VEHICLE CRADLE, WITH TOP SUITABLE FOR RIGHT-HAND AND LEFT-HAND DRIVE

Abstract

A cradle (BV) permanently supports a part (MME, RD) of a vehicle's (V) powertrain and includes an upper face with a first mounting interface (IF1G) allowing this part (MME, RD) to be mounted either offset towards a right longitudinal edge (BLD) when the vehicle (V) is left-hand drive, or offset towards a left longitudinal edge (BLG) when the vehicle (V) is right-hand drive. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE CRADLE, WITH UPPER FACE ADAPTED TO RIGHT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVES LEFT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a cradle to which a part of a powertrain is fixed. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise a front or rear part in which a cradle is installed to which a part of a powertrain (or GMP) is fixed. For example, this part of the GMP may comprise an electric motor to which a reducer is attached.

[0003] When the part of the GMP to be fixed to the cradle does not have a significant transverse extension, it is possible to install the cradle in a single, substantially central position which allows the steering column to pass both to the right of the part of the GMP for right-hand drive and to the left of the part of the GMP for left-hand drive. Consequently, the same cradle can be used for right-hand drive vehicles and for left-hand drive vehicles.

[0004] However, when the part of the GMP to be fixed to the cradle has a significant transverse extension, it is necessary to provide a first cradle offering a positioning of the part of the GMP offset to the right to allow the steering column to pass to the left (for left-hand drive), and a second cradle offering a positioning of the part of the GMP offset to the left to allow the steering column to pass to the right (for right-hand drive). This diversity of cradles increases the production costs of the vehicles and the space occupied by certain workstations on an assembly line, and complicates stock and storage management.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a cradle suitable for fixedly supporting a part of a powertrain (or GMP) of a vehicle.

[0007] This cradle is characterized by the fact that it comprises an upper face provided with a first fixing interface suitable for allowing fixing of the part of the GMP either offset towards a right longitudinal edge when the vehicle is left-hand drive, or offset towards a left longitudinal edge when the vehicle is right-hand drive.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the same cradle can advantageously be used for left-hand and right-hand drives (including when the transverse size of the GMP part is significant), which makes it possible to reduce vehicle production costs and the size of certain workstations on an assembly line, and to simplify stock and storage management.

[0009] The cradle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - its first fixing interface may comprise, on the one hand, a straight part comprising first and second sub-parts spaced respectively by first and second distances from the right longitudinal edge, this second distance being greater than this first distance, and, on the other hand, a left part comprising third and fourth sub-parts spaced respectively by third and fourth distances from the left longitudinal edge, this third distance being greater than this fourth distance, the first and third sub-parts being suitable for allowing the part of the GMP to be fixed when the vehicle has left-hand drive, and the second and fourth sub-parts being suitable for allowing the part of the GMP to be fixed when the vehicle has right-hand drive;

[0011] - in the presence of the first option, it may comprise a main part comprising, on the one hand, right and left lateral parts comprising respectively the right longitudinal edge and the first sub-part and the left longitudinal edge and the fourth sub-part, and, on the other hand, an intermediate part connecting the right and left lateral parts together and comprising in right and left zones respectively the second and third sub-parts;

[0012] - also in the presence of the first option, each of the first, second, third and fourth sub-parts may comprise holes aligned along a straight line suitable for being parallel to a longitudinal direction of said vehicle;

[0013] - in the presence of the last sub-option, it can include, on the one hand, two ex right and left tensions extending forward respectively the right and left lateral parts, and, on the other hand, a cross member fixedly secured to the right and left extensions and comprising an upper face provided with a second fixing interface suitable for allowing fixing of a rack adapted either to left-hand drive or to right-hand drive;

[0014] - in the presence of the last sub-sub-option, the second fixing interface can include at least one right hole and at least one left hole.

[0015] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a front part comprising a powertrain and a cradle of the type presented above and to which a part of the powertrain is fixedly secured in a position which is offset transversely either to the right in presence of left-hand drive, or left-hand drive in the presence of right-hand drive.

[0016] For example, the part of the powertrain may comprise an electric motor to which a reducer is attached. Brief description of the figures

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”), hence certain gray levels), and the appended drawings, in which:

[0018] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of an example of a vehicle front part comprising an example of an embodiment of a cradle according to the invention, not yet installed and not yet supporting a GMP part,

[0019] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the part front of vehicle of [Fig.l], with the cradle not yet installed but supporting part of the powertrain in a position offset to the right suitable for left-hand drive, and

[0020] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the part front of vehicle of [Fig.l], with the cradle not yet installed but supporting part of the powertrain in a position offset to the left suitable for right-hand drive. Detailed description of the invention

[0021] The invention aims in particular to propose a BV cradle intended to fixedly support at least one part (MME, RD) of a powertrain (or GMP) of a vehicle V in one of two positions adapted respectively to right-hand and left-hand driving.

[0022] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. It is for example a car, as illustrated very partially in Figures 1 to 3. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact concerns any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising a powertrain (or GMP) of which at least one part must be supported by, and fixedly secured to, a cradle.

[0023] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the BV cradle is intended to be installed in a front part PV of a vehicle V. But it could be installed in a rear part of a vehicle.

[0024] In Figures 1 to 3, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate part of an example of a front part PV of a vehicle V comprising an example of an embodiment of a BV cradle according to the invention.

[0026] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a BV cradle, according to the invention, is capable of fixedly supporting at least one part (MME, RD) of a powertrain (or GMP) of a vehicle V, and comprises right longitudinal edges BLD and left longitudinal edges BLG oriented respectively towards the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle V.

[0027] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, this part (MME, RD) may comprise an electric motor MME to which a reducer RD is secured. The electric motor MME is coupled to a motor shaft, to provide it with motor torque by rotational drive and possibly to recover torque. This motor shaft is coupled to the reducer RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft (here front), itself coupled to a train (here front) of drive wheels, preferably via a differential.

[0028] In addition, the cradle BV comprises an upper face FS which is provided with a first fixing interface (IF1D, IF1G) suitable for allowing the fixing of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP either offset towards the right longitudinal edge BLD when the vehicle V has left-hand drive (see [Fig.2]), or offset towards the left longitudinal edge BLG when the vehicle V has right-hand drive (see [Fig.3]).

[0029] Thus, it is advantageous to use the same BV cradle, installed in a single, substantially central position, for left-hand and right-hand drives, even when the transverse size (along the transverse direction Y of the vehicle V) of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP is significant. It is sufficient to shift the part (MME, RD) of the GMP to the right to leave enough space on its left for the steering column to pass through (of a left-hand drive) or to the left to leave enough space on its right for the steering column to pass through (of a right-hand drive). This makes it possible to reduce vehicle production costs and the size of certain workstations on an assembly line, and to simplify stock and storage management.

[0030] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the first fixing interface may comprise right IF1D and left IF1G parts.

[0031] The right part IF1D comprises first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts which are spaced respectively by first dl and second d2 distances from the right longitudinal edge BLD. The second distance d2 is greater than the first distance dl (i.e. d2 > dl).

[0032] The left part IF1G comprises third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts which are spaced respectively by third d3 and fourth d4 distances from the left longitudinal edge BLG. The third distance d3 is greater than the fourth distance d4 (i.e. d3 > d4).

[0033] Note that it is not obligatory to have dl = d4 and / or d2 = d3.

[0034] In addition, the first SP1 and third SP3 sub-parts are suitable for allowing the fixing of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP when the vehicle V has left-hand drive. It can indeed be observed in [Fig.2] (left-hand drive) that the part (MME, RD) of the GMP covers in particular the first sub-part SP1 in order to be fixedly secured to the latter (SP1) and the third sub-part SP3 in order to also be fixedly secured to the latter (SP3). It will be noted that in [Fig.2] the fourth sub-part SP4 appears because it is not used due to the offset to the right of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP to allow the steering column to pass to its left, and the second sub-part SP2 is hidden but not used.

[0035] Furthermore, the second SP2 and fourth SP4 sub-parts are suitable for allowing the attachment of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP when the vehicle V has right-hand drive. It can indeed be observed in [Fig. 3] (right-hand drive) that the part (MME, RD) of the GMP covers in particular the second sub-part SP2 in order to be fixedly secured to the latter (SP2) and the fourth sub-part SP4 in order to also be fixedly secured to the latter (SP4). It will be noted that in [Fig. 3] the first sub-part SP1 appears because it is not used due to the offset to the left of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP to allow the steering column to pass to its right, and the third sub-part SP3 is hidden but not used.

[0036] It will be understood that the part (MME, RD) of the GMP comprises on its lower face right and left fixing interfaces (not visible) spaced apart by the distance separating the first SP1 and third SP3 sub-parts (which is equal to the distance separating the second SP2 and fourth SP4 sub-parts) and intended to be placed opposite respectively either the first SP1 and third SP3 sub-parts (left-hand drive), or the second SP2 and fourth SP4 sub-parts (right-hand drive).

[0037] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the cradle BV can comprise a main part PP comprising right lateral parts PLD and left lateral parts PLG and an intermediate part PL

[0038] The right lateral part PLD comprises the right longitudinal edge BLD and the first sub-part SP1, and the left lateral part PLG comprises the left longitudinal edge BLG and the fourth sub-part SP4.

[0039] The intermediate part PI connects the right PLD and left PLG lateral parts together and comprises in the right ZD and left ZG zones respectively the second SP2 and third SP3 sub-parts.

[0040] But other positions can be envisaged for the first SP1, second SP2, third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts on the FS face of the BV cradle.

[0041] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], each of the first SP1, second SP2, third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts may comprise holes which are aligned along a straight line suitable for being parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle V. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] each of the first SP1, second SP2, third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts comprises four holes aligned along the longitudinal direction X and intended to be crossed respectively by four screws whose threaded ends are intended to be screwed into four corresponding threaded holes of the right or left interface of the lower face of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP. But the number of holes of each of the first SP1, second SP2, third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts may take any value greater than or equal to two (for stability).Furthermore, the holes of each of the first SP1, second SP2, third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts could possibly be threaded in order to receive threaded ends of screws passing through corresponding holes of the right or left interface of the lower face of the part (MME, RD) of the GMP.

[0042] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the cradle BV can also comprise two right ED and left EG extensions and a cross member TB.

[0043] The right ED and left EG extensions extend forward respectively the right PLD and left PLG lateral parts of the main PP part of the BV cradle.

[0044] The cross member TB is fixedly secured to the right ED and left EG extensions, downstream of (here in front of) the part (MME, RD) of the GMP. It comprises an upper face FS' which is provided with a second fixing interface (IF2D, IF2G) suitable for allowing the fixing of a rack (not illustrated) adapted either to left-hand drive (left-hand coupling) or to right-hand drive (right-hand coupling). It is recalled that this rack is intended to be coupled to the lower end of the steering column of the vehicle V.

[0045] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the second fixing interface (IF2D, IF2G) comprises at least one right hole IF2D and at least one left hole IF2G.

[0046] It will be understood that the rack comprises on its lower face right and left fixing interfaces (not illustrated) intended to be placed opposite respectively the right hole IF2D and the left hole IF2G.

[0047] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3 the second fixing interface (IF2D, IF2G) comprises a single right hole IF2D and a single left hole IF2G. But the number of right holes IF2D and left holes IF2G can take any value greater than or equal to one. These right hole(s) IF2D and left hole(s) IF2G are intended to be crossed respectively by screws whose threaded ends are intended to be screwed into corresponding threaded holes on the underside of the rack. Furthermore, the right hole(s) IF2D and left hole(s) IF2G could possibly be threaded in order to receive threaded ends of screws passing through corresponding holes of the right and left fixing interfaces on the underside of the rack.

Claims

Claims

1. Cradle (BV) suitable for fixedly supporting at least one part (MME, RD) of a powertrain of a vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises an upper face (FS) provided with a first fixing interface (IF1D, IF1G) suitable for allowing fixing of said part (MME, RD) either offset towards a right longitudinal edge (BLD) when said vehicle (V) is left-hand drive, or offset towards a left longitudinal edge (BLG) when said vehicle (V) is right-hand drive.

2. Cradle according to claim 1, characterized in that said first fixing interface (IF1D, IF1G) comprises i) a right part (IF1D) comprising first (SP1) and second (SP2) sub-parts spaced respectively by first and second distances from said right longitudinal edge (BLD), said second distance being greater than said first distance, and ii) a left part (IF1G) comprising third (SP3) and fourth (SP4) sub-parts spaced respectively by third and fourth distances from said left longitudinal edge (BLG), said third distance being greater than said fourth distance, said first (SP1) and third (SP3) sub-parts being suitable for allowing fixing of said part (MME, RD) when said vehicle (V) has left-hand drive, and said second (SP2) and fourth (SP4) sub-parts being suitable for allowing fixing of said part (MME, RD) when said vehicle (V) has left-hand drive,RD) when said vehicle (V) has right-hand drive.,

3. Cradle according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a main part (PP) comprising i) right (PLD) and left (PLG) lateral parts respectively comprising said right longitudinal edge (BLD) and said first sub-part (SP1) and said left longitudinal edge (BLG) and said fourth sub-part (SP4), and ii) an intermediate part (PI) connecting said right (PLD) and left (PLG) lateral parts together and comprising in right (ZD) and left (ZG) zones respectively said second (SP1) and third (SP3) sub-parts.

4. Cradle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each of said first (SP1), second (SP2), third (SP3) and fourth (SP4) sub-parts comprises holes aligned along a straight line suitable for being parallel to a longitudinal direction of said vehicle (V).

5. Cradle according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises i) two right (ED) and left (EG) extensions extending forwards respectively said right (PLD) and left (PLG) lateral parts, and ii) a cross member (TB) fixedly secured to said right (ED) and left (EG) extensions and comprising an upper face (FS') provided with a second fixing interface (IF2D, IF2G) suitable for allowing fixing of a rack adapted either to said left-hand drive or to said right-hand drive.

6. Cradle according to claim 5, characterized in that said second fixing interface (IF2D, IF2G) comprises at least one right hole (IF2D) and at least one left hole (IF2G).

7. Vehicle (V) comprising a front part (PV) comprising a powertrain (MME, RD), characterized in that said front part (PV) further comprises a cradle (BV) according to one of claims 1 to 6, to which a part (MME, RD) of said powertrain is fixedly secured in a position offset transversely either to the right in the presence of left-hand drive, or to the left in the presence of right-hand drive.

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said part (MME, RD) of the powertrain comprises an electric motor (MME) to which a reducer (RD) is secured.

9. Vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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