Simplified structure vehicle

Abstract

Simplified Structure Vehicle The vehicle (1) comprises: - a chassis (2); - four running gears mounted on the chassis, each comprising a wheel and a linkage system (10) between the wheel and the chassis, the front and / or rear running gears being steerable. The chassis comprises a lower partial chassis (21) and an upper partial chassis (22), each comprising four assembly portions (23a, 23b) which are assembled coaxially in pairs near the same midplane, with an interposition of an upper sleeve (12) for the running gear. Four chassis uprights are thus formed, the substantially vertical axis (A6) of which forms the pivot axis (A) of the steerable running gears, allowing the corresponding wheels to turn. Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Simplified structure vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle of the type comprising a chassis defining a passenger compartment as well as two front running gears and two rear running gears mounted on the chassis.

[0002] Motor vehicles and other four-wheeled road vehicles generally have a chassis made of a single structural piece made of welded metal or stamped sheet metal forming a self-supporting body, onto which the running gear is fixed by bolted assemblies.

[0003] These running gears can consist of rigid or semi-rigid front and rear axles or independent wheels mounted on articulated elements (arms, triangles, hub carriers) to meet suspension and steering requirements.

[0004] In the assembly sequence, the chassis are delivered complete to the assembly line to receive the running gear which can be pre-assembled.

[0005] This type of known vehicle generally has a relatively complex structure and method of assembly.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle that is improved compared to known vehicles, particularly in terms of simplicity.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising: - a chassis defining a passenger compartment; - two front running assemblies and two rear running assemblies mounted on the chassis, each running assembly comprising a wheel and a linkage system between the wheel and the chassis, the front and / or rear running assemblies being steerable.

[0008] According to a general definition of the invention, the chassis comprises a lower partial chassis and an upper partial chassis, each having at least four assembly portions, each having an axis. The lower and upper partial chassis are joined together by coaxially assembling their corresponding assembly portions in their respective assembly zones to form two front and two rear side uprights of the chassis. Each upright has a substantially vertical axis, and the four assembly zones have substantially the same substantially horizontal mean plane. Furthermore, an end portion of the linkage system for each running gear has an axis and is assembled coaxially to the corresponding upright in the assembly zone.Furthermore, for each steering axle, the axis of the corresponding upright forms a pivot axis of the linkage system relative to the chassis, or steering pivot axis, allowing the corresponding wheels to turn.

[0009] The lower partial chassis and the upper partial chassis, which are initially two The separate parts, once assembled, form a very rigid cage structure ensuring the passive safety of the occupants of the passenger compartment.

[0010] The chassis preferably consists of these lower and upper partial chassis, that is to say, it does not include any other structural element. This does not preclude the vehicle from also including bodywork elements such as a roof, a floor, one or more doors, fenders, a front panel, a rear panel, etc., assembled to the chassis.

[0011] The vehicle according to the invention therefore has a chassis with a simplified structure - with a reduced number of parts - but nevertheless robust.

[0012] Furthermore, by mounting the running gear in the same assembly areas as the sub-chassis components, the overall vehicle structure is simplified and strengthened, and the resulting vehicle has an improved aesthetic appearance. This also allows the chassis and running gear components to be integrated into a single assembly operation, which significantly simplifies construction and reduces assembly time.

[0013] The average plane of the four assembly zones can be located at mid-height of the chassis. In this case, the lower and upper partial chassis form half-frames. By ensuring that these half-frames are identical or substantially identical, a particularly simple technical solution is achieved structurally, and the number of parts to be manufactured and stored is considerably reduced.

[0014] In the mounted position and when the vehicle is on a horizontal surface, the assembly portions of the lower and upper partial chassis are substantially vertical.

[0015] Advantageously, the running gear can be located substantially or predominantly outside the footprint of the passenger compartment, that is to say, in view from above, outside the area occupied by the passenger compartment.

[0016] According to one possible embodiment, for at least one upright and for example for each upright, the assembly portion of one of the partial frames, preferably the lower partial frame, is provided with a trunnion coaxial with the upright, and the assembly portion of the other of the partial frames has a hollow end part suitable for receiving the trunnion, to allow the assembly by interlocking of said partial frames.

[0017] Such an assembly by simple interlocking of concentric parts is particularly easy and quick to implement.

[0018] Preferably all the trunnions are arranged on the same partial frame, for example the lower partial frame.

[0019] The external shape of the trunnion does not necessarily correspond to the internal shape of the hollow end portion of the assembly receiving it. If the shapes and / or dimensions of the trunnion and the hollow end portion of the assembly assembly methods differ; an intermediate adapter piece and / or a mutual fastening device may be required.

[0020] The extreme part of the linkage system of each steering running gear, and preferably of each running gear, may include a sleeve.

[0021] According to one possible embodiment, for each upright on which a steering running gear is mounted, and preferably for each upright, the trunnion provided on the assembly portion of one of the partial chassis is engaged in the sleeve of the running gear linkage system, said sleeve being interposed between the assembly portion of the lower partial chassis and the assembly portion of the upper partial chassis.

[0022] Thus, the trunnion which allows the assembly of the lower and upper partial chassis also constitutes the steering pivot of the corresponding running gear, this steering pivot being therefore totally integrated into the structure, which makes it particularly robust and aesthetic.

[0023] It can be provided that the trunnion is cylindrical as well as the face of the sleeve which is opposite and cooperates with the trunnion, in order to form the pivot joint.

[0024] The assembly portions, and preferably all the structural elements forming the lower and upper partial frames, can be tubular. This contributes to the structural simplicity, robustness, and speed of assembly of the frame.

[0025] According to one possible embodiment, the sleeve is also tubular, and the outside diameters of the sleeve and the assembly portions are substantially identical. Thus, the connection between the rigid structure of the vehicle and its running gear, in particular the steering running gear, is minimal or even virtually invisible.

[0026] Advantageously, the axis of the steering pivot passes substantially through the point of contact of the corresponding wheel with the ground.

[0027] According to one possible embodiment, the lower partial chassis has, opposite the wheel of each steering axle, and preferably opposite each wheel, a portion that is set back from the axis of the steering pivot, in the direction of the vehicle's median longitudinal plane, so as to form a space allowing the wheel to move relative to its neutral position. This may include the steering of the wheel, resulting from the pivoting of the corresponding linkage system relative to the chassis and / or the vertical movement of the wheel if it is equipped with suspension.

[0028] The assembly consisting of the chassis and running gear may have a longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry and / or a transverse vertical plane of symmetry. This further simplifies the structure and appearance of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, the chassis may have a horizontal plane of symmetry that substantially coincides with the average plane of the four assembly zones. In other In terms of design, the lower and upper partial frames can be substantially symmetrical. This symmetry relates to the overall external shape, but may exclude internal frame elements, such as the aforementioned trunnions, and any ancillary components such as locking pins.

[0030] The vehicle may include a headlight mounted on the linkage system of at least one of the running gears. In the case of a steering running gear, since the linkage system pivots relative to the chassis, the headlight also pivots and therefore always illuminates in the direction the vehicle is heading. Such an arrangement thus makes it extremely easy to implement directional headlights.

[0031] For example, the lower and upper subframes each comprise a set of elongated structural elements. These structural elements may define the outer shell, or overall shape, of said subframes. The set of structural elements of the lower subframe and the set of structural elements of the upper subframe may be substantially identical. This does not preclude one of said subframes from including one or more elements not present on the other subframe, such as a steering wheel support system, an additional reinforcing element, etc. Where the vehicle includes bodywork elements as described above, these may be assembled to the structural elements.

[0032] According to one possible embodiment, each of the lower and upper partial chassis consists of elongated structural elements assembled via angled or curved connecting elements. In other words, according to this embodiment, said partial chassis do not include any elements other than the elongated structural elements and the connecting elements. Said elongated structural elements preferably form substantially the edges of the passenger compartment, it being specified that certain elongated structural elements may be provided in addition to the edges, particularly for the purpose of stiffening. All or part of the elongated structural elements may be tubular. All the elongated structural elements may have the same cross-section.

[0033] It can be foreseen that the upper ends of the assembly portions of the lower partial chassis are located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane, which is also the upper plane of the lower partial chassis.

[0034] Alternatively or in addition, it may be provided that the lower ends of the assembly portions of the upper partial chassis are located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane, which is also the lower plane of the upper partial chassis.

[0035] The chassis may have an open passage area at the rear, for example an area devoid of structural elements or other fixedly mounted elements and preventing passage. In addition, the chassis may include a movable panel mounted between a deployed position, in which it forms an access ramp to the passenger compartment for a person in a wheelchair, via the passage area, and a retracted position, in which the panel is housed in the passenger compartment or detached from the chassis.

[0036] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached figures:

[0037] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0038] [Fig.2] is a side view of the vehicle in [Fig.1];

[0039] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a running gear of the vehicle of [Fig.1];

[0040] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of transmission means between a steering wheel and the front running gear;

[0041] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of the steering control means for the running gear back ;

[0042] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the chassis and running gear of the vehicle of the [Fig.1], in the process of being assembled;

[0043] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of a chassis assembly area;

[0044] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the vehicle in [Fig.1] with the wheels turned;

[0045] [Fig.9] is a top view of the vehicle of [Fig.1] with the wheels turned;

[0046] [Fig. 10] is a front view of the vehicle of [Fig. 1] with the wheels turned;

[0047] [Fig. 11] is a partial, perspective view of a vehicle according to a variant of the first embodiment;

[0048] [Fig. 12] is a front view of the vehicle from [Fig. 11];

[0049] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a second mode of realization publication of the invention;

[0050] [Fig. 14] is a top view of the vehicle from [Fig. 13] with the wheels turned;

[0051] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a third mode of realization adaptation of the invention, in a configuration allowing access for a person in a wheelchair;

[0052] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the vehicle of [Fig. 15], in a configuration of use for a person in a wheelchair;

[0053] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 1 represents a first embodiment of a vehicle 1 which includes: - a chassis 2 defining a passenger compartment 3; - four rolling stock 5s, namely two front rolling stock and two rear rolling wheels, mounted on chassis 2.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], each running gear 5 comprises a wheel 4 and a linkage system 10 between the wheel and the chassis 2. The vehicle 1 thus comprises two Front wheels 4a and two rear wheels 4b. The front and / or rear running gear is steerable. Advantageously, the running gear 5 can all be identical, whether or not they are steerable. In the first embodiment, all four running gear 5 is steerable.

[0056] In figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, vehicle 1 is shown in neutral position, i.e. when it rests on a flat, horizontal surface and is at rest, with the wheels 4 oriented so that vehicle 1 can move in a straight line.

[0057] Initially, vehicle 1 will be described with reference to this neutral position.

[0058] The longitudinal direction X is defined as the general longitudinal direction of vehicle 1, which is therefore substantially horizontal in the neutral position. The terms "forward" and "rear" will be used with reference to the direction X and to the movement of vehicle 1 forward. The transverse direction Y is defined as the direction perpendicular to X and which is substantially horizontal in the neutral position. The terms "left," "right," "lateral," and "transverse" will be used with reference to the direction Y. Finally, the direction Z is defined as the direction perpendicular to X and Y, which is therefore substantially vertical in the neutral position. The terms "up," "down," "upper," and "lower" will be used with reference to the direction Z.

[0059] The vehicle 1 has a median longitudinal plane PI parallel to (X, Z) and a median transverse plane P2 parallel to (Y, Z). In the embodiments shown, planes PI and P2 are planes of symmetry of the assembly composed of the chassis 2 and the running gear 5. Other embodiments are, however, possible, in particular where P2 is not a plane of symmetry.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 3], the linkage system 10 comprises, for example, an angled leg 11 having an uppermost portion comprising a sleeve 12 with axis A12, preferably of hollow cylindrical shape. Extending from the sleeve 12, the leg 11 may include a generally horizontal portion 13 extended by a downward portion 14. The linkage system 10 may also include an arm 15 arranged generally horizontally. The arm 15 has a first end 16 fixed to the wheel 4 in the vicinity of its axis A4, and a second end 17 pivotally mounted to the lowermost portion 18 of the leg 11, about an axis A17 substantially parallel to the axis A4 of the wheel 4. A shock-absorbing device 19 may be provided to connect the leg 11 and the arm 15.

[0061] Preferably, the motorization is electric, with vehicle 1 comprising wheel motors – on each drive wheel – and therefore being devoid of power transmission components. Vehicle 1 may also include a battery (not shown) to power these motors.

[0062] The chassis 2 comprises a lower partial chassis 21 and an upper partial chassis 22 which are separate parts assembled together to form the chassis 2. Preferably, the chassis 2 consists of these partial chassis 21, 22 as the sole structural elements.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, each of the lower partial chassis 21 and upper partial chassis 22 comprises elongated structural elements 23 and may consist of elongated structural elements 23 assembled via angled or curved connecting elements 24. Preferably, on the assembled chassis 2, the elongated structural elements 23 substantially form edges of the passenger compartment 3. In the embodiments shown, the chassis 2 has an overall cube shape, the four upper edges (front, rear, and lateral) and the four lower edges (front, rear, and lateral) of which have been chamfered.

[0064] For example, each of the lower partial frames 21 and upper partial frames 22 comprises: - two lateral structural elements at the front 23a, substantially vertical; - two rear lateral structural elements 23b substantially vertical; - two lateral structural elements 23c, or longitudinal members, offset vertically and transversely with respect to the front lateral structural elements 23a and rear 23b; - two transverse structural elements, front and rear 23d, or cross members, connecting said longitudinal members; - four oblique structural elements 23e each connecting one end of a longitudinal member to one end of a front lateral structural element 23a or a rear lateral structural element 23b, each oblique structural element 23e preferably being oriented obliquely with respect to both plane PI and plane P2.

[0065] For a given partial chassis, the front lateral structural element 23a, the oblique structural element 23e, the longitudinal member 23c, the oblique structural element 23e, and the rear lateral structural element 23b, located on the same side of plane PI and extending from one another, form a hoop. A partial chassis can therefore be formed of two hoops connected to each other by cross members 23d.

[0066] Of course, other geometric shapes are conceivable.

[0067] It is specified that the terms lateral, front, rear do not mean that the element they qualify is necessarily arranged respectively most laterally, most forward, most rearward, in particular when considering the vehicle 1 as a whole.

[0068] In the embodiment examples shown, the structural elements 23 are tubular.

[0069] In other variants, one and / or the other of the lower and upper partial chassis can be made of a shell of steel, aluminum or composite material for example.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lower partial frames 21 and upper partial frames 22 are identical or substantially identical, at least with regard to all the elongated structural elements 23 - or other elements - defining the outer envelope, or the overall shape, of said partial frames 21, 22.

[0071] As can be seen in Figures 2, 6, 7 and 10, the upper ends of the front lateral structural elements 23a and rear 23b of the lower partial frame 21 can be located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane, which is also the upper plane P21 of the lower partial frame 21. Similarly, the lower ends of the front lateral structural elements 23a and rear 23b of the upper partial frame 22 can be located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane, which is also the lower plane P22 of the upper partial frame 22.

[0072] The lower partial frames 21 and upper partial frames 22 each comprise at least four assembly portions, each having an axis. In the embodiment shown, each assembly portion is formed by an elongated lateral structural element 23a, 23b, or an end portion thereof. In other embodiments not shown, for example, with lower and upper partial frames consisting of a shell, the assembly portions may form parts projecting from the shell.

[0073] The lower partial chassis 21 and upper partial chassis 22 are joined to each other by coaxially assembling their corresponding assembly portions, i.e., here, the corresponding lateral structural elements 23a, 23b, in their respective assembly zones 25. The assembled lateral structural elements 23a, 23b thus form the lateral uprights 6 of the chassis 2, namely two front lateral uprights 6a and two rear lateral uprights 6b. Each of these uprights has a substantially vertical axis A6. Furthermore, the sleeve 12 is coaxially assembled to the corresponding upright 6 in the assembly zone 25.

[0074] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, each of the front structural elements 23a and rear structural elements 23b of the lower partial frame 21 is provided with a trunnion 30 having an axis A30 substantially coinciding with the axis A6 of the upright 6 of the frame 2, in the assembled position. The trunnions 30 are cylindrical. Each of these trunnions 30 projects upwards beyond the upper end of the corresponding lateral structural element of the lower partial frame 21, i.e., beyond the plane P21, and is received in the hollow lower extreme part of the corresponding lateral structural element of the upper partial frame 22. The lower partial frames 21 and upper partial frames 22 are thus assembled by interlocking.

[0075] Alternatively, the trunnions or some of them could be provided on the upper partial frame 22, or the assembly of the lateral structural elements 23a, 23b of the frames Partial scores of 21 below and 22 above could be obtained by other means.

[0076] In addition, each trunnion 30 is engaged in the sleeve 12 of the linkage system 10 of the corresponding running gear 5, the sleeve 12 being interposed between the lateral structural element of the lower partial chassis 21 and the lateral structural element of the upper partial chassis 22.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the trunnion 30 has a diameter smaller than that of the lateral structural element of the lower partial frame 21 to which it is attached. Furthermore, the trunnion 30 is integral with a cylindrical base 31 press-fitted into said lateral structural element so as not to protrude beyond the upper end of the structural element—and preferably to be coplanar at this upper end. In addition, the lateral structural element of the upper partial frame 22 has a ring 32 press-fitted into said lateral structural element so as not to protrude beyond the lower end of the structural element—and preferably to be coplanar at this lower end. The ring 32 receives the trunnion 30 and, for this purpose, has an inner diameter corresponding to the diameter of the trunnion 30.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the sleeve 12 has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the trunnion 30 and includes bearings 33, typically in the vicinity of each of its ends, whose inner diameter is substantially identical to the diameter of the trunnion 30.

[0079] The sleeve 12 forms a spacer between the lateral structural elements 23a, 23b of the lower partial frames 21 and upper 22. The outside diameter of the sleeve 12 may be substantially the same as or slightly greater than the diameter of said lateral structural elements 23a, 23b.

[0080] The ring 32 is also provided with a through hole 34 orthogonal to the axis A6 and located in correspondence on the one hand with a through hole 35 provided in the trunnion 30 and on the other hand with orifices 26 provided opposite in the lateral structural element of the upper partial chassis 22. A pin, or any other similar means, is engaged in the through holes 34, 35 and the orifices 26 to allow locking in the mounted position of the chassis 2 and the running gear 5.

[0081] As can be seen in Figures 2, 7 and 10, the four assembly zones 25 have substantially the same average plane P25 which is substantially horizontal, and preferably substantially equidistant from the planes P21 and P22. According to one possible embodiment, the chassis 2 has a horizontal plane of symmetry P3 (see [Fig. 1]) which is substantially coincident with this average plane P25 of the four assembly zones 25.

[0082] In the neutral position, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the arrangement of the running gear 5 can be as follows. The leg 11 of the running gear 5 is located substantially in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the axes A6 of the uprights 6 of the chassis 2, the arms 15 being arranged between the chassis 2 and the leg 11. Furthermore, Each leg 11 extends from the upright 6 to which it is attached towards plane P2. The running gear 5 is therefore located substantially or predominantly outside the footprint of the passenger compartment. Advantageously, the running gear 5 is all assembled to the chassis 2 by the same means and is arranged symmetrically with respect to plane P2.

[0083] Providing running gear 5 which combines articulated, angled legs 11 and long swing arms 15 allows: - a large suspension travel for better road contact and improved comfort; - the preservation of a habitable volume completely free from any mechanical constraints; - depending on the model, a classic side access or from the rear to make vehicle 1 accessible to a disabled person in a wheelchair.

[0084] For each steering axle 5, the axis A6 of the corresponding upright 6, which is substantially coincident with the axis A12 of the sleeve 12 and with the axis A30 of the journal 30, forms a pivot axis A of the linkage system 10 relative to the chassis 2. The sleeve 12 and the journal 30 thus form a steering pivot allowing the steering of the corresponding wheels 4. The pivot axis A thus forms the axis of the steering pivot.

[0085] Advantageously, the axis A of the steering pivot passes substantially through the point P of contact of the corresponding wheel 4 with the ground (see figures 1 and 2), so as to avoid slippage phenomena which would make the steering heavier and offsets which would make it sensitive to obstacles.

[0086] The lower partial chassis 21 advantageously has, opposite the wheel 4 of each steering axle 5, and preferably opposite each wheel 4, a portion that is set back from the axis A of the steering pivot, in the direction of the plane PL. This defines a space 29 allowing the wheel 4 to move relative to the neutral position, whether due to its steering or its suspension. In the embodiment shown, this space 29 results from the arrangement of the oblique structural elements 23e. The chassis 2 can thus have an overall octagonal shape in front view ([Fig. 10]) and in side view ([Fig. 2]).

[0087] The vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a steering wheel 7 that can be operated by a driver so as to steer the steering wheels 4 via transmission means 40. The steering wheel 7 is fixed to a steering column 8 mounted to rotate relative to the chassis 2, for example mounted in a tube 9 integral with the lower partial chassis 21. For a vehicle 1 that can accommodate a driver and a passenger side by side, the steering wheel 7 is not transversely centered; however, this does not affect the overall symmetry of the chassis with respect to the PL plane.

[0088] With reference to figures 1 and 4, where the front wheels 4a are steerable, the transmission means 40 comprise a pinion 41 fixed to the steering column 8, for example at its front end, and a toothed member 42, for example in the shape of a sector, meshing with the pinion 41. The toothed member is mounted on the chassis 2 pivotally about an axis A42 parallel to that of the steering column 8. On the left and right sides, a connecting rod 43 links the toothed member 42 and the linkage system 10 of the corresponding front running gear 5. More specifically, one end 44 of the connecting rod 43 is articulated to the toothed member 42, for example by a ball joint, and one end 45 of the connecting rod 43 is articulated, for example by a ball joint, to a tab 46 fixed to the leg 11. Due to the off-center position - transversely - of the steering wheel 7, the vehicle has one connecting rod 43 that is longer than the other.

[0089] The vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment having four steering wheels, it includes a coupling mechanism 50 linking the transmission means 40 and steering control means for the other steering wheels, here the rear wheels 4b.

[0090] The control means 60 for the rear wheel steering 4b comprise a pivoting member 62 mounted on the chassis 2 pivotally about a substantially longitudinal axis A62 and can be centered transversely. On the left and right sides, a connecting rod 63 links the pivoting member 62 to the corresponding rear suspension linkage 10. More specifically, one end 64 of the connecting rod 63 is articulated to the pivoting member 62, for example by a ball joint, and one end 65 of the connecting rod 63 is articulated, for example by a ball joint, to a tab 46 attached to the strut 11. In the neutral position of the vehicle 1, the connecting rods 63 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane PL

[0091] The coupling mechanism 50 comprises a plate 52 that is rotationally fixed to the toothed member 42 about axis A42. For example, the plate 52 and the toothed member 42 are rigidly mounted on the same tube 49 with axis A42. The coupling mechanism 50 further comprises, to the left and right of plane PI, a push-pull cable 53 or another equivalent flexible means. These cables 53 are shown schematically and partially in [Fig. 5]. Each cable 53 extends generally longitudinally and is associated, at its front and rear ends, with a rigid rod 54. The rigid rod 54 is articulated, for example via a ball joint, at its front end to a lateral wing of the plate 52 and at its rear end to a lateral wing of the pivoting member 62.

[0092] Thus, the rotation of the flywheel 7 results in (see [Fig. 10] in particular): - via the pinion 41 and the toothed element 42, the traction of one of the connecting rods 43 towards plane PI and of the other connecting rod 43 away from plane PI, therefore the steering of the front wheels 4a; - via the pinion 41, the toothed element 42 and the plate 52, then the cables 53 and the pivoting member 62, the pulling of one of the connecting rods 63 towards plane PI and of the other connecting rod 63 away from plane PI, therefore the steering of the rear wheels 4b.

[0093] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, the chassis 2 may further comprise a front transverse elongated structural element 23f, or front crossmember 23f, and / or a rear transverse elongated structural element 23g, or rear crossmember 23g, preferably symmetrical, belonging to the lower partial chassis 21, and serving as a means of reinforcement and / or support for various components. Thus, the components carrying the steering wheel 7, the transmission means 40, and the plate 52 may be carried by the front crossmember 23f; the rear wheel steering control means 4b 60 may be carried by the rear crossmember 23g.

[0094] The vehicle 1 may also include one or more bodywork elements, such as, mounted on the lower partial chassis 21, a panel 70 forming a floor, a front panel 71 arranged between the front crossmember 23d and the front crossmember 23f, and / or a rear panel 72 arranged between the rear crossmember 23d and the rear crossmember 23f. A panel forming a roof could also be provided, possibly carrying solar panels to recharge batteries powering the wheel motors 4.

[0095] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may include projectors 75 which can advantageously be mounted on the leg 1 of the running gear 5. The vehicle 1 is thus equipped with directional projectors without any specific mechanism being necessary.

[0096] We now refer to figures 8 to 10 which illustrate vehicle 1 of figures 1 to 7 moving on a flat surface while turning, here a left turn.

[0097] As a result of the driver turning the steering wheel 7 to the left, the leg 11 of each of the running gears 5 pivoted around the axis A of the steering pivot. Thus, the front wheels 4a are turned to the left (via the transmission means 40), and the rear wheels 4b are also turned to the left (via the coupling mechanism 50 and the rear wheel steering control means 60). The mean plane of the wheels 4, orthogonal to their axis A4, is then no longer longitudinal but remains substantially vertical. Furthermore, each of the headlights 75 pivoted identically to the leg 11 on which it is mounted.

[0098] In this embodiment, the connecting rods 43 and 63 are located near or above the midplane P25 of the four assembly areas 25, the cables 53 being able to pass under the chassis 2, for example under the panel 70 forming a floor when present. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a vehicle 1 with a high ground clearance.

[0099] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting rods 43, 63 can be arranged in the lower part of the vehicle 1, more precisely under the chassis 2, for example under panel 70 forming a floor when present. It is noted that, in [Fig. 1 1], the lower partial frame 21 is not shown for greater clarity.

[0100] According to this variant, the connecting rods 43 at the front are not mounted directly on the toothed member 42, but on a pivoting member 48 mounted on the chassis 2 pivotally about a substantially longitudinal axis A48 located under the steering wheel 7. The pivoting member 48 is, for example, mounted on the front crossmember 23d of the lower partial chassis 21. It is connected to a lateral wing of the plate 52 - or any other member rotationally fixed to the toothed member 42 - via a connecting rod 55. In addition, the pivoting member 62 (at the rear) can itself be fixed under the chassis 2, and no longer above it. The lateral end of the connecting rods 43, 63 is articulated, for example by a ball joint, to a lug 46' fixed in the lower part of the linkage system 10 of the corresponding running gear 5, for example integral with the arm 15. The cables 53 (partially represented on [Fig.1 1]) preferably pass under the chassis 2 as well.

[0101] This configuration allows for a cleaner look, since the connecting rods are not visible.

[0102] Such a four-wheel steering vehicle 1 is particularly maneuverable and agile, especially when crossing obstacles.

[0103] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the vehicle 1 is equipped with only two steering wheels, namely the two front wheels 4a. In this case, the vehicle 1 does include the transmission means 40 but lacks control means 60 for steering the rear wheels 4b and the coupling mechanism 50.

[0104] As can be seen in [Fig. 14], when turning, only the front wheels 4a can be steered, the rear wheels 4b remaining longitudinally oriented. A retaining link 66 (see [Fig. 14]) can be provided to connect transversely the arm 15 of the linkage system 10 of each non-steering wheel 4b to the chassis 2.

[0105] Such a two-wheel steering configuration is more self-stabilizing at high speed and more economical than a four-wheel steering configuration.

[0106] It should be noted that, in Figures 13 and 14, the connecting rods 43 are in the upper position, as in Figures 1, 4 and 8 to 10; however, a configuration with connecting rods 43 arranged in the lower position, as in Figures 11 and 12, is also conceivable.

[0107] The vehicle 1 according to the invention can be easily used by a person in a wheelchair, in particular in a configuration according to a third embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

[0108] One difficulty for wheelchair users lies in the transfer between the The invention solves this problem by allowing the wheelchair 75 to enter the passenger compartment 3 and serve as the driver's seat. The passenger compartment 3 is, of course, devoid of the seat normally intended for the driver. The user can thus remain in their wheelchair 75, which considerably simplifies the use of the vehicle 1 and the transportation of disabled persons.

[0109] More specifically, the chassis 2 has an open passage area 74 at the rear. For this purpose, the lower partial chassis 21 can be devoid of a rear cross member 23g and a rear panel 72. In order to stiffen the structure, and to compensate, the lower partial chassis 21 can be provided to additionally include two elongated longitudinal lateral structural elements 23h.

[0110] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may include a panel 76 which is, for example, pivotally mounted on the lower partial frame 21, around a transverse axis A76 located in the lower part and at the rear of the frame 2. The axis A76 is, for example, close to the rear cross member 23d of the lower partial frame 21. The panel 76 may occupy a deployed position, illustrated in [Fig. 15], in which it forms an access ramp to the passenger compartment 3 for the wheelchair 75 and the person seated in it, via the passageway 74. The panel 76 may then be moved, here by pivoting around the axis A76, to a retracted position, illustrated in [Fig. 16], in which panel 76 is housed in the cabin 3. In the embodiment shown as an example, in the retracted position, panel 76 is arranged substantially vertically at the rear of the wheelchair 75. Other solutions are however conceivable.Vehicle 1 is of course equipped with means of securing (not shown) the wheelchair 75 in the driving position.

[0111] We have seen previously that the vehicle 1 may include one or more bodywork elements, typically mounted on the elongated structural elements 23 of one and / or the other of the lower partial chassis 21 and upper partial chassis 22.

[0112] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 17], the vehicle 1 has two "butterfly" type doors 77. Each door 77 is, for example, pivotally mounted by its upper edge on the corresponding side member 23c of the upper partial chassis 22. The door 77 can thus occupy a closed position, in which it substantially covers the side of the vehicle 1 (the right side of the vehicle in [Fig. 17]) and a raised, open position, in which the side of the vehicle 1 is open and allows, in particular, the passage of a person to / from the passenger compartment 3 (the left side of the vehicle in [Fig. 17]).

[0113] Thus, the invention provides a decisive improvement to the prior art, by providing a robust and elegant technical solution.

[0114] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lower partial chassis and The upper half-frame—preferably forming two substantially identical half-frames—is assembled, for example along a substantially horizontal plane, by simply interlocking concentric parts (such as four trunnions fixed to the lower half-frame within four hollow assembly sections of the upper half-frame). Furthermore, these trunnions also form the steering pivots for the running gear, which is thus fully integrated into the structure, making it particularly robust and providing a clean aesthetic.

[0115] The vehicle's rigid structure, consisting of two half-frames, reduces the weight and size of the components and allows them to be stacked for easier storage and transport. The fact that the trunnions serve both as chassis assembly components and as the steering pivot for the running gear also reduces the number of parts and assembly time, while ensuring very high robustness.

[0116] Assembling such a vehicle according to the invention is extremely simplified. It consists only of: to thread the sleeves, located at the upper end of the legs of each running gear, onto the trunnions attached to the lower half-chassis; to fit the lower ends of the hollow structural elements of the upper half-frame onto said trunnions; to lock the assembly with a transverse pin on each trunnion.

[0117] Thus, the running gear is assembled in the same operation as the half-frames.

[0118] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle (1) comprising: - a chassis (2) defining a passenger compartment (3); - two front running gears (5) and two rear running gears (5) mounted on the chassis (2), each running gear (5) comprising a wheel (4, 4a, 4b) and a connection system (10) between the wheel (4, 4a, 4b) and the chassis (2), the front and / or rear running gears (5) being steered; characterized in that the chassis (2) comprises a lower partial chassis (21) and an upper partial chassis (22) each comprising at least four assembly portions (23a, 23b) each having an axis, said lower and upper partial chassis (21, 22) being assembled to each other by assembling together, coaxially, the corresponding assembly portions (23a, 23b), in respective assembly zones (25), to form two front lateral uprights (6, 6a) and two rear lateral uprights (6, 6b) of the chassis (2),the uprights (6) each having a substantially vertical axis (A6), the four assembly zones (25) having substantially the same substantially horizontal mean plane (P25), an end part (12) of the connecting system (10) of each running gear (5) having an axis (A12) and being assembled to the corresponding upright (6), coaxially therewith, in the assembly zone (25), and in which, for each steering running gear (5), the axis (A6) of the corresponding upright forms a pivot axis (A) of the connecting system (10) relative to the chassis (2), or axis of the steering pivot, allowing the turning of the corresponding wheels (4, 4a, 4b).,

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, for at least one upright (6) and for example for each upright (6), the assembly portion (23a, 23b) of one of the partial frames (21, 22), preferably the lower partial frame (21), is provided with a trunnion (30) coaxial with the upright (6), and the assembly portion (23a, 23b) of the other of the partial frames (21, 22) has a hollow end part capable of receiving the trunnion (30), to allow the assembly by interlocking of said partial frames (21, 22).

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end part of the connecting system (10) of each steering running gear (5), and preferably of each running gear (5), comprises a sleeve (12).

4. Vehicle according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, for each upright (6) on which a steering running gear (5) is mounted, and preferably for each upright (6), the journal (30) provided on the assembly portion (23a, 23b) of one of the partial chassis (21, 22) is engaged in the sleeve (12) of the connecting system (10) of the running gear (5), said sleeve (12) being interposed between the assembly portion (23a, 23b) of the lower partial chassis (21) and the assembly portion (23a, 23b) of the upper partial chassis (22).

5. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the assembly portions (23a, 23b) of the lower and upper partial frames (21, 22) are tubular.

6. Vehicle according to claim 3 or 4 and claim 5, characterized in that the sleeve (12) is tubular and in that the external diameters of the sleeve (12) and of the assembly portions (23) are substantially identical.

7. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the axis (A) of the steering pivot passes substantially through the point (P) of contact of the corresponding wheel (4) with the ground.

8. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower partial chassis (21) has, opposite the wheel (4) of each steering running gear (5), and preferably opposite each wheel (4), a part which is set back relative to the axis (A) of the steering pivot, in the direction of the median longitudinal plane (PI) of the vehicle (1), so as to form a space (29) allowing the wheel (4) to move relative to the neutral position.

9. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the assembly composed of the chassis (2) and the running gear (5) has a longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry (PI) and / or a transverse vertical plane of symmetry (P2).

10. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the chassis (2) has a horizontal plane of symmetry (P3) which is substantially coincident with the average plane (P25) of the four assembly zones (25).

11. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: - the upper ends of the assembly portions (23a, 23b) of the lower partial chassis (21) are located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane (P21), which is also the upper plane of the lower partial chassis (21); and / or - the lower ends of the assembly portions (23a, 23b) of the upper partial frame (22) are located substantially in the same substantially horizontal plane (P22), which is also the lower plane of the upper partial frame (22).

12. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a projector (75) mounted on the connection system (10) of at least one of the running gears (5).

13. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the lower and upper partial frames (21, 22) each comprise a set of elongated structural elements (23, 23a-h) defining the outer envelope, or the overall shape, of said partial frames (21, 22), said set of elongated structural elements of the lower partial frame (21) and said set of elongated structural elements of the upper partial frame (22) being substantially identical.

14. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each of the lower and upper partial frames (21, 22) consists of elongated structural elements (23, 23a-h) assembled via bent or angular joining elements (24), said elongated structural elements preferably substantially forming edges of the passenger compartment (3).

15. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the chassis (2) has a passage area (74) open at the rear and comprises a panel (76) mounted to move between a deployed position, in which it forms an access ramp to the passenger compartment (3) for a person in a wheelchair, via the passage area (74), and a retracted position, in which the panel (76) is housed in the passenger compartment (3) or detached from the chassis (2).

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