Arrangement for a vehicle comprising a motor, a cradle and an attachment base for attaching the motor to the cradle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (4) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cradle (10) and a motor (2), the motor (2) comprising a first attachment point (21), a second attachment point (22) and a third attachment point (23) intended for attaching the motor (2) to such a vehicle, the arrangement (4) comprising a base (40) that is attached at the first, second and third attachment points (21, 22, 23) on the motor (2), the base (40) also being attached to the cradle (10).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Vehicle arrangement comprising an engine, a cradle and a mounting base for fixing the engine to the cradle.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising an engine, a cradle and a base arranged between the cradle and the engine. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement. The invention further relates to a series of vehicles comprising a first type of two-wheel drive vehicles and a second type of four-wheel drive vehicles, the first and second types of vehicles each comprising a cradle, an electric charger and an engine.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises a body and at least one engine for the traction and / or propulsion of such a vehicle. Such a body generally comprises a cradle arranged at the front supporting in particular a steering system for the front wheels of such a vehicle. In the case of a two-wheel drive vehicle comprising an electric motor arranged at the rear, in particular to ensure the propulsion of the vehicle, such a cradle generally supports a charger for charging a battery used to store electrical energy and power the electric motor.

[0006] It remains complicated to design a four-wheel drive vehicle from a two-wheel drive vehicle, especially from a two-wheel drive rear-wheel drive vehicle.

[0007] Indeed, the design, calculations, manufacturing of a specific body as well as all the tests necessary for its approval in terms of mechanical resistance, particularly in the event of an impact, are particularly expensive. The process of creating a specific body is therefore prohibitive given the necessary investments. Thus, it is appropriate to allow the transition from a two-wheel drive vehicle to a four-wheel drive vehicle in the most advantageous way possible.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention provides an arrangement for creating a four-wheel drive vehicle by attaching an engine to a cradle of a two-wheel drive vehicle.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cradle and an engine, the engine comprising a first fixing point, a second fixing point and a third fixing point intended to ensure the fixing of the engine on such a vehicle, the arrangement comprising a base fixed on the one hand at the first, second and third fixing points of the engine, the base being on the other hand fixed on the cradle.

[0012] The base may include:

[0013] - a first fixing means for cooperating with the first fixing point of the engine,

[0014] - a second fixing means for cooperating with the second fixing point of the engine, and

[0015] - a third fixing means for cooperating with the third fixing point of the engine.

[0016] The first, second and third means of fixing the base may each comprise a means of filtering vibrations coming from the engine and / or the cradle, in particular a filtering means of the Silentbloc type (Registered trademark).

[0017] The first fixing means may extend along a substantially transverse axis, the second fixing means may extend along a substantially transverse axis and the third fixing means may extend along a substantially longitudinal axis, the axes possibly being included in the same transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0018] The base may include anchor points to secure the base to the cradle.

[0019] Each anchor point may comprise a plate or angle provided with a hole, in particular a hole for cooperating with a screw or stud extending from the cradle or intended to be opposite a thread provided in the cradle.

[0020] The base may comprise a mechanically welded structure, in particular tubular or comprising tubular portions, in particular of circular, rectangular or square section.

[0021] The base can be made of steel or aluminum alloy.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined previously.

[0023] The invention also relates to a series of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, comprising a first type of two-wheel drive vehicles, in particular rear-wheel drive, and a second type of four-wheel drive vehicles, the first and second types of vehicles each comprising:

[0024] - a cradle, - a steering system fixed to the cradle,

[0025] - a charger,

[0026] - a motor, in particular an electric motor, the first type of vehicle comprising the charger fixed to the cradle, and the second type of vehicle comprising the motor fixed to the cradle and a base arranged between the cradle and the motor.

[0027] Presentation of figures

[0028] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Detailed description

[0036] The direction in which a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, we use a direct XYZ reference frame in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 1, a vehicle 1, for example a motor vehicle, comprises an engine 2, preferably electric. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 6. The vehicle 1 or the body 6 comprises a cradle 10. The vehicle 1 or the body 6 further comprises a steering system 3. The steering system 3 preferably comprises a steering rack. The vehicle 1 or the body 6 preferably comprises a battery 7 and an electrical charger or electrical current transformer 5. The charger 5 is intended to allow the battery 7 to be recharged with electricity from an electrical supply, for example from an electrical outlet via a cable or connection. Thus, preferably, the vehicle 1 is of the electric or plug-in hybrid type. The vehicle 1 further comprises an arrangement 4.

[0038] More specifically, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the arrangement 4 comprises the cradle 10, the engine 2 and a base 40. For example, the arrangement 4 further comprises the steering system 3.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 4, the engine 2 comprises a first fixing point 21, a second fixing point 22 and a third fixing point 23. These three fixing points 21, 22, 23 make it possible to ensure the fixing of the engine 2 on the vehicle 1. For this, the base 40 is fixed on the one hand at the first, second and third fixing points 21, 22, 23 of the engine 2 and on the other hand on the cradle 10. In other words, the base 40 extends between the engine 2 and the cradle 10. Thus, the base 40 is a fixing interface extending between the engine 2 and the cradle 10. Advantageously, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the base 40 comprises a first fixing means 41 for cooperating with the first fixing point 21 of the engine and a second fixing means 42 for cooperating with the second fixing point 22 of the engine and a third fixing means 43 for cooperating with the third fixing point 23 of the engine.Preferably, the first, second and third fixing means 41, 42, 43 of the base 40 each comprise a filtering or filtration means 31, 32, 33 for the vibrations. Thus, the vibrations originating on the one hand from the engine 2, preferably electric, and / or on the other hand from the body 6, in particular from the cradle 10, are filtered, damped, attenuated at the level of the means 31, 32, 33. Preferably, each filtering means 31, 32, 33, illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, is of the type known under the registered trademark SILENTBLOC. Thus, preferably, each filtering means is cylindrical in shape and comprises a rigid internal tubular part, a rigid external tubular part and a damping element extending radially from the internal tubular part to the external tubular part.

[0040] To ensure the fixing of the filtering means 31, 32, 33 on the base 40, preferably, the base comprises receiving means 61, 62, 63. In the case of filtering means of cylindrical external shape, the receiving means 61, 62, 63 are circular tubular portions of internal diameter substantially equal to, or even slightly smaller than, the external diameter of each filtering means. For example, the three filtering means are identical. Preferably, the first and second filtering means 31, 32 are larger, more solid, than the third filtering means 33.

[0041] For example, the first fixing means 41 extends along a substantially transverse axis A1. In this case, the first filtering means 31 extends along an axis that coincides or substantially coincides with the axis A1. For example, the second fixing means 42 extends along a substantially transverse axis A2. In this case, the second filtering means 32 extends along an axis that coincides or substantially coincides with the axis A2. For example, the third fixing means 43 extends along a substantially longitudinal axis A3. In this case, the third filtering means 33 extends along an axis that coincides or substantially coincides with the axis A3. Optionally, the axes A1, A2, A3 are included in the same transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0042] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, the base 40 comprises anchoring points 44, 45, 46, 47 to ensure, facilitate, the fixing of the base 40 on the cradle 10. For example, each anchoring point 44; 45; 46; 47 comprises respectively a flat or an angle 442; 452; 462; 472 provided respectively with a hole 441; 451; 461; 471. Thus, in the case of a cradle 10 comprising screws and / or studs, the respective holes of a flat or an angle of the base 40 can cooperate with these screws and / or studs. For example, the holes 441, 451, 461, 471 of the base are designed to be opposite threads 54, 55, 56, 57 provided in the cradle 10 (see figure 4). Preferably, the threads 54, 55, 56, 57 are added nuts, for example welded into hollow parts of the cradle 10.For example, the cradle 10 is obtained by welding substantially U-shaped profiles so as to obtain square or rectangular sections via weld beads 12 between two U-shaped profiles as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, nuts may possibly be added within the U-shaped profiles before assembly by welding to obtain the cradle 10.

[0043] Preferably, the base 40 comprises a mechanically welded structure 48, for example tubular or comprising tubular portions. The section of the tubular portions is for example circular, and / or rectangular, and / or square. For example, the base 40 is made of steel or aluminum alloy, in particular so as to facilitate its production by folding and / or welding.

[0044] Thanks to the presence of the base inserted between the engine and the cradle, the cradle can be common, identical or at least very similar, to a series of vehicles comprising at least two types or versions of vehicles, preferably motor vehicles.

[0045] For example, the series of vehicles comprises a first type of two-wheel drive vehicles, for example rear-wheel drive, and a second type of four-wheel drive vehicles. The first and second types of vehicles each comprise the cradle 10, a steering system 3 preferably being attached to the cradle 10, the charger 5 and the motor 2, preferably electric.

[0046] The first type of vehicles in the series includes the charger 5 fixed on the cradle 10, preferably after fixing a receiving bracket for the charger on the cradle.

[0047] The second type of vehicle in the series comprises the engine 2 fixed to the cradle 10 by means of the base 40 arranged between the cradle and the engine. The charger 5 is then preferably fixed elsewhere on the body of the vehicle, for example under the driver's feet or under the passenger seat.

[0048] In summary, the interface 40 equipped with the filtration means 31, 32, 33 participates in an integral suspension or support structure for an engine. As a reminder, preferably, the engine intended to be fixed on this base-type structure 40 is an electric motor. Thus, from a vehicle base equipped with a first electric motor arranged at the rear and driving the rear wheels, it becomes easy to install a second electric motor at the cradle 10 arranged at the front. The second electric motor then drives the front wheels, which makes it possible to produce a four-wheel drive vehicle, for example fully electric.

[0049] For example, if there is a second electric motor installed on the cradle, this motor is an auxiliary, additional, secondary, traction motor. In this case, this second motor cannot tow the vehicle alone.

[0050] Thus, compared to a two-wheel drive version with propulsion in which the charger is usually installed on the front cradle, the charger of the four-wheel drive version is relocated, moved. More precisely, the space provided by the relocation of the charger is used to install the electric motor intended to pull the front wheels of the four-wheel drive version.

[0051] The solution allows an engine to be installed within a front engine compartment that is highly constrained, even fixed, or mostly fixed. Thus, the solution allows an engine to be installed while keeping the steering system in place, including the steering rack, the body, a front axle, the subframe, a steering column, and other large and / or essential parts of the engine compartment.

[0052] In addition, the solution makes it possible to retain part of the assembly process of the two-wheel drive version, namely the assembly of at least part of the steering system 3, in particular the rack on the cradle prior to assembly on the rest of the body.

[0053] Following the mounting of the rack on the cradle, for the four-wheel drive version for example, the base 40 (previously equipped with the filtration means 31, 32, 33) is mounted on the cradle 10. Preferably, this fixing step is ensured by means of screws passing through the holes 441, 451, 461, 471 made in the base at the level of flats or angles 442, 452, 462, 472, and screwing into threads or nuts 54, 55, 56, 57 of the cradle 10.

[0054] The motor 2 is then mounted on the base 40. This assembly or fixing is preferably done by bolts, threaded rods with nuts, or axes passing through the internal cylindrical parts of the filtering means 31, 32, 33 to cooperate with the fixing points 21, 22, 23 of the motor 2. Each fixing point 21, 22, 23 of the motor is then preferably in the form of a yoke.

[0055] Then, we dock under the body for the marriage operation, in particular the assembly of the cradle on which these parts are fixed, to the rest of the vehicle body. This operation is identical or substantially identical to the two-wheel drive version.

[0056] Thus, the assembly process for the four-wheel drive version differs only slightly from that for the two-wheel drive version. The high production rate can be maintained for the assembly of the two-wheel drive version and simply slowed down for the assembly of the four-wheel drive version. This results in an economic gain. In addition, the diversity of parts for the four-wheel drive version is limited compared to the two-wheel drive version, which helps maintain productivity, particularly in terms of operator engagement rates.

[0057] The cradle, or at least the majority of its dimensional and / or mechanical characteristics, is retained, particularly at the level of the cradle attachment interfaces on the rest of the body 6.

[0058] The integral structure or base 40 is a single-piece structure, which allows for simple assembly of the base on the cradle, similar to the assembly of a charger support on a cradle of the two-wheel drive rear-wheel drive version. The specific shape of the base advantageously provides a foolproof function, with only one assembly being possible in relation to the cradle and in relation to the engine. The base offers a saving in assembly time and ergonomics because it is simpler to fix the engine on the bulky, single-piece base than to fix the engine on three separate parts which must themselves, one by one, be fixed beforehand on the cradle. Furthermore, the shape of the base, in particular the flats and angles 442, 452, 462, 472 for its fixing on the cradle, facilitates access for a screwdriver opposite the threads or nuts 54, 55, 56, 57 of the cradle.

[0059] In other words, the fact that the base 40 supports the three engine supports, in particular the three filtering means 31, 32, 33, makes it possible to avoid the usual operations of mounting unitary studs. The number of parts to be mounted is reduced to one part, the base, instead of the unitary studs. The number of fasteners is reduced and consequently this makes it possible to reduce the number of screws, for example by having only four screws in total to fix the base to the cradle compared to at least six screws in the case of unitary studs generally comprising at least two screws or even more. The assembly time is thus reduced and made easier.

[0060] Furthermore, the base 40 avoids torsional stresses in the crosspieces and side members of the cradle 10. Indeed, it is the structure of the base itself which receives, absorbs these stresses of the type forces, torque, torsion, transmitted via the filtering means 31, 32, 33. It is also for this reason that four screws for example are sufficient for fixing the base on the cradle. Indeed, since the base absorbs the forces, only the maintenance of the base on the cradle is sought. The structure 48 of the base 40 thus makes it possible to avoid any reinforcement on the cradle which results in a gain in weight, volume and savings at the level of the cradle.Possibly, only minor modifications are planned on the cradle for the base fixings, in particular the addition of welded or crimped nuts, so as to make a cradle initially intended for a two-wheel drive version (intended to support an electric charger) compatible with the four-wheel drive version (intended to support an electric motor). Possibly the cradle is a standard part for several versions of a vehicle, certain fixings being provided on the cradle for the mounting of a charger support (two-wheel drive with electric propulsion in particular) and other fixings being provided on the cradle for the mounting of the base intended to receive the engine 2, in particular electric (four-wheel drive).

[0061] Advantageously, the base 40 of the integral engine support structure type provides mechanical protection for the entire electric powertrain with respect to potential obstacles on the road. The base complements the provisions put in place in terms of ground clearance and risks from the ground. For example, the base acts as a support for an engine protection element, or even performs this function. In the case of a utility vehicle in particular, protection extending substantially parallel to the ground under the engine comprising a sheet or plate, for example in the overall shape of a ski, can possibly be avoided. This obviously offers a saving in assembly time, an economic gain due to not having to manufacture this protection and finally a weight saving. In addition, the base remains compatible for a utility vehicle version.

[0062] The solution does not use a foundry-type manufacturing process to support the engine as is usually the case, which is generally time-consuming and therefore expensive. The manufacturing of the base uses less expensive processes such as cutting, bending and welding. Note that the plates and angles are arranged so as not to be opposite the weld beads 12 used to obtain the cradle, illustrated in particular in Figure 4. Thus, the plates and angles come onto the cradle at the level of flat or substantially flat faces so as to provide reliable and durable supports between the base and the cradle and not to cause any hindrance during their assembly.

[0063] Since the cradle of the two-wheel drive version has preferably already been tested in terms of impact and collision, we can refrain from repeating these tests for the cradle of the four-wheel drive version, which represents a significant economic gain. Indeed, any modifications such as holes and welded nuts to be added are minor.

[0064] Note that the solution is compatible with assembly on the production line. For example, 10 cradles are equipped with a 3 steering system, a 40 base, and a 2 engine in masked time, so as to create a stock for assembly for a second type of vehicle, i.e. a four-wheel drive version if necessary.

[0065] Finally, the solution can be adapted to all types of engine suspension systems such as fixed suspension, pendulum suspension, for thermal, hybrid and electric engines, and / or the fixing of any object or organ requiring filtration in relation to the body.

[0066] In summary, the layout facilitates the design and production of four-wheel drive vehicles from a two-wheel drive vehicle base, particularly from a rear-wheel drive two-wheel drive vehicle. The solution is particularly suitable for a two-wheel drive rear-wheel drive electric vehicle that is intended to be converted into a fully electric four-wheel drive vehicle. The modification involves adding the base between the cradle and the engine. The modifications to the cradle are minor, if not non-existent, which eliminates the need for the design, calculations, and manufacturing of a specific cradle, as well as all the tests required for its approval in terms of mechanical resistance, particularly in the event of an impact, which are particularly costly.

[0067] As a side note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of simplifying the creation of a four-wheel drive vehicle version from a two-wheel drive vehicle base and has the following advantages:

[0068] - it can be used on other types of motorized vehicles, namely trucks, buses, utility vehicles or even motorized two-wheelers, by inserting a base comprising filtering means between an engine and a body of such vehicles;

[0069] - it can be adapted to other applications, in the railway sector, aviation, fixed engines such as generators or generator sets for example, or even to motorized floating boats.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement (4) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a cradle (10) and an engine (2), the engine (2) comprising a first fixing point (21), a second fixing point (22) and a third fixing point (23) intended to ensure the fixing of the engine (2) on such a vehicle, characterized in that the arrangement (4) comprises a base (40) fixed on the one hand at the first, second and third fixing points (21, 22, 23) of the engine (2), the base (40) being on the other hand fixed on the cradle (10).

2. Arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (40) comprises: - a first fixing means (41) for cooperating with the first fixing point (21) of the motor, - a second fixing means (42) for cooperating with the second fixing point (22) of the motor, and - a third fixing means (43) for cooperating with the third fixing point (23) of the engine.

3. Arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first, second and third fixing means (41, 42, 43) of the base (40) each comprise a filtering means (31, 32, 33) of the vibrations coming from the engine (2) and / or the cradle (10), in particular a filtering means of the Silentbloc type (Registered trademark).

4. Arrangement (4) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the first fixing means (41) extends along a substantially transverse axis (A1), the second fixing means (42) extends along a substantially transverse axis (A2) and the third fixing means (43) extends along a substantially longitudinal axis (A3), the axes (A1, A2, A3) possibly being included in the same transverse and longitudinal plane.

5. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (40) comprises anchoring points (44, 45, 46, 47) for fixing the base (40) to the cradle (10).

6. Arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each anchoring point (44; 45; 46; 47) comprises a flat or an angle iron (442; 452; 462; 472) provided with a hole (441; 451; 461; 471), in particular a hole for cooperating with a screw or a stud extending from the cradle (10) or intended to be opposite a thread (54; 55; 56; 57) formed in the cradle (10).

7. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (40) comprises a mechanically welded structure (48), in particular tubular or comprising tubular portions, in particular of circular or rectangular or square section.

8. Arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (40) is made of steel or aluminum alloy.

9. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Series of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, comprising a first type of two-wheel drive vehicles, in particular rear-wheel drive, and a second type of four-wheel drive vehicles, the second type of vehicles comprising: - a cradle (10), - a steering system (3) fixed on the cradle (10), - a charger (5), - a motor (2), in particular an electric motor, characterized in that the second type of vehicle comprises an arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and in that the first type of vehicle comprises a cradle (10) identical or similar to that of the second type of vehicle, a steering system (3) fixed to the cradle (10), a motor (2), in particular an electric motor, and a charger (5) fixed to the cradle (10).

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