An arrangement comprising a support intended to bear a load

Abstract

Arrangement comprising a support for bearing a load. Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising: a first body element (11), in particular a first longitudinal member, equipped with a threaded opening (13) adapted to cooperate with a towing eye, a shock absorber (14) fixed to the first body element, a support (4G, 4D, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3) comprising: a support portion (21) for bearing a load, a threaded portion (24) screwed into the threaded opening, and a bearing surface (25) bearing against the shock absorber. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement comprising a support for bearing a load Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising at least one support screwed into a threaded opening integral with a body element, at least one support being intended to support a load such as an external storage box or a bicycle rack. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such an arrangement. Prior art

[0002] To increase the loading capacity of a motor vehicle, loading devices are known, which are removably attached to a tow hitch of the vehicle. These loading devices may include, in particular, an external box such as a trunk, in which items can be stored, or a bicycle rack. The tow hitch includes a tow ball, and the loading device includes a clamping element, actuated by means of a handle, which firmly clamps said tow ball. Such a loading device is cantilevered from the tow hitch.

[0003] Such a loading device nevertheless has drawbacks: The load exerted by the overhanging loading device puts significant stress on the tow hitch, particularly when the vehicle experiences vertical acceleration, such as when driving over a speed bump. The tow hitch must therefore be very robust to withstand such loads. - When not in use, a tow hitch must be removed because its presence could worsen the consequences of a collision. However, fitting or removing a tow hitch is a tedious operation.

[0004] - The loading device can easily pivot around the tow ball. It is therefore necessary to tighten the tow ball very firmly to prevent such rotational movement. Even when the tow ball is tightened very firmly, a torque applied to one edge of the loader, for example following an impact, may be sufficient to cause the loader to rotate relative to the vehicle.

[0005] An alternative to ball-mounted loading systems is described in publication FR2981607A1. However, there is a need to improve the ergonomics and robustness of such a loading system. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for a motor vehicle which remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon the arrangements known in the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an arrangement enabling the reliable and robust support of a loading device mounted in cantilever at the rear of the vehicle. A second object of the invention is an arrangement that is particularly simple to manufacture and use. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising: - a first body element, in particular a first longitudinal member, equipped with a threaded opening suitable for cooperating with a towing ring, - a shock crossmember fixed to the first body element, - a support comprising a support portion intended to support a load, a threaded portion screwed into the threaded opening, and a bearing surface bearing against the shock crossmember.

[0009] The shock crossmember may include a hole, the support passing through the hole, and the bearing surface bearing against an edge of the hole.

[0010] The support may include a monolithic shaft, in particular made of steel, the shaft including said threaded portion and said bearing surface.

[0011] The support surface can be a flat surface or a conical surface.

[0012] The arrangement may include a shock absorber extending between the first body element and the shock crossmember, the shock absorber being intended to absorb at least part of the energy of an impact against the shock crossmember, the shock crossmember being fixed to the first body element by means of said shock absorber.

[0013] The shock absorber may include a tubular element, and the support may extend inside the tubular element.

[0014] The support may include an axle, the axle comprising said threaded portion, the support further comprising a movable bearing element relative to the axle and a return means, the bearing element comprising said bearing surface, the return means comprising a first end bearing on the axle and a second end bearing on the bearing element, the return means being configured so that the bearing surface of the bearing element exerts a support against the shock cross member.

[0015] The support element may include at least one groove, and the support may include at least one pin integral with the axis and extending into the groove.

[0016] The arrangement may further include a loading device fixed to the support portion of the support.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an arrangement as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0018] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of several particular embodiments presented by way of non-limiting agreement, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a loading system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of a rear portion of two supports of the charging system.

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the layout of a motor vehicle. according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a support for the arrangement of Fig. 5.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 5. Detailed description

[0026] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a loading system 1 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The loading system 1 is intended to increase the vehicle's loading capacity by providing an auxiliary loading volume positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The loading system 1 comprises supports 4G, 4D fixed to the vehicle, in particular fixed to the vehicle body, and a loading device 2 intended to be removably attached to said supports.

[0027] The loading device 2 may include an external compartment 3 in which objects can be stored. Alternatively, the loading device 2 could include a bicycle rack, or more generally a device configured to transport any type of object outside the vehicle.

[0028] In this document, the X-axis designates the longitudinal axis of a vehicle. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle progresses from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, left and The lines are defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle. The Z-axis is the axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes. The vehicle is assumed to be resting on a horizontal surface. The Z-axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0029] For attaching the loading device 2 to the vehicle, the loading system 1 comprises a first support 4G, or left support 4G, and a second support 4D, or right support 4D. The two supports 4G, 4D are illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2]. The two supports 4G, 4D cooperate respectively with a first fastening member 6 and a second fastening member belonging to the loading device 2. The fastening members 6 may, for example, comprise jaws for clamping the supports 4G and 4D respectively. The loading device 2 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle and cantilevered relative to the two supports 4G, 4D. The loading device 2 exerts a downward vertical force on each of the two supports 4G, 4D. In addition, due to the cantilevered attachment of the loading device 2, the two supports 4G, 4D are subjected to bending forces.

[0030] The first support 4G and the second axis 4D extend parallel to each other at a non-zero distance DI from each other. The distance DI may be, for example, at least 50 cm. Each support 4G, 4D comprises an elongated shape extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The two supports 4G, 4D are positioned approximately at the height of a rear bumper of the vehicle, specifically at the level of the vehicle's underbody. The two supports 4G, 4D may protrude towards the rear of the vehicle by approximately ten centimeters. The two supports 4G, 4D may be positioned side-by-side, i.e., at the same height along the vertical axis Z. Advantageously, the two supports 4G, 4D are removably attached to the vehicle body. Thus, they can be removed when the loading device 2 is not in use, so as to prevent the axles from hitting an object or person or even disrupting the maneuverability of the vehicle.The two 4G, 4D media preferably have an identical shape and are interchangeable. The loading system 1 can thus have a median plane which is also a plane of symmetry.

[0031] Since the two 4G, 4D supports have an identical shape, the description will be limited to the first 4G support and its environment. Different embodiments of the 4G support are possible. These different embodiments are all part of the same environment comprising a first body element, a shock absorber, and a shock absorber connecting the shock absorber to the first body element.

[0032] The arrangement therefore includes a first body element 11, in particular a first longitudinal member 11. The vehicle body refers to the rigid structure that supports the various vehicle components. The body comprises a set of elements, preferably made of steel or at least of a rigid material, fastened together, notably by welding. A longitudinal member refers to a body element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X, at the level of the vehicle's underbody. The vehicle body comprises a left longitudinal member and a right longitudinal member. The two longitudinal members may be connected together by one or more cross members. A cross member refers to a body element extending parallel to the transverse axis Y.

[0033] The first longeron 11 is equipped with a sleeve 12 having a threaded opening 13. The sleeve 12 is fixed to the first longeron 11, in particular at the rear end of the first longeron 11. The sleeve 12 may, in particular, be welded, screwed, or riveted to the first longeron 11. The threaded opening 13 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The threaded opening 13 is suitable for cooperating with a towing ring, i.e., a towing ring can be screwed into the threaded opening. The threaded opening 13 has a diameter between 18 mm and 25 mm inclusive. This threaded opening has a diameter corresponding to a conventional diameter of the threaded portion associated with a towing ring. The socket 12, as well as the means for attaching the socket to the first longitudinal member 11, are capable of withstanding tensile forces exerted when the vehicle is towed. These tensile forces may, in particular, be equal to the weight of the vehicle.

[0034] The invention is therefore based on the originality of using a threaded opening initially intended for attaching a towing ring. Such a threaded opening is primarily designed to withstand tensile forces oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X. However, as we will see later, the invention proposes an arrangement enabling a support 4G screwed into this threaded opening 13 to withstand forces exerted by the weight of the loading device 2, that is to say, forces oriented vertically.

[0035] The arrangement also includes a shock absorber crossmember 14. A shock absorber crossmember is a body element that extends parallel to the transverse axis Y at the rear of the body. The shock absorber crossmember 14 connects the right side member to the left side member. The shock absorber crossmember 14 may include a metal plate, preferably made of steel, bent and cut to a given shape. This metal plate may extend at least roughly in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The shock absorber crossmember 14 is advantageously covered by a rear body panel 15. The body panel 15 may have primarily an aesthetic function. The body panel 15 is not a component of the vehicle body.

[0036] The arrangement also includes a shock absorber 16, commonly referred to as a "crash box," having the general shape of an elongated box extending between the first side member 11 and the impact crossmember 14, along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. In other words, the impact crossmember 14 is connected to the first side member 11 via the shock absorber 16. The latter is a component designed to absorb the energy of an impact that would occur against the impact crossmember 14. To this end, the shock absorber 16 is designed to deform when it undergoes an impact oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The energy dissipated in the deformation of the shock absorber is therefore not transmitted to the first side member, or is greatly reduced. The shock absorber is thus designed to reduce the energy transmitted to the vehicle body during an impact.

[0037] The shock absorber 16 may include a tubular element 17 designed to deform in the event of a longitudinal impact. The tubular element 17 may, for example, have a roughly square cross-section. The tubular element 17 may include a programmed deformation zone, i.e., a zone less rigid than the rest of the body and designed to control the deformation of the body in the event of an impact against the rear crossmember. This programmed deformation zone may be formed by corrugated walls so as to facilitate their deformation in the event of a longitudinal impact. The corrugated walls may be provided with openings and / or weaker areas. The shock absorber 16 may further include an interface 18 through which the shock absorber 16 is attached to the first side member 11, in particular by welding. The interface 18 may include a metal plate, preferably made of steel, bent and cut into a given shape.The interface 18 can be fixed, in particular welded to a front end of the tubular element 17. Similarly, a rear end of the tubular element 17 can be fixed, in particular welded to the shock cross member 14.

[0038] Common to all the embodiments presented, the support 4G includes a support portion 21 intended to bear a load. The support portion 21 extends, in particular, to the rear of the body panel 15. The support portion 21 therefore extends to the rear of the support 4G. The support portion 21 is intended to cooperate with a fastening member 6 of the loading device 2. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the support portion 21 can be equipped with a sleeve 22, for example, made of rubber or a flexible material. The sleeve 22 can be intended to be clamped by a jaw of the fastening member 6. The support portion 21 can also be equipped with a collar 23 forming an axial stop for the fastening member 6.

[0039] Common to all the embodiments presented, the 4G support also includes a threaded portion 24 screwed into the tapped opening 13. The The threaded portion 24 therefore extends to the front of the body panel 15. The threaded portion 24 can be formed at one of the front ends of the support 4G. It is thus understood that the support 4G is intended to be screwed in place of a towing eye on the vehicle. The interaction of the threaded portion 24 with the tapped opening 13 provides a first point of support, or first bearing surface, for the support 4G. Advantageously, the support may include a recess 29, for example hexagonal in shape, allowing the support 4G to be screwed or unscrewed with a tool.

[0040] The threaded portion 24 is positioned at a non-negligible distance from the support portion 21. It is thus understood that there is a potentially significant lever arm acting on the threaded opening 13 when the support portion 21 is subjected to a vertically directed force.To reduce the leverage effect, the support 4G advantageously includes a bearing surface 25 bearing against the impact crossmember 14. The bearing surface 25 is a second bearing surface separate from the threaded portion 24. A distance D2 between the threaded portion 24 and the bearing surface 25 can be greater than or equal to 5 cm, or even greater than or equal to 10 cm. The bearing surface 25 is in direct contact with the impact crossmember 14. The second bearing surface 25 supports the support 4G at a point closer to the support portion 21. The second bearing surface 25 also limits the bending of the support 4G when it is subjected to a vertical force exerted on its support portion 21.

[0041] Advantageously, the shock absorber crossmember 14 includes a hole 26. The support 4G passes through the hole 26, and the bearing surface 25 bears against an edge of the hole 26. The bearing surface thus extends 360° around the support 4G. The hole 26 may, for example, be circular. The body panel 15 also includes an opening 27 through which the support 4G is inserted. The opening 27 may also be circular. The diameter of the opening 27 may be strictly larger than the diameter of the hole 26 so as to allow the bearing surface 25 to pass through.

[0042] The hole 26 can communicate with an internal area of ​​the tubular element 17. Thus, the 4G support extends inside the tubular element 17, up to the threaded opening 13. It is therefore not necessary to provide a free volume next to the shock absorber 16 for the 4G support.

[0043] Three embodiments of the 4G support are now described in relation to Figures 3 to 7. The support for each of these three embodiments is respectively referenced 4G1, 4G2 and 4G3. Furthermore, the same reference symbols will be used to identify elements or objects having the same functions.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates the 4G1 support according to a first embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment, the 4G1 support comprises a monolithic shaft 28, that is, a shaft made of a single piece. The shaft 28 may be made of steel. The shaft 28 includes said threaded portion 24 and said bearing surface 25. In addition, the shaft 28 also includes the flange 23 described above. The bearing surface 25 can be formed on a second flange 30, notably similar to the flange 23. Moreover, the bearing surface 25 is a flat surface. This surface extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X. The edge of the hole 26 also includes a flat surface extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X. The shaft 28 is screwed into the tapped opening 13 so as to establish a relatively high tension between the bearing surface 25 and the impact cross member 14. This high tension results in a frictional force at the interface between the bearing surface 25 and the impact cross member 14, which provides a second support point for the support 4G1, in addition to the first support point formed by the interaction of the tapped portion 24 with the tapped opening 3.The 4G1 axis according to the first embodiment is particularly simple to implement.

[0045] Preferably, the threaded portion 24 is not screwed all the way into the tapped opening 13, so that some tension between the bearing surface 25 and the shock absorber 14 can result from screwing in the shaft 28. Advantageously, tightening the shaft 28 to a specific torque, i.e., using a torque wrench, can be recommended to control the tension between the bearing surface 25 and the shock absorber 14. This prevents overtightening the shaft 28 and unintentionally deforming the shock absorber 16.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates the 4G2 support according to the second embodiment of the invention. The 4G2 support differs from the 4G1 support described above simply in that the bearing surface 25 is a conical surface and not a flat surface. The edge of the hole 26 provided in the impact crossmember 14 has a shape complementary to the shape of the bearing surface 25, and is therefore also conical. An advantage of providing a conical surface instead of a flat surface is that the bearing of the conical surface on the impact crossmember 14 provides better vertical and transverse support to the shaft 18. The shaft 18 is therefore even better supported than in the first embodiment.

[0047] As a note, one apex of the cone of the conical shape may be oriented forwards as shown in [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, the apex of the cone of the conical shape could be oriented backwards. In this case, the shape of the edge of the hole 26 in the cross member would be adapted accordingly.

[0048] Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate the 4G3 support according to the third embodiment. The 4G3 support is formed by the assembly of several parts. The 4G3 support mainly comprises a shaft 31, a bearing element 32, and a return means 33. The shaft 31 includes said threaded portion 24. The bearing element 32 is movable relative to the shaft 31. In particular, the bearing element 32 may include a tubular shape arranged around axis 31 and can slide along a cylindrical portion of axis 31. Advantageously, axis 31 includes a guide surface for guiding the support element 32 in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The support element 32 includes said support surface 25. In particular, the support element is adapted to come into contact with the edge of the hole 26 through which the axis 31 passes. The return means 33 includes a first end bearing on axis 31 and a second end bearing on the support element 32. The return means 33 is configured such that the support surface 25 of the support element 32 bears against the impact crossmember 14 when the threaded portion 24 is screwed to the root of the thread in the tapped opening 13. In one embodiment, the return means 33 is a spring, including a helical spring. The helical spring is arranged around axis 31.One advantage of using the return means 33 is that it is easier to control the force exerted by the support element 32 on the impact cross member 14. In particular, the support 4G3 can be screwed into the threaded opening 13 until it reaches the bottom of the thread, without using a torque wrench. The force exerted by the support element 32 on the impact cross member 14 depends on the stiffness and dimensions of the return means 33 used.

[0049] According to the third embodiment as illustrated, the bearing surface 25 is flat and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X. Alternatively, the bearing surface 25 could be conical, as in the second embodiment.

[0050] Advantageously, the support element 33 comprises at least one groove 34, and the support 4G3 comprises at least one pin 35 integral with the shaft 31 and extending in the groove 34. The pin 35 is a radially extending element. The pin 35 can be fixed in a hole formed in the shaft 31 for this purpose. The interaction of the pin 35 with the groove 34 allows, on the one hand, the formation of a stop that prevents the support element 32 and the return means 33 from separating when the support 4G3 is not in use. On the other hand, the cooperation of the pin 35 with the groove 34 also allows the transmission of a tightening or loosening torque between the support element 32 and the shaft 31. To screw the support 4G3 into the threaded opening, the user can thus rotate the support element 32 around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X.Advantageously, several pins can be used, cooperating with several grooves to distribute the tightening or loosening forces of the support over a larger area.

[0051] According to the embodiment presented, the support element 32 comprises a plurality of grooves 34 distributed around its circumference. The grooves 34 extend from the bearing surface 25. Consequently, the bearing surface 25 is interrupted by the various grooves 34, and the front end of the support element has a shape serrated. Such an arrangement of the grooves facilitates the assembly of the 4G3 support and allows the pin 35 to easily take its place in one of the grooves 34.

[0052] With reference to [Fig. 7], it can be seen that the shaft 31 is formed by the assembly of a front portion 36 and a rear portion 37. The front portion 36 and the rear portion 37 are fastened to each other by a fixing screw 38. The rear portion 37 includes the support portion 21. The front portion 36 includes the threaded portion 24. The rear end of the return means 33 can bear against the rear portion 37. An annular-shaped recess can be formed between the front portion 36 and the rear portion 37. The return means 33 can be housed in this recess. The rear portion 37 can include a well into which the fixing screw 38 is inserted. The well can be closed by a plug 39.

[0053] Finally, thanks to the invention, a support is provided that is both screwed into the threaded opening designed to accommodate a towing eye and supported against a shock absorber. Such a support better withstands the vertical forces exerted by a loading device attached to the support. By providing two such supports on the left and right sides of the vehicle, the loading device can be secured at two points. It is better held and is less likely to rotate around a vertical or transverse axis. The loading device is thus held robustly and reliably. The supports can be installed or removed very simply by screwing or unscrewing them.

Claims

Demands

1. Arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising: • a first body element (11), in particular a first longitudinal member, equipped with a threaded opening (13) suitable for cooperating with a towing ring, • a shock crossmember (14) fixed to the first body element, • a support (4G, 4D, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3) comprising: - a support portion (21) intended to support a load, - a threaded portion (24) screwed into the threaded opening, and - a bearing surface (25) bearing against the shock crossmember.

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shock crossmember (14) comprises a hole (26), the support (4G, 4D, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3) passing through the hole, and the bearing surface (25) bearing against an edge of the hole.

3. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surface (25) is a flat surface or a conical surface.

4. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a shock absorber (16) extending between the first body element (11) and the shock crossmember (14), the shock absorber (16) being intended to absorb at least a portion of the energy of an impact against the shock crossmember, the shock crossmember being fixed to the first body element by means of said shock absorber (16).

5. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shock absorber (16) comprises a tubular element (17), and in that the support (4G, 4D, 4G1, 4G2, 4G3) extends inside the tubular element.

6. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (4G1, 4G2) comprises a monolithic axis (28), in particular in steel, the shaft comprising said threaded portion (24) and said bearing surface (25).

7. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support (4G3) comprises an axle (31), the axle comprising said threaded portion (24), the support further comprising a bearing element (32) movable relative to the axle and a return means (33), the bearing element comprising said bearing surface (25), the return means (33) comprising a first end bearing on the axle (31) and a second end bearing on the bearing element (32), the return means being configured so that the bearing surface of the bearing element exerts a bearing against the shock crossmember (14).

8. Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the support element (32) comprises at least one groove (34), and in that the support (4G3) comprises at least one pin (35) integral with the axis (31) and extending into the groove.

9. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a loading device (2) fixed to the support portion (21) of the support.

10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

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