Device for protecting against side impacts for a structure of a land vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023735357
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-07
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-14
AI Technical Summary
Current land vehicle structures are vulnerable to side impacts due to a significant difference in transverse stiffness between the upper and lower parts of external spars, leading to deformation and potential damage to batteries and exhaust lines, which is costly to address through increased dimensioning of components.
A protective device is integrated into the vehicle structure, featuring first and second parts that are fixedly secured to the external and internal spars and crosspiece, respectively, to distribute impact forces and enhance force absorption capacity, thereby reducing the likelihood of lateral damage to batteries and exhaust lines without increasing component dimensions.
The protective device effectively balances the stiffness of the vehicle's structure, reducing the probability of deformation and damage during side impacts, thus enhancing the passive protection of the vehicle and its passengers without increasing weight or fuel consumption.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
DESCRIPTION TITLE: SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION DEVICE FOR A LAND VEHICLE STRUCTURE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2206941 filed on July 7, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to land vehicles, and more specifically to the structures (or platforms) equipping such vehicles. State of the art
[0002] Some land vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include a structure (or platform) comprising:
[0003] - two external right and left side members,
[0004] - a crosspiece having two opposite ends fixedly secured to the external side members, respectively, and
[0005] - two internal right and left side members fixedly attached to the lower face of the cross member, being separated from the external side members by spaces respectively.
[0006] Generally, these internal side members (sometimes called "underfloor stretchers") are used to laterally protect at least one rechargeable battery installed between them, secured to the structure of the land vehicle, and providing electrical energy for at least one electric motor of the powertrain (or GMP).
[0007] Currently, the ends of the cross member are fixedly secured to the upper parts of the external side members respectively. Therefore, when an external side member is subjected to an impact with a rigid object having a small extension in the plane horizontal, such as a leg, a post or a bollard, there is only one path of force absorption defined by the upper part of this external side member and the corresponding end of the cross member. There is then a significant difference in transverse stiffness between the upper path and the lower part of the external side member, which can cause deformation of the end of the cross member, tilting of the lower part of the external side member towards the neighboring internal side member, and disorientation of the latter. This can facilitate lateral damage to any rechargeable battery, and / or cause pinching or crushing of the vehicle's exhaust line when the latter is partly housed in the space between the external and internal side members, which can be dangerous for the vehicle and its passengers.
[0008] In order to reduce the consequences of a side impact of the aforementioned type, the dimensions of the external and internal side members and the cross member can be increased, but this is particularly expensive and leads to an increase in the weight of the vehicle and therefore its energy consumption.
[0009] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0010] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a protection device intended to form part of a structure of a land vehicle comprising an external spar, a cross member having one end fixedly secured to the external spar, and an internal spar fixedly secured to a lower face of the cross member while being separated from the external spar by a space.
[0011] This protection device is characterized by the fact that it includes:
[0012] - at least one first part suitable for being installed transversely in space by being fixedly secured to an internal face of the external spar and to an external face of the spar internal, oriented towards the internal face, and arranged, in the event of an impact suffered by the external spar, so as to transfer part of a force suffered by the latter towards the internal spar, and / or
[0013] - a second part suitable for being placed in the space under the lower face of the end of the cross member, being fixedly secured to the internal face of the external spar, and arranged to increase the force absorption capacity of this end by increasing the coupling height with the external spar.
[0014] This significantly reduces the probability of lateral damage to a possible rechargeable battery, and / or of pinching or crushing a vehicle exhaust line (when the latter is partly housed in the space between the external and internal side members), which makes it possible to reinforce the passive protection of the vehicle and its passengers.
[0015] The protection device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0016] - it may comprise N first parts, with N > 2, suitable for being installed transversely in N places in the space and for distributing the part of the force undergone by the external spar towards N places on the internal spar;
[0017] - in the presence of the first option, N can be equal to four;
[0018] - also in the presence of the first option, at least two first parts can have arrangements that differ from each other;
[0019] - each first part may comprise a height which increases between a first end suitable for being fixedly secured to the internal face of the external spar and a second end suitable for being fixedly secured to the external face of the internal spar;
[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the first end of each first part may comprise a first wall of coupling suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the internal face of the external spar, and the second end of each first part may comprise a second coupling wall suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the external face of the internal spar;
[0021] - each first part may comprise a third coupling wall capable of bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, a lower face of a floor of the structure to which the internal side member and the cross member are fixedly secured;
[0022] - its second part may comprise a height which decreases between a first end suitable for being fixedly secured to the internal face of the external side member and a second end suitable for being fixedly secured to the lower face of the end of the cross member;
[0023] - its second part may comprise a main part having a section, in a longitudinal and vertical plane, in the general shape of a U.
[0024] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a structure comprising:
[0025] - two external right and left side members,
[0026] - a crosspiece having two opposite ends fixedly attached to the external side members, respectively,
[0027] - two right and left internal side members fixedly attached to a lower face of the cross member, being separated respectively from the external side members by two spaces, and
[0028] - two protection devices of the type presented above and installed respectively in the two spaces.
[0029] For example, this land vehicle may also include at least one rechargeable battery secured to its structure by being installed between the internal side members. Brief description of the figures
[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:
[0031] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a part of an example of a land vehicle structure comprising an example of an embodiment of a protection device according to the invention,
[0032] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the first four parts and the second part of the protection device of Figure 1,
[0033] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a first transverse and vertical plane just before a first part of the protection device, a straight part of the structure of figure 1,
[0034] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a transverse and vertical plane just before the second part of the protection device, a straight part of the structure of figure 1,
[0035] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in another perspective view, the positioning of the first end of the second part of the protection device of Figure 1 relative to the corresponding external spar, and
[0036] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in another perspective view, the second part of the protection device of Figure 1. Detailed description of the invention
[0037] The invention aims in particular to propose a protection device DP intended to form part of a structure SV of a land vehicle V comprising external side members LE and internal side members Ll and a TS cross member, to reduce the consequences of a side impact on an external LE side member without increasing the dimensioning of the external LE and internal Ll side members and the TS cross member.
[0038] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle V is of the automobile type. It is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It in fact concerns any land vehicle comprising a structure with external and internal side members and a cross member.
[0039] In Figures 1 to 7, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the (land) vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.
[0040] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a left sub-part of a part of an example of structure SV of a (land) vehicle V comprising an example of embodiment of a protection device DP according to the invention.
[0041] As illustrated at least partially in Figure 1, the SV structure comprises two right and left external stringers LE (only the left is illustrated), a cross member TS, and two right and left internal stringers Ll (only the left is illustrated).
[0042] The cross member TS has two opposite ends ET and fixedly secured respectively to the external side members LE, for example by welding. For example, the cross member TS may define (at least in part) what the person skilled in the art sometimes calls the heel board which delimits the rear of the area in which the passengers of the vehicle V can place their feet.
[0043] The two internal side members Ll (or underfloor stretchers) are fixedly secured to a lower face FIT of the cross member TS, for example by welding, being separated respectively from the external side members LE by EIL spaces.
[0044] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1, the vehicle V also includes a rechargeable battery BR which is secured to its structure SV (and more precisely to the lower face FI3 of the floor PS which it includes), by being installed between the internal side members L1 and, here, the cross member TS. The internal side members L1 are therefore used here to laterally protect the rechargeable battery BR which is installed between them. This rechargeable battery BR can, for example, provide electrical energy for at least one electric motor of the powertrain (or GMP) of the vehicle V. It will be noted that this GMP can be of the all-electric or hybrid (thermal and electric) type.
[0045] But the vehicle V could have several rechargeable batteries BR or could have no rechargeable batteries BR (and in the latter case the internal side members Ll serve essentially to reinforce the structure SV).
[0046] As partially illustrated in Figure 1, in each EIL space (present between a left (or right) external spar LE and a left (or right) internal spar Ll), a DP protection device according to the invention is installed.
[0047] As illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, a protection device DP, according to the invention, comprises at least a first part P1 k and / or a second part P2. It will be understood that, depending on the needs required by the desired level of protection, the protection device DP can comprise either at least a first part P1 k, or a second part P2, or even at least a first part P1 k and a second part P2.
[0048] The (each) first part P1 k is suitable for being installed transversely in the EIL space (left or right) by being fixedly secured to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE (left or right) and to the external face FE2 of the internal spar Ll (left or right). Note that this external face FE2 is the one that is oriented towards the internal face FI1 of the neighboring external spar LE. In addition, the (each) first part P1 k is arranged, in the event of an impact suffered by the external spar LE concerned (on its external face FE1 ), so as to transfer part of the force suffered by this external spar LE to the neighboring internal spar Ll.
[0049] It will be understood that thanks to this(these) first part(s) P1 k we create a lower force absorption path which is added to the upper force absorption path (defined by the upper part of the external spar LE and the corresponding end ET of the cross member TS). We thus balance the stiffnesses of the upper and lower parts, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the probability of deformation of the end ET of the cross member TS, the tilting of the lower part of the external spar LE towards the neighboring internal spar Ll, and the disorientation of the latter (Ll).
[0050] In addition, the first part(s) P1 k participate(s) in the absorption of energy by deformation during the lateral impact, in addition to the participation of the external side member LE, the relevant part of the floor PS of the structure SV and the end ET of the cross member TS.
[0051] The second part P2 is suitable for being placed in the space EIL (left or right) under the lower face FIT of the end (left or right) ET of the cross member TS, by being fixedly secured to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE (left or right). In addition, this second part P2 is arranged to increase the force absorption capacity of this end ET by increasing its coupling height with this external spar LE.
[0052] It will be understood that thanks to this increase in the coupling height, it is now possible to transfer to the ET end of the cross member TS the forces undergone locally by the upper and lower parts of the external spar LE in the vicinity of this ET end, thus making it possible to significantly increase the load-bearing capacity. of the latter's effort (ET) and therefore significantly reduce the probability of deformation of this ET end.
[0053] In addition, the second part P2 participates in the absorption of energy by deformation during a side impact, in addition to the participation of the relevant ET end of the TS cross member.
[0054] The invention therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the probability of lateral damage to the possible rechargeable battery BR, and / or of pinching or crushing of the exhaust line of the vehicle V when the latter is partly housed in the space EIL between the external side members LE and internal Ll (below the protection device DP). This reinforces the passive protection of the vehicle V and its passengers.
[0055] For example, each first part P1 k can be fixedly secured by welding to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned and to the external face FE2 of the internal spar Ll concerned.
[0056] Also for example, each first part P1 k can be made of steel. As an illustrative example, it can be a DP450 steel having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
[0057] Also, for example, the second part P2 can be fixedly secured by welding to the lower face FIT of the end ET of the cross member TS concerned and to the internal face FI1 of the external side member LE concerned.
[0058] Also for example, the second part P2 can be made of steel. As an illustrative example, it can be E335D steel with a thickness between 1.5 mm and 2 mm.
[0059] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the protection device DP can comprise N first parts P1 k, with k = 1 to N and N > 2. In this case, the N first parts P1 k are suitable for being installed transversely in N locations of the EIL space concerned and for distributing the part of the force undergone by the external spar LE concerned towards N places of the neighboring internal spar Ll.
[0060] The higher the number N, the more homogeneous the distribution of the force undergone, and therefore the greater the force absorbed can be. In addition, the higher the number N, the smaller the gap between the first neighboring parts P1 k can be, and therefore the more the protection device DP is able to provide effective protection for impacts with objects having low longitudinal extensions (along the longitudinal direction X).
[0061] It should be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 2, the number N is equal to four (k = 1 to 4, N = 4). But it can take any value greater than or equal to one (1). It should be noted, however, that this number N must not be too high, because the first parts P1 k must participate in the absorption of energy by deformation during the lateral impact.
[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, at least two first parts P1 k may have arrangements that differ from each other. In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the first P11 and third P13 first parts are identical, and the second P12 and fourth P14 first parts are identical and different from the first P11 and third P13 first parts. But the four first parts P1 k could have four different shapes respectively or could all have the same shape.
[0063] It will also be noted that each first part P1 k may be arranged so as to allow its deformation in a programmed manner, for example in an “accordion” manner, in the phase of absorption of the energy of the lateral impact. For example, each first part P1 k may comprise at least one opening and / or at least one stamping zone dedicated to its programmed deformation.
[0064] It should also be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that each first part P1 k can comprise at least a stamped area allowing its stiffening before its deformation (possibly in a programmed manner). For example, each stamped area can have a depth of between 5 mm and 8 mm.
[0065] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, each first part P1 k may comprise a height which increases between its first end E1 which is suitable for being fixedly secured to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned and its second end E2 which is opposite its first end E1 and suitable for being fixedly secured to the external face FE2 of the internal spar L1 concerned.
[0066] This allows the transmitted force to be distributed over the height (along the vertical direction Z) of the internal spar Ll, while orienting it in a direction inclined downwards relative to the transverse direction Y, which is favorable to the balancing of the stiffness of the upper and lower parts.
[0067] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the first end E1 of each first part P1 k may comprise a first coupling wall PC1 which is suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned, and the second end E2 of each first part P1 k may comprise a second coupling wall PC2 which is suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the external face FE2 of the internal spar L1 concerned. It will be understood that the first PC1 and second PC2 coupling walls are substantially contained in a plane XZ (longitudinal and vertical), perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. This makes it possible to promote the transfer of part of the force undergone by an external spar LE to the neighboring internal spar L1.
[0068] Preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, each first coupling wall PC1 can extend over the entire height of its first end E1, and over several centimeters along the longitudinal direction X. Also preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, each second coupling wall PC2 can extend over the entire height of its second end E2, and over several centimeters along the longitudinal direction X.
[0069] Also preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in FIG. 3, each first coupling wall PC1 of a first part P1 k may extend in a direction which is opposite to the direction in which the second coupling wall PC2 of this first part P1 k extends. Thus, in the illustrated example, the first coupling walls PC1 of the first P11 and third P13 first parts P1 k extend towards the front of the vehicle V, while the second coupling walls PC2 of the second P12 and fourth P14 first parts P1 k extend towards the rear of the vehicle V. Conversely, the first coupling walls PC1 of the first P11 and third P13 first parts P1 k extend towards the rear of the vehicle V, while the second coupling walls PC2 of the second P12 and fourth P14 first parts P1 k extend towards the front of the vehicle V.This option increases the probability of maintaining the connection of a first part P1 k to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE and external face FE2 of the internal spar Ll in the event of a lateral impact, and in particular when the direction of the impact on the external face FE1 of the external spar LE makes a non-zero angle with the transverse direction Y.
[0070] Also, for example, the third coupling wall PC3 of each first part P1 k can be fixedly secured by welding to the lower face FI3 of the floor PS of the structure SV.
[0071] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, each first part P1 k may comprise a third coupling wall PC3 which is capable of bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the lower face FI3 of the floor PS of the structure SV to which the internal side member L1 concerned and the cross member TS are fixedly secured.
[0072] This option also increases the probability of maintaining the connection of a first part P1 k to the structure SV in the event of a side impact, and in particular when the direction of the impact on the external face FE1 of the external spar LE makes a non-zero angle with the transverse direction Y. In addition, this also increases the probability that a first part P1 k deforms as expected (or programmed) in the phase of absorption of the energy of the side impact.
[0073] Also for example, each first coupling wall PC1 can be fixedly secured by welding to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned, and each second coupling wall PC2 can be fixedly secured by welding to the external face FE2 of the internal spar L1 concerned.
[0074] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 4 to 6, the second part P2 may comprise a height which decreases between its first end E1' which is suitable for being fixedly secured to the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned and its second end E2' which is opposite its first end E1' and suitable for being fixedly secured to the lower face FIT of the end ET concerned of the cross member TS.
[0075] This makes it possible to transfer the force undergone locally by the external spar LE over almost its entire height (along the vertical direction Z) to the level of the end ET of the cross member TS, while orienting it towards this end ET in a direction inclined upwards relative to the transverse direction Y.
[0076] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 4 to 6, the second part P2 may comprise a main part PP which has a section, in the longitudinal and vertical plane XY, in the general shape of a U. In other words, the main part PP here comprises two transverse walls PT1 and PT2 substantially parallel to each other. This option makes it possible to further reinforce the end ET concerned of the crosspiece TS, so that it can withstand even greater side impacts.
[0077] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 4 to 6, a first (PT1) of the two transverse walls of the main part PP may extend upwards to the floor PS by partially surrounding the end ET concerned of the cross member TS, and may comprise a fourth coupling wall PC4 intended to be fixedly secured to the lower face FI3 of the floor PS. This securing may be done by welding. It will be noted that the second end E2' of the main part PP, which is opposite the external side member LE concerned, is fixedly secured to the lower face FIT of the cross member TS, for example by welding.
[0078] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 6, the first ends E1' of the first PT1 and second PT2 transverse walls of the second part P2 may respectively comprise fifth PC5 and sixth PC6 coupling walls which are suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, the internal face FI1 of the external spar LE concerned. It will be understood that the fifth PC5 and sixth PC6 coupling walls are substantially contained in a plane XZ (longitudinal and vertical), perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. This makes it possible to promote the transfer of part of the force undergone by an external spar LE (at an end ET of the cross member TS) towards this end ET.
[0079] Preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 and 6, the fifth PC5 and sixth PC6 coupling walls extend in opposite directions. Here, the fifth coupling wall extends towards the front of the vehicle V, while the sixth coupling wall PC6 extends towards the rear of the vehicle V. This option makes it possible to increase the probability of maintaining the attachment of the second part P2 to the internal face FI1 of the external side member LE in the event of a side impact, and in particular when the direction of the impact on the external face FE1 of the external spar LE makes a non-zero angle with the transverse direction Y.
[0080] It will also be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that the second part P2 may include at least one stamping zone allowing it to be stiffened before it is deformed. (possibly programmed). For example, each stamped area can have a depth of between 3 mm and 7 mm.
Claims
CLAIMS
1. Protective device (DP) for a structure (SV) of a land vehicle (V) comprising an external spar (LE), a cross member (TS) having one end (ET) fixedly secured to said external spar (LE), and an internal spar (Ll) fixedly secured to a lower face (FIT) of said cross member (TS) while being separated from said external spar (LE) by a space (EIL), characterized in that it comprises i) at least one first part (P1 k) suitable for being installed transversely in said space (EIL) while being fixedly secured to an internal face (FI1 ) of said external spar (LE) and to an external face (FE2) of said internal spar (Ll), oriented towards said internal face (FI1 ), and arranged, in the event of an impact suffered by said external spar (LE), so as to transfer part of a force suffered by the latter (LE) to said internal spar (Ll),and / or ii) a second part (P2) suitable for being placed in said space (EIL) under said lower face (FIT) of said end (ET) by being fixedly secured to said internal face (FI1), and arranged to increase a force absorption capacity of said end (ET) by increasing the coupling height with said external spar (LE).,
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises N first parts (P1 k), with N > 2, suitable for being installed transversely in N locations of said space (EIL) and for distributing said part of the force undergone by said external spar (LE) towards N locations of said internal spar (Ll).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two first parts (P1 k) have arrangements which differ from each other.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each first part (P1 k) comprises a height which increases between a first end (E1) suitable for being fixedly secured to said internal face (FI1) of the external spar (LE) and a second end (E2) suitable for being fixedly secured to said external face (FE2) of the internal spar (L1).
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said first end (E1) of each first part (P1k) comprises a first coupling wall (PC1) suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, said internal face (FI1) of the external spar (LE), and said second end (E2) of each first part (P1 k) comprises a second coupling wall (PC2) suitable for bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, said external face (FE2) of the internal spar (Ll).
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each first part (P1 k) comprises a third coupling wall (PC3) capable of bearing against, and being fixedly secured to, a lower face (FI3) of a floor (PS) of said structure (SV) to which said internal spar (L1) and said cross member (TS) are fixedly secured.
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises a height which decreases between a first end (E1 ') suitable for being fixedly secured to said internal face (FI1) of the external spar (LE) and a second end (E2') suitable for being fixedly secured to said lower face (FIT) of the end (ET) of said crosspiece (TS).
8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises a main part (PP) having a section, in a longitudinal and vertical plane, in the general shape of a U.
9. Land vehicle (V) comprising a structure (SV) comprising two external longitudinal members (LE) right and left, a cross member (TS) having two opposite ends (ET) fixedly secured and respectively to said external longitudinal members (LE), and two internal longitudinal members (Ll) right and left fixedly secured to a lower face (FIT) of said cross member (TS) while being separated respectively from said external longitudinal members (LE) by two spaces (EIL), characterized in that it comprises two protection devices (DP) according to one of the preceding claims, installed respectively in said two spaces (EIL).
10. Land vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one rechargeable battery (BR) secured to said structure (SV) by being installed between said internal side members (Ll).