Motor vehicle with lighting device connecting piece

Abstract

A motor vehicle comprising: a front side wing (18); a lighting device (22) having a housing (24) and a mounting area (26); a structure (12) with: a mounting bracket (38) for the front side wing (18), a first connecting piece (40) extending longitudinally and having a rear mounting area (42) attached to the mounting bracket (38), and a front mounting area (44); the motor vehicle further comprising a second connecting piece (46) attached to the mounting area (26) of the lighting device (22) and to the front mounting area (44) for connecting the lighting device (22) to the structure (12). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle with connecting piece for lighting device

[0001] The invention relates to the modular nature of a lighting device on a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to the attachment of a lighting device to the structure of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle includes lighting devices, also called optical devices, on its front end. These devices may include headlights and / or light modules commonly referred to by the English acronym DRL (Daytime Running Lights), as well as turn signals. These lighting devices are intended both to allow the driver of the motor vehicle to have a clear view of the road when ambient light decreases and to increase the visibility of the vehicle in low-light conditions. These lighting devices are located on the front of the motor vehicle and may be integrated into a bumper panel.

[0003] The assemblies of the front fascia of a motor vehicle contribute significantly to its perceived quality. The connection between the bumper skin, including the panels that compose it on the one hand, and elements such as lighting devices on the other hand, must be flush in order to optimize aesthetics and perceived quality, without neglecting the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, the presence of these lighting devices on the front of the motor vehicle exposes them to potential impacts. These impacts include low-speed impacts, for example, at a maximum speed of 16 km / h. If the obstacle is a pedestrian, the front of the motor vehicle and its components are configured to behave in such a way as to minimize injuries to the pedestrian. Moreover, it is advantageous to configure these components to optimize their repairability, so as to replace the minimum number of parts required after an impact. Standards govern the behavior of the components of the front of the vehicle and, more generally, of the motor vehicle itself, in various impact configurations.

[0005] A given model of motor vehicle undergoes one or more cosmetic modifications during its production run. These stylistic redesigns, sometimes called "mid-life updates," consist of changing the vehicle's appearance, particularly its front end, without altering its structure and mechanical characteristics. Lighting systems are frequently restyled during such updates, and their shape and dimensions may be modified.

[0006] Document KR200151622U describes a panel structure for supporting a headlight of an automobile, in which a fixed boss projecting outwards from a lower side wall of a headlight housing is attached to a fender which forms a side wall of a vehicle body, a fixed rib installed on the lower side wall opposite the headlight housing is bolted and attached to a front vehicle body, and one end of a bracket is attached to the lower part of the headlight housing and the other end is screwed to the upper part of a wheel arch, thus supporting and fixing the headlight housing, so that even if the design of the lamp or the vehicle body is changed, the lamp can simply be mounted on the vehicle body, and the headlight can be easily mounted on the vehicle body.

[0007] It is known to mount a front lighting device to a structure at the level of a wing lining. The structure has a longitudinal arm connected to the rear of the lighting device housing and to a support for the front wing.

[0008] However, the vehicle's standard characteristics must be maintained following the cosmetic modification. In particular, the crash response characteristics must not be altered despite a change in the body shape. Otherwise, this would lead to significant vehicle revalidation costs, as well as testing that would delay market entry. During vehicle redesign, the lighting devices are generally changed, and their dimensions may vary. Therefore, it is advantageous to reuse as much of a given structure as possible when the lighting devices are modified.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the modularity of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the modularity, safety, repairability, and maintenance of a motor vehicle lighting system.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising: a front side wing; a lighting device having a housing, a mounting area; a structure with: a front side wing mounting support, a first connecting piece extending longitudinally and having a rear mounting area fixed to the mounting support, a front mounting area; remarkable in that the motor vehicle further comprises a second connecting piece fixed to the mounting area of ​​the lighting device and to the front mounting area in order to connect the lighting device to the structure.

[0011] It will be understood that the invention provides an adapter allowing the mounting of a redesigned lighting device onto a pre-existing mounting bracket. Thus, it is possible to attach a lighting device whose dimensions have changed to a pre-existing structure, while retaining the mechanical characteristics of the assembly and in particular the behavior with respect to shocks, without having to modify the initial fixing arm and its mounting on the vehicle structure.

[0012] Preferably, the second connecting piece includes an upper portion fixed to the rear attachment area and to the front attachment area.

[0013] Preferably, the second connecting piece includes a vertical portion extending from the mounting area to the front fixing area.

[0014] Preferably, the second connecting piece includes an assembly stud with a recess, the front fixing area being in said recess.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting area includes a mounting tab protruding from the housing.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing tab extends horizontally towards the rear and includes a breaking zone.

[0017] Preferably, the front fixing area is above the mounting area.

[0018] Preferably, the first connecting piece comprises an angled section connecting the rear mounting area to front mounting area.

[0019] Preferably, the second connecting piece includes a positioning slot, the first connecting piece includes a positioning tab in the positioning slot.

[0020] Preferably, the positioning slot includes a front end longitudinally at a distance from the positioning tab.

[0021] Preferably, the second connecting piece includes a positioning hook, said hook forming the positioning slot.

[0022] Preferably, the mounting support includes a positioning blade in the positioning slot.

[0023] Preferably, the positioning blade is fixed to the positioning tab in the slot.

[0024] Preferably, the structure includes a connecting pillar with a fixing plate between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece.

[0025] Preferably, the structure includes an upper spar, the connecting pillar linking the first connecting piece to the upper spar.

[0026] Preferably, the front wing includes a front edge fixed to the mounting bracket.

[0027] Preferably, the first connecting piece comprises a metal sheet and the second connecting piece comprises a plastic material.

[0028] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0029] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a mounting area for a motor vehicle lighting device according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 3 represents a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece of a motor vehicle, according to the invention.

[0033] according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows an assembly of a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece with a connecting pillar and an upper side member of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" shall respectively designate what is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0036] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the principal direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0037] The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0038] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; with respect to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0039] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the motor vehicle, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0040] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0041] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0042] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or the main frame of the motor vehicle. The structure 12 delineates different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the cargo area, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped and welded sheet metal parts.

[0043] The structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings. The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, steering system, and braking systems, which are connected to the various wheels 14. These wheels 14 are housed in wheel wells 16. At least one or each of the wheel wells 16 is delimited by a body element, such as a front side fender 18. The side fender 18 forms the external surface of the motor vehicle 10. It forms the outer envelope, visible to a person at a distance from the vehicle. The side fender 18 includes a front edge 80 connected to the structure 12. The front edge 80 is attached to a mounting bracket (not shown) of the structure. The front edge 80 is also attached to an outer bumper skin panel.

[0044] The structure 12 comprises two upper longitudinal members 20 (only one visible). The upper longitudinal members 20 are two profiles of the front structure of the vehicle extending longitudinally along the engine compartment, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. The side wings 18 are attached to the upper longitudinal members 20. The upper longitudinal members 20 form a third path for transmitting forces in the event of a high-speed frontal collision.

[0045] The motor vehicle 10 includes at least one front lighting device 22. This lighting device 22 may include position lights, high beams, low beams, direction indicators, and DLR light modules. The lighting device 22 forms a projector.

[0046] The lighting device 22 comprises a housing 24. The housing 24 contains a light source and is closed by a glass cover. It is optionally equipped with a light guide. The housing 24 includes connection interfaces (not shown) connecting the lighting device 22 to a power supply. The housing 24 includes fastening elements (not shown) for securing the housing 24 to the structure 12. The connection interfaces and fastening elements are located in a mounting area 26. The mounting area 26 extends to the rear of the lighting device 22, at a distance from the side wing 18 and the upper spar 20.

[0047] Generally, the motor vehicle 10 comprises two front lights 22, two upper side members 20, and two front side fenders 18 arranged symmetrically and similarly along a longitudinal axis on each side of the motor vehicle 10. This description describes the arrangement of one side only, for example, the left side. However, this description applies similarly to the opposite side of the motor vehicle 10.

[0048] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a mounting area 26 for a housing 24 of a light device 22 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1.

[0050] The mounting area 26 includes a mounting tab 28 projecting from the housing 24. The mounting tab 28 extends horizontally towards the rear of the housing 24. The mounting tab 28 is made of plastic and is integral with the housing 24. The mounting tab 28 includes a horizontal face 30, a transverse face 32 adjacent to the horizontal face 30, longitudinally at a distance from the housing 24, and a longitudinal face 34, adjacent to the horizontal face 30 and the transverse face 32.

[0051] The mounting bracket 28 includes a break zone 36 (shown in dashed lines). The break zone 36 extends over the horizontal face 30 and over the longitudinal face 34. In the event of an impact affecting the light device 22, the housing 24 moves backward towards the rear of the vehicle and the mounting bracket 28 breaks at the break zone 36, allowing the light device 22 to retract, and then the energy of the impact to be absorbed by dedicated devices.

[0052] The structure 12 includes a mounting bracket 38 for the side wing (not shown for clarity). The mounting bracket 38 allows the side wing to be attached to the structure 12, for example to the upper spar (not shown). The mounting bracket 38 is attached to the leading edge of the side wing. It includes a lateral strip 88 projecting outwards and receiving said leading edge.

[0053] A first connecting piece 40 extends longitudinally from the mounting bracket 38 to the housing 24. The first connecting piece 40 has a rear mounting area 42. The rear mounting area 42 is longitudinally spaced from the mounting area 26. Generally, it forms a first mounting area. The first connecting piece 40 is attached to the mounting bracket 38 in the rear mounting area 42. The first connecting piece 40 also includes a front mounting area 44. The front mounting area 44 is in front of the rear mounting area 42, longitudinally spaced from the mounting bracket 38. The front mounting area 44 is above the mounting area 26. It generally forms a second mounting area.

[0054] Facing the mounting area 26, the mounting bracket 28 is attached to a second connecting piece 46. The second connecting piece 46 is attached to the first connecting piece 40. It is connected to the mounting support 38 via the first connecting piece 40. It is separated from it. The second connecting piece 46 comprises a vertical portion 48 extending from the mounting area 26 to the front mounting area 44. The vertical portion 48 comprises a horizontal blade 50 extending longitudinally to the mounting area 26 for attachment there. The horizontal face 30 of the mounting bracket 28 is on the horizontal blade 50; the transverse face 32 is against the vertical portion 48. First fastening means 52 connect the horizontal face 30 to the horizontal blade 50.

[0055] The second connecting piece 46 is fixed to the first connecting piece 40 in the front fixing area 44. The housing 24 is connected to the first connecting piece 40 via the second connecting piece 46. The light device 22 is connected to the structure 12 by fixing the housing 24 to the second connecting piece 46, said second connecting piece 46 being fixed to the first connecting piece 40, which is itself fixed to the fixing support 38.

[0056] According to a first vehicle configuration, a first model of the lighting device can be mounted directly onto the front mounting area 44 of the first connecting piece 40. The second connecting piece is not present in this configuration. Following a restyling of the vehicle involving a change in the shape of the lighting device, its mounting area is relocated. The second connecting piece 46 compensates for this geometric change. Furthermore, the second connecting piece 46 is attached to the first connecting piece 40; therefore, it is not necessary to redesign all the fastening elements required to secure the lighting module. The basic structure is not modified in either the first or second vehicle configuration. Thus, the safety level of the structure is maintained, and the pre-existing Euro NCAP certification results remain valid.The modularity and safety of the motor vehicle are thus optimized.

[0057] According to an alternative of the invention, the mounting area is formed by an outer wall of the housing 24 of the light device.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a first connecting piece 40 and a second connecting piece 46 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The mounting bracket is not shown for clarity.

[0059] The second connecting piece 46 comprises an upper portion 54 fixed to the rear fixing zone 42 and to the front fixing zone 44. The upper portion 54 extends longitudinally towards the rear from the vertical portion 48. The vertical portion 48 forms a front face of the second connecting piece 46.

[0060] The second connecting piece 46 includes an assembly stud 56. The assembly stud 56 is essentially hollow. It has a recess 58. The assembly stud 56 is in the upper portion 54, in line with the vertical portion 48. The vertical portion 48 forms the assembly stud 56. The assembly stud 56 is an upper stud.

[0061] The first connecting piece 40 is fixed to the second connecting piece 46 in the front fixing area 44 by means of second fixing means 60. The second fixing means 60 connect the assembly stud 56 with the front fixing area 44. The front fixing area 44 is inserted into the recess 58. It is fitted into it. The second fixing means 60 include at least one fixing hole.

[0062] The first connecting piece 40 is attached to the second connecting piece 46 in the rear attachment area 42 by means of third attachment means 62. The third attachment means connect the upper portion 54 to the rear attachment area 42. The rear attachment area 42 is located on the upper portion 54. The third attachment means 62 include attachment holes for receiving attachment pins. The attachment pins allow for the attachment of at least three pieces.

[0063] The first connecting piece 40 includes an angled section 64 linking the rear mounting area 42 to the front mounting area 44. A boss 66 extends along the angled section. The boss 66 optimizes the rigidity of the first connecting piece 40. The angled section 64 offsets the front mounting area 44 relative to the third mounting means 62. This facilitates the compression of the first connecting piece 40 during a frontal collision. This contributes to safety.

[0064] The second connecting piece 46 comprises at least one lateral portion 68. The lateral portion 68 extends longitudinally and vertically between the vertical portion 48 and the upper portion 54. According to an alternative or option of the invention, the second connecting piece 46 comprises two lateral portions 68, forming the sides of said second connecting piece 46. This configuration makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the second connecting piece 46.

[0065] A positioning hook 70 extends longitudinally over at least one lateral portion 68. The opening of the positioning hook 70 defines a positioning slot 72. The first connecting piece 40 includes a positioning tab 74 in the positioning slot 72. The positioning tab 74 extends vertically from the rear attachment area 42. The positioning slot 72 is configured to retain the positioning tab 74 transversely.

[0066] The positioning slot 72 includes a front end 76 longitudinally positioned at a distance from the positioning tab 74. The front end 76 is in front of the positioning tab 74. Thus, in the event of a collision, the positioning slot 72 remains free to move backward without damage, and without risk of damaging the positioning tab 74. This provides flexibility to the structure and contributes to safety. Furthermore, the positioning slot 72 is angled forward. In the event of a frontal collision, the positioning tab 74 is less likely to strike the front end 76 and thus break.

[0067] A side plate 78 extends vertically and longitudinally under the rear mounting area 42. The side plate 78 is positioned behind the positioning tab 74. The first connecting piece 40 and the second connecting piece 46 are coupled. They form a tandem that allows for several mounting configurations, while optimizing the retaining rigidity. In fact, the second connecting piece 46 is fixed to two opposite ends of the first connecting piece 40.

[0068] According to an alternative of the invention, the positioning slot is formed in a closed loop.

[0069] Figure 4 shows an assembly of a first connecting piece 40, a second connecting piece 46, a connecting pillar 82, and an upper side member 20 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0070] The mounting bracket 38 includes a positioning blade 86. The positioning blade 86 extends longitudinally from the leading edge of the side wing. The positioning blade 86 is vertical. It forms the leading end of the mounting bracket 38. The positioning blade 86 laterally covers the side flange 78 of the first connecting piece 40. The positioning blade 86 is in the positioning slot 72. The positioning blade 86 is fixed to the positioning tab 74 in the positioning slot 72. This configuration facilitates the assembly of the first connecting piece 40 with the mounting bracket 38 and the second connecting piece 46, while increasing the rigidity and strength of the assembly. The positioning accuracy of the assembly is also optimized.

[0071] The structure 12 comprises a connecting pillar 82 with a fixing plate 84 vertically between the first connecting piece 40 and the second connecting piece 46. The fixing plate 84 is against the rear fixing area 42. The fixing plate 84 is on the upper portion 54. The third fixing means 62 connect the first connecting piece 40, the connecting pillar 82 and the second connecting piece 46. A screw passing through these entities fixes them.

[0072] The connecting pillar 82 is also attached to the upper spar 20. They are fixed by spot welds. The first connecting piece 40 is connected to the upper spar 20 by the connecting pillar 82. The upper spar 20 is vertically spaced from the first connecting piece 40 and the second connecting piece 46. The upper spar 20 is attached to the side wing, or at least to its reinforcing lining. (not shown). The lighting device is connected to the structure 12 by the combination of the first connecting piece 40, second connecting piece 46, connecting pillar 82 and upper stringer 20.

[0073] The first connecting piece comprises a metal sheet. The first connecting piece is forged or stamped.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the second connecting piece is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may include a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0075] The second connecting piece comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably from 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably from 20 to 60% by weight or from 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the vehicle's environmental footprint.

[0076] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0077] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a front side wing (18); a light device (22) having a housing (24), a mounting area (26); a structure (12) with: a mounting bracket (38) for the front side wing (18), a first connecting piece (40) extending longitudinally and having a rear mounting area (42) attached to the mounting bracket (38), a front mounting area (44); characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) further comprises a second connecting piece (46) attached to the mounting area (26) of the light device (22) and to the front mounting area (44) in order to connect the light device (22) to the structure (12).

2. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second connecting piece (46) comprises an upper portion (54) fixed to the rear attachment area (42) and to the front attachment area (44).

3. Motor vehicle (10) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second connecting piece (46) comprises a vertical portion (48) extending from the mounting area (26) to the front fixing area (44).

4. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting piece (46) comprises an assembly stud (56) with a recess (58), the front fixing area (44) being in said recess (58).

5. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting area (26) comprises a mounting tab (28) projecting from the housing (24); preferably, the mounting tab (28) extends horizontally towards the rear and comprises a break area (36).

6. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front attachment area (44) is above the mounting area (26); preferably, the first connecting piece (40) comprises an angled section (64) connecting the rear attachment area (42) to the front attachment area (44).

7. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting piece (46) comprises a positioning slot (72), the first connecting piece (40) comprising a positioning tab (74) in the slot positioning (72); preferably, the positioning slot (72) includes a front end (76) longitudinally at a distance from the positioning tab (74).

8. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting support (38) comprises a positioning blade (86) in the positioning slot (72); preferably, the positioning blade (86) is fixed to the positioning tab (74) in the positioning slot (72).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (12) comprises a connecting pillar (82) with a fixing plate (84) between the first connecting piece (40) and the second connecting piece (46); preferably, the structure (12) comprises an upper longitudinal member (20), the connecting pillar (82) connecting the first connecting piece (40) to the upper longitudinal member (20).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front side wing (18) comprises a front edge (80) fixed to the mounting support (38); preferably, the first connecting piece (40) comprises a sheet metal and the second connecting piece (46) comprises a plastic or composite material.

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