Mounting support for a battery under the chassis of a motor vehicle with at least partially electric propulsion.

Abstract

A mounting support for a battery under the chassis of a motor vehicle with at least a partial electric propulsion system. The support consists of a battery support plate (4) composed of two overlapping walls (4a, 4b) aligned along the extension plane (P1) of the plate (4). A space (E1) between the walls (4a, 4b) houses reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) of the plate (4), which extend along principal extension directions (L1, T1). These reinforcement elements (11a, 11b) are oriented by groups of reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) respectively along one or the other of the extension directions (L1, T1) of the plate (4) defining its plane (P1). (See diagram: Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Mounting bracket for a battery under the chassis of a motor vehicle with at least partly electric propulsion energy. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles whose propulsion energy is at least partly electric, of the hybrid or electric motor vehicle type. The invention relates more specifically to the methods of mounting under the chassis of such a vehicle, a battery supplying the vehicle's propulsion electrical energy. Prior art

[0002] Among motor vehicles, there are known those of the hybrid or electric type whose propulsion is provided in whole or in part by an electric motor. More precisely, the powertrain of a hybrid vehicle comprises an electric motor and a thermal motor which can be operated separately or in combination. The powertrain of an electric vehicle comprises only an electric motor.

[0003] The propulsive electrical energy of such vehicles is provided by an electrical energy reserve, comprising one or commonly several battery modules. Each of said modules is likely to comprise one or more batteries. In summary, a battery comprises a casing housing at least one electrical energy storage component. To optimize the energy autonomy of the vehicle, the electrical energy reserve has a significant footprint and is commonly installed under the chassis of the vehicle.

[0004] For this purpose, at least one battery is installed inside a receptacle which is mounted under the chassis by being fixed to structural components of the chassis. The receptacle provides a closed enclosure for protecting the battery, which delivers high voltage electrical power and therefore is a potential source of danger in the event of damage.

[0005] However, the batteries are installed in a location of the vehicle which is exposed to underbody impacts and / or are potentially subject to impacts in the event of frontal and / or lateral impacts sustained by the vehicle. This is why it is common to organize methods of mounting the batteries under the chassis, which allow them to be preserved in the event of impacts sustained by the vehicle.

[0006] For example, it was proposed by document FR3063683-A1 (PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILE SA) to provide a device for protecting an installed battery underbody comprising reinforcements inserted between the side faces of the battery housing and the side structural elements of the vehicle.

[0007] Such devices for protecting a battery installed under the body, however, have a bulk that should be reduced to optimize the available volume for installing the electrical energy reserve under the chassis. The methods for mounting the battery under the chassis also deserve to be simplified as much as possible. Furthermore, it is appropriate for such protective devices to provide effective protection of the battery with regard to various impacts to which the vehicle is likely to be subjected in any of its directions of extension. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In this context, the present invention relates to a support for mounting at least one battery under the chassis of a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle whose propulsion energy is at least partly electric.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to propose a solution for protecting the battery against shocks that it is likely to suffer as a result of an impact sustained by the vehicle.

[0010] It is more particularly aimed to propose such a solution with regard to different impacts that the vehicle is likely to withstand, whether it be an underbody impact, a lateral impact, a frontal impact or a lateral-frontal impact also commonly known as a pole impact.

[0011] A related objective of the invention is to propose a solution which is of simple structure, and which facilitates the mounting of the battery under the chassis without affecting the quality of its protection in the event of impact(s) sustained by the vehicle.

[0012] Another related objective of the invention is to propose a solution making it possible to optimize the volume available under the body to accommodate the components of the electrical energy reserve and / or the equipment necessary for its safe operation.

[0013] Another related objective is to propose a solution making it possible to limit, as a result of its application, an increase in the mass of the vehicle deemed detrimental to the capacity of its propulsion by the vehicle's powertrain.

[0014] Such goals and objectives are also subject to the constraint of finding a solution that can be implemented at lower costs, in the context of severe economic competition in the automotive sector which can make a potential solution prohibitive due to the costs involved.

[0015] A support according to the invention is a support for mounting at least one battery under a platform included in a chassis of a motor vehicle. Said support comprises a battery support plate and is equipped with members for fixing the support to at least one of the components of the chassis.

[0016] It is specified if necessary that typically a plate extends mainly along a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction which have dimensions significantly greater than the thickness of the plate. Consequently, the plate extends along a general plane which is defined by its longitudinal and transverse extension directions and which identifies the extension of the large faces of the plate which are opposite one another according to its thickness. In the context of a support falling within the invention, the plate conventionally forms a battery support member with one of its large faces intended to be oriented towards the platform which the chassis comprises.

[0017] The aim and / or objectives of the invention are achieved in isolation or in combination at least by applying the following provisions.

[0018] According to the invention, said plate is at least composed of two walls superimposed along the extension plane of the plate. Between said walls, a space is provided housing reinforcement elements of the plate. Said reinforcement elements extend along main directions of extension which are oriented by groups of reinforcement elements respectively along one and the other of the directions of extension of the plate defining its plane. It is understood here that the reinforcement elements are of elongated conformation along their main direction of extension.

[0019] The plate constitutes in itself a robust member, being reinforced along all of its directions of extension by the reinforcing elements which it houses between the walls which it comprises. The arrangement of the plate gives it the ability to constitute a support for supporting the battery on one of the large external faces of the plate, which is capable of providing its protection in isolation in the event of impacts suffered by the vehicle along at least one of its directions of extension, due to the intrinsic robustness conferred on the plate.

[0020] More precisely, the plate is configured as a hollow body housing the reinforcing elements giving it its robustness. The incorporation of the reinforcing elements inside the plate in the space provided between the walls, gives the plate robustness and intrinsic resistance to the impacts that it is capable of withstanding. Such robustness is given to the plate: -) longitudinally via a first group of reinforcing elements extending in a longitudinal extension direction of the plate, -) transversely via a second group of reinforcing elements following a transverse extension direction of the plate, and / or -) vertically along its thickness, via all the reinforcing elements which are housed inside the space provided between the walls, the reinforcing elements being interposed between the constituent walls of the plate which are each pressed against the reinforcing elements interfaced between them.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing elements are distributed between the walls in the form of a mesh network, generally composing a stiffening organ for the plate along its extension plane.

[0022] In other words, the reinforcing elements of a first group of reinforcing elements extending mainly in the same first direction are arranged perpendicularly to the reinforcing elements of a second group of reinforcing elements extending mainly in the same second direction. At least in part, the reinforcing elements of the first group and at least in part, the reinforcing elements of the second group are intersected, forming said reinforcing member of the plate configured as a mesh network of reinforcing elements.

[0023] According to one embodiment depending on the thickness of the plate, the reinforcing elements of one group bear against the reinforcing elements of another group, jointly forming spacers separating the walls from each other, creating said space.

[0024] This gives the plate a single-piece character due to the walls being pressed against each other at least via the reinforcing elements, which reinforces the robustness of the plate. The plates are preferably each fixed to the reinforcing elements, in particular by welding and more specifically by electric spot welding.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the groups of reinforcing elements are respectively produced from one and the other of the walls, in particular by stamping. The groups of reinforcing elements have, perpendicular to their general direction of extension, a generally U-shaped section, more or less flared, the bottom of which projects inside said space.

[0026] It is understood here that the reinforcing elements project towards the inside of the plate relative to the general extension planes of the walls. In other words, the opening of the U-shaped profile of the reinforcing elements is oriented towards the outside of the plate, the reinforcing elements of the same group being connected to each other by the parts of the walls delimiting the large external faces of the plate.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the walls are fixed to each other at least by welding together at least a portion of the reinforcing elements of the groups of reinforcing elements that the walls respectively integrate.

[0028] The reinforcing elements are integrated in separate groups into each of the walls, being at least partly pressed against each other along the thickness of the plate. In the context, in particular, of an arrangement of the reinforcing elements in a mesh network, at least a portion of the reinforcing elements integrated into one of the walls are pressed against and fixed against at least a portion of the reinforcing elements integrated into the other of the walls.

[0029] The fixing of the walls to each other is carried out at least in the area of ​​intersection of at least a part of the reinforcing elements of a first group with at least one part of the reinforcing elements of a second group, and / or preferably also at the periphery of the plate by fixing the walls together at their edges at least partially pressed against each other, being included along the extension plane of the plate.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the plate is advantageously equipped with studs for fixing the battery to the plate, said studs being integral with the plate. Said studs are in particular welded to the plate by extending along its thickness projecting towards the outside of the plate at its large battery support face. The battery can thus be easily fixed to the plate prior to fixing the plate equipped with the battery to the chassis.

[0031] Preferably, the walls are placed against each other at the periphery of the plate. The plate at its periphery has passages therethrough for said members for fixing the support to at least one of the components of the chassis. Such fixing members are in particular arranged as screws for fixing the plate to the chassis.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the plate is provided with at least one reinforcing pin relating to holding the plate in position under the chassis, being included in addition to the fixing of the plate to the chassis.

[0033] Such reinforcing pins extend along the thickness of the plate, projecting outwardly from the plate at its large battery support face. The reinforcing pins are configured as centering pins of the plate to the chassis to reinforce the robustness of the mounting of the battery support plate under the platform, and thus to increase the protection of the battery.

[0034] Alternatively, the plate is also equipped with members for fixing a heat shield and an air shield under the plate at the plate mounting station under the chassis platform.

[0035] Conventionally, to clarify, such a heat shield and such an air shield are installed under the body. The heat shield provides in particular protection against the combustion gas exhaust circuit and / or a thermal circuit equipping the vehicle. The air shield is typically arranged at least to promote the flow of air under the body, and / or provides protection against the projection of particles during the movement of the vehicle.

[0036] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle chassis equipped with at least one mounting support for at least one battery under a platform that the chassis comprises. A chassis of the invention is characteristic in that said at least one support is in accordance with the invention, at least as just described.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the platform comprises at least one box providing a cell for receiving at least one said battery installed as a support on the plate. The cell comprises an opening for introducing the battery inside the cell, and the plate on which the battery is installed is fixed to at least one structural component of the chassis by forming a shutter of said outlet of the cell. Presentation of the figures

[0038] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in relation to the following figures:

[0039] [fig. 1] Figure 1 is a partial illustration in cross-section and in perspective of a motor vehicle chassis, in particular in the front left area of ​​the vehicle. In Figure 1, a schematic battery is installed under a platform of the chassis via a battery support which is arranged in a battery support plate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0040] [fig.2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective illustration of the battery holder re shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the battery support constituent plate is composed of two superimposed walls extending along the extension plane of the plate. The walls are configured to bear against each other when assembled together, providing between them a space for receiving reinforcing elements of the plate.

[0041] [fig.3] Figure 3 is a perspective illustration of the constituent plate of the support shown in figures 1 and 2. In figure 3, areas of bearing against each other of the walls making up the plate forming the battery support are schematically highlighted, in particular at least via the reinforcing members which they house between them. Detailed description of the invention

[0042] The figures and their detailed, non-limiting descriptions set out the invention in particular ways that are not restrictive as to the scope of the invention. The figures and their detailed descriptions of an exemplary embodiment of the invention may serve to better define it, if necessary in relation to the general description which has just been given. Furthermore, and in particular to avoid overloading the figures and / or to facilitate their reading, the reference numbers assigned to the terms and / or concepts used to describe the invention and indicated in any one of the figures are potentially repeated in the description of any other figure without implying their presence in all of the figures.

[0043] In Figure 1, a battery 1 (shown schematically in broken lines) contributing to an electrical energy reserve of a hybrid or electric vehicle is installed in the base of the chassis 2 of the vehicle. The battery 1 is mounted under a platform 3 for partitioning the passenger compartment of the vehicle, via a support consisting of a single-piece plate 4 for supporting the battery 1. The plate 4 extends along a plane PI in particular defined along longitudinal L1 and transverse T1 directions of extension. of plate 4, and extends vertically VI along its thickness between its two large upper and lower faces.

[0044] The battery 1 is supported via the large upper face of the plate 4 which is oriented towards the platform 3. When the plate 4 carrying the battery 1 is installed under the platform 3, the battery 1 is housed inside a cell 5a formed by a box 5b which the platform 3 comprises. The outlet of the cell 5a oriented towards the rolling plane of the vehicle is then closed by the plate 4 in the mounting position of the battery 1 under the platform 3.

[0045] Referring also to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the plate 4 has openings for the passage of fixing members 6 through it, such as screws for example, for its assembly and fixing to the chassis 2. The plate 4 is fixed to at least one component 7 of the chassis 2, such as for example a side member and / or a cross member, or even to the platform 3. The fixing members 6 are distributed around the periphery of the plate 4, for example being six in number.

[0046] To reinforce the robustness of the attachment of the plate 4 to the chassis 2, the plate 4 is also provided with reinforcing pins 10 which also provide centering of the plate 4 in position on the chassis 2. The reinforcing pins 10 are arranged on the plate 4 according to the forces to which the plate 4 is potentially subjected in the event of impacts sustained by the vehicle.

[0047] According to the example illustrated in a context in which the battery 1 is located in the front left zone of the vehicle, the reinforcement pins 10 are for example two in number, being placed at the front of the plate 4 considered in the assembly station on the chassis 2. Such a location of the pins 10 reinforces the fixing of the plate 4 to the chassis, in particular in the event of a frontal or lateral-frontal collision.

[0048] The plate 4 is also equipped with studs 8 for fixing the battery 1 to the plate 4 by screwing. The studs 8, for example three in number, are secured to the plate 4 by welding, in particular to its large upper face, the battery 1 extending upwards towards the inside of the cell 5a relative to the plate 4.

[0049] The underbody of the chassis 2 is conventionally covered by air shields oriented towards the rolling plane of the vehicle and / or is potentially provided with a heat shield for protection against a combustion gas exhaust line and / or a thermal circuit, such air shields and heat shield not being shown. Alternatively, the plate 4 is also equipped with fixing members 9 participating in the maintenance on the chassis 2 of such a heat shield and / or such an air shield.

[0050] The plate 4 is also reinforced in itself to protect the battery 1 in the event of impacts suffered by the vehicle. For this purpose, the plate 4 is composed of two walls 4a, 4b superimposed along its extension plane PI, including an upper wall 4a carrying the battery 1 and a lower wall 4b oriented towards the rolling plane of the vehicle. The walls 4a, 4b provide between them a space El extending in the thickness of the plate 4 as visible in figure 1, which houses reinforcing elements 11a, 11b of the plate 4 along its extension plane PI.

[0051] The reinforcing elements 11a, 11b are distributed in groups of reinforcing elements 11a, 11b which are respectively formed from the walls 4a, 4b by stamping. A first group of reinforcing elements 11a is integrated into the upper wall 4a and a second group of reinforcing elements 11b is integrated into the lower wall 4b. The reinforcing elements 11a of the first group extend along the longitudinal extension L1 of the plate 4 and the reinforcing elements 11b of the second group extend along the transverse extension T1 of the plate 4.

[0052] Perpendicular to their general direction of extension, the reinforcing elements 11a, 11b have, depending on the thickness of the plate 4, a more or less flared U-shaped section. The reinforcing elements 11b with which the lower wall 4b is provided prevent, by virtue of their U-shaped profile, deformation of the plate 4 as a result of an underbody impact sustained by the vehicle.

[0053] The reinforcing elements 11a, 11b of one group bear against the reinforcing elements 11a, 11b of another group, jointly forming spacers for spacing the walls 4a, 4b apart from each other, providing said space EL. The walls 4a, 4b bear against each other at least via the reinforcing elements 11a, 11b, and preferably also at their periphery. More particularly, the reinforcing members 11a, 11b are pressed against each other along the thickness of the plate 4, per group of reinforcing elements 11a, 11b.

[0054] More visible in the illustration of the plate 4 shown in Figure 3, the reinforcing elements 11a, 11b intersect in groups of reinforcing elements 11a, 11b in the form of a mesh network of reinforcing elements 11a, 11b. The reinforcing elements 11a, 11b thus compose a stiffening member of the plate 4 along its extension plane PI.

[0055] The walls 4a, 4b are fixed to each other by electrical welding points 12a, 12b, partially referenced to avoid overloading in FIG. 3. First welding points 12a are placed in the intersecting zones of the reinforcing elements 11a, 11b. Second welding points 12b are placed at the periphery of the walls 4a, 4b, the respective edge zones of the walls 4a, 4b being pressed against each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Mounting support for at least one battery (1) under a platform (3) included in a chassis (2) of a motor vehicle, said support comprising a plate (4) for supporting the battery (1) and being equipped with fixing members (6) for fixing the support to at least one of the components (7) of the chassis (2), characterized in that said plate (4) is at least composed of two walls (4a, 4b) superimposed along the plane (PI) of extension of the plate (4), between which walls (4a, 4b) a space (El) is provided housing reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) of the plate (4) which extend along main directions (Ll, Tl) of extension which are oriented by groups of reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) respectively along one and the other of the directions (Ll, Tl) of extension of the plate (4) defining its plane (PI).

2. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) are distributed between the walls (4a, 4b) in the form of a mesh network, generally composing a stiffening member of the plate (4) along its extension plane (PI).

3. Support according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that depending on the thickness of the plate (4), the reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) of one group bear against the reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) of another group, jointly forming spacers for spacing the walls (4a, 4b) apart from each other, providing said space (El).

4. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the groups of reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) are respectively derived from one and the other of the walls (4a, 4b) by stamping, and have perpendicular to their general direction of extension a generally U-shaped section whose bottom projects inside said space (11).

5. Support according to claim 4, characterized in that the walls (4a, 4b) are fixed to each other at least by welding (12a) between them at least a part of the reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) of the groups of reinforcing elements (11a, 11b) that the walls (4a, 4b) respectively integrate.

6. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plate (4) is equipped with studs (8) for fixing the battery (1) to the plate (4), said studs (8) being integral with the plate (4).

7. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the walls (4a, 4b) are placed against each other at the periphery of the plate (4), the plate (4) at its periphery comprising through it passages of the said fixing members (6) of the support to at least one of the components (7) of the chassis (2).

8. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plate (4) is provided with at least one reinforcing pin (10) relating to holding the plate (4) in position under the chassis (2).

9. Chassis (2) of a motor vehicle equipped with at least one support for mounting at least one battery (1) under a platform (3) that the chassis (2) comprises, characterized in that said at least one support conforms to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Chassis (2) of a motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the platform (3) comprises at least one box (5b) providing a cell (5a) for receiving at least one said battery (1) installed in support on the plate (4), the cell (5a) comprising an opening for introducing the battery (1) inside the cell (5a) and the plate (4) on which the battery (1) is installed being fixed to at least one structural component (7) of the chassis (2) by forming a shutter for said opening of the cell (5).

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