WO2004087467A2 - Device for protection against impact of the inflatable bag type for the front face of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Device for protection against impact of the inflatable bag type for the front face of a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004087467A2
WO2004087467A2 PCT/FR2004/000750 FR2004000750W WO2004087467A2 WO 2004087467 A2 WO2004087467 A2 WO 2004087467A2 FR 2004000750 W FR2004000750 W FR 2004000750W WO 2004087467 A2 WO2004087467 A2 WO 2004087467A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
front face
airbag
structural part
housing
motor vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2004/000750
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004087467A3 (en
Inventor
Pascal Harand
Jean-Louis Lanard
Original Assignee
Valeo Thermique Moteur
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Thermique Moteur filed Critical Valeo Thermique Moteur
Publication of WO2004087467A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004087467A2/en
Publication of WO2004087467A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004087467A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/34—Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians
    • B60R21/36—Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using airbags

Definitions

  • Impact protection device of the airbag type, for a front face of a motor vehicle
  • the invention relates to an impact protection device for a front face of a motor vehicle. It also relates to a front face of a motor vehicle equipped with such a protection device.
  • said front face comprises a frame, supporting various elements of equipment of the vehicle, such as optics, hood locking device or the like, said frame and said pieces of equipment constituting a unitary module, capable of being mounted on said vehicle.
  • Said frame consists, for example, of various elongated elements, such as beams and / or legs, vertical and / or horizontal, monoblocks or assembled to each other.
  • Said frame is provided capable of being fixed to the vehicle at the level of the lower and / or upper lateral side members of its chassis.
  • the invention is in particular intended to absorb shocks at low speed, in particular in the event of impact with a pedestrian. Such shocks are likely to produce significant damage to the pedestrian due to the impact of an element of the front face, in particular a bodywork element or the bumper.
  • Some front panels are designed with foam parts which are interposed between hard structural parts and the skin of the bumper, also called the front bumper. These foam parts, more ⁇ or less flexible, can in certain cases absorb part of the impact energy of a pedestrian. However, these foam parts cannot absorb only a very limited part of the forces and they cannot cover the entire surface of the front face to be protected.
  • Air bags have also been proposed which, in the event of impact detection, deploy to the front of the vehicle to absorb the impact against a pedestrian, as taught in particular by the publications EP 1 024 063 and DE 100 31 525.
  • Such inflatable or deployable bags are similar to bags called “Airbags” (registered trademark) used for the protection of passengers in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles.
  • Airbags registered trademark
  • Such bags are difficult to design. In addition, it is difficult to direct their deployment towards the areas to be protected.
  • These bags include an envelope arranged to be suddenly inflated by a gas under pressure in the event of an impact or detection of an impact.
  • the power released during the commissioning of the bag requires a solid and specific fixing structure to ensure the proper deployment of the bag.
  • the object of the invention is in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the protection devices of the prior art.
  • Its main purpose is to provide a protective device, of the airbag type, capable of providing effective damping against low speed impacts against pedestrians.
  • the invention also aims to provide such a protection device which can be easily integrated into a front face of a motor vehicle and which is capable of protecting a pedestrian from impact against "an element of the front face which offers hard spots.
  • the invention provides a device for protection against frontal impacts for a front face of a vehicle, automobile, of the type comprising an inflatable bag arranged to deploy against at least part of the front face in the event of impact detection, wherein the airbag is housed in a housing which is integrated into a structural part of the front face.
  • a front face is a structural element capable of integrating various equipment of the vehicle, such as headlights, turn signals, horn, heat exchangers, motor-fan unit, complete cooling module, etc.
  • the front panel thus provided with its equipment, constitutes a unitary module prepared and delivered by the supplier and ready to be mounted on the vehicle by the manufacturer.
  • the mounting of this unitary module is done by connection to elements of the vehicle's lateral structures, such as side members, wings, hull, then fitting of a bumper or frontal shield attached to the module.
  • the invention proposed to directly integrate the airbag housing in a structural part of the face before.
  • This integration optimizes the use of the airbag. It makes it possible to position it in a chosen location on the front face and also to reduce the number of parts compared to the protection devices of the prior art. This also results in a reduction in the size. Furthermore, this integration makes it possible to absorb the power released when the airbag is put into service, without compromising the mechanical strength of the structural part.
  • the airbag can be received in a housing defined by the structural part or the housing can directly constitute this structural part.
  • the structural part is advantageously formed of a hybrid material consisting of a metal molded from a plastic material. It can also be formed from a metal or a plastic material.
  • reinforcing ribs located at least in a limited area of the structural part, which integrates the airbag housing.
  • These reinforcing ribs preferably extend in a generally horizontal direction or in a generally vertical direction. The direction of the ribs takes account in particular of the molding and demolding constraints.
  • the structural part of the front face is a horizontal upper beam.
  • the airbag is designed to deploy and cover an upper area of the front face.
  • This upper zone advantageously includes part of the engine cover.
  • the structural part of the front face is a lateral element located under a headlight housing.
  • the airbag is arranged to deploy and cover at least part of the projector received in the projector housing.
  • the device comprises a protective cover arranged to open and allow the deployment of the airbag.
  • This cover is advantageously an element of style of the front face which is visible from the outside. It can be produced, for example, in the form of a movable hatch.
  • the invention relates to a front face incorporating a 'protection device as defined above.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front face of a motor vehicle incorporating a protection device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram of a circuit used for the commissioning of the airbag integrated in the front face of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view, and in section, of a structural part of the front face arranged to integrate a protection device according to one invention
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the airbag in the deployed position
  • - Figure 5 is a partial side view of a vehicle incorporating a protection device according to one invention in the deployed position;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a motor vehicle, the front face of which includes a protective cover capable of opening for the deployment of an airbag;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4 showing a device with three airbags.
  • FIG. 1 shows a front face 10, also called front panel module, which comprises a horizontal upper beam 12 attached to a horizontal lower beam 14 by two legs 16 generally vertical.
  • the upper beam 12 also called upper cross member, comprises a central part 18 which extends between the two legs 16 and two lateral parts 20, of curved shape which have respective ends 22 capable of being fixed to longitudinal members (not shown ) of the vehicle.
  • the front face 10 further comprises two bent arms 24 which each join a leg 16 at the end 22 of a curved part 20 by defining a housing 26 for a projector (not shown).
  • the central part 18 of the upper beam 12, the lower beam 14 and the two legs 16 together define a housing 28 of generally rectangular shape intended to receive a cooling module (not shown).
  • the front face as described so far, is generally known. It is most often made of a hybrid material, typically a metallic material on which a plastic material is molded. But it can also be made of metal or plastic.
  • the upper beam 12 which constitutes a structural part of the front face, directly integrates a protection device 30 of the airbag type.
  • This protection device 30 comprises a box 32 of generally parallelepiped shape which is integrated in the central part 18 of the upper beam 12.
  • the airbag proper is formed by an envelope 34 (FIG. 2) which is housed in the housing and which is capable of being suddenly inflated by a pressurized gas produced by a gas generator 36 comprising a trigger mechanism 38.
  • the triggering is carried out in response to a signal S from a sensor 40 placed at a chosen location at the front of the vehicle.
  • This sensor 40 can consist, for example, of a parking assistance sensor or an anti-collision radar.
  • This sensor is connected to a computer 42 which sends the signal S to the trigger 38 to trigger the production of the gas, which produces a sudden swelling of the envelope 34.
  • FIG. 3 shows a detail of the central part 18 of the upper beam 12.
  • This beam is advantageously formed from hybrid material. It has a general U-shaped section limited by a bottom wall 44 and two side walls 46 terminated by respective flanges 48.
  • the central part 18 is open upwards. It defines a housing 50 delimited in particular by a bottom wall 52, two longitudinal walls 54 and two transverse walls 56 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 3).
  • the aforementioned walls which delimit the housing 50 can accommodate the housing 32. As a variant, they can directly constitute the walls of the housing
  • Reinforcement ribs 58 are formed in particular between the walls of the housing 50 and the walls of the central part 18. These reinforcement ribs extend in a generally vertical direction and are located at least in a limited area of the beam 12, which integrates the housing 32. These ribs contribute to the mechanical resistance of the central part 18 and they also make it possible to collect the energy produced during the commissioning of the bag, due to the pressure of the gases produced by the generator 36 .
  • the envelope 34 of the airbag 30 is suddenly inflated and escapes from the housing through the open face of the central part 18.
  • An inflated envelope is formed. which deploys and covers an upper zone 60, which includes at least part of the engine cover 62.
  • the unfolded bag thus protects the entire upper part of the front face, not only the engine cover 62, but also the engine cover lock and projectors.
  • the bag can also protect the foot of the windscreen 64.
  • the bag deploys upwards and protects pedestrians against impacts with hard spots on the front face.
  • the protection device comprises a protective cover 66 produced here in the form of a movable hatch which opens during deployment of the bag.
  • This cover can be constituted by a styling element of the front face, that is to say for example by a part of the grille. It can be an articulated or precut hatch that opens automatically when the bag is deployed.
  • the protection device of Figure 7 comprises, as in the case of Figure 4, a housing 32 integrated in the central part of the upper beam to accommodate an airbag 34 arranged to cover the engine hood. However, the airbag does not come here to cover the headlights.
  • the searchlights are each covered by an inflatable bag 72 which deploys on one side of the front face.
  • This front face comprises two lateral elements 68 situated respectively under the housings 26 of the projectors and integrating respective boxes 70 for the airbags 72.
  • the lateral elements 68 also constitute structural elements of the front face in the same way as the upper beam.
  • the characteristics mentioned above for the case 32 of the airbag 34 also apply to the boxes 70. In the event of an impact, protection is ensured by the deployment of the airbag 34 and the two bags 72.
  • each airbag can be integrated into another structural part of the front face. It is conceivable, for example, to provide two airbags integrated respectively into the upper beam and the lower beam.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (30) against frontal impacts for the front face (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one inflatable bag (34) arranged to deploy over at least a part of the front face on the detection of an impact. The inflatable bag (34) is housed in a container (32), integrated in a structural part (12), in particular an upper beam of the front face. The device provides protection in case of impact in particular for a pedestrian.

Description

Dispositif de protection contre les chocs, du type sac gonflable, pour une face avant de véhicule automobileImpact protection device, of the airbag type, for a front face of a motor vehicle
L'invention concerne un dispositif de protection contre les chocs pour une face avant de véhicule automobile. Elle concerne en outre une face avant de véhicule automobile équipé d'un tel dispositif de protection.The invention relates to an impact protection device for a front face of a motor vehicle. It also relates to a front face of a motor vehicle equipped with such a protection device.
De façon connue, ladite face avant comprend une armature, supportant différents éléments d'équipement du véhicule, tels que optiques, dispositif de verrouillage du capot ou autre, ladite armature et lesdits éléments d'équipement constituant un module unitaire, apte à être monté sur ledit véhicule. Ladite armature est constituée, par exemple, de différents éléments allongés, tels que poutres et/ou jambages, verticaux et/ou horizontaux, monoblocs ou assemblés les uns aux autres . Ladite armature est prévue apte à être fixée sur le véhicule au niveau des longerons latéraux inférieurs et/ou supérieurs de son châssis.In known manner, said front face comprises a frame, supporting various elements of equipment of the vehicle, such as optics, hood locking device or the like, said frame and said pieces of equipment constituting a unitary module, capable of being mounted on said vehicle. Said frame consists, for example, of various elongated elements, such as beams and / or legs, vertical and / or horizontal, monoblocks or assembled to each other. Said frame is provided capable of being fixed to the vehicle at the level of the lower and / or upper lateral side members of its chassis.
L'invention est en particulier destinée à amortir les chocs à basse vitesse, notamment en cas d'impact avec un piéton. De tels chocs sont susceptibles de produire des dommages importants au piéton en raison de l'impact d'un élément de la face avant, en particulier d'un élément de carrosserie ou du pare-chocs .The invention is in particular intended to absorb shocks at low speed, in particular in the event of impact with a pedestrian. Such shocks are likely to produce significant damage to the pedestrian due to the impact of an element of the front face, in particular a bodywork element or the bumper.
La partie avant de la plupart des véhicules automobiles actuels ne répond pas aux normes de protection des piétons qui seront applicables dans un proche avenir.The front end of most current motor vehicles does not meet the pedestrian protection standards that will be applicable in the near future.
Certaines faces avant sont conçues avec des parties en mousse qui s ' interposent entre des pièces structurelles dures et la peau du pare-chocs, encore appelé bouclier avant. Ces parties en mousse, plus τ ou moins souple, peuvent dans certains cas absorber une partie de l'énergie d'impact d'un piéton. Toutefois, ces parties en mousse ne peuvent absorber qu'une partie très limitée des efforts et elles ne peuvent pas couvrir toute la surface de la face avant à protéger.Some front panels are designed with foam parts which are interposed between hard structural parts and the skin of the bumper, also called the front bumper. These foam parts, more τ or less flexible, can in certain cases absorb part of the impact energy of a pedestrian. However, these foam parts cannot absorb only a very limited part of the forces and they cannot cover the entire surface of the front face to be protected.
On sait aussi que les impacts peuvent provenir de certains éléments formant des "points durs" qui sont présents sur la face avant. Il est connu de fixer de -tels éléments par l'intermédiaire de moyens de fixation à rupture pré-calculée pour qu'ils cèdent sous un certain effort. Ces dispositifs à rupture pré-calculée permettent, certes, de diminuer sensiblement l'énergie d'impact sur certains éléments. Toutefois, la plupart des points durs subsistent .We also know that impacts can come from certain elements forming "hard spots" which are present on the front face. It is known to fix such elements by means of fixing means with pre-calculated rupture so that they yield under a certain effort. These pre-calculated rupture devices certainly allow to significantly reduce the impact energy on certain elements. However, most of the hard spots remain.
On a proposé aussi des sacs gonflables qui, en cas de détection de choc, viennent se déployer à l'avant du véhicule pour amortir le choc à l'égard d'un piéton, comme enseigné notamment par les publications EP 1 024 063 et DE 100 31 525.Air bags have also been proposed which, in the event of impact detection, deploy to the front of the vehicle to absorb the impact against a pedestrian, as taught in particular by the publications EP 1 024 063 and DE 100 31 525.
De tels sacs gonflables ou déployables s'apparentent aux sacs appelés "Airbag" (marque déposée) utilisés pour la protection des passagers dans l'habitacle des véhicules automobiles. De tels sacs sont difficiles à concevoir. En outre, il est difficile d'orienter leur déploiement vers les zones à protéger.Such inflatable or deployable bags are similar to bags called "Airbags" (registered trademark) used for the protection of passengers in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. Such bags are difficult to design. In addition, it is difficult to direct their deployment towards the areas to be protected.
Ces sacs comprennent une enveloppe agencée pour être gonflée brusquement par un gaz sous pression en cas de choc ou de détection de choc. La puissance dégagée lors de la mise en service du sac nécessite une structure de fixation solide et spécifique pour assurer le bon déploiement du sac.These bags include an envelope arranged to be suddenly inflated by a gas under pressure in the event of an impact or detection of an impact. The power released during the commissioning of the bag requires a solid and specific fixing structure to ensure the proper deployment of the bag.
Il existe donc un besoin d'un dispositif de protection, offrant davantage de sécurité et, susceptible de répondre aux normes de protection applicables dans un proche avenir. L'invention a notamment pour but de surmonter les inconvénients des dispositifs de protection de la technique antérieure .There is therefore a need for a protection device, offering more security and capable of meeting the applicable protection standards in the near future. The object of the invention is in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the protection devices of the prior art.
Elle vise principalement à procurer un dispositif de protection, du type sac gonflable, susceptible d'offrir un amortissement efficace contre les chocs à basse vitesse à 1 ' égard des piétons .Its main purpose is to provide a protective device, of the airbag type, capable of providing effective damping against low speed impacts against pedestrians.
L'invention vise également à procurer un tel dispositif de protection qui peut s'intégrer facilement dans une face avant de véhicule automobile et qui est susceptible de protéger un piéton vis-à-vis d'un impact contre "un élément de la face avant qui offre des points durs.The invention also aims to provide such a protection device which can be easily integrated into a front face of a motor vehicle and which is capable of protecting a pedestrian from impact against "an element of the front face which offers hard spots.
L'invention propose à cet effet un dispositif de protection contre les chocs frontaux pour une face avant de véhicule, automobile, du type comprenant un sac gonflable agencé pour se déployer contre une partie au moins de la face avant en cas de détection de choc, dans lequel le sac gonflable est logé dans un boîtier qui est intégré dans une partie structurelle de la face avant.To this end, the invention provides a device for protection against frontal impacts for a front face of a vehicle, automobile, of the type comprising an inflatable bag arranged to deploy against at least part of the front face in the event of impact detection, wherein the airbag is housed in a housing which is integrated into a structural part of the front face.
On rappellera ici qu'une face avant est un élément de structure susceptible d'intégrer divers équipements du véhicule, tels que projecteurs, clignotants, avertisseur sonore, échangeurs thermiques, groupe moto-ventilateur, module de refroidissement complet, etc. La face avant, ainsi pourvue de ses équipements, constitue un module unitaire préparé et livré par l'équipementier et prêt à être monté sur le véhicule par le constructeur. Le montage de ce module unitaire se fait par raccordement à des éléments de structures latéraux du véhicule, tels que longerons, ailes, coque, puis mise en place d'un pare-chocs ou bouclier frontal rapporté sur le module.It will be recalled here that a front face is a structural element capable of integrating various equipment of the vehicle, such as headlights, turn signals, horn, heat exchangers, motor-fan unit, complete cooling module, etc. The front panel, thus provided with its equipment, constitutes a unitary module prepared and delivered by the supplier and ready to be mounted on the vehicle by the manufacturer. The mounting of this unitary module is done by connection to elements of the vehicle's lateral structures, such as side members, wings, hull, then fitting of a bumper or frontal shield attached to the module.
Ainsi, l'invention proposé d'intégrer directement le boîtier du sac gonflable dans une partie structurelle de la face avant. Cette intégration permet d'optimiser l'utilisation du sac gonflable. Elle permet de le positionner en un endroit choisi de la face avant et de réduire également le nombre de pièces par rapport aux dispositifs de protection de la technique antérieure. Il en résulte également une diminution de l'encombrement. Par ailleurs, cette intégration permet d'absorber la puissance dégagée lors de la mise en service du sac gonflable, sans compromettre la résistance mécanique de la partie structurelle.Thus, the invention proposed to directly integrate the airbag housing in a structural part of the face before. This integration optimizes the use of the airbag. It makes it possible to position it in a chosen location on the front face and also to reduce the number of parts compared to the protection devices of the prior art. This also results in a reduction in the size. Furthermore, this integration makes it possible to absorb the power released when the airbag is put into service, without compromising the mechanical strength of the structural part.
Dans l'invention, le sac gonflable peut être reçu dans un logement défini par la partie structurelle ou bien le boîtier peut constituer directement cette partie structurelle .In the invention, the airbag can be received in a housing defined by the structural part or the housing can directly constitute this structural part.
La partie structurelle est avantageusement formée d'une matière hybride constituée d'un métal surmoulé d'une matière plastique. Elle peut aussi être formée d'un métal ou d'une matière plastique.The structural part is advantageously formed of a hybrid material consisting of a metal molded from a plastic material. It can also be formed from a metal or a plastic material.
Il est avantageux que la partie structurelle comporte des nervures de renforcement situées au moins dans une zone limitée de la partie structurelle, qui intègre le boîtier du sac gonflable. Ces nervures de renforcement s'étendent de préférence dans une direction généralement horizontale ou dans une direction généralement verticale. La direction des nervures tient compte notamment des contraintes de moulage et de démoulage .It is advantageous for the structural part to have reinforcing ribs located at least in a limited area of the structural part, which integrates the airbag housing. These reinforcing ribs preferably extend in a generally horizontal direction or in a generally vertical direction. The direction of the ribs takes account in particular of the molding and demolding constraints.
Dans une forme de réalisation préférée de l'invention, la partie structurelle de la face avant est une poutre supérieure horizontale.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structural part of the front face is a horizontal upper beam.
En ce cas, le sac gonflable est agencé pour se déployer et couvrir une zone supérieure de la face avant. Cette zone supérieure englobe avantageusement une partie du capot moteur. Dans une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, la partie structurelle de la face avant est un élément latéral situé sous un logement de projecteur.In this case, the airbag is designed to deploy and cover an upper area of the front face. This upper zone advantageously includes part of the engine cover. In another embodiment of the invention, the structural part of the front face is a lateral element located under a headlight housing.
En ce cas le sac gonflable est agencé pour se déployer et couvrir une partie au moins du projecteur reçu dans le logement de proj ecteur .In this case the airbag is arranged to deploy and cover at least part of the projector received in the projector housing.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique de 1 ' invention, le dispositif comprend un couvercle de protection agencé pour s'ouvrir et permettre le déploiement du sac gonflable. Ce couvercle est avantageusement un élément de style de la face avant qui est visible de l'extérieur. Il peut être réalisé, par exemple, sous la forme d'une trappe mobile.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises a protective cover arranged to open and allow the deployment of the airbag. This cover is advantageously an element of style of the front face which is visible from the outside. It can be produced, for example, in the form of a movable hatch.
Sous un autre aspect, l'invention concerne une face avant intégrant un' dispositif de protection tel que défini précédemment .In another aspect, the invention relates to a front face incorporating a 'protection device as defined above.
Dans la description qui suit, faite a titre d'exemple, on se réfère aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :In the description which follows, given by way of example, reference is made to the appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une face avant de véhicule automobile intégrant un dispositif de protection selon l'invention ;- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front face of a motor vehicle incorporating a protection device according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est un schéma d'un circuit utilisé pour la mise en service du sac gonflable intégré à la face avant de la figure 1 ;- Figure 2 is a diagram of a circuit used for the commissioning of the airbag integrated in the front face of Figure 1;
- la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective, et en coupe, d'une partie structurelle de face avant agencée pour intégrer un dispositif de protection selon 1 ' invention ;- Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, and in section, of a structural part of the front face arranged to integrate a protection device according to one invention;
- la figure 4 est une vue en perspective analogue à la figure 1 montrant le sac gonflable en position déployée ; - la figure 5 est une vue partielle de côté d'un véhicule intégrant un dispositif de protection selon 1 ' invention en position déployée ;- Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the airbag in the deployed position; - Figure 5 is a partial side view of a vehicle incorporating a protection device according to one invention in the deployed position;
- la figure 6 est une vue partielle de côté d'un véhicule automobile dont la face avant comporte un couvercle de protection susceptible de s'ouvrir pour le déploiement d'un sac gonflable ; et- Figure 6 is a partial side view of a motor vehicle, the front face of which includes a protective cover capable of opening for the deployment of an airbag; and
- la figure 7 est une vue en perspective analogue à la figure 4 montrant un dispositif à trois sacs gonflables.- Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4 showing a device with three airbags.
Se réfère d'abord à la figure 1 qui montre une face avant 10, encore appelée module de face avant, qui comprend une poutre supérieure horizontale 12 rattachée à une poutre inférieure horizontale 14 par deux jambages 16 généralement verticaux. La poutre supérieure 12, appelée aussi traverse supérieure, comprend une partie centrale 18 qui s'étend entre les deux jambages 16 et deux parties latérales 20, de forme cintrée qui ont des extrémités respectives 22 susceptibles d'être fixées à des longerons (non représentés) du véhicule.Refers first to Figure 1 which shows a front face 10, also called front panel module, which comprises a horizontal upper beam 12 attached to a horizontal lower beam 14 by two legs 16 generally vertical. The upper beam 12, also called upper cross member, comprises a central part 18 which extends between the two legs 16 and two lateral parts 20, of curved shape which have respective ends 22 capable of being fixed to longitudinal members (not shown ) of the vehicle.
La face avant 10 comprend en outre deux bras coudés 24 qui réunissent chacun un jambage 16 à l'extrémité 22 d'une partie cintrée 20 en définissant un logement 26 pour un projecteur (non représenté) . La partie centrale 18 de la poutre supérieure 12 , la poutre inférieure 14 et les deux jambages 16 délimitent ensemble un logement 28 de forme générale rectangulaire destiné à accueillir un module de refroidissement (non représenté) .The front face 10 further comprises two bent arms 24 which each join a leg 16 at the end 22 of a curved part 20 by defining a housing 26 for a projector (not shown). The central part 18 of the upper beam 12, the lower beam 14 and the two legs 16 together define a housing 28 of generally rectangular shape intended to receive a cooling module (not shown).
La face avant, telle que décrite jusqu'à présent, est généralement connue. Elle est le plus souvent réalisée en une matière hybride, typiquement une matière métallique sur laquelle est surmoulée une matière plastique. Mais elle peut aussi être réalisée en métal ou en matière plastique. Conformément à l'invention, la poutre supérieure 12, qui constitue une partie structurelle de la face avant, intègre directement un dispositif de protection 30 du type sac gonflable. Ce dispositif de protection 30 comprend un boîtier 32 de forme générale parallélépipédique qui est intégré dans la partie centrale 18 de la poutre supérieure 12.The front face, as described so far, is generally known. It is most often made of a hybrid material, typically a metallic material on which a plastic material is molded. But it can also be made of metal or plastic. According to the invention, the upper beam 12, which constitutes a structural part of the front face, directly integrates a protection device 30 of the airbag type. This protection device 30 comprises a box 32 of generally parallelepiped shape which is integrated in the central part 18 of the upper beam 12.
Le sac gonflable proprement dit est formé d'une enveloppe 34 (figure 2) qui est logée dans le boîtier et qui est susceptible d'être gonflée brusquement par un gaz sous pression produit par un générateur de gaz 36 comportant un mécanisme déclencheur 38.The airbag proper is formed by an envelope 34 (FIG. 2) which is housed in the housing and which is capable of being suddenly inflated by a pressurized gas produced by a gas generator 36 comprising a trigger mechanism 38.
Dans l'exemple, le déclenchement s'effectue en réponse à un signal S provenant d'un capteur 40 placé en un endroit choisi à l'avant du véhicule. Ce capteur 40 peut être constitué, par exemple, d'un capteur d'assistance au parking ou d'un radar anti-collision. Ce capteur est relié à un calculateur 42 qui envoie le signal S au déclencheur 38 pour déclencher la production du gaz, ce qui produit un gonflement brusque de l'enveloppe 34.In the example, the triggering is carried out in response to a signal S from a sensor 40 placed at a chosen location at the front of the vehicle. This sensor 40 can consist, for example, of a parking assistance sensor or an anti-collision radar. This sensor is connected to a computer 42 which sends the signal S to the trigger 38 to trigger the production of the gas, which produces a sudden swelling of the envelope 34.
On se réfère maintenant à la figure 3 qui montre un détail de la partie centrale 18 de la poutre supérieure 12. Cette poutre est avantageusement formée en matière hybride. Elle présente une section générale en forme de U limitée par une paroi de fond 44 et deux parois latérales 46 terminées par des rebords respectifs 48. La partie centrale 18 est ouverte vers le haut. Elle définit un logement 50 délimité notamment par une paroi inférieure 52, deux parois longitudinales 54 et deux parois transversales 56 (dont une seule est visible sur la figure 3) . Les parois précitées qui délimitent le logement 50 peuvent accueillir le boîtier 32. En variante, elles peuvent constituer directement les parois du boîtierReference is now made to FIG. 3 which shows a detail of the central part 18 of the upper beam 12. This beam is advantageously formed from hybrid material. It has a general U-shaped section limited by a bottom wall 44 and two side walls 46 terminated by respective flanges 48. The central part 18 is open upwards. It defines a housing 50 delimited in particular by a bottom wall 52, two longitudinal walls 54 and two transverse walls 56 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 3). The aforementioned walls which delimit the housing 50 can accommodate the housing 32. As a variant, they can directly constitute the walls of the housing
32. Des nervures de renforcement 58 sont formées notamment entre les parois du logement 50 et les parois de la partie centrale 18. Ces nervures de renforcement s'étendent dans une direction généralement verticales et sont situées au moins dans une zone limitée de la poutre 12, qui intègre le boîtier 32. Ces nervures contribuent à la résistance mécanique de la partie centrale 18 et elles permettent en outre d'encaisser l'énergie produite lors de la mise en service du sac, du fait de la pression des gaz produits par le générateur 36.32. Reinforcement ribs 58 are formed in particular between the walls of the housing 50 and the walls of the central part 18. These reinforcement ribs extend in a generally vertical direction and are located at least in a limited area of the beam 12, which integrates the housing 32. These ribs contribute to the mechanical resistance of the central part 18 and they also make it possible to collect the energy produced during the commissioning of the bag, due to the pressure of the gases produced by the generator 36 .
On se réfère maintenant aux figures 4 et 5. En cas de détection de choc, l'enveloppe 34 du sac gonflable 30 est gonflée brusquement et s'échappe du boîtier par la face ouverte de la partie centrale 18. Il se forme une enveloppe gonflée qui vient se déployer et couvrir une zone supérieure 60, laquelle englobe une partie au moins du capot moteur 62. Le sac ainsi déplié protège toute la partie supérieure de la face avant, non seulement le capot moteur 62, mais aussi la serrure du capot moteur et les projecteurs. Le sac peut également protéger le pied du pare-brise 64. Ainsi, en cas de choc, le sac se déploie vers le haut et vient protéger les piétons contre des impacts avec des points durs de la face avant .Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the event of impact detection, the envelope 34 of the airbag 30 is suddenly inflated and escapes from the housing through the open face of the central part 18. An inflated envelope is formed. which deploys and covers an upper zone 60, which includes at least part of the engine cover 62. The unfolded bag thus protects the entire upper part of the front face, not only the engine cover 62, but also the engine cover lock and projectors. The bag can also protect the foot of the windscreen 64. Thus, in the event of an impact, the bag deploys upwards and protects pedestrians against impacts with hard spots on the front face.
Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 6, le dispositif de protection comporte un couvercle de protection 66 réalisé ici sous la forme d'une trappe mobile qui s'ouvre lors du déploiement du sac. Ce couvercle peut être constitué par un élément de style de la face avant c'est-à-dire par exemple par une partie de la calandre. Il peut s'agir d'une trappe articulée ou prédécoupée qui s'ouvre automatiquement lors du déploiement du sac. Ainsi, le dispositif de protection est complètement escamoté et dissimulé en usage normal. Ce n'est seulement qu'en cas de choc que le couvercle s'ouvre pour laisser passer le sac. Le dispositif de protection de la figure 7 comprend, comme dans le cas de la figure 4, un boîtier 32 intégré dans la partie centrale de la poutre supérieure pour loger un sac gonflable 34 agencé pour recouvrir le capot moteur. Toutefois, le sac gonflable ne vient pas ici recouvrir les projecteurs. En effet, en cas de choc, les projecteurs sont recouverts chacun par un sac gonflable 72 qui vient se déployer sur un côté de la face avant . Cette face avant comporte deux éléments latéraux 68 situés respectivement sous les logements 26 des projecteurs et intégrant des boîtiers respectifs 70 pour les sacs gonflables 72.As can be seen in Figure 6, the protection device comprises a protective cover 66 produced here in the form of a movable hatch which opens during deployment of the bag. This cover can be constituted by a styling element of the front face, that is to say for example by a part of the grille. It can be an articulated or precut hatch that opens automatically when the bag is deployed. Thus, the protection device is completely retracted and concealed in normal use. It is only in the event of an impact that the lid opens to let the bag pass. The protection device of Figure 7 comprises, as in the case of Figure 4, a housing 32 integrated in the central part of the upper beam to accommodate an airbag 34 arranged to cover the engine hood. However, the airbag does not come here to cover the headlights. Indeed, in the event of an impact, the searchlights are each covered by an inflatable bag 72 which deploys on one side of the front face. This front face comprises two lateral elements 68 situated respectively under the housings 26 of the projectors and integrating respective boxes 70 for the airbags 72.
Les éléments latéraux 68 constituent aussi des éléments structurels de la face avant au même titre que la poutre supérieure. Les caractéristiques mentionnées plus haut pour le boîtier 32 du sac gonflable 34 s'appliquent aussi aux boîtiers 70. En cas de choc, la protection est assurée par le déploiement du sac gonflable 34 et des deux sacs 72.The lateral elements 68 also constitute structural elements of the front face in the same way as the upper beam. The characteristics mentioned above for the case 32 of the airbag 34 also apply to the boxes 70. In the event of an impact, protection is ensured by the deployment of the airbag 34 and the two bags 72.
L'invention est susceptible de nombreuses variantes de réalisation. En particulier, le ou chaque sac gonflable peut être intégré à une autre partie structurelle de la face avant. Il est envisageable, par exemple, de prévoir deux sacs gonflables intégrés respectivement à la poutre supérieure et à la poutre inférieure . The invention is susceptible of numerous variant embodiments. In particular, the or each airbag can be integrated into another structural part of the front face. It is conceivable, for example, to provide two airbags integrated respectively into the upper beam and the lower beam.

Claims

Re end! c a t i onsRe end! it is on
1 - Dispositif de protection (30) contre les chocs frontaux pour une face avant (10) de véhicule automobile, du type comprenant au moins un sac gonflable (34 ; 72) agencé pour se déployer contre une partie au moins de la face avant en cas de détection de choc,1 - Protective device (30) against frontal impact for a front face (10) of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising at least one airbag (34; 72) arranged to deploy against at least part of the front face in shock detection case,
caractérisé en ce que le sac gonflable (34 ; 72) est logé dans un boîtier (32 ; 70) qui est intégré dans une partie structurelle (12 ; 68) de la face avant.characterized in that the airbag (34; 72) is housed in a housing (32; 70) which is integrated in a structural part (12; 68) of the front face.
2 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le boîtier (32 ; 70) du sac gonflable est reçu dans un logement (50) défini par la partie structurelle (12) .2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (32; 70) of the airbag is received in a housing (50) defined by the structural part (12).
3 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le boîtier (32 ; 70) du sac gonflable constitue la partie structurelle (12 ; 68) .3 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (32; 70) of the airbag constitutes the structural part (12; 68).
4 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la partie structurelle (12 ; 68) de la face avant est formée d'une matière hybride constituée d'un métal surmoulé d'une matière plastique.4 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the structural part (12; 68) of the front face is formed of a hybrid material consisting of a metal molded from a plastic material.
5 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la partie structurelle (12 ; 68) de la face avant est formée d'un métal ou d'une matière plastique.5 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the structural part (12; 68) of the front face is formed of a metal or a plastic.
6 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie structurelle (12 ; 68) de la face avant comporte des nervures de renforcement (58) situées au moins dans une zone limitée de la partie structurelle (12 ; 68) qui intègre le boîtier (32 ; 70) du sac gonflable. 7 - Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en que les nervures de renforcement (58) s'étendent dans une direction généralement horizontale.6 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the structural part (12; 68) of the front face comprises reinforcing ribs (58) located at least in a limited area of the structural part (12 ; 68) which incorporates the airbag housing (32; 70). 7 - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the reinforcing ribs (58) extend in a generally horizontal direction.
8 - Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en que les nervures de renforcement (58) s'étendent dans une direction généralement verticale .8 - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the reinforcing ribs (58) extend in a generally vertical direction.
9 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la partie structurelle de la face avant est une poutre supérieure horizontale (12) .9 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structural part of the front face is a horizontal upper beam (12).
10 - Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le sac gonflable (34) est agencé pour se déployer et couvrir une zone supérieure (60) de la face avant (10) .10 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the airbag (34) is arranged to deploy and cover an upper area (60) of the front face (10).
11 - Dispositif selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la zone supérieure (60) de la face avant englobe une partie du capot moteur (62) du véhicule automobile.11 - Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper zone (60) of the front face includes a part of the engine cover (62) of the motor vehicle.
12 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la partie structurelle de la face avant est un élément latéral (68) situé sous un logement de projecteur (26) .12 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structural part of the front face is a lateral element (68) located under a projector housing (26).
13 - Dispositif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que le sac gonflable (72) est agencé pour se déployer et couvrir une partie au moins du projecteur reçu dans le logement de projecteur (26) .13 - Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the airbag (72) is arranged to deploy and cover at least part of the projector received in the projector housing (26).
14 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un couvercle de protection {66) agencé pour s'ouvrir et permettre le déploiement du sac gonflable (34) .14 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a protective cover {66) arranged to open and allow the deployment of the airbag (34).
15 - Dispositif selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que le couvercle de protection (62) est un élément de style de la face avant, qui est visible de l'extérieur. 16 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 14 et 15, caractérisé en ce que le couvercle de protection (62) est réalisé sous la forme d'une trappe mobile.15 - Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the protective cover (62) is a style element of the front face, which is visible from the outside. 16 - Device according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the protective cover (62) is made in the form of a movable hatch.
17 - Face avant de véhicule automobile, caractérisée en ce qu'elle intègre un dispositif de protection (30) selon l'une des revendi-c-a-ions 1 à 16. 17 - Front face of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it incorporates a protection device (30) according to one of the revendi-c-a-ions 1 to 16.
PCT/FR2004/000750 2003-03-28 2004-03-25 Device for protection against impact of the inflatable bag type for the front face of a motor vehicle WO2004087467A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0303891A FR2852900B1 (en) 2003-03-28 2003-03-28 SHOCK PROTECTIVE DEVICE OF THE INFLATABLE BAG TYPE FOR A FRONT PANEL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
FR03/03891 2003-03-28

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WO2004087467A2 true WO2004087467A2 (en) 2004-10-14
WO2004087467A3 WO2004087467A3 (en) 2005-03-24

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FR3089177A1 (en) * 2018-12-03 2020-06-05 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Front panel module for motor vehicle

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FR2852900A1 (en) 2004-10-01
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