Assembly for the front portion of a motor vehicle comprising an airbag module

Abstract

The assembly (1) for the front a motor vehicle comprises: - a base (3) intended to be attached to a motor vehicle support structure, - a motor vehicle bonnet (8) mounted on the base (3), characterized in that the motor vehicle bonnet (8) comprises at least one part (9) that is fixed in relation to the base (3), the fixed part (9) of the bonnet (8) delimiting, with the base (3), at least one internal volume (25), the assembly (1) further comprising an airbag module (13) mounted on the base (3) and arranged in the internal volume (25).

Description

Assembly for the front part of a motor vehicle including an airbag module

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly for the front of a motor vehicle, including in particular a motor vehicle hood and an airbag module, as well as a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. State of the art

[0002] Prior art is known of motor vehicles comprising at least one external safety airbag, hereafter referred to as an "airbag," designed to protect a pedestrian in the event of a collision with the motor vehicle. In particular, motor vehicles are known to include at least one external airbag designed to inflate and deploy, at least partially, over the windshield and / or windshield pillars of the motor vehicle in order to protect the pedestrian from impact against these parts of the vehicle. The positioning of the airbag system is an important consideration.

[0003] We know of airbag systems that are arranged under the cowl grille of the motor vehicle. Such positioning creates difficulties in integrating the airbag system since the space available under the cowl grille is limited and is largely occupied by the windshield wiper mechanisms.

[0004] We know, for example from document FR2771980, of airbag systems that are positioned above the area of ​​the cowl grille of the motor vehicle. However, such positioning disrupts the vehicle's styling lines, which is generally undesirable, for example in terms of aerodynamics.

[0005] We are also familiar with airbag systems that are attached to the hood of the vehicle. Specifically, the system is either positioned between a lining and the outer skin of the hood, or fixed to an inner face of the hood. Attaching the system to the hood, which forms an opening of the vehicle, presents several drawbacks. First, the airbag system adds mass to the opening, requiring its dimensions to be adjusted accordingly, thus increasing its weight. Furthermore, it is also necessary to reinforce the hinges of the opening to ensure they can withstand the mechanical stresses associated with this added mass. In addition, the hinge mechanism is more complex because, during airbag deployment, it must bend in the opposite direction to the traditional hood opening, further increasing its mass. Moreover, the airbag deployment kinematics are complex.In some cases, for example, the airbag is designed so that, in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, it inflates, deforming a flexible vertical rib that collapses to allow the airbag to deploy onto the windshield. Simultaneously, a double-hinged system allows the hood to be raised in the windshield area. This deployment process is lengthy and may require limiting the airbag's volume to ensure it deploys correctly within the allotted time, thus limiting the area covered by the airbag.

[0006] We now know, for example from document US9950689, of airbag systems arranged in the hood of the automobile, under a hatch designed in the hood to allow for rapid airbag deployment. However, the fact that the airbag system is arranged in the hood opening presents a risk of damage to the opening during deployment. Furthermore, it is then necessary to route the power supply for the airbag system's pyrotechnics from the vehicle body to the hood opening, which complicates the vehicle's manufacturing. In addition, the pyrotechnic charge must be increased to ensure proper deployment of the airbag system because some of the deployment energy is dissipated by deformation within the hood.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to provide an assembly for the front of a motor vehicle comprising an airbag system in which the integration of the airbag system is facilitated without affecting the style line of the vehicle and reducing the risk of damage to an opening of the motor vehicle during the deployment of the airbag.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly for the front of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a base intended to be fixed on a motor vehicle support structure, - a motor vehicle hood mounted on the base, characterized in that the motor vehicle hood comprises at least one part fixed relative to the base, the fixed part of the hood delimiting with the base at least one internal volume, the assembly further comprising an airbag module mounted on the base and arranged in the internal volume.

[0009] The fact that the airbag module is mounted on the base under a fixed part of the hood means that it occupies a space not already occupied by other functional components of the vehicle. In particular, it is noted that the airbag module is not located under a cowl grille, which is a heavily congested area, notably due to the presence of the windshield wiper mechanisms.

[0010] Mounting the airbag module on the base, rather than directly on or within the hood, reduces the risk of unwanted damage to the hood during airbag deployment. Furthermore, the airbag is positioned beneath a fixed section of the hood, further minimizing the risk of damaging any opening hood vents. Additionally, the fact that the airbag module is not mounted on an opening hood vent reduces the energy dissipated during airbag deployment in that vent.

[0011] The fact that the airbag module is arranged in the internal volume, between the base and the hood, makes it possible not to alter the style line of the front of the motor vehicle on which the assembly is mounted.

[0012] Having a fixed section of the hood also allows for the placement of vehicle components that are not easily accessible, fragile, or expensive. For example, an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), a telematics antenna, a satellite antenna, a display unit, or a windshield wiper motor can be located beneath the fixed section of the hood. These functional components are thus protected by the fixed section of the hood, even when any moving parts of the hood are open, reducing the risk of damage. Furthermore, the fixed section of the hood prevents it from being subjected to excessive stress and from having to be designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of an opening hood.Therefore, we can expect the fixed part of the hood to be thinner and therefore lighter.

[0013] Using a base, onto which the hood is mounted, facilitates the assembly of the entire system onto a vehicle's support structure, particularly when the base incorporates several functional components of the vehicle. This simplifies the referencing of the various functional components relative to one another, allowing for better adjustment of clearances and flushness between these parts.

[0014] The term "motor vehicle hood" refers to a large body panel, in one or more parts, extending substantially from one side edge of the motor vehicle to a second side edge, and extending, along a main longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, from the bumper to the windshield. A hood generally comprises an outer panel, also called the "skin," possibly reinforced by a reinforcing structure, sometimes called an internal reinforcement box or lining, which is attached to an inner face of the outer skin, for example, by bonding, welding, or screwing.

[0015] The invention may include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] Preferably, the fixed part of the hood is continuous in shape with the rest of the hood. This preserves both the aerodynamic characteristics and the aesthetic appearance of the hood, and therefore of the vehicle on which it is intended to be mounted.

[0017] Advantageously, the base includes a frame defining a through-opening, and the hood further comprises at least one movable portion relative to the base, ranging from a closed position in which the movable portion of the hood closes the through-opening in the base to an open position. It is therefore understood that, according to this embodiment, the hood consists of at least two parts, one part being fixed relative to the base and the other movable relative to the base. The two-part hood design allows the movable portion to be precisely sized according to the part of the vehicle located under the hood to which access is desired, such as an engine compartment containing vehicle inspection or maintenance points, or a storage compartment. It is therefore understood that the dimensions, and thus the mass, of the movable portion of the hood are reduced compared to a hood of the prior art, for the same vehicle.This reduction in the mass of the moving part of the hood allows for a reduction in the dimensions and thickness of the hood's articulation means relative to the base, such as hinges and possibly struts, designed to withstand the mechanical stresses related to the cantilevered mass of the moving part of the hood when it is in the open position, compared to a one-piece hood of the prior art. The reduction in the mass of the hinges, and possibly the struts, is advantageous because it reduces the overall mass of the assembly and therefore of the motor vehicle on which it is mounted. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reduction in the mass of the moving part of the hood is such that it eliminates the need for struts assisting a user in opening the hood.Furthermore, the reduced dimensions of the moving part of the hood make it easier for a user to handle, in particular they make opening and closing the hood easier.

[0018] The term "closed position in which the movable part of the hood closes the opening in the base" refers to the position of the movable part of the hood when it covers the opening in the base, preventing access from the outside. This is understood to be the typical hood position when the vehicle is in use, where the hood typically covers an engine compartment or a storage compartment. The closed position is typically held in place by locking mechanisms that can be unlocked, for example, from inside or outside the vehicle.

[0019] The "open position" of the hood's movable section refers to any position of the hood's movable section when it is not in the closed position. The open position allows access to the through-opening in the base from the outside. Specifically, it allows access to the vehicle compartment located beneath the movable section of the hood, typically an engine compartment or a storage compartment.

[0020] Advantageously, the hood is fixed to the base. This fixed mounting eliminates the need for articulating mechanisms, such as hinges, to allow the hood to open and close. This reduces both the overall manufacturing cost and weight, which is particularly desirable for a vehicle, notably to decrease fuel and / or electricity consumption and improve its environmental footprint. Furthermore, hood hinges, being robust mechanical devices, pose a significant risk of pedestrian injury in a frontal collision. Eliminating these hinges reduces the risk of injury in a frontal impact with a pedestrian, or at the very least, lessens the severity of any potential injury.Furthermore, the fact that the hood is fixed prevents it from being subjected to excessive vibrations and allows it to be dimensioned to withstand the mechanical stresses of an opening mechanism. Therefore, it can be expected that the hood will be thinner and thus lighter than a movable hood of equivalent dimensions.

[0021] The term "fixed hood" refers to a hood that has no freedom of movement relative to its base. In other words, the hood is fixed to the base in such a way that it cannot be opened during normal vehicle operation. Therefore, any vehicle components located under the fixed hood are not exposed to the risk of damage that would result from opening the hood. It is understood that easily accessible components, such as vehicle inspection or maintenance points, must be located elsewhere on the vehicle than under the hood.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fixed part of the hood comprises an outer skin mounted fixed to the base, and the airbag module includes an airbag designed to tear the outer skin upon deployment. In other embodiments, the hood may further comprise a reinforcing structure, also called a lining. In this case, the reinforcing structure is advantageously perforated to allow the airbag to deploy through it and tear the outer skin. The outer skin corresponds to an external trim panel forming at least part of the hood's visible surface from the outside.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the assembly further includes a canopy grille, the canopy grille being made of the same material as the fixed part of the hood.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a cover panel and a canopy grille, the cover panel being configured to cover at least part of the airbag module, at least part of the cover panel being arranged between an outer skin of the fixed part of the hood and the canopy grille.

[0025] Preferably, the canopy grille is made of the same material as the cover panel, the cover panel extending from a front edge of the canopy grille towards the airbag module.

[0026] Advantageously, the cover panel includes at least one deployment panel arranged opposite the airbag module, the deployment panel being designed to open at least partially upon deployment of an airbag from the airbag module. This is a simple and economical means of enabling airbag deployment.

[0027] Preferably, the assembly includes fusible means for attaching the deployment flap to the rest of the cover panel. It is understood that these fusible means are designed to break or deform to allow the deployment flap to open and thus enable the airbag to deploy. These fusible means may include, for example, a thinned or mechanically weakened wall connecting the deployment flap to the rest of the cover panel, this thinned or mechanically weakened wall being configured to break under the effect of airbag deployment. Alternatively, the fusible means may be of the type of fusible plastic rivets or removable fasteners, such as clips. Thus, it may be provided that, under the effect of airbag deployment, the deployment flap is projected by the airbag so as to be partially separated from the rest of the cover panel.For example, it is possible to anticipate that the clipping means will be unclipped during airbag deployment. It is understood that at least part of the deployment panel remains attached to the rest of the cover panel so that this panel can subsequently be easily reattached, for example by clipping, to the cover panel using the removable fastening means.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the hood extends from a first longitudinal end of the base to a second longitudinal end of the base and from a first lateral end of the base to a second lateral end of the base, the hood being intended, when the assembly is mounted on a motor vehicle, to be arranged between, on the one hand, a bumper of the motor vehicle and a canopy grille of the motor vehicle and, on the other hand, between a first wing of the motor vehicle and a second wing of the motor vehicle.

[0029] Advantageously, the assembly further includes impact detection means capable of determining the position of an impact that has occurred or is expected to occur on the front of the motor vehicle. These impact detection means are configured to trigger the deployment of an airbag from the airbag module based on the determined impact position. This improves the airbag's effectiveness by deploying it on parts of the vehicle that are actually affected by the impact. It thus avoids unnecessarily deploying an airbag. Preferably, the impact detection means are arranged, at least partially, within the internal volume delimited by the fixed part of the hood and the base, so as to protect them from mechanical or chemical damage. In one embodiment, the airbag module may include several airbags arranged to deploy on areas that typically cause head injuries to pedestrians.It is therefore advantageous to anticipate that the impact detection system will determine the pedestrian's position upon impact and trigger the deployment of the appropriate airbag to cover the area the pedestrian will strike. Preferably, the airbag module is configured to deploy one or more airbags to protect at least one area selected from among the windshield, the windshield pillars, the cowl area, at least a portion of the fixed part of the hood, and at least a portion of the moving part of the hood, particularly in the area where the hood hinges are located. The airbag module can also be configured to deploy one or more airbags to protect an area extending from one lateral edge of the assembly to the other.

[0030] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an assembly for a front of a motor vehicle as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0031] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] Laest is a perspective view of the front of a motor vehicle comprising an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the movable part of the hood is in the closed position.

[0033] This is a view of a part of the front of the motor vehicle in which the movable part of the hood is in the open position.

[0034] This is an exploded perspective view of a part of the whole of the.

[0035] This is an exploded perspective view of the whole of the.

[0036] Laest is a section BB of a part of the front of the motor vehicle.

[0037] Laest a section BB, similar to that of the, of a part of the front of a motor vehicle on which is mounted an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0038] Figures 1 to 5 show an assembly 1 for a front of a motor vehicle 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Assembly 1 includes a base 3 for mounting on a support structure 4 of the motor vehicle 2. The base 3 is specifically designed to provide support for functional components of the motor vehicle 2. The base 3 includes a frame 5 defining a through opening 6. In the embodiment shown, the frame 5 of the base 3 has a vertical notch 7 at one of the front ends of the base 3 (see Figures 2, 3, and 4). This improves access to the compartment defined by the frame 5 of the base 3. In the embodiments shown, this compartment generally includes either the engine and control or maintenance points of the motor vehicle 2, or a storage compartment. In this case, the motor vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle, and the compartment defined by the frame 5 is a storage compartment, sometimes called a "frunk."Thus, it is understood that the vertical recess 7 lowers the loading sill of the storage compartment it provides access to, thereby facilitating its use. The base 3 can be made of any material compatible with its function as a support for functional components of the motor vehicle 2. In this case, the base is made of a material chosen, for example, from steels, aluminum, plastics, thermoplastic or thermosetting composite materials, possibly reinforced with talc or reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers or carbon fibers or flax, hemp or other natural fibers, or a mixture of several of these materials.

[0040] Assembly 1 further includes a hood 8 for a motor vehicle 1 mounted on the base 3. According to this embodiment, the hood 8 is formed in two parts: a fixed part 9 relative to the base 3 and a movable part 10 relative to the base 3 between a closed position, in which the movable part 10 of the hood 8 closes the through opening 6 of the base 3, and an open position. Figures 1 and 3 illustrate the hood 8 with the movable part 10 of the hood 8 in the closed position. Figure 1 illustrates the hood 8 with the movable part 10 in the open position. In the present case, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 and the movable part 10 of the hood 8 follow one another along a main longitudinal axis A of the hood 8. The hood 8 extends from a first longitudinal end of the base 3 to a second longitudinal end of the base 3 and from a first lateral end of the base 3 to a second lateral end of the base 3.When assembly 1 is mounted on motor vehicle 2, the hood 8 extends, on the one hand, from a bumper 16 of the motor vehicle to a canopy grille 23 of the motor vehicle 2 and, on the other hand, from a first wing 14a of the motor vehicle 2 to a second wing 14b of the motor vehicle 2. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 is in continuous form with the rest of the hood 8 in normal operating conditions, i.e. in the present case when the movable part 10 of the hood 8 is in the closed position.

[0041] The movable part 10 of the hood 8 includes, at its front longitudinal end, a vertical wall 21 arranged opposite the vertical notch 7 of the front end of the base 3. It is understood that the vertical wall 21 of the hood 8 makes it possible to effectively close the compartment delimited by the frame 5 which includes the vertical notch 7. Furthermore, the presence of this vertical wall 21 at the front longitudinal end of the hood 8 makes it possible to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a frontal impact with a pedestrian, in particular with the hip or pelvis of an adult or with the head of a child.

[0042] According to the first embodiment, each part 9, 10 of the hood 8 comprises an outer skin 11, also called the outer panel, and an internal reinforcing structure 12. According to an alternative embodiment, an internal reinforcing structure 12 may be used in common for the outer skins 11 of the fixed 9 and movable 10 parts of the hood 8, or an internal reinforcing structure 12 for only one of the outer skins 11. It is understood that when the internal reinforcing structure 12 is common for the outer skins 11 of the fixed 9 and movable 10 parts of the hood 8, the hood 8 is then fixedly mounted on the base 3.

[0043] Assembly 1 includes means for articulating the movable part 10 of the cover 8 relative to the base 3. These means typically include hinges 15 and a hinge support. The cover 8 is fixed to the base 3 at least in part by means of the hinges 15. In particular, according to the present embodiment, the hinges 15 are fixed, on the one hand, to the base 3 and, on the other hand, to the movable part 10 of the cover 8 so as to allow movement of the movable part 10 of the cover 8 between its open position and its closed position (). It can be provided that a part of the base 3 itself forms a support for the hinges 15. Alternatively, it can be provided that a component of the assembly is used as a hinge support 15. In particular, according to the present embodiment, each support 20 of at least one wing part 14a, 14b forms a support for a hinge 15.It is understood that the length of the movable part 10 of the hood 8 influences the longitudinal positioning of the hinges 15. Thus, the shorter the movable part 10 of the hood 8, the further the hinges 15 are positioned at the front of the motor vehicle 2, and the longer the movable part 10 of the hood 8, the further the hinges 15 are from the front of the motor vehicle 2. It is understood that this reasoning applies to the arrangement of the fixed part 9 and the movable part 10 of the hood 8 and the hinges 15 according to the present embodiment. Modulating the positioning of the hinges 15 advantageously allows them to be placed in the position determined to be the least likely to cause serious injury in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 1, the base 3 forms a support for several functional components of the motor vehicle 2. In particular, according to this embodiment, the base 3 forms a support for a display device (not shown), an airbag module 13, a satellite antenna (not shown), a telematics antenna (not shown), a windshield wiper motor 18, a radar (not shown), a lidar (not shown), a camera (not shown), an acoustic warning system (not shown), an optical unit 19, at least one wing section 14a, 14b, a support 20 for at least one wing section, electrical charging means 22, or electrical connection means 24. At least some of these functional components are part of impact detection means capable of determining the position of an impact that has occurred or may occur on the front of the motor vehicle 2.The impact detection systems are configured to trigger the deployment of an airbag 29 from the airbag module 13 based on the determined impact position. Lidar, radar, and cameras are particularly likely to be among the systems used to detect an impact that has occurred or is imminent. It is understood that the fact that the base 3 serves as a support for several functional components of the motor vehicle facilitates the assembly of the motor vehicle 2, since attaching the base 3 to the support structure 4 of the motor vehicle 2 allows for the correct fixing and positioning of all the functional components supported by the base 3 relative to each other and to the rest of the motor vehicle 2.

[0045] The fact that base 3 carries the wiper motor 18 and the wipers 18 themselves facilitates the management of risks to a pedestrian in the event of a frontal collision. Specifically, the wipers 18 can be secured to base 3 by means of at least one fusible link designed to deform or break upon impact with a pedestrian. This deformation or breakage helps to reduce the energy transmitted to the pedestrian during the impact and thus reduces the risk of injury.

[0046] Depending on the embodiment, the airbag module 13 comprises one or more airbags 29. The airbag module 13 is configured to deploy one or more airbags 29 so as to protect at least one area selected from the windshield, the windshield pillars, the cowl area, at least a part of the fixed part 9 of the hood 8, at least a part of the movable part 10 of the hood 8, in particular in the area where the hinges 15 of the hood 8 articulation means are arranged. It may be provided that the airbag module 13 is configured to deploy one or more airbags 29 so as to protect an area extending from one lateral edge to the other of the assembly.

[0047] The fact that the base 3 carries at least one wing part 14a, 14b and / or a support 20 of at least one wing part 14a, 14b makes it easier to assemble the motor vehicle 2. In particular, the hood 8 and the wing part 14a, 14b and / or the support 20 of at least one wing part 14a, 14b being all fixed on the base 3, the management of the assembly clearances between these different elements is facilitated.

[0048] The optical unit 19 comprises, in this case, two optical blocks intended for the road lighting of the motor vehicle 2. The fact that the base 3 supports the optical blocks of the optical unit 19 facilitates their respective positioning, particularly in relation to the hood 8, but also in relation to the bumper 16 or the fender 14a, 14b. It can be envisaged that the optical blocks of the optical unit 19 will be fixed to the base 3 by means of at least one fusible support configured to deform or break in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. This deformation or breakage notably reduces the energy transmitted to the pedestrian during the collision and therefore reduces the risk of injury to the pedestrian.

[0049] The means 22 of electric charging allow a connection to an electrical power supply device for the recharging of an electric battery (not shown) of the motor vehicle 2.

[0050] The electrical connection means 24 are intended to be connected to complementary electrical connection means carried by the motor vehicle 2 so as to electrically connect assembly 1 to the rest of the motor vehicle 2. It is understood that such an electrical connection allows, in particular, at least one of the functional components carried by the base 3 to be electrically connected to a power source, such as an electric battery, carried by the rest of the motor vehicle 2 in order to be supplied with electrical energy. The base 3 also includes guidance means (not shown) intended to cooperate with complementary guidance means (not shown) carried by the motor vehicle 2 so as to guide the placement of the base 3 on the support structure 4 of the motor vehicle 2.The guidance means are configured so that, after the placement of the base 3 on the support structure 4 has been guided, the electrical connection means 24 of the assembly 1 are electrically connected to the complementary electrical connection means of the motor vehicle 2. The guidance means and the complementary guidance means are, for example, formed by protrusions and hollows of complementary shapes and intended to guide the placement of the base 3 and to orient it so as to coincide the electrical connection means 24 of the base and the complementary electrical connection means of the motor vehicle 2.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 1, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8, together with the base 3, defines an internal volume 25. The airbag module 13 is mounted on the base 3 and arranged within this internal volume 25. More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the base 3 includes a housing 26, forming a cavity within the base 3, intended to receive at least the airbag module 13. It can be anticipated that at least some of the other functional components mentioned previously are arranged within the internal volume 25. It is understood that the functional components arranged within the internal volume 25 are protected from potential chemical or mechanical damage, particularly thanks to the presence of the fixed part 9 of the hood 8, which prevents these functional components from being exposed to a risk of damage when a user opens the hood 8 to access the engine compartment or the storage compartment.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the internal reinforcement structure 12 of the fixed part 9 of the hood is formed by a cover panel 27 configured to cover at least a portion of the airbag module 13, at least a portion of the cover panel 27 being arranged between the outer skin 11 of the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 and the cowl grille 23. More specifically, according to this embodiment, the cover panel 27 is integral with the cowl grille 23 and extends from a front edge of the cowl grille 23 towards the airbag module 23. The cover panel 27 includes a deployment wall 28 arranged opposite the airbag module 13, the deployment wall 28 being designed to open at least partially under the action of a deployment of the airbag 29 of the airbag module 13. As illustrated in Figure 1, fusible fastening means 30 connect the deployment wall 28 to the rest of the cover panel 27.In this case, the fusible fastening means 30 are formed by a wall thinned relative to the thickness of the cover panel 27. This thinning creates a localized area of ​​mechanical weakness which, under the action of the airbag 29 deployment, ruptures to allow the deployment wall 28 to open and the airbag 29 to deploy onto the windshield 31. The fusible fastening means 30 vary depending on the embodiment. For example, the fusible fastening means 30 may be removable fastening means, such as clips (not shown). Thus, it may be envisaged that, under the effect of the airbag 29 deployment, the deployment wall 28 is unclipped and projected by the airbag 29 so as to be partially separated from the rest of the cover panel 27.It is understood that at least part of the deployment wall 28 remains attached to the rest of the cover panel 27 so that the deployment wall 28 can subsequently be easily reattached by clipping it onto the cover panel 27 via the removable fixing means.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the airbag 29 is configured so that, when deployed, it passes through the openings in the perforated internal reinforcement structure 12 – which here corresponds to the cover wall 27 – and tears the outer skin 11 of the fixed part 9 of the hood 8.

[0054] A manufacturing process for the motor vehicle 2 as described above is described below. According to this process: a) an airbag module 13 and a two-part hood 8 9, 10 are fixed to a base 3, the first part 9 of the hood 8 being fixed relative to the base 3 and the second part 10 of the hood 8 being movable relative to the base 3 between an open position and a closed position so as to obtain an assembly 1 as described previously; b) the assembly 1 obtained in step a) is mounted on a support structure 4 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0055] It is therefore understood that the process includes an initial pre-assembly phase during which assembly 1 is prepared for attachment to the support structure 4 of the motor vehicle. In particular, in addition to attaching the two-part hood 8 9, 10 to the base 3, it is understood that any functional component of the motor vehicle 2 that is to be supported by the base 3 can also be attached to the base 3. During step b) of mounting assembly 1 onto the support structure 4, the base 3, the hood 8, and all the functional components supported by the base 3 are thus mounted in a single operation onto the support structure 4 of the motor vehicle 2.As described previously, it is advantageously provided that the base 3 includes means for guiding the placement of the base 3 on the support structure 4 and that the support structure 4 includes additional guidance means to facilitate the placement of the base 3 and the electrical connection of the functional components carried by the base 3 to the rest of the motor vehicle 2.

[0056] Laillume illustrates a second embodiment of an assembly 1 for the front of a motor vehicle 2 according to the invention. We describe this second embodiment below only with regard to its main differences from the first embodiment. The other characteristics are therefore substantially identical to those described for the first embodiment.

[0057] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the fixed part of the hood 8 is formed by an outer skin 11 fixedly mounted on the base 3. Thus, unlike the first embodiment, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 does not include an internal reinforcing structure 12 – formed by the cover panel 27 in the first embodiment – ​​which reduces the mass of the hood 8. The airbag 29 is designed to tear the outer skin 11 of the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 during its deployment. It is understood that the deployment kinematics of the airbag 29 are therefore simple and rapid. According to the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 is formed from the material of the cowl grille 23. According to an alternative embodiment, the fixed part 9 of the hood 8 can be provided as an attachment to the cowl grille 23.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented, and other embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, it is possible to provide that the cover 8 is fixedly mounted on the base 3. It is understood that in this embodiment, the cover 8 comprises one or more parts, each part forming the cover 8 being fixed relative to the base 3. List of references

[0059] 1: assembly 2: motor vehicle 3: base 4: support structure 5: frame 6: through opening 7: vertical cutout 8: hood 9: fixed part of the hood 10: movable part of the hood 11: outer skin 12: internal reinforcement structure 13: airbag module 14a, 14b: fender of the motor vehicle 15: hinges 16: bumper 18: windshield wiper 19: optical unit 20: support for at least one fender part 21: vertical wall 22: electrical charging means 23: cowl grille 24: electrical connection means 25: internal volume 26: housing 27: cover panel 28: deployment wall 29: airbag 30: fuse attachment means 31: windshield A: main longitudinal axis of the hood

Claims

Assembly (1) for a front of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: - a base (3) intended to be fixed on a support structure (4) of a motor vehicle (2), - a hood (8) of a motor vehicle mounted on the base (3), characterized in that the hood (8) of a motor vehicle includes at least one fixed part (9) in relation to the base (3), the fixed part (9) of the hood (8) delimiting with the base (3) at least one internal volume (25), the assembly (1) further comprising an airbag module (13) mounted on the base (3) and arranged in the internal volume (25). Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixed part (9) of the hood (8) is in continuity of form with the rest of the hood (8). Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (3) comprises a frame (5) delimiting a through opening (6), the hood (8) further comprising at least one movable part (10) relative to the base (3) between a closed position in which the movable part (10) of the hood (8) closes the through opening (6) of the base (3) and an open position. Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hood (8) is fixedly mounted on the base (3). Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (9) of the hood (8) comprises an outer skin (11) fixedly mounted on the base (3), the airbag module (13) comprising an airbag (29) intended to tear the outer skin (11) upon deployment. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a canopy grille (23), the canopy grille being formed from the material with the fixed part (9) of the hood (8). Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cover panel (27) and a canopy grille (23), the cover panel (27) being configured to cover at least a portion of the airbag module (13), at least a portion of the cover panel (27) being arranged between an outer skin (11) of the fixed part (9) of the hood (8) and the canopy grille (23). Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the canopy grille is made of material with the cover panel (27), the cover panel (27) extending from a front edge of the canopy grille (23) towards the airbag module (13). Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the cover panel (27) comprises at least one deployment wall (28) arranged opposite the airbag module (13), the deployment wall (28) being intended to open at least partially under the action of a deployment of an airbag (29) of the airbag module (13). Assembly (1) according to claim 9, further comprising fusible means (30) for fixing the deployment wall (28) to the rest of the cover panel (27). Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood (8) extends from a first longitudinal end of the base (3) to a second longitudinal end of the base (3) and from a first lateral end of the base (3) to a second lateral end of the base (3), the hood (8) being intended, when the assembly (1) is mounted on a motor vehicle (2), to be arranged between, on the one hand, a bumper (16) of the motor vehicle and a canopy grille (23) of the motor vehicle (2) and, on the other hand, between a first wing (14a) of the motor vehicle and a second wing (14b) of the motor vehicle (2). Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising shock detection means capable of determining the position of a shock which has occurred or is to occur on the front of the motor vehicle (2), the shock detection means being configured to control the deployment of an airbag (29) from the airbag module (13) as a function of the determination of the shock position. Motor vehicle (2) comprising an assembly (1) for a front of motor vehicle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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