SUPPORT MODULE FOR SUSPENSION WEDGES AND STABILIZER BAR BEARING

Abstract

Assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprising an electromotive group (10) and a suspension device (12) fixed to a vehicle structure (18) and providing a mechanical connection between the electromotive group (10) and the vehicle structure (18), the assembly (1) for a motor vehicle being characterized in that the suspension device (12) comprises at least two connecting devices (34), each comprising a support module (30) fixed to a suspension wedge (20), the suspension wedge (20) being fixed to a suspension arm (16), a bearing (28) and fixing means (24), each of the two connecting devices (34) being fixed to the vehicle structure (18) via their respective support module (30) and to the electromotive group via the suspension arm (16). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SUPPORT MODULE FOR SUSPENSION WEDGES AND STABILIZER BAR BEARING Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to electromotive group suspensions and ground connections.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a support module for a device for connecting an electromotive group to a vehicle structure, such a connecting device, an assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an electromotive group and a device for suspending the electromotive group comprising at least one such connecting device, and a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. State of the prior art

[0003] In document US 8720636 B2, a vehicle assembly is presented comprising an electromotive group in a casing and a device for suspending the electromotive group. The device for suspending the electromotive group, also called GEM, for attaching the GEM to a vehicle structure, has a generally "H"-shaped attachment train, comprising two parallel attachment bars connected by a cross member extending transversely relative to the vehicle. As a result, the GEM suspension device comprises a single structural part for attaching the GEM and a stabilizer bar to the vehicle structure. The stabilizer bar is integrated into the cross member of the attachment train and makes it possible to reduce the rolling or twisting movement of the GEM by the vehicle structure.

[0004] Such a GEM suspension device has several drawbacks, in particular the mass of the fixing train as well as the bulk it creates, and a long manufacturing time which contributes to reducing the overall efficiency of the architecture of the GEM suspension device.

[0005] A solution to this drawback is proposed in document FR 3126201 A1 which presents a vehicle assembly comprising a GEM in a casing and a device for suspending the GEM. The device for suspending the GEM has a pair of suspension wedges, configured to fix the GEM to the vehicle structure. In addition, the suspension device has two separate bearings, each configured to accommodate one of the two ends of a stabilizer bar, the stabilizer bar crossing several guide lugs of the GEM. Each of the two bearings is connected to the vehicle structure by a stabilizing wedge.

[0006] Such a solution seems satisfactory for resolving certain drawbacks arising from document US 8720636 B2. Indeed, the size and mass of the suspension device are reduced by the use of suspension and fixing wedges which replace the suspension train. However, document FR 3126201 A1 in turn has several disadvantages, in particular the multiplicity of parts required to fix the GEM and the stabilizer bar to the vehicle structure, namely the suspension wedges and the fixing wedges. This also creates constraints during manufacturing and production such as stock management, supplies, assembly time and costs associated with the large number of parts. Likewise, these disadvantages also have an impact on the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. Statement of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art and to propose a suspension device for an electromotive group having a reduced size, a simple architecture facilitating its production, its assembly and its maintenance.

[0008] Another research objective is to obtain a lighter architecture, without impacting the strength and safety or the efficiency of the GEM suspension.

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a support module is proposed for a device for connecting an electromotive group to a vehicle structure, the support module being remarkable in that it comprises a body comprising: • an interface for connecting to an electromotive group configured to accommodate a suspension mechanism intended to be connected to the electromotive group; • a stabilizer bar connection interface configured to accommodate a bearing for connection to the stabilizer bar; and • a fixing interface configured to accommodate fixing means intended to fix the support module to a vehicle structure.

[0010] The support module is therefore a structural connector allowing the fixing of several elements at a single point making it possible to centralize or share several functions.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the body is a single piece, that is to say formed from a single piece, preferably, the body is made of metal or metals, preferably made of steel. More preferably, the support module does not have an undercut. In this way, it is possible to mold the support module, reducing the costs associated with the production of this part.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the interface for connection to the electromotive group and the interface for connection to the stabilizer bar are distinct, preferably the interface for connection to the electromotive group, the interface for connection to the stabilizer bar and the fixing interface are distinct.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a device for connecting an electromotive group to a vehicle structure, remarkable in that it comprises a support module according to any one of the preceding claims, a suspension mechanism connected to the interface for connecting to the electromotive group, a bearing connected to the interface of the stabilizer bar and the fixing means for fixing the support module to the vehicle structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the suspension mechanism comprises a suspension wedge connected to the body of the support module at the level of the connection interface to the electromotive group, and a suspension arm connected on the one hand to the suspension wedge and intended to be connected on the other hand to the electromotive group.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an electromotive group and a device for suspending the electromotive group, the suspension device being fixed to a vehicle structure and providing a mechanical connection between the electromotive group and the vehicle structure, the assembly for a motor vehicle being remarkable in that the suspension device comprises at least: • two connecting devices according to the preceding claim, each connecting device being fixed to the vehicle structure by the associated fixing means and connected to the electromotive group by the suspension arm; and • a stabilizer bar extending between two end portions each connected respectively to one of the bearings of one of the associated support connecting devices.

[0016] Such an assembly allows an architecture grouping the fixing of the electromotive group on the one hand and a connection of the stabilizer bar on the other hand to the vehicle structure, only on two transverse points of the vehicle structure. In this way, the suspension device comprises fewer fixing parts, which reduces the mass of the suspension device as well as its size on the vehicle structure. In addition, this architecture has the advantages of facilitating stock management, assembly times and costs related to the production of parts. Indirectly, this architecture also facilitates the maintenance and servicing of the vehicle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a casing of the electromotive group comprises a stabilizing tab configured to locally hold the stabilizer bar, the stabilizing tab preferably comprising a through hole crossed by the stabilizer bar and adjusted to the stabilizer bar. In this way, any deformations undergone by the vehicle structure are filtered by the stabilizer bar, which reduces the transmission of these noises from the vehicle structure to the casing of the electromotive group. In addition, such a suspension device architecture reduces the transmission of vibrations emitted by the engine to the vehicle structure. Preferably, the stabilizer bar is made, preferably made of, metal.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle remarkable in that it comprises a motor vehicle assembly as described above. Such a vehicle makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of such a motor vehicle assembly and to simplify, among other things, the production chain of vehicles comprising this suspension device architecture. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.l]: a side view diagram of a motor vehicle assembly comprising an electromotive group, an electromotive group suspension device and a vehicle structure. • [Fig.2]: a diagram seen from above of the whole of [Fig.l].

[0020] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0021] In the description and the claims, to clarify the description and the claims, the terminology longitudinal, transverse and vertical will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron X, Y, Z indicated in the figures. Detailed description of embodiments

[0022] In Figures 1 and 2 is illustrated an assembly 1 for a motor vehicle comprising an electromotive group 10, a suspension device 12 for the electromotive group 10 and a vehicle structure 18, the suspension device 12 making it possible to connect the electromotive group 10 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0023] The vehicle structure 18 comprises one or more metal structural elements, such as cross members, forming a cradle of the vehicle chassis.

[0024] The electromotive group 10, commonly called “GEM”, comprises an electric motor and a reducer, making it possible to reduce a high rotational speed of the electric motor to a speed more appropriate for driving the vehicle. The GEM 10 further comprises a casing 14 in which the electric motor and the reducer are housed. The casing 14 comprises two suspension lugs, configured to allow the suspension device 12 to connect to the casing 14. The suspension lugs may comprise recesses in the casing 14, of the mortise type, or reliefs such as ribs for example. The suspension lugs may be formed by molding during the production of the casing 14 or by machining or adding additional parts after the molding step. In addition, the casing 14 comprises a stabilizing tab 32, which can be formed during molding and then requiring a machining or milling step, or added after molding the casing 14. The stabilizing tab 32 forms a body delimiting a through hole 42 along an axis 100 of the assembly 1 transverse to the vehicle structure 18. In other words, when the assembly 1 for a motor vehicle is in a position of use of the vehicle, the transverse axis 100 of the assembly 1 is parallel to a transverse axis Y of the vehicle, and generally parallel to the ground. The stabilizing tab 32 is configured to securely connect the casing 14 of the GEM 10 to the suspension device 12. In another embodiment, the through hole 42 of the stabilizing tab 32 is open radially, so as to have a general “C” shape.In other words, the stabilizing tab has a gripping portion surrounding the stabilizer bar 21 in an adjusted manner along an angular section strictly less than 360 degrees so that it is open radially, and greater than 180 degrees, with a reference greater than or equal to 225 degrees.

[0025] The suspension device 12 of the GEM 10 is configured to provide the mechanical connection between the GEM 10 and the vehicle structure 18 while filtering the vibrations generated by the operation of the GEM 10 and the deformations that the vehicle structure 18 may undergo, in order to minimize the transmission of disturbances between the GEM 10 and the vehicle structure 18 when the motor vehicle is in operation, that is to say when it is in the use phase either by the vibrations of the GEM 10 to the chassis of the vehicle when the electromotor is in operation, or by the vibrations of the chassis generated by the rolling of the vehicle to the GEM 10. The suspension device 12 of the GEM more precisely comprises two similar connection devices 34 fixed to the vehicle structure 18 so as to be aligned on the transverse axis Y to the vehicle.The connecting devices 34 are spaced apart from each other and located at a distance from a longitudinal reference axis of the assembly 1, corresponding to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle. This space is chosen more specifically according to the dimensions of the GEM 10 and of the vehicle. The suspension device 12 comprises a stabilizer bar 21 located along the transverse axis 100 of the assembly 1, connected to the two connecting devices 34, the stabilizer bar 21 and the two connecting devices 34 being configured to connect together and each the GEM 10 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0026] Each connecting device 34 comprises a support module 30 disposed between, preferably interposed between, the GEM 10 and the vehicle structure 18. Each corresponding connecting device 34 comprises a suspension mechanism 40 for connecting the support module 30 to the GEM 10 and fixing means 24 for fixing the associated suspension module 30 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0027] Each support module 30 is provided with a body 31, preferably in one piece for improve its strength, i.e. formed from a single piece. The body 31 of the support module 30 is made of a metal or a metal alloy, and preferably is made of steel. The body 31 of the support module 30 here has a longitudinally taken section of generally trapezoidal shape. The body 31 of the support module 30 has in particular an enlarged base 31', i.e. having a shape enlarged compared to the rest of the body 31, configured to come into contact and bear against the structure of the vehicle. The enlarged part of the base 31' compared to the rest of the body 31 allows a larger contact surface with the vehicle structure 18, ensuring better stability between the connecting device 34 and the vehicle structure 18. A head of the body 31 has a smaller size than the base 31', making it possible to reduce the mass of the body 31.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each base 31' of the two support modules 30 comprises a projection. The projection is configured to rest in contact with one of the adjacent surfaces of the part of the vehicle structure 18 to which the associated support module 30 is fixed, or on another element of the structure 18 for example. This projection may comprise fixing interfaces 32C and fixing means 24, and improves the fixing of the indicated support module 30 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0029] The body 31 of the support module 30 has: • a connection interface 31A to the GEM 10, configured to accommodate the suspension mechanism 40 intended to be connected to the electromotive group; • a connecting interface 31B to a stabilizer bar 21 configured to accommodate a bearing 28 to be connected to the stabilizer bar 21; and • a fixing interface 31C configured to accommodate fixing means 24 intended to fix the support module 30 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0030] The connecting interfaces 31A, 31B, and the fixing interface 31C are each formed in the body 31 of the support module 30.

[0031] The connection interface 31A is configured to receive the suspension mechanism 40 and thus ensure the connection of said suspension mechanism 40 to the support module 30, in particular to the body 31 of the support module 30.

[0032] The connecting interface 31B for connecting the body 31 of the support module 30 to the stabilizer bar 21 is configured to accommodate a bearing 21 and connect the stabilizer bar 21 to the support module 30. The bearing 21 is connected to the connecting interface 31B to the stabilizer bar 21 by means of connecting means (not shown in the figures). The bearing 21 may for example have a recessed connection, for example by being shrunk, in a corresponding hole.

[0033] The fixing interface 31C is configured to accommodate the fixing means 24 of the support module 30 associated with the vehicle structure 18 and connecting the support module 30 to the vehicle structure 18.

[0034] The connecting interfaces 31A, 31B and fixing 31C may comprise holes, passing through or not, in the body 31 of the support module 30 and / or reliefs, tabs or other suitable configurations, for example cavities such as mortises.

[0035] The fixing means 24 of each support module 30 to the vehicle structure 18 and the connecting means provided at the connecting interfaces 31A, 31B are made of metal, preferably made of steel. The fixing means 24 may comprise, for example, screw-nut assemblies.

[0036] The suspension mechanism 40 of each connecting device 34 is configured to perform a function of suspending the GEM 10 from the vehicle structure 18. The suspension mechanism 40 comprises at least: • a suspension wedge 20 secured to the module 30; and • a suspension arm 16 configured to be connected on the one hand to the GEM 10 and on the other hand to the suspension wedge 20.

[0037] The suspension mechanism 40 also comprises connecting means (not shown) configured to connect the suspension mechanism 40 to the support module 30.

[0038] The suspension wedge 20 is arranged between, preferably interposed between, the body 31 of the module 30 and the suspension arm 16. The suspension wedge 20 ensures the connection between the suspension arm 16 and the connection interface to the GEM 10 of the support module 30. The suspension wedge 20 is connected to the connection interface 31A of the body 31 of the support module 30 to the GEM 10 by means of connection means (not shown in the figures). The suspension wedge 20 may, for example, have a built-in connection, for example by being shrunk, in a corresponding hole or a mortise. Welding may also be carried out in addition or as an alternative. The suspension wedge 20 has a circular section, and is composed, preferably made of, metal.

[0039] The suspension arm 16 has an elongated body extending along a connecting axis between a distal suspension end portion 22 and a proximal suspension end portion 23, axially opposite the distal suspension end portion 22 relative to the axis of the suspension arm 16. The distal suspension end portion 22 is connected to one of the suspension lugs of the casing 14. The proximal suspension end portion 23 is intended to be connected indirectly to the support module 30, by means of the suspension wedge 20 to which the proximal suspension end portion 23 of the suspension arm 16 is fixed by connecting means. The suspension arm 16 is composed of preferably made of metal, so that the suspension arm 16 is rigid. Thanks to this characteristic, the two suspension arms 16 of the two connecting devices 34 of the suspension device 12 can keep the GEM 10 suspended in a position determined by the manufacturer when mounting said GEM 10 in the vehicle.

[0040] Naturally, the two connecting devices 34 of the suspension device 12 having identical architectures, the parts of each of the two connecting devices 34 are similar to their counterpart of the other connecting device 34.

[0041] The stabilizer bar 21 has a predetermined stiffness intended to counter possible elastic deformations of the assembly 1 of the vehicle, and allows a connection of the casing 14 of the GEM 10 to the vehicle structure 18, in order to reduce the rolling or the twisting movement of the bodywork during turns or when encountering obstacles on the roadway. The stabilizer bar 21 fulfills a function of rigid connection of the GEM 10 to the vehicle structure 18 to reinforce the structure of the assembly 1. The stabilizer bar 21 comprises a body 21' extending between two stabilizing ends 26. Each of the two stabilizing ends 26 is connected to one of the bearings 28 fixedly connected to the associated support module 30, via the connection interface to the stabilizer bar 21 and the associated connection means.

[0042] The associated bearing 28 is fixed at the level of the corresponding connecting interface 31B of the support module 30, at a level vertically below the connecting interface 31B, in particular the suspension wedge 20, so that the bearing 28 is closer to the vehicle structure 18 than is the suspension wedge 20 when the connecting device 34 is in a vehicle use position. The bearing 28 comprises a metal structure such as a ring and preferably one or more intermediate rubber elements such as an annular seal to limit vibrations between the end portion of the stabilizer bar 21.

[0043] The stabilizer bar 21 comprises at its body 21', between the two stabilizing ends 26, a connection zone to the GEM 10. This connection to the GEM 10 is made by means of the stabilizing tab 32 of the casing 14. In other words, the stabilizer bar 21 extends along the transverse axis 100 of the assembly 1 and locally passes through the hole of the stabilizing tab 32 secured to the casing 14. The stabilizer bar 21 is composed, preferably made of metal.

[0044] The support module 30 therefore comprises connection interfaces 31A, 31B and fixing interfaces 31C allowing the suspension wedge 20 and the bearing 28 to be secured to the structure 18, allowing a pooling of the suspension and elastic connection functions of the GEM 10 to the vehicle structure 18. The pooling of these two functions makes it possible to reduce the spatial size of the fixings of the suspension wedges 20 and the bearings 28 on the vehicle structure 18. In addition, the resources material, energy and time requirements for this type of molded parts are easily controlled, facilitating a better overall performance of the architecture of the suspension device 12 of the vehicle. By better overall performance of the architecture of the suspension device 12, we mean a reduction in the spatial size of the suspension device 12, a reduction in the costs related to the production, inventory management, maintenance and servicing of the parts making up the suspension device 12.

[0045] The invention as described thus has the advantages of being able to offer a simple architecture of a suspension device 12 of an electromotive group 10 having only two support modules 30 making it possible to share the functions of maintaining the stabilizer bar 21, of fixing to the structure 18 of the vehicle and of suspension of the GEM 10.

[0046] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0047] For example, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the body of the support modules 30 may have another shape while ensuring the same functions.

[0048] It is emphasized that all features, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached claims, even if they have been specifically described only in relation to other determined features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or devoid of sense.

Claims

Claims

1. Support module (30) for a device for connecting an electromotive group (10) to a vehicle structure (18), the support module (30) being characterized in that it comprises a body (31) comprising: - an interface (31 A) for connecting to an electromotive group configured to accommodate a suspension mechanism (40) intended to be connected to the electromotive group; - an interface (31B) for connecting to a stabilizer bar (21) configured to accommodate a bearing (28) to be connected to the stabilizer bar (21); and - a fixing interface (31C) configured to accommodate fixing means intended to fix the support module (30) to a vehicle structure (18).

2. Support module (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (31) is a single piece, that is to say formed from a single piece.

3. Support module (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the body (31) is made of metal or metals, preferably made of steel.

4. Support module (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface for connection to the electromotive group (10) and the interface for connection to the stabilizer bar are distinct, preferably the interface for connection to the electromotive group, the interface for connection to the stabilizer bar and the fixing interface are distinct.

5. Device (34) for connecting an electromotive group (10) to a vehicle structure (18) characterized in that it comprises a support module (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, a suspension mechanism (40) connected to the interface for connecting to the electromotive group (10), a bearing (28) connected to the interface of the stabilizer bar (21) and the fixing means for fixing the support module (30) to the vehicle structure (18).

6. Connecting device (34) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suspension mechanism (40) comprises a suspension wedge (20) connected to the body of the support module (30) at the level of the connection interface to the electromotor group (10), and a suspension arm (16) connected on the one hand to the suspension wedge (20) and intended to be connected on the other hand to the electromotor group (10).

7. Assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprising an electromotive group (10) and a suspension device (12) for the electromotive group (10), the suspension device (12) being fixed to a vehicle structure (18) and providing a mechanical connection between the electromotive group (10) and the vehicle structure (18), the assembly (1) for a motor vehicle being characterized in that the suspension device (12) comprises at least: - two connecting devices (34) according to the preceding claim, each connecting device (34) being fixed to the vehicle structure (18) by the associated fixing means (24) and connected to the electromotive group by the suspension arm (16); and - a stabilizer bar (21) extending between two end portions (26) each connected respectively to one of the bearings (28) of one of the connecting devices (34) of the associated support.

8. Assembly (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that a casing (14) of the electromotive group (10) comprises a stabilizing tab (32) configured to locally hold the stabilizer bar (21), stabilizing tab (32) preferably comprising a through hole (42) crossed by the stabilizer bar (21) and adjusted to the stabilizer bar (21).

9. Assembly (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the stabilizer bar (21) is composed, preferably made, of metal.

10. Motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises an assembly (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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