STRUCTURAL PART THAT DEFORMS IN CASE OF SIDE IMPACT, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A structural component (SC) is fitted to a vehicle comprising a structure (SC) with a longitudinal side member (LSM) and a transverse crossmember (TB). This structural component (SC) is fixedly attached to one end (ET) of the TB and to the longitudinal side member (LSM) to couple them together, and includes at least one deformation zone (DZ) designed to deform under compression in the event of a lateral impact on the longitudinal side member (LSM) in a direction having at least one component parallel to the transverse direction, in order to absorb part of the energy of this lateral impact. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: STRUCTURAL PART DEFORMABLE IN CASE OF SIDE IMPACT, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a structure with coupled side members and crossmember(s), and more specifically to passive safety within such vehicles. Prior art

[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include a structure comprising two side rails, right and left, installed in a longitudinal direction, and at least one cross member installed in a transverse direction and fixedly attached (generally by welding) to these two side rails.

[0003] Such vehicles must be capable of protecting their passengers when they experience a side impact on either their right or left side. To withstand such a side impact, their structure must exhibit very high rigidity, and this rigidity must be all the greater when the vehicle's weight is significant and the side impact results from a collision with an object of limited longitudinal extension, such as a pole. It should be noted that when the vehicle has an all-electric or hybrid (thermal and electric) powertrain, it includes a main (or "traction") battery installed between its side members, under its floor, and under its crossmember(s), which must also be protected in the event of a side impact.

[0004] Each cross member and the side rails are intended to contribute to the aforementioned stiffness, and therefore must absorb as much of the lateral impact energy as possible. This absorption occurs over a transverse distance (or stroke) from an outer face of a side rail to a point on the cross member whose distance from this outer face is variable, as it depends on the presence or absence of a main battery, and in the presence of a main battery, on the transverse distance separating a lateral side of the main battery (or its protective tray) from the inner face of the adjacent side rail.

[0005] It has been observed that the greater the intensity of the lateral impact, the greater the buckling of the cross member. However, the shorter the transverse absorption distance (or stroke), the more significant this buckling can cause, particularly to the main battery.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation in order to increase the passive protection of passengers, as well as of a possible main battery, in the event of a side impact. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a structural part intended to equip a vehicle comprising a structure including a side member installed along a longitudinal direction and a cross member installed along a transverse direction.

[0008] This structural part is characterized by the fact that it is designed to be fixedly attached to one end of the cross member and to the lateral side member in order to couple them together, and includes at least one deformation zone designed to deform by compression in the event of a lateral shock suffered by the lateral side member along a direction having at least one component parallel to the transverse direction, in order to absorb part of the energy of this lateral shock.

[0009] Thanks to the deformation zone, a "programmed" deformation is available over part of the transverse absorption distance (or stroke) in the event of a lateral impact suffered by the vehicle, which allows a part of the energy of this lateral impact to be absorbed (or absorbed).

[0010] The structural part according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - the deformation zone may include a molding, on the one hand, comprising a longitudinal part intended to be installed parallel to the longitudinal direction, and two vertical parts defined respectively after the longitudinal ends of this longitudinal part and intended to be installed substantially parallel to a vertical direction of the vehicle, and, on the other hand, suitable for being compressed along the transverse direction during the side impact;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, the deformation zone may comprise two first notches defined each between one of two longitudinal ends of the longitudinal part of the molding and one of the vertical parts of the molding, and designed to facilitate the deformation by compression of the molding;

[0013] - also in the presence of the first option, the deformation zone can include two second notches defined respectively just after the vertical parts of the molding, intended to be installed parallel to the longitudinal direction, and designed to facilitate the deformation by compression of the molding;

[0014] - also in the presence of the first option, the molding can have a width along the transverse direction which is between 15 mm and 25 mm;

[0015] - also in the presence of the first option, the molding can have a height along the vertical direction which is between 2 mm and 5 mm;

[0016] - it may comprise, on the one hand, a first part fixedly attached to the end of the crossbeam and covering it in order to increase the stiffness of the crossbeam, and, on the other hand, a second part opposite this first part and fixedly attached to the lateral spar by having a first sub-part covering a portion of the latter;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, its second part may comprise a second sub-part extending the first sub-part in the direction of the first part and comprising the deformation zone.

[0018] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising a structure having two lateral longitudinal members, right and left, installed along a longitudinal direction, at least one cross member installed along a transverse direction, and two structural parts of the type presented above and each coupling between one of the two ends of the cross member and one of the lateral longitudinal members.

[0019] For example, the vehicle may comprise two cross members installed along the transverse direction, each having two ends coupled respectively to the side members by two structural parts of the type shown above. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a front-side cross-sectional view, a lower part of an example of a vehicle structure comprising two side rails and a cross member coupled together by two examples of structural part embodiments according to the invention, before a side impact,

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view of the front side, the structure of the [Fig. 1], after a lateral impact on his left side,

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, two longitudinal members lateral and two cross members of a vehicle structure, coupled together by four examples of structural part embodiments according to the invention, and to at least a part of which is attached a portion of a protective tray for a main battery, and

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the example of construction of structural part of [Fig.3] before it ensures the connection between a lateral stringer and a cross member. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] The invention aims in particular to provide a structural part PS intended to be part of a structure SV of a vehicle and deformable in order to absorb part of the energy in the event of a lateral impact suffered by this vehicle.

[0026] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that each structural part PS is intended to be part of a structure SV of a type vehicle automobile, such as a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns any vehicle comprising a structure with two lateral longitudinal members and at least one cross member to be coupled together. Thus, it concerns, for example, land vehicles (commercial vehicles, motorhomes, minibuses, coaches, trucks, road maintenance vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural vehicles, recreational vehicles (go-karts), and tracked vehicles, for example), boats, and aircraft.

[0027] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the vehicle is considered to comprise a hybrid (thermal and electric) powertrain, and therefore its propulsion is provided by at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric drive unit supplied with electrical energy by a main (or traction) battery, possibly of the cellular type. However, the powertrain could be purely electric (and in this case it comprises at least one electric drive unit supplied with electrical energy by a main (or traction) battery), or purely thermal.

[0028] In figures 1 to 4, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is parallel to the side sides including the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a lower part of an example of a vehicle SV structure to which a BB protective tray housing a main (or traction) battery BP is attached.

[0030] The SV structure comprises two lateral side members LL and at least one cross member TV coupled together by two structural parts PS according to the invention. Each lateral side member LL is intended to be installed along the longitudinal direction X in the vehicle, on a right or left side, and each cross member TV is intended to be installed transversely in the vehicle (i.e., along the transverse direction Y), preferably under the floor PV.

[0031] It will be noted, as illustrated in Figure 3, that the SV structure may comprise two lateral longitudinal members LL and several cross members TV coupled together by structural members PS. Thus, in the example illustrated in Figure 3, the SV structure comprises two cross members TV, each having two opposite ends ET and coupled respectively to the lateral longitudinal members LL by two structural members PS.

[0032] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a structural part PS, according to the invention, is adapted to be fixedly attached to one end ET of a cross member TV and to a lateral side member LL in order to couple them together. Furthermore, this structural part PS includes at least one deformation zone ZD which is designed to deform by compression in the event of a lateral impact suffered by the lateral spar LL along a direction having at least one component parallel to the transverse direction Y, in order to absorb part of the energy of the lateral impact.

[0033] This compression deformation of the deformation zone ZD, and therefore of the structural part PS, is illustrated in [Fig. 2], in the case of a lateral impact on the left side member LL. It should be noted that the deformation of the structural part PS can also be accompanied by a deformation of the left side member LL (for example, compression along the transverse direction Y, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]).

[0034] The deformation zone ZD thus allows for a "programmed" deformation over a portion of the transverse absorption distance (or stroke) in the event of a lateral impact on the vehicle. This deformation is designed to absorb (or absorb) a portion of the energy of this lateral impact from its very beginning. The result is a significant reduction, or even elimination, of buckling in the TV crossmember, thereby considerably improving the passive protection of the vehicle's occupants and the optional main battery BP (installed under each TV crossmember).

[0035] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], the deformation zone ZD may include a molding MD designed to be compressed along the transverse direction Y during lateral impact. Here, "mold MD" is understood to mean a band with a regular profile, either raised (like a rib) or recessed (like a groove).

[0036] This MD molding comprises a longitudinal part PL and two vertical parts PVM.

[0037] The longitudinal part PL is intended to be installed parallel to the longitudinal direction X, as illustrated in figures 1 to 4, and comprises two opposing longitudinal ends EL.

[0038] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the two vertical parts PVM are defined respectively after the two longitudinal ends EL of the longitudinal part PL and are intended to be installed substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z of the vehicle. The word "substantially" here means at + / - 10° with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0039] It will be understood that the MD molding locally defines a fold which promotes its crushing along the transverse direction Y, and therefore deformation by compression.

[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], the deformation zone ZD can also include two first notches El, each defined between one of the two longitudinal ends EL of the longitudinal part PL of the molding MD and one of the two vertical parts PVM of the latter (MD). Thus, the first El notches facilitate the compression deformation of the MD molding, because they constitute empty spaces in which some of the deformed material of the MD molding can fit.

[0041] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], the deformation zone ZD may also include two second notches E2 defined respectively just after the vertical parts PVM and intended to be installed parallel to the longitudinal direction X. Thus, the second notches E2 facilitate the compression deformation of the molding MD, because they constitute empty spaces in which part of the deformed material of the molding MD can be housed.

[0042] Also, for example, the MD molding can have a width along the transverse direction Y that is between 15 mm and 25 mm. By way of illustration, this width can be equal to 20 mm.

[0043] Also, for example, the MD molding can have a height (or depth) along the vertical direction Z that is between 2 mm and 5 mm. As an illustrative example, this height can be equal to 3 mm.

[0044] Also, for example, the width of the first E1 and / or second E2 notches may be equal to that of the MD molding. But it could be slightly larger.

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], each structural part PS can comprise first PI and second P2 opposing parts.

[0046] The first portion PI of each structural part PS is fixedly attached to the end ET of the associated cross member TV and overlaps the latter (ET) in order to increase the stiffness of the cross member TV. This fixed attachment is preferably achieved by welding. Thanks to this arrangement, the energy of a lateral impact is absorbed at three levels, and progressively: by compression deformation of the lateral side member LL and especially of the structural part PS, progressive stiffening thanks to the increased stiffness of the end ET of the cross member TV made possible by its overlap by the first portion PI, and cessation of deformation by the portion of the cross member TV located before its end ET made possible by the aforementioned increased stiffness.

[0047] The second part P2 of each structural part PS is fixedly attached to the associated lateral member LL by having a first sub-part SP1 which covers a portion of the latter (LL). This fixed attachment is preferably achieved by welding.

[0048] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4 the first sub-part SP1 is arranged in the form of what those skilled in the art generally call a "buttonhole" (namely a portion of a plate with notches). But this is not mandatory. Indeed, the first sub-part SP1 could be a solid portion of the plate (without notches).

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 and 4, each second part P2 of a structural member PS may comprise a second sub-part SP2 extending its first sub-part SP1 towards the first part PI and including the deformation zone ZD. In this case, the second sub-part SP2 (and therefore the deformation zone ZD) is located after the associated lateral spar LL. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the deformation zone ZD could be defined in an intermediate part interconnecting the first PI and second P2 parts of a structural member PS.

[0050] It will be noted that when the first part PI of a structural part PS covers (by surrounding it on three faces) an end ET of an associated cross member TV, the dimension of each structural part PS along the longitudinal direction X is slightly greater than the width of this end ET of cross member TV.

[0051] It should also be noted that the dimension of each structural part PS along the transverse direction Y can depend on the transverse absorption distance (or stroke), and more specifically, in the presence of a main battery BP housed in a protective tray BB, on the transverse distance separating a lateral side of the latter (BB) from the inner face of the adjacent lateral stringer LL. The greater this transverse distance, the larger the dimension of each structural part PS along the transverse direction Y can be, and therefore the more it can deform under compression (and consequently absorb a large amount of energy).

[0052] It should also be noted that each PS structural part can, for example, be made of a resistant metallic material. By way of illustration, this material could be DP590 type steel. In this case, the thickness (along Z) of each PS structural part can, for example, be between 1.3 mm and 2 mm. By way of illustration, this thickness could be 1.6 mm.

[0053] The particular conformation of each PS structural part can result from stamping and / or bending and cutting, or from molding in a dedicated mold.

[0054] The invention allows for an overall saving of material and therefore a reduction in the mass and energy consumption of the vehicle because there is no longer a need to carry out local reinforcements of sub-parts of the SV structure.

Claims

Demands

1. Structural part (PS) intended to equip a vehicle comprising a structure (SV) having a side member (LL) installed along a longitudinal direction and a cross member (TV) installed along a transverse direction, the structural part (PS) being adapted to be fixedly attached to one end (ET) of said cross member (TV) and said side member (LL) in order to couple them together, and comprising at least one deformation zone (ZD) adapted to deform by compression in the event of a lateral impact suffered by said side member (LL) along a direction having at least one component parallel to said transverse direction, in order to absorb part of the energy of said lateral impact, characterized in that said deformation zone (ZD) comprises a molding (MD) i) having a longitudinal part (PL) intended to be installed parallel to said longitudinal direction,and two vertical parts (PVM) defined respectively after the longitudinal ends (EL) of said longitudinal part (PL) and intended to be installed substantially parallel to a vertical direction of said vehicle, and ii) adapted to be compressed along said transverse direction during said side impact.

2. Structural part according to claim 1, characterized in that said deformation zone (ZD) comprises two first notches (El) each defined between one of two longitudinal ends (EL) of said longitudinal part (PL) and one of said vertical parts (PVM), and suitable for facilitating said deformation by compression of said molding (MD).

3. Structural part according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said deformation zone (ZD) comprises two second notches (E2) defined respectively just after said vertical parts (PVM), intended to be installed parallel to said longitudinal direction, and suitable for facilitating said deformation by compression of said molding (MD).

4. Structural part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said molding (MD) has a width along said transverse direction of between 15 mm and 25 mm.

5. Structural part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said molding (MD) has a height along said vertical direction of between 2 mm and 5 mm.

6. Structural part according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises i) a first part (PI) fixedly attached to said end (ET) of the cross member (TV) and covering the latter (ET) in order to increase a stiffness of said cross member (TV), and ii) a second part (P2) opposite said first part (PI) and fixedly attached to said lateral stringer (LL) having a first sub-part (SP1) covering a portion of the latter (LL).

7. Structural part according to claim 6, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises a second sub-part (SP2) extending said first sub-part (SP1) in the direction of said first part (PI) and comprising said deformation zone (ZD).

8. Vehicle comprising a structure (SV) having two side rails (LL), right and left, installed along a longitudinal direction, and at least one cross member (TV) installed along a transverse direction, characterized in that it further comprises two structural parts (PS) according to any one of the preceding claims, each coupling together one of two ends (ET) of said cross member (TV) and one of said side rails (LL).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises two cross members (TV) installed along said transverse direction and each having two ends (ET) coupled respectively to said side members (LL) by two structural parts (PS).

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