Electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of a thermal engine version

Abstract

Electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle Electric heavy goods vehicle (1) resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle (1), comprising at least: - a chassis (2) of the original version, - one or more engine mounts (12) of the original version initially used to fix the thermal engine to the chassis (2), - an electric motor (10), - a frame (11) on which the electric motor (10) is mounted, the frame (11) being fixed to the chassis (2) using the one or more engine mounts (12), the frame (11) being configured so as to give the assembly formed by the electric motor (10), the frame (11) and the chassis (2) a rigidity equivalent to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis (2) in the original version. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of a thermal engine version Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heavy goods vehicle motorization, in particular the transformation of a heavy goods vehicle with a thermal engine into an electric engine. The invention relates in particular to an electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from such a transformation and a method of transforming such a heavy goods vehicle. Prior art

[0002] The average lifespan of a heavy goods vehicle with a thermal engine is less than 10 years, or even 5 years for long-distance transport, mainly due to environmental regulations.

[0003] Thus, many heavy goods vehicles that are still functional are scrapped and replaced by new ones, which requires new material and energy resources, harming environmental protection.

[0004] Since the decree of March 13, 2020, French legislation authorizes the transformation, under conditions, of thermal vehicles into electric vehicles and their approval. To obtain approval, the legislation specifies, among other things, that the electric powertrain must provide substantially the same power as the thermal powertrain, that the unladen weight and the distribution of the load on the axles must be substantially identical before and after transformation.

[0005] The transformation of thermal heavy goods vehicles into electric heavy goods vehicles, now authorized, is an advantageous opportunity to extend their lifespan and limit their impact on the environment, while saving resources.

[0006] However, heavy goods vehicles tow heavy loads, which generates specific static and dynamic mechanical constraints on the heavy goods vehicle. Heavy goods vehicles are designed to take up these mechanical constraints, in particular by guaranteeing a certain flexibility in the movements of the structure, in particular the chassis and the thermal engine.

[0007] Replacing the thermal powertrain with an electric powertrain can modify the structural behavior of the heavy goods vehicle, which can cause safety problems or difficulties in obtaining approval.

[0008] There is thus a need to have an electrically powered heavy goods vehicle made from a thermally powered heavy goods vehicle without modifying its behavior. structural.

[0009] There is also a need to have an electrically powered heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of a thermally powered heavy goods vehicle optimizing the performance of the electric powertrain. Statement of the invention

[0010] The present invention meets at least part of these needs thanks to, according to one of its aspects, an electric heavy goods vehicle originating from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least:

[0011] - a chassis of the original version, - one or more engine mounts from the original version initially used to fix the thermal engine to the chassis, preferably engine mounts, - an electric motor, - a frame on which the electric motor is mounted.

[0012] The frame is fixed to the chassis using the engine mount(s). The frame is configured so as to give the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis a rigidity equivalent to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis in the original version.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, the rigidity, and therefore the flexibility, of the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis of the electric heavy goods vehicle is similar to that of the original version of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis. Thus, the structural behavior, in particular that of the chassis, linked to static or dynamic mechanical constraints is similar to that of the original version.

[0014] In this way, the electric heavy goods vehicle can be used under the same conditions of use as the original version, in particular transporting or towing the same maximum load, accelerating, braking, turning in the same way, without posing any safety problems.

[0015] Furthermore, the structural behavior of the heavy goods vehicle, in particular the structural deformations in response to static and dynamic mechanical stresses, are similar to those of the original version. This facilitates the approval of the heavy goods vehicle because the structural behavior does not require a new evaluation. Indeed, otherwise, a prototype with the modified structural behavior would have to be subjected to a crash test. The invention makes it possible to avoid carrying out such a crash test.

[0016] Finally, the use of the engine mount(s) of the original version can allow the electric motor to be aligned and suspended on the chassis in a manner similar to that of the thermal engine of the original version.

[0017] By "heavy goods vehicle" is meant a motorized vehicle with a total laden weight greater than 3.5 tonnes. A heavy goods vehicle can be a truck capable of towing a trailer, also known as a "road tractor", a flatbed or fixed bed truck, a rigid truck, an agricultural tractor, a bus, a coach, a special vehicle, for example a fire engine or a military vehicle.

[0018] By "rigidity" is meant the resistance to elastic deformation which can be expressed by the stiffness in N / m and which is linked to the Young's modulus of the object considered.

[0019] By "equivalent rigidity" is meant that the values ​​of the stiffness, bending, compression, traction and shear of the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis are between 80% and 120% of the values ​​of the stiffness, bending, compression, traction and shear of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis in the original version.

[0020] Preferably, the rigidity of the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis is equivalent for all directions and forces.

[0021] The rigidity of the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis can be controlled by a numerical study of constraints, displacements and / or deformations.

[0022] The chassis may include openings from the original version allowing the fixing of said frame using the engine support(s). Said openings may be drillings, tapped holes or other types of openings. In particular, in order to avoid making other openings which could modify the structural behavior of the chassis of the heavy goods vehicle and, in doing so, cause safety or approval problems, said openings are advantageously initially used in the original version for holding the thermal engine.

[0023] The heavy goods vehicle may have a clutch system of the original version connected to the electric motor.

[0024] The heavy goods vehicle may have a flywheel of the original version, the electric motor being connected to the flywheel. The flywheel is preferably initially connected to the thermal engine of the original version. Such a flywheel makes it possible to smooth out the increases and decreases in load of the electric motor and makes driving more pleasant and comfortable.

[0025] The heavy goods vehicle may comprise a coupling part between the electric motor, in particular the output shaft of the electric motor, and the flywheel. The coupling part is advantageously connected to the flywheel at fixing points initially used to connect the thermal engine of the original version to the flywheel.

[0026] In particular, when the heavy goods vehicle has a clutch system of the original version and a flywheel of the original version, the flywheel makes it possible to limit the deceleration of the electric motor when disengaging and thus avoid excessive acceleration of the electric motor when the next clutch is engaged, which can improve the life of the electric motor.

[0027] The heavy goods vehicle may include a gearbox of the original version connected to the electric motor. Retaining the original gearbox allows for more energy-efficient use, in particular an energy saving of at least 10%, better still at least 20%, compared with an electric heavy goods vehicle without a gearbox.

[0028] The gearbox can have between 5 and 20 gears.

[0029] The clutch system of the original version, the flywheel of the original version and / or the gearbox are advantageously positioned and, where appropriate, connected to each other in an identical manner as in the original version. Thus, the time required and the costs for the conversion of the original version are reduced.

[0030] The heavy goods vehicle may include a bell surrounding, where appropriate, the clutch system of the original version and / or the flywheel of the original version.

[0031] Said bell can be fixed to the electric motor and / or to the gearbox.

[0032] Said bell may comprise a cylindrical cavity, in particular a through cavity.

[0033] Said bell preferably has an external shape adapted to the peri-environment spherical, in particular to the chassis and adjoining elements.

[0034] Said bell may comprise an aluminum alloy, in particular a 2017A aluminum.

[0035] By "original version" is meant that the part in question actually comes from the original version or is of identical design. This may be the case, for example, of the engine mount(s), the flywheel, the gearbox, the chassis and / or the clutch.

[0036] The heavy goods vehicle may include an electric pneumatic compressor configured to replace the thermal pneumatic compressor of the original version. When the heavy goods vehicle has a so-called "forward" driver's cab, i.e. the engine is positioned under the cab, the pneumatic compressor may be arranged under the cab, in particular under a step used to access the cab.

[0037] The heavy goods vehicle may include electric power steering configured to replace the power steering of the original version.

[0038] The heavy goods vehicle may comprise at least one electric battery, in particular as a replacement for the fuel tank(s) of the original version, said at least one battery being configured to provide at least part of the electric power of the heavy goods vehicle.

[0039] The heavy goods vehicle may comprise at least one hydrogen tank and at least one fuel cell configured to provide at least a portion of the power electric vehicle, in particular to power the electric motor.

[0040] By "at least part of the electrical power of the heavy goods vehicle" is meant the power necessary for the operation of the lights, the accessories of the heavy goods vehicle cabin, the display device commonly called "dashboard", the electric compressor where applicable, the electric power steering where applicable and / or at least one electric battery where applicable.

[0041] The distribution of masses can be substantially identical to that of the original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle.

[0042] The chassis may be an H-frame, a ladder frame, a beam frame, a tubular frame, a flatbed frame or a shell frame.

[0043] The heavy goods vehicle can have between 2 and 10 axles, each axle being able to carry between 1 and 8 wheels.

[0044] The chassis may extend along a longitudinal axis. It may have a length of between 1 m and 20 m and a width of between 0.50 m and 10 m, in particular between 0.50 m and 2.56 m.

[0045] The frame may comprise a metal, in particular steel or aluminum.

[0046] The heavy goods vehicle may have up to 10 engine mounts, in particular between 2 and 5 engine mounts.

[0047] The frame can be fixed to the chassis using the entire engine mount(s) of the original version. The use of the entire engine mount(s) of the original version allows the assembly formed by the electric motor, the frame and the chassis to have a rigidity even closer to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis in the original version.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to one type of engine support, any shape being possible.

[0049] The frame may have a substantially planar shape, for example a rectangle, H, U, ladder shape, a three-dimensional shape or a mixture thereof. This substantially planar shape facilitates the attachment of the frame to the heavy goods vehicle.

[0050] The frame may comprise an assembly of profiles, for example with a U-shaped, H-shaped, I-shaped, T-shaped, or C-shaped section, in particular UPN or UPE. The assembly of profiles is carried out in such a way that the use of the engine support(s) is optimal. The assembly of different profiles allows the frame to integrate as well as possible with the engine support(s). The assembly of the profiles is preferably carried out by welding.

[0051] The mass of the frame is preferably negligible compared to that of the electric motor, where applicable, of the connecting part between the electric motor and the flywheel and, where applicable, the bell.

[0052] The electric heavy goods vehicle can have a travel range of between 100 km and 800 km, in particular between 200 km and 600 km, without recharging the batteries and / or the hydrogen tank.

[0053] The electric motor preferably comprises a casing. Transformation process

[0054] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, in particular in combination with the above, to a method of transforming into an electric heavy goods vehicle, in particular as defined above, a version with an original thermal engine of the heavy goods vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

[0055] Step a: remove the thermal engine from the original version,

[0056] Step b: fix a frame for holding the electric motor on the support(s) original version engine initially used to fix the thermal engine to the chassis.

[0057] The frame is preferably as defined above.

[0058] The method may comprise, before or after step a), the step of removing the engine mount(s) from the chassis and the step, after step b), of fixing this or these same engine mount(s) to the chassis. This step may make it easier to remove the thermal engine from the original version in step a) and / or to facilitate fixing the frame to the chassis.

[0059] The method may comprise, before or after step a), the step of dismantling the engine support(s) from the heat engine. In this case, the support(s) may remain attached to the chassis during the implementation of the method.

[0060] During the step of fixing the engine mount(s) to the chassis, the engine mount(s) may be fixed to the chassis using the openings of the original version.

[0061] Electric motor assembly and support frame for heavy goods vehicle electric retrofit

[0062] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with what has been defined above, to an electric motor and holding frame assembly comprising:

[0063] - an electric motor having a casing, - a frame for holding the engine and fixing it to the chassis of the heavy goods vehicle using the original engine mount(s).

[0064] Preferably, the frame has a first part for fixing to the chassis of the heavy goods vehicle, and opposite this first part a second U-shaped part, the casing of the electric motor being fixed in at least two locations axially spaced from each other along the branches of the U, between them, the base of the U being connected to the first part.

[0065] The branches of the U may extend cantilevered between frame members.

[0066] The first part may have two branches, free at their end or connected to each other at their end; the fixing of the first part to the chassis may be done by at least two opposite locations on the outer flanks of the branches of the first part.

[0067] The casing of the electric motor may not protrude beyond the branches of the U of the second part, protruding only very slightly, for example by a distance representing less than 10% of the length of the casing.

[0068] The fixing between the first and second part can be done by welding.

[0069] The motor can be screwed onto the branches of the U of the second part. The latter for example, have groups of holes for the housing fixing screws in two axially spaced locations along the branches.

[0070] The branches of the second part may be profiles having a U-shaped cross-section, with the wings of the profile facing outwards, the casing being fixed to the base of the profile.

[0071] When the first part has two branches, these can be formed by profiles connecting perpendicularly to the base of the U of the second part. These profiles can have a U-shaped cross-section, the wings of one of the profiles being oriented in the same direction as the wings of the other profile, or in the opposite direction.

[0072] The base of the U of the second part may have at least one hole for the passage of the power cables of the electric motor.

[0073] The first part may be shorter than the second, and the first part may be less wide than the second.

[0074] The second part may have a symmetrical shape along a median plane of symmetry.

[0075] The branches of the first part may extend along this plane. The first and second parts may have a generally symmetrical shape along the same longitudinal median plane, intersecting the branches at mid-height (i.e. at mid-width of the base of the profiles of the branches when the latter are made up of U-shaped profiles). Heavyweight

[0076] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with what has been defined above, to an electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least:

[0077] - a chassis of the original version,

[0078] - an electric motor,

[0079] - a clutch system of the original version connected to the electric motor.

[0080] An advantage of retaining the clutch of the original version is that it allows communication between the engine and the drive train, in particular the wheels, to be established or interrupted, i.e. to engage and disengage the clutch, without stopping the engine.

[0081] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with what has been defined above, to an electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least:

[0082] - a chassis of the original version,

[0083] - an electric motor,

[0084] - a flywheel of the original version, the electric motor being connected to the flywheel inertia, said flywheel being, preferably, initially connected to the thermal engine of the original version.

[0085] Such a flywheel makes it possible to smooth out increases and decreases in the load of the electric motor and to make driving more pleasant and comfortable.

[0086] The heavy goods vehicle may comprise a coupling part between the electric motor, in particular between the output shaft of the electric motor and the flywheel. The coupling part is advantageously connected to the flywheel at fixing points initially used to connect the thermal engine of the original version to the flywheel.

[0087] The heavy goods vehicle may include a clutch system of the original version connected to said at least one electric motor.

[0088] In particular, when the heavy goods vehicle has a clutch system of the original version and a flywheel of the original version, the flywheel makes it possible to limit the deceleration of the electric motor during disengagement and thus avoid excessive acceleration of the electric motor during the next engagement, which improves the service life of the electric motor.

[0089] The invention also relates, independently or in addition to the above, to an electric heavy goods vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least:

[0090] - a chassis of the original version,

[0091] - an electric motor,

[0092] - a gearbox of the original version connected to the electric motor.

[0093] Retaining the original gearbox allows for more energy-efficient use, in particular allowing an energy saving of at least 10% compared with an electric heavy goods vehicle without a gearbox.

[0094] The heavy goods vehicle may have a clutch system of the original version connected to the electric motor.

[0095] The heavy goods vehicle may have a flywheel of the original version, the electric motor being connected to the flywheel. Said flywheel is preferably initially connected to the thermal engine of the original version.

[0096] The heavy goods vehicle may include a coupling part between the electric motor, in particular the output shaft of the electric motor and the flywheel. The coupling part connects advantageously to the flywheel at fixing points initially used to connect the thermal engine of the original version to the flywheel.

[0097] In particular, when the heavy goods vehicle has a clutch system of the original version and a flywheel of the original version, the flywheel makes it possible to limit the deceleration of the electric motor during disengagement and thus avoid excessive acceleration of the electric motor during the next engagement, which improves the service life of the electric motor.

[0098] The clutch system of the original version, the flywheel of the original version and / or the gearbox are advantageously positioned and, where appropriate, connected to each other in an identical manner as in the original version. Thus, the time required and the costs for the conversion of the original version are reduced. Brief description of the drawings

[0099] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which

[0100] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents, in top view, different assembled elements of an example of a heavy goods vehicle according to the invention,

[0101] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents, in isolation, schematically and in perspective, part of the chassis, the electric motor and its supporting frame and the flywheel of the heavy goods vehicle in [Fig.l],

[0102] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, in isolation, schematically and in perspective, a another example of a frame according to the invention,

[0103] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents, in isolation, schematically and in perspective, a another example of a frame according to the invention, and

[0104] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a block diagram illustrating steps of an exemplary method according to the invention. Detailed description

[0105] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have identical functions bear the same reference sign. For the sake of brevity in this description, they are not described with reference to each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0106] In the figures, the actual proportions have not been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0107] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of an electric heavy goods vehicle 1 according to the invention, in this example a road tractor capable of towing a trailer, in particular a semi-trailer, and including a forward C-cab.

[0108] The heavy goods vehicle 1 comes from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle, for example by implementing the method described below.

[0109] The heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises a chassis 2 of the original version. In this example, the chassis 2 is made of steel in the form of a ladder, comprising two side members 3 and seven cross members 4, and extending along a longitudinal axis X.

[0110] The chassis 2 has a length H of 5.97 m and a width l of 1.07 m.

[0111] The heavy goods vehicle 1 has two axles 5, in this case one at the front carrying two wheels 6 and one at the rear carrying four wheels 6.

[0112] The heavy goods vehicle 1 also comprises an electric motor 10 mounted on a frame 11, the whole being positioned on the front of the chassis under the cabin C.

[0113] The frame 11 is fixed to the chassis 2 using at least one engine support 12, in this example two, the engine support(s) being the one(s) of the original version initially used to fix the thermal engine to the chassis 2. Each engine support 12 has a first end 17 in contact with the frame 11 and a second end 18 in contact with the chassis 2.

[0114] As visible in [Fig.2], the frame 11 has a substantially flat shape and comprises an assembly of profiles with a U-shaped section 200 mm high and 25 mm wide.

[0115] The frame 11 is configured so as to give the assembly formed by the electric motor 10, the frame 11 and the chassis 2 a rigidity equivalent to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis 2 in the original version. In particular, the equivalent rigidity is, in this example, obtained by the fact that the fixing points of the frame 11 are the same as those of the thermal engine of the original version, due to the reuse of the engine supports 12 and the use of a frame 11 made of metal profiles having a rigidity close to the thermal engine of the original version.

[0116] In this example, the frame 11 is made of 30CND8 steel and comprises a first part 15 in the shape of a rectangle positioned towards the front of the chassis 2 and a second part 16 in the shape of a U positioned towards the rear of the chassis 2 so that the free ends of the U of the second part 16 are arranged opposite the first part 15 and not in contact with it. The first and second parts 15 and 16 are assembled together by one side of the rectangle of the first part 15 and the central part of the U of the second part 16, in contact with each other and fixed together by welding.

[0117] This shape makes it possible to easily integrate the frame 11 in place of the thermal engine and to be completely compatible with the engine supports 12.

[0118] The use of profiles with a U-shaped section makes it easier to assemble them and provides good resistance to static and dynamic forces.

[0119] The width of the first part 15 is less than the width of the second part 16 in order to be able to fix the engine supports 12.

[0120] The first part 15 is connected to the two engine supports 12, in this example by screwing. Indeed, the two engine supports 12 are fixed on profiles of the frame 11 extending along the longitudinal axis X, forming two opposite sides of the rectangle forming the first part 15. The first end 17 of the engine supports 12 which is in contact with the frame 11 has an L shape, the two ends of the L being fixed on the frame 11.

[0121] The engine mounts 12 are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X as on the original version of the heavy goods vehicle 1.

[0122] The engine supports 12 are also fixed using screws in openings of the original version (not visible) of the chassis 2. These openings are, in this example, initially used for holding the thermal engine, in order to avoid making, during the transformation of the heavy goods vehicle, other openings in the chassis 2 which could modify the structural behavior of the chassis 2 of the heavy goods vehicle 1 and, in doing so, cause safety or homologation problems.

[0123] In this example, all of the engine mounts 12 of the original version are used to fix the frame 11 to the chassis 2.

[0124] The second part 16 of the frame 11 carries the electric motor 10 in the interior space formed by the U using connecting pieces 20 arranged on the frame 11 between the electric motor 10 and the longitudinal profiles of the part 16 of the frame 11, as visible.

[0125] The use of a U-shaped part to hold the electric motor 10 makes it possible to use the fixing means available on the electric motor 10, in this example tapped holes in the connecting parts 20, and to connect to the first part 15 in order to use the motor supports 12 of the original version.

[0126] Thus, the frame 11 makes it possible to make the mechanical connection between the chassis 3 and the electric motor 10 without having to modify one or the other. Indeed, the motor supports 12 are those of the original version and the means for fixing the electric motor 10 are also original on the electric motor 10.

[0127] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two variants of frame 11 for holding electric motor 10 according to the invention.

[0128] In [Fig.3], the second part 16 of the frame 11 is substantially identical to that of [Fig.2]. In this example, part 16 comprises groups of holes 21 for passages of screws for fixing the casing of the electric motor 10 allowing the connection part 20 to be fixed.

[0129] Still in this variant, the first part 15 forms a U oriented towards the front of the chassis 2.

[0130] In [Fig.4], the second part 16 of the frame 11 differs from that of [Fig.2] in that the profiles forming the branches of the U are slightly beveled at their free end. The profile forming the base of the U also has openings 22 allowing the passage of the power supply cable(s) of the motor.

[0131] The first part 15 differs from that of [Fig.2] in that it only comprises two profiles fixed to the base of the U of the second part 16, thus forming two free branches at their end. In this example, the profiles of the first part 15 are oriented so that the U's open in the same direction.

[0132] As visible in Figures 1 and 2, the heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises a flywheel 25 of the original version which is connected to the electric motor 10. This flywheel 25 is, in this example, initially connected to the thermal engine of the original version. Such a flywheel 25 makes it possible to smooth out the increases and decreases in load of the electric motor 10 and to make driving more pleasant and comfortable.

[0133] In this example, the heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises a coupling part 26 between the output shaft 13 of the electric motor 10 and the flywheel 25. The coupling part 26 is connected to the flywheel 25 at fixing points 27 initially used to connect the thermal engine of the original version to the flywheel 25.

[0134] The coupling part 26 has a conical shape with a length of between 10 and 20 mm, a larger diameter of between 10 and 20 mm in diameter and is made of 30CND8 steel. On its largest circular surface, the coupling part 26 has ten fixing holes for connecting to the flywheel 25 and an additional hole for inserting a guide pin. In addition, the connecting part 26 is hollow and has grooves for engaging the shaft of the electric motor 10.

[0135] The heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises, in this example, a clutch system 30 of the original version connected to the flywheel 25 and therefore to the electric motor 10.

[0136] The heavy goods vehicle 1 also includes a gearbox 35 of the original version connected to the clutch system 30, and therefore to the electric motor 10. Retaining the original gearbox 35 during the transformation allows for more energy-efficient use, in particular an energy saving of at least 10%, better still at least 20%, compared with an electric heavy goods vehicle without a gearbox.

[0137] The clutch system 30, the flywheel 25 and the gearbox 35 are, in this example, positioned and connected to each other in an identical manner as in the original version. Thus, the time required and the costs for the conversion of the original version are reduced.

[0138] The clutch system 30, the flywheel 25 and the gearbox 35 are, in this example, positioned at the front of the chassis 2 between the two side members 3.

[0139] In this example, the gearbox 35 is connected to a differential 36 of the heavy goods vehicle 1 of the original version on the rear axle 5 via a transmission shaft 37 of the heavy goods vehicle 1 of the original version.

[0140] Thus, the mechanical power of the electric motor 10 is transmitted to the rear wheels 6 via the flywheel 25, the clutch 30, the gearbox 35, the transmission shaft 37, the differential 36 and the rear axle 5.

[0141] In this example, the heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises a bell 40, shown in transparency and in dotted lines in [Fig.l], which covers the connecting part 26, the flywheel 25 and the clutch 30. The bell 40 makes it possible to fix the engine 10 to the gearbox 35 while allowing the transmission of the mechanical power of the electric motor 10 by the flywheel 25, the clutch 30 and the gearbox 35.

[0142] The bell 40 is fixed to the electric motor 10, in this example, using eight screws and to the gearbox 35 by twelve screws.

[0143] The bell 40 has, in this example, a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter equal to 530 mm and a length of 285 mm and is made of 2017A aluminum alloy.

[0144] In this example, the heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises an electric pneumatic compressor 50 configured to replace the pneumatic compressor of the original version. The compressor 50 is arranged under the cabin C, under a step (not shown) used to access the cabin C.

[0145] The heavy goods vehicle 1 also includes an electric power steering 55 configured to replace the power steering of the original version.

[0146] The heavy goods vehicle 1 also comprises electric batteries 60, six in number in this example, arranged in the wheelbases to replace the fuel tank(s) of the original version. The batteries 60 are configured to provide at least part of the electric power of the heavy goods vehicle 1.

[0147] The heavy goods vehicle 1 comprises, in this example, a hydrogen tank 70 and a fuel cell 71 configured to provide at least part of the electrical power of the heavy goods vehicle 1, in particular to power the electric motor 10, the lights, the accessories of the cabin C of the heavy goods vehicle 1, a display device commonly called a “dashboard”, the electric compressor 50, the electric power steering 55 and / or at least one electric battery 60 depending on requirements.

[0148] The hydrogen tank 70 and the fuel cell 71 are positioned on the back of the cabin C of the heavy goods vehicle 1.

[0149] The heavy goods vehicle 1 has a mass between 90% and 110% of the mass of the original version. In addition, the distribution of loads on the chassis 2 is identical to that of the original version.

[0150] The heavy goods vehicle 1 still has a fifth wheel 80 from the original version allowing the coupling of a semi-trailer.

[0151] The heavy goods vehicle 1 is obtained by a process of transformation of an original thermal engine version, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0152] In a first step 100, all of the elements integral with the heat engine are separated therefrom, in particular the electrical wiring, the fuel line(s), the pneumatic line(s), the hydraulic line(s), the heating and / or air conditioning circuit.

[0153] Then, the gearbox 35 is detached from the thermal engine and then the engine mounts 12 of the original version are unscrewed from the thermal engine, the engine mounts 12 however remaining integral with the chassis 2.

[0154] The heat engine, its injection system, its electronic control module (ECU in English for “Electronic Control Unit”), the flywheel 25 and the clutch 30, at this stage fixed together, can thus be removed from the heavy goods vehicle 1 in a step 101. For example, a workshop crane can be used to carry out this step.

[0155] Then, in a step 102, the flywheel 25 and the clutch 30 are also removed from the heat engine and then connected to the electric motor 10 using the coupling part 26. The electric motor 10 is then fixed to its holding frame 11. The bell 40 is then positioned around the flywheel 25 and the clutch 30 and is fixed to the electric motor 10.

[0156] In a step 103, the frame 11 carrying, in this example, the electric motor 10, the flywheel 25, the clutch 30, and the bell 40, is positioned between the two side members 3 of the chassis 2 in a space initially dedicated to the original version thermal engine. The gearbox 35 is then secured to the bell 40. The engine supports 12, still screwed onto the chassis 2, are then fixed to the frame 11 of the electric motor 10.

[0157] The electric motor is then connected to a control unit as well as to an electrical power distribution unit (PDU).

[0158] Thus, the frame 11 for holding the electric motor 10 is integral with the chassis 2 and the assembly formed by the electric motor 10, the frame 11 and the chassis 2 has a rigidity equivalent to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis 2 in the original version.

[0159] The invention is not limited to the example which has just been described.

[0160] In particular, the number of engine supports may be different, for example between 2 and 20.

[0161] The shape of the frame may be different, for example in the general shape of an H or a U. or asymmetrical in shape.

[0162] The engine mounts may have a different shape, for example rectangular, triangular, circular, symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Electric heavy goods vehicle (1) resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle (1), comprising at least: - a chassis (2) of the original version, - one or more engine supports (12) of the original version initially used to fix the thermal engine on the chassis (2), - an electric motor (10), - a frame (11) on which the electric motor (10) is mounted, the frame (11) being fixed on the chassis (2) using the one or more engine supports (12), the frame (11) being configured so as to give the assembly formed by the electric motor (10), the frame (11) and the chassis (2) a rigidity equivalent to the rigidity of the assembly formed by the thermal engine and the chassis (2) in the original version.

2. Heavy goods vehicle according to claim 1, the chassis (2) comprising openings of the original version allowing the fixing of said frame (11) using the engine support(s) (12).

3. Heavy goods vehicle according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a flywheel (25) of the original version, the electric motor (10) being connected to the flywheel (25).

4. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a clutch system (30) of the original version connected to the electric motor (10).

5. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a gearbox (35) of the original version connected to the electric motor (10).

6. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electric pneumatic compressor (50) configured to replace the thermal pneumatic compressor of the original version.

7. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electric power steering (55) configured to replace the power steering of the original version.

8. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electric battery (60) replacing the or fuel tanks of the original version, said at least one battery (60) being configured to provide at least part of the electrical power of the heavy goods vehicle (1).

9. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one hydrogen tank (70) and at least one fuel cell (71) configured to provide at least part of the electrical power of the heavy goods vehicle (1).

10. A heavy goods vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (11) has a substantially planar shape, for example a rectangle, H, U, ladder shape, a three-dimensional shape or a mixture thereof.

11. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (11) comprises an assembly of profiles, for example with a U-shaped, H-shaped, I-shaped, T-shaped or C-shaped section, in particular UPN or UPE.

12. Heavy goods vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the frame (11) having a first part (15) for fixing to the chassis (2) of the heavy goods vehicle (1), and opposite this first part a second part (16) in the shape of a U, the engine casing (10) being fixed in at least two locations axially spaced from each other along the branches of the U, between them, the base of the U being connected to the first part (15), the branches of the U can extend in cantilever between chassis elements, the first part (15) having two branches, free at their end or connected to each other at their end.

13. Method for converting into an electric heavy goods vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims an original thermal engine version of the heavy goods vehicle (1), the method comprising the following steps: a. Step a: removing the thermal engine from the original version, b. Step b: fixing a frame (11) for holding the electric motor (10) on the engine support(s) (12) of the original version initially used to fix the thermal engine to the chassis (2).

14. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising, before or after step a), the step of dismantling the engine support(s) (12) from the chassis (2) and the step, after step b), consisting of fixing this or these same engine supports (12) on the chassis (2).

15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, during the step of fixing the engine mount(s) (12) to the chassis (2), the engine mount(s) (12) are fixed to the chassis (2) using openings of the original version.

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, comprising, before or after step a), the step of dismantling the engine support(s) (12) from the heat engine.

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