Reservoir including an internal well for a stabilizer bar, chassis, body and associated vehicle.

Abstract

Tank comprising an internal well for a stabilizer bar, chassis, body, 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) opening laterally through the tank, said internal well (60) housing a stabilizer bar (65) intended to be fixed to a wheel assembly of a motor vehicle, in particular a rear wheel assembly (20). Illustration: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Tank comprising an internal well for a stabilizer bar, chassis, body and associated vehicle. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a tank comprising an internal well intended to fix a vehicle wheel set stabilizer bar. The invention also relates to a chassis comprising such a tank. The invention also relates to a body comprising such a chassis. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a tank or such a chassis or such a body. 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 one or more metal “cylinders”, each having a substantially cylindrical shape whose length is much greater than the diameter. Such hydrogen cylinders are particularly heavy and bulky. Moreover, on a bus or coach, such cylinders are generally arranged substantially in a horizontal plane on the roof of such a vehicle.

[0003] However, such a solution cannot be adopted for a motor vehicle of the private vehicle type, in particular for problems linked to aesthetics and / or aerodynamic performance and / or performance in terms of road holding. Presentation of the invention

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a tank which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention provides 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.

[0005] The invention presents optimized means for integrating the tank into the chassis. In particular, the tank comprises a solution for integrating the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bars, or anti-roll bars, or anti-roll bars, are part of the suspension element. The suspension element of a motor vehicle is configured to absorb the impact of shocks that the wheels of a motor vehicle may encounter. The suspension element also contributes to the good road holding of the vehicle, as well as driving comfort. The stabilizer bars ensure the good road holding of the vehicle in all driving situations of the vehicle and more particularly in a bend, on uneven terrain or on a road deformed. The invention relates to a solution for integrating a stabilizer bar into a tank comprising a hydrogen storage means forming part of the chassis. Summary of the invention

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a tank, in particular a tank intended to store hydrogen, the tank comprising an internal well opening laterally from one side of the tank to the other, said internal well housing a stabilizer bar intended to be fixed to a set of wheels of a motor vehicle, in particular a set of rear wheels.

[0007] The stabilizer bar is thus completely integrated into the tank thanks to the internal well made inside it.

[0008] Advantageously, the internal well comprises interface pieces intended to hold the stabilizer bar inside the internal well. These interface pieces make it possible to fix the stabilizer bar to the tank.

[0009] Advantageously, the interface parts consist of a block of elastomer hollowed out in its center.

[0010] The tank can be obtained at least partially from composite material, in particular from composite material comprising fiberglass and / or carbon fiber.

[0011] The reservoir may comprise 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 being perpendicular to each other.

[0012] The tank may comprise tubes passing through the tank from one side to the other, in particular tubes made of composite material, the tubes being able to be intended to stiffen the tank, the through holes being able to extend within each tube.

[0013] The invention also relates to a vehicle chassis, in particular a motor vehicle, the chassis comprising a tank as defined above, the rear axle comprising two lateral struts on either side of the tank, said lateral struts being connected by the stabilizer bar.

[0014] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the body comprising a chassis as defined above and a wheel set, in particular a rear wheel set, the wheel set being fixed at least partially to the tank by the connecting elements, the connecting elements comprising a right plate fixed to the tank and a left plate fixed to the tank.

[0015] The right plate may comprise a right front yoke and a right rear yoke and the left plate may comprise a left front yoke and a rear yoke LEFT.

[0016] The connecting elements may comprise on the right side: - a right front connecting rod mounted in a pivot connection with respect to the right front yoke and a right rear connecting rod mounted in a pivot connection with respect to the right rear yoke, and the connecting elements may include on the left side: - a left front connecting rod mounted in a pivot connection with respect to the left front yoke and a left rear connecting rod mounted in a pivot connection with respect to the left rear yoke.

[0017] The fixing means housed in through holes can ensure the fixing of the right plate and the left plate on the tank.

[0018] The reservoir may comprise a left cavity intended to at least partially receive the left plate and a right cavity intended to at least partially receive the right plate.

[0019] 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

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig. 2] is a partial perspective bottom view of a box according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a partial side perspective view of the body according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.4] is a partial sectional view of the body according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0025] 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 reference XYZ 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 to the right and Z is the vertical direction pointing 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the tank 10 comprises an internal well 60 housing a stabilizer bar 65 intended to be fixed to a set of wheels of a motor vehicle, in particular a set of rear wheels 20. As can be seen in more detail in [Fig. 4], said internal well 60 comprises interface pieces 40 intended to hold the stabilizer bar 65 inside the internal well 60. These interface pieces are in the form of rings arranged laterally at each transverse end of the portion of stabilizer bar housed inside the transverse internal well made inside the tank. These interface pieces act as a fixing bearing.

[0028] 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 4, the tank 10 is for example generally shaped in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably, the tank 10 comprises holes 11 passing through it. As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 3, holes 1IV 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.

[0029] Preferably, the holes 11 come from hollow tubes 14 arranged within the tank 10. Indeed, the tank 10 comprises tubes or reinforcement tubes or wells 14 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 made within each tube 14 also pass through the tank.

[0030] Although the hollow tubes 14 are preferably of circular cross-section, tubes of hexagonal, square, rectangular or other cross-section shapes may also be suitable.

[0031] As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the tank comprises connecting elements 5 which comprise fixing means 12 in order to fix the wheel set 20 on the tank 10. Each fixing means or insert 12 is for example of the screw, or bolt, or stud type, preferably metallic. Thus, preferably, each fixing means 12 comprises a threaded rod, at least a partially threaded rod whose thread is intended to cooperate with a tapped element such as a nut for example. Thus, fixing means 12, in particular their rods, extend within through holes 11. In other words, the rod of the fixing means or insert is housed, at least partially, in predefined through holes 11, that is to say in hollow tubes 14 predefined according to the desired locations relative to the tank. Note that each fixing means 12 preferably exceeds the length of the hollow tube 14.Alternatively, in the case of a nut or threaded element inserted partly, or entirely, within the hollow tube 14, the length of the rod is for example equal to or even less than the length of the hollow tube crossed, or partially crossed by the fixing means 12.

[0032] For example, the tubes accommodate inserts having various shapes and / or different lengths, in particular depending on the length of the hollow tube 14 to be passed through. Advantageously, the inserts are cylindrical and tapped to facilitate the mounting of screwed elements such as screws, for example with metric pitch. Thus, the fixing means or inserts are installed in the tubes at the appropriate locations of the tank 10.

[0033] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting elements 5 comprise a right plate 30R fixed to the tank 10 and a left plate 30L fixed to the tank 10. The fixing of each plate 30R, 30L to the tank 10 is ensured by means of fixing means or inserts 12 seen previously. Preferably, the right plate and the left plate comprise holes intended for the passage of fixing means 12. More precisely, each fixing means 12 is housed, at least partially, in a through hole 11 and passes through a hole in the corresponding plate to ensure the fixing of the right plate 30R and the left plate 30L to the tank 10. In other words, each plate is sandwiched between a shoulder or a nut or a washer or a screw or bolt head of the fixing means 12 and the tank 10.

[0034] For example, each plate is secured by means of four fastening means 12. Alternatively, fewer or more fastening means 12 may be suitable. note that the number of fixing means 12 used to fix the same plate may depend on the "pitch" or distance in a given direction between two axes of holes side by side in this direction. As a reminder, each hole 11 preferably comes from a tube 14 passing through the tank 10. For example, the values ​​of the pitches in the vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions are identical. Alternatively, the values ​​of the pitches in the X, Y and Z directions are different or two of them are identical and the third has a lower or higher value. For example, the pitch is of the order of 120 mm.

[0035] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.2], preferably the left plate 30L comprises a left front yoke 3 IL and a left rear yoke 32L. In the same way, the right plate 30R comprises a right front yoke 31R and a right rear yoke 32R. For example, each plate has an overall angle iron shape arranged so as to use holes 1IV extending in the vertical direction and holes HT extending in the transverse direction.

[0036] Preferably, the connecting elements 5 comprise on the right side, a right front link 40R mounted in pivot connection relative to the right front yoke 31R and a right rear link 50R mounted in pivot connection relative to the right rear yoke 32R. Preferably, the connecting elements 5 comprise on the left side a left front link 40L mounted in pivot connection relative to the left front yoke 31L and a left rear link 50L mounted in pivot connection relative to the left rear yoke 32L. For example, the yokes 31R, 31L, 32R, 32L have axes extending longitudinally, or substantially longitudinally. The two links 40R, 50R on the right side are connected to a right rear wheel hub. In the same way, the two links 40L, 50L on the left side are connected to a left rear wheel hub.

[0037] Preferably, the reservoir 10 is shaped to receive the connecting elements 5 within a right clearance for the right side and a left clearance for the left side. In other words, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the reservoir comprises a left cavity intended to receive at least partially the left plate 30L and a right cavity intended to receive at least partially the right plate 30R. Preferably, the right cavity is the symmetry, or substantially the symmetry, of the left cavity with respect to a median plane.

[0038] For example, each cavity extends, from a bottom 17 of the tank, over substantially half of the thickness E of the tank in the vertical direction.

[0039] As visible in [Fig.2], 3 and 4, the tank comprises an internal well 60 passing through the tank in the transverse direction Y and opening at each transverse end of the tank. This internal well 60 is shaped to accommodate the torsion bar 65 or anti-roll bar of the vehicle. This internal well is of substantially tubular shape and of substantially constant diameter in the embodiment described.

[0040] The stabilizer bar 65, anti-roll bar, torsion bar or anti-roll bar is a device that increases the stability of the vehicle during rolling movements of the vehicle. It makes it possible to apply a righting torque opposing differential movements between the right wheel and the left wheel and does not generate a specific force when the movements are equal and in the same direction. The torsion bar 65 is generally free to rotate relative to the body. As seen in [Fig. 3] and 4, the torsion bar connects at its ends each wheel of the axle in question, here a rear axle 20.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the stabilizer bar 65 has a U shape and connects by means of links 66 each sliding element of the suspension, that is to say each support tube 80 R and 80L of the lateral shock absorbers.

[0042] It is fixed inside the internal well of the tank by means of two interface pieces 40 arranged inside the internal well, on each lateral part of the main portion of the stabilizer bar 65 housed inside the internal well 60, therefore close to each wheel of the axle 20. These interface pieces 40 are for example made up of an elastomer block hollowed out in its center to allow the passage of the stabilizer bar. They act as guide bearings for the stabilizer bar and in particular allow the rotation of the latter relative to the tank and the slight movement of the stabilizer bar inside the internal well. These interface pieces 40 are in the form of tubes or parallelepiped-shaped blocks surrounding the stabilizer bar. Alternatively, other fixing means can be used inside the internal well of the tank.The guidance of the torsion bar 65, inside the internal well, by means of the interface parts 40, acting as guide bearings integral with the tank, makes it possible to obtain a limitation of the roll angle during turns and thus contributes to obtaining good suspension comfort in the majority of driving cases.

[0043] In summary, the solution proposes a polymorphic and unique tank. Indeed, only one tank is provided for the same vehicle. As a reminder, 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, the tank 10 replaces the rear part of the chassis. Thus, the vehicle does not include a side member in its rear zone, nor a cradle, the tank ensuring the support of the rear axle. In other words, the tank is sufficiently rigid to replace the rear part of side members intended to ensure the support of a vehicle rear axle. Indeed, the fixing of the rear axle 20 relative to the chassis 2 is ensured by means of the plates 30R, 30L fixed directly on the tank 10.As a reminder, the fixing means 12 pass through tubes 14 which themselves pass through the . tank 10 for holding the plates on the tank. Thus certain holes 11T, 1IV, 11L in the transverse, vertical and longitudinal directions provided by hollow tubes 14 receive the fixing means 12 allowing the fixing of the plates relative to the tank. In other words, the fixing of the rear axle is ensured directly on the tank 10, the tank being a structural part of the chassis 2.

[0044] The usual cradle is replaced by two adapted parts, in this case the two plates 30R, 30L fixed by inserts 12 passing through the hollow reinforcement tubes 14, to receive the elements of the rear axle.

[0045] In addition, the rear axle 20, with its torsion bar 65 integrated into the tank thanks to the internal well 60, can be mounted beforehand, possibly in a time-lapse relative to the assembly line, on the tank 10. The stabilizer bar is thus mounted in the internal well, then the interface parts are positioned on each side inside the internal well. The other parts of the axle can also be mounted on the tank. A pre-adjustment of the rear axle can then be carried out before final assembly on the vehicle body. This then results in a saving of time and an economy.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 cross member 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 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. Unlike metal bottles, 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] As a remark, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of improving the installation of a means of hydrogen storage within a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, without encroaching on the habitability of such a vehicle, while allowing good suspension comfort thanks to the fixing of the anti-roll bar inside the internal well of the tank.

Claims

Claims

1. Tank (10), in particular a tank intended to store hydrogen, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises an internal well (60) opening laterally from one side of the tank to the other, said internal well (60) housing a stabilizer bar (65) intended to be fixed to a set of wheels of a motor vehicle, in particular a set of rear wheels (20).

2. Tank (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said internal well (60) comprises interface parts (40) intended to maintain the stabilizer bar (65) inside the internal well (60).

3. Tank according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the interface parts (40) consist of a block of elastomer hollowed out in its center.

4. Tank (10) according to any 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. Chassis (2) of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the chassis (2) comprises a tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the rear axle comprising two lateral struts on either side of the tank, said lateral struts being connected by the stabilizer bar (65)

8. Vehicle body (3), in particular a motor vehicle (1), comprising a chassis (2) according to the preceding claim and a wheel set, in particular a rear wheel set (20), characterized in that the wheel set is fixed at least partially to the tank (10) by the connecting elements (5), the connecting elements (5) comprising a right plate (30R) fixed to the tank (10) and a left plate (30L) fixed to the tank (10), the right plate (30R) comprising a right front yoke (31 R) and a right rear yoke (32R) and the left plate (30L) comprising a left front yoke (3 IL) and a left rear yoke (32L), the connecting elements (5) comprising on the right side: - a right front connecting rod (40R) mounted in pivot connection with respect to the right front yoke (31R) and a right rear connecting rod (50R) mounted in pivot connection with respect to the right rear yoke (32R), and the connecting elements (5) comprising on the left side: - a left front connecting rod (40L) mounted in a pivot connection relative to the left front yoke (3 IL) and a left rear connecting rod (50L) mounted in a pivot connection relative to the left rear yoke (32L) and in that the fixing means (12) housed in through holes (11) ensure the fixing of the right plate (30R) and the left plate (30L) on the tank (10).

9. Box (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the reservoir (10) comprises a left cavity intended to receive at least partially the left plate (30L) and a right cavity intended to receive at least partially the right plate (30R).

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 chassis (2) according to claim 7, or a body (3) according to one of claims 8 to 9.

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