FR3054818A1 - PAVILION STRUCTURE FOR OPENING ROOF, FORMING BODY REINFORCEMENT. - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame (1) of a motor vehicle roof defines at least one opening (2, 3). The frame is configured to be assembled on upper sides of lateral stretchers (13, 14) of a body (10) of a motor vehicle, as well as on upper faces of a front crossbar (11) of stretcher and a rear cross member (12) of the vehicle stretcher, and is configured to support at least one roof. The frame (1) forms a continuous tubular frame.

Description

Holder (s): RENAULT S.A.S Simplified joint-stock company.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): RENAULT SAS.

(54) PAVILION STRUCTURE FOR OPENING ROOF, FORMING BODY REINFORCEMENT.

©) A frame (1) of a motor vehicle roof defines at least one opening (2, 3). The frame is configured to be assembled on upper faces of side stretchers (13,14) of a body (10) of a motor vehicle, as well as on upper faces of a front cross member (11) of stretcher and a rear cross member (12) of the vehicle stretcher, and is configured to be able to support at least one roof. The frame (1) forms a continuous tubular frame.

FR 3 054 818 - A1

PAVILION STRUCTURE FOR OPENING ROOF, FORMING BODY REINFORCEMENT.

The subject of the invention is the structures of the top of the body of motor vehicles, and more particularly the structures of the top of the body for vehicles with a sheet metal, composite or glazed roof, whether the roof is of the opening or fixed type. Opening roofs or glazed roofs can be, conventionally, placed on a roof frame, itself formed by, or assembled on, the top of the vehicle body.

The frame may include profiled sections of the extruded profile type. These extruded profiles can define longitudinal support strips extending between transverse beams of the body, called stretchers of the body. On these support strips, and on the stretchers, rests the edge of the sheet metal or composite roof, the edge of the glass of the sunroof or the edge of the glass of the fixed glass roof.

These wide extruded supports reduce the space available for the passage of light, and / or for the opening which can be cleared by the sunroof.

In addition, the geometry of the extruded type frame must be adapted to the geometry of the stretcher areas on which the frame is placed. A small variation of geometry in the characteristics of the body, requires to design a new specific framework.

The object of the invention is to propose roof support structures, whether it is a sheet metal roof, a composite roof or else a translucent roof, such as a glazed roof, which makes it possible to widen the opening available for the passage of light, above the heads of vehicle users.

To this end, a motor vehicle roof frame is proposed, defining a light opening, the frame being configured to be assembled on upper faces of side stretchers of a motor vehicle body, as well as on upper faces d '' a front cross member of stretchers and a rear cross member of vehicle stretchers, and the frame being configured to be able to serve as a support for at least one roof window (fixed or mobile, the roof window covering all or part of at least one opening defined by the frame). The frame forms a continuous tubular frame. The frame notably comprises a portion of hollow beam running along a first lateral stretcher, the front cross member, a second lateral stretcher, and the rear cross member, the portion of hollow beam closing on itself.

The frame is intended to be assembled in the upper part of a motor vehicle body, preferably intended to be assembled on stretchers ending in the upper part by portions of hollow beam parallel to the associated portions of the tubular frame.

Advantageously, the tubular frame comprises an assembly of an upper half-shell with a lower half-shell. Preferably, each of the half-shells extends all around the light opening.

According to an alternative embodiment, the central hollow of the hollow beam can be continuous all around the frame. According to another alternative embodiment, the hollow beam may include ribs formed on the inside of one and / or the other shell, and closing off in places all or part of the recess running around the frame.

The half-shells can be glued together, or even welded (for example by laser welding), snaps, or assembled by other known techniques such as screwing.

The upper and lower shell may for example be molded from a composite material of the PET (ethylene polyterephthalate) matrix type, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) matrix or polyamide matrix, for example loaded with 20 to 50% by mass of glass fibers.

Other materials, in particular of the composite type, preferably suitable for welding or bonding, can be envisaged.

The two half-shells can possibly be made of different materials between them.

Advantageously, each of the two half-shells forms a three-dimensional structure, the shape of which is capable of being demolded substantially in the direction in which the half-shells come into contact with one another.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the frame comprises a reinforcing cross member, also of tubular section, extending transversely to the vehicle and dividing the light opening into two light openings.

The lower half-shell may have on its outer periphery, a substantially horizontal bottom on the edge of which is superimposed an assembly flange, also horizontal, of the upper half-shell. The lower half-shell may also, or as a variant, comprise on its inner periphery along the light opening, a substantially vertical assembly strip, against a vertical face of which is joined an assembly flange, also vertical of the upper half-shell.

Preferably, the upper half-shell envelops the assembly flange with the vertical assembly strip of the lower half-hull. According to an advantageous embodiment, the upper half-shell has a horizontal recess forming a support zone above the double wall formed by the vertical assembly flange of the upper half-shell and by the vertical assembly strip of the half - lower shell.

The recess can thus form a support rim for a profile surrounding or along the opening and at least part of the weight of which can be supported by the support rim. The profile can for example carry a rail mechanism of a sunroof window. The weight of the profile and the weight carried by the profile can then be jointly supported by the assembly flange and the vertical assembly strip welded or glued together.

According to one embodiment, the upper contour of a section of a right or left portion of the frame can comprise, going from the center towards the outside of the vehicle:

a substantially vertical portion of overlap between the lower half-shell and the upper half-shell,

a first platform capable of accommodating a lip seal of a sunroof window,

-a second platform at least as high as the first, suitable for depositing a bead of bonding and sealing paste therein to fix a fixed pane on the frame,

-a central gutter area,

-a bead raised relative to the bottom of the gutter,

a substantially horizontal rim situated below the bottom of the gutter, preferably in the extension of the substantially horizontal bottom of the lower half-shell, at the level of which a thickness of the upper half-shell and the lower half-shell are superimposed .

Advantageously, the outer bead raised relative to the bottom of the gutter, is configured to be able to receive a bead of sealing adhesive intended for the fixing of a sheet metal or composite roof.

Up, down, right or left in relation to the assembled position on the vehicle. The profile of the frame is here described in cross section to the vehicle, moving from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the frame.

According to an alternative embodiment, the first platform and the second platform can be combined. According to another alternative embodiment, on at least a longitudinal portion of the frame, the second platform comprises a strip which is raised relative to the first platform. Each edge of the strip can be bordered by a relief or a series of reliefs capable of facilitating the maintenance of a cord joint between the two edges of the strip.

A motor vehicle can thus include:

-a body comprising in the upper part a stretcher area, the stretcher area comprising the upper edges of the door openings, a front stretcher cross member and a rear stretcher cross member, the stretcher area forming a hollow profiled contour running at least along on two opposite sides of the body, and

-a frame as described above, placed by its tubular contour, on the hollow profiled upper contour of the stretchers area, and landing on the stretchers area along at least two parallel joining strips extending from one side on either side of the vehicle.

The frame can for example be assembled on the stretcher for example by gluing, welding or screwing.

According to an advantageous embodiment, along the side stretchers, the total cross-sectional area, including the internal hollow, of the tubular outline of the frame, is between 1 and 5 times the total cross-sectional area of the hollow section of the stretcher on which put the frame back there.

The structural function of supporting the glass or the roof is thus provided essentially by the frame, which on the other hand makes it possible to lighten the structure of the stretchers part of the body.

Advantageously, along the lateral sides of the frame, the distance of the cantilever from the frame towards the interior of the vehicle is less than the width of the docking surface between frame and stretcher.

The vehicle may include a frame as described above, and include a fixed or movable window placed on the frame. The vehicle may also comprise at least one protective profile masking at least one of the substantially horizontal edges accommodating the outer periphery of the frame.

Advantageously, one edge of the protective profile passes through a plane extending the glass, and points towards the gutter. Advantageously, the other edge of the protective profile is supported under the frame, on a line of the body which is set back relative to the external contour of the frame.

We can set up a manufacturing process for a range of vehicles, comprising at least one model with a fixed glass roof or at least one model with a glass sunroof, or even a range of vehicles comprising several roof models, including for example a model with a sheet metal or composite roof, in which a frame or a family of frames is used as described above, an upper half-shell of the frame or frames being common to at least one model with a fixed glass roof and a model with a glass sunroof. It thus becomes possible to manage the diversity of vehicle models, by increasing the community of parts.

The lower half-shell of the frame or frames can be either common, or adapted to variants of different cases.

Some aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure la is a simplified perspective view of a motor vehicle body, with the stretchers area visible before the roof assembly;

Figure 1b is a simplified perspective view of a roof frame according to the invention;

Figure le is a simplified view of the vehicle body illustrated in Figure la, after assembly on the stretchers area of the body, the roof frame of Figure lb;

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a roof frame according to the prior art;

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a roof frame according to an embodiment of the invention, supporting a sunroof window;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the roof frame according to the invention, supporting a window of a fixed glass roof,

Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a roof top frame according to the invention, supporting a sheet metal or composite roof.

As visible in FIGS. 1a, the, a body 10 of a motor vehicle comprises openings such as the side doors, as well as glazed zones corresponding to the front windshield and to the rear windshield. The openings corresponding to the openings and the windshields are closed, in the upper part by stretcher zones 11, 12, 13, 14. The stretchers correspond to portions forming beams, forming a bridge over the openings of the openings and the windshields. . The stretchers frame the glass surface or the sheet metal surface of the roof, and are superimposed on the roof according to the width of the stretchers to support the roof.

The body 10 is surmounted by a roof frame 1 illustrated in FIG. 1b. The roof frame forms a support structure framing the surface of the roof, and serving as support for the roof.

The frame 1 may include transverse reinforcements and / or may include longitudinal reinforcements passing through the opening of the frame, so as to improve the mechanical strength of the frame.

The frame defines one or more openings 2,3 in its center, openings which can in be used as a light opening. These openings can for example be covered with transparent elements, such as one or more fixed panes and / or one or more movable panes.

The same roof frame 1 can optionally be used as a support structure for a sheet metal or composite roof. In what follows, the term sheet metal roof includes a sheet steel roof, but also a roof made from an opaque plate of any other metal, for example aluminum alloy, or from a plate opaque or translucent, for example in composite material.

In Figure le, the frame 1 is shown in the assembled position on the body of a vehicle, in its position of use. The axes shown in the frame correspond to the axes of the vehicle when the frame is mounted, ie: a longitudinal x axis, a y axis transverse to the vehicle, and a vertical z axis.

Frame 1 has four sides. One side is placed on a front stretcher 11 of stretcher, an adjacent side is placed on a left side stretcher 13, one side adjacent to the previous one is placed on a rear stretcher cross member 12, and the next adjacent side closes the frame along 'a right side stretcher 14 on which it is placed.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a roof frame 24 known from the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the frame 24, placed on a rim of a lateral stretcher 43. A window 5 of the sunroof is supported by a rail system 15 running along the frame 24, the profile of which is of the extruded type. The width of the extruded frame 24 is substantially greater than the width of the stretcher 43. As a result, the frame limits the entry of light through the roof area of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified sectional view of a portion of frame 1 according to the invention, placed on a top of the body. Only the frame portion superimposed on the side stretcher 13 is visible in the figure.

We therefore find in Figure 3 common elements or similar to those of Figure 2 the same elements being designated by the same references.

At each of the front stretchers 11, rear 12, and side 13, 14, the frame 1 according to the invention rests here on the upper faces of the stretchers. In the sectioned area visible in FIG. 3, the frame 1 rests on the upper face 23 of the left lateral stretcher 13.

The frame 1 forms a hollow three-dimensional structure, of tubular type, the tubular part 4 of the frame extending continuously around the opening -or openings- of light 2, 3, of the frame.

To form this hollow tubular structure, the frame is obtained by assembling a lower half-shell 21 and an upper half-shell 22.

The three-dimensional tubular structure thus obtained has improved rigidity compared to frames 24 of the extruded type of the prior art.

The frame being more rigid, it can take up part of the efforts supported by the body in the previous designs. It is then possible to lighten the structure of the body, in particular at the hollow beam type sections running along the stretcher tops of the body of the vehicle.

Figure 3 gives an overview of the reduction in the section of the hollow beam forming the top portion 13 of the side stretcher of a vehicle according to the invention, compared to the section of stretchers 43 of the prior art.

It should also be noted that in the examples illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, at the level of the side stretchers, the section of the hollow beam 4 formed by the frame 1 is greater (in particular in terms of surface intercepted by the section, and beam inertia) to the cross section of the hollow beam at the top of the stretcher, here 13.

If the passenger compartment is equipped with handles 36 or other points of attachment inside the passenger compartment, these handles can be fixed directly to the frame 1 instead of being supported by other interior trim areas of the vehicle.

The inner circumference of the frame 1 can support one or more guide rails 15 on which can be assembled a support device for moving a window 5 of a sunroof of the vehicle.

The section of Figure 3 is drawn on the same scale as the section of the roof frame of Figure 2, in order to be able to compare the relative dimensions of the two frames 24, 1 and their supports 43, 13. The dimension Ay shows the gain, in terms of half-width of light opening, which can be obtained thanks to the invention, by bringing together, thanks to the frame according to the invention, the load-bearing structures of the sunroof and the associated interior covering. the periphery of the roof area. This gain can typically reach 7 to 8 cm, or 14 to 16 cm of light opening gained over the width and / or the length of the roof.

To return to FIG. 3, a seal between the movable window 5 and the edge of the vehicle can be ensured by a lip seal 6, housed for example in a dedicated chute of the upper face of the frame 1, or pressed against a relief.

To obtain a three-dimensional structure which is simple to assemble, said structure having zones of improved rigidity, in particular at the level of the bearing zone of the rail 15. The half-shells 21 and 22 are assembled by covering horizontal surfaces at the periphery of the frame , and are assembled by covering vertical assembly surfaces along the inner circumference of the frame 1.

This creates a substantially vertical double wall portion allowing better support of the rail 15.

A hubcap 25 can be provided, to visually mask an outer peripheral assembly area 35 of the frame 1, and to avoid stagnation of rainwater in the assembly area.

We can distinguish in particular in Figure 3, a peripheral assembly flange 27 of the upper half-shell, assembled on a horizontal bottom 26 of the lower half-shell. This forms a rib of double thickness 35, substantially horizontal, corresponding to the outer peripheral assembly zone of the frame 1, and reinforcing the frame 1 along its outer circumference.

We also guess an assembly strip 28 of the lower half-shell, which is covered by, and glued to, a vertical assembly strip 29 of the upper half-shell. A double thickness zone is thus formed, above which is drawn a horizontal recess 20, towards the outside of the frame, making it possible to press on the vertical double thickness zone, the rail 15 carrying the movable window 5.

The assembly strips 26, 27, 28, 29 between lower half-shells 21 and upper half-shells 22 are more clearly visible in FIGS. 4 and 5.

According to variant embodiments, the step 20 may run only along a portion of the side of the frame 1, where it is planned to place one or more rails 15.

One can envisage alternative embodiments without an offset 20, another type of relief being provided for example from the bottom of the zone of double thickness to support the glass-bearing structures.

Thus in FIG. 4, a frame according to the invention is shown in section with a guide rail - for example a guide rail for blackout shutters - which rests on the frame 1 in a recess formed in the lower part of the zone. double thickness assembly.

To return to FIG. 3, the reliefs and the hollows defining the contour of the section of the frame 1 are studied in order to be able to press on the frame, different configurations of roofs.

Dedicated reliefs and hollows are thus defined to accommodate sealing elements, to be able to channel runoff of water, and to be able to position roofing elements such as windows - or opaque roofs - in alignment with the edge. ergonomically and aerodynamically acceptable.

Thus, in FIG. 3, in the illustrated cutting zone, when one moves away from the center of the frame towards the outside edge of the vehicle, the frame has the following reliefs:

after the horizontal recess 20, a strip 30 is provided which is raised relative to the recess 20, and forming a platform for placing the lip seal 6 there, which is retained on this platform by a rising edge leading to a second strip 31 adapted to receive a mastic joint, whose adhesion and retention on this strip 31 is facilitated by one or more reliefs 32 running along the edges of the strip 31.

After these two strips 30, 31 specifically adapted to the placement of sealing elements, there is a gutter area 34 towards the middle of the lateral section of the frame 1, this gutter area making it possible, for example, to channel runoff water, and also making it possible to form a return zone to which an end blade can be turned forming the rim of the hubcap 25.

A bead 37 of outer edge, runs along the outer side of the frame, between the gutter 34, and a rim 35 with double thickness and substantially horizontal of the frame-forming assembly area between the half-shells 21 and 22-,

The edge of the bead 37 can for example serve as a docking area for the hubcap 25.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the platform 30 receives a lip seal 6, and the platform 31 is left free, in this variation of vehicles with movable sunroof windows.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified sectional view of the same vehicle body and of the same frame according to the invention as in FIG. 3, the vehicle this time being fitted with a fixed glazed roof 7 and the section being made at a different location along the side stretcher 13 of the vehicle.

As visible in FIG. 4, a seal 18 of the bead of mastic type is this time deposited on the platform 31, and a fixed window 7 of glass roof rests on this bead. The section is carried out at a location where the joining strips 28 and 29 between the upper half-shell and the lower half-shell are not overcome by the recess 20.

The section illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to a longitudinal position on the vehicle where the rail 15 does not extend. A guide rail 16 is here visible, however, to support for example a blackout flap (not shown). This guide rail 16 is also supported on a hollow area of the frame 1, the support area being located this time below the double thickness portion formed by the assembly strips 28, 29.

FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified section of the frame 1, corresponding to the same body and the same frame as those of FIGS. 3 and 4. The vehicle is this time fitted with an opaque roof 17 held by a profiled support edge 38 of the opaque roof, coming to rest on the bead 37.

Are also highlighted in FIG. 5, a surface of characteristic section 33 of the zone forming hollow beam at the top of the stretcher 13, and a surface of characteristic section 44 of the zone forming hollow beam at the level of frame 1.

It is noted that the section 44 of the frame is here higher than the section 33 of the stretcher top, - for example represents substantially twice the section 33 of the stretcher top-, The structural strength of the roof is therefore largely ensured by the tubular continuous structure 4 of the frame 1, while reducing the body 10.

The roof frame 1 according to the invention ensures part of the rigidity of the roof by a continuous structure extending from one edge to the other and from front to rear of the vehicle. Better rigidity and better overall resistance of the vehicle roof area are thus obtained, in particular in comparison to structures for which most of this rigidity was provided by a succession of stretchers assembled together.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and can be declined in numerous variants. The frame could be formed from two half-shells having different assembly zone orientations from those described. The structural frame according to the invention could be formed other than by assembling an upper half-shell and a lower half-shell of polymer material, for example could be obtained by blowing techniques of polymer preform, or by known techniques for shaping a metallic tubular structure.

A given geometry of the upper half-shell can be combined with distinct geometries of the lower half-shell, which makes it possible to adapt the same roof or the same group of roofs, to different models of the vehicle body.

In addition, the same geometry of the upper half-shell allows the assembly of different types of roofs.

Thanks to the roof frame according to the invention, the openings and the accesses of light are widened through the frame and through the corresponding glazed surfaces of the roof.

The support frames according to the invention make it possible to manage the diversity of roofs, while also being compatible with a sheet metal or composite roof but also with a fixed or mobile type roof.

The design of a vehicle using a roof frame according to the invention or a set of roof frames according to the invention makes it easier to combine the same box with different types of roof, and makes it possible to adapt a lower cost same roof model with different body variants.

Claims (10)

Claims 1. Motor vehicle roof frame (1) defining at least one opening (2, 3), the frame being configured to be assembled on upper faces of side stretchers (13, 14) of a vehicle body (10) automobile, as well as on the upper faces of a front cross member (11) of a stretcher and a rear cross member (12) of a stretcher of the vehicle, and being configured to be able to serve as a support for at least one roof (5, 7, 17) sheet metal, composite or glazed can be of fixed or mobile type, characterized in that the frame (1) forms a continuous tubular frame. 2. Frame (1) of the roof according to claim 1, the tubular frame of which comprises an assembly of an upper half-shell (22) with a lower half-shell (21). 3. Roof top frame according to claim 2, in which each of the two half-shells (21, 22) forms a three-dimensional structure, the shape of which is capable of being demolded substantially in the direction of approach (z) of the half -shells one on the other. 4. roof top frame according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the lower half-shell (21) has on its outer periphery, a substantially horizontal bottom (26), has on its inner periphery along the opening , a substantially vertical assembly strip (28), in which the upper half-shell has a horizontal assembly flange (27) at the outer periphery, and a vertical assembly flange (29) at the inner periphery, the flange d 'horizontal assembly (27) superimposed on an edge of the bottom (26) of the lower half-shell, and the vertical assembly flange (29) superimposed on the vertical assembly strip (28). 5. Roof top frame according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper half-shell (22) envelops by the assembly flange (29), the vertical assembly strip (28) of the lower half-shell (21 ), and in which the upper half-shell has a horizontal recess (20) forming a bearing zone above the double wall formed by the vertical assembly flange (29) of the upper half-shell and by the strip d 'vertical assembly (28) of the lower half-shell. 6. Roof top frame according to one of claims 4 or 5, the upper contour of a section of a right or left portion of the frame comprises, going from the center towards the outside of the vehicle: a substantially vertical covering portion (28-29) between the lower half-shell and the upper half-shell, a first platform (30) capable of accommodating a lip seal of a sunroof window, a second platform (31) at least as high as the first, suitable for depositing therein a bead of bonding and sealing paste to fix a fixed pane on the frame; a central gutter zone (34); -a bead (37) raised relative to the bottom of the gutter capable of receiving a bead of sealing adhesive intended for the fixing of a sheet or composite roof (17); a substantially horizontal rim situated below the bottom of the gutter, at the level of which overlap (26-27) a thickness of the upper half-shell and of the lower half-shell. 7. Vehicle with a body comprising in the upper part a stretcher area, the stretcher area comprising the upper edges of the door openings, a front stretcher cross member (11) and a rear stretcher cross member (12), the stretcher area forming a contour hollow profile running at least along two opposite sides of the body (10), -a frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, posed by its tubular contour (4), on the hollow profiled upper contour of the stretchers area, and docking on the stretchers area along at least two parallel assembly strips extending on either side of the vehicle. 8. Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, along the side stretchers (13, 14), the total surface (44) of cross section, internal hollow included, of the tubular contour (4) of the frame, is between 1 and 5 times the total cross-sectional area (33) of the hollow section of the stretcher on which the frame rests at this point. 9. Vehicle according to claims 7 or 8, comprising a frame (1) according to claim 6, comprising a fixed window (7) or movable (5) placed on the frame (1), and further comprising at least one profile of protection (25) masking at least one of the substantially horizontal edges accommodating the outer periphery of the frame (1) · 10. A method of manufacturing a range of vehicles comprising at least one model with a fixed glass roof or at least one model with a glass sunroof, in which a frame (1) or a family of frames according to any one is used. Claims 2 to 6, an upper half-shell of the frame or frames being common to at least one model with a fixed glass roof and to a model with a glass sunroof. 1/3