MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A PART FOR BATTERY PACK PROTECTION

Description

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2204824 filed on May 20, 2022. The present invention relates to motor vehicles comprising an underbody structure under which at least one component and a deflector are mounted.

[0002] A motor vehicle generally comprises an underbody structure beneath which components such as equipment are mounted. One or more deflectors forming fairing elements are also attached to the underbody beneath these components.

[0003] The components may include, for example, hydraulic channels and / or electrical wiring harnesses. In electric or hybrid electric vehicles, a propulsion battery may also be a component fixed under the underbody structure.

[0004] The propulsion battery typically protrudes beneath the vehicle to avoid reducing passenger space. This makes the propulsion battery vulnerable to impacts, particularly vertical impacts when encountering an obstacle. For example, when going down a step or curb, the battery is especially susceptible to vertical impacts. When going down a step, the suspension compresses to cushion the vehicle, and the downward movement of the shock absorbers further reduces the distance between the battery tray and the obstacle.

[0005] The deflectors positioned beneath the battery tray create an aerodynamic surface or fairing that improves the vehicle's stability while moving and / or reduces drag. The deflectors also provide protection for underbody components, including protection against impacts and splashes of water or gravel.

[0006] However, the deflector is often a plastic part to reduce the vehicle's overall weight. It does not offer protection against significant impacts, particularly vertical impacts such as those that can occur when going down a curb.

[0007] To prevent the battery tray from colliding with an obstacle, document CN108528542B describes a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment and an underbody structure, with a battery tray mounted below the underbody structure at passenger compartment level. The vehicle includes a battery protection plate fixed beneath the battery. The protection plate comprises a metal component and a nylon component, allowing it to deform elastically upon impact, absorbing the shock and remaining functional after repeated impacts.

[0008] This solution is interesting, but the protective plate isn't rigid enough to protect the battery from an impact involving the full weight of the vehicle, such as when going down a curb. Furthermore, the protective plate negatively impacts aerodynamics by altering the airflow beneath the vehicle.

[0009] Document WO 2020 / 007651 A1 describes a motor vehicle comprising an underbody structure and a battery pack extending beneath the underbody structure. The vehicle further includes a deflector extending beneath the underbody structure, which comprises a lower wall positioned beneath the battery pack and a protective stop for the battery pack attached to the underbody structure. In WO 2020 / 007651 A1, the deflector is positioned only on either side of the battery, and the battery is provided with a separate protective layer. The protective stop protrudes between the two and would therefore affect the vehicle's aerodynamics.

[0010] Document WO 2020 / 169371 A1 discloses a protective bumper mounted on the underbody structure of a vehicle, on either side of a battery located under the floor. The protective bumper protrudes below the level of the battery to protect it from impacts from beneath the vehicle.

[0011] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the protection of a component under the underbody structure of a motor vehicle, and specifically to improve protection against vertical impacts. The invention also aims to optimize the aerodynamics and protection of a component under the underbody structure of a motor vehicle.

[0012] Accordingly to a first aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a substructure, and at least one component extending under the substructure; the vehicle further comprises a deflector extending under the substructure; in which the deflector comprises a lower wall arranged below the component; the vehicle further comprises a protective stop for said component, fixed to the substructure; the vehicle is notable in that the protective stop comprises a lower end arranged vertically between the component and the lower wall of the deflector.

[0013] As can be understood from the definition just given, the invention proposes a vehicle comprising a protective stop arranged above the deflector. During a vertical impact, such as when going down a curb, the deflector may deform, but the protective stop ensures the protection of the component. This solution can be used to protect a battery tray, for example. The protective stop does not constrain the vehicle's aerodynamic behavior because it is at least partially covered by the deflector. In this way, the invention optimizes both the aerodynamics and the protection provided to the component.

[0014] In embodiments, the deflector comprises at least two side walls extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, linking the lower wall and the underbody structure; wherein the protective stop is arranged between the side walls in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0015] Preferably, the deflector covers the protective stop, so as to ensure optimal aerodynamic properties under the vehicle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective stop includes a force transfer wall and at least one fixing lug attached to the substructure, the force transfer wall includes a free end forming the lower end of the protective stop.

[0017] Preferably, the force transfer wall is vertical and the or at least one of the fixing lugs is horizontal.

[0018] In the event of a vertical impact, the forces are then transmitted to the substructure by the protective stop in order to spare the component.

[0019] Preferably, the force transfer wall includes stiffening means selected from one or more undulations, ribs, or rims, or a combination thereof.

[0020] Preferably, the free end of the load transfer wall includes a horizontal fold forming a vertical stop surface. This fold increases the contact area of ​​the free end of the protective stop during a vertical impact. This reduces the risk of breakage of the protective stop. Additionally, it stiffens and reinforces the lower end, improving its ability to withstand repeated impacts.

[0021] In some embodiments, the horizontal fold extends transversely from the load transfer wall towards the component. Preferably, the fold is arranged vertically below the component to avoid forming a sharp edge that could hinder a technician performing operations below the substructure.

[0022] Preferably, the impact area of ​​the folding mechanism extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle over a distance of 100 mm to 350 mm; preferably a distance of 150 mm to 250 mm. The impact area can, for example, be advantageously limited to impact zones identified for a curb-descending scenario.

[0023] Preferably, the protective stop is positioned in contact with the lower wall of the deflector. This prevents the lower wall of the deflector from deforming during a vertical impact, thus limiting the risk of breakage. The protective stop therefore serves a dual purpose: protecting both the component and the deflector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a rear wheel, and the vehicle is notable in that the protective stop extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, towards the rear wheel. Vertical impacts in the context of a vehicle reversing down a curb most often occur just in front of the rear wheels. This configuration helps to limit these risks.

[0025] Preferably, the protective stop is a metal piece with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm; preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substructure includes a longitudinal member to which the protective stop is attached.

[0027] In some embodiments, the component is a vehicle propulsion battery tray.

[0028] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given by way of example with reference to the attached drawings on which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a view from below of an isolated underbody structure of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of an isolated substructure according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3is a perspective view from below of a detail showing a protective piece in a substructure according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a detail showing a protective piece in a base structure without a deflector according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] In the remainder of this description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not restrictive in that it permits the presence of other elements in the vehicle to which it refers. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of".

[0030] Similarly, the terms "lower", "higher", "top" and "bottom" shall be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms "lower" and "bottom" indicate a greater proximity to the ground in the vertical direction than respectively the terms "higher" and "top".

[0031] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used in relation to the vehicle's frame of reference and mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0032] In this description, the term "perpendicular" should not be understood in its strict sense. Perpendicular means an inclination of 90° + / - 10°; preferably + / - 5°; more preferably + / - 2°. Similarly, the term "horizontal" should not be understood in its strict sense. A tolerance of 10°, preferably 5°, is applied in the context of the invention. The term "parallel" should not be understood in its strict sense. The concept of parallelism covers inclinations less than or equal to 10°; preferably 5°.

[0033] There figure 1 shows a partial view from below of a motor vehicle including an underbody structure 10. At least one component extends below the underbody structure 10.

[0034] The component could be, for example, a 12-battery propulsion tray, as shown in the figures 2 to 4In the case of an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, the component can also be an electrical cable conduit, an air duct, or any other component of the motor vehicle.

[0035] At least one deflector 14 extends under the underbody structure 10. The vehicle may include several deflectors to ensure aerodynamics in its lower part, in particular between the vehicle and the road, or the driving surface.

[0036] The deflector 14 can be arranged in the rear part of the vehicle, in front of a wheel arch space 15 in which a wheel (not shown) is mounted. The deflector 14 can also be arranged at the front of the vehicle or in a central part thereof.

[0037] The deflector 14 includes a lower wall 16 arranged below the component. The lower wall 16 is a wall that provides the aerodynamic profile between the motor vehicle and the road.

[0038] The deflector 14 may include at least two side walls 18 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, linking the lower wall 16 and the underbody structure 10. The deflector 14 then forms a tray arranged under the motor vehicle and covering the component.

[0039] The motor vehicle also includes a protective stop 20 for said component, shown in figures 2 to 4 , fixed to the substructure 12. The protective stop 20 includes a lower end 22, visible at figures 3 and 4 arranged vertically between the organ and the lower wall 16 of the deflector.

[0040] The motor vehicle may include several protective stops, for example with two fixing stops arranged on either side of the component in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0041] The protective stop 20 can be arranged between the side walls 18 in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Advantageously, the deflector 14, for example its lower wall 16, can completely cover the protective stop 20.

[0042] The protective stop 20 forms a stop against impacts in the vertical direction, such as impacts when going down a step or curb of the motor vehicle.

[0043] The protective stop 20 can be positioned at the front or rear of the vehicle. Preferably, the protective stop 20 is at least partially aligned with the component in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In other words, the protective stop 20 longitudinally covers at least a portion of the component.

[0044] The protective stop 20 is a substantially elongated part that can be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the event of a collision with a curb, the protective stop protects all components that are partially aligned transversely with it, and / or components that it overlaps longitudinally.

[0045] For example, the vehicle comprising a rear wheel arranged in a wheel arch 15, the protective stop 20 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, towards the rear wheel, and therefore towards the wheel arch 15.

[0046] The lower end 22 of the protective stop 20 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along its entire length; preferably over a distance of 100 mm to 350 mm; preferably over a distance of 150 mm to 250 mm. For example, the lower end 22 of the protective stop 20 is positioned at a rear wheel of the vehicle.

[0047] The protective stop can be made of any material sufficiently rigid to protect the component. The protective stop can be a metal piece, for example, made of steel, with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm; preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. Alternatively, the protective stop can be made of aluminum.

[0048] The protective stop 20 may include a force transfer wall 24. During a vertical impact, the force transfer wall 24 transfers the forces to the substructure 10, thus limiting the forces received by the component, for example by the battery tray 12. The force transfer wall 24 is preferably a vertical wall.

[0049] The protective stop 20 may include a fixing tab 26, shown in the figure 4, fixed to the substructure 10. The force transfer wall 24 may include a free end forming the lower end 22 of the protective stop 20 and another end connected to the fixing lug 26.

[0050] The protective stop 20 may include a plurality of mounting lugs 26 arranged on one or more elements of the underbody structure, depending on the available space. For example, the underbody structure includes a longitudinal member to which the protective stop is attached. The longitudinal member may be, for example, a center longitudinal member or a rear longitudinal member 27, as shown in the figures 1 to 4 .

[0051] The fixing bracket 26 can be fixed to the substructure by any suitable means, such as by tightening using a screw and nut system, by welding, or by embedding.

[0052] The protective stop 20 may include a bracket with a vertical force transfer wall 24 and a horizontal fixing bracket 26, as shown in the figure 4 .

[0053] The free end of the wall can be reinforced for better impact resistance. For example, the free end can have a flared or corrugated shape. As shown in the figure 4 The free end of the force transfer wall may include a horizontal fold 28 forming a vertical abutment surface. The fold 28, also called a flange, is inclined relative to the force transfer wall 24. It acts as a stiffener for the lower end 22.

[0054] The horizontal fold 28 forms a bearing surface for an obstacle or object against the protective stop 20 during a vertical impact. The horizontal fold can extend to an outer edge of the substructure 10, but it preferably remains between 10 mm and 50 mm in size.

[0055] The horizontal fold 28 can be formed in any direction. Preferably, the horizontal fold 28 can extend transversely from the force transfer wall to the component to limit obstruction or even injury to an operator performing a manipulation under the substructure.

[0056] The horizontal fold 28 is arranged vertically between the component and the lower wall. The horizontal fold 28 of the lower end 22 of the protective stop can be arranged in contact with the component, for example, with the battery tray 12. The horizontal fold 28 of the lower end 22 of the protective stop can also be arranged away from the component under the deflector. For example, the horizontal fold 28 can be arranged in contact with the lower wall 16 of the deflector 14. Generally, the lower end 22 of the protective stop can be arranged in contact with the lower wall 16 of the deflector 14. The lower end 22 can conform to the lower wall 16 in order to improve the transmission of forces without weakening the latter.

[0057] In order to reinforce the protective stop 20, the latter may also include stiffening means 30 such as, for example: one or more corrugations, ribs, or a rim, or a combination thereof

[0058] A person skilled in the art will understand that all the features presented for a vehicle including one protective stop can be adapted for a vehicle including a plurality of protective stops.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle comprising a substructure (10), and at least one member extending under the substructure; the vehicle further comprises a deflector (14) extending under the substructure; wherein the deflector comprises a lower wall (16) arranged below the member; the vehicle further comprises a protective stop (20) of said member, fixed to the substructure; the vehicle is characterised in that the protective stop comprises a lower end (22) arranged vertically between the member and the lower wall (16) of the deflector.

2. Motor vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the deflector (14) comprises at least two side walls (18) extending along the longitudinal management of the vehicle, connecting the lower wall (16) and the underbody structure (10); wherein the protective stop (20) is arranged between the side walls (18) in the transverse management of the vehicle; preferably, the deflector (14) covers the protective stop (20).

3. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the protective stop (20) comprises a force transfer wall (24) and at least one fixing lug (26) fixed to the underbody structure, the force transfer wall (24) comprises a loose end forming the lower end (22) of the protective stop; preferably, the force transfer wall (24) is vertical and the or at least one of the fixing lugs (26) is horizontal.

4. Motor vehicle according to Claim 3, characterised in that the free end of the force transfer wall (24) comprises a horizontal fold (28) forming a vertical abutment surface.

5. Motor vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the horizontal fold (28) extends transversely from the force transfer wall (24) at the management of the member; preferably, the fold (28) is arranged vertically below the member.

6. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 4 or 5, wherein the abutment surface of the fold (28) extends in the longitudinal management of the vehicle over a distance of 100 mm to 350 mm; preferably a distance of 150 mm to 250 mm.

7. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the protective stop (20) is arranged in contact with the lower wall (16) of the deflector.

8. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the rear comprising a rear wheel, wherein the protective stop (20) extends along the longitudinal management of the vehicle, towards the vehicle wheel.

9. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the protective stop (20) is a metal component with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm; preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

10. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the underframe (10) comprises a spar (27) to which the protective stop is fixed; and the member is a battery tray (12) for propulsion of the vehicle.