Land vehicle with enhanced anchorage of rear axle assembly

Abstract

A land vehicle comprises a structure comprising longitudinal members (LS) to each of which is secured a support piece (PS) to which is secured a fixing device (DF) to which is secured a part of a rear axle assembly (TR), and a crossmember (TS) extending transversely between these longitudinal members (LS). This structure comprises two interface components (PI) each secured to one of the two ends of the crossmember (TS) and to a lower outer face (FEI) and lateral outer face (FEL) of one of the longitudinal members (LS). Each support piece (PS) is secured to a lateral inner face (FIL) of one of the longitudinal members (LS), opposite its lateral outer face (FEL), at a corresponding interface component (PI).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: LAND VEHICLE WITH REINFORCED REAR AXLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2213460 filed on December 15, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a structure comprising side members to which a rear axle is secured, and more precisely the anchoring of this rear axle on these side members. State of the art

[0003] Certain land vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise, on the one hand, a structure comprising side members (or "spars"), right and left, and a cross member extending transversely between these side members, and on the other hand, a rear axle secured in particular to these side members.

[0004] More precisely, in certain land vehicles the rear axle comprises two lateral parts which are secured by screwing respectively to fixing devices, themselves secured to support parts which are each secured to one of the external lateral faces of one of the two side members, at the longitudinal level where the cross member is installed.

[0005] Such an arrangement requires a relatively large transverse space to accommodate the support part with its fixing device, which is not always possible. In addition, this arrangement does not offer complete satisfaction in terms of the quality of the anchoring of the lateral parts of the rear axle. Indeed, due to the shocks received by the support parts, the latter may be subject to premature fatigue and / or partial separation of their supporting side member, which can cause local sagging of the rear axle.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] For this purpose, it offers in particular a land vehicle comprising a structure comprising:

[0008] - side members, right and left, and to each of which is secured a support piece to which is secured a fixing device to which is secured a part of a rear axle, and

[0009] - a cross member extending transversely between these side members.

[0010] This land vehicle is characterized by the fact that:

[0011] - that its structure comprises two right and left interface pieces, each secured to one of the two ends of the crosspiece and to the lower external face and lateral external face of one of the side members, and

[0012] - that each support piece is secured to an internal lateral face of one of the side members, opposite its external lateral face, at the level of a corresponding interface piece.

[0013] Thus, an inner side wall of each side member is inserted between a support piece and an interface piece, which makes it possible to significantly reinforce the anchoring of each support piece and therefore the anchoring of each lower side part of the rear axle.

[0014] The land vehicle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - each interface part may comprise a transverse end and two longitudinal wings secured respectively to the lower external face and lateral external face of the spar corresponding. In this case, each support piece may comprise two longitudinal ends secured to the lateral internal face of the corresponding spar at the level of the longitudinal wings of the corresponding interface piece;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option, each support part may have a generally L-shaped cross-section, and may comprise, on the one hand, a first wall fixedly secured to the lateral internal face of the corresponding spar at the level of the longitudinal wings of the corresponding interface part, and, on the other hand, a second wall extending substantially perpendicularly this first wall while being installed substantially parallel to the lower external face of the corresponding spar and to which a corresponding fixing device is secured;

[0017] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each support part may comprise at least one stamping defined partly on the first wall and partly on the second wall, and capable of reinforcing a hold of the second wall substantially perpendicular to the first wall;

[0018] - each of the side members may have a generally U-shaped cross-section;

[0019] - each support part can be fixedly secured by welding to the internal lateral face of the corresponding side member;

[0020] - each interface part can be fixedly secured by welding to the corresponding side member and to the corresponding end of the cross member;

[0021] - each fixing device may comprise, on the one hand, a fixing part secured to the corresponding support part, defining a housing in which a nut is fixedly installed, and comprising a first through hole located in the axis of a threaded hole of this nut, and, on the other hand, a spacer installed between the corresponding support part and a lower internal face of the corresponding side member, opposite its lower external face, and comprising a second through hole located in the axis of this first through hole;

[0022] - in the presence of the last option, each fixing part may comprise two clipping tabs passing through corresponding clipping holes defined in the corresponding support part, in order to achieve fixed attachment to the latter;

[0023] - it can be of the automobile type. Brief description of the figures

[0024] 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:

[0025] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, part of an exemplary embodiment of a base of a structure of a land vehicle according to the invention, to which a rear axle is secured,

[0026] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, one of the ends of the cross member of Figure 1 coupled to one of the side members via an interface piece,

[0027] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, the coupling between the interface part of Figure 2 and one of the side members and the coupling between the latter and the support part to which a fixing device is secured, and

[0028] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a transverse and vertical plane, the coupling between one of the ends of the crosspiece of figure 2 and one of the side members via the interface piece, and the coupling between this side member and the support piece to which a fixing device is secured. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The invention aims in particular to propose a land vehicle VT comprising a structure SV comprising a base to which a rear axle TR is secured.

[0030] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle VT is of the automobile type. It is for example a car, as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in figure 1. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact relates to any land vehicle comprising a structure comprising a base to which a rear axle is secured.

[0031] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the land vehicle VT, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the land vehicle VT, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the land vehicle VT, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an exemplary embodiment of a base of an SV structure of a land vehicle VT according to the invention, to which a rear axle TR is secured.

[0033] As illustrated, this base of the SV structure includes in particular LS side members (or longitudinal members), right and left, extending in the longitudinal direction X, and a TS cross member extending transversely (in the transverse direction Y) between these LS side members.

[0034] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each of the LS side members may have a generally U-shaped cross-section. In this case, each LS side member comprises a lower wall extended upwardly on either side by an internal side wall and an external side wall. This makes it easier to install inside each LS side member. of a support piece PS with its fixing device DF, as will be understood later. But each spar LS could have a cross-section of a general shape other than a U.

[0035] Here, the term "internal side wall" means a first side wall of a LS side member oriented towards one end of the TS cross member, and "external side wall" means a second side wall of this same LS side member oriented towards the outside of the vehicle, and substantially parallel to its internal side wall (at + / - 5°).

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the SV structure also includes two right and left PI interface pieces, each secured to one of the two opposite ends of the TS cross member. In addition, each PI interface piece is also secured to a lower external face FEI and a lateral external face FEL of one of the LS side members.

[0037] A support piece PS is attached to each side member LS, to which a fixing device DF is attached. Two (lower side) parts PL of the rear axle TR are attached to the two fixing devices DF respectively. In other words, the latter (DF) serve as a fixing point for the two (lower side) parts PL, which allows the two support pieces PS to serve as an anchor for the latter (PL).

[0038] In order to reinforce the anchoring of the PS support pieces, each of them is advantageously secured to an internal lateral face FIL of one of the LS side members, opposite its external lateral face FEL, at the level of a corresponding PI interface piece.

[0039] In other words, an inner lateral (or longitudinal) wall of each LS beam, oriented towards the TS cross member, is inserted between a PS support piece and a PI interface piece, while being fixedly secured to the latter (PS, PI), which amounts to saying that each PS support piece is fixedly secured to the corresponding PI interface piece (via this LS beam). This makes it possible to significantly reinforce the anchoring of each support piece. PS support and therefore the anchoring of each lower lateral part PL of the rear axle TR. The risk of premature fatigue and / or partial detachment of the LS side member from a support part is therefore significantly reduced, as is the risk of local sagging of the rear axle TR. In addition, each PS support part is now housed with its DF fixing device inside an LS side member, there is no longer any problem of transverse space requirement.

[0040] Here, the term "internal face" means a face of a wall of an LS side member which is oriented towards the inside of this LS side member, and the term "external face" means a face of this same wall which is oriented towards the outside of this LS side member, and therefore opposite the internal face of this wall. Furthermore, the term "lower face" means a face of a lower wall of an LS side member, i.e. the one which is located at the lowest level of this LS side member. Furthermore, the term "lateral face" means a face of a side wall of an LS side member, i.e. oriented towards one end of the TS cross member (in the case of an internal wall) or towards the outside of the vehicle (in the case of an external wall).

[0041] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each interface part PI may comprise a transverse end ET and two longitudinal wings AL. In this case, the transverse end ET is secured to the lower external face FEI (of the lower wall) of a spar LS and the two longitudinal wings AL are secured to the lateral external face FEL (of the internal lateral wall) of this same spar LS. In addition, each support part PS comprises two longitudinal ends EL which are secured to the lateral internal face FIL (of the internal lateral wall) of this same spar LS respectively at the level of the two longitudinal wings AL of the corresponding interface part PI.

[0042] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each support piece PS may have a generally L-shaped cross-section, and may comprise first P1 and second P2 walls which extend each other. first wall P1 is fixedly secured to the lateral internal face FIL (of the internal lateral wall) of a corresponding spar LS at the level of the two longitudinal wings AL of the corresponding interface part PI. The second wall P2 extends substantially perpendicularly the first wall P1 by being installed substantially parallel to the lower external face FEI of the corresponding spar LS and to which a corresponding fixing device DF is secured. Thus, each support part PS constitutes a kind of angle iron, which makes it possible to reinforce its rigidity.

[0043] Here, "substantially perpendicular" means that the second wall P2 makes an angle with the first wall P1 equal to 90° + / - 5°. Furthermore, here, "substantially parallel" means that the second wall P2 is parallel, or almost parallel (within + / - 5°), to the lower wall of the corresponding spar LS.

[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each support part PS may comprise at least one stamped ER defined partly on the first wall P1 and partly on the second wall P2. Each stamped ER is capable of reinforcing the holding of the second wall P2 substantially perpendicular to the first wall P1. This makes it possible to further reinforce the rigidity of each support part PS.

[0045] It should be noted that each PS support piece can be fixedly secured by welding to the internal lateral face FIL (of the internal side wall) of the corresponding LS beam. However, this is not mandatory. In fact, fixed fastening by screwing could be considered.

[0046] It should also be noted that each PI interface part can be fixedly secured by welding, on the one hand, to the corresponding LS spar (and more precisely here to the lateral external face FEL of its internal lateral wall and to the lower external face FEI of its lower wall), and, on the other hand, to the corresponding end of the TS crosspiece. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, one could consider a fixed connection by screwing.

[0047] Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in figures 2 to 4, each fixing device DF can comprise a fixing part PF, a nut EF and a spacer EN.

[0048] The fixing part PF is secured to the corresponding support part PS, defines a housing in which the nut EF is fixedly installed, and comprises a first through hole TT1 which is located in the axis of a threaded hole of this nut EF (see figure 4).

[0049] The EN spacer is installed between the corresponding PS support piece and the lower internal face Fil (of the lower wall) of the corresponding LS side member, opposite its lower external face FEI. In addition, this EN spacer includes a second through hole TT2 which is located in the axis of the first through hole TT1 to allow the passage of a bolt (or a screw) for fixing a lower lateral part PL of the rear axle TR (see figures 2 and 4).

[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 4, each fixing part PF may comprise two clipping tabs PC which pass through corresponding clipping holes TC defined in the corresponding support part PS, in order to achieve fixed attachment to the latter (PS). But other fixing means could be envisaged, and in particular screwing means.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Land vehicle (VT) comprising a structure (SV) comprising i) side members (LS), right and left, and to each of which is secured a support piece (PS) to which is secured a fixing device (DF) to which is secured a part of a rear axle (TR), and ii) a cross member (TS) extending transversely between said side members (LS), characterized in that said structure (SV) comprises two right and left interface pieces (PI), each secured to one of two ends of said cross member (TS) and to lower external faces (FEI) and lateral external faces (FEL) of one of said side members (LS), and in that each support piece (PS) is secured to a lateral internal face (FIL) of one of said side members (LS), opposite its lateral external face (FEL), at a corresponding interface piece (PI).

2. Land vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that each interface part (PI) comprises a transverse end (ET) and two longitudinal wings (AL) secured respectively to said lower external face (FEI) and lateral external face (FEL) of said corresponding spar (LS), and in that each support part (PS) comprises two longitudinal ends (EL) secured to said lateral internal face (FIL) of said spar (LS) corresponding to the level of said longitudinal wings (AL) of said corresponding interface part (PI).

3. Land vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that each support part (PS) has a generally L-shaped transverse section, and comprises i) a first wall (P1) fixedly secured to said lateral internal face (FIL) of said spar (LS) corresponding to the level of said longitudinal wings (AL) of said corresponding interface part (PI), and ii) a second wall (P2) extending substantially perpendicularly said first wall (P1) while being installed substantially parallel to said lower external face (FEI) of said corresponding spar (LS) and to which a corresponding fixing device (DF) is secured.

4. Land vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that each support part (PS) comprises at least one stamping (ER) defined partly on said first wall (P1) and partly on said second wall (P2), and capable of reinforcing a support of said second wall (P2) substantially perpendicular to said first wall (P1).

5. Land vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of said side members (LS) has a generally U-shaped transverse section.

6. Land vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each support part (PS) is fixedly secured by welding to said lateral internal face (FIL) of said corresponding side member (LS).

7. Land vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each interface part (PI) is fixedly secured by welding to said corresponding side member (LS) and to said corresponding end of said cross member (TS).

8. Land vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each fixing device (DF) comprises i) a fixing part (PF) secured to said corresponding support part (PS), defining a housing in which a nut (EF) is fixedly installed, and comprising a first through hole located in the axis of a threaded hole of said nut (EF), and ii) a spacer (EN) installed between said corresponding support part (PS) and a lower internal face (Fil) of said corresponding side member (LS), opposite its lower external face (FEI), and comprising a second through hole located in the axis of said first through hole.

9. Land vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that each fixing part (PF) comprises two clipping tabs (PC) passing through corresponding clipping holes (TC) defined in said corresponding support part (PS), in order to achieve said fixed connection to the latter (PS).

10. Land vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

Images