Apparatus, assembly and vehicle comprising such apparatus for assembling side members and chassis cross members of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly device (1) of a side member (2) and a chassis cross member (3) of a motor vehicle, said assembly device (1) being formed from a single rigid metal piece, characterized in that the assembly device (1) presents an assembly surface portion (13) which is brought into contact with each other by welding the assembly device (1) and the anchoring element (4) of the rear wheel axle (18) of the motor vehicle to the chassis (2, 3, 21) of this motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobiles, and more particularly to the technical field of attaching the rear wheel axle of a motor vehicle to the chassis of such a motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle equipped with a battery or a fuel cell associated with at least one fuel tank (especially hydrogen).

[0002] The grounding connection element of a motor vehicle, at its anchorage zone to the vehicle body, constitutes the point of entry for forces from the wheels on the vehicle body. These forces are significant when the vehicle is loaded and / or traveling on degraded roads and / or at high speeds. To ensure acceptable structural integrity of the vehicle body under these forces, the external (point A) and internal (point B) attachment points of the rear axle of this motor vehicle must be reinforced.

[0003] Specifically, for electric or hybrid propulsion vehicles, propulsion is ensured by at least one electric motor drawing energy from at least one battery, the size of which necessitates optimizing the location of the internal and external attachment points of the vehicle's rear axle. The same applies to electric propulsion vehicles equipped with fuel cells that use hydrogen stored in at least one large tank as fuel. Background Technology

[0004] A multi-purpose vehicle is known, wherein the chassis includes gusset plates for assembling side members and transverse members of the chassis. This multi-purpose vehicle also includes a point A for attaching the rear axle of the multi-purpose vehicle, point A comprising a U-shaped clamp formed by two flanges connected to each other by sheet metal members fixed to the side members. The U-shaped clamp is not attached to the transverse members. Therefore, the stiffness of the assembly formed by the gusset plates, transverse members, side members, and the U-shaped clamp for attaching the rear axle is not optimized.

[0005] Other electric motor vehicles are known in which the U-shaped clip at point A, used for attaching the rear axle of the vehicle, is reportedly threaded onto the underside of the vehicle body. Therefore, the U-shaped clip at point A does not contribute optimally to the structural integrity of the chassis.

[0006] A hybrid electric vehicle is known in which a U-shaped clamp at point A for attaching to the rear axle of the hybrid electric vehicle is reportedly threaded onto the underside of the vehicle body. Therefore, the U-shaped clamp at point A does not significantly contribute to the structural integrity of the chassis.

[0007] Another electric motor vehicle is known in which a U-shaped clamp at point A for attaching the rear axle of the electric motor vehicle is reportedly welded to the underside of the vehicle body. Therefore, the U-shaped clamp at point A does not significantly contribute to the structural integrity of the chassis.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for assembling side and transverse members of a motor vehicle chassis, particularly an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, which also allows for reinforcement of the U-shaped clamp at point A.

[0010] In particular, the present invention aims to provide an assembly apparatus that also allows for reinforcement of the connection between the transverse and side members of the chassis of a motor vehicle and the corner braces of the motor vehicle.

[0011] However, the object of the present invention is also to provide a compact assembly device that, due to its compact footprint, allows for the provision and / or increase of space for housing batteries that power the motors of electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0012] However, the object of the present invention is also to alternatively propose such a compact assembly device, which, due to its compact footprint, allows for the provision and / or increase of space for housing hydrogen tanks that power the fuel cells for the motors of electric vehicles.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact component comprising an assembly device that allows for structural reinforcement of the chassis of a motor vehicle, and / or, due to this compact footprint, allows for the provision and / or increase of space for housing a battery powering the motor of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, or a hydrogen tank powering the fuel cell of an electric vehicle's motor.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle, particularly an electric or hybrid vehicle, which allows for an increase in the length of the volume of a hydrogen tank used to receive and mount a battery or to power a fuel cell. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an assembly device or "bracing plate" for side members and chassis transverse members of a motor vehicle, the assembly device being formed from a single rigid metal piece, characterized in that the assembly device presents an assembly surface portion that contacts each other by welding the assembly device and the anchoring elements of the rear wheel axle of the motor vehicle to the chassis of the motor vehicle.

[0016] Throughout the entire text:

[0017] The terms "front," "rear," "right," "left," "top," "bottom," and "side" are used in relation to a vehicle in its normal forward motion.

[0018] The XYZ reference system refers to the directly orthogonal reference system XYZ commonly used in automotive design. The X-axis indicates the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented rearward; the Y-axis indicates the lateral direction, oriented laterally from left to right; and the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction, oriented from bottom to top. This directly orthogonal reference system XYZ, according to standard No. 0100112, is... Figure 6 The diagram is used to represent this.

[0019] In the automotive field, the side members and transverse members that form the chassis are components of the vehicle's structural rigidity. The extension axes of the side members generally extend along the X-axis of the direct orthogonal reference system XYZ conventionally used in automotive design, and the extension axes of the transverse members generally extend along the Y-axis of the same direct orthogonal reference system XYZ. The side members and transverse members extend essentially in the same plane orthogonal to the Z-axis of the same direct orthogonal reference system XYZ.

[0020] According to the invention, the assembly equipment is a multi-functional assembly equipment that allows for the rigid and compact assembly of the side members and chassis transverse members of a motor vehicle, as well as at least one rear axle anchoring element, through welding. This assembly equipment, through welding, allows for increased rigidity of the vehicle structure and ensures the integrity of the structure subjected to forces from the wheels and transmitted to the vehicle body via grounding connection elements. However, this compact assembly equipment also provides a compact rear axle anchoring, wherein the rear axle anchoring point does not extend forward beyond the transverse member, and in this way releases space extending in front of the transverse member that would otherwise be allocated to a battery or a hydrogen tank powering a fuel cell for this electric vehicle.

[0021] According to the present invention, the assembly equipment presents a generally concave main surface that defines the receiving volumes of the side members and transverse members. When the assembly equipment is in an assembly state on a motor vehicle, this concave main surface is above the Z-axis according to a direct orthogonal reference system. According to the present invention, the assembly equipment presents a generally convex main surface, opposite to the concave main surface, which forms below the Z-axis according to a direct orthogonal reference system when the assembly equipment is in an assembly state on a motor vehicle.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the welded assembly surface portion where the anchoring elements of the assembly equipment and the rear wheel axle are brought into contact with each other by welding is a surface portion of the concave main surface of the assembly equipment. According to some other embodiments, the assembly surface portion where the anchoring elements of the assembly equipment and the rear wheel axle are brought into contact with each other by welding is a surface portion of the convex main surface of the assembly equipment.

[0023] According to the invention, the assembly equipment is formed to be fixed by welding, particularly by welding to anchoring elements of the rear wheel axle of the motor vehicle to the chassis of the motor vehicle. The assembly equipment according to the invention constitutes a "structural node" that allows forces from the grounding connection elements of the motor vehicle to be transmitted at least to the side members and chassis transverse members, as well as to the vehicle body. These forces become more important when the vehicle is loaded, or when the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle, due to the battery and / or the hydrogen tank powering the fuel cell. These forces are even more important when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds and / or on roads with degraded surfaces.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the assembly equipment is formed by stamping metal sheets. However, any other method of obtaining such a rigid metal part is possible. According to some embodiments, the assembly equipment is formed of steel. According to these embodiments, the assembly equipment is formed of a rigid metal part with substantially constant thickness.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the assembly device according to the invention forms a gap, the longitudinal gap being able to receive the side member, being able to cooperate with the side member through shape cooperation, and being able to secure the assembly device and the side member together by welding the assembly device and the side member to each other.

[0026] When the assembly equipment is arranged in a manner that cooperates with the side members, the transverse members, and at least with the anchoring elements of the rear wheel axle of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal clearance extends longitudinally according to an axis substantially parallel to the X-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system XYZ (conventionally used in automotive design), and Figure 6 The diagram is used to represent this.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal gap of the assembly equipment is shaped to cooperate with the two free adjacent principal surfaces of the side member, particularly to be weldable to the two free adjacent principal surfaces of the side member, the assembly equipment being designed to cooperate with the side member. According to these embodiments, the two free adjacent principal surfaces of the side member are the inner principal surface and the lower principal surface of the side member according to a direct orthogonal reference system XYZ.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal gap of the assembly equipment presents an edge, namely the edge of the so-called side member, which is intended to cooperate with the side member through contact. The edge of the side member is formed by folding at least a first substantially flat extension, the first substantially flat extension being arranged to be weldable to a first face of two free adjacent surfaces of the side member, with which the assembly equipment is intended to cooperate. According to these embodiments, the first face of the two free adjacent surfaces of the side member is the internal principal face of the side member. According to these embodiments, the first face of the two free adjacent surfaces of the side member is the principal face of the side member, which is substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system. A surface substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system refers to a surface, given the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the side member, whose normal forms an angle of less than 10° with the Y-axis.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the edge of the side member forms at least a second substantially flat extension, which is arranged to cooperate with a second face of the side member that differs from the first face among the two free adjacent principal faces, with which the assembly equipment is designed to cooperate. According to these embodiments, the second face of the side member is the lower principal face of the side member. According to these embodiments, the second face of the side member is a principal face of the side member that extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system. A plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system is a surface whose normal forms an angle of less than 10° with the Z-axis.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal gap of the assembly equipment presents an edge, the edge of the side member is intended to contact the side member and is provided with a substantially flat extension, which includes:

[0031] - At least one first extension, particularly a pair of first extensions opposite to each other, said at least one first extension, particularly the pair of first extensions, is capable of cooperating with a first surface of two free adjacent main surfaces of the side member, the assembly device being designed to cooperate with the side member, and

[0032] - At least one second extension, particularly a pair of second extensions opposite to each other, said at least one second extension, particularly the pair of second extensions, is capable of cooperating with the second face of two free adjacent principal faces of the side member, the assembly device being designed to cooperate with the side member. According to some embodiments, the first face of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the inner principal face of the side member. According to some embodiments, the second face of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the lower principal face of the side member (orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system).

[0033] According to some embodiments, the at least first extension and the at least second extension cooperate with the first and second freely adjacent main surfaces of the side member via a portion of the concave main surface of the assembly device. However, according to other embodiments, it is also acceptable to specify that the at least first extension and the at least second extension cooperate with the first and second freely adjacent main surfaces of the side member via a portion of the convex main surface of the assembly device.

[0034] The edge of the side member of the longitudinal gap defines the receiving volume of the side member from front to back (according to the X-axis of the direct orthogonal reference system). The receiving volume of the side member presents a height extending according to the Z-axis of the direct orthogonal reference system, which is capable of cooperating with a side member having a substantially the same height according to the Z-axis of the direct orthogonal reference system.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal gap is shaped to receive the side member and is traversed by the side member according to the X-axis of a direct orthogonal reference system.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal gap of the assembly equipment presents a portion of an edge (not intended to contact the side member), the anchoring edge being intended to contact and be secured to the rear axle anchoring element of the motor vehicle by welding the assembly equipment and the rear axle anchoring element of the motor vehicle. According to some embodiments, the rear axle anchoring edge extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, and extends in such a manner that the rear axle anchoring edge does not extend towards the side member. A plane substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system is a plane whose normal forms an angle of less than 10° with the Y-axis.

[0037] According to certain embodiments, the assembly device according to the invention forms a groove called a transverse groove, which is adapted to receive a transverse member, cooperate with the transverse member in a form-fitting manner, and be able to secure the assembly device to the transverse member by welding the assembly device and the transverse member to each other. The transverse groove defines the receiving volume of the transverse member. When the assembly device is in the assembly position in a motor vehicle, the transverse groove of the assembly device presents an elongated axis substantially parallel to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference frame.

[0038] According to the present invention, the lateral groove and the longitudinal gap of the assembly device are formed in a "T-shape" extending in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system. The lateral groove and the longitudinal gap respectively present receiving axes of the transverse and side members orthogonal to each other. According to some embodiments, the receiving axes of the transverse member and the side member extend in two different parallel planes that are substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system. According to some embodiments, the receiving axes of the transverse member and the side member extend in the same plane that is substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the transverse groove is shaped to cooperate with three freely adjacent principal faces of the transverse member, and the assembly equipment is designed to cooperate with and be welded to the transverse member. According to these embodiments, the three freely adjacent principal faces of the transverse member, based on the direct orthogonal reference system XYZ, are the front principal face (-X) of the transverse member, the rear principal face (+X) of the transverse member, and the lower principal face (-Z) of the transverse member.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the transverse groove presents an edge, the edge of the transverse member, which defines the receiving volume of the transverse member towards the top (+Z). The edge of the transverse member presents a substantially flat front extension (according to the -X axis) extending horizontally in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, and is arranged to engage and weld with the front edge of the transverse member. The edge of the transverse member has a substantially flat rear extension (according to the +X axis) extending horizontally in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, and is arranged to engage and weld to the rear edge of the transverse member.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the transverse groove presents a first terminal section with a cylindrical shape according to its elongated axis, which is substantially parallel to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, and presents front and rear extensions arranged to cooperate with the edge of the transverse member. In some embodiments, the transverse groove presents a second section according to its elongated axis, which is substantially parallel to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, extending from the first section and presenting front and rear extensions, which are arranged to be weldable to the edge of the side member. According to these embodiments, the second section extends from the first section forward and backward along the X-axis and downward to the bottom along the Z-axis. This enhances the rigidity of the assembly equipment and the vehicle structure.

[0042] According to some embodiments, at least one extension of the edge of the cross member is intended to contact the cross member and be welded to the cross member through a portion of the concave main surface of the assembly device.

[0043] The edge of the transverse member of the transverse groove defines the receiving volume of the transverse member. The receiving volume of the transverse member presents a height extending according to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, which can cooperate with a transverse member having a substantially the same height according to the Z-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system. According to some embodiments, the height of the transverse member is less than the height of the side member, and the height of the receiving volume of the transverse member is less than the height of the receiving volume of the side member. The receiving volume of the transverse member presents a width extending according to the X-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, which can cooperate with a transverse member having a substantially the same width according to the X-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the transverse groove is shaped to receive the longitudinal end of the transverse member, the longitudinal end of which substantially abuts against the side member according to the Y-axis of a direct orthogonal reference system.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the assembly equipment is designed to be welded to the surface of a rear support member used for vehicle jacks. The rigidity of the vehicle structure is enhanced, while maintaining a compact footprint for the assembly equipment and the anchoring elements from the rear axle to the chassis.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the surface used for fixing the assembly to the rear support member for the jack is substantially flat and extends over a portion of a convex main surface of the assembly, opposite to a concave main surface of the assembly, the portion of the assembly presenting this convex main surface restricting the receiving volume of the side member. According to some embodiments, the surface used for fixing the weld extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system and is substantially horizontal.

[0047] Advantageously, the assembly of the device according to the invention for welding the anchoring element of the rear axle of a motor vehicle to the surface portion of the chassis of the motor vehicle differs from the assembly surface portion of the device according to the invention, which has side members and transverse members respectively. The surface portion of the assembly device intended to be welded to the anchoring element of the rear axle, the rear axle anchoring surface, extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, at one of the terminal ends of the assembly device opposite the receiving terminal end of the transverse member (according to this Y-axis). The rear axle anchoring surface is formed by at least one extension, which extends by folding from the anchoring edge in the anchoring plane. According to some embodiments, each extension forming the rear axle anchoring surface extends in a plane orthogonal to the fixed surface of the assembly device for the rear support member of the jack. This strengthens the structural rigidity of the assembly device and the motor vehicle, and maintains a compact footprint of the assembly device and the rear axle to the anchoring element of the chassis.

[0048] In a motor vehicle including the assembly apparatus according to the invention, each extension forming the rear axle anchoring surface is fixed to an anchoring element by welding. In some embodiments, the anchoring element of the rear axle of the motor vehicle is also fixed to a third free principal surface of the side member by welding.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the anchoring element from the rear axle to the chassis of the motor vehicle is the housing of a bearing supporting point A of the vehicle, which cooperates with a cylindrical hinge ring at the end of the rear axle suspension arm of the motor vehicle.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the anchoring element includes an inner fin (Y-axis according to a direct orthogonal reference system) and an outer reinforcement (Y-axis according to a direct orthogonal reference system) assembled to an assembly device by welding. The inner fin and outer reinforcement of the anchoring element are capable of receiving and retaining an end bearing for securing a rear axle suspension arm to the chassis of a motor vehicle. The support member and the outer reinforcement are securely mounted to each other by welding. According to some embodiments, the support member and the inner fin are securely mounted to each other by welding. According to some embodiments, the inner fin and outer reinforcement of the anchoring element constitute an anchoring interface for the suspension control arm. The inner fin and outer reinforcement provide a clearance distance between them, the value of which is capable of receiving the suspension arm end and supporting the axle, which can cooperate with the suspension arm bearing.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the support member is securely installed by welding to at least one member selected from the gusset plates and wing beams of this motor vehicle. According to these embodiments, the assembly equipment allows for structural continuity between the following:

[0052] -Longitudinal structural elements, such as side members and corner braces,

[0053] - Lateral structural elements, such as transverse members, and

[0054] - Vertical structural elements, such as wing beams that form structural nodes.

[0055] The present invention is also extended to components including the assembly apparatus according to the present invention, characterized in that it further includes:

[0056] - The rear wheel axle of this motor vehicle is anchored to the chassis of the motor vehicle by welding.

[0057] - Rear support component for jacks used in motor vehicles, which is securely installed to the assembly equipment by welding.

[0058] According to some embodiments, at least one of the assembly equipment, the anchoring element of the rear axle, and the rear support member is made of steel. According to some embodiments, each of the assembly equipment, the anchoring element of the rear axle, and the rear support member is made of steel. The assembly according to the invention is a high mechanical strength assembly. The assembly according to the invention allows for an effective, rigid, and compact connection between the cross member, support member, and gusset plate, and further strengthens the connection between this assembly and the anchoring element of the rear axle in a compact manner, thereby allowing for a limited space occupation and providing space for the installation of the battery or one or more fuel tanks (especially hydrogen) for fuel cells.

[0059] The invention also extends to motor vehicles comprising at least one assembly device according to the invention or at least one component according to the invention.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the motor vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the motor vehicle is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery or a fuel cell powered by at least one hydrogen tank.

[0062] According to some embodiments, a motor vehicle is a multi-purpose vehicle. According to some embodiments, a motor vehicle is a vehicle in which the powertrain is located at the front. However, specifying a motor vehicle as a vehicle in which the powertrain is located at the rear is also not problematic.

[0063] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle is a rear-wheel drive vehicle. In some embodiments, the motor vehicle is a front-wheel drive vehicle. In some embodiments, the motor vehicle is an all-wheel drive vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description. The description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the convex main surface of the assembly equipment according to the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the concave main surface of the assembly equipment according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a transverse cross-sectional representation of the details of the vehicle, components, and assembly equipment according to the invention (based on the...). Figure 6 (The plane orthogonal to the X-axis of the direct orthogonal reference frame) and the rear view.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a flat-bottom view of the details of a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the grounding connection element of the motor vehicle is not shown.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the details of a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the grounding connection element of the motor vehicle is not shown.

[0070] Figure 6 It is the representation of the direct orthogonal reference frame XYZ that is commonly used in automotive design. Detailed Implementation

[0071] For descriptive purposes, references will be made to... Figure 6The direct orthogonal reference frame XYZ represented in the standard No. 0100112 is shown in the figure, where the X-axis indicates the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is oriented towards the rear, the Y-axis indicates the lateral direction and is oriented towards the right side of the vehicle, and the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction and is oriented towards the top.

[0072] exist Figure 1 In through its convex surface 22 and in Figure 2 The assembly device 1, or gusset plate, represented in a perspective view by its concave surface 23, is formed from a single piece of stamped steel sheet. The assembly device 1, formed from a stamped sheet metal plate, presents a folded shape selected to impart the desired bending stiffness. In fact, the assembly device 1 according to the invention is designed to allow for the rigid assembly of chassis components and rear axles of a motor vehicle, which are subjected to high mechanical stresses due to their connection with the wheels of the displaced motor vehicle. The folding of the stamped steel sheet applied to the assembly device 1 according to the invention, particularly but not exclusively, the folding established between two orthogonal or substantially orthogonal wall portions, constitutes a bending stiffness reinforcement for the assembly device 1 according to the three axes XYZ of a directly orthogonal reference system. Furthermore, the assembly device 1 according to the invention is formed from a single compact piece that allows the assembly of the side members 2, the transverse members 3, and at least one rear axle anchoring element 4 of the motor vehicle to be combined into an optimized and minimal volume. This optimized volume allows for increased space to accommodate one or more battery elements and / or one or more fuel tanks for powering fuel cells.

[0073] Assembly equipment 1 forms a groove, the transverse groove 6 being capable of receiving a transverse member ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Not shown in the text) to cooperate in shape with the transverse member, and to be able to fix the assembly device 1 to the transverse member 3 by welding the assembly device 1 and the transverse member 3 to each other. The transverse groove 6 is based on... Figure 1 and Figure 2The transverse groove 6 extends along an elongation axis identified by reference numeral 15. The transverse groove 6 presents a first free end portion 42 having a transverse cross-section of a substantially rectangular shape (orthogonal to the elongation axis 15 of the transverse groove, which is parallel to the Y-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system). The dimensions of the first portion 42 of the transverse groove 6 are adjusted according to the dimensions of the transverse member. The first portion 42 of the transverse groove 6 presents an edge, namely the edge 29 of the transverse member, which defines the receiving volume of the transverse member towards the top (+Z). The edge 29 of the transverse member presents a substantially flat front extension 30 (according to the -X-axis), which extends horizontally and in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system and is arranged to be welded to the front edge 40 of the transverse member. The edge 29 of the transverse member presents a substantially flat rear extension 39 (according to the +X-axis), which extends horizontally and in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system and is arranged to be welded to the rear edge 41 of the transverse member.

[0074] The transverse groove 6 presents a second outwardly extending section 43, which extends outward (+Y) toward the outside of the first section 42 according to the axis 15 of the transverse groove 6 and receives the transverse member 3. The second outwardly extending section 43 extends outward toward the front and rear according to the X-axis and toward the bottom according to the Z-axis. Therefore, the structural rigidity of the assembly equipment 1 and the motor vehicle is enhanced. The second outwardly extending section 43 presents a front extension 44 and a rear extension 45, which are arranged to be welded to the edge 46 of the side member, respectively. According to the three axes XYZ of the direct orthogonal reference system, the folds formed between the first section 42 and the second outwardly extending section 43 of the assembly equipment 1 and by the front extension 30 and the rear extension 39 contribute to the enhancement of the rigidity of the assembly equipment 1 according to the invention.

[0075] Assembly equipment 1 also forms a gap, the longitudinal gap 5 being able to receive the side member ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Not shown in the text) can cooperate with the side members through their shape, and can be fixed together by welding the assembly equipment and the side members to each other. The longitudinal gap 5 is based on... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The longitudinal gap 5 extends from the elongated axis identified by reference numeral 14 in the figure. The longitudinal gap 5 is shaped to allow welding to two freely adjacent principal surfaces of the side member, and the assembly equipment is designed to cooperate with the side member. According to these embodiments, the two freely adjacent principal surfaces of the side member are the inner principal surface and the lower principal surface of the side member according to the direct orthogonal reference system XYZ. Figure 1 and Figure 2The longitudinal gap of the assembly device 1 shown in the figure presents an edge, the edge 19 of the side member, which is intended to cooperate with the side member by contact, the edge 19 of the side member is formed by folding at least one first substantially flat extension 25, the first substantially flat extension 25 being arranged to be weldable to the first face of two free adjacent faces of the side member, the assembly device 1 being intended to cooperate with the side member.

[0076] According to these embodiments, the first of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the inner principal face of the side member. According to these embodiments, the first of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the principal face of the side member, which is substantially orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system. The edge 19 of the side member forms at least a second substantially flat extension 26, which is arranged to cooperate with a second face of the side member that differs from the first face, and the assembly device 1 is intended to cooperate with this side member. According to these embodiments, the second of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the lower principal face of the side member. According to these embodiments, the second of the two free adjacent faces of the side member is the principal face of the side member extending in a plane substantially orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system.

[0077] The assembly device 1 according to the invention presents a reinforced fold 34 oriented in a plane orthogonal to the X-axis, which is selected to allow for reinforcement of bending stiffness, particularly according to the elongation axis 15 of the transverse groove 6.

[0078] The assembly device 1 also features a welded assembly surface portion 13, which is brought into contact with each other by welding the assembly device 1 and the anchoring element 4 of the rear axle of the vehicle 20 to the chassis 21 of the vehicle 20. By welding the assembly device 1 and the anchoring element 4 of the rear axle 18, this portion 13 of the assembly surface extends in a plane orthogonal to the extension axis 15 of the transverse groove 6 and at another terminal end of the assembly device 1 opposite the free end 42 of the transverse groove 6. By welding the assembly device 1 and the anchoring element 4, the portion 13 of the assembly surface is formed by a plurality of extensions 28 extending from the edge of the longitudinal gap 5, the rear axle anchoring edge 27, which is not intended to contact and secure to the side member 2. The rear axle anchoring extensions 28 extend in a plane substantially orthogonal to the extension axis 15 of the transverse groove 6 and contribute to the rigidity of the assembly device 1 due to the folds of the rear axle anchoring edge 27.

[0079] The assembly device 1 also presents a fixed surface 7 by welding the assembly device 1 to the rear support member 8 of the jack for the motor vehicle 20. The fixed surface 7 of the assembly device 1 and the support member 8 is substantially flat and extends on a portion of the convex main surface 22 of the assembly device 1, opposite to the concave main surface 23 of the assembly device 1. The fixed surface 7 extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system and is substantially horizontal. The rear axle anchoring edge 27 of the fixed surface 7 also presents at least one descending edge 31, which, due to these folds, greatly contributes to the bending stiffness of the assembly device 1. This strengthens the structural stiffness of the assembly device 1 and the motor vehicle 20 and maintains a compact footprint for the assembly device 1 and the rear axle 18 to the anchoring element 4 of the chassis 21.

[0080] According to the invention, the component 12 including the assembly device 1 is in Figure 3 The cross section is represented by a plane orthogonal to the X-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system. Assembly 12 includes an assembly device 1 fixed to the transverse member 3 and the side member 2, and a rear support member 8 for the jack of the vehicle 20. The support member 8 is securely mounted to the assembly device 1 by welding to the fixed surface 7 of the assembly device 1. The support member 8 is also fixed to the corner bracket 10 of the vehicle 20 by welding. Assembly 12 also includes an anchoring element 4 for the rear axle 21 of the vehicle 20 to the chassis 2, 3 of the vehicle 20. The anchoring element 4 of the rear axle is formed by an inner fin 11 and an outer reinforcement 9, the outer reinforcement 9 supporting a shaft 47 that can cooperate with a suspension arm bearing 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner fin 11 is fixed to the extension 28 of the rear axle anchoring edge 27 of the assembly device 1 by welding. It is also permissible to fix the inner fin 11 to one of the main surfaces of the side member 2 by welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the external reinforcement 9 is fixed to the rear support member 8 for the jack by welding. According to a particular embodiment, the welding assembly is a spot welding assembly. The rigidity of the assembly 12 according to the invention and its compact footprint allow for optimization of the available space for the hydrogen tank used to power the battery and / or the fuel cell for the electric vehicle 20. Furthermore, it should be noted that the assembly equipment 1, integrated into the assembly 12 which includes the assembly equipment 1, allows the motor vehicle 20 being assembled on the assembly line to be supported by a conveyor slide due to its substantially flat fixed surface 7.

[0081] Details of component 12 of the motor vehicle 20 according to the invention are as follows: Figure 4 The image is shown as a plan view from below. The motor vehicle 20 has a side member 2 extending along the X-axis according to a directly orthogonal reference frame and a transverse member 3 extending along the Y-axis according to a directly orthogonal reference frame. The side member 2 and the transverse member 3 constitute structural elements of the chassis 21 of the motor vehicle 20. (As shown in...) Figure 4 Observable in (in) Figure 4 (on the right side), providing free space in front of the rear axle 18 of the electric vehicle 20 to accommodate the battery 24. Figure 4 The rear axle 18 of the electric vehicle 20 includes a first suspension arm 17 that terminates forward at a cylindrical hinge ring 38, which includes a hinge bearing that allows pivoting connection between the end of the suspension arm 17 38 and a first element (point A) for attaching the rear axle 18 to the chassis 21. A second suspension fork arm terminates forward at a cylindrical hinge ring 37, which includes a hinge bearing that allows pivoting connection between the end of the second suspension arm 37 and a second element 35 (point B) for complementary attachment of the rear axle 18 to the chassis 2, 3, 21. The end of the suspension arm 17 forms a hollow cylinder for receiving a bearing that cooperates with a shaft 47, which is supported by the internal fins 11 and external reinforcement 9 of the anchoring element 4 from the rear axle 18 of the motor vehicle 20 to the chassis 2, 3, 21 of the electric vehicle. The assembly equipment 1, side members 2, transverse members 3, the internal fins 11 of the anchoring element 4 from the rear axle 18 of the electric vehicle 20 to the chassis 2, 3, 21 of the electric vehicle 20, the external reinforcement 9 of the anchoring element 4 from the rear axle 18 of the electric vehicle 20, the rear support element 8 for the jack, and the gusset plate 10 are welded together to provide a rigid and compact anchorage from the rear axle 18 of the electric vehicle 20 to the chassis 21 of the electric vehicle 20.

[0082] The assembly 12 according to the invention includes an assembly device 1. It also includes an inner fin 11 and an outer reinforcement 9 forming an anchoring element 4 for the rear wheel axle 18 to the chassis 2, 3, 21 of the electric vehicle 20. The terms "inner" and "outer," respectively defining the fin and reinforcement, are defined with reference to the distance separating the fin and reinforcement from the vehicle's center plane, which is orthogonal to the Y-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, with the inner fin closer to this center plane than the outer reinforcement. The assembly 12 according to the invention also includes a rear support member 8 for jacks to be fixed to the mounting surface 7 of the assembly device 1 by welding.

[0083] The support member 8 is oriented according to a plane substantially orthogonal to the X-axis of a directly orthogonal reference system, and is positioned slightly forward relative to the mid-plane of the first segment 42 forming the free end of the transverse groove 6 (according to the X-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system). This slight forward positioning of the support member 8 allows the anchoring element 4 of the rear wheel axle 18 to be closer to this mid-plane, thus optimizing the compact footprint of the assembly 12 according to the invention, particularly according to the X-axis of the directly orthogonal reference system. The inner fin 11 and outer reinforcement 9 of the anchoring element 4 are welded to the support member 8; the inner fin 11 is also welded to the side member 2 and the assembly device 1. The support member 8 is also welded to the gusset plate 10. This results in an optimized compact footprint and rigidity of the assembly 12, allowing for the installation of the battery 24, such as... Figure 5 As indicated in the text.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the assembly device 1 according to the invention includes a first terminal end section 42, which is capable of forming the transverse groove and has a front extension 30 fixed to the front edge 40 of the transverse member 3 by spot welding and a rear extension 39 fixed to the rear edge 41 of the transverse member 3 by spot welding. The assembly device 1 according to the invention includes a second outwardly extending section 43 from the first section 42 to the longitudinal gap 5, and has a front extension 44 fixed to the edge 46 of the side member 2 by spot welding and a rear extension 45 fixed to the edge 46 of the side member 2 by spot welding.

[0085] An overall view of component 12 of the electric vehicle 20 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 5 The view is presented in a plan view from below. The battery element 24 of the electric vehicle 20 is arranged on the floor in front of the left component 12 and the right component 48 of the vehicle 20. The component 48 is symmetrical with respect to the center plane of the vehicle 20 and the components therein are not described in detail, but rather the functions, properties and advantages provided by the component 12 are used.

Claims

1. An assembly apparatus (1) for a side member (2) and a chassis transverse member (3) of a motor vehicle, said assembly apparatus (1) being formed from a single rigid metal part, characterized in that, The assembly equipment (1) presents an assembly surface portion (13) that is in contact with each other by welding the assembly equipment (1) and the anchoring elements (4) of the rear wheel axle (18) of the motor vehicle to the chassis (2, 3, 21) of the motor vehicle.

2. The assembly device (1) according to claim 1, which forms a longitudinal gap (5) capable of receiving the side member (2), capable of cooperating with the side member (2) by form cooperation, and capable of fixing the assembly device (1) and the side member (2) together by welding the assembly device (1) and the side member (2) to each other.

3. The assembly device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a transverse groove (6) is formed, the transverse groove (6) being capable of receiving the transverse member (3) to cooperate with the shape of the transverse member (3), and being capable of fixing the assembly device (1) to the transverse member (3) by welding the assembly device (1) and the transverse member (3) to each other.

4. The assembly equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly equipment (1) is welded to the rear support member (8) for the vehicle jack to present a fixed surface (7).

5. The assembly equipment (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The anchoring element (4) includes an inner fin (11) and an outer reinforcement (9) assembled to the assembly device (1) by welding. The inner fin (11) and the outer reinforcement (9) of the anchoring element (4) are capable of receiving the end bearing (16) of the suspension arm (17) of the rear axle (18) of the motor vehicle (20) and maintaining the end bearing (16) of the suspension arm (17) of the rear axle (18) of the motor vehicle (20) to the chassis (2, 3) of the motor vehicle (20). The support member (8) and the outer reinforcement (9) are securely mounted to each other by welding.

6. The assembly equipment (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The support member (8) is securely attached by welding to at least one member selected from the gusset plate (10) and wing beam of the motor vehicle.

7. A component (12) comprising the assembly equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The component also includes: - An anchoring element (4) of the rear wheel axle (18) of the motor vehicle (20) to the chassis (2, 3) of the motor vehicle, the anchoring element (4) being securely installed to the assembly equipment (1) by welding; - A rear support member (8) for a motor vehicle jack, the support member (8) being securely installed to the assembly equipment (1) by welding.

8. A motor vehicle (20) comprising at least one assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or at least one component (12) according to claim 7.

9. The motor vehicle (20) according to claim 8, wherein, The motor vehicle (20) is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

10. The motor vehicle (20) according to claim 8, wherein, The motor vehicle (20) is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery or fuel cell and at least one hydrogen tank.

11. The motor vehicle (20) according to claim 8, wherein, The motor vehicle (20) is a multi-purpose vehicle.

Images