Automotive vehicle structure with battery tray in the underbody

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (30) for an electrically driven motor vehicle. The assembly comprises: a battery tray (32) with a mounting area; a structure (16) comprising a side member (44), a mounting bracket (54) connecting the mounting area to the side member; an axle mounting area (46) longitudinally on the side member; and a connecting element (60) attached to the side member and the mounting bracket to connect the mounting bracket to the side member. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle structure with battery tray in the underbody

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with electric batteries in the underbody. More specifically, the invention relates to the fixing of an electric battery underneath a motor vehicle. The invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] An electrically driven motor vehicle commonly has a plurality of electric drive batteries placed under the floor, in the underbody. This set of batteries is housed in a lower protective element, commonly referred to as a battery tray. The battery tray covers all of the batteries and protects them against road spray. It optionally provides sealing from the environment and commonly includes a device for cooling the electric batteries.

[0003] The battery tray is attached to the vehicle body from below. For this purpose, it has various attachment points distributed over its length, but also at its front edge and its rear edge. Opposite, the structure of the vehicle shows adaptations of the attachment points. Due to the cumulative mass of the batteries and their sizes, the structure includes a battery tray support. The battery tray support is a folded part improving the connection between the battery tray and the structure.

[0004] Document FR3082788A1 presents an electric vehicle comprising a battery housed in a battery tray. The battery tray is fixed under the floor of the vehicle by at least one support device. The support device is configured to have a height greater than that of the battery tray, such as to extend vertically from the floor of the vehicle towards the ground over a height greater than that of the battery tray. The vehicle has a deflector extending along a horizontal plane under the battery tray of the vehicle. The deflector is configured to, when mounted under the vehicle, at least partially cover at least one battery tray support device.

[0005] This solution offers high robustness and allows effective maintenance of the battery tray under the structure. When the vehicle is moving, the roughness of the road generates vertical shocks. These shocks result in accelerations, and therefore mechanical forces transmitted to the entire vehicle. These forces place a high stress on the structure at the battery tray attachment points. There is therefore a need to further increase the strength of the structure of the motor vehicle.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the strength of a motor vehicle structure at a battery tray attachment zone. The invention also aims to optimize the torsional rigidity of a structure, and to increase the strength at a motor vehicle battery tray attachment zone.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for an electrically driven motor vehicle, the assembly comprising: a battery tray with a fixing zone; a structure comprising a side member, a fixing support connecting the fixing zone to the side member; the structure having an axle mounting zone longitudinally at the side member; remarkable in that the structure further comprises a joining element fixed to the side member and to the fixing support in order to connect the fixing support to the side member.

[0008] Thus, the fixing support is connected to a structural profile of the vehicle via the connecting element, which allows the battery tray to be suspended therefrom indirectly. Therefore, the battery tray benefits from a reinforced part of the structure from which it is suspended; which improves its anchoring while reducing the deformations undergone by the fixing support.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a physical bridge between the spar and the fixing support so as to maintain them relative to each other.

[0010] Preferably, the structure comprises a spar lining element placed inside said spar, the joining element being fixed to the lining element through the spar.

[0011] Preferably the lining element, the spar and the joining element are fixed using triple thickness welding points.

[0012] Preferably, the fixing support comprises a horizontal portion, and a vertical portion extending vertically towards the side member; the joining element being fixed to the horizontal portion and to the vertical portion.

[0013] Preferably, the joining element extends vertically over the entire height of the vertical portion.

[0014] Preferably, the structure comprises a passenger compartment floor, the battery tray being under the passenger compartment floor.

[0015] Preferably, the joining element is under the passenger compartment floor.

[0016] Preferably, the battery tray comprises a fixing lug extending vertically to the fixing support and forming the fixing zone.

[0017] Preferably, the assembly comprises a vertical fixing axis fixing the fixing lug to the fixing support.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing support comprises a horizontal fixing tab and / or a vertical fixing tab fixed to the joining element.

[0019] Preferably, the axle mounting area comprises at least one axle fixing hole, said at least one fixing hole passing through the fixing support and / or the side member, said at least one fixing hole being longitudinally at the level of the joining element.

[0020] Preferably, the structure comprises a wheel arch longitudinally at the level of the junction element and / or the structure comprises a cavity delimited by the junction element, the side member and the fixing support.

[0021] Preferably, the structure comprises a longitudinal direction; the spar comprises a lower surface vertically above the fixing zone and the fixing support; said lower surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Preferably, the joining element comprises a rectangular or trapezoidal shape.

[0023] Preferably, the structure comprises a longitudinal beam between a front axle and a rear axle.

[0024] Preferably, the spar is inclined relative to the longitudinal beam.

[0025] Preferably, the spar comprises a front element and a rear element; the lining element extending along the front element and the rear element.

[0026] Preferably, the joining element comprises a generally flat sheet with a thickness arranged transversely.

[0027] Preferably, the battery tray comprises an edge, such as a rear edge or a front edge, the axle mounting area being at said edge.

[0028] Preferably, the structure comprises a rear suspension attachment point; the joining element extending longitudinally along said attachment point.

[0029] Preferably, the assembly comprises fixing means, optionally a vertical fixing axis, fixing the fixing zone to the fixing support.

[0030] Preferably, the joining element comprises a sheet metal extending vertically and longitudinally.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for an electrically driven motor vehicle, the assembly comprising: a battery tray with a fixing zone; a structure comprising a rear side member, a fixing support connecting the fixing zone to the rear side member; remarkable in that the structure further comprises a joining element fixed to the rear side member and to the fixing support in order to connect the fixing support to the side member.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising an assembly, characterized in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention; remarkable in that the motor vehicle comprises a plurality of electric batteries in the battery tray, the structure further comprising a longitudinal beam, the side member being a rear side member extending the longitudinal beam.

[0033] Preferably, the motor vehicle is electrically powered.

[0034] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises at least one electric drive motor powered by the plurality of electric batteries.

[0035] Preferably, the spar is a rear spar.

[0036] Preferably, the spar extends the longitudinal beam longitudinally.

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention provides an electrically driven motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a battery tray with a fixing zone; a structure comprising a side member, a fixing support connecting the fixing zone to the side member; a wheel longitudinally at the side member; remarkable in that the structure further comprises a joining element fixed to the side member and to the fixing support in order to connect the fixing support to the side member; the wheel optionally being a front wheel or a rear wheel.

[0038] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0039] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.2] shows an assembly for a motor vehicle according to the invention without connecting element.

[0041] [Fig. 3] represents an assembly for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0042] [Fig.4] shows an enlargement of an assembly for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 5] is a section of an assembly for a motor vehicle according to the invention

[0044] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the structure or the motor vehicle to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0045] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0046] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction. These three axes define a trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0047] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0048] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0049] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means, such as a plurality of electric batteries 12, and at least one electric drive motor 14, adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10. The electric batteries 12 comprise a plurality of cells capable of storing electrical energy.

[0050] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 16. The structure 16 is adapted to support various components of the motor vehicle 10, including the electric drive motor 14 and side openings. The structure 16 forms a body. It can be made by assembling stamped and welded sheets together. The sheets can be made of steel or aluminum alloy.

[0051] The structure 16 delimits different compartments including the rear trunk and the passenger compartment 18. The passenger compartment 18 is intended to accommodate the passengers of the vehicle. The passenger compartment 18 is delimited in the lower part by a passenger compartment floor 20. The passenger compartment floor 20 is intended to accommodate seats (not shown). The passenger compartment floor 20 is generally horizontal.

[0052] The structure 16 further comprises a base 22. The base 22 forms the lower part of the structure 16. The base 22 faces the ground. The base 22 comprises a longitudinal beam 24, in particular on each side of the motor vehicle 10. Each longitudinal beam 24 may be a hollow body. Each longitudinal beam 24 is horizontal. The longitudinal beams 24 form main beams; or central beams in the sense that they are longitudinally in the central position of the vehicle. Each longitudinal beam 24 extends from the front axle 26 to the rear axle 28. At least one or each axle (26; 28) is a drive axle; insofar as it is associated with the electric drive motor 14.

[0053] In the present figure, the position of the electric drive motor 14 is purely schematic. In practice, the electric drive motor 14 is arranged between the wheels of the same axle. Alternatively, the motor vehicle comprises several electric drive motors 14; each being integrated into one of the wheels. Each electric battery 12 is connected to the underbody 22, being fixed to the longitudinal beams 24; under the passenger compartment floor 20. Each beam longitudinal 24 is capable of protecting the electric batteries 12 in the event of a side collision.

[0054] The mass of the electric batteries 12 may be greater than or equal to 300 kg, optionally greater than or equal to 500 kg.

[0055] According to a variant of the invention, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle; combining a drive by electric motor and by internal combustion engine.

[0056] [Fig. 2] shows from below and from the outside a part of an assembly 30 for a motor vehicle; the connecting element being omitted for the sake of clarity. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0057] The assembly 30 groups together a structure 16 and a battery tray 32. The battery tray 32 forms an inverted cover which holds the electric batteries (not shown) whose energy is used to drive the motor vehicle by supplying the electric drive motor.

[0058] The structure 16 has a longitudinal beam 24 which is partially shown. The longitudinal beam 24 comprises an internal element 34 and an external element (not shown). The longitudinal beam 24 is hollowed out. The longitudinal beam 24 extends to a wheel arch 36. The wheel arch 36 may be formed by the structure 16. The wheel arch 36 is capable of blocking projections from the wheel it houses. The wheel arch 36 partially covers the tread of the wheel, as well as a lateral face.

[0059] The structure 16 also includes a cross member 38 that runs along the battery tray 32. The cross member 38 extends transversely along the mounting tabs 40 of the battery tray 32. The mounting tabs 40 extend vertically from an edge 42, for example the rear edge of the battery tray 32. The edge 42 is a transverse edge, such as a rear transverse edge or a front transverse edge. The axle mounting area is adjacent to the edge 42.

[0060] The structure 16 comprises a side member 44. The side member 44 generally forms a structural profile of the motor vehicle. It generally has a U-shaped profile. The side member 44 may be a rear side member, also called a “side member”. The side member 44 extends the longitudinal beam 24. The side member 44 is offset inwardly relative to the longitudinal beam 24. The side member 44 extends along the wheel arch 36. The side member 44 extends longitudinally from the longitudinal beam 24 to a zone for receiving a bumper assembly.

[0061] The structure 16 has an axle mounting area 46. The axle mounting area 46 is adapted to receive a two-wheeled axle of the motor vehicle. In this case, the axle mounting area 46 is adapted to receive the rear axle. The axle mounting area 46 is arranged longitudinally at the level of the side member 44. The spar 44 is inclined and / or offset relative to the longitudinal beam 24. It has a section smaller than the latter.

[0062] The axle mounting area 46 comprises at least one fixing hole 48, preferably several fixing holes 48 provided for mounting the associated axle. At the fixing hole 48, the side member 44 has a lower surface 50 inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and therefore relative to a longitudinal direction 52 of the structure 16.

[0063] The structure 16 comprises a fixing bracket 54. The fixing bracket 54 connects the side member 44 to the battery tray 32. It forms a tray support. The fixing bracket 54 covers the lower surface 50. The fixing bracket 54 is under the side member 44. The fixing bracket 54 is arranged between the lower surface 50 and the fixing lug 40. The fixing hole 48 or at least one fixing hole 48 passes through the fixing bracket 54.

[0064] The structure 16 comprises a lining element 56 (shown in dotted lines) inside said spar 44. The lining element 56 is a spar reinforcement, such as a reinforcing lining. It fits the inner surface of the spar 44. The lining element 56 extends longitudinally over the entire length of the spar 44. The lining element 56 may be formed from a stamped sheet metal. The lining element 56 is traversed by the fixing orifice 48.

[0065] [Fig. 3] shows from below and from the outside an assembly 30 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 2.

[0066] The assembly 30 comprises a joining element 60. The joining element 60 forms a connecting piece. The joining element 60 is a single piece. It may be a sheet metal, generally flat in order to increase its rigidity. The joining element 60 faces outwards. It forms a vertical and longitudinal wall of the structure 16. The joining element 60 comprises a generally flat sheet metal with a thickness arranged in the transverse direction. The joining element 60 forms a panel, or a screen.

[0067] The joining element 60 is fixed to the spar 44 and to the fixing support 54 in order to connect them. Thus, the joining element 60 stiffens the structure 16 at the level of the fixing support 54, and therefore of the fixing lug 40 below. This reinforces the anchoring of the battery tray 32, and also stiffens the structure 16 as a whole against torsion in the longitudinal direction 52, or central axis.

[0068] The joining element 60 is fixed to the lining element 56 (shown in dotted lines) through the spar 44, preferably the lining element 56, the spar 44 and the joining element 60 are fixed using triple welding points. thickness. The wheel arch 36 extends longitudinally along the joining element 60. The wheel arch 36 is above the joining element 60.

[0069] The side member 44 comprises a front element 62 and a rear element 64. The lining element 56 extends along the front element 62 and the rear element 64. The lining element 56 forms a side member reinforcement, in particular an internal reinforcement. The front element 62 and the rear element 64 overlap in the middle of the wheel arch 36. The joining element 60 is fixed to the front element 62.

[0070] [Fig. 4] shows from below and from the inside an assembly 30 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 3.

[0071] The battery tray 32 shows a fixing tab 40 extending vertically from its edge 42. The fixing tab 40 is offset longitudinally relative to the edge 42. It may form a fixing branch. The fixing tab 40 includes a fixing zone 66. The battery tray 32 is essentially below the fixing zone 66.

[0072] The fixing zone 66 may be formed by an upper surface bearing against the fixing support 54. The fixing zone 66 is fixed to the fixing support 54 by at least one vertical fixing axis 68. The vertical fixing axis 68 is longitudinally at the level of the joining element 60 in order to increase the robustness of the assembly 30. The joining element 60 comprises a generally flat sheet with a thickness arranged transversely to the adjoining axle (not shown).

[0073] The fixing support 54 comprises a horizontal portion 70, and a vertical portion 72 extending vertically towards and / or from the spar 44. Mechanical play may separate them. The joining element 60 is fixed to the horizontal portion 70 and to the vertical portion 72. According to one option of the invention, the joining element 60 extends vertically over the entire height of the vertical portion 72, and / or substantially the entire length of the horizontal portion 70. The vertical portion 72 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal portion 70. Its height makes it possible to compensate for the inclination of the spar 44; and therefore to provide a flat fixing surface for the fixing zone 66.

[0074] The fixing bracket 54 at least partially covers the lower surface 50. The fixing bracket 54 corrects the inclination of the lower surface 50. The fixing bracket 54 comprises a horizontal fixing tab 74 and a vertical fixing tab 76 fixed to the joining element 60. The fixing tabs (74; 76) are coplanar, they extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0075] [Fig. 5] shows a section of an assembly 30 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0076] The joining element 60 transversely delimits the wheel arch 36. The joining element 60 is fixed to the lining element 56 through the side member 44. The lining element 56, the side member 44 and the joining element 60 are fixed using spot welds 78 (only one shown), preferably triple-thickness spot welds. A triple-thickness spot weld passes through the thicknesses of the three sheets that it joins.

[0077] The axle mounting area 46 includes the at least one attachment hole 48 for attaching an axle (not shown), and in particular a suspension system (not shown) of the axle. The suspension system of the axle may comprise a swing arm (not shown) attached via the attachment hole 48. In this case, the axle mounting area comprises several coaxial attachment holes 48 in order to receive a fixing pin 80 therein. The fixing pin 80 makes it possible to attach the suspension system. The fixing pin 80 forms a rear suspension attachment point; the connecting element 60 extending longitudinally along said attachment point in order to reinforce this force transmission area.

[0078] The at least one fixing hole 48 passes through the fixing support 54 and / or the spar 44. The at least one fixing hole 48 is longitudinally at the level of the joining element 60, which makes it possible to reinforce the area in which the fixing hole 48 is formed.

[0079] The structure 16 comprises a cavity 82 delimited by the joining element 60, the spar 44 and the fixing support 54. The cavity 82 is generally closed. The cavity 82 is crossed by the fixing pin 80. The lower surface 50 faces downwards, towards the fixing support 54. The lower surface 50 may have a boss at the level of the fixing hole 48 which passes through it.

[0080] The fixing bracket 54 comprises a horizontal fixing tab 74. The horizontal fixing tab 74 extends longitudinally. It is vertically at the level of the fixing lug 40 of the battery tray 32. The horizontal fixing tab 74 is fixed to the joining element 60. The joining element 60 comprises a lower edge 84 fixed to the horizontal fixing tab 74, also called the lower fixing tab.

[0081] The assembly 30 has a stack comprising, from bottom to top: the battery tray 32, the fixing support 54, the side member 44 and the lining element 56. These entities are nested one inside the other. The joining element 60 extends vertically along this stack in order to reinforce it. The stack is optionally covered and closed by the passenger compartment floor 20. The element lining 56 is thicker than the spar 44. Thus, the joining element 60 benefits from its rigidity by being fixed to it.

[0082] The lining element 56 has at least one fixing wing 86. The fixing wing 86 is fixed to the lining element 56. The fixing wing 86 forms an angle iron. The fixing wing 86 is fixed to the upper edge 88 of the joining element 60, in particular via the welding point 78.

[0083] The structure 16 has a passenger compartment floor 20 in the upper part. The battery tray 32 is arranged under the passenger compartment floor 20. The junction element 60 is under the passenger compartment floor 20. It extends vertically towards the opposite side of the passenger compartment floor 20.

[0084] The present description is made in relation to only one side of the assembly; in this case the left side. However, the present teaching applies to both sides, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0085] Similarly, the present description is detailed in relation to the rear of the motor vehicle. However, the present teaching also applies to the front of the vehicle. In particular, the side member may be a front side member.

[0086] According to one option of the invention, the assembly is symmetrical.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (30) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (10), the assembly (30) comprising: a battery tray (32) with a fixing zone (66); a structure (16) comprising a side member (44), a fixing support (54) connecting the fixing zone (66) to the side member (44); the structure (16) having an axle mounting area (46) longitudinally at the side member (44), the structure (16) further comprising a joining element (60) fixed to the side member (44) and to the fixing bracket (54) in order to connect the fixing bracket (54) to the side member (44), characterized in that the structure (16) comprises a lining element (56) of the side member (44) placed inside said side member (44), the joining element (60) being fixed to the lining element (56) through the side member (44), preferably the lining element (56), the side member (44) and the joining element (60) are fixed using triple thickness welding spots.

2. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing support (54) comprises a horizontal portion (70), and a vertical portion (72) extending vertically towards the side member (44); the joining element (60) being fixed to the horizontal portion (70) and to the vertical portion (72); preferably, the joining element (60) extends vertically over the entire height of the vertical portion (72).

3. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (16) comprises a passenger compartment floor (20), the battery tray (32) being under the passenger compartment floor (20), the joining element (60) being preferably under the passenger compartment floor (20).

4. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery tray (32) comprises a fixing lug (40) extending vertically to the fixing support (54) and forming the fixing zone (66), preferably the assembly (30) comprises a vertical fixing axis (68) fixing the fixing lug (40) to the fixing support (54).

5. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing support (54) comprises a horizontal fixing tab (74) and / or a vertical fixing tab (76) fixed to the joining element (60).

6. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle mounting zone (46) comprises at least one axle fixing hole (48), said at least one fixing hole (48) passing through the fixing support (54) and / or the side member (44), said at least one fixing hole (48) being longitudinally at the level of the joining element (60).

7. Assembly (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (16) comprises a wheel arch (36) longitudinally at the level of the joining element (60) and / or the structure (16) comprises a cavity (82) delimited by the joining element (60), the side member (44) and the fixing support (54).

8. Assembly (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure (16) comprises a longitudinal direction (52); the spar (44) comprises a lower surface (50) vertically above the fixing zone (66) and the fixing support (54); said lower surface (50) being inclined relative to the longitudinal direction (52).

9. Motor vehicle (10) comprising an assembly (30), characterized in that the assembly (30) is in accordance with one of the preceding claims; preferably the motor vehicle (10) comprises a plurality of electric batteries (12) in the battery tray (32), the structure (16) further comprising a longitudinal beam (24), the side member (44) being a rear side member extending the longitudinal beam.

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