Installation of a cable tray for routing an electrical harness in a motor vehicle engine compartment

Abstract

Arrangement of a cable tray (GFP) in an engine compartment (CPT) of a motor vehicle (VEL), comprising a battery (BAT) supported by a bracket (SFB) fixed to a bulkhead crossmember (TTB) of the vehicle and providing a space (ESP) between the battery and the bulkhead crossmember; said cable tray housing an electrical harness (FPL) comprising at least one electrical conductor cable connected to the battery, extending into said space along said crossmember; said battery bracket comprising at least one vertical flange (RFB) extending transversely to the bulkhead crossmember through said space, and comprising a notched portion (PEF) to allow passage of the cable tray, in which the cable tray is equipped with a reinforcement device (RAC), fixedly attached to the cable tray opposite the notched portion of the flange, suitable for limiting damage to the harness in the event of a frontal impact. (Figure 7)

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement of a cable channel for an electrical harness in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates generally to arrangements for the protection of electrical components in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle in the event of a frontal collision and relates more particularly to an arrangement of a conduit for the passage of an electrical harness extending into the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle.

[0002] A wiring harness, designated as the main harness, including an electrical cable connected to the battery, is integrated into the engine compartment to power the vehicle's electrical components. This integration must be optimized to take into account frontal impacts.

[0003] The term engine compartment, or front section, will hereafter refer to the space between the frontmost face of the vehicle and the passenger compartment. The front section is generally separated from the passenger compartment by a structural component of the vehicle, also referred to as the bulkhead, which is itself fixed at its lower end to a crossmember supporting the bulkhead, referred to as the bulkhead crossmember. In addition to their function of separating the front section from the passenger compartment, the bulkhead and the crossmember generally serve as supports for a set of components located either on the front section side or on the passenger compartment side.

[0004] The reduced front overhang of certain vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, impacts the placement of the battery and the main wiring harness.

[0005] More particularly for this type of vehicle, the battery is positioned close to the apron and above the electric motor reducer.

[0006] To secure the battery in the front assembly, a welded sheet metal support, forming a horizontal platform that supports the battery, is fixed to the firewall crossmember via a generally L-shaped mounting reinforcement. The mounting reinforcement includes a lower vertical mounting base for attaching the battery support to the firewall crossmember.

[0007] The fixing reinforcement has laterally, on either side of the reinforcement, two vertical flanges in order to provide rigidity to the entire platform / battery assembly.

[0008] One of the flanges is notched to allow passage for a channel in which the main beam is housed, above the vertical fixing base, between the battery and the deck cross member; the channel running along the deck cross member.

[0009] In such an arrangement, the cable tray, and therefore the main beam housed within the tray, is directly exposed to damage by crushing, or even shearing, in the event of a crash (violent frontal impact). In the event of a crash, the The battery is propelled towards the apron and the flange of the fixing reinforcement, deforming under the impact, can damage or even shear the main wiring harness and deprive the vehicle of electrical power.

[0010] The invention therefore aims in particular to overcome this drawback by proposing an arrangement that limits the effects of a crash on the chute and therefore the main beam housed in the chute, thus preserving the operation of essential functions for the vehicle and its passengers.

[0011] To this end, the invention has as its first object an arrangement of a conduit for the passage of an electrical harness in an engine compartment, at the front of a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical supply battery supported by a support fixed on a crossmember of the vehicle's apron and providing a space between the battery and the apron crossmember; said conduit housing an electrical harness comprising at least one electrical conductor cable connected to the battery, extending in said space along said crossmember;said battery support comprising at least one vertical flange extending transversely to the apron cross member through said space, and comprising a notched portion to allow passage of the cable channel, in which the cable channel is equipped with a reinforcement device, fixedly attached to the cable channel opposite the notched portion of the flange, capable of limiting the deterioration of the wiring harness inside the cable channel in the event of a frontal impact.

[0012] According to one feature, the reinforcement device is a rigid and elastically deformable reinforcement strip, shaped to fit the front profile of the chute when it is fixedly attached to the chute; said reinforcement strip ending at its ends respectively with first and second end tabs shaped to define each a bearing surface capable of cooperating with a part of the vehicle structure separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal impact; said reinforcement strip further comprising means for fixing the reinforcement strip to the chute arranged between the first and second end tabs.

[0013] According to another feature, a rear face of the chute is fixed on the vehicle apron crossmember and the first and second end tabs are respectively opposite the apron and the vehicle apron crossmember.

[0014] According to another feature, the reinforcing band is a metal band and the chute is made from plastic material.

[0015] According to another feature, the chute is long-shaped with a general rectangular section, and the notched part of the flange defines in the plane of the flange, a general rectangular profile following, in the plane of the flange, the front profile of the chute on which the reinforcement device is fixed.

[0016] The present invention has as its second object a reinforcement device intended for an arrangement as described above, in which the device defines a strip with determined elastic rigidity and deformation, suitable for conforming to the front profile of the channel; said reinforcement strip comprising a central part and first and second branches extending on either side of the central part and terminating at their respective ends by first and second end tabs shaped to define each a bearing surface suitable for cooperating with a part of the vehicle body separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal impact; said first end tab comprising an angled part suitable for cooperating with the channel when mounting the reinforcement strip on the channel; the reinforcement strip further comprising means arranged on the right part suitable for participating in the fixing of the reinforcement strip on the channel.

[0017] The present invention has as its third object a method of mounting a reinforcement device as described above, on a cable tray for the passage of an electrical bundle, consisting of engaging the first end tab of the reinforcement strip in an eyelet provided on the cable tray and defining a stop for positioning and pre-holding the reinforcement strip on the cable tray; said eyelet further defining a pivot for the first end tab, allowing rotation of the reinforcement strip around the cable tray until a final positioning of the reinforcement strip on the cable tray; said final positioning being secured by fastening means arranged on the cable tray and on the reinforcement strip.

[0018] An advantage of the present invention is to add a reinforcement piece to the channel to protect the main beam in a critical area of ​​engine behavior, without adding any fixing to the apron or the apron crossmember for this reinforcement piece.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawing, on which:

[0020] [Fig-1] illustrates, in a front view, a cable conduit equipped with a reinforcement device for an arrangement according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2] illustrates a front view of the reinforcement device;

[0022] [Fig.3] illustrates a first step in mounting the reinforcement device on the gutter ;

[0023] [Fig.4] illustrates a second step in mounting the reinforcement device on the gutter ;

[0024] [Fig.5] illustrates a third step in mounting the reinforcement device on the gutter ;

[0025] [Fig.6] illustrates a fourth step in mounting the reinforcement device on the chute; and

[0026] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view of an arrangement according to the invention.

[0027] The elements represented in the figures are oriented within the same orthonormal XYZ coordinate system and identical elements are designated by the same alphanumeric references.

[0028] For this purpose, and unless otherwise specified, reference is made to the orthonormal coordinate system XYZ to identify the directions of extension of the arrangement in a vehicle, and the associated relative concepts, including a longitudinal direction (along X), a transverse direction (along Y), and a vertical direction (along Z). The longitudinal direction X extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, the transverse direction Y extends between the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle as identified with respect to the driver in the vehicle's driving position, and the vertical direction Z defines the vehicle's elevation from its ground plane. Consequently, the relative concepts front and rear are identified longitudinally, the lateral concept and the relative concepts right and left are identified transversely, and concepts such as upper and lower, or other related relative concepts such as lower and upper, ...are defined vertically relative to the vehicle's running plane on the ground.

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates a GFP electrical cable conduit according to a front view (along X) of the GFP conduit.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the GFP chute is long and includes a substantially straight part extending in a general transverse direction (along Y).

[0031] The GFP trunking has a substantially constant and rectangular cross-section, at least on the right-hand side, defining a rectangular parallelepiped. It can be made in two parts: a main body and a cover attached to the body by gluing and / or clipping. The GFP trunking is obtained, for example, by molding plastic material.

[0032] Figure [1] also shows a reinforcement device RAC which is attached to the front profile of the GFP chute along a longitudinal direction (along X) enclosing the front profile of the GFP chute corresponding to a straight section of the right part of the chute.

[0033] By front profile, we mean the front face (or frontal face) FAG of the GFP chute, and the lower face FIG and upper face FSG of the GFP chute. The rear face, not visible in the figure, but which is the face opposite the front face FAG, is used for fixing the GFP chute to a part of the vehicle structure as described below with reference to [Fig.3].

[0034] The RAC reinforcement, in the general shape of a collar, surrounds the front profile of the GFP chute by conforming to the upper face FSG, front face FAG and lower face FIG of the GFP chute.

[0035] It is held, at its first upper end, on the upper face FSG of the GFP chute by an OPR eyelet made of the same material as the upper face FSG of the GFP chute and is fixed to the lower part of the front face FAG of the GFP chute by a fixing interface IFG. The second end of the RAC reinforcement surrounds the lower face FIG of the GFP chute.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the RAC reinforcement alone, shown in the mounting configuration. of [Fig.1] and therefore in a configuration under elastic stress.

[0037] The RAC reinforcement is in the form of a rigid and elastically deformable piece, like a hose clamp, generally in the shape of a "U" when attached to the front profile of the GFP chute.

[0038] It is obtained from a strip resulting, for example, from cutting and stamping a metallic material (sheet metal) or by molding, 3D printing, ... of a plastic material having identical or similar properties of rigidity and elastic deformation.

[0039] This RAC reinforcement strip is intended to reinforce the front profile of the GFP channel to limit the shearing of the GFP channel by a tapered edge element present in the front block opposite the GFP channel, in the event of a violent impact at the front of the vehicle, or frontal impact also referred to as "crash" (see solid arrow in [Fig.3]), and to preserve the integrity of the electrical cables of the harness housed in the GFP channel.

[0040] The RAC reinforcement strip has a central PAC portion extending on either side of the central PAC portion of the first and second branches BRS and BRI, terminating respectively in first and second end tabs PES and PEI. By convention, and to conform to the XYZ coordinate system of the figures, the first branch is designated as the upper branch BRS, the second branch as the lower branch BRI, and the first and second end tabs as the upper end tab PES and lower end tab PEI, respectively.

[0041] The RAC reinforcement strip is dimensioned to surround the front profile of the GFP chute once the RAC reinforcement strip is positioned and fixed to the GFP chute. The angles formed between the central part PAC and the upper and lower branches BRS and BRI are determined by the front profile of the GFP chute.

[0042] The upper end tab PES is shaped to be able to engage in the eyelet OPR which defines a positioning and pre-holding stop for the RAC reinforcement strip, at the time of mounting the RAC reinforcement strip on the GFP chute.

[0043] The stop also serves as a pivot, or axis of rotation, for the upper end tab PES to, after positioning, and pre-holding, allow the rotation of the RAC reinforcement strip around the front profile of the GFP chute until the final positioning of the RAC reinforcement strip on the GFP chute.

[0044] The fixing of the RAC reinforcement strip is achieved by an IFR, IFG type staple fixing interface, which has on the RAC reinforcement strip side, an IFR through hole and on the chute side an IFG staple tab whose elastically deformable head cooperates with the IFR hole.

[0045] In order to be able to position and pre-hold the RAC reinforcement strip during assembly and then allow the rotation of the RAC reinforcement strip until the RAC reinforcement strip is fixed to the front face FAG of the FGP chute, the upper end tab PES forms with the upper branch BRS an angled part PCD with a determined closed angle.

[0046] The eyelet OPR ([Fig. 1]) defines a rectangular opening receiving the upper end tab PES of the reinforcement strip RAC and includes a straight cylindrical rod TCR of circular section defining for the upper end tab PES, both a longitudinal stop (along X) and a pivot defining an axis of rotation along Y, around which pivots the angled part PCD of the upper end tab PES after engagement of the upper end tab PES in the eyelet OPR at the time of mounting the reinforcement strip RAC on the GFP chute.

[0047] Figures 3 to 6 respectively illustrate four cross-sectional views along the PCT plane illustrated in [Fig.1], corresponding to the four successive mounting stages of the RAC reinforcement strip on the GFP chute.

[0048] Fig. 3 illustrates a first assembly step in which the upper end tab PES of the RAC reinforcement strip is positioned resting flat on the upper lateral face FLS of the GFP chute opposite the eyelet OPR.

[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates a second assembly step in which the upper end tab PES of the RAC reinforcement strip is engaged in the OPR eyelet along the longitudinal direction (along X) until it comes to a stop in the OPR eyelet (angled part PCD against cylindrical rod TCL of the OPR eyelet).

[0050] Fig. 5 illustrates a third assembly step in which the RAC reinforcement strip is subjected to rotation in the direction indicated by the black arrow: the angled part PCD rotates around the cylindrical rod TCL of the eyelet OPR.

[0051] Finally, [Fig.6] illustrates a fourth and final assembly step in which the RAC reinforcement strip is in a final position secured by the IFR, IFG fixing interface.

[0052] Fig.7 illustrates, following the same PCT section plane of Fig.1, an arrangement of the GFP chute in the CPT engine compartment of a VEL motor vehicle, comprising an electrical supply battery BAT, supported by an SFB support fixed on the TTB apron crossmember of the VEL vehicle separating the CPT engine compartment from the HAB passenger compartment of the VEL vehicle.

[0053] The present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a CPT engine compartment located at the front of a VEL electric vehicle with a reduced front overhang.

[0054] Due to the installation constraints caused by the reduced front overhang, the BAT battery is placed as close as possible to the TTB apron crossmember.

[0055] There is therefore a reduced ESP space between the battery BAT and the apron crossmember TTB to both adapt a battery support SFB fixed on the apron crossmember TTB and to pass a bundle of electrical cables, main bundle FPL, housed in the GFP channel.

[0056] The GFP chute allows the main FPL beam to be routed along the TTB deck cross member in the ESP space.

[0057] The main FPL harness includes in particular an electrical conductor cable which is connected to the BAT battery and which serves to supply electrical energy to electrical elements of the VEL vehicle, including elements contributing to the safety of the VEL vehicle and its passengers.

[0058] This ESP space has been represented between two vertical lines as a dashed line,

[0059] The SFB battery support comprises two vertical flanges extending transversely to the TTB deck cross member through the ESP space whose RFB flange is visible in the foreground.

[0060] The flanges act as stiffeners for the part forming a PTB plate of the SFB battery support.

[0061] The RFB flange has a notched part PEF to allow the passage of the GFP chute along the deck cross member TTB.

[0062] The RFB flange has a tapered edge delimiting the notched part PEF which is opposite the GFP chute.

[0063] The SFB battery support includes a lower EFI mounting base extending in a substantially vertical plane (along Z) against the TTB apron crossmember for fixing the SFB battery mounting support to the TTB apron crossmember.

[0064] In this arrangement, the GFP channel extends into the ESP space along the cross member of the TTB deck between the tapered edge of the notched part PEF of the RFB flange and the EIF fixing base of the SFB battery support.

[0065] The GFP gutter is fixed by a rear face FRG of the GFP gutter, on the apron cross member TTB by means of CLP clips or other.

[0066] The RAC reinforcement strip, when fixed on the GFP chute, extends opposite the notched part PEF of the RFB flange.

[0067] In the event of a frontal impact along a principal direction symbolized in [Fig. 7] by a solid arrow, the upper end tab PES of the RAC reinforcement strip which is curved upwards to form the PCD bend described above, is used as a bearing surface on the TBL deck.

[0068] The lower end tab PEI is curved upwards to define a bearing surface on the deck cross member TTB; the GFP channel extending along the interface between the deck TBL and the deck cross member TTB on which the deck TBL is mounted.

[0069] Thus, with the integration of a reinforcement with rigidity and elastic deformation determined to be able to resist the tapered edge of the battery support flange in the event of a frontal impact, the forces on the chute and therefore on the beam which is housed inside the chute are limited.

Claims

Demands

1. Arrangement of a cable tray (GFP) for the passage of an electrical wiring harness (FPL) in an engine compartment (CPT), at the front of a motor vehicle (VEL), comprising an electrical supply battery (BAT) supported by a bracket (SFB) fixed to a bulkhead crossmember (TTB) of the vehicle (VEL) and providing a space (ESP) between the battery (BAT) and the bulkhead crossmember (TTB); said cable tray (GFP) housing an electrical wiring harness (FPL) comprising at least one electrical conductor cable connected to the battery (BAT), extending into said space (ESP) along said crossmember (TTB);said battery support (SFP) comprising at least one vertical flange (RFB) extending transversely to the apron crossmember (TTB) through said space (ESP), and comprising a notched portion (PEF) to allow passage of the cable tray (GFP), in which the cable tray (GFP) is equipped with a reinforcement device (RAC), fixedly attached to the cable tray (GFP) opposite the notched portion (PEF) of the flange (RFB), capable of limiting the deterioration of the wiring harness (FPL) inside the cable tray (GFP) in the event of a frontal impact.

2. An arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement device (RAC) is a rigid and elastically deformable reinforcement strip, shaped to conform to the front profile of the chute (GFP) when fixedly attached to the chute (GFP); said reinforcement strip (RAC) terminating at its ends respectively by first and second end tabs (PES, PEI) shaped to define each a bearing surface capable of cooperating with a structural part (TBL or TBT) of the vehicle (VEL) separating the engine compartment (CPT) from the passenger compartment (HAB) in the event of a frontal impact; said reinforcement strip (RAC) further comprising means for fixing (IFR, IFG) the reinforcement strip (RAC) to the chute (GFP) arranged between the first and second end tabs (PES, PEI).

3. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein a rear face (FRG) of the chute (GFP) is fixed to the apron crossmember (TTB) of the vehicle (VEL) and wherein the first and second end tabs (PES, PEI) are respectively opposite the apron (TBL) and the apron crossmember (TTB) of the vehicle (VHL).

4. An arrangement according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the reinforcing strip (RAC) is a metallic strip and the chute (GFP) is made from plastic material.

5. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chute (GFP) is long and rectangular in general section, and wherein the notched part of the flange (PEF) defines in the plane of the flange (RFB), a rectangular general profile conforming, in the plane of the flange (RFB), to the front profile of the chute (GFP) on which the reinforcement device (RAC) is fixed.

6. Reinforcement device (RAC) intended for an arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device (RAC) defines a strip with determined elastic stiffness and deformation, adapted to conform to the front profile of the chute (GFP); said reinforcement strip (RAC) comprising a central part (PAC) and first and second arms (BRS, BRI) extending on either side of the central part (PAC) and terminating at their respective ends with first and second end tabs (PES, PEI) shaped to each define a bearing surface adapted to cooperate with a body part (TBL or TTB) of the vehicle (VEL) separating the engine compartment (CPT) from the passenger compartment (HAB) in the event of a frontal impact; said first end tab (PES) comprising an angled part (PCD) adapted to cooperate with the chute (GFP) when the reinforcement strip (RAC) is mounted on the chute (GFP);the reinforcement strip (RAC) further comprising means (IFR) arranged on the right part (PAD) capable of participating in the fixing of the reinforcement strip (RAC) on the chute (GFP).;

7. A method for mounting a reinforcement device (RAC) according to the preceding claim on a cable tray (FP) for the passage of an electrical harness, comprising engaging the first end tab (PES) of the reinforcement strip (RAC) in an eyelet (OPR) provided on the cable tray (GFP) and defining a stop for positioning and pre-holding the reinforcement strip (RAC) on the cable tray (GFP); said eyelet (OPR) further defining a pivot (TRC) for the first end tab (PES), allowing rotation of the reinforcement strip (RAC) around the cable tray (GFP) until final positioning of the reinforcement strip (RAC) on the cable tray (GFP); said final positioning being secured by means of fixing (IFG, IFR) arranged on the chute (GFP) and on the reinforcement strip (RAC).

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