Vehicle floor structure equipped with internal lateral reinforcements

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle floor structure (10) comprising two hollow bodies (12) extending in a longitudinal direction on each side of the floor structure laterally, characterized in that each hollow body (12) comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement (20) extending over at least part of its length, each longitudinal reinforcement (20) comprising two longitudinal elements (22, 24) extending horizontally, spaced apart vertically, and connected by a plurality of plates (26) distributed over the length of the flat elements (22, 24) on either side thereof laterally, each longitudinal reinforcement (20) being fixed inside the hollow body (12) by part of the plates Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle floor structure equipped with internal lateral reinforcements

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle floor structure equipped with internal lateral reinforcements, in particular to protect an energy storage module or a sensitive element from lateral impacts.

[0002] For several years, the impact of vehicles on environmental conditions has been a central concern of car manufacturers and their customers. In particular, the electric vehicle, for private or commercial use, now appears to be a necessity to meet the increasingly stringent requirements for reducing polluting emissions.

[0003] When a vehicle includes an electric traction battery, the latter can be fixed under the chassis of the vehicle, which must then ensure the protection of the battery, in particular against side impacts. This protection is essential to avoid damage to the battery in the event of a side impact as well as the disadvantages linked to damage, namely environmental risks linked to leaks of chemicals into the environment, fire risks linked to significant degradation of the battery and the costs of replacing and repairing the battery. The same chassis can also be used for thermal vehicles, it is then necessary to be able to easily adapt the chassis to the type of engine.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a vehicle floor structure that provides effective protection for a battery or sensitive element and is simple to produce. There is also a need to easily reinforce an existing vehicle floor structure.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a vehicle floor structure comprising two hollow bodies extending in a longitudinal direction on each side of the floor structure laterally, characterized in that each hollow body comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement extending over at least part of its length, each longitudinal reinforcement comprising two longitudinal elements extending horizontally, spaced apart vertically, and connected by a plurality of plates distributed along the length of the longitudinal elements on either side of them laterally, each longitudinal reinforcement being fixed inside the hollow body by part of the plates.

[0006] It is thus possible to laterally reinforce the floor structure without having to modify its design, by adding longitudinal reinforcements inside each hollow body.

[0007] The plates connecting the longitudinal elements of a longitudinal reinforcement can be distributed regularly along the longitudinal elements for better robustness of the reinforcement.

[0008] Advantageously, the plates connecting the longitudinal elements can be arranged in a staggered pattern. This makes it easier to assemble the reinforcing element to the hollow body.

[0009] Advantageously, whatever the embodiment, each plate may have a cross-section in the shape of a C or a U lying down.

[0010] The longitudinal elements can then advantageously be secured to the plates inside the C or U shape lying down. This makes it possible to increase the robustness of each longitudinal reinforcement by preventing the longitudinal elements from moving vertically apart during an impact.

[0011] Advantageously, each plate may have at least one convex portion, generally two, the convexity of which is directed towards the hollow body. Each plate may then be secured to the hollow body by the top of the at least one convex portion. This makes it possible to limit the surface area of ​​the contact points between the longitudinal reinforcements and the hollow bodies, and thus to limit corrosion.

[0012] Advantageously, the plates can be pierced with an orifice for the passage of a pilot, in order to position the longitudinal reinforcements inside the hollow body.

[0013] Advantageously, the reinforcements may have one or more of the following characteristics: - the longitudinal elements are identical in shape and dimensions, which allows reinforcements to be produced simply and economically by limiting the number of different parts to be manufactured, - the plates are identical in shape and dimensions, which allows reinforcements to be produced simply and economically by limiting the number of different parts to be manufactured, - the longitudinal elements are hollow tubular elements, which makes it possible to lighten the reinforcements, - longitudinal elements are flat or substantially flat elements.

[0014] Advantageously, the plates can be fixed to the hollow body on one side of the hollow body directed towards the center of the floor structure laterally. This is particularly advantageous when the hollow body is formed by the assembly of two longitudinal structural elements, one of which is a structural element of the floor structure, such as a rocker panel. Each reinforcement can then be mounted directly and easily on the floor structure on the assembly line, the hollow body being closed after fixing the reinforcement.

[0015] Advantageously, the longitudinal reinforcements can be made of steel or metal alloy. The different parts of a longitudinal reinforcement can thus be assembled by welding.

[0016] Generally, hollow bodies are also made of steel and alloy. The longitudinal reinforcements can then be assembled to the hollow bodies by welding.

[0017] Advantageously, each hollow body can be formed from the assembly of two longitudinal structural elements, for example an external sill closing element and a rocker panel.

[0018] One or more longitudinal reinforcements may be provided per hollow body; however, preferably, only one longitudinal reinforcement may be provided per hollow body.

[0019] Generally speaking, the longitudinal reinforcements may be arranged between cross members of the floor structure longitudinally, in order to reinforce the floor structure between these cross members. These cross members may be cross members to which the running gear of the vehicle is fixed.

[0020] The floor structure according to the invention may be a floor structure of a utility vehicle, for example of the van type, or of a private vehicle.

[0021] The invention thus also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a floor structure according to the invention. In particular, the motor vehicle may comprise a battery or a sensitive element arranged between the hollow bodies, for example secured to the floor structure beneath it. The longitudinal reinforcements may then be advantageously sized to extend over the entire length of the battery or the sensitive element.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] is a perspective view from below of a floor structure according to a embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of a longitudinal reinforcement according to a method of realization.

[0025] [Fig.3] represents a cross-section of a floor structure according to a mode of carrying out the invention.

[0026] [Fig.4] represents an enlarged view of the reinforcement shown [Fig.2].

[0027] The orientations expressed in the description of the figures are given with reference to a conventional orthonormal XYZ reference frame of a motor vehicle, the X axis representing the longitudinal direction, oriented from front to rear of the vehicle, the Y axis representing the transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction, oriented upwards, of the vehicle.

[0028] In the remainder of the description, the terms front and rear refer interchangeably classic at the front and rear of the motor vehicle. The relative positions of the various elements are further described in a position of use of the floor structure.

[0029] Identical references may be used from one figure to another to designate identical or similar elements.

[0030] [Fig. 1] represents a floor structure 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. This floor structure 10 comprises two hollow bodies 12 extending in a longitudinal direction X, on each side of the floor structure laterally. In [Fig. 1], for greater clarity, the hollow body 12 is not shown in its entirety.

[0031] The hollow body 12 is more clearly visible in [Fig. 3]. It is formed by assembling two longitudinal structural elements 12a, 12b, here a sill 12a and a sill closing element 12b. In [Fig. 1], one of the longitudinal elements, here the sill closing element 12b, has been omitted.

[0032] Under the floor structure 10 is fixed a battery 1 which must be protected in the event of an impact. Usually, the floor structure 10 further comprises side members 14, connected by cross members 16. In the example shown, the battery 1 extends over the entire length of the floor structure, between the cross members 16. Such a floor structure, however, has weak zones between the cross members 16.

[0033] In order to provide better resistance to impacts, and in particular to post impacts, the floor structure 10 has one or more longitudinal reinforcements 20 inside the hollow body 12, here only one per hollow body.

[0034] With reference to Figures 2-4, each reinforcement 20 comprises two longitudinal elements 22, 24 extending horizontally and spaced apart vertically. These longitudinal elements 22, 24 are connected by a plurality of plates 26 distributed along their length, on either side of the reinforcement laterally.

[0035] Each longitudinal reinforcement 20 is fixed inside the hollow body 12 by a part of the plates 26.

[0036] As shown in the example, the plates 26 connecting the longitudinal elements are preferably arranged in a staggered pattern, which makes it easier to access them, in particular for fixing the reinforcement 20 to the hollow body 12.

[0037] In the example shown, each plate 26 has a cross-section in the shape of a lying C or U. The longitudinal elements 20, 22 are then secured to the plates inside the lying C or U shape, as seen more clearly in Figures 3 and 4. It is thus understood that the plates make it possible to prevent the longitudinal elements 20, 22 from separating in the event of an impact.

[0038] Furthermore, in the example shown, each plate 26 has two parts convex 27, 28 whose convexity is directed towards the hollow body. These convex parts 27, 28 are used here for fixing the plates to the hollow bodies, by their top. Each plate used to fix the reinforcement to the hollow body can thus be fixed to the latter at two fixing points. Thus, in the event of breakage of one of the fixings, the other holds the plate in place. The invention is however not limited to this embodiment, and each plate could have a single convex part or more than two depending on its dimension in the longitudinal direction. The embodiment shown is however a preferred embodiment.

[0039] The plates 26 are further pierced with an orifice 29, for example for their positioning. This orifice is here positioned between the convex parts 27, 28.

[0040] Preferably, the different elements of each reinforcement 20 are made of metal alloy, most often steel, and are assembled to each other by welds, preferably by weld beads, for example at the ends of the plates. This also allows the assembly by welding of each reinforcement to the hollow body, and in particular to one of the longitudinal structural elements forming the hollow body.

[0041] As shown, the reinforcement 20 will preferably be fixed to the longitudinal element 12a located on one side of the hollow body directed towards the center of the floor structure laterally. The reinforcement 20 can then be mounted on the floor structure during assembly thereof.

[0042] In particular, the staggered arrangement of the plates 26 allows easy access to the plates 26 located on the side of the longitudinal structural element 12a of the hollow body, and thus easy welding of each plate 26 to this longitudinal structural element 12a via its convex parts 27, 28. The orifice 29 can receive a pilot for mounting the reinforcement 20 on the hollow body 12, more precisely on the longitudinal element 12a of the hollow body. Each reinforcement, after assembly of its different elements, can thus be easily assembled to the hollow body, which is then closed by placing the longitudinal structural element 12b.

[0043] To simplify the production of the reinforcements 20, it will be possible to use longitudinal elements 22 identical in shape and size, and plates 26 identical in shape and size. Each reinforcement 20 is then made up of two types of assembled elements.

[0044] In the example shown, the longitudinal elements 20, 22 are hollow tubular elements, here of flattened shape, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of each reinforcement. The invention is however not limited to this embodiment. The longitudinal elements could be in hollow tubular form, in the form of solid plates and / or have a round or more or less ovoid section. However, hollow tubular shapes, which are lighter, will preferably be used, preferably flattened, flat or substantially flat, in order to limit the size of the reinforcement.

[0045] In one embodiment, as shown, the longitudinal elements 20, 22 may be flattened, flat or substantially flat elements, namely having a height, measured vertically, less than a width measured laterally, in particular a height more than twice less than the width.

[0046] Preferably, as shown, whatever the shape and arrangement of the different parts, the reinforcement 20 is in contact with the hollow body only at the level of the plates 26 used for its attachment to one of the longitudinal structural elements 12a. This makes it possible in particular to limit the risks of corrosion linked to physical contact between the parts.

[0047] The reinforcement used in the present invention to laterally reinforce the floor structure can be sized to withstand predetermined impacts, in particular post impacts. For this purpose, each longitudinal element can be adequately sized and more or fewer plates provided to obtain the desired impact resistance.

[0048] Each reinforcement is further dimensioned to fit inside the hollow body, so that its installation does not require modification of this hollow body and consequently of the floor structure.

[0049] As shown, each reinforcement 20 may extend longitudinally over the entire length separating the crosspieces, here the crosspieces 16, between which the battery 1 or any other sensitive element must be mounted.

[0050] The reinforcements 20 used in the floor structure according to the invention thus make it possible to effectively reinforce the latter laterally, in a simple and economical manner. They can in fact be produced with a small number of different parts and can be mounted on the floor structure without modifying the existing assembly lines.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle floor structure (10) comprising two hollow bodies (12) extending in a longitudinal direction on each side of the floor structure laterally, characterized in that each hollow body (12) comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement (20) extending over at least part of its length, each longitudinal reinforcement (20) comprising two longitudinal elements (22, 24) extending horizontally, spaced apart vertically, and connected by a plurality of plates (26) distributed along the length of the longitudinal elements (22, 24) on either side of them laterally, each longitudinal reinforcement (20) being fixed inside the hollow body (12) by part of the plates.

2. Floor structure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plates (26) connecting the longitudinal elements (22, 24) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

3. Floor structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each plate (26) has a cross-section in the shape of a lying C or U, and in that the longitudinal elements (22, 24) are secured to the plates inside the lying C or U shape.

4. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each plate (26) has at least one convex part (27, 28) whose convexity is directed towards the hollow body (12) and in that each plate (26) is secured to the hollow body by the top of the at least one convex part (27, 28).

5. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plates (26) are pierced with an orifice (29) for the passage of a pilot.

6. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reinforcements (20) have one or more of the following characteristics: - the longitudinal elements (22, 24) are identical in shape and dimensions, - the plates (26) are identical in shape and dimensions, - the longitudinal elements (22, 24) are hollow tubular elements, - the longitudinal elements (22, 24) are flat or substantially flat elements.

7. A floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 6, characterized in that the plates (26) are fixed to the hollow body (12) on one side of the hollow body directed towards the center of the floor structure laterally.

8. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the longitudinal reinforcements (20) are assembled by welding to the hollow bodies (12).

9. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each hollow body (12) is formed from the assembly of two longitudinal structural elements (12a, 12b).

10. Floor structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises crosspieces (16) and in that the longitudinal reinforcements (20) extend between crosspieces (16) of the floor structure longitudinally.

Images