Structure for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle

Abstract

Structure for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a floor (2), a component (3) positioned facing a first face (2a) of the floor (2), and a foam sheet (4) arranged between the component (3) and the floor (2). In addition, it further comprises at least one panel (5) comprising at least one composite material and arranged facing a second face (2b) of the floor (2) opposite the first face (2a) of the floor (2), said panel (5) extending at least partially in contact with the foam sheet (4) through at least one opening (6) in the floor (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Structure for electric or hybrid motor vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates, in general, to electric or hybrid vehicles and the reduction of vibrations and noise generated by such vehicles.

[0004] More specifically, the invention relates to a structure for an electric or hybrid vehicle as well as a motor vehicle comprising such a structure.

[0005] Motor vehicles generate vibrations and noise that need to be reduced in order to improve the comfort of passengers inside the cabin.

[0006] Document W02020 / 136021 describes a structure for an electric or hybrid vehicle in which a foam plate is inserted between the battery and the floor.

[0007] The foam thus compressed between the battery cover sheet metal and the floor sheet metal ensures the acoustic insulation of the assembly as well as the damping of these two sheets.

[0008] However, the presence of metal sheets leads to the formation of a heavy structure whose mass needs to be reduced.

[0009] The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a structure making it possible to provide insulation against noise and vibrations of the floor while reducing the mass of electric or hybrid vehicles in order to improve their autonomy by increasing savings in energy and environmental resources.

[0010] A structure for an electric or hybrid vehicle is therefore proposed comprising a floor, a component positioned opposite a first face of the floor, and a foam plate placed between the component and the floor.

[0011] Furthermore, the structure comprises at least one panel comprising at least one composite material and arranged opposite a second face of the floor opposite the first face of the floor, said panel extending at least partially in contact with the foam plate through at least one opening in the floor.

[0012] Preferably, the panel comprising at least one composite material comprises a first face positioned facing the floor and a second opposite face, the second face of said panel being porous.

[0013] In one embodiment, the panel comprising at least one composite material may comprise a honeycomb architecture.

[0014] Advantageously, the structure may comprise a sealing joint positioned on the periphery of the foam plate between the component and the floor.

[0015] Preferably, the foam board is compressed at a compression rate of the foam board being between 0 and 40%.

[0016] In one embodiment, the perimeter of the panel comprising at least one composite material can be positioned in abutment against the perimeter of the opening in the floor.

[0017] Advantageously, the panel comprising at least one composite material can be fixed along a rebate of the floor, preferably said panel is glued along the rebate of the floor.

[0018] Preferably, the perimeter of the foam plate can be compressed between the component and the floor, preferably the compression rate being greater than or equal to 30%.

[0019] Advantageously, the panel comprising at least one composite material is covered with a porous element, preferably made of fibrous material or microperforated material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the panel comprising at least one composite material is covered with a porous element made of compressed fibrous material.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a structure as described above.

[0022] Other aims, advantages and characteristics will emerge from the description which follows, given purely for illustrative purposes and with reference to the appended drawings in which: [Fig 1] is a schematic sectional view of a structure for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig 2] is a perspective view of the structure illustrated in Figure 1.

[0024] [Fig 3] illustrates an assembly of a floor and composite panels according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] In the remainder of the description, the terms "lower", "upper", "under", "on", "above", "below" are understood in relation to the usual orthogonal reference point for motor vehicles, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and comprising:

[0026] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and directed from the front to the rear of the vehicle;

[0027] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the X axis and directed from the left to the right of the vehicle moving forward;

[0028] - a Z axis, orthogonal to the X and Y axes and vertically directed from bottom to top.

[0029] In what follows, and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of a domain of values ​​are included in this domain, notably in the expression "between".

[0030] Furthermore, the expression "at least one" used in this description is equivalent to the expression "one or more".

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, respectively, a sectional view and a perspective view of a structure 1 for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle.

[0032] The structure 1 comprises a floor 2, which may be formed by a platform intended to delimit the lower part of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0033] The floor 2 advantageously comprises at least one metal sheet, such as a steel sheet.

[0034] The floor 2 comprises a first face 2a which, when the structure 1 is mounted on the vehicle, extends horizontally and is positioned towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] A second face 2b of the floor 2, opposite the first face 2a, is positioned opposite the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the example illustrated, the first face 2a and the second face 2b of the floor 2 correspond, respectively, to a lower face and an upper face.

[0036] Additionally, structure 1 includes a vehicle component, such as an energy tank.

[0037] In the example illustrated, the component is a battery 3 intended for traction of the vehicle and the floor 2 illustrated in figure 1 is therefore an area directly above the battery 3 fixed under the floor 2.

[0038] The battery 3 may include a housing or envelope intended to contain the elements enabling the operation of the battery 3.

[0039] The battery 3 may comprise at least one portion of substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0040] In another embodiment, the component may be, for example, a liquid fuel or hydrogen tank.

[0041] The component is preferably a solid, acoustically neutral component.

[0042] Battery 3 is positioned opposite the first face 2a of floor 2.

[0043] A foam plate 4 is placed between the battery 3 and the floor 2.

[0044] Foam board 4 is a solid foam board.

[0045] The foam plate 4 may comprise a porous or cellular material.

[0046] The porous material preferably comprises a solid continuous network in which air bubbles are trapped.

[0047] Preferably, the foam plate 4 comprises a polymer foam, which is particularly easy to implement.

[0048] Preferably, the foam plate 4 comprises a polymer matrix, even more preferably a polyurethane matrix.

[0049] In one embodiment, the foam board 4 may comprise a polyurethane foam.

[0050] The foam board 4 may comprise flame retardant compounds. Thus, the foam board 4 may also serve as a fire barrier between the battery 3 and the floor 2 of the structure 1. In the example illustrated, the upper face of the foam board 4 is in contact with the first face of the floor 2. The lower face of the foam board 4 is in contact with an upper side 3a of the battery 3.

[0051] Preferably, the foam plate 4 is compressed or prestressed. Indeed, compression of the foam plate 4 advantageously allows better absorption of vibrations of the floor 2 and noise. Compression increases the rigidity of the foam plate 4.

[0052] Preferably, the foam plate 4 is compressed, in the example illustrated between the floor 2 and the battery 3, according to a compression rate of the foam plate being between 0 and 40%, more preferably between 20 and 40%.

[0053] By compression ratio is meant the ratio of the difference between the thickness of the foam plate 4 at rest and the thickness of the compressed foam plate 4 divided by the thickness of the foam plate 4 at rest.

[0054] The battery 3 can be mechanically fixed to the floor 2 so as to leave a space between the battery 3 and the floor 3 less than the thickness of the foam plate 4 at rest, that is to say in the absence of stress exerted on the foam plate 4. In this way, the foam plate 4 is deformed during assembly by the compression provided by the floor 2 and the upper side 3a of the battery 3.

[0055] The foam plate 4 makes it possible to fill the empty space under the floor 2, and to take advantage of the effect of the mass of the battery 3 to help ensure the insulation properties of the structure 1.

[0056] Advantageously, the thickness of the foam plate 4 can be between 10 and 20 mm when it is compressed between the floor 2 and the component.

[0057] In one embodiment, the foam plate 4 may comprise at least one surface, preferably an upper surface arranged opposite the floor 2, comprising microperforations. The evacuation of air is thus not hindered by the floor 2 or the battery 3.

[0058] In one embodiment, the foam plate 4 may comprise one or more through holes passing through the thickness of the foam plate 4. This makes it possible to shorten the minimum distance to be traveled for the air to exit the foam plate 4.

[0059] Advantageously, a sealing gasket can be positioned on the periphery of the foam plate 4 between the battery 3 and the floor 2.

[0060] As an alternative or in addition to the sealing gasket, the perimeter of the foam plate 4 can be compressed between the battery 3 and the floor 2.

[0061] Preferably, the compression rate of the perimeter of the foam plate 4 is greater than or equal to 30%.

[0062] Furthermore, the structure 1 comprises at least one panel 5 comprising at least one composite material.

[0063] The panel 5 is arranged on the floor 2. A first face 5a of the panel 5 is arranged opposite the second face 2b of the floor 2, and a second face 5b opposite the first face 5a is arranged opposite the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0064] In the illustrated example, the first and second faces 5a and 5b of the panel 5 correspond, respectively, to lower and upper faces.

[0065] The floor 2 further comprises at least one opening 6 so that the panel 5. The panel 5 is arranged above the opening 6 so as to extend at least partially in contact with the foam plate 4.

[0066] Certain metal areas of floor 2 are locally or more widely replaced by panels 5.

[0067] The proportion of sheet metal is reduced.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 3, it may be provided that the floor 2 comprises a plurality of openings 6 in order to substitute several zones of the metal floor 2 with panels 5 comprising at least one composite material. A panel 5 may be positioned on each of the openings 6 of the floor 2 in order to maximize the lightening of the floor 2.

[0069] Advantageously, the perimeter of the panel 5, and in particular of the first face 5a, can be positioned in abutment against the perimeter of the opening 6 of the floor. The floor 2 can comprise, on the periphery of the opening 6, a rebate 7 facilitating the installation and fixing of the panel 5 at the level of the opening 6.

[0070] The panel 5 comprising at least one composite material is fixed along the rebate of the floor 2.

[0071] Preferably, the panel 5 is glued along the rebate of the floor 2.

[0072] In addition, the second face 5b of the panel 5 arranged opposite the passenger compartment of the vehicle is preferably porous.

[0073] The second face 5b of the panel 5 is, for example, made of fibrous material, preferably compressed, or of microperforated material. This makes it possible to obtain properties of resistance to the passage of air through the panel 5.

[0074] More preferably, the panel 5 forms a Helmholtz resonator in order to integrate specific acoustic absorption properties.

[0075] In the example illustrated, panel 5 has a honeycomb architecture.

[0076] In one embodiment, the panel 5 may, for example, comprise two substantially parallel skins between which is located a core having cells forming Helmholtz resonators.

[0077] The skins are each positioned on one of the first and second faces 5a and 5b of the panel 5.

[0078] One of the skins, arranged on the second face 5b of the panel 5, is pierced with holes opening into the cells so as to form necks of the resonators.

[0079] The cells of the panel 5 are advantageously oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the panel 5, thus extending between the first and second faces 5a and 5b.

[0080] Preferably, the cells are organized according to a honeycomb architecture, having a hexagonal section.

[0081] The core of the panel 5 comprising the cells may comprise a material chosen from: a metal, a plastic, cardboard or a mixture thereof. According to one example, the core of the panel 5 may comprise polypropylene.

[0082] In one example, the core material and the skin material are different, forming a composite panel.

[0083] Advantageously, the core material and / or the skin material may comprise a composite material.

[0084] Preferably, the thickness of the core of the panel 5 is greater than or equal to 15 mm.

[0085] The foam plate 4 is advantageously compressed between the two massive elements formed by the battery 3 and the floor 2. The vibrations and sound waves produced are thus damped by the foam plate 4.

[0086] The presence of the panels 5 makes it possible to reinforce the properties of the structure 1 while making it lighter. To reinforce the acoustic insulation properties of the assembly, the panels 5 also make it possible to position in the structure 1 a foam plate 4 of low thickness and therefore of less mass.

[0087] Furthermore, the assembly formed by the panel 5, the floor 2 and the foam plate 4 can be covered by one or more elements satisfying the appearance and wear resistance requirements of the vehicle.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2, the panel 5 is preferably covered with a porous element in order to maintain the acoustic functions of the assembly formed by the panel 5, the floor 2, the foam plate 4 and the component that it covers.

[0089] In one embodiment, the porous element may be made of fibrous material, preferably compressed, or of microperforated material.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the porous element is a porous mat 8 covering the panel 5.

[0091] Advantageously, the element is made of fibrous material, preferably compressed, or of microperforated material.

[0092] In one embodiment, the structure 1 may comprise means for fixing the battery 3 to the floor 2. Preferably, the fixing means are positioned at a distance from the foam plate 4 and the panels 5 so as not to damage them and alter their functionality.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Structure for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a floor (2), a component (3) positioned opposite a first face (2a) of the floor (2), and a foam plate (4) arranged between the component (3) and the floor (2), characterized in that it further comprises at least one panel (5) comprising at least one composite material and arranged opposite a second face (2b) of the floor (2) opposite the first face (2a) of the floor (2), said panel (5) extending at least partially in contact with the foam plate (4) through at least one opening (6) of the floor (2).

2. Structure according to claim 1, in which the panel (5) comprising at least one composite material comprises a first face positioned opposite the floor (2) and a second opposite face, the second face of said panel (5) being porous.

3. Structure according to claim 1 or 2, in which the panel (5) comprising at least one composite material has a honeycomb architecture.

4. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing joint positioned at the periphery of the foam plate (4) between the component (3) and the floor (2).

5. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the foam plate (4) is compressed according to a compression rate of the foam plate (4) being between 0 and 40%.

6. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the perimeter of the panel (5) comprising at least one composite material is positioned in abutment against the perimeter of the opening of the floor (2).

7. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the panel (5) comprising at least one composite material is fixed along a rebate (7) of the floor (2), preferably said panel is glued along the rebate (7) of the floor (2).

8. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the perimeter of the foam plate (4) is compressed between the component (3) and the floor (2), preferably the compression rate being greater than or equal to 30%.

9. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the panel (5) comprising at least one composite material is covered with a porous element (8), preferably made of fibrous material or microperforated material.

10. Motor vehicle comprising a structure according to any one of the preceding claims.

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