Front structure of an electric motor vehicle equipped with sound generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a front structure of an electric motor vehicle, comprising: two front lateral side-members (10) each having a front end and an outer face opposite an inner face, the respective outer faces of said two side-members being opposite each other; two wheel arch plates respectively running along the outer faces of said two front side-members; and a sound generator (94) suitable for generating a warning sound. The structure comprises a connecting part (28) designed to be mounted in a fixed position on one of the two front lateral side-members (10), said connecting part (28) having a receiving area (30) for receiving the sound generator (94) so as to be able to rigidly connect said sound generator to the aforementioned one of the two front lateral side-members (10).

Description

[0001] Title of the invention: Front structure of an electric motor vehicle equipped with a sound generator

[0002] [The present invention relates to a front structure of an electric motor vehicle comprising a sound generator.

[0003] Electric vehicles are equipped with new features and equipment that did not exist on combustion engine vehicles. These include the DC fast charging socket wiring and the AC charging socket cable, as well as the sound generator that simulates the noise of a traditional combustion engine vehicle, particularly in urban areas at low speeds.

[0004] Also, in order to be able to produce cheap electric vehicles, we keep as much as possible the elements of thermal motor vehicles without any real modification. And in addition, we try to maintain the same assembly processes.

[0005] However, cabling with a relatively high linear mass requires the installation of cable trays and special fasteners regularly spaced from each other to hold it there.

[0006] For some models, a cable path extends above the front wheel arch and joins, on one side, the charging connectors opening to the exterior, and on the other side, extends back under the front side member inside the vehicle to then join the storage batteries in particular.

[0007] Furthermore, the sound generator must necessarily be installed on parts of the motor vehicle having a relatively large inertial mass so that the mechanical vibrations it generates are not absorbed at least partially by said parts, and so that they are sufficiently audible outside the vehicle, without being annoying for the driver.

[0008] In addition, the sound generator must be rigidly attached to the said part of the vehicle.

[0009] Also, a problem that arises and that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a front structure of an electric motor vehicle, which not only has the fewest possible modifications compared to thermal motor vehicles but also, which requires the fewest additional parts.For this purpose, there is proposed a front structure of an electric motor vehicle comprising: two front lateral side members each having a front end and an outer face opposite an inner face, the respective outer faces of said two side members being opposite one another; two wheel arch panels respectively running along said outer faces of said two front side members; a sound generator adapted to generate a warning sound; and, a connecting piece adapted to be mounted in a fixed position on one of said two front lateral side members, said connecting piece having a receiving zone for receiving said sound generator so as to be able to rigidly connect together said sound generator and said one of said two front lateral side members.

[0010] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of a connecting piece adapted to rigidly secure together the sound generator and one of the front side rails. The front side rails extend the chassis of the motor vehicle forward, up to the front technical face. Therefore, the rigidity of the rails is such that they absorb very little vibration from the sound generator. Consequently, the noise it produces is not altered and it fulfills its warning function.

[0011] In addition, said connecting piece comprises a cable receiving portion contiguous to said receiving area. Thus, the implementation of a single connecting piece, including both the function of holding the sound generator on the front side member and the cable retaining function makes it possible to reduce the number of parts required for the functions of the electric vehicle. For example, the receiving area of ​​the connecting piece extends below the receiving area of ​​the sound generator.

[0012] Preferably, said cable receiving portion has two support plates spaced apart from each other and respectively provided with hooking members. For example, the two support plates are spaced apart from each other by approximately 200 mm so as to be able to hook the cables without them being able to extend in a catenary between the two plates, taking into account their linear mass.

[0013] Advantageously, said connecting piece is secured to both said one of said two side members and one of said two corresponding wheel arch panels. In this way, the sound generator is rigidly connected not only to the side member, but also to the wheel arch panel, which increases its inertia. Consequently, it is all the more effective when implemented.

[0014] Also, said connecting piece advantageously has a lateral fixing plate adapted to be applied against said outer face of said one of said two lateral front side members. The fixing plate has, for example, two holes, while the side member has two corresponding welded nuts. In this way, the fixing plate can be applied flat against the side member, and it is secured thereto by means of two screws. In addition, the outer face of the side member extends substantially vertically and consequently, the fixing plate is also held in a vertical position against the side member. Furthermore, said connecting piece comprises, in said receiving zone, two fixing zones for said sound generator, located at a distance from each other and defining a mean direction substantially parallel to said fixing plate.The mean direction is defined by a straight line cutting substantially in their center, the two fixing zones. In addition, the two aforementioned nuts are welded onto the side member in such a way that the connecting piece is oriented so that said mean direction is substantially vertical.

[0015] Also, said two fixing zones each preferably comprise a positioning tab for said sound generator, the positioning tabs extending substantially parallel to each other and to said fixing plate. In this way, the sound generator can be guided in translation by means of the positioning tabs when it is driven along the fixing plate.

[0016] Preferably, said sound generator slides into said receiving area between said two positioning tabs. In this way, the sound generator is easily placed in the receiving area.

[0017] Also, said two fixing zones each comprise a thread located in the vicinity of said positioning tab to be able to secure said sound generator and said connecting piece with screwable members. After the sound generator has been guided in translation by means of the positioning tabs, it is easily held in a fixed position by means of screwable members, such as fixing screws. According to one embodiment of the invention, said connecting piece comprises a C-shaped part adapted to be placed against said one of said two lateral front side members and said receiving zone being located inside said C-shaped part. Thus, the C-shaped part defines the fixing plate, extended, on the one hand by an upper part having one of the fixing zones and on the other hand, opposite, by a lower part having the other fixing zone.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig. 1] is a partial schematic perspective view of a front structural element of a motor vehicle;

[0020] [Fig. 2] is a partial schematic perspective view of an element of the invention according to a first variant embodiment and capable of cooperating with the object of [Fig. 1];

[0021] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 2] cooperating with that of [Fig. 1];

[0022] [Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 3] cooperating with an additional element;

[0023] [Fig. 5] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 4] cooperating with another additional element; and,

[0024] [Fig. 6] is a partial schematic perspective view of an element of the invention according to another variant embodiment and capable of cooperating with the object of [Fig. 1].

[0025] The object of [Fig. 1] is inscribed in an orthogonal X, Y, Z reference frame, in which the X axis extends in a longitudinal front-rear direction of the motor vehicle, oriented towards the rear; the Y axis extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right in a driving situation; and the Z axis extends in a vertical direction, oriented away from the ground.

[0026] [Fig. 1] thus partially shows a left front side member 10 of a motor vehicle, having an outer face 12 opposite an inner face 14 and extending longitudinally to a front end 16. In addition, the side member 10 has a lower edge 15 opposite an upper edge 17. Also, [Fig. 1] shows a wheel arch plate 18 running along the outer face 12 of the side member 10. In other words, the left front wheel of the motor vehicle, not shown, is located directly above the wheel arch plate 18. In addition, the latter has an inclined portion 20, substantially perpendicular to the outer face 12 of the side member 10, and which extends from its lower edge 15 towards the rear of the vehicle, along the component X, to its upper edge 17.

[0027] The inclined portion 20 extends away from the front end 16 of the spar 10.

[0028] It will be observed that the spar 10 has two orifices spaced from each other in a vertical direction, an upper orifice 22 located in the vicinity of the upper edge 17, and a lower orifice 24 located in the vicinity of the lower edge 15. These two orifices 22, 24 are respectively arranged opposite two nuts not shown and welded against the inner face 14 of the spar 10.

[0029] Furthermore, the inclined portion 20 of the wheel arch plate 18 has a first stud 26 extending projecting at a distance from the outer face 12.

[0030] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 2] in order to describe in detail an essential element of the invention, a connecting piece 28, adapted to cooperate with the left front side member 10, as will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0031] Thus, [Fig. 2] shows, seen from three-quarters front left, the connecting piece 28. It is made from a single metal piece, cut and stamped. It thus defines an upper receiving zone 30 and a lower cable receiving portion 32, located below the receiving zone 30.

[0032] The connecting piece 28 has an upper crosspiece 34 opposite a lower crosspiece 36, two opposite uprights, a long one 38 and a short one 40, respectively connecting said crosspieces 34, 36. The connecting piece 28 also has a foot 42 also connecting the two crosspieces 34, 36 in the vicinity of the short upright 40 by defining a large window 44 and a small window 46.

[0033] The foot 42 has a first U-shaped deformed part 48 towards the front of [Fig. 2], which first U-shaped part 48 has a first transverse plate 50, lower, extending transversely opposite the large window 44. Also, the first transverse plate 50 ends with a first positioning tab 52, lower, extending projecting opposite the large window 44. In addition, the first transverse plate 50 has a first tapping 54 in the vicinity of the first tab 52. Thus, the first transverse plate 50 with its first positioning tab 52 and its tapping 54, constitute a first lower fixing zone.

[0034] Furthermore, the upper crosspiece 34 has an upper edge 56 from which an L-shaped portion 58 extends. The L-shaped portion 58 is deformed towards the front of [Fig. 2] so as to define a second transverse plate 60. The second transverse plate 60 extends in line with the first transverse plate 50 substantially in the same plane. Also, it has a second positioning tab 62 extending in line with the first tapping 54 of the first transverse plate 50 and a second tapping 64, located at a distance from the second tab 62 and in line with the first positioning tab 52 of the first transverse plate 50. And in this way, the second transverse plate 60 with its second positioning tab 62 and its second tapping 64, constitute a second, upper fixing zone.

[0035] Furthermore, the connecting piece 28 has a lateral fixing plate 66, extending laterally back from the upper crosspiece 34 towards the front of the [Fig. 2]. The lateral fixing plate 66 has at its free end, a first fixing orifice 68.

[0036] It will be observed that the first 52 and second 62 positioning tabs extend in the same direction parallel to each other and also in the same direction as the side fixing plate 66, and also substantially parallel thereto.

[0037] Also, the first and second fixing zones defined above themselves define a mean line D, extending substantially parallel to the lateral fixing plate 66.

[0038] It will also be observed that the long upright 38 is deformed into a U towards the rear of the part 28, opposite the first U-shaped part 48, and substantially equidistant from the upper 34 and lower 36 crosspieces. Also, a second fixing orifice 69 is made in this U-shaped deformation.

[0039] Below this receiving zone 30 as defined above, the lower receiving zone 32 is essentially defined by the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40, and by the lower crosspiece 36 which connects the two lower parts 70, 72. It will be observed that these two lower parts 70, 72 are spaced from each other by a distance of approximately 200 mm. They form two support plates as will be explained below.

[0040] Furthermore, the two lower parts 70, 72 each have a free end in which a transverse oblong slot 74 is made.

[0041] In addition, they are also each provided, at a predetermined distance from the transverse oblong slot 74, with a second stud 76.

[0042] Also, it will be observed that the lower crosspiece 36 has, substantially equidistant from the two lower parts 70, 72, a hooking orifice 78.

[0043] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 3], showing the connecting piece 28 installed against the outer face 12 of the side member 10 and resting on the inclined portion 20 of the wheel arch sheet metal 18.

[0044] The lateral fixing plate 66 is found applied against the outer face 12 of the side member 10, and the U-shaped deformed portion of the long upright 38 rests against the inclined portion 20, while the first stud 26 extends through the second fixing orifice 69.

[0045] We also find the first fixing orifice 68 which extends opposite the upper orifice 22 made in the side member 10 and here hidden. The fixing orifice 68 is capable of receiving a screw to be able to screw it through the upper orifice 22. In this way, the lateral fixing plate 66 is kept in a fixed position against the outer face 12 of the side member 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the first stud 26 is adapted to receive a nut to secure the long upright 38 and the inclined portion 20 of the wheel arch sheet metal 18.

[0047] Also, [Fig. 3] shows a wheel arch screen 80 suspended in part from the lower cross member 36 by means of a fixing member of the “round fir tree pin” type 82 engaged through the screen 80 and the attachment hole 78.

[0048] [Fig. 4] shows the majority of the elements shown in [Fig. 3] and, in addition, a bundle of cables 84, running above the wheel arch and forming a curve to come to bear in the lower receiving portion 32 of the connecting piece 28.

[0049] Also, the wiring harness 84 includes a pair of charging plug cables 86 for supplying the vehicle's storage battery with direct current, for fast charging, and an alternating current charging plug cable 88 for standard charging.

[0050] The cable bundle 84 rests on the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40, in other words on the two support plates, and also on the lower crosspiece 36 which connects them, which is here hidden by the bundle 84.

[0051] Furthermore, the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40 are respectively equipped with a fastener 90. The fasteners 90 are secured by means of the second studs 76 with which two nuts are associated, and by means of the transverse oblong slots 74 through which a fir-tree pin is engaged.

[0052] Also, the fasteners 90 comprise a flexible link 92 which grips the cable bundle 84 so that it is held in a fixed position in the lower receiving portion 32 of the connecting piece 28.

[0053] [Fig. 5] shows the majority of the elements shown in [Fig. 4] and, in addition, a sound generator 94 installed in the upper reception zone 30 of the connecting part 28. The sound generator 94 is used when the motor vehicle is at low speed, for example less than 30 km / h, generally in urban areas, in order to reproduce the noise usually generated by vehicles with thermal engines. This noise makes it possible to warn pedestrians or other cyclists of the presence of the vehicle.

[0054] Also, it must be rigidly connected to parts of the motor vehicle having a high inertia, so that the mechanical vibrations it generates are not absorbed. The side member 10 is suitable for this purpose, and thanks to the connecting piece 28, the sound generator 94 can be rigidly connected, not only to the side member 10, but also to the wheel arch plate 18.

[0055] Thus, the sound generator 94 has an upper axial slide 96 and a lower axial slide hidden in [Fig. 5]. In this way, the sound generator 94 is approached in the upper receiving zone 30 so that the second tab 62 engages through the upper axial slide 96, while on the opposite side, the first tab 52 engages through the lower axial slide. The sound generator 94 then comes to bear against the first and second transverse plates 50, 60. Furthermore, the sound generator 94 has an upper bore through which a fixing screw 98 is engaged, which is screwed into the second thread 64 of the second plate 60.

[0056] On the other hand, it has a lower hole also receiving a fixing screw screwed into the first thread of the first plate 50.

[0057] In this way, the sound generator 94 is rigidly connected to the left front side member 10 and to the wheel arch panel 18.

[0058] Thus, thanks to the single connecting piece 28, the sound generator 94 is connected to the side member 10 and the cable harness 84 is held in place.

[0059] A connecting piece 28' according to the invention according to another alternative embodiment will be described with reference to [Fig. 6]. Also, the elements common to the connecting piece 28 illustrated in [Fig. 2] will have the same reference with a prime sign: "'".

[0060] Thus, [Fig. 6] shows a connecting piece 28' defining an upper receiving area 30' formed in a C-shaped part 100, and a lower cable receiving portion 32' formed in a cut and stamped plate 102.

[0061] The C-shaped portion 100 comprises a lower branch 104 having a folded edge 106 forming the first lower transverse plate 50'

[0062] Also, the first transverse plate 50' has a first lower positioning tab 52' and a first tapping 54' in the vicinity of the first tab 52'.

[0063] Furthermore, the C-shaped portion 100 comprises an upper branch 108 substantially coplanar with the folded edge 106 and defining a second transverse plate 60'.

[0064] The second transverse plate 60' has a second positioning tab 62' extending in line with the first tapping 54' of the first transverse plate 50' and a second tapping 64', located at a distance from the second tab 62' and in line with the first positioning tab 52' of the first transverse plate 50'.

[0065] Furthermore, the lateral fixing plate 66' of the connecting piece 28' is formed by the portion 110 of the C-shaped part 100 which connects together the lower branch 104 and the upper branch 108. The lateral fixing plate 66' has two first fixing holes 68'. Below the receiving zone 30', the lower receiving zone 32' is essentially defined by the two lateral edges 70', 72' of the cut and stamped plate 102.

[0066] The two lateral edges 70', 72' each have a free end in which a transverse oblong slot 74' is made.

[0067] They are also each provided, at a predetermined distance from the transverse oblong light 74', with a second stud 76'.

[0068] Also, the cut and stamped plate 102 has, substantially equidistant from the two lateral edges 70', 72', a hanging hole 78'.

[0069] Furthermore, a second fixing hole 69' is made in a rear extension of the cut and stamped plate 102.

[0070] Thus, the connecting piece 28' as described above is applied in the same way to the side member 10 and the wheel arch plate 18 as shown in [Fig. 1].

Claims

CLAIMS

1. [Front structure of an electric motor vehicle comprising: - two front lateral side members (10) each having a front end (16) and an outer face (12) opposite an inner face (14), the respective outer faces of said two side members being opposite each other; - two wheel arch plates (18) running respectively along said outer faces (12) of said two front side members (10); - a sound generator (94) adapted to generate a warning sound; characterized in that it comprises a connecting piece (28) adapted to be mounted in a fixed position on one of said two front lateral side members (10), said connecting piece (28) having a receiving zone (30) for receiving said sound generator (94) so ​​as to be able to rigidly connect together said sound generator and said one of said two front lateral side members (10).

2. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting piece (28) comprises a cable receiving portion (32) contiguous to said receiving zone (30).

3. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that said cable receiving portion (32) has two support plates (70, 72) spaced from each other and provided respectively with attachment members (90, 92).

4. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said connecting piece (28) is integral with both said one of said two side members (10) and one of said two corresponding wheel arch plates (18).

5. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said connecting piece (28) has a lateral fixing plate (66) adapted to be applied against said outer face (12) of said one of said two lateral front side members (10).

6. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that said connecting piece (28) comprises in said receiving zone, two zones for fixing said sound generator, located at distance from each other and defining a mean direction substantially parallel to said fixing plate (66).

7. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said two fixing zones each comprise a positioning tab (52, 62) for said sound generator (94), the positioning tabs extending substantially parallel to each other and to said fixing plate (66).

8. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said sound generator (94) slides into said receiving zone between the two positioning tabs (52, 62).

9. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said two fixing zones each comprise a thread (54, 64) located in the vicinity of said positioning tab (52, 62) to be able to secure said sound generator (94) and said connecting piece (28) with screwable members.

10. Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said connecting piece (28) comprises a C-shaped part (100) adapted to be attached to said one of said two lateral front side members (10) and said receiving zone being located inside said C-shaped part (100).]

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