Device for supporting an item of equipment to be coupled to another item of equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (DS) supporting a first item of equipment (EQ1) to be coupled to a second item of equipment (EQ2), wherein the second item of equipment comprises at least one first through-hole (TT1), the support device comprising a support part (PS) that comprises: - an intermediate wall (PAI1) comprising first (E1) and second (E2) opposite ends; - a coupling wall (PAC) extending the first end (E1) at a first predefined angle and coupled to a fastener (AF) immobilised in the first through-hole (TT1); and - an attachment wall (RAF) extending the second end (E2) at a second predefined angle and to which the first item of equipment (EQ1) is attached.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: SUPPORT DEVICE FOR EQUIPMENT TO BE COUPLED WITH ANOTHER EQUIPMENT

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2405166 filed on May 21, 2024, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to support devices intended to equip a first piece of equipment, itself intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment. State of the art

[0003] In certain technical fields, such as that of vehicles (possibly automobiles), primary equipment is used which must be coupled to secondary equipment.

[0004] For example, in a motor vehicle the second piece of equipment may be a structural side member, and the first piece of equipment may be a cable, a fluid conduit, a deflector or a cable passage channel.

[0005] Very often, the first piece of equipment is arranged so as to be directly and permanently attached to the second piece of equipment concerned, which requires the presence of welded studs or screws and / or clip holes, or the use of added screws (or bolts) and nuts.

[0006] However, in some cases a local constraint may require the first piece of equipment (or another piece of equipment it includes) to be offset from the second piece of equipment. This is the case, for example, in a motor vehicle when a very hot piece of equipment (such as part of the exhaust system) is installed near the second piece of equipment. In this case, we are forced to increase the dimensions of the first piece of equipment to move its sensitive part away from the equipment producing the heat, which increases its weight, size and price, and in the case of a vehicle also increases the consumption of motive energy.

[0007] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a support device intended to support a first piece of equipment, itself intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment comprising at least one first through hole.

[0009] This support device is characterized by the fact that it includes a support piece comprising:

[0010] - an intermediate wall comprising first and second opposite ends,

[0011] - a coupling wall extending from this first end at a predefined angle and designed to be coupled to a clip intended to be immobilized in the first through hole of the second piece of equipment, and

[0012] - a fixing wall extending this second end at a second predefined angle and on which the first piece of equipment is suitable for fixing.

[0013] Thus, by coupling this support device to a second piece of equipment via a clip, a first piece of equipment can be offset from this second piece of equipment, without needing to increase the dimensions of this first piece of equipment, which advantageously avoids increasing the weight, bulk and price of the latter.

[0014] The support device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - the coupling wall may include, in the vicinity of the first end of the intermediate wall, at least one anti-rotation tab suitable for being placed near the second piece of equipment in order to prevent the support piece from rotating relative to the latter in at least one direction of rotation;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option, the coupling wall may include on either side of the first end two anti-rotation tabs suitable for being placed near the second piece of equipment in two distant locations in order to prevent rotation of the support piece relative to the latter in opposite directions of rotation;

[0017] - also in the presence of the first option, each anti-rotation tab can extend substantially in an extension of the intermediate wall by having a disorientation with respect to the coupling wall of a third angle function of a fourth angle between first and second walls of the second equipment which extend each other, the first wall having the first through hole, and each anti-rotation tab being intended to be placed in front of the second wall;

[0018] - the coupling wall and fixing wall can be opposite each other;

[0019] - the fixing wall may include a second through hole adapted for the passage of a screw to secure the first piece of equipment;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the fixing wall may include an internal face on which a nut is fixedly attached, intended for screwing the screw, in the extension of the second through hole;

[0021] - the coupling wall may include at least one clipping hole suitable for allowing clipping of a clipping element of a coupling part of the clip participating in the coupling of the support part to the latter.

[0022] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least a second piece of equipment having at least a first through hole in which is installed and immobilized a clip to which is coupled a support device of the type of that presented above and to which is attached a first piece of equipment. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a transverse and vertical plane, a part of an example of a vehicle side member comprising a first through hole in which a clip is installed, to which is coupled a support device according to the invention, to which a deflector is attached.

[0025] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a portion of the longeron of figure 1 comprising two clips to which are coupled respectively two support devices according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, one of the support devices of figure 2 coupled to a clip, and

[0027] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view, the support device of figure 1 coupled to its clip. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The invention aims in particular to provide a DS support device intended to support at least partially a first EQ1 equipment and to be coupled to an AF clip suitable for installation in a first through hole TT1 of a second EQ2 equipment.

[0029] In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the second piece of equipment EQ2 is intended to be part of a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the second piece of equipment EQ2 may be an independent device or apparatus, or it may be part of any system, and in particular of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an appliance (possibly a household appliance), an installation (possibly industrial), or a building.

[0030] Furthermore, in what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the second component EQ2 is a side member of a motor vehicle structure. However, the invention is not limited to this type of second component EQ2. It relates, in fact, to any type of second component comprising at least one wall having at least one through hole in which a clip can be fixedly installed.

[0031] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the first piece of equipment EQ1 is considered to be a deflector designed to house and protect, both thermally and against gravel and stone projections, at least one liquid conduit. However, the invention is not limited to this type of first piece of equipment EQ1. It relates, in fact, to any type of first piece of equipment intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment.

[0032] In figures 1 to 4, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (here, automobile), which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides. including the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y.

[0033] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an example of a second piece of equipment EQ2 (here a motor vehicle side member) comprising a first wall PE1 with a first through hole TT1 in which a clip AF is installed and immobilized to which is coupled an example of an embodiment of a support device DS according to the invention, to which a first piece of equipment EQ1 (here a deflector) is attached.

[0034] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 2, that the first wall PE1 of the second equipment EQ2 (here a spar) can include at least two first through holes TT1 in which are respectively installed and immobilized two clips AF to which are respectively coupled two support devices DS according to the invention suitable for supporting the same first equipment EQ1 or two first equipment EQ1 (possibly different).

[0035] Here, the EQ1 spar also includes a second wall PE1 extending upwards, substantially perpendicularly, from its first wall PE1.

[0036] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, a DS support device, according to the invention, comprises a first intermediate wall PAI1, a coupling wall PAC, and a fixing wall PAF.

[0037] As illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the first intermediate wall PAI1 comprises first E1 and second E2 ends which are opposite to each other.

[0038] Also as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the PAC coupling wall extends the first end E1 of the first intermediate wall PAI1 at a first predefined angle, and is specific to to be coupled to an AF clip intended to be installed and immobilized in a first through hole TT1 of the first wall PE1 of the second equipment EQ2.

[0039] Also as illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the fixing wall PAF extends the second end E2 of the first intermediate wall PAI1 at a second predefined angle, and the first equipment EQ1 is suitable for fixing to it (PAF).

[0040] Thanks to this DS support device which is coupled to a second EQ2 equipment via an AF clip, it is now possible to offset a first EQ1 equipment (possibly including at least one other piece of equipment) from the second EQ2 equipment, without having to increase the dimensions of this first EQ1 equipment, which advantageously avoids increasing the weight, size and price of the latter (EQ1), but also in the case of a vehicle the consumption of motor energy.

[0041] Note that in the illustrated example, the offset is primarily along the vertical Z direction (here downwards). However, any other direction or combination of offset directions can be considered by adapting the shape of the PS support piece to local requirements.

[0042] It should also be noted that in the illustrated example, the first angle (between the first intermediate wall PAI1 and the coupling wall PAC) is obtuse (it is slightly greater than 90°). However, this first angle could be acute or right (90°).

[0043] It should also be noted that in the illustrated example, the second angle (between the first intermediate wall PAI1 and the fixing wall PAF) is acute (it is slightly less than 90°). However, this second angle could be obtuse or right.

[0044] For example, and as illustrated but not limited to Figures 1 and 4, the PAC coupling wall may include, in the vicinity of the first end E1 of the first intermediate wall PAI1, at least one anti-rotation tab PARj. This latter (PARj), which constitutes An extension of the PAC coupling wall is designed to be placed near the second unit EQ2 to prevent the support piece PS from rotating relative to the latter (EQ2) in at least one direction. It will be understood that such an anti-rotation bracket PARj prevents the support piece PS from rotating in at least one direction when it comes into contact with a part of the second unit EQ2 (here, its second wall PE2).

[0045] It should be noted that in the example illustrated (though not exhaustively) in Figures 1 and 4, the PAC coupling wall includes, on either side of the first end E1 of the first intermediate wall PAI1, two anti-rotation tabs PARj (j = 1 or 2). These tabs (PAR1 and PAR2) are designed to be placed near the second component EQ2 at two separate locations to prevent the support piece PS from rotating relative to it (EQ2) in opposite directions. This provides good isostatic stability to the support piece PS and therefore to the portion of the first component EQ1 that it supports. However, the PAC coupling wall could also include a single anti-rotation tab PARj, preferably with a wider section than the width shown, to act in both directions of rotation.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 1 and 4, each PARj anti-rotation tab can extend substantially in line with the first intermediate wall PAI1, with a misalignment relative to the PAC coupling wall. This misalignment forms a third angle, a function of a fourth angle between the first PE1 and second PE2 walls of the second EQ2 equipment (which are mutually aligned). In this case, each PARj anti-rotation tab is intended to be positioned in front of the second wall PE2, and it should be noted that the first wall PE1 includes each first through hole TT1.

[0047] Note that in the illustrated example the third angle (between each PARj anti-rotation leg and the first PAC coupling leg) is obtuse (it is slightly greater than 90°). This results from the fact that the fourth angle (between the first PE1 and second PE2 walls) is also obtuse (it is very slightly greater than 90°). But this third angle could be acute or right when the fourth angle is acute or right.

[0048] For example, and as illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 1 and 4, the PAC coupling wall and the PAF fixing wall can be opposite each other. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the PAC coupling wall could extend relative to the first intermediate wall PAI1 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the PAF fixing wall extends relative to the first intermediate wall PAI1.

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 1 and 4, the mounting wall PAF may include a second through hole TT2 which is adapted for the passage of a screw VF. As illustrated in Figure 1, this screw (VF) is used to secure the first component EQ1 to the support piece PS (which requires that it also pass through a dedicated third through hole TT3 defined in the first component EQ1).

[0050] For example, and as illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 1 and 4, the mounting wall PAF may include an internal face Fl (oriented here towards the coupling wall PAC) to which a nut EF is fixed, extending from the second through hole TT2. This nut EF is used to screw in the threaded rod of the screw VF. For example, this fastening can be achieved by welding or bonding. However, in an alternative embodiment, the second through hole TT2 could be threaded, in which case the nut EF is unnecessary.

[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to Figure 4, the PAC coupling wall may include at least one TC clipping hole which is designed to allow the clipping of a Clipping element EC of a coupling tab PCk of the AF clip which participates in the coupling of the support piece PS to the latter (AF). Here the clipping element EC is a clipping tab with an inclined face notch which fits into the clipping hole TC to couple (by clipping) the coupling wall PAC to the AF clip.

[0052] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to Figures 1, 2, and 4, the coupling wall PAC may include at least one slot FP into which a coupling tab PCk of the clip AF is inserted when the support piece PS is coupled to the latter (AF). Each coupling tab PCk is then deformable, for example, due to a thinner section extending over a distance greater than the thickness of the coupling wall PAC, so that it can be deformed within the corresponding slot FP and thus be subjected to stress to exert pressure on the coupling wall PAC when it reaches a final position relative to its slot FP, thereby immobilizing (or fixing) it.

[0053] Note that in the example illustrated (though not exhaustively) in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the AF clip comprises two coupling tabs PCk (k = 1 or 2) which are respectively inserted into two slots FP of the coupling wall PAC, in order to optimize the coupling (or fastening) of the support piece PS to the AF clip. However, it is possible to consider that the AF clip may comprise only one coupling tab PCk (and in this case, the coupling wall PAC may comprise only one slot FP).

[0054] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the AF clip also includes a second intermediate wall PAI2 and a locking portion PI1. The second intermediate wall PAI2 comprises first and second opposing faces to which the second intermediate wall PAI2 and each coupling tab PCk are respectively fixedly attached. The locking portion PI1 is designed to be inserted into a first through hole TT1 in the first wall PE1. of the second piece of equipment EQ2, then immobilized in relation to the latter (EQ2).

Claims

DEMANDS

1. Support device (SD) for a first piece of equipment (EQ1) intended to be coupled to a second piece of equipment (EQ2) comprising at least one first through hole (TT1), characterized in that it comprises a support piece (PS) having i) an intermediate wall (PAI1) having first (E1) and second (E2) opposite ends, ii) a coupling wall (PAC) extending said first end (E1) at a first predefined angle and suitable for coupling to a clip (AF) intended to be immobilized in said first through hole (TT1), and iii) a fixing wall (PAF) extending said second end (E2) at a second predefined angle and on which said first piece of equipment (EQ1) is suitable for fixing.

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) comprises in the vicinity of said first end (E1) at least one anti-rotation tab (PARj) suitable for being placed near said second equipment (EQ2) in order to prevent rotation of said support piece (PS) relative to the latter (EQ2), in at least one direction of rotation.

3. Support device according to claim 2, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) comprises on either side of said first end (E1) two anti-rotation tabs (PARj) suitable for being placed near said second equipment (EQ2) in two distant locations in order to prevent rotational drives of said support piece (PS) relative to the latter (EQ2) in opposite directions of rotation.

4. A support device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each anti-rotation tab (PARj) extends substantially in a continuation of said intermediate wall (PAI1) by having a misorientation relative to said coupling wall (PAC) of a third angle that is a function of a fourth angle between the first (PE1) and second (PE2) walls of said second equipment (EQ2) mutually extending each other, said first wall (PE1) comprising said first through hole (TT1), and each anti-rotation tab (PARj) being intended to be placed in front of said second wall (PE2).

5. A support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) and fixing wall (PAF) are opposite each other.

6. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said fixing wall (PAF) includes a second through hole (TT2) adapted for the passage of a screw (VF) suitable for securing said first equipment (EQ1).

7. Support device according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing wall (PAF) comprises an internal face (Fl) on which a nut (EF) is fixedly attached, intended for screwing said screw (VF), in the extension of said second through hole (TT2).

8. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said coupling wall (PAC) includes at least one clipping hole (TC) suitable for allowing clipping of a clipping element (EC) of a coupling part (PCk) of said clip (AF) participating in the coupling of said support part (PS) to the latter (AF).

9. Vehicle comprising at least one second piece of equipment (EQ2) having at least one first through hole (TT1), characterized in that said second piece of equipment (EQ2) comprises at least one clip (AF) installed and immobilized in said first through hole (TT1) and to which is coupled a support device (DS) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, to which is attached a first piece of equipment (EQ1).

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said second equipment (EQ2) is a longitudinal member.

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