MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A MECHANISM FOR MOVING AN ADDITIONAL BATTERY IN A CELLAR UNDER FEET, AND PROCESSES ON THE BASIS OF SUCH A VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: - a passenger compartment including a footrest; - a body delimiting the passenger compartment, comprising body elements (EC), the body including a battery compartment (CV) disposed between the footrest and the body elements (EC), the battery compartment (CV) being covered by a lining; - a battery (B) housed in the battery compartment (CV), characterized in that the motor vehicle further comprises a safety mechanism with connecting rods (B1, B2) and ball joints (R1, R2) for moving the battery (B) towards the underside and rear of the battery compartment (CV), the translation mechanism being triggered by an intrusion of the body elements (EC) into the battery compartment (CV). The invention also relates to a method based on such a vehicle. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: AUTOMOBILE INCLUDING A MECHANISM FOR MOVING AN ADDITIONAL BATTERY IN A CELLAR UNDER THE FEET, AND A METHOD BASED ON SUCH A VEHICLE

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle batteries, in particular those integrated into a compartment under the floor on the front passenger side.

[0002] The need for greater autonomy led to the addition of such an auxiliary battery under the floor, with floor lining covering the compartment. This type of assembly is illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The auxiliary battery B frees up space in the battery pack (generally the front pack) while maintaining maximum autonomy.

[0003] In this configuration, the front passenger's legs rest on the trim G positioned above the additional battery B, the assembly being positioned above and behind the body elements EC of the motor vehicle. This configuration is illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0004] In the event of a frontal impact on the passenger side, the front body elements EC move backward under the force of the impact, pulling the auxiliary battery B toward the passenger's foot. These body elements EC can cause a narrowing of the foot-shin angle, with a risk of injury to the passenger's ankle.

[0005] An objective of the present invention is to remedy the defects of the prior art, and in particular to propose a solution for a cellar battery under the front floor, limiting the risk of injury to the passenger.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a motor vehicle in a spatial frame of reference comprising a longitudinal axis along a direction of movement of the motor vehicle; a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis, the motor vehicle comprising: - a passenger compartment which includes a foot receiver; - a box delimiting the passenger compartment, including a battery compartment located at the level of the foot receiver, and body elements located in front of the battery compartment with reference to the longitudinal axis, the battery compartment being covered by a lining on the passenger compartment side; - a battery housed in the battery compartment, characterized in that the motor vehicle further comprises a safety mechanism including tie rods and ball joints attached to the tie rods, the safety mechanism being connected to the battery or a battery compartment, configured to move the battery towards the bottom and rear of the battery compartment with reference to the longitudinal and vertical axes, the safety mechanism being triggered by an intrusion of the case elements into the battery compartment.

[0007] Advantageously, in the event of intrusion into the passenger-side footwell, the invention allows for a programmed displacement of the battery. This makes it possible to maintain a sufficiently open foot-shin angle for the passenger, thus limiting the risk of ankle injury.

[0008] In addition, the invention allows for a gain in installation space while guaranteeing the highest level of safety, particularly in the event of a collision on the passenger side with intrusion into the footwell.

[0009] In addition, the invention makes it possible to free up space in the front block of the motor vehicle, and to gain autonomy.

[0010] Moreover, the invention involves mechanical operation, and is therefore reliable.

[0011] According to one variant, the safety mechanism comprises: - a first ball joint fixed to the battery or the casing on a high and front side with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis; - a first connecting rod fixed at its first end, to the first ball joint, the first connecting rod being oriented vertically or obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis; - a second ball joint fixed to a second end of the first connecting rod; - a second connecting rod fixed at its first end, to the second ball joint, the second connecting rod being oriented obliquely downwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis, and comprising a second end embedded in the body.

[0012] This allows for a simplified mechanism to secure the battery in the event of a frontal impact. Furthermore, it allows for a mounting point on the top of the battery.

[0013] According to one variant, the motor vehicle includes two safety mechanisms arranged laterally to the battery with reference to the lateral axis.

[0014] This allows for a complete and balanced movement of the battery.

[0015] According to one variant, the safety mechanism comprises: - a first ball joint fixed to the battery or the casing on a lower and rear side with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis; - a first connecting rod fixed at its first end, to the first ball joint, the first connecting rod being oriented obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis; - a second ball joint fixed to a second end of the first connecting rod; - a second connecting rod fixed at its first end, to the second ball joint, the second connecting rod being oriented at least upwards with reference to the vertical axis, and comprising a second end fixed to a plate; - a third ball joint fixed to the second end of the second connecting rod; - a fourth ball joint fixed to the first connecting rod between the first ball joint and the second ball joint; - a third connecting rod fixed at its first end to the fourth ball joint, the third connecting rod being oriented at least upwards with reference to the vertical axis, and comprising a second end fixed to the plate; - a fifth ball joint fixed to the second end of the third connecting rod; - the plate arranged in a lateral plane perpendicular to the lateral axis, the plate being fixed to the case.

[0016] This allows for a fixing on the bottom of the battery.

[0017] According to one variant, the first end of the first connecting rod has an angled portion oriented horizontally or obliquely upwards and backwards with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

[0018] This allows for a high attachment point on the battery.

[0019] According to one variant, the motor vehicle includes two safety mechanisms arranged laterally to the battery with reference to the lateral axis.

[0020] This allows for a complete and balanced movement of the battery.

[0021] The invention further relates to a battery securing method for a motor vehicle according to the invention, characterized in that it includes a securing step moving the battery towards the underside and rear of the battery compartment with reference to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis, in the event of a frontal impact causing an intrusion of body elements into the battery compartment.

[0022] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a view in space of a passenger compartment and a body of a motor vehicle according to the prior art; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view along II-II of the body and passenger compartment of the [Fig.1], before a front impact on the left of the figure, and after a front impact on the right of the figure; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a side view of a safety mechanism according to a first embodiment, before a front impact on the left of the figure, and after a front impact on the right of the figure; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a view in space of a safety mechanism according to a second embodiment, before a front impact on the left of the figure, and after a front impact on the right of the figure; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a more detailed spatial view of the safety mechanism of [Fig.4] on the battery; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a side view of the safety mechanism of figures 4 and 5; - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a top view of the safety mechanism of figures 4 to 6.

[0023] The invention relates to a motor vehicle of the type comprising a battery, here an additional battery, located in a CV battery compartment installed under the floor on the front passenger side. This compartment may be referred to equivalently as a battery compartment or footwell.

[0024] The vehicle is described in a coordinate system in space comprising a longitudinal axis X following a direction of movement of the motor vehicle, a lateral axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the lateral axis Y.

[0025] The motor vehicle includes a passenger compartment which includes a foot receiver RP, on which the feet of the front passenger rest.

[0026] The motor vehicle further comprises a body delimiting the passenger compartment. The CV battery compartment is located under the RP footrest and is covered by a trim panel G on the passenger compartment side. Thus, the CV battery compartment is not visible from the passenger compartment during normal use.

[0027] The case includes case elements EC arranged in front of the battery housing CV with reference to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the battery housing CV is arranged between the foot receiver RP and the case elements EC.

[0028] The motor vehicle further includes battery B housed in battery housing CV.

[0029] According to the invention, the motor vehicle further comprises a safety mechanism connected to the battery or a battery housing. The safety mechanism is configured to move the battery B downwards and to the rear of the battery compartment CV with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. The safety mechanism is triggered by an intrusion of the body elements EC into the battery compartment CV.

[0030] The safety mechanism is attached to the battery and the casing. It comprises several connecting rods and several ball joints attached to the connecting rods.

[0031] In the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the safety mechanism comprises two connecting rods Bl, B2, and two ball joints RI, R2.

[0032] The first ball joint RI is fixed to the battery or the housing on a high and front side with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z.

[0033] The first connecting rod Bl is fixed at its first upper end, to the first ball joint RI above battery B. The first connecting rod B1 can be oriented vertically or obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. It has, for example, an angle between 5 and 20 degrees, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees with respect to the vertical.

[0034] The second ball joint R2 is fixed to a second lower end of the first connecting rod Bl.

[0035] The second connecting rod B2 is fixed at its first upper end to the second ball joint. It is oriented obliquely downwards and forwards with respect to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. For example, it has an angle between 120 and 160 degrees, preferably between 130 and 140 degrees, relative to the first connecting rod BL. The second connecting rod B2 includes a second lower end embedded in the body.

[0036] In the second embodiment illustrated in figures 4 to 7, the safety mechanism comprises three connecting rods Bl to B3, five ball joints RI to R5, and a plate P.

[0037] The first ball joint RI is fixed to the battery or the housing on a lower and rear side with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z.

[0038] The first connecting rod Bl is fixed at its first end to the first ball joint RL. It is oriented obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. For example, it has an angle between 5 and 20 degrees, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

[0039] Preferably, the first end of the first connecting rod B1 has an angled portion oriented horizontally or obliquely upwards and backwards with reference to the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z.

[0040] The second ball joint R2 is fixed to a second end of the first connecting rod BL

[0041] The second connecting rod B2 is fixed at its first lower end to the second ball joint R2. It is oriented at least upwards with respect to the vertical axis Z. For example, it has an angle between 120 and 160 degrees, preferably between 130 and 140 degrees, with respect to the first connecting rod B1. It includes a second upper end fixed to the plate P.

[0042] The third ball joint R3 is fixed to the second end of the second connecting rod B2. This is the point of attachment to the plate P.

[0043] The fourth ball joint R4 is fixed to the first connecting rod Bl between the first ball joint RI and the second ball joint R2.

[0044] The third connecting rod B 3 is fixed at its first end, to the fourth ball joint R4. It is oriented at least upwards with respect to the vertical axis Z. Similarly, it presents, for example, an angle between 120 and 160 degrees, preferably between 130 and 140 degrees, relative to the first connecting rod B1. It includes a second end high fixed to the P plate.

[0045] The fifth ball joint R5 is fixed to the second end of the third connecting rod B3. This is the point of attachment to the plate P.

[0046] The plate P is arranged in a lateral plane perpendicular to the lateral axis Y. It is fixed to the body.

[0047] The mechanisms can be arranged laterally on either side of the battery.

[0048] Fl in [Fig.7] illustrates the attachment of the mechanism to the battery, and F2, to the case.

[0049] Regarding the triggering of the mechanism, the intrusion of the body elements EC, for example due to a frontal impact, causes the battery B and the mechanism to move the battery relative to the body downwards and backwards.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle in a spatial reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis (X) along a direction of movement of the motor vehicle; a lateral axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and to the lateral axis (Y), the motor vehicle comprising: - a passenger compartment which includes a foot receiver (RP); - a body delimiting the passenger compartment, comprising a battery housing (CV) arranged at the level of the foot receiver (RP), and body elements (EC) arranged in front of the battery housing (CV) with reference to the longitudinal axis, the battery housing being covered by a trim (G) on the passenger compartment side; - a battery (B) housed in the battery housing (CV), characterized in that the motor vehicle further comprises a safety mechanism comprising connecting rods (Bl, B2, B3) and ball joints (RI, R2, R3) fixed to the connecting rods (Bl, B2, B3), the safety mechanism being connected to the battery or to a battery casing, configured to move the battery towards the bottom and rear of the battery housing (CV) with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z), the safety mechanism being triggered by an intrusion of the body elements (EC) into the battery housing (CV).

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety mechanism comprises: - a first ball joint (RI) fixed to the battery or to the casing on a high and front side with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and to the vertical axis (Z); - a first connecting rod (Bl) fixed at its first end to the first ball joint (RI), the first connecting rod (Bl) being oriented vertically or obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z); - a second ball joint (R2) fixed to a second end of the first connecting rod (Bl); - a second connecting rod (B2) fixed at its first end to the second ball joint, the second connecting rod (B2) being oriented obliquely downwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z), and comprising a second end embedded in the body.

3. Motor vehicle according to claim 2, comprising two safety mechanisms arranged laterally to the battery with reference to the lateral axis (Y).

4. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety mechanism comprises: - a first ball joint (RI) fixed to the battery or to the casing on a low and rear side with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and to the vertical axis (Z); - a first connecting rod (Bl) fixed at its first end to the first ball joint (RI), the first connecting rod (Bl) being oriented obliquely upwards and forwards with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and to the vertical axis (Z); - a second ball joint (R2) fixed to a second end of the first connecting rod (Bl); - a second connecting rod (B2) fixed at its first end to the second ball joint, the second connecting rod (B2) being oriented at least upwards with reference to the vertical axis (Z), and comprising a second end fixed to a plate; - a third ball joint (R3) fixed to the second end of the second connecting rod (B2);- a fourth ball joint (R4) fixed to the first connecting rod (B1) between the first ball joint (RI) and the second ball joint (R2); - a third connecting rod (B3) fixed at its first end to the fourth ball joint (R4), the third connecting rod (B3) being oriented at least upwards with reference to the vertical axis (Z), and comprising a second end fixed to the plate (P); - a fifth ball joint (R5) fixed to the second end of the third connecting rod (B3); - the plate (P) arranged in a lateral plane perpendicular to the lateral axis (Y), the plate being secured to the body.;

5. Motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the first end of the first connecting rod (Bl) has a bent portion oriented horizontally or obliquely upwards and rearwards with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z).

6. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 5, comprising two safety mechanisms arranged laterally to the battery with reference to the lateral axis (Y).

7. Method for securing a battery for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes a securing step moving the battery (B) towards the bottom and rear of the battery housing (CV) with reference to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z), in the event of a frontal impact causing intrusion of the body elements (EC) into the battery housing (CV).

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