WO2019012235A1

WO2019012235A1 - Front module for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019012235A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/051769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane Ginja; Thierry Roussel; Philippe Gilotte
Original assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
Priority date: 2017-07-12
Filing date: 2018-07-12
Publication date: 2019-01-17
Also published as: WO2019012235A4; FR3068948A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a front module (1) for a vehicle, comprising a support point (10), at least two connecting bars (20) and a functional element holder (30), in which the support point (10) is provided with a plurality of assembly shapes (16) on the periphery thereof, at least two assembly shapes (16) each receiving a connection bar (20) and at least one third assembly shape (17) receiving the functional element holder (30).

Description

Front module for vehicle

The invention relates to a front module for a vehicle, more particularly for a motor vehicle and / or semi-automobile and / or human motricity.

Already known in the state of the art, in particular from WO2006 / 100379, a front block of a motor vehicle comprising in particular a shock beam, for transmitting forces towards the longitudinal members of the vehicle, and a technical front face supporting functional elements. such as a radiator, a bumper skin or optical elements.

This front block structure includes separate parts each having distinct specificities, including the shock beam that provides a structural role, and the front technical that provides a more functional role. This may represent difficulties in assembling the parts relative to each other and impose certain constraints on the style of the vehicle. For example, the style of the bumper skin is impacted by the positioning of the shock beam to prevent the beam from being seen from an air intake opening. The present invention is intended to provide a vehicle front module whose assembly is simplified.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a front vehicle module comprising a support node, at least two connecting bars and a functional element support, in which the support node is provided at its periphery with a plurality of assembling shapes, at least two forms of assembly each receiving a connecting bar and at least one third form of assembly receiving the functional element support. Thus, it is proposed to use the same support node to fulfill both the support bar and functional element support function. In other words, since the connecting bars advantageously have a structural function, to transmit forces to other parts of the vehicle, a front module is proposed which makes it possible to combine structural and functional functions of the vehicle. It emerges that there are fewer style constraints, because you can use a single module rather than having to assemble a predominantly structural set with a predominantly functional set. In particular, it is possible to propose a vehicle front block more compact automobile.

The front module may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

- The connecting bars are configured to participate in the transmission of the forces received by the vehicle to the longitudinal members of the vehicle. With this configuration, when a shock is received by the vehicle, the force is taken up by the connecting bars to be transmitted to the side members. In other words, the connecting bars make it possible to fulfill the function of a shock beam conventionally used on motor vehicles of the state of the art. Usually, this impact beam has only a structural function, and it is proposed here to advantageously associate, via the support node, a support function of the functional element. This configuration is particularly interesting in that it does not necessarily require, to fulfill the function of transmission of forces to the longitudinal members, to arrange a large rectilinear transverse bar on the vehicle, so that there are fewer constraints style or space, or a more efficient cooling system because the beam in the form of a straight bar constitutes an obstacle for the passage of air and / or an element to be concealed so as not to be visible from the outside of the vehicle. The connecting bars have, for example, a rectilinear tubular shape of constant section, preferably of hollow section, in particular of square or circular section.

The support node comprises at least three assembly forms which are positioned at the periphery of the support node so that two connecting bars can be assembled to the support node in at least two distinct orientations. This configuration makes it possible to improve the modularity of the front module so that it can adapt to vehicles having different external aspects, since the connecting bars can have different possible orientations and also several possible lengths.

The functional element support comprises a form of assembly complementary to the assembly shape of the support node, and a form of reception of the functional element, of generally spherical shape configured to receive the functional element by a snap-in around the spherical shape. This allows a quick and easy assembly while obtaining a secure and robust fixation of the functional elements. A particular advantage lies in the fact that this spherical shape can be assembled to the functional element. This configuration is particularly advantageous for fixing the bumper skin, for example.

The functional element support is configured to support an element and / or a means for fixing an element of the group comprising: a bumper skin; an optical element such as an optical unit, a blinker or a fog lamp; a cooling element such as a cooling box, a radiator, a fan; a hood lock, a cover stop; a sensor such as a Parking Distance Control (PDC) type parking sensor, an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) type driving sensor, for example a radar sensor; a towing element; a reservoir ; shutter shutter of an air inlet; an air guide; or a transverse beam bar. Thus, the front module of the vehicle fulfills the role of a technical front face of a front block of a motor vehicle of the state of the art which, in general, supports some of the technical elements forming part of the aforementioned group . This gives a vehicle front module having a simplified structure.

- The support node comprises means for electrical connection and / or information transmission. This makes it possible to exchange electricity or data with functional elements of the vehicle such as an optical element or a sensor.

- The form of assembly is defined by a recess or projection formed on a peripheral surface of the support node. The form of assembly then receives the form of complementary assembly by fitting, which makes the assembly more solid. The form of assembly is preferably a projection on the peripheral surface of the support node so that the support node may advantageously have a solid, robust core.

- The support node comprises an insert for reinforcing the assembly form, the insert may be metallic or composite, the insert being overmolded with a polymeric material, preferably two polymeric materials. For example, the insert may be overmolded with a first layer of opaque polymer and a second layer of transparent or translucent polymer, for example to pass or diffuse light. The support node comprises at least four assembly forms, preferably at least six, more preferably at least eight. This configuration makes it possible to vary the angle formed by two connecting bars and to guarantee a great modularity of the module before vehicle. The module can be easily adapted to the exterior style of the vehicle.

- The front module comprises a plurality of support nodes, connecting a plurality of connecting bars, so as to form a modular trellis. The module can therefore comprise a number of support nodes and predetermined link bars depending on the vehicle template so that the module adapts to the exterior style of the vehicle. For example, the front module includes more than ten support nodes and more than ten link bars; preferably more than fifteen support nodes and more than fifteen link bars.

- The mesh is configured to be attached to the longitudinal members of the vehicle so as to transmit forces to these longitudinal members, it preferably comprises fastening means on longitudinal members. Thus, the lattice makes it possible to eliminate the impact beam. This configuration ensures the safety of vehicle and pedestrian passengers while providing a simple and compact front vehicle module.

The lattice comprises at least one functional element support configured to attach and / or support a cooling system and a cooling system.

- The mesh comprises means for fixing a bumper skin, preferably a support of the bumper skin.

- The module further comprises the functional element.

The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a module as described above.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front module for a vehicle according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support node, two connecting bars and a functional element support of a front module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of the front module partially visible in FIG. 2, supporting a bumper skin partially shown, the module before being mounted on the longitudinal members of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the front module of FIG. 3, showing the assembly of the bumper skin;

- Figure 5 is a schematic view of the front of a vehicle equipped with the front module partially visible in Figure 2 according to a first example;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view from above of the front module used on the vehicle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a vehicle equipped with the front module partially visible in FIG. 2 according to a second example;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view from above of the front module used on the vehicle of FIG. 7.

A front vehicle module, as shown in FIG. 1 and designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a plurality of support nodes 10 and connecting bars 20. Each support node 10 preferably connects at least two connecting bars 20 so that all of these elements form a lattice. The front module 1 further comprises a functional element support 30, visible for example in FIG. 2, preferably a plurality of functional element supports. The front module 1 can be adapted to any type of vehicle, such as for example a motor vehicle, a semi-automobile vehicle and / or a vehicle with human motive power. The module can therefore adapt to types of light vehicles, urban, small mass and low speed. It is particularly suitable for motor vehicles with four wheels. In the example shown, the front module 1 is mounted on a motor vehicle.

The connecting bars 20 are configured to participate in the transmission of the forces received by the vehicle to the longitudinal members of the vehicle. For this purpose, the connecting bars 20 have a rectilinear tubular shape of constant section, preferably a solid section, for example a square or circular section. The connecting bars 20 may be made of a material comprising thermoplastic resin, for example polypropylene, or alternatively polyamide or polyurethane, preferably loaded with talc or reinforced with carbon fibers, glass fibers or natural fibers. The connecting bars 20 may also be made of a material comprising thermosetting resin, for example epoxy resin, polyurethane or polyester, preferably reinforced with carbon fibers, glass fibers or natural fibers. The connecting bars 20 may be obtained by pultrusion for example. The connecting bars 20 may be straight or curved. The support node 10 comprises at its periphery a plurality of assembly forms 16, 17, visible in particular in the embodiment of FIG. 2. First assembly forms 16 are configured to each receive a connecting rod 20, second forms of assembly 17 are configured to each receive a functional element support 30. The first and second forms of assembly 16, 17 are preferably of identical structure, nevertheless they could each have different specificities. In the example shown, the assembly forms 16, 17 are defined by a recess provided on the peripheral surface of the support node 10. According to another example not shown, the assembly forms 16, 17 of the support node 10 are defined by projections that can be assembled in hollow shapes carried by the connecting bars 20 and the functional element supports 30. This configuration makes the assembly particularly robust. The support node 10 of FIG. 2 receives two connecting bars 20 and a functional element support 30. For this purpose, the connecting bar 20 and the functional element support 30 comprise at their end a complementary shape 21, 31 to the form of assembly 16, 17 of the support node 10 allowing assembly of the connecting bar 20 and the functional element support 30 on the support node 10, for example by snapping, crimping or fixing by pin . In order to reinforce the assembly forms 16, 17, the support node 10 advantageously comprises an insert 13 molded with one or more polymeric materials. For example, the insert 13 is metallic or composite. It can be overmolded with a first layer of opaque polymer and a second layer of transparent or translucent polymer. The support node 10 further comprises electrical connection means and / or information transmission. These electrical connection and / or information transmission means may optionally be provided as a function of the functional element intended to be supported by the support node 10. For example, a support node 10 receiving a support of an element optical comprises an electrical connection socket, which is advantageously connected to a feed wire passing through the connecting bars 20; or else a support node 10 receiving a sensor support comprises information transmission means for transmitting the data to a computer device of the vehicle. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the support node 10 has a generally spherical shape. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the support node 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, having a polygonal or circular section. According to other embodiments, the support node 10 could also be tetrahedral, cube-shaped or any other form of compact preference.

The functional element support 30 is configured to support an element and / or means for attaching an element of the group comprising: a bumper skin; an optical element such as an optical unit, a blinker or a fog lamp; a cooling element such as a cooling box, a radiator, a fan; a hood lock; a cover stop; a sensor such as a PDC type parking sensor, an ADAS type driving assistance sensor, a radar sensor; a towing element; a reservoir ; shutter shutter of an air inlet; an air guide; or a transverse beam bar. In the example of FIG. 1, the support nodes 10 are configured to receive supports for functional elements such as a hood lock 4, a tank 5, a fog light 6, a sensor 7, a towing ring 8 or a bumper skin 9 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Other functional element supports are also received, not shown. The functional element support 30 in some cases comprises a form of reception 32 of the functional element, which is generally spherical in shape and configured to receive the functional element by snapping around the spherical shape. The functional element intended to be fixed on the support node 10 can be assembled directly on the receiving form 32. The functional element can also be fixed on the receiving form 32 by means of a fixing means.

As explained above, the front module 1 can take different configurations to adapt to different vehicle styles. For this purpose, the front module 1 may comprise a first trellis, called fixed trellis 11, having a shape adapted to several vehicle models, and a second trellis, said trellis 12, connected to the first fixed trellis 11 and may have structures different depending on the need. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the fixed mesh 11 is mounted directly on the longitudinal members of the vehicle, via fastening means, while the adjustable mesh 12 is located outside the fixed mesh 11, in particular to support the skin bumper, which can change appearance from one model of vehicle to another. In this way, it is sufficient to redesign the modular trellis 12 so that the front module 1 is adapted to a vehicle model, without all the module before 1 is modified. The fixed mesh 11 and the adjustable mesh 12 are configured to be reported on the vehicle side members so as to transmit forces to these longitudinal members. Thus, the trellis replace the shock beam of the state of the art, which allows to have a front module of a vehicle more ventilated and better arranged for the operation of the cooling system. By way of example, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first model of motor vehicle with a front module 1 in lattice. The shape of the modular trellis allows the vehicle to have a prominent body at the front. The central air inlet grille has a large surface and two small air intake grilles are arranged on either side of the central grid. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a second model of a motor vehicle, the body has a central shape which is set back relative to the side portions at the front of the vehicle. The air inlet grille is located at a position higher than that of the first model and its ventilation surface is less. In these two examples, it is sufficient to change the modular trellis 12 to obtain two very different aspects of the vehicle, without modifying the entire structure of the trellis.

FIG. 4 illustrates the case where the functional element support 30 is configured to support a fastening means 19 of a bumper skin 9. More specifically, the functional element support 30 receives an interface piece 19 which is adhesive, welded or molded inside the bumper skin 9. The interface piece 19 comprises a plurality of flexible tabs for gripping the receiving form 32 of the functional element support 30. Thus, the assembly of the bumper skin 9 on the front module 1 is by snapping which has the advantage of faster assembly and simpler. The bumper skin 9 generally comprises a grid support. The bumper skin 9 also advantageously has transparent or translucent zones, allowing the passage of a light that can be emitted from the support node 10. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

claims

1. Front module (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a support node (10), at least two connecting bars (20) and a functional element support (30), in which the support node ( 10) is provided at its periphery with a plurality of assembly shapes (16), at least two forms of assembly (16) each receiving a connecting bar (20) and at least one third form of assembly (17). receiving the functional element support (30). 2. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting bars (20) are configured to participate in the transmission of the forces received by the vehicle to the longitudinal members of the vehicle.

Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element support (30) comprises a complementary assembly form.

(31) to the mounting shape (16, 17) of the support node, and a receiving shape

(32) of the functional element, for example of spherical general shape configured to receive the functional element by snapping around the spherical shape. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element support is configured to support an element and / or a means for fixing an element of the group comprising: a bumper skin (9) ; an optical element (6, 61) such as an optical unit, a blinker or a fog lamp; a cooling element such as a cooling box, a radiator, a fan; a cover lock (4); a cover stop; a sensor such as a PDC type parking sensor, an ADAS type driving assistance sensor, for example a radar sensor; a towing element (8); a reservoir (5); shutter shutter of an air inlet; an air guide; or a transverse beam bar.

5. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support node (10) comprises means for electrical connection and / or information transmission. Module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly form (16, 17) is defined by a recess or projection formed on a peripheral surface of the support node (10).

7. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support node (10) comprises an insert (13) for reinforcing the assembly form (16, 17), the insert (13) being overmolded with a polymeric material, preferably of two polymeric materials, the insert being for example metallic or composite.

8. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support node (10) comprises at least four assembly forms (16, 17), preferably at least six, more preferably at least eight. 9. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front module comprises a plurality of support nodes (10), connecting a plurality of connecting bars (20), so as to form a lattice (11, 12). .

10. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the mesh (11, 12) is configured to be attached to the longitudinal members of the vehicle so as to transmit forces to these longitudinal members, it preferably comprises fastening means on longitudinal members.

11. The module of any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the mesh comprises at least one functional element support configured to secure and / or support a cooling system.

12. Module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the mesh comprises means for fixing a bumper skin, preferably a support of this bumper skin.

Module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the functional element (4,5,6,7,8,9). 14. Vehicle comprising a front module according to any one of the preceding claims.