second protrusion of the body structure, and a second wall extending along the edge of the second opening and defining said second housing, said second wall comprising attachment devices on the second protrusion.

[0013] According to one variant, the fastening members are in the form of fins configured to engage with the surface of the second protrusion.

[0014] According to one variant, the first protective portion forms a closed pocket at one end opposite the first opening, and the second protective portion forms a barrel open at one end opposite the second opening so as to allow mounting or dismounting of the protective part with the body structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the protective part includes a connecting wall linking the first portion of protection and the second portion of protection.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an edge of the hood is configured to come against an edge of the body structure for rotational blocking of the protective part.

[0017] The invention further relates to a powertrain comprising: - a body structure comprising an engine support and a plate for fixing to a vehicle chassis, one face of said support being mounted against said plate, a fold of said support and a fold of said plate extending in the same direction and being joined together so as to form a first protrusion, said plate further comprising a mounting rod extending in the same direction forming a second protrusion; - a cable, in particular a power cable making a connection between a battery and an electric motor of the powertrain, extending opposite said protrusions in said direction; - a protective piece according to the invention covering said protrusions so as to prevent the exertion of a mechanical force of the protrusions on said cable, in particular when a rapprochement between said cable and the protrusions.

[0018] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a powertrain according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0019] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0020] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] represents an XYZ coordinate system classically used in automotive design;

[0021] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] represents a view of an example of a powertrain comprising a body structure and an electrical cable;

[0022] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents another view of the example powertrain;

[0023] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a perspective view of the front face of an example of protective part according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.5] Fig.5 represents a perspective view of the rear face of the example of a protective part according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents another perspective view of the front face of the example protective part according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] represents a view of the example powertrain including the example protective part.

[0027] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents another view of the example powertrain including the example protective part. Detailed description

[0028] An example of a protective part 3 is illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. The protective part 3 covers protrusions El, E2 of a body structure 10 of a powertrain of a motor vehicle, as illustrated for example in Figures 7 and 8. The powertrain is in particular that previously described in relation to Figures 2 and 3. During a close approach, in particular a violent close approach in the event of a vehicle collision, between the body structure 10 and an electrical cable 20, the protective part 3 prevents the exertion of a mechanical force of the protrusions El, E2 on the electrical cable 20 of the powertrain.

[0029] The protective piece 3 forms a hood, in which a first protective portion 31 defines a first housing 310. When the protective piece 3 is positioned on the body structure 10, the first housing 310 includes a distal end of a first protrusion EL. A second protective portion 32 defines a second housing 320 configured to include a distal end of a second protrusion E2. The protective piece 3 is particular in that the second portion 32 engages with the second protrusion E2 to fix the protective piece 3 to the body structure 10.

[0030] In particular, a connecting wall 33 links the first protective portion 31 and the second protective portion 32. In particular, the connecting wall 33 comes against the surface of the body structure 10, in particular a surface immediately surrounding the protrusions El, E2.

[0031] In particular, the connecting wall 33 includes a stiffening edge 330 of the protective part 3. The edge 330 extends in particular between the first protective portion 31 and the second protective portion 32. In particular, the edge 330 extends on the same side as the protective portions 31, 32, and is hollowed out from the face of the protective part 3 opposite the body structure 10 in order to save material.

[0032] In particular, an edge of the protective part 3 comes against an edge of the body structure 10 to block the rotation of the protective part 3. For this purpose, the connecting part 33 may include at one of its edges a tab 332 coming against the edge of the body structure 10. Thus, the protective part 3 incorporates in its geometry an anti-rotation function, which avoids the use of an additional fixing.

[0033] In particular, the first protrusion El extends from a first edge of the body structure 10. Specifically, the tab 332 is then configured to abut a second edge of the body structure 10 which is contiguous with the first edge. In particular, the first protective portion 31 abuts a lateral face of the first protrusion El to contribute to preventing the rotation of the protective part 3.

[0034] In particular, the protective piece 3 is attached to the body structure 10 only by the second protective portion 32. Specifically, the first protective portion 31 lacks any attachments to the body structure 10, particularly to the first protrusion EL. This reduces the number of fasteners in the powertrain, and more broadly in the vehicle, which contributes to a reduction in assembly time. Industrial performance is thus improved.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first protective portion 31 includes a first opening 01, through which the first protrusion E1 is received. A first wall 311 extends along the edge of the first opening 01, in particular from the entire edge of the first opening 01, to define the first housing 310. Furthermore, the second protective portion 32 includes a second opening 02, through which the second protrusion E2 is received. A second wall 322 extends along the edge of the second opening 02, in particular from the entire edge of the second opening 02, to define the second housing 320. In particular, the first wall 311 and the second wall 322 extend around their respective protrusions E1, E2, and beyond the distal end of their respective protrusions E1, E2. This ensures that the electrical cable 20 is well protected from the protrusions El, E2.

[0036] The second wall 322 includes fastening elements 324 that allow the protective piece 3 to be attached to the second protrusion E2. The fastening elements may be staples, clips, harpoons, or other shapes that allow for reduced assembly time and cost. For example, the fastening elements 324 are fin-shaped and engage with the surface of the second protrusion E2. In particular, the second protrusion is in the form of a stud 140, for example as described in relation to figures 2 and 3. The fins 324 then engage with a thread of the stud 140 to hold the protective piece 3 in position. Preferably, the fins 324 are located on two opposite sides of the inner face of the second wall 322. In particular, the fins 324 allow unidirectional deformation with a harpooning effect.

[0037] In particular, the first protective portion 31 forms a closed pocket at its end opposite the first opening 01; and the second protective portion 32 forms a barrel open at its end opposite the second opening 02. The third opening 03 opposite the second opening 02 allows the protective part 3 to be mounted on the body structure 10 or the protective part 3 to be removed from the body structure 10. In particular, the third opening 03 allows the fastening elements 324 to be actuated, in particular by an operator, for the removal of the protective part 3 from the body structure 10.

[0038] In particular, the third opening 03 of the barrel 32 has a span less than that of the electrical cable 20 so as to prevent the insertion of the electrical cable 20 into the barrel 32. In particular, this and the closed end of the first portion of protection 31 in the form of a closed pocket make it possible to avoid the exertion of a mechanical force of the protrusions El, E2 on the electrical cable 20 during a rapprochement between the body structure 10 and the electrical cable 20.

[0039] In particular, the protective part 3 is made of an electrically insulating material. The protective part 3 is preferably made of plastic and is obtained in particular by molding, for example by injection molding.

[0040] In particular, the shape and geometry of the protective part 3 allow it to be manufactured in a simple conventional mold, such as one comprising a single parting plane, for example, with a number of positions chosen according to the production volumes required. Since the mold is conventional, the production costs of the tooling for manufacturing the protective part 3 are reduced.

[0041] The protective part 3 can be mounted in the powertrain of a motor vehicle as previously described in relation to Figures 2 and 3.

Claims

Demands

1. Protective part (3) configured to cover protrusions (El, E2) of a body structure (10) of a powertrain of a motor vehicle, so as to prevent the exertion of mechanical stress by the protrusions (El, E2) on an electrical cable (20) of said powertrain, said protective part (3) forming a cover comprising: - a first protective portion (31) defining a first housing (310) configured to include a distal end of a first protrusion (El) of the body structure (10), - a second protective portion (32) defining a second housing (320) configured to include a distal end of a second protrusion (E2) of the body structure (10), the second protective portion (32) being configured to engage with the second protrusion (E2) for fixing the protective part (3) to the body structure (10).

2. Protective piece (3) according to claim 1, configured to be fixed to the body structure (10) only by the second protective portion (32).

3. Protective part (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the first protective portion (31) comprises a first opening (01) configured to receive the first protrusion (E1) of the body structure (10), and a first wall (311) extending along the edge of the first opening (01) and defining said first housing (310), - the second protective portion (32) comprises a second opening (02) configured to receive the second protrusion (E2) of the body structure (10), and a second wall (322) extending along the edge of the second opening (02) and defining said second housing (320), said second wall (322) comprising fastening members (324) on the second protrusion (E2).

4. Protective piece (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening members (324) are in the form of fins configured to engage with the surface of the second protrusion (E2).

5. Protective piece (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first protective portion (31) forms a closed pocket one end opposite the first opening (01), and the second protective portion (32) forms a barrel open at one end opposite the second opening (02) so as to allow mounting or dismounting of the protective part (3) with the body structure (10).

6. Protective piece (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting wall (33) linking the first protective portion (31) and the second protective portion (32).

7. Protective piece (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an edge of the hood is configured to come against an edge of the body structure (10) for rotational blocking of the protective piece (3).

8. Powertrain comprising: a body structure (10) including a motor mount (9) and a plate (10) for mounting on a vehicle chassis, one face of said mount (9) being mounted against said plate (10), a fold (90) of said mount (9) and a fold (100) of said plate (10) extending in the same direction and being joined together so as to form a first protrusion (E1), said plate (10) further including a mounting rod (140) extending in the same direction forming a second protrusion (E2); a cable (20), in particular a power cable connecting a battery and an electric motor of the powertrain, extending opposite said protrusions (E1, E2) in said direction;a protective piece (3) according to one of the preceding claims covering said protrusions (El, E2) so as to prevent the exertion of a mechanical force of the protrusions (El, E2) on said cable (20), in particular when said cable (20) and the protrusions (El, E2) come into close proximity.;

9. Vehicle comprising a powertrain according to the preceding claim.

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