Tank including 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. A tank (10), in particular a tank for storing hydrogen, having two opposing main external faces (12, 13) extending substantially longitudinally, the tank (10) comprising a groove (60) arranged transversely and opening laterally through the entire tank (10), as well as on a main external face (12, 13), said groove (60) being configured to accommodate a vehicle wheel assembly (50), in particular a motor vehicle wheel assembly (1), in particular a rear wheel assembly (20). Foreground figure: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Tank comprising a vehicle wheel axle crossmember, tank assembly, chassis and associated vehicle. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a tank comprising a vehicle wheel axle crossmember. The invention also relates to a chassis comprising such a tank. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a tank or such a chassis. Prior art

[0002] A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, equipped with a hydrogen powertrain generally requires a hydrogen storage system. Such a hydrogen storage system typically includes a large-volume tank, even larger for vehicles with a high payload, such as commercial vehicles or passenger vehicles. High-payload vehicles most often include axle support arms connected to the chassis and a suspension system comprising a crossmember connecting the two arms, for example, in an "H" shape. However, such a flexible axle can have a large deflection, which prevents the freeing up of space in the center of the vehicle for the placement of a tank, for example. It is necessary to consider new integration solutions that allow for the use of the space in the center of the vehicle, the suspension travel, and the storage of hydrogen.The invention provides a solution to this problem. Presentation of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a tank that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a tank comprising a hydrogen storage means that is part of the chassis without, however, compromising 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, having two main opposing external faces extending substantially longitudinally, the tank comprising a groove arranged transversely and opening laterally through the tank and on a main external face, said groove being configured to accommodate a vehicle axle crossmember, in particular a motor vehicle wheel axle, in particular a rear wheel axle.

[0005] The invention advantageously provides an integration solution that is both of the tank and the train in the vehicle. Thanks to the transversely arranged groove, the train can be easily integrated into the tank.

[0006] In preferred embodiments of the invention, one and / or the other of the following features are further used, alone or in combination: - Said groove opens onto a main upper external face. - Said throat comprises at least two different cross-section shapes. - Said groove comprises an enlarged central section and two substantially equal end sections, located at the transverse ends of the groove, said end sections having a cross-sectional area smaller than the central cross-sectional area. - Said tank is obtained at least partially from composite material, in particular from composite material comprising glass fiber and / or carbon fiber. - Said reservoir includes holes 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 rigidify the tank, the through holes extending within each tube.

[0007] The invention also relates to a tank assembly comprising a tank according to one of the preceding characteristics, said opening groove housing a vehicle axle crossmember, in particular a motor vehicle wheel assembly, in particular a rear wheel assembly.

[0008] Advantageously, the tank assembly includes two spacers in contact with an external face of said groove, said spacers ensuring the retention of the train crossmember inside the groove.

[0009] The invention also relates to a vehicle chassis, in particular a motor vehicle comprising a tank assembly according to the above characteristics, as well as two arms connecting the crossmember to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0010] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a tank as defined above, or a chassis as defined above, or a body as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0011] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a tank made as non-exhaustive list with respect to the attached figures, including:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view from below of the crate according to the embodiment of the invention.

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

[0015] Fig. 4 is a partial top view of the case according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0016] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly 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 right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to 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 backward direction.

[0017] 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 assembly 20. The vehicle 1, or the body 3, or the chassis 2, comprises a tank 10. Preferably, the tank 10 is used to store hydrogen or dihydrogen. In this case, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a powertrain that operates, at least partially, on hydrogen.

[0018] More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the tank 10 comprises a vehicle wheel assembly. Preferably, a rear wheel assembly 20. The body 3 comprises the chassis 2 and the wheel assembly attached to the tank 10.

[0019] The reservoir 10 is made entirely, or at least partially, of 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 4, the reservoir 10 is, for example, generally shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped and has two main external faces 12 and 13 extending longitudinally. Preferably, the reservoir 10 includes holes 11 passing through it. As illustrated in particular in the [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, holes HT 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.

[0020] Preferably, the holes 11 are formed by hollow tubes 14 arranged within the tank 10. Indeed, the tank 10 includes tubes or reinforcing tubes 14 that pass 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, aluminum alloy, or another material. Thus, thanks to the presence of tubes 14 that 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.

[0021] In detail, as shown in [Fig. 3], the tank includes a transverse recess across the entire width of the tank, in the form of a groove 60 arranged transversely and opening laterally through the entire width of the tank 10. This groove 60 is configured to accommodate a vehicle axle crossmember 50, in particular a motor vehicle wheel assembly 1, in particular a rear wheel assembly 20. The groove 60, which receives the crossmember 50, is specifically designed and manufactured to receive an axle crossmember, i.e., a crossmember connecting two suspension arms 55. It does not include a reinforcing tube, the axle crossmember constituting and contributing to the reinforcement of the tank 10.In a particular embodiment, the groove 60 has at least two different transversely oriented sections: a section S2 at the ends of the groove, identical on each side, and a wider and deeper central section S1 inside the reservoir. This design allows the axle crossmember 50 to be accommodated and to move within this central portion. The central section SI of the groove is enlarged, meaning it is wider along the X and Z axes than the sections S2 at its ends. This allows the axle crossmember 50 to move, particularly along the Z and X axes, within the central portion of the groove. Specifically, the end sections S2 have a smaller cross-sectional area than the central section SL.

[0022] The groove 60 can be made in the upper or lower part of the reservoir, that is to say, it can open onto an upper external face 12 or a lower external face 13 of the reservoir. In the described embodiment In figures 2, 3 and 4, the groove 60 opens onto the upper external face 12 of the tank, which allows the tank to have a lower surface of the flat bottom type, which advantageously improves the circulation of air during the movement of the vehicle and also makes it possible to ensure protection of the crossmember by preventing external bodies from penetrating inside the travel space of the crossmember 50, the part of the tank located above the groove 60 thus acting as a deflector.

[0023] Moreover, the groove 60 has a diameter substantially, for the end sections, at least 3 to 4 times greater than that of the reinforcing tubes passing through the tank on both sides.

[0024] The throat may have a circular, rectangular or ovoid cross-section.

[0025] The contact between the axle crossmember and the tank is achieved by means of two bearings or spacers 40 in contact with an external face of the groove 60. The bearings 40 rest on the tank; more specifically, they rest on a lateral protrusion of the tank, corresponding to the portion or cross-section S2 of the groove that is reduced by the lateral protrusions of the tank. There are two protrusions at each transverse end of the groove, as shown in [Fig. 3]. These protrusions of the tank are in contact with the bearing 40.

[0026] The two bearings or spacers 40 supporting the cross member 50 are fixed to the reservoir 10, inside the groove, by means of fasteners, which are, for example, in the form of screws, bolts, or studs, preferably metallic. Preferably, each fastener comprises a threaded rod, or at least a partially threaded rod whose thread is designed to cooperate with a threaded element such as a nut. Thus, the fasteners, in particular their rods, extend within the through holes 11. In other words, the rod of the fastener or insert is housed, at least partially, in predefined through holes 11, that is, in predefined hollow tubes 14, according to the desired locations relative to the reservoir. Each fastener preferably extends beyond the length of the hollow tube 14.Alternatively, if a nut or threaded element is inserted partially or completely within the hollow tube 14, the length of the stem is, for example, equal to or even less than the length of the hollow tube through which the fastener passes. For example, the tubes accommodate inserts of various shapes and / or lengths, particularly depending on the length of the hollow tube 14 to be traversed. Advantageously, the inserts are cylindrical and threaded to facilitate the mounting of screw-on elements such as screws, for example, with a metric thread.

[0027] The groove 60 extends, from a central area of ​​the reservoir, over approximately half of the thickness E of the reservoir in the vertical direction, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0028] In summary, the solution proposes a unique, multi-purpose tank. Indeed, only one tank is required for a given vehicle. The tank is capable of storing hydrogen, generally under a pressure of around 700 bar. Due to its rigidity and resistance in all directions, particularly achieved by the presence of tubes 14 extending along the X, Y, and Z directions, and thanks to its groove 60, the tank 10 is integrated into the rear section of the chassis. The vehicle does not include a side member in its rear area, nor a subframe; the tank provides support for the rear axle. In other words, the tank is sufficiently rigid to replace the rear section of side members designed to support a vehicle's rear axle. Indeed, the rear axle 20 is thus attached to the chassis 2 by means of the crossmember positioned inside the groove 60 directly on the tank 10.

[0029] The usual cradle is thus replaced by the reservoir.

[0030] Advantageously, the rear axle crossmember 20 can be pre-mounted, possibly during off-peak hours relative to the assembly line, onto the tank 10. A pre-adjustment of the rear axle can then be carried out before final assembly onto the vehicle body. This results in time savings and cost reductions.

[0031] The train crossmember is advantageously fixed to the arm by gluing or welding, the arm then being connected to the spindle carrier or wheel support, for example by means of joints or silent blocks.

[0032] The solution is particularly suited to a vehicle using hydrogen in its powertrain and can be used on both a private and a commercial vehicle.

[0033] The solution reduces the vehicle chassis mass, notably through the shortening or elimination of the rear longitudinal members and / or the absence of a subframe. Furthermore, the mass of the tank 10, preferably made of composite material, is significantly less than that of a tank consisting of one or more cylindrical metal bottles. Moreover, since the tank is a single unit, there is no need for fittings, pipes, or high-pressure lines to connect multiple volumes, thus avoiding the maintenance and risk of leaks inherent in such connections over the vehicle's lifetime. Consequently, the tank is particularly reliable and requires little to no maintenance. Unlike metal bottles, the shape of the tank 10 can be easily adapted to specific requirements, particularly in terms of the dimensions of different vehicle bodies.This results in a particularly compact tank that can be specifically integrated into the vehicle's underbody. Finally, despite the presence of the structural tank 10, the vehicle's passenger compartment volume is not reduced.

[0034] The solution has no impact on the vehicle's aesthetics. It also does not alter aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, it is beneficial in terms of handling. On the road, the mass of the tank lowers the vehicle's center of gravity.

[0035] In particular, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of improving the implementation of a hydrogen storage means within a vehicle integrating 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, having two opposite main external faces (12, 13) extending substantially longitudinally, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises a groove (60) arranged transversely and opening laterally from one side of the tank (10), as well as on a main external face (12, 13), said groove (60) being configured to house a cross member (50) of a vehicle train, 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 groove (60) opens onto an upper main external face (12).

3. Tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said groove (60) comprises at least two different section shapes.

4. Tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said groove (60) comprises a widened central section (SI) and two substantially equal end sections (S2), located at the transverse ends of the groove (60), said end sections (S2) having a sectional area smaller than the central sectional area (SI).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. Tank assembly (11), 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 opening groove (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).

9. Tank assembly (11) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank assembly comprises two spacers (40) in contact with an external face of said groove (60), said spacers (40) ensuring the maintenance of the train crossmember inside the groove (60).

10. 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 8 to 9 as well as two arms (55) connecting the cross member to the wheels of the vehicle.

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

Images