Cross-member for a motor vehicle front end module, and a front end module and a cooling module support provided

Abstract

The invention relates to a cross-member to be found in the proximity of a bodywork part capable of moving towards the cross-member, said cross-member being fitted with an inertia part and a stabilization part for geometrically stabilizing the inertia part. The stabilization part is longitudinally subdivided into a first portion located beside the bodywork part, and a second portion located remote from the bodywork part. The first and second portions are designed in such a manner that in the event of the bodywork part being subjected to a force equivalent to an impact against a pedestrian, said part can move towards second portion while deforming the inertia part and the first portion, without the second portion deforming. The invention also provides a front end module including such a cross-member.

1 . A cross-member for a vehicle designed to be located proximate to a bodywork part capable of moving towards the cross-member, the cross-member comprising an inertia part and a stabilization part for geometrically stabilizing the inertia part, wherein: 
 a) the stabilization part is longitudinally subdivided into a first portion located beside the bodywork part, and a second portion located remote from the bodywork part, the first and second portions being designed in such a manner that in the event of the bodywork part being subjected to a force equivalent to an impact against a pedestrian, the bodywork part can move towards the second portion while deforming the inertia part and the first portion, without the second portion deforming, and    b) the first portion including ribs that are arranged to buckle in response to impacts that are directed downwardly when the cross-member is mounted on the vehicle.    
     
     
         2 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilization part has a height and the inertia part occupies the full height of the stabilization part.  
     
     
         3 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the inertia part comprises a C-shaped section.  
     
     
         4 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the inertia part is provided with openings in register with the first portion.  
     
     
         5 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the ribs are arranged to buckle in response to impacts that are directed rearwardly when the cross-member is mounted on the vehicle.  
     
     
         6 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the ribs do not present any lateral cohesion with the inertia part, so as to enable them to buckle in the event of the impact.  
     
     
         7 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the second portion forms stiffening ribs.  
     
     
         8 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the inertia part consists essentially of a metal section member.  
     
     
         9 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the inertia part consists essentially of plastic.  
     
     
         10 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the ribs consists essentially of plastic.  
     
     
         11 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , including a connector able to connect the cross-member to the bodywork part of the vehicle.  
     
     
         12 . A cross-member according to  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprises abutments against which the bodywork part can come to bear.  
     
     
         13 . A cross-member according to  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprises a hook suitable for holding the bodywork part close to the cross-member.  
     
     
         14 . A cross-member according to  claim 13 , wherein the hook is fastened to the inertia part in register with the second portion.  
     
     
         15 . A cross-member according to  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprises a lock for catching the bodywork part, and arranged on the first portion.  
     
     
         16 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-member includes a top portion having a connection area for receiving the bodywork part, the connection area being suitable for transmitting forces equivalent to an impact against a hip.  
     
     
         17 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-member includes a top portion having a hood gasket.  
     
     
         18 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , wherein the inertia part includes a bottom portion, and an element requiring a high degree of stiffness is arranged on the bottom portion of the cross-member.  
     
     
         19 . A cross-member according to  claim 1 , designed to be arranged on a motor vehicle front end module.  
     
     
         20 . A motor vehicle front end module, including a cross-member located proximate to a bodywork part capable of moving towards the cross-member, the cross-member comprising an inertia part and a stabilization part for geometrically stabilizing the inertia part, wherein: 
 a) the stabilization part is longitudinally subdivided into a first portion located beside the bodywork part, and a second portion located remote from the bodywork part, the first and second portions being designed in such a manner that in the event of the bodywork part being subjected to a force equivalent to an impact against a pedestrian, the bodywork part can move towards second portion while deforming the inertia part and the first portion, without the second portion deforming, and    b) the first portion includes ribs that are arranged to buckle in response to impacts that are directed downwardly when the cross-member is mounted on a vehicle.    
     
     
         21 . A motor vehicle cooling module support, including a cross-member located proximate to a bodywork part capable of moving towards the cross-member, the cross-member comprising an inertia part and a stabilization part for geometrically stabilizing the inertia part, wherein: 
 a) the stabilization part is longitudinally subdivided into a first portion located beside the bodywork part, and a second portion located remote from the bodywork part, the first and second portions being designed in such a manner that in the event of the bodywork part being subjected to a force equivalent to an impact against a pedestrian, the bodywork part can move towards second portion while deforming the inertia part and the first portion, without the second portion deforming, and    b) the first portion includes ribs that are arranged to buckle in response to impacts that are directed downwardly when the cross-member is mounted on a vehicle.