Tank comprising a vehicle wheel axle crossmember, tank assembly, chassis and associated vehicle.

Abstract

A tank comprising a vehicle wheel assembly, including the tank, chassis, and associated vehicle. The invention relates to a tank (10), in particular a tank for storing hydrogen, the tank (10) comprising an internal well (60) arranged transversely and opening laterally through the tank (10), said internal well (60) being configured to house a vehicle wheel assembly (50), in particular a motor vehicle wheel assembly (1), in particular a rear wheel assembly (20). Illustration: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Tank comprising a vehicle wheel train cross member, tank assembly, chassis and associated vehicle. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a tank comprising a vehicle wheel train crossmember. The invention also relates to a chassis comprising such a tank. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a tank or such a chassis. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, equipped with a powertrain using hydrogen generally requires a means of storing hydrogen. Such a means of storing hydrogen generally comprises a tank of a large volume, even larger for vehicles with a high payload, such as utility vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. Vehicles with a high payload most often comprise steering knuckle support arms connected to the chassis and a train comprising a cross member connecting the two arms, for example in the shape of an "H". However, such an axle can have a large clearance, which prevents the release of volume in the center of the vehicle for the location of a tank, for example. It is necessary to consider new integration solutions allowing both the use of the volume in the center of the vehicle, the clearance of the train and the storage of hydrogen.The invention provides a solution to this problem. Presentation of the invention

[0003] The aim of the invention is to provide a tank which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a tank comprising a hydrogen storage means forming part of the chassis without, however, impairing the habitability of a vehicle equipped with such a tank. The invention presents optimized means for integrating the tank into the chassis. Summary of the invention

[0004] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a tank, in particular a tank intended to store hydrogen, the tank comprising an internal well arranged transversely and opening laterally from one side of the tank to the other, said internal well being configured to house a vehicle axle cross member, in particular a motor vehicle wheel set, in particular a rear wheel set.

[0005] The invention advantageously provides a solution for integrating both the tank and the train into the vehicle. Thanks to the transversely arranged internal well, the train can be integrated into the tank.

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[0012] In preferred embodiments of the invention, one and / or the other of the following features are further used, taken alone or in combination: - Said internal well comprises at least two different sections. - The said internal well comprises an enlarged central section presented as sectional shape of a cavity and two substantially equal end sections, located at the ends of the internal well, said end sections having a sectional area smaller than the sectional area of ​​said central section. - Said tank is obtained at least partially from composite material, in particular from composite material comprising fiberglass and / or carbon fiber. - Said reservoir comprises holes passing through the reservoir, in particular holes extending in a first direction and holes extending in a second direction and holes extending in a third direction, in particular the first, second and third directions are perpendicular to each other. - Said tank comprises tubes passing through the tank from one side to the other, in particular tubes made of composite material, the tubes being intended to stiffen the tank, the through holes extending within each tube. The invention also relates to a tank assembly comprising a tank according to one of the preceding characteristics, said tank comprising an internal well housing a vehicle axle cross member, in particular a motor vehicle wheel set, in particular a rear wheel set. Advantageously, the tank assembly comprises two tubular interfaces in contact with an internal face of the internal well and in contact with the crossmember. The invention also relates to a vehicle chassis, in particular a motor vehicle chassis comprising a tank assembly according to the above characteristics, arms connecting the cross member to the wheels of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a tank as defined previously, or a chassis as defined previously, or a body as defined previously. Presentation of figures These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a tank given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] [Fig. 2] is a partial top view of the chassis according to the embodiment of the invention

[0014] [Fig. 3] is a partial cross-sectional view of the chassis along the axle cross member according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0015] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0016] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1, comprises a chassis 2. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 3. The vehicle 1 comprises a rear wheel set 20. The vehicle 1, or the body 3, or the chassis 2, comprises a tank 10. Preferably, the tank 10 makes it possible to store hydrogen or dihydrogen. In this case, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a powertrain operating, at least partially, with hydrogen.

[0017] More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 3, the tank 10 comprises a vehicle wheel set. Preferably, a rear wheel set 20. The body 3 comprises the chassis 2 and the wheel set attached to the tank 10.

[0018] In detail, as visible in [Fig.2], the tank comprises an internal well 60, arranged inside the tank, the well is arranged transversely, that is to say substantially in a transverse direction Y and opens laterally from one side to the other of the tank 10. The internal well 60 is configured to house a crossmember 50 of a vehicle axle, in particular a set of wheels of a motor vehicle 1, in particular a set of rear wheels 20. The internal well 60 intended to receive the crossmember is made and designed specifically for receiving an axle crossmember. It does not comprise a reinforcing tube, the axle crossmember constituting and participating in the reinforcement of the tank.The internal well 60 thus has at least two different cross sections, i.e. along a plane orthogonal to the direction of orientation of the internal well, an end section S2 at the ends 41 of the well identical on each side and a wider central section SI, in the form of a section of a cavity 62 inside the tank, so as to have the advantage of being able to accommodate. the axle crossmember 50 and to allow it to move there. The surface of the end section S2 is thus of smaller surface area than the surface area of ​​the central section SI. In detail, the central section SI of the central cavity 60 of the internal well 50 is wider along X and along Z than the sections S2 of the internal well at the ends 41 of the well, which allows the axle crossmember 50 the advantageous possibility of moving in particular along Z and along X inside the cavity 62.

[0019] Furthermore, the internal well 60 produced to accommodate the crosspiece comprises an end section S2 of a dimension at least 3 to 4 times greater than that of the reinforcement tubes passing through the tank on either side. The section S2 may have a circular, rectangular or ovoid shape.

[0020] The contact between the axle crossmember and the tank is achieved by means of two substantially tubular interfaces 40, fixed to the crossmember and in contact with an internal face of the internal well 60. The tubular interfaces 40 surround the axle crossmember on each side of the crossmember, in the inner part of the tank, on the side of each end 41 of the internal well 60, substantially close to the wheels. The section of the tubular interfaces 40 may be of square, rectangular, ovoid or circular section, and thus adapted to the shape of the crossmember. The tubular interfaces allow the crossmember to be wedged within the tank, in detail the wedge of the crossmember 50 at the ends of the internal well 60 of the tank, on each side, inside the internal well 60. The interface parts 40 may for example comprise elastomer blocks hollowed out to the lateral dimensions of the internal well 60.

[0021] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.3], the cross member is fixed to the lateral suspension arms 55 by means of articulation or silentbloc® or by gluing, depending on the type of axle envisaged. The arms are then connected on each side to the stub axle or wheel support.

[0022] The tank 10 is obtained entirely, or at least partially, from composite material. For example, the composite material comprises fiberglass. Alternatively, or in addition, the composite material comprises carbon fiber. Alternatively, or in addition, the composite material comprises Kevlar fiber (registered trademark). As illustrated in Figures 2 to 3, the tank 10 is for example generally shaped in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably, the tank 10 comprises holes 11 passing through it. As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2], holes 11V extend in a first direction. Preferably, the first direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z. Preferably, holes 11L extend in a second direction. Preferably, the second direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X.Preferably, HT holes extend in a third direction. Preferably, the third direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the . transverse direction Y. Thus, advantageously, the first, second and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] Preferably, the holes 11 come from hollow tubes 14 arranged within the tank 10. Indeed, the tank 10 comprises tubes or reinforcement tubes passing through the tank 10 from one side to the other. For example, the tubes 14 are made of composite material. Alternatively, the tubes 14 are made of steel, or aluminum alloy, or another material. Thus, thanks to the presence of tubes 14 which pass through the tank 10 in the three directions X, Y, Z, the holes 11 formed within each tube 14 also pass through the tank.

[0024] Preferably, the reservoir 10 is shaped to receive the crossmember 50 of the train within the internal well 60, which is in the form of a transverse clearance, more marked in the central zone where the clearance is in the form of a cavity 62, made in the transverse central part of the reservoir. In other words, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the reservoir comprises a transverse cavity 62 intended to receive the central part of the axle crossmember of the wheel train.

[0025] For example, the transverse cavity 62 extends vertically, from a central zone of the reservoir, over substantially about half of the thickness E of the reservoir in the vertical direction, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0026] The solution thus proposes a polymorphic and unique tank. Indeed, only one tank is provided for the same vehicle. Preferably, the tank is capable of storing hydrogen, generally under a pressure of the order of 700 bars. Thanks to its rigidity and its resistance in all directions, in particular obtained by the presence of the tubes 14 extending in the directions X, Y, Z, thanks to the cavity produced allowing the movement of the central part of the cross member, the tank 10 integrates the cross member 50 of the chassis. The vehicle does not include a side member in its rear zone, nor a cradle, the tank ensuring the support of the rear axle 20. In other words, the tank 10 is sufficiently rigid to replace the rear part of side members intended to ensure the support of a vehicle rear axle.In fact, the fixing of the rear axle 20 relative to the chassis 2 is achieved by the integration of the cross member directly inside the tank 10, the tank thus becoming a structural part of the chassis 2.

[0027] The usual cradle is thus replaced by the tank.

[0028] The axle crossmember 50 is for example a semi-rigid axle crossmember, or flexible axle. Other types of axle can be envisaged.

[0029] Advantageously, the cross member 50 of the rear axle 20 can be mounted beforehand, possibly in a time-lapse relative to the assembly line, inside the tank 10, with the integration of the interface parts 40. A pre-adjustment of the rear axle 20 can then possibly be carried out before final assembly on the body of the vehicle. This results in time savings and cost savings. Final assembly is then carried out, for example, by gluing the arms onto the cross member 50 or screwing the cross member 50 onto the arms.

[0030] The holes 1IV, 11T, 1 IL created by the tubes 14 can be used for fixing elements to the chassis of the vehicle, in particular elements participating in the development of the body 3.

[0031] The solution is particularly suitable for a vehicle using hydrogen in its powertrain and can be used on both a private and commercial motor vehicle.

[0032] The solution makes it possible to reduce the mass of the vehicle chassis, in particular due to the shortening or absence of the side members in the rear part and / or the absence of a cradle. In addition, the mass of the tank 10, preferably made of composite material, is much lower than a tank made up of one or more cylindrical metal bottles. In addition, since the tank is unique, there is no need for connectors and / or pipes and / or high-pressure piping to combine several volumes together, which avoids the maintenance and risks of leaks inherent in such junctions during the life of the vehicle. Thus, the tank is particularly reliable and requires little or no maintenance. The shape of the tank 10 can be easily adapted to the needs, in particular in terms of the dimensions of the different vehicle bodies.This results in a particularly compact tank that can be specifically integrated into the underbody of vehicles. Finally, despite the presence of the structural tank 10, the volume of the vehicle's passenger compartment is not reduced.

[0033] The solution has no impact on the aesthetics of the vehicle. It also does not affect aerodynamic performance. In addition, it is beneficial in terms of road holding, as the mass of the tank lowers the vehicle's center of gravity.

[0034] The solution is not limited to the axle crossmember described, several types of axle crossmembers can thus be integrated inside the tank.

[0035] In particular, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of improving the installation of a means of storing hydrogen within a vehicle incorporating a motor vehicle train, without encroaching on the habitability of such a vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Tank (10), in particular a tank intended to store hydrogen, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises an internal well (60) arranged transversely and opening laterally from one side of the tank (10), said internal well (60) being configured to house a cross member (50) of a vehicle axle, in particular a set of wheels of a motor vehicle (1), in particular a set of rear wheels (20).

2. Tank (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said internal well (60) comprises at least two different sections.

3. Tank (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said internal well (60) comprises an enlarged central section (SI) in the form of a section of a cavity (62) and two substantially equal end sections (S2), located at the ends (41) of the internal well (60), said end sections (S2) having a sectional area smaller than the sectional area of ​​said central section (SI).

4. Tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank (10) is obtained at least partially from composite material, in particular from composite material comprising fiberglass and / or carbon fiber.

5. Tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises holes (11) passing through the tank (10), in particular holes (11V) extending in a first direction and holes (11L) extending in a second direction and holes (HT) extending in a third direction, in particular the first, second and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

6. Tank (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises tubes (14) passing through the tank (10) from one side to the other, in particular tubes (14) made of composite material, the tubes (14) being intended to stiffen the tank (10), the through holes (11) extending within each tube (14).

7. Tank assembly (15), in particular a tank assembly intended to store hydrogen, characterized in that it comprises a tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, said tank comprising an internal well (60) housing a cross member (50) of a vehicle axle, in particular a motor vehicle wheel set (1), in particular a rear wheel set (20).

8. Tank assembly (15) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank assembly comprises two tubular interfaces (40) in contact with an internal face of the internal well (60) and in contact with the crosspiece (50).

9. Chassis (2) of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the chassis (2) comprises a tank assembly (11) according to one of claims 7 to 8, arms connecting the cross member (50) to the wheels of the vehicle.

10. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a tank (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, or a tank assembly according to claims 7 or 8, or a chassis (2) according to claim 9.

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