FR3132062A1 - DEFORMABLE FLUID CONVEYING DEVICE IN THE EVENT OF IMPACT, FOR A LAND VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid conveying device (DC1) equips a land vehicle in an area liable to be struck by a pedestrian and comprising a conveying part (PC) comprising: - a skeleton (SQ) made of a first rigid material and comprising first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts, respectively delimiting fluid inlet (FE) and fluid outlet (FS) faces and interconnected by an intermediate part (PI), and at least one weakened zone (ZA1, ZA2) suitable for allowing its deformation when it is struck by a pedestrian, and - side walls (PL1-PL2) made of a second material and fixedly secured to the skeleton (SQ) in a weathertight manner fluid to participate with the intermediate part (PI) in conveying fluid between the first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts. Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 2

Description

DEFORMABLE FLUID CONVEYING DEVICE IN CASE OF SHOCK, FOR A LAND VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to land vehicles, and more specifically certain fluid conveying devices which are intended to equip land vehicles in an area likely to be struck by a pedestrian.

State of the art

Certain land vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include a zone likely to be struck by a pedestrian and in which at least one fluid conveying device is installed comprising a conveying part provided with an entry face capable of receiving a fluid (gas or liquid) and an outlet face suitable for delivering this fluid. In what follows and what precedes the word “conveying” means allowing a fluid to go from the inlet face, located in one place (called upstream), to the outlet face, located in another place (called downstream), being guided in a watertight manner.

For example, this zone can be located in the vicinity of a front upper crossmember (or beam) located under the front hood, forming part of a front facade of a vehicle and to which one or more are fixedly attached. several fluid conveying device(s). In this case, each fluid conveying device can, for example, be intended to supply fluid to at least one piece of equipment in the vehicle, such as a radiator or a heat engine.

Impact regulations which concern land vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles, are increasingly restrictive for equipment or devices which are located in an area likely to be struck by a pedestrian, so as to reinforce the security of the latter. It should be noted that these regulations concern both so-called technical equipment or devices because they provide at least one technical function in their vehicle as well as equipment or devices that contribute to the style of their vehicle.

Some of these regulations require that the equipment or device concerned dent or deform upon impact with a part of a pedestrian (such as the leg or head), if possible by absorbing some of the energy of shock. This is all the more required as the environment of the equipment or device is more rigid, and therefore this forces the design of equipment or devices which must be sufficiently rigid to maintain their shape in the absence of shock and sufficiently deformable. in the presence of a shock.

A solution has been proposed to confer a deformation capacity to certain equipment or technical devices. This involves defining through holes or perforations which weaken them locally. But such a solution is inapplicable in the case of a fluid conveying device, since the latter must remain perfectly sealed from its entry face to its exit face, and must generally follow a well-defined and therefore also restrictive route.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation to increase the protection of pedestrians.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a fluid conveying device, intended to equip a land vehicle in an area which is likely to be struck by a pedestrian, and comprising a conveying part provided with an entry face suitable for receiving a fluid and an outlet face capable of delivering this fluid.

This fluid conveying device is characterized by the fact that its conveying part includes:

- a skeleton made of a first rigid material and comprising first and second end parts, respectively delimiting the entry and exit faces and connected together by an intermediate part, and at least one weakening zone capable of allowing the deformation of the conveyor part when the latter is struck by a pedestrian, and

- side walls made of a second material and fixedly secured to the skeleton in a fluid-tight manner in order to participate with the intermediate part in the conveying of the fluid between the first and second end parts.

Thus, the rigidity of the skeleton allows the conveying part to be sufficiently rigid to support its weight while maintaining its general shape in the absence of shock and to have resistant fixing interfaces, and the second material and each zone d The weakening allows the conveyor part to be sufficiently deformable during an impact with a pedestrian to reinforce the safety of the latter.

The fluid conveying device according to the invention may include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- at least one of the first and second end parts may comprise a weakening zone;

- in the presence of the first option, the first end part may have the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in the vehicle in a first substantially horizontal plane, and may comprise a first weakening zone allowing deformation in this first plan ;

- also in the presence of the first option, the second end part may have the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in the vehicle in a second substantially vertical plane, and may include a second weakening zone allowing deformation in this second plan ;

- each weakening zone can be defined by a local reduction in material thickness;

- the intermediate part of the skeleton may comprise two lateral sub-parts parallel to each other and each joining together the edges of the first and second end parts. In this case, the conveying part may comprise, on the one hand, a first side wall fixedly and tightly secured to the first edges of these lateral sub-parts and to the first and second end parts, and, on the other hand, a second side wall fixedly and tightly secured to second edges of the side sub-parts, opposite the first edges, and to the first and second end parts;

- the first material can be polypropylene (or PP);

- the second material can be ethylene-propylene (or EPDM).

The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a zone which is likely to be struck by a pedestrian and which comprises at least one fluid conveying device of the type presented above.

For example, this land vehicle may comprise a front facade comprising a front upper crosspiece to which each fluid conveying device is fixedly attached.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and the appended drawings (obtained in CAD/CAD (“Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Drawing”)), on which :

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of a front upper cross member of a front facade of a land vehicle to which two different embodiments of a fluid conveying device according to the invention are fixedly attached,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the first fluid conveying device of the , before its attachment to the front upper crossmember,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the elements constituting the first fluid conveying device of the , before they are assembled together, and

schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, the first fluid conveying device of the .

Detailed description of the invention

The invention aims in particular to propose a deformable DCm fluid conveying device intended to equip a land vehicle in an area likely to be struck by a pedestrian.

In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that each fluid conveying device DCm is intended to be fixedly attached to an upper front cross member TS of a front facade of a land vehicle. This front upper crossmember TS is intended to be installed transversely in the vehicle (i.e. in the transverse direction Y). But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, a DCm fluid conveying device according to the invention can be installed in any area of a land vehicle likely to be struck by a pedestrian.

Furthermore, we consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that each fluid conveying device DCm is intended to convey a gas (and more precisely air). For example, each DCm fluid conveying device can supply air to a radiator or thermal engine of a land vehicle. But a DCm fluid conveying device can also convey a liquid.

In addition, we consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle is of the automobile type. This is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It concerns any land vehicle comprising at least one area likely to be struck by a pedestrian.

In Figures 1 to 4, the direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

We have schematically illustrated on the an example of a front upper cross member TS intended to form part of a front facade of a land vehicle and to which two different embodiments of a fluid conveying device DCm (m = 1 or 2) according to the invention are fixedly attached . Note that such a front upper crossmember TS also generally serves as an anchor point for a front bumper (or shield) of its land vehicle.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a fluid conveying device DCm, according to the invention, comprises at least one conveying part PC intended to equip a land vehicle in an area which is likely to be struck by a pedestrian ( here under the front cover). The shape of the PC conveying part depends in particular on the well-defined route that it must follow in the land vehicle and/or the fluid that it must convey and/or the equipment to which it must be coupled.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the conveyor part PC comprises a skeleton SQ, side walls PLj, and at least one weakening zone ZAk capable of allowing its deformation when it is struck by a pedestrian.

The skeleton SQ is made of a first rigid material and comprises first PE1 and second PE2 end parts, opposed to each other, and an intermediate part PI.

The first end part PE1 of the skeleton SQ delimits an inlet face FE which is suitable for receiving a fluid (here air). Here it defines a fixing interface for attachment to land vehicle equipment (although this is not obligatory).

The second end part PE2 of the skeleton SQ delimits an outlet face FS which is capable of delivering the fluid having penetrated via the inlet face FE. Here it defines another fixing interface for attachment to other equipment on the land vehicle (although this is not obligatory).

The intermediate part PI of the skeleton SQ connects the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts together.

The side walls PLj are made of a second material, different from the first material (and preferably less rigid), and are fixedly secured to the skeleton SQ in a fluid-tight manner in order to participate with the intermediate part PI in the conveying of the fluid between the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts. Note that what is meant here by “side wall PLj” is a continuously solid element so as to define an internal surface over which air can slide.

It will be understood that each weakening zone ZAk cannot be a through hole (or aperture) or a set of through holes (or apertures), since the conveying part PC ensures sealed conveying of the fluid between its faces. FE input and FS output. For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the , each ZAk weakening zone can be defined by a local reduction in the material thickness. In other words, each ZAk weakening zone here constitutes a zone of less thickness favoring deformation or breakage.

Thanks to the invention, the rigidity of the skeleton SQ (resulting from its first material) allows the conveying part PC to be sufficiently rigid to support its weight while maintaining its general shape in the absence of shock and to have resistant fixing interfaces, and the second material and each ZAk weakening zone allow the conveying part PC to be sufficiently deformable during an impact with a pedestrian to reinforce the safety of the latter. This is particularly advantageous when the environment of the DCm fluid conveying device is rigid, as this can allow some of the shock energy to be absorbed.

Furthermore, it is now possible to use the same first material (or even the same SQ skeleton) for different models of land vehicle, or different variations of the same model of land vehicle, and possibly vary the second material and/or the shape of the side walls PLj depending on the shock regulations and/or the environment of the fluid conveying device DCm. For example, if for a land vehicle model or a variation of a land vehicle model the second material is considered too flexible or too rigid, its rigidity can be adjusted according to needs. The variation in rigidity (or flexibility) of the second material may result from the type of the second material used and/or the thickness of the second material used.

For example, the first material may be polypropylene (or PP).

Also for example, the second material can be ethylene-propylene (or EPDM).

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, at least one of the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts may comprise a weakening zone ZAk.

It is important to note that the extension of a ZAk weakening zone can be greater or lesser, and that the location of a ZAk weakening zone can be variable. It depends on the desired result during a shock, or even depending on the intensity of the shock. For example, a ZAk weakening zone can allow local (and possibly partial) deformation during a low intensity shock and local (and possibly partial) breakage during a high intensity shock.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, the first end part PE1 has the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in the vehicle in a first substantially horizontal plane. The entry face FE is therefore here substantially horizontal once the DCm conveying device installed in the vehicle. By “substantially horizontal” we mean here the fact of being parallel to the horizontal plane XY at +/- 10°.

In addition, the first end part PE1 comprises a first weakening zone ZA1 (k = 1) which allows deformation in this first plane. Thus, in the event of an impact by a pedestrian on the front end of the vehicle, and therefore at least partially in the longitudinal direction ) at its first end part PE1, and possibly at at least one side part PLj.

Note that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4 the first weakening zone ZA1 goes all the way around (in the first plane) of the first frame which constitutes the first end part PE1. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the first weakening zone ZA1 could extend over one or more sub-parts of this turn.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, the second end part PE2 has the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in the vehicle in a second substantially vertical plane. The exit face FS is therefore here substantially vertical and transverse once the conveying device DCm installed in the vehicle. By “substantially vertical” we mean here the fact of being parallel to the vertical plane YZ at +/- 10°.

In addition, the second end part PE2 comprises a second weakening zone ZA2 (k = 2) which allows deformation in this second plane. Thus, in the event of an impact by a pedestrian on the part of the front hood of the vehicle located above the conveying part PC, and therefore at least partially in the vertical direction Z, the conveying part PC will deform according to the vertical direction Z (or even break in the second plane) at its second end part PE2, and possibly at least one lateral part PLj.

Note that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4 the second weakening zone ZA2 goes all the way around (in the second plane) of the second frame which constitutes the second end part PE2. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the second weakening zone ZA2 could extend over one or more sub-parts of this turn.

But in alternative embodiments not illustrated, only the first end part PE1 could comprise a first weakening zone ZA1, or only the second end part PE2 could comprise a second weakening zone ZA2, or only the part intermediate PI could comprise a weakening zone ZAk, or at least one of the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts could comprise a weakening zone ZAk and the intermediate part PI could also comprise a weakening zone ZAk .

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 3, the intermediate part PI can comprise two lateral sub-parts SPn (n = 1 or 2) parallel to each other and each joining together edges BPn of the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts. More precisely, the first lateral sub-part SP1 (n = 1) ensures the rigid junction between first edges BP1 of the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts, here located on a left side, and the second lateral sub-part SP2 (n = 2) ensures the rigid junction between second edges BP2 of the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts, here located on a right side.

In addition, the conveying part PC comprises first PL1 (j = 1) and second PL2 (j = 2) side walls. The first side wall PL1 is fixedly and tightly secured to the first edges BS1 of the side sub-parts SPn and to the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts. The second side wall PL2 is fixedly and tightly secured to second edges BS2 of the side sub-parts SPn, opposite the first edges BS1, and to the first PE1 and second PE2 end parts.

Here, each of the two lateral sub-parts SPn generally extends in a substantially vertical and longitudinal plane once the conveying device DCm installed in the vehicle. Here we mean “substantially vertical and longitudinal” the fact of being parallel to the vertical and longitudinal plane XZ at +/- 10°. Consequently, each first edge BS1 is an upper edge to which a lower lateral edge of the first side wall PL1 (called upper) is fixedly and tightly secured, and each second edge BS2 is a lower edge to which is fixedly and tightly secured. seals an upper side edge of the second side wall PL2 (called lower).

It should also be noted that each PC conveying part can be produced by a bi-injection technique in at least one mold adapted for this purpose. For example, a first injection of first material into a first sub-part of the mold makes it possible to produce the skeleton SQ, and a second injection of second material into at least a second sub-part of the mold makes it possible to produce the lateral parts PLj, the latter (PLj) then finding themselves fixedly and tightly secured to the skeleton SQ by overmolding. But in a variant embodiment, each conveying part PC could consist of a skeleton SQ and lateral parts PLj attached in a sealed manner to the skeleton SQ, for example by gluing or welding.

Claims (10)

Fluid conveying device (DCm) intended to equip a land vehicle in an area likely to be struck by a pedestrian and comprising a conveying part (PC) provided with an entry face (FE) capable of receiving a fluid and an outlet face (FS) capable of delivering this fluid, characterized in that said conveying part (PC) comprises i) a skeleton (SQ) made of a first rigid material and comprising first (PE1) and second (PE2 ) end parts, respectively delimiting said entry (FE) and exit (FS) faces and connected together by an intermediate part (PI), and at least one weakening zone (ZAk) capable of allowing its deformation when it is struck by a pedestrian, and ii) side walls (PLj) made of a second material and fixedly secured to said skeleton (SQ) in a fluid-tight manner in order to participate with said intermediate part (PI) in the conveying of said fluid between said first (PE1) and second (PE2) end portions. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts comprises a weakening zone (ZAk). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first end portion (PE1) has the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in said vehicle in a first substantially horizontal plane, and comprises a first weakening zone (ZA1) allowing a deformation in this first plane. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said second end portion (PE2) has the general shape of a frame intended to be installed in said vehicle in a second substantially vertical plane, and comprises a second weakening zone ( ZA2) allowing deformation in this second plane. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each weakening zone (ZAk) is defined by a local reduction in material thickness. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said intermediate part (PI) comprises two lateral sub-parts (SPn) parallel to each other and each joining together edges (BPn) of said first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts, and in that said conveying part (PC) comprises i) a first side wall (PL1) fixedly and leaktightly secured to first edges (BS1) of said side sub-parts (SPn) and to said first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts, and ii) a second side wall (PL2) fixedly and tightly secured to second edges (BS2) of said lateral sub-parts (SPn), opposite said first edges (BS1), and to said first (PE1) and second (PE2) end parts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first material is polypropylene. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second material is ethylene-propylene. Land vehicle comprising a zone likely to be struck by a pedestrian, characterized in that it further comprises in said zone at least one fluid conveying device (DCm) according to one of the preceding claims. Land vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a front facade comprising a front upper crosspiece (TS) to which each fluid conveying device (DCm) is fixedly attached.