FR3136218A1 - DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING WIRED ELEMENTS, ADAPTABLE TO THE SHAPE OF A VEHICLE Spar - Google Patents

Abstract

A support device (DS) supports M wire elements (EF1-EF2) of a vehicle having at least one longitudinal member (LV) having a first shape chosen from N, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2. This device (DS) comprises a chute (GS) defining a first housing (LG1) housing a part of at least one of the wire elements (EF1-EF2), and supported by the spar (LV). This chute (GS) comprises a first part (P1) defining the first housing (LG1) apart from a lower face (FI1) and on which a trim (GL) is coupled, and a second part (P2) defining this lower face (FI1 ) and having a second shape chosen from N second shapes adapted respectively to the N first shapes, in order to allow the spar (LV) to support the chute (GS) in a manner adapted to its first chosen shape. Fig. 1

Description

DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING WIRED ELEMENTS, ADAPTABLE TO THE SHAPE OF A VEHICLE Spar Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles having longitudinal members which can have different shapes and each supporting a support device for wire element(s), and more precisely such support devices.

State of the art

Certain vehicles include two spars on which two support devices are respectively installed, each comprising a chute defining at least one housing housing a portion of M wire elements. Each spar and its support device are masked by a spar lining which is placed above this support device and coupled to the latter, and which also acts as a spacer preventing the spar lining from sinking. when pressure is exerted on it, for example by the foot of a user.

In what follows the expression “wire element” must be understood very broadly. It may in fact be an electrical or computer or mechanical cable (with one or more wires), with or without sheath, or a pipe or conduit, and possibly flexible.

Quite frequently, the side members have different shapes from one vehicle model to another, even though the associated support devices must ensure the same routing of wire elements. Generally, the difference between the shapes lies in the transverse extension of at least the part of the side members which is located on the passenger compartment side. These different shapes currently require the design of different support devices, which introduces diversity and therefore increases manufacturing, management and storage costs.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a support device, on the one hand, intended to support M wire elements of a vehicle having at least one spar having a first shape chosen from N, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2, and, on the other hand, comprising a chute defining a first housing suitable for housing a part of at least one of these wire elements, and suitable for being supported by the spar.

This support device is characterized by the fact that its chute includes:

- a first part defining the first housing apart from a lower face (of the latter) and on which a fitting is intended to be coupled, and

- a second part defining this lower face and having a second shape chosen from N second shapes adapted respectively to the N first shapes, in order to allow the spar to support the chute in a manner adapted to its first chosen shape.

Thus, we have a support device which is adaptable according to the first shape of the spar which must support it, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing, management and storage costs.

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

- the second part of the chute may comprise a lower face comprising a first sub-part adapted to rest on the chosen spar and a second sub-part extending this first sub-part in a zone which is intended to be located at the beyond a substantially vertical face of the chosen spar and comprising at least one protuberance capable of resting on the substantially vertical face in order to prevent rotation of the chute when pressure is exerted on the lining;

- the first and second parts of the chute may respectively comprise first and second clipping elements cooperating together to secure them to each other by clipping;

- the first part of the chute may comprise first upper coupling elements capable of cooperating with second lower coupling elements of the lining in order to allow the coupling of the lining to the chute;

- the first part of the chute may comprise third lower coupling elements capable of cooperating with fourth upper coupling elements of the chosen spar in order to allow the coupling of the chute to the chosen spar;

- at least one of the first and second parts of the chute may comprise a lateral opening which is capable of allowing a lateral exit of at least part of at least one wire element out of the first housing;

- in the presence of the last option, the first part of the chute can comprise a side wall comprising the side opening and provided above the latter with a lateral extension under which the part of at least at least is intended to pass at least one wire element emerging from the first housing and comprising through holes for the passage of a link suitable for connecting this part of wire element to it;

- the first part of the chute can define a second housing having an open upper face and suitable for housing a part of at least one other of the wire elements.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of automobile type, and comprising M wire elements, two side members each having a first shape chosen from N, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2, and two support devices of the type presented below -front, coupled respectively to upper walls of the longitudinal members, and on which linings are respectively coupled.

Brief description of the figures

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

schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical and transverse plane, a first embodiment of a support device according to the invention, supporting wire elements, coupled to a vehicle spar and to which a spar trim is coupled ,

schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical and transverse plane, a second embodiment of a support device according to the invention, supporting wire elements, coupled to a vehicle spar and to which a spar trim is coupled ,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the support device of the , before it is coupled to a vehicle spar and a spar trim, but after it has been equipped with wire elements,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the second part of the chute of the support device of Figures 1 and 3,

schematically illustrates, in a front view from the side of a rear end, the second embodiment of the support device of the , before it is coupled to a vehicle spar and a spar trim, and before it is equipped with wire elements, and

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the second part of the chute of the support device of Figures 2 and 5.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention aims in particular to propose a support device DS intended to support M wire elements EFm of a vehicle, adaptable according to the first shape of a spar LV of the vehicle to which it must be coupled and chosen from N first shapes, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2, and to which a GL spar fitting must be coupled.

In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the support device DS is intended to equip an automobile type vehicle, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, a DS support device can equip any vehicle comprising two side members having an upper wall on which a support device must be coupled to support M wire elements. Consequently, the invention concerns any type of vehicle, whether land, sea (or river), or air.

Schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively are the first and second embodiments of a support device DS according to the invention, supporting M wire elements, coupled to a spar LV of a vehicle and to which is coupled a GL spar trim.

Each GL spar trim is placed above the DS support device, coupled to the latter (DS), and responsible for masking this DS support device and part of the LV spar supporting the latter (DS). It will be noted that the support device DS plays the role of a spacer preventing depression of the spar lining GL when pressure is exerted on the latter (GL), for example by the foot of a vehicle user.

In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that each wire element EFm is a bundle of electrical cables (or wires). But an EFm wire element can also be a computer or mechanical cable (with one or more wires), with or without sheath, or a pipe or conduit. Furthermore, a wire element EFm can be rigid or flexible.

As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, a support device DS, according to the invention, comprises at least one chute GS capable of being supported by a spar LV of a vehicle, having a first shape which is chosen from N, with N ≥ 2, and suitable for supporting M wire elements EF of this vehicle, with M ≥ 1.

It will be understood that there are N LV spars concerned by the invention and having respectively N different first shapes. Two of these first N different shapes are illustrated respectively in Figures 1 and 2.

The chute GS defines a first housing LG1 which is suitable for housing a part of at least one of the wire elements EFm, and comprises first P1 and second P2 parts.

The first part P1 of the chute GS defines the first housing LG1, apart from its lower face FI1. This first part P1 is also intended to allow the coupling of a GL trim placed above it (P1).

In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the first housing LG1 houses a single wire element EF1 (m = 1). But it could accommodate several (at least two) EFm wire elements. Note, as illustrated non-limitatively in the , that the wire element EF1 can possibly be subdivided into at least two sub-parts in the first housing LG1.

The second part P2 of the chute GS defines the lower face FI1 of the first housing LG1 and has a second shape which is chosen from N second shapes, adapted respectively to the N first possible shapes of different LV spars, in order to allow the chosen LV spar to support the GS chute in a manner adapted to its first chosen shape.

It will be understood that the second shape of the second part P2 of the chute GS is chosen from N second shapes according to the first shape of the spar LV which must support it. Figures 1, 3 and 4 illustrate a first second part P2 having a first second shape adapted to a first spar LV having a first shape. Figures 2, 5 and 6 illustrate a second part P2 having a second shape adapted to a second spar LV having a second first shape.

Preferably, the first part P1 of the chute GS has a single shape, and therefore all the diversity of the support devices DS resides in the N second possible parts P2. But this is not an obligation (there could also be diversity for the first part P1).

Thanks to this adaptability of the DS support device according to the first shape of the LV spar which must support it, we are no longer obliged to completely design N DS support devices respectively for N different spars, which reduces manufacturing costs , management and storage.

When the chosen LV spar includes a significant transverse extension in its sub-part located on the passenger compartment side of the vehicle, as illustrated non-limitingly in the , we can use a GS chute having a second part P2 of the type of that illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4. There is in fact almost no overhang of the GS chute, and therefore it does not risk of bending or being rotated when pressure is exerted on the spar lining GL which is placed above it (GS).

On the other hand, when the chosen LV spar includes a reduced transverse extension in its sub-part located on the passenger compartment side of the vehicle, as illustrated non-limitingly in the , we can use a chute GS having a second part P2 of the type illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 6. In this case, the second part P2 of the chute GS can comprise a lower face FI2 comprising first SP1 and second SP2 mutually extending subparts.

The first sub-part SP1 is suitable for resting on the upper wall PS of the chosen LV spar.

The second sub-part SP2 extends the first sub-part SP1 in a zone which is intended to be located beyond a substantially vertical face FV of the chosen spar LV. As a result, part of the GS chute (and more precisely the part comprising the first housing LG1) is cantilevered. Consequently, to prevent rotation (or bending) of the chute GS when pressure is exerted on the spar lining GL placed above it (GS), the second sub-part SP2 comprises at least one protuberance PR which extends downwards and is capable of resting on the substantially vertical face FV of the chosen spar LV.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly on the the second sub-part SP2 of the lower face FI2 comprises numerous protuberances PR (more precisely thirteen) distributed over its entire length (following the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). This makes it possible to offer quality support over this entire length. But the number of protrusions PR of the second sub-part SP2 of the lower face FI2 can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2, 5 and 6, each protuberance PR can have a substantially triangular shape and can be installed in a vertical and transverse plane of the vehicle. But the PR protuberances can have other shapes, for example rectangular or semi-circular.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 6, the first P1 and second P2 parts of the chute GS can respectively comprise first EC1 and second EC2 clipping elements which cooperate together to secure them by clipping one (P1) to the other (P2). By way of example, certain first clipping elements EC1 may be clipping tabs (or notches) cooperating with second clipping elements EC2 arranged in the form of (or comprising) clipping holes. Alternatively or in addition, certain second clipping elements EC2 may be clipping tabs (or notches) cooperating with first clipping elements EC1 arranged in the form of (or comprising) clipping holes. In the two examples illustrated, the first clipping elements EC1, like the second clipping elements EC2, include not only clipping tabs (or notches) but also clipping holes.

Note that instead of defining first EC1 and second EC2 clipping elements, we could couple the first P1 and second P2 parts of the GS chute by screwing.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 3 , the first part P1 of the chute GS may comprise first upper coupling elements EP1 which are capable of cooperating with second lower coupling elements EP2 of the GL spar trim in order to allow the coupling of the GL spar trim to the GS trough. For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the , these first upper coupling elements EP1 can be clipping elements.

In the example illustrated, the first upper coupling elements EP1, four in number, are all clipping holes intended to cooperate respectively with clipping lugs constituting second lower coupling elements of the spar lining GL. But other coupling means can be considered to couple the spar lining GL to the first part P1 of the chute GS, and in particular screws and threaded holes.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitatively and at least partially in Figures 2 and 5, the first part P1 of the chute GS can comprise third lower coupling elements EP3 capable of cooperating with fourth upper coupling elements EP4 of the upper wall PS of the chosen LV spar in order to allow the coupling of the GS chute to this chosen LV spar.

In the example illustrated, the third upper coupling elements EP3 are all clipping tabs intended to cooperate respectively with clipping holes constituting fourth upper coupling elements EP4 of the upper wall PS of the spar LV. But other coupling means can be envisaged to couple the first part P1 of the chute GS to the upper wall PS of the spar LV. Thus, we can install plastic inserts in the LV spar and screw into these inserts screws passing through through holes defined in the first part P1. This ensures the sealing of the hollow body of the LV spar.

Preferably, and as illustrated, only the first part P1 of the chute GS is coupled to the upper wall PS of the spar LV. But one could envisage that the second part P2 of the chute GS comprises coupling elements intended to cooperate with complementary coupling means defined in the upper wall PS of the spar LV.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 4 and 6, at least one of the first P1 and second P2 parts of the chute GS may comprise a lateral opening OL suitable for allowing lateral exit (or transverse) of at least part of at least one wire element EFm (here EF1) outside the first housing LG1. In the example illustrated on the , the wire element EF1 is subdivided into two sub-parts inside the first housing LG1, a first sub-part continuing its path in the first housing LG1 to one of the two opposite longitudinal ends of the chute GS (here the rear end) and a second sub-part exiting transversely through lateral openings OL which meet and are defined in the longitudinal sides of the first P1 and second P2 parts of the chute GS. Note that the second sub-part is then subdivided into two other sub-sub-parts outside the first housing LG1, by way of purely illustrative example.

It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, that the first part P1 of the chute GS can comprise a side wall PL1 comprising a side opening OL and provided above the latter ( OL) of a lateral extension EL, defining a kind of “cap”. Under this lateral extension EL is intended to pass at least part of at least one wire element EFm (here the second sub-part of the wire element EF1) coming out of the first housing LG1. In addition, this lateral extension EL includes through holes allowing the passage of a link LE which is suitable for connecting to it (EL) this part of the wire element EF1. For example, this link LE can be a cord (or a band) possibly elastic or a “circlip”. This advantageously makes it possible to immobilize the transverse part of the wire element EF1 relative to the chute GS.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the first part P1 of the chute GS can define a second housing LG2 having an upper face FS2 open and suitable for housing a part of at least one other of the wire elements EFm (here EF2).

In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the second housing LG2 houses a single wire element EF2 (m = 2). But it could accommodate several (at least two) EFm wire elements.

It appears from the preceding description that the two examples of support device DS illustrated provide support and routing for two wire elements EFm (m = 1 or 2, M = 2). But the number of wire elements EFm that can be supported and routed by a support device DS can take any value greater than or equal to one (i.e. M ≥ 1).

It will also be noted that the first part P1 and/or the second part P2 of the chute GS can be made by molding a rigid plastic material. For example, we can use a material such as polypropylene (or PP).

Claims (10)

Support device (DS) for supporting M wire elements (EFm) of a vehicle having at least one longitudinal member (LV) having a first shape chosen from N, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2, said device (DS) comprising a chute (GS) defining a first housing (LG1) suitable for housing a part of at least one of said wire elements (EFm), and suitable for being supported by said spar (LV), characterized in that said chute (GS) comprises i) a first part (P1) defining said first housing (LG1) apart from a lower face (FI1) of the latter (LG1) and on which a trim (GL) is intended to be coupled, and ii) a second part ( P2) defining said lower face (FI1) and having a second shape chosen from N second shapes adapted respectively to said N first shapes, in order to allow said spar (LV) to support said chute (GS) in a manner adapted to its first chosen shape. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises a lower face (FI2) comprising i) a first sub-part (SP1) capable of resting on said chosen spar (LV) and ii) a second sub-part (SP2) extending said first sub-part (SP1) in a zone which is intended to be located beyond a substantially vertical face (FV) of said chosen spar (LV) and comprising at least one protuberance ( PR) capable of resting on said substantially vertical face (FV) in order to prevent rotation of said chute (GS) when pressure is exerted on said lining (GL). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first (P1) and second (P2) parts respectively comprise first (EC1) and second (EC2) clipping elements cooperating together to secure them by clipping one (P1 ) to the other (P2). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first part (P1) comprises first upper coupling elements (EP1) capable of cooperating with second lower coupling elements (EP2) of said gasket (GL) in order to allow said coupling of the trim (GL) to said chute (GS). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first part (P1) comprises third lower coupling elements (EP3) capable of cooperating with fourth upper coupling elements (EP4) of said chosen spar (LV). in order to allow said coupling of said chute (GS) to said chosen spar (LV). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said first (P1) and second (P2) parts comprises a lateral opening (OL) capable of allowing a lateral exit of at least one part of at least one wire element (EFm) outside said first housing (LG1). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said first part (P1) comprises a side wall (PL1) comprising said lateral opening (OL) and provided above the latter (OL) with a lateral extension (EL) under which is intended to pass said part at least of at least one wire element (EFm) emerging from said first housing (LG1) and comprising through holes for the passage of a link (LE) suitable for linking to it (EL) this wire element part (EFm). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first part (P1) defines a second housing (LG2) having an upper face (FS2) open and capable of housing a part of at least one other of said elements wired (EFm). Vehicle comprising M wire elements (EFm) and two longitudinal members (LV) each having a first shape chosen from N, with M ≥ 1 and N ≥ 2, characterized in that it further comprises two support devices (DS) according to one of the preceding claims, coupled respectively to upper walls (PS) of said longitudinal members (LV), and to which linings (GL) are respectively coupled. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.