GB2550463A

GB2550463A - Structural assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2550463A
Application number: GB1704172.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baudart Laurent
Original assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie SAS
Current assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie SAS
Priority date: 2016-03-16
Filing date: 2017-03-16
Publication date: 2017-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-16
Also published as: FR3048950A1; FR3048950B1; GB201704172D0; GB2550463B; DE102017204317A1

Abstract

A structural assembly 1 for a vehicle, typically for reinforcement of a dashboard, comprises a cross-member 10 and a support structure 12 arranged between cross-member 10 and a floor of the vehicle and connected to cross-member 10. Support structure 12 has a strut 16 extending in a strut direction Zj, and a console frame 19 having a frame end connected to an attachment interface 14 and to a first end 17 of strut 16, where console frame 19 is also assembled to the vehicle floor. Console frame 19 comprises a first portion 20 extending longitudinally in a direction X having a non-zero angle with strut direction Zj and also a second portion 24 having a first end 25 assembled to attachment interface 14 and a second end 26 assembled to first portion 20, where second portion 24 extends longitudinally along a reinforcing direction R forming a non-zero angle with direction X and with strut direction Zj.

Description

structural assembly

The present invention relates to a structural assembly for a vehicle.

More particularly, the invention relates to a structural assembly for a vehicle, comprising: - a cross-member extending substantially along a transverse direction and having a first end and a second end, said cross-member further comprising an attachment interface, and - a support structure adapted to be arranged between the cross-member and a floor of the vehicle, the support structure being connected to the cross-member by means of the attachment interface, the support structure having a strut extending in a strut direction, said strut direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, said strut comprising a first end connected to the attachment interface and a second end adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle.

Vehicles are already equipped with this type of structural assembly which has been found satisfactory. For example, patent FR 3000460 from the applicant describes this type of assembly. However, the object of the present invention is to increase the robustness of such structural assemblies while maintaining the functional ergonomics for the vehicle occupants and avoiding any increase in mass to the structural assembly.

To this end, according to the invention, a vehicle structural assembly of the kind in question is characterized in that the support structure further comprises a console frame, and in that the console frame has a frame end connected to the attachment interface and to the first end of the strut, said console frame being adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle, and in that said console frame comprises: - a first portion extending longitudinally along a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, the longitudinal direction also forming a non-zero angle with the strut direction, and - a second portion comprising a first end assembled to the attachment interface of the cross-member and a second end assembled to the first portion, the second portion extending longitudinally along a reinforcing direction, said reinforcing direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction and with the strut direction.

With these arrangements, a visible console support structure is integrated into the passenger compartment, also forming a rigid cross-member support.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following arrangements may possibly be used: - the console frame is a first console frame and the support structure further comprises a second console frame, the second frame increasing the rigidity of the assembly on the passenger and driver sides; the second console frame comprises a first portion extending longitudinally in substantially the longitudinal direction, the first portion being adapted for attachment to the floor of the vehicle, and a second portion comprising an end assembled to the first portion of the second console frame, the second console frame possibly being substantially similar to the first console frame; - the strut is a first strut adapted to be located in proximity to a driver seat of the vehicle; - the support structure further comprises a second strut adapted to be located in proximity to a passenger seat of the vehicle, the second strut extending between a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle, thus increasing the robustness of the assembly; - the attachment interface comprises a first part connected to the first end of the first strut and to the second portion of the first console frame, and a second part connected to the first end of the second strut and to the second portion of the second console frame, thus better distributing the stresses in case of impact but also during normal operation of the vehicle; - the first console frame and the second console frame are separate parts; - the first console frame and the second console frame each comprise a support member; - the first console frame and the second console frame may be assembled to each other by means of their support members, thus making the assembly more solid; the structural assembly comprises one or more stiffening bars arranged between the first portion and the second portion of the first and/or second console frame; the first portion of the first and/or second console frame extends longitudinally between a first and a second end, the first end being located facing the crossmember and the second end being located at a distance from the first end; the second end comprises a fastening member adapted for attachment of the first and/or second console frame to the floor of the vehicle; the first portion of the first and/or second console frame extends longitudinally between a first and a second end, the first end being located facing the crossmember and the second end being located at a distance from the first end; the second portion is assembled to the first portion at a distance from the first end of the first portion of between one-fourth and one-half the total length of the first portion along the longitudinal direction; - the first and/or second console frame is made of tubular chrome-plated steel or of tubular steel covered with a coating comprising anodized aluminum; - the first and/or second console frame is made of aluminum or magnesium; - the first and/or second console frame is made of composite material, for example SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) or BMC (Bulk Molding Compound); the first and/or second console frame is for example painted or chrome-plated; - the first and/or second console frame is produced by injection molding; - the first and/or second console frame comprises a hollow structure having stiffening ribs.

The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a structural assembly as described, a first seat and a second seat, and a vehicle chassis providing a floor, wherein the support structure of the structural assembly is arranged between the two seats and is assembled to the floor of the vehicle.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings :

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle structural assembly comprising a cross-member and a support structure integrating a strut and a console frame, - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the console frame according to one embodiment of the invention, - Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating visible and hidden parts of the structural assembly of Figure 1 in a vehicle.

Figure 4 represents a vehicle, and more particularly the interior of a vehicle with two seats and the support structure of the support assembly.

In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

The vehicle structural assembly 1, as represented in Figure 1, comprises a vehicle cross-member 10 and a support structure 12 adapted to be arranged between the vehicle cross-member 10 and a structural element of the vehicle, for example the floor P of the vehicle.

The cross-member 10 is a vehicle dashboard crossmember which is intended to be fixed transversely between the front lateral pillars, or "A" pillars of a vehicle body structure (also referred to as a chassis). It serves in particular to stiffen the structure of the vehicle and to support functional equipment of the vehicle such as a steering column, a heating and cooling ventilation system, or a car radio.

The cross-member 10 comprises, for example, a transverse tube 1000 extending along a transverse direction Y. The transverse tube 1000 is connected to the body structure (or chassis) of the vehicle V by means of a driver-side mounting bracket (not shown). More specifically, one end of the transverse tube 1000 is fixed to the driver-side mounting bracket which itself is intended to be fixed to the vehicle body structure on the driver-side seat SI. Similarly, the second end of the transverse tube is fixed to the body structure of the vehicle by means of a passenger-side mounting bracket. More specifically, the second end of the transverse tube 1000 is fixed to the passenger-side mounting bracket which itself is intended to be fixed to the vehicle body structure on the passenger-side seat S2 of the vehicle, the passenger seat being located next to the driver seat SI in the transverse direction.

The cross-member 10, and in particular the transverse tube 1000, has an attachment interface 14. The attachment interface 14 is, for example, a part that may or may not be attached to the cross-member 10 which allows assembly of an element to the cross-member 10. The attachment interface 14 is located between the ends of the transverse tube 1000 and at a non-zero distance from these ends .

As can be seen in Figure 1, the attachment interface 14 enables assembly of the support structure 12 to the cross-member 10, which enables supporting the crossmember 10.

The support structure 12 comprises a strut 16 which is connected to the cross-member 10, and more particularly to the attachment interface 14, and is connected to the body structure of the vehicle, and in particular to the floor P of the vehicle. The strut 16 is, for example, a driver-side strut which is oriented towards the driver seat SI of the vehicle V.

The strut 16 extends between a first and a second end 17, 18 along a strut direction Zj. The strut direction Zj is perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.

The first end 17 of the strut 16 is connected to the attachment interface 14, for example by a screw assembly. However, other types of assembly may be envisaged in other embodiments, such as assembly by riveting or by gluing for example.

The second end 18 of the strut 16 is connected to the chassis of the vehicle V, in particular to the floor P of the vehicle V. More particularly, the second end 18 of the strut 16 is fixed in a tunnel T of the floor P of the vehicle. For example, the second end of the strut is fixed to the tunnel T by a screw connection. Other assembly methods may also be envisaged, such as riveting for example .

The support structure 12 also comprises a console frame 19. The console frame 19 is directly connected to the strut 16. More particularly, the console frame 19 has a frame end which forms an assembly end connected to the attachment interface 14 and to the first end 17 of the strut 16. For example, the strut 16 and the console frame 19 form a single part.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the console frame 19 comprises a first portion 20 extending longitudinally along a longitudinal direction X between a first end 21 and a second end 22. The longitudinal direction X is perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X forms a non-zero angle with the strut direction Zj. For example, the longitudinal direction X is substantially perpendicular to the strut direction Zj. The first portion 20 extends along the longitudinal direction X for a distance, for example, of about a meter. More precisely, the first portion 20 extends along the longitudinal direction X substantially between the crossmember 10 and the back of a front seat of the vehicle.

The first end 21 of the first portion 20 is located in proximity to the strut 16 or is joined to the strut 16.

Also, the first portion 20 is connected at its first end 21 to the floor P of the vehicle, by means of the assembly between the strut 16 and the tunnel T of the vehicle floor.

The second end 22 of the first portion 20 is located in proximity to a seat of the vehicle (not shown) and in particular behind the backrest of a front seat of the vehicle. The second end 22 of the first portion 20 comprises a fastening member 23 for assembling the first portion 2 0 of the console frame 19 to the floor of the vehicle. More particularly, the fastening member 23 enables assembly of the first portion 20 of the console frame 19 and more generally the support structure 12 to the tunnel T of the vehicle floor behind a front seat of the vehicle.

The console frame 19 also comprises a second portion 24 which extends between the attachment interface 14 and the first portion 20. The second portion 24 extends longitudinally along a reinforcing direction R. The reinforcing direction R forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction X. For example, the reinforcing direction R forms an angle of between 5° and 80° with the longitudinal direction X. The reinforcing direction R forms a non-zero angle with the strut direction Zj . The second portion 24 extends along the reinforcing direction R between a first end 25 assembled to the attachment interface 14 of the cross-member 10 and a second end 26 fixed to the first portion 20.

The first end 25 of the second portion 24 is directly connected to the first end 17 of the strut 16. The second end 26 of the second portion 24 joins the first portion 20 such that the distance between the first end 21 of the first portion 20 and the second end 26 of the second portion 24 is between a one-fourth and one-half the total length of the first portion 20 along the longitudinal direction X. For example, the distance between the first end 21 of the first portion 20 and the second end 26 of the second portion 24 is about one-third the total length of the first portion 20 along the longitudinal direction X.

In the current case as shown in Figure 1, the second portion 24 of the console frame 19, a segment of the first portion 20 of the console frame 19, and the strut 16 form a triangle.

The structural assembly 1 may comprise a second console frame 27. For example, the second console frame 27 also comprises a first portion 20' extending longitudinally in substantially the longitudinal direction X. The first portion 20' of the second console frame 27 is, for example, similar to the first portion 20 of the first console frame 19. The first portion 20' of the second console frame 27 may extend between a first end 28 facing the cross-member 10 and a second end 28' facing the back of a front seat of the vehicle. The second console frame 27 may also comprise a second portion 24' , which may or may not be similar to the second portion 24 of the first console frame 19.

The second console frame 27 may be connected to the cross-member 10. For example, the support structure 12 comprises a second strut 29. The second strut 29 is, for example, located in proximity to the passenger seat and forms a passenger-side strut. The second strut 29 extends between a first end 30 and a second end 31. For example, the second strut 29 is substantially parallel to the first strut. The second strut 29 may be fixed to the cross-member 10 by means of the attachment interface 14.

For example, the attachment interface 14 has a first part 32 for attaching the first strut 16 to the cross-member 10 and a second part 33 for attaching the second strut to the cross-member 10. The first part 32 may be oriented towards the driver side of the vehicle and the second portion 33 may be oriented towards the passenger side. The first and second parts 32, 33 of the attachment interface 14 may be separate, meaning that they form two distinct parts. The second strut 29 is also attached to the chassis of the vehicle, for example in a manner similar to the attachment of the first strut.

In a variant embodiment (not represented), the second console frame 27 is connected to a structural element of the vehicle but is not connected to the crossmember 10. In this variant embodiment, there is no second strut. The first end 21 of the first portion 20' may comprise a fastening member for connecting the first end to the tunnel T of the vehicle. Assembly is performed for example by screwing.

In this case, the support structure 12 comprising the first and second console frames 19, 27 comprises two "front" regions (facing the cross-member 10) for assembly with the tunnel T and two "rear" regions (behind a front seat) for assembly with the tunnel T.

The first console frame 19 and the second console frame 2 7 are two separate parts, as can be seen in Figure 1. These two parts may be indirectly connected, for example by means of support members 34. A support member 34 may be provided on each of the first portions 20, 20' of the two console frames 19, 27. These support members 34 can form "bridges" to connect the two console frames 19, 27, for example by providing a vehicle armrest or console above these support members and connecting these support members 34 .

The first console frame and the second console frame 19, 27 may be arranged substantially parallel to one another .

As represented in Figure 1, for the first console frame 19, the distance between the first end 21 of the first portion 20 and the second end 26 of the second portion 24 is about one-third the total length of the first portion 20 along the longitudinal direction X. This arrangement provides a driver, located next to the first console frame, with easy access to a vehicle handbrake for example .

For the second console frame 27, the distance between the first end 28 of the first portion 20' and the second end 26 of the second portion 24 ' is about half the total length of the first portion 20' in the longitudinal direction X. This arrangement makes it possible, for example, to integrate a handle on the second console frame for example, said handle to provide increased comfort for a passenger of the vehicle. More generally, the first and/or second console frame is (are) adapted for supporting a vehicle console and/or an armrest. This (these) is (are) arranged between the front seats of the vehicle.

The first and second console frames may be different. For example, a stiffening bar 36 may be arranged between the first portion 20 and second portion 24 of the first console frame 19, while a plurality of stiffening bars 36 may be provided between the first portion 20' and second portion 24' of the second console frame 27.

However, in alternative embodiments, these console frames 19, 27 may be similar.

The first console frame 19 and the second console frame 27 thus integrate structural functions.

All of the parts mentioned, and in particular the first and/or second console frame and/or strut 19, 27, 16, 29, may be made of chrome-plated tubular steel. In a variant embodiment, these elements 19, 27, 16, 29 are made of tubular steel and covered with a coating, for example a paint, comprising anodized aluminum. These elements may also be produced by injection molding, for example of aluminum or magnesium. For example, the first and/or second console frame is made of a composite material, for example SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) or BMC (Bulk Molding Compound). The first and/or second console frame may be painted or chrome-plated or may be free of paint or chrome plating .

As represented in Figure 2, the first and/or second console frame 19, 27 may comprise a hollow structure providing stiffening ribs 35. In other words, these parts may have an open or U-shaped cross-section with stiffening ribs 35 extending within.

As represented in Figure 3, part of the support structure 12 is intended to be visible, in particular to vehicle passengers from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle (delimited areas denoted V) . More precisely, some areas of the first and/or second strut 16, 29, as well as some areas of the first and/or second console frame 19, 27, are visible, while others, in particular the areas for assembly and connection of these parts and specifically the areas for assembly with the cross-member 10 and the areas for assembly with the vehicle chassis, and more particularly with the floor of the vehicle (gray areas denoted NV in Figure 3), are intended to be concealed, for example by functional elements of the vehicle or interior trim elements.

Claims

1. Structural assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a cross-member (10) extending substantially along a transverse direction (Y) and having a first end and a second end, said cross-member further comprising an attachment interface, and a support structure (12) adapted to be arranged between the cross-member (10) and a floor of the vehicle, the support structure (12) being connected to the cross-member (10) by means of the attachment interface 14) , the support structure (12) having a strut (16) extending in a strut direction (Zj), said strut direction (Zj) being perpendicular to the transverse direction, said strut (16) comprising a first end (17) connected to the attachment interface (14) and a second end (18) adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle, and characterized in that the support structure (12) further comprises a console frame (19) , and the console frame (19) has a frame end connected to the attachment interface (14) and to the first end (17) of the strut (16), said console frame being adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle, and in that said console frame (19) comprises: a first portion (20) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal direction (X), the longitudinal direction (X) being perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y) , the longitudinal direction also forming a nonzero angle with the strut direction (Zj), and a second portion (24) having a first end (25) assembled to the attachment interface (14) of the cross-member (10) and a second end (26) assembled to the first portion (20), the second portion (24) extending longitudinally along a reinforcing direction (R) , said reinforcing direction (R) forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction (X) and with the strut direction (Zj).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the console frame (19) is a first console frame (19) and the support structure further comprises a second console frame (27), wherein the second console frame (27) comprises: o a first portion (20') extending longitudinally in substantially the longitudinal direction (X), the first portion being adapted for attachment to the floor of the vehicle, and o a second portion (24') comprising an end assembled to the first portion (20') of the second console frame (27) .

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the strut (16) is a first strut (16) adapted to be located in proximity to a driver seat of the vehicle, wherein the support structure (12) further comprises a second strut (29) adapted to be located in proximity to a passenger seat of the vehicle, the second strut (29) extending between a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted for assembly to the floor of the vehicle, wherein the attachment interface (14) comprises a first part (32) connected to the first end of the first strut (16) and to the second portion of the first console frame (19), and a second part (33) connected to the first end of the second strut (29) and to the second portion of the second console frame (27).

4. Assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first console frame (19) and the second console frame (27) are separate parts, wherein the first console frame (19) and the second console frame (27) each comprise a support member (34), and wherein the first console frame (27) and the second console frame (29) may be assembled to one another by means of their support members (34).

5. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more stiffening bars (36) arranged between the first portion (20, 20') and the second portion (24, 24') of the first and/or second console frame (19, 27).

6. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (20, 20') of the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) extends longitudinally between a first and a second end, the first end being located facing the cross-member and the second end being located at a distance from the first end, and wherein the second end comprises a fastening member (23) adapted for attachment of the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) to the floor of the vehicle.

7. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (20, 20') of the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) extends longitudinally between a first and a second end, the first end being located facing the cross-member and the second end being located at a distance from the first end, and wherein the second portion (24, 24') is assembled to the first portion (20, 20') at a distance from the first end of the first portion of between one-fourth and one-half the total length of the first portion along the longitudinal direction (X).

8. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) is made of aluminum or magnesium or of a composite material, and wherein the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) is produced by injection molding.

9. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second console frame (19, 27) comprises a hollow structure having stiffening ribs.

10. Vehicle (V) comprising a structural assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a first seat and a second seat (SI, S2), and a vehicle chassis providing a floor (P) , wherein the support structure (12) of the structural assembly is arranged between the two seats and is assembled to the floor (P) of the vehicle.