Automotive front luggage compartment assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a luggage compartment assembly comprising a box (32) adapted for installation in the front trunk of a motor vehicle. The box comprises, on the one hand, four walls arranged in pairs opposite each other and defining a free upper edge (42) forming an opening (44), and on the other hand, a base (46) opposite said opening and connected to said four walls. Said walls comprise four first wall portions integral with said base (46) and defining a first cylinder generated by a first generatrix, and four second wall portions integral with said edge (42), defining a second cylinder generated by a second generatrix. Said first cylinder and said second cylinder are mounted to slide within each other along said generatrices to allow adjustment of the depth of said box (32). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 5B

Description

Title of the invention: Front luggage compartment assembly for a motor vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage box assembly including a box adapted to be installed at the front of a motor vehicle.

[0002] New electric vehicle architectures make it possible to free up space at the front of vehicles to accommodate a more or less large compartment for luggage. Such a compartment then forms a front trunk, also known by the English term "frunk".

[0003] Indeed, compared to traditional motor vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, electric traction motor vehicles employ less bulky means at the front of the vehicle, thereby leaving larger free spaces.

[0004] Moreover, an electric motor produces less thermal energy than a traditional motor, so that fitting a luggage compartment at the front of the vehicle in the engine compartment does not pose any difficulty for the integrity of the luggage and its thermal sensitivity.

[0005] Reference may be made to document GB2629155, which discloses an electrically powered motor vehicle equipped with a box installed in the front trunk of the vehicle.

[0006] However, electric vehicle architectures exhibit different traction configurations, including vehicles where the motor is at the front to transmit power to the front wheels, vehicles where the motor is at the rear to transmit power to the rear wheels, and four-wheel drive vehicles. Consequently, for similar architectures, the space available in the front trunk to accommodate a charging station has varying geometries.

[0007] The available space is therefore greater when the engine is at the rear and less so when it is at the front or in four-wheel drive versions.

[0008] Therefore, different trunk boxes must be provided for the different architectures proposed, which results in increased manufacturing costs.

[0009] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide luggage compartment assemblies at lower costs.

[0010] In order to solve this problem, and according to a first object, a luggage box assembly is proposed comprising a box adapted to be installed in the front trunk of a motor vehicle, said box comprising, on the one hand, four walls erected two by two opposite each other and delimiting a free upper border forming an opening, and on the other hand a background opposite said opening and connected to said four walls.

[0011] Said walls comprise four first wall portions attached to said bottom and defining a first cylinder generated by a first generator, and four second wall portions attached to said edge, defining a second cylinder generated by a second generator; and said first cylinder and said second cylinder are mounted adjustable by sliding one into the other along said generators in order to be able to adjust the depth of said box.

[0012] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of walls for the box that allow its depth, and consequently its height, to be varied. In this way, the same box can be adapted to various vehicle architectures by varying the relative position of the first and second cylinders. This makes it possible to produce the same type of box for all architectures at a more advantageous cost.

[0013] Preferably, the first four wall portions attached to said base are molded in one piece from a polymer material and the second four wall portions are also molded in one piece from the same polymer material.

[0014] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said first cylinder, defined by said first four wall portions, is slidably mounted inside said second cylinder, defined by said second four wall portions. In other words, the cross-section of the outer surface of the first cylinder is substantially identical, apart from functional clearance, to the cross-section of the inner surface of the second cylinder in order to allow it to slide within the other.

[0015] In this way, as will be explained in the detailed description, no fluid can penetrate by gravity into the inside of the box in the event of external flow against the walls.

[0016] Also, according to the invention, the first four wall portions define a first free edge opposite said base and, respectively, four external faces, and preferably, at least two opposing first wall portions each have a plurality of flexible tabs extending freely outward from said external faces opposite said first free edge. As will be explained below, the flexible tabs are adapted to cooperate with the second wall portions respectively in order to lock the first cylinder in translation relative to the second cylinder. It will be noted that the flexibility of the tabs results from the nature of the polymer material used to mold the first cylinder. Furthermore, the tabs are substantially rectangular in shape and result from a local indentation of the wall outward from the first cylinder during molding.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, each of the tabs in said plurality of tabs has a free end extending back opposite the corresponding outer face. As will be explained in more detail below, the free end extending back from the tabs allows for better bonding of the cylinder walls to each other.

[0018] Also, said four second wall portions define a second free edge opposite said free edge, and at least two second wall portions each have a plurality of first slots formed at a first distance from said second free edge to cooperate with the flexible tabs. The slots formed in the second wall portions thus define a mean plane substantially perpendicular to the second generatrix. Moreover, they are distributed in the second wall portions in the same manner as the distribution of the tabs on the first wall portions.Thus, when the first cylinder defined by the first wall portions is engaged inside the second cylinder defined by the second wall portions, the protruding flexible tabs retract into the first cylinder to allow axial sliding engagement of the first cylinder inside the second cylinder.

[0019] Furthermore, the tabs extend respectively at the slots. And when the free ends of the tabs extend at the slots, they release to extend into them. More precisely, the free ends of the tabs return and engage in the slots.

[0020] In this way, the tabs engaged in the slots make it possible to lock the first walls of the first cylinder with the second walls of the second cylinder.

[0021] Preferably, said two second wall portions opposite each have a plurality of second slots provided at a second distance from said second free edge in order to cooperate with the flexible tabs.

[0022] Thus, the plurality of first slots is for example provided near the second free edge defined by the four second wall portions, while the plurality of second slots is provided at a second distance, away from the second free edge.

[0023] In this way, the tabs can engage in the second slots while the first cylinder, defined by the first wall sections, has been moved in translation towards the free edge of the second cylinder, defined by the second wall section. In other words, the depth of the box has been reduced and, consequently, so has its height.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the chest assembly further comprises a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be inserted between said first four wall portions defining a first cylinder and said four Second sections of walls defining a second cylinder to allow adjustment of the relative position of said two cylinders. Given the nature of the material of the two cylinders, the walls are capable of deforming significantly, the first sections contracting, the second sections moving apart from each other, to allow passage of the cylindrical sleeve.

[0025] Preferably, said cylindrical sleeve is adapted to cooperate with said tabs to retract them into said first cylinder defined by said first four wall portions.

[0026] In other words, when the cylindrical sleeve is inserted between the two cylinders, it simultaneously retracts the flexible tabs inwards from the first cylinder, thereby releasing the corresponding slots. The two cylinders can then be slid into one another to reduce or increase the volume of the enclosure.

[0027] Furthermore, said four second portions have a step near said upper free edge, forming an external support shoulder. Such a support shoulder facilitates the attachment of the box inside the front trunk.

[0028] According to another object, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a front trunk equipped with an electric powertrain, and comprising a trunk assembly as described above.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle front structure automobile according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2A] is a schematic perspective view of an element of the invention in a first state;

[0032] [Fig.2B] is a schematic perspective view of the element of the invention illustrated in [Fig.2A] in a second state;

[0033] [Fig.3] is a partial schematic perspective view of an element of the object represented on [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B];

[0034] [Fig.4A] is a first partial schematic perspective view of another element of the object shown in [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B];

[0035] [Fig.4B] is a second partial schematic perspective view of the other element shown in [Fig.4A];

[0036] [Fig.5A] is a first partial schematic cross-sectional view of the object of [Fig.2A] along the VA-VA plane;

[0037] [Fig.5B] is a second partial schematic cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.2B] along the VB-VB plane; and,

[0038] [Fig.6] is a partial schematic view of an assembly according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a front structure of an electric motor vehicle. is inscribed in an orthogonal X, Y, Z coordinate system of the motor vehicle, in which the X axis extends along a front-to-back longitudinal direction, oriented towards the rear; the Y axis extends along a transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right when in a driving situation; and the Z axis extends along a vertical direction, oriented away from the ground.

[0040] The front structure 10 includes an apron 12 longitudinally delimiting a passenger compartment 14 from an engine compartment 16, and two side panels, 18, 20 laterally delimiting the engine compartment 16.

[0041] A cradle frame 22 extends under the engine compartment 16 in order to support at least part of the powertrain, which is not shown.

[0042] Also, at the right of the cradle frame 22, the front structure 10 comprises a rear upper cross member 24 running alongside the deck 12 and, towards the front, a substantially parallel front upper cross member 26. And the two cross members, 24, 26 are connected to each other by two longitudinal profiles 28, 30 opposed to each other with respect to a longitudinal median plane Pm.

[0043] Thus, the two cross members 24, 26 and the two longitudinal profiles 28, 30 define a trapezoidal frame inside which a box 32 is installed.

[0044] Also, depending on the vehicle architecture chosen, the space occupied by the powertrain is more or less important, so that the housing 32 can extend more or less inside the engine compartment 16.

[0045] The object of the present invention is to provide a single adjustable box 32.

[0046] Figure 2A shows the box 32 in its compact form, while Figure 2B shows it in its extended form.

[0047] The box 32 has two opposing side walls, a right side wall 34 and a left side wall 36, on the one hand, and a rear wall 38 opposite a front wall 40 on the other. It also has a free upper edge 42 defining an opening 44. And opposite the opening 44, the box 32 has a bottom 46.

[0048] It will be observed that in [Fig. 2B] the bottom 46 of the box 32 is lower compared to the bottom 46 of the box 32 illustrated in [Fig. 2A]. To achieve this, the box 32 is made in two parts, an upper part 48 and a lower part 50.

[0049] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.3], [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B], the means allowing the adjustment of the height of the box 32, and consequently of its depth.

[0050] The lower part 50 of the compartment 32 is partially shown in [Fig.4A]. It has a first portion of the right lateral wall 52 extending opposite a first portion of the left lateral wall 54. It also has a first portion of the posterior wall 56 extending opposite a first portion of the anterior wall 58.

[0051] These first wall portions 52, 54, 56 and 58 are erected on the edges of the bottom wall 46 and join together respectively, forming a first cylinder 60. Also, the first wall portions 52, 54, 56 and 58 define a first free edge 62 and four external faces.

[0052] The lower part 50 is molded in one piece from a polymer material. This material is, for example, polyethylene or polyamide, possibly reinforced with fibers.

[0053] Also, the lower part 50 is molded so as to provide along the first free edge 62 on the right lateral portion 52, five flexible tabs 64 extending freely in projection from the outer face and in a direction opposite to the first free edge.

[0054] The flexible tabs 64 are regularly spaced from each other along the entire length of the right lateral portion 52.

[0055] Furthermore, each of the tabs 64 has a free end in return 66 extending opposite the outer face.

[0056] Also, as illustrated in [Fig.4B], where we find the first portion of the right side wall 52, seen from inside the lower part 50, the tabs 64 are substantially rectangular and they correspond to the recess of a rectangular portion of wall held by an upper side running along the free edge 62.

[0057] Given the nature of the polymer material, the tabs 64 are flexible and can be retracted into the lower part 50 as will be explained below.

[0058] Also, the first portion of the left side wall 54 has, in the same way, five flexible tabs totally identical to those of the right side wall 52.

[0059] As regards the upper part 48 of the box 32 which is partially illustrated in [Fig.3], it has a second portion of right side wall 68 extending opposite a second portion of left side wall 70. It also has a second portion of posterior wall 72 extending opposite a second portion of anterior wall 74.

[0060] These second wall portions 68, 70, 72 and 74 join together respectively, forming a second cylinder 76 defined by a second generatrix. Also, the second wall portions 68, 70, 72 and 74 define a second free edge 78 and four interior faces.

[0061] The upper part 48 is also molded in one piece from said polymer material.

[0062] During the molding process, five initial slots 80 are formed in the upper part 48, along the second free edge 78 on the second portion of the right-hand side wall 68. Only the first three slots appear in [Fig. 3]. They extend at regular intervals near the free edge 78 and along the entire length of the second portion of the right-hand side wall 68. Their length is substantially greater than the width of the tabs 64 of the lower part 50.

[0063] In addition, five second slots 82 are also provided, at a distance from the second free edge 78, on the second portion of the right side wall 68, respectively opposite and parallel to the first slots 80. Only four second slots 82 appear on the [Fig.3].

[0064] Also, the second portion of the left side wall 70, located opposite the second portion of the right side wall 68, similarly presents five identical first slots located near the free edge 78 and second slots at a distance from this free edge 78.

[0065] Furthermore, the four second wall portions 68, 70, 72 and 74 have a step 85 opposite the second free edge 78 and near the upper free edge 42 forming an external support shoulder 87.

[0066] Reference will now be made to [Fig.6] showing how the two parts 48, 50 of the box 32 are assembled.

[0067] We find partially on this [Fig.6], in vertical section, the upper part 48 of the box 32, and more precisely the second portion of the right side wall 68, at the right of the first 80 and second 82 slots.

[0068] Also, a cylindrical sleeve 84 is inserted inside the upper part 48, until it covers the second slots 82. It obviously also covers the second slots of the left side wall not shown here.

[0069] The cylindrical sleeve 84 is made of a rigid metal sheet and has a first exclusively cylindrical portion 86 applied against the inner surface of the upper part 48 and a second substantially conical portion 88 extending the first portion 86 by flaring outwards. Thus, the second portion 88 of the cylindrical sleeve 84 extends, at least partially, into the recess 85.

[0070] Accordingly, the lower part 50 of the box 32 can be engaged more easily inside the cylindrical sleeve 84, by presenting the bottom 46 through the second portion 88 of the cylindrical sleeve 84.

[0071] By continuing to push in the lower part 50, the free end 66 of the tabs 64 comes into sliding contact, first against the second portion 88, This causes them to retract inwards into the lower part 50 of the box. Then, the retraction of the tabs continues as their free end 66 comes to rest against the first cylindrical portion 86 of the cylindrical sleeve 84.

[0072] And since the second slots 82 are masked by the first portion 86 of the sleeve 84, while continuing the indentation of the lower part 50 through the cylindrical sleeve 84 and the upper part 48 of the box, the free return ends 66 of the flexible tabs 64 escape the reach of the first portion 86 of the cylindrical sleeve 84 to come into sliding contact against the inner face of the upper part 48 and at the end of the stroke, come into contact with the first slots 80. The flexible tabs 64 then release and the free return ends 66 come into contact with the first slots 80, as illustrated in [Fig.5B].

[0073] In this last figure, the lower part 50 is partially engaged in the upper part 48 of the housing 32. Also, the free end 66 of the flexible tab 64 is engaged through the first slot 80. This is obviously the case for all flexible tabs 64 with all corresponding first slots 80. In this way, the lower part 50 of the housing 32 is locked inside the upper part 48.

[0074] The box 32 is then adjusted to its maximum height, and consequently to its maximum depth as illustrated in [Fig. 2B]. Such an adjustment is suitable when the motor vehicle's powertrain extends into the engine compartment in a confined space.

[0075] In order to unlock the lower part 50 of the housing 32 from the upper part 48, the cylindrical sleeve 84, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], is forcibly engaged between the inner surface of the upper part 48 and the outer surface of the lower part 50, and pushed in so as to retract the tabs 64. The free-returning ends 66 also retract and release the first slots 80. Consequently, the lower part 50 of the housing 32 can be driven back through the upper part 48. It can then be completely separated from the upper part 48.

[0076] On the other hand, if the cylindrical sleeve 84 is removed before the lower part 50 is fully reassembled, the flexible tabs 64 can release when the free return ends 66 come into contact with the second slots 82. The free return ends 66 then engage in the second slots 82 as illustrated in [Fig. 5A].

[0077] The enclosure 32 is then adjusted to its minimum height, and consequently, to its minimum depth as illustrated in [Fig. 2A]. This adjustment is adapted, in particular when the powertrain extends into a larger volume of the engine compartment.

[0078] It will be observed that this relative positioning of the lower part 50 and upper part 48, aimed at obtaining a smaller volume casing 32, can be achieved by engaging the cylindrical sleeve 84 through the upper part 50, so that the first cylindrical portion 86 is positioned above the second slots 82 so as not to obscure them. In this case, the lower part 50 can be engaged through the cylindrical sleeve 84 and the second part 48. In this way, the flexible tabs 64, after being flexed, extend when their free ends 66 come into contact with the second slots 82.

Claims

Demands

1. Luggage compartment assembly comprising a box (32) adapted to be installed in a front trunk of a motor vehicle, said box comprising on the one hand, four walls (34, 36, 38, 40) erected two by two opposite each other and delimiting a free upper edge (42) forming an opening (44), and on the other hand a bottom (46) opposite said opening and connected to said four walls; characterized in that said walls comprise four first wall portions (52, 54, 56, 58) integral with said bottom (46) and defining a first cylinder (60) generated by a first generatrix, and four second wall portions (68, 70, 72, 74) integral with said edge (42), defining a second cylinder (76) generated by a second generatrix; and in that said first cylinder (60) and said second cylinder (76) are mounted adjustable by sliding one into the other along said generatrices in order to be able to adjust the depth of said box (32).

2. Chest assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said first cylinder (60) defined by said first four wall portions is slidably mounted inside said second cylinder (76) defined by said second four wall portions.

3. Chest assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said first four wall portions (52, 54, 56, 58) define a first free edge (62) opposite said bottom (46) and respectively four external faces, and in that at least two first facing wall portions (52, 54) each have a plurality of flexible tabs (64) extending freely in projection from said external faces opposite said first free edge (62).

4. Chest assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the tabs (64) of said plurality of tabs has a free return end (66) opposite the corresponding outer face.

5. A chest assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said four second wall portions (68, 70, 72, 74) define a second free edge (78) opposite said edge free (42), and in that at least two second facing wall portions (68, 70) each have a plurality of first slots (80) arranged at a first distance from said second free edge (78) to be able to cooperate with the flexible tabs (64).

6. Chest assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least two second wall portions (68, 70) each have a plurality of second slots (82) provided at a second distance from said second free edge (78) to be able to cooperate with the flexible tabs (64).

7. A chest assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a cylindrical sleeve (84) adapted to be inserted between said first four wall portions defining a first cylinder (60) and said second four wall portions defining a second cylinder (76) in order to be able to adjust the relative position of said two cylinders.

8. Chest assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6 and 7, characterized in that said cylindrical sleeve (84) is adapted to cooperate with said tabs (64) to retract them into said first cylinder (60) defined by said first four wall portions.

9. Trunk assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said four second portions (68, 70, 72, 74) have a step (85) near said upper free edge (42) forming an external support shoulder (87).

10. Motor vehicle having a front trunk equipped with an electric powertrain, characterized in that it comprises a trunk assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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