Vehicle and method for installing a platform support

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a body (2), a floor (3), a platform (4) located at least a distance from a portion of said floor (3), and a platform support (1) mounted on the body (2), said platform (4) extending from a wheel arch towards the rear of the vehicle. The platform support (1) is fixed at the level of the vehicle's wheel arch, comprises a bearing area, and is configured to support the platform above the vehicle floor. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle and method for installing a tray support Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and method for placing a tray support above a floor.

[0002] This includes all aspects of the vehicle, such as structure, bodywork. Prior art

[0003] When there is no reinforcement, the body and floor can be designed to be lighter and less reinforced, as they are not specifically adapted to support very heavy loads.

[0004] Some publication documents show reinforcements such as for example document CN217415917 which describes a floor reinforcement device, this is a part fixed to the bodywork.

[0005] One of the needs is to increase the storage load of a plastic floor. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0007] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a simple technique for increasing the load of a vehicle floor.

[0008] In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide a simple means for enabling a tray support at a distance from the floor and capable of supporting heavy loads.

[0009] An objective of the invention is to provide such a technique, which can be easily adapted to existing systems.

[0010] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, using a vehicle comprising a body, a floor, a tray at a distance at least from a part of said floor, and a tray support mounted on the body, said tray extends from a wheel arch towards the rear of the vehicle, remarkable in that the tray support is fixed at the wheel arch of the vehicle, comprises a support zone and is configured to support the tray above the floor of the vehicle.

[0011] One of the most obvious advantages of this assembly is that it allows the vehicle to support heavier loads without compromising its structure or performance. Previously, and according to one example, it was possible to support loads of approximately 10 kg, however in this configuration there were visible deformations of the floor. Now, with the addition of an intermediate support point, it is possible to have loads of around 20kg without deforming the tray and while keeping the storage space on the floor when the tray is not installed in the vehicle.

[0012] The fact of better supporting the loads is linked to the addition of an intermediate support point between the ends of the plate.

[0013] A vehicle assembly capable of carrying heavier loads can be used in a wider range of applications. It can be adapted to transport larger goods, heavy equipment.

[0014] A reinforced structure can help reduce vibrations and noise inside the vehicle, thus improving passenger comfort.

[0015] This may be particularly useful for utility vehicles, trucks, off-road vehicles and other applications requiring increased load capacity.

[0016] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

[0017] In one embodiment, the tray support comprises through fixing holes and the fixing to the body of the tray support is carried out by screws passing through said through fixing holes.

[0018] The screws provide a strong and secure attachment, which helps maintain the structural stability of the vehicle. This ensures that the tray support remains securely in place, even under difficult driving conditions.

[0019] In one embodiment, each attachment to the body of the tray support further comprises a waterproof insert, said waterproof insert comprises a hole configured for the passage of said screw and is positioned through the through holes for attaching the tray support.

[0020] Using a waterproof insert with a through-hole mounting helps maintain a seal between the body and the tray support. The insert's seal reduces the risk of water, dirt, or debris entering the wheel arch, which can prevent corrosion and long-term damage.

[0021] The waterproof insert helps prevent water and moisture from penetrating the vehicle's structure. This significantly reduces the risk of corrosion on the tray support and bodywork, which is essential for maintaining the vehicle's lifespan.

[0022] In one embodiment, the tray support has a lip around the perimeter, said lip conforming to the shape of the bodywork when it is mounted.

[0023] The body-hugging lip creates a tighter seal between the tray support and the vehicle body. This reduces the risk of water, dirt, or other harmful elements entering the wheel arch area, which can prevent corrosion and damage. It also allows for effective support and distributed force transfer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sealed insert is circular cylindrical and has a shoulder.

[0025] The shoulder helps create a strong seal that prevents the infiltration of water, dirt, or other harmful elements.

[0026] In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the support zone is between 50cm2 and 300cm2.

[0027] This surface size range provides a good balance between compact design and the ability to provide useful features: increasing the load-bearing strength of the plastic floor. It allows for maximizing the use of available space while maintaining flexibility to integrate specific components or features.

[0028] In another embodiment, the wheel arch is at the level of the wheels at the front of the vehicle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the tray support comprises a curved shell, preferably the support zone is formed by the curved shell. According to one example, the tray support is made by plastic injection.

[0030] The curved shell improves the rigidity of the tray support. It also allows the support area to be easily created.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for installing a tray support for a vehicle, in which it comprises the following steps: - drilling a plurality of holes in the bodywork of the vehicle using a mounting jig; - position waterproof inserts in the bodywork holes made in the previous step; each waterproof insert having through holes; - screw the tray support onto the body using screws inserted into each through hole of the waterproof insert.

[0032] The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this method being similar to those of the assembly which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

[0033] In an embodiment in which the waterproof insert comprises a shoulder and in which during the step of positioning the waterproof insert, the waterproof insert is introduced into the through-hole for fixing until the shoulder rests on the tray support, the waterproof insert is introduced into each hole of the bodywork until the shoulder rests on the bodywork. Brief description of the figures

[0034] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the description which follows is given, for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig. 1] represents a diagram of a part of a vehicle showing the tray support according to one embodiment;

[0036] [Fig.2] represents another more precise perspective view of the tray support according to one embodiment;

[0037] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of the tray support alone;

[0038] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of a screw before assembly;

[0039] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of a waterproof insert;

[0040] [Fig.6] shows part of a perspective view of the screw assembly and insert it into the tray holder. Description of the embodiments

[0041] [Fig.l] shows a diagram of part of a vehicle showing a tray support 1 and a tray 4.

[0042] In this figure it is visible the tray support 1 mounted on a body 2, inside the vehicle, and more particularly on a wheel arch 2, and the tray 4 arranged at a distance from a floor 3 of the vehicle.

[0043] The tray support 1 is for example manufactured by plastic injection, it has a complex shape, such as a curved shell forming an element projecting from the wheel arch, the edges of which follow the curve of the wheel arch of a vehicle.

[0044] At the top level of the tray support 1, the upper part is shown which has a support area which is generally flat and extends horizontally. The tray 4 of the vehicle rests on this support area. The top level is in the direction of the vehicle's reference frame, once the tray support 1 is installed.

[0045] The tray support 1 extends downwards and follows the shape of the wheel arch. It follows the curve of the wheel arch 2 without impacting the surface of the floor 3. Thus, when the tray 4 is not installed, the volume and surface area allocated for directly receiving objects on the floor 3 is not modified. Similarly, after installing a seat on the floor 3, a passenger sitting on said seat will not be hindered in placing his feet on the floor 3 or placing objects on said floor 3.

[0046] On the side of the tray support 1 there are reinforcements or lips which add strength and rigidity to the tray support 1. These lips are on the perimeter of the tray support 1 and provide better structural stability.

[0047] The tray support 1 may also include parts that hold the tray 4 or fasteners for other components of the vehicle.

[0048] The floor 3 rests on a support zone of the tray support 1. The support zone is substantially horizontal.

[0049] The support area allows for a larger surface area in contact with the floor 3 and this design allows for greater strength and can support greater loads, which increases the useful life of the tray support 1 and the floor 3 and reduces the risk of premature failure or deformation.

[0050] The floor 3 is better supported with better strength to withstand more severe usage conditions, thus extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance and replacement needs.

[0051] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0052] [Fig.2] shows another, more precise perspective view of the tray support.

[0053] This figure shows certain elements described previously. The tray support 1 is visible without the floor 3 showing the support area 10 of the tray support 1.

[0054] According to an example not shown, the tray support 1 is fixed to the bodywork by gluing.

[0055] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of the tray support alone.

[0056] This figure shows the tray support 1 alone with fixing clips 7.

[0057] The tray support 1 has a lip 11 which fits the shape of the car rosserie 2 and making it waterproof by the fixing clips. Each fixing clip will be described below and includes a screw and a waterproof insert.

[0058] Three fixing clips are visible, shown by a circle. These are through holes for fixing the tray support 1.

[0059] Figures 4 to 6 show a screw, a sealing insert and part of a perspective view of the mounting of the screw and insert in the tray support.

[0060] The waterproof insert 6 has a through hole and a shoulder. The waterproof insert resembles a hollow cylinder or socket, with a through hole in the center and a shoulder at one of its ends.

[0061] The waterproof insert 6 is designed to provide effective sealing, which is essential to prevent corrosion and water leaks inside the vehicle.

[0062] At one end of the insert, there is a widening of the diameter of the insert, forming a shoulder. This is the part of the insert which will come into direct contact with the plate support 1.

[0063] The shoulder comes into contact with the tray support 1 and the screw 5 which passes through the waterproof insert 6 and is fixed to the bodywork 2. This insert is inserted into a through-hole for fixing provided for this purpose in the tray support 1. Once in place, the screw 5 passes through the through-hole of the insert and is firmly fixed to the bodywork by screwing. When the screw 5 is tightened, the shoulder in contact with the tray support 1 ensures a uniform distribution of force and pressure, while maintaining waterproofness. The insert is made of rubber.

[0064] In a variant, the insert is inserted into a hole in the bodywork 2. The screw 5 passes through the through holes for fixing the tray support 1 and enters the through hole in the insert. Once in place, the screw 5 presses the tray support 1 which is firmly fixed to the bodywork by screwing. When the screw 5 is tightened, the shoulder in contact with the bodywork 2 ensures uniform distribution of force and pressure, while maintaining the seal.

[0065] The fixing clip is made watertight by the watertight insert 6.

[0066] In [Fig. 6], the thickness E and the length L of the waterproof insert 6 are shown. The cylindrical part is longer than the thickness of the tray support 1. The waterproof insert 6 passes through the bodywork. The waterproof insert 6 is introduced into the through-hole for fixing until the shoulder rests on the tray support 1.

[0067] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a vehicle tray support, in which it comprises the following steps: - drilling a plurality of holes in the body 2 of the vehicle using a mounting template; - position waterproof inserts in the holes of bodywork 2 made in the previous step; each waterproof insert having through holes; - screw the tray support 1 onto the body 2 using screws 5 inserted into each through hole of the waterproof insert.

[0068] In a variant, the last two steps are as follows: - position waterproof inserts in through holes for fixing the tray support 1; - screw the tray support 1 onto the body 2 using screws 5 inserted into each through-hole fixing.

[0069] The method may further comprise, during the step of positioning the sealed insert 6, the sealed insert 6 of which has a shoulder: - the waterproof insert 6 is introduced into each hole in the bodywork (2) until the shoulder rests on the bodywork 2.

[0070] It is emphasized that all features, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached features, even if they have been specifically described only in relation to other determined features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or devoid of sense. List of reference signs

[0071] [Tables 1] References Designations 1 Tray support 2 Body 3 Floor 4 Tray 5 Screw 6 Waterproof insert 7 Fixing clip 10 Support area 11 Lip

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle comprising a body (2), a floor (3), a tray (4) at a distance from at least a part of said floor (3), and a tray support (1) mounted on the body (2), said tray (4) extends from a wheel arch towards the rear of the vehicle, characterized in that the tray support (1) is fixed at the wheel arch of the vehicle, comprises a support zone, and is configured to support the tray (4) above the floor (3) of the vehicle.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the tray support (1) has through fixing holes and the fixing to the bodywork (2) of the tray support (1) is carried out by screws (5) passing through said through fixing holes.

3. Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein each fixing on the bodywork (2) of the tray support (1) further comprises a waterproof insert (6), said waterproof insert (6) comprises a hole configured for the passage of a screw (5) and is positioned through the through holes for fixing the tray support (1).

4. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the tray support (1) has a lip around the perimeter, said lip conforms to the shape of the bodywork (2) when it is mounted.

5. Vehicle according to one of claims 3 to 4, in which the sealed insert (6) is circular cylindrical and has a shoulder.

6. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the surface area of ​​the support zone is between 50cm2 and 300cm2.

7. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wheel arch is at the level of the wheels at the front of the vehicle.

8. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tray support (1) comprises a curved shell, preferably the support zone is formed by the curved shell.

9. Method for installing a vehicle tray support according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises the following steps: - drilling a plurality of holes in the bodywork (2) of the vehicle using a mounting template; - positioning waterproof inserts in the holes in the bodywork (2) produced in the previous step; each waterproof insert having through holes; - screw the tray support (1) onto the bodywork (2) using screws (5) inserted into each through hole of the waterproof insert.

10. Method according to the preceding claim and in which the waterproof insert (6) comprises a shoulder, in which during the step of positioning the waterproof insert (6), the waterproof insert (6) is introduced into each hole of the bodywork (2) until the shoulder rests on the bodywork (2).

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