Mounting system for a high-power electronic component of an electric or hybrid vehicle, vehicle chassis comprising the mounting system and electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the chassis

Abstract

A fixing system (1) for a high-power electronic component of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said fixing system comprising: a holding arm, a fixing cup (3) fixed to the holding arm (2) by a fixing means (4) comprising a head and a body, said cup comprising a base (6) in contact with the holding arm (2) and a face (7), said base (6) comprising a passage opening (6.1) positioned opposite a fixing hole (2.1) of the holding arm (2), the body (4.2) of the fixing means (4) being at least partially housed in the passage opening (6.1) and in the fixing hole (2.1), said face (7) comprising an opening (7.1) extending from the passage opening (6.1), said opening (7.1) having a dimension greater than the maximum width of the head of the fixing means (4). FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fixing system for a high-power electronic component of an electric or hybrid vehicle, vehicle chassis comprising the fixing system and electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the chassis

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of safety systems for electric or hybrid vehicles. One aspect of the invention relates to a fastening system for a high-power electronic component of an electric or hybrid vehicle. Another aspect of the invention relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle chassis comprising the fastening system. The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the chassis. Previous Art

[0002] Vehicles with electric or hybrid motors include a battery which must provide the energy necessary for the operation of the drive motor.

[0003] The batteries used in these vehicles are capable of providing very high electrical power, particularly during certain operating phases such as acceleration or rapid recharging.

[0004] It is therefore necessary to use high-power electronic components to control their operation. Examples of high-power electronic components present on board electric or hybrid vehicles are: chargers, inverters, converters or even components of high-power connection boxes.

[0005] These components have a weight of up to several tens of kilograms, with an aluminum casing, and they are generally fixed to the vehicle crossmembers using sheet metal or aluminum brackets. The vehicle crossmembers are generally installed at the front or rear of the vehicle so as to position the high-power electronic component inside the engine compartment.

[0006] Several technical solutions for the attachment of high-power electronic components have been proposed. For example, patent application WO2009 / 089892 describes a supporting frame that allows the power electronics to be attached in the engine compartment of the vehicle. Patent application DE102011105492 discloses a system for attaching power electronics to the internal combustion engine of vehicles, while avoiding unwanted vibrations and oscillations. Patent application KR102355851 describes a mounting structure for an electric vehicle cradle that improves strength, absorption of impact forces and vibration performance.

[0007] Due to their positioning, high-power electronic components are subject to high stress in the event of an accident. The fastening systems known to those skilled in the art hold the electronic component in its position during an impact. This can cause significant damage to the electronic component, which can also cause safety risks for vehicle users.

[0008] There is currently no technical solution for securing a high-power electronic component of an electric or hybrid vehicle while reducing the risk of damage to the component during a road accident. Description of the invention

[0009] To at least partially resolve the technical problems mentioned above, one aspect of the invention relates to a fixing system for a high-power electronic component of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said fixing system comprising:

[0010] - a holding arm,

[0011] - a fixing cup, said fixing cup being fixed to the holding arm by a fixing means comprising a head and a body, said fixing cup comprising a base in contact with the holding arm and a face extending from the base,

[0012] said base comprising a passage opening positioned opposite a fixing hole of the holding arm, the body of the fixing means being at least partially housed in the passage opening and in the fixing hole,

[0013] said face comprising an opening extending from the passage opening, said opening having a dimension greater than the maximum width of the head of the fixing means.

[0014] The holding arm is adapted to be attached to the high-power electronic component.

[0015] The fastening system allows the high-power electronic component to slide in the direction of impact during an accident. In other words, the fastening system is an ejection system that does not rigidly fix the electronic component, allowing it to slide without fully absorbing the energy of the impact, which will then be dissipated by other elements.

[0016] This is possible due to the fact that the size of the opening of the fixing cup is greater than the maximum width of the head of the fixing means. In the event of an impact, the fixing means can then slide through the opening, driving the holding arm which is integral with the high-power electronic component.

[0017] The holding arm and the high-power electronic component will therefore be able to move, instead of being abruptly stopped by the fasteners, which allows the energy of the impact to dissipate without damaging the high-power electronic component.

[0018] The fastening system according to one aspect of the invention makes it possible to reduce the damage caused to the power electronics during an impact and thus to limit the number of damaged parts in the event of an accident. It is therefore possible to increase the lifespan of the high-power electronic components while reducing the safety risks for users of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0019] A high-power electronic component is understood to mean an electronic component or a combination of electronic components adapted to manage the operation of a battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle or any other on-board electrical system.

[0020] By fixing means is meant an element adapted to be housed in the fixing hole and in the passage opening so as to secure the holding arm and the fixing cup. A fixing means may for example be a screw, a nail, a rivet or a clipping system.

[0021] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the fixing system according to one aspect of the invention may also have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0022] - the fixing system further comprises a washer positioned between the head of the fixing means and the base, the opening having a dimension greater than the diameter of the washer;

[0023] - the fixing system comprises a nut screwed to the body of the fixing means, the nut abutting against a face of the holding arm comprising the fixing hole;

[0024] - the fixing means is a screw;

[0025] - the fixing cup comprises a support surface, said support surface comprising the base and the face of the fixing cup and forming a housing in which the head of the fixing means is positioned;

[0026] - the fixing cup comprises a fixing plate, the support surface extending from the mounting plate.

[0027] Another object of the invention is an assembly comprising a fixing system according to the first aspect of the invention and a high-power electronic component, the high-power electronic component being fixed to the holding arm of the fixing system. The high-power electronic component may be a charger, an inverter, a converter, a connector, a filter for electromagnetic compatibility or a combination of these elements. According to one embodiment, the converter is a dc / dc converter.

[0028] A second aspect of the invention relates to a hybrid or electric vehicle chassis, said chassis comprising: - a chassis crossmember, - a fixing system according to the first aspect of the invention, the fixing cup being fixed to the chassis crossmember, the face of the fixing cup being at least partially opposite the chassis crossmember.

[0029] A chassis crossmember is understood to mean an element of the chassis used to improve its rigidity. A chassis crossmember extends, for example, in a direction substantially normal or substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The fixing cup being rigidly fixed to the chassis crossmember, the holding arm can be ejected from the fixing cup, driving the high-power electronic component. The face of the fixing cup comprising the opening being at least partially opposite the chassis crossmember, the high-power electronic component and the holding arm can then slide in the direction of the impact relative to the chassis, moving towards the chassis crossmember. This arrangement protects the high-power electronic component in the event of a front impact and in the event of a rear impact.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the chassis crossmember is a front crossmember, namely a chassis crossmember positioned in the front part of the chassis. In other words, a front crossmember is positioned at the front of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0031] This arrangement of the fixing cup allows the high-power electronic component to be efficiently ejected towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the fixing cup comprises a fixing plate, the face of the fixing cup extending from the fixing plate, the fixing plate comprising an anchoring point for fixing the fixing cup to the cross member of the chassis.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the fixing plate comprises two anchoring points.

[0034] The anchor points allow the fixing cup to be rigidly fixed to the chassis of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each anchoring point is adapted to receive a fixing means.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the chassis further comprises the high-power electronic component, the high-power electronic component being attached to the holding arm.

[0037] A third aspect of the invention relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a chassis according to the second aspect of the invention and an electronic component fixed to the holding arm of the fixing system.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the high-power electronic component is selected from a group comprising: charger, inverter, converter, connectors, filter for electromagnetic compatibility or a combination of these components. According to one embodiment, the converter is a dc / dc converter. Figures

[0039] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, illustrated by the figures in which:

[0040] - [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a system fixing according to one aspect of the invention;

[0041] - [Fig.2] illustrates another three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a fastening system according to one aspect of the invention;

[0042] - [Fig.3] illustrates another three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a fastening system according to one aspect of the invention;

[0043] - [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional view of a fixing cup of a fastening system according to one aspect of the invention;

[0044] - [Fig.5] illustrates a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a chassis of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to another aspect of the invention;

[0045] - [Fig.6] illustrates another three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a chassis of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to another aspect of the invention.

[0046] In the figures, identical elements are identified by identical references. For reasons of readability of the figures, the size scales between elements represented are not respected. Definitions

[0047] An electric or hybrid vehicle means a vehicle with electric or hybrid traction.

[0048] By fixing means is meant an element adapted to secure a holding arm and a fixing cup, the fixing means comprising a head and a body.

[0049] A holding arm is understood to mean an element adapted to be fixed to a high-power electronic component. The holding arm is further adapted to be connected to a vehicle chassis by means of a fixing cup.

[0050] A fixing cup is understood to mean a fixing element comprising a fixing plate and a base. The fixing plate is adapted to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle while the base is configured to be fixed to a holding arm of a high-power electronic component.

[0051] The maximum width of the head of the fixing means is understood to be a measure of its overall size. The maximum width of the head is, for example, the largest size of the head which can be measured along a section plane normal to the base of the fixing cup.

[0052] By passage opening of the fixing cup is meant an opening sized to accommodate at least partially the body of the fixing means. Detailed description of the invention

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of a system for fixing a high-power electronic component for an electric or hybrid vehicle according to one aspect of the invention are described in detail below, with reference to the appended drawings. These examples illustrate the characteristics and advantages of the invention. It is however recalled that the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0054] [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a fixing system 1 for a high-power electronic component according to one aspect of the invention.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the fixing system 1 comprises a holding arm 2 and a fixing cup 3. The holding arm 2 comprises holes 2a for securing a high-power electronic component and the holding arm 2. The holes 2a are for example adapted to accommodate fixing means.

[0056] The fixing cup 3 comprises a fixing plate 8 and a support surface 5 extending from the fixing plate 8. The fixing plate 8 comprises two anchor points 8.1 adapted to fix the fixing cup to a chassis of an electric or hybrid vehicle. The support surface 5 extends from the fixing plate 8 and is adapted to support the holding arm 2. The support surface 5 comprises a base 6 and a face 7 extending from the base 6. According to one embodiment, the face 7 connects the base 6 and the connection plate 8.

[0057] The base 6 comprises a passage opening not visible in [Fig.l]. The fixing system 1 as illustrated in [Fig.l] further comprises a fixing means 4 comprising a head 4.1 and a washer 4.3. The fixing means 4 further comprises a body and a nut not visible in [Fig.l]. The fixing means 4 is adapted to fix the holding arm 2 and the fixing cup 3.

[0058] The fastening means used in the example illustrated in [Fig.l] is a screw. Other fastening means such as rivets, nails or clipping systems can also be used.

[0059] The face 7 comprises an opening 7.1 extending from the passage opening in which the body of the fastening means 4 is housed. The size of the opening 7.1 is greater than the maximum width of the head of the fastening means 4.1 and the diameter of the washer 4.3. This allows the fastening means 4 to slide through the opening 7.1, ejecting the holding arm 2 in the event of an accident. Thanks to the fastening system 1 as illustrated in [Fig.l], in the event of an accident the energy of the impact is not entirely absorbed by the high-power electronic component secured to the support arm 2. This makes it possible to protect the high-power electronic component in the event of an impact.

[0060] [Fig. 2] illustrates another three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the fixing system 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. The fixing means 4 is not shown in [Fig. 2].

[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the fixing system 1 comprises the holding arm 2 with holes 2a. The fixing system 1 further comprises the fixing cup 3.

[0062] Since the fixing means 4 is not shown in [Fig. 2], it is possible to see in this figure that the base 6 of the fixing cup 3 comprises a passage opening 6.1 positioned opposite a fixing hole 2.1 of the holding arm 2. It is therefore possible to position a fixing means 4 so that the body of the fixing means is at least partially housed in the passage opening 6.1 and in the fixing hole 2.1.

[0063] The support surface 5 of the fixing cup 3 further comprises a face 7 extending from the base 6 and connecting the base 6 to the fixing plate 8. The face 7 comprises an opening 7.1 extending from the passage opening 6.1. The size of the opening 7.1 is greater than the maximum width of the head 4.1 of the fixing means and the width of the washer 4.3, which allows the passage of the head 4.1 and the washer 4.3 through the opening 7.1 in the event of an impact.

[0064] [Fig. 3] illustrates another three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in [Fig. 3], the fixing means 4 comprises the head 4.1, the body 4.2, the washer 4.3 and a nut 4.4. The nut 4.4 is screwed onto the body 4.2 of the fixing means 4 and abuts against a wall 2.2 of the holding arm, the wall 2.2 being opposite the base 6 of the fixing cup 3. This arrangement makes it possible to secure the holding arm 2 and the fixing cup 3 thanks to the fixing means 4 at least partially housed in the passage opening 6.1 and in the fixing hole 2.1

[0065] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the fixing cup 3. As illustrated in [Fig.4], the fixing cup 3 comprises the fixing plate 8 and a support surface 5 extending from the fixing plate 8. The support surface 5 comprises the base 6 and the face 7. The support surface 5 forms a housing in which the head of the fixing means 4 and the washer can be positioned.

[0066] As illustrated in [Fig.4] the fixing plate 8 comprises a rim 8.2. The rim 8.2 serves to provide stiffness to the cup. The fixing plate further comprises anchoring points 8.1 in the form of holes intended to receive fixing means. The anchor points 8.1 are suitable for fixing the fixing cup 3 to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle chassis.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.4] the support surface 5 comprises a base 6 and a face 7 extending from the base 6. The base 6 comprises a passage opening 6.1. The face 7 comprises an opening 7.1 extending from the passage opening 6.1.

[0068] [Fig. 5] illustrates an embodiment of a chassis 20 of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to another aspect of the invention. As illustrated in [Fig. 5] the chassis 20 comprises a chassis crossmember 21 and a support element 22. The chassis crossmember 21 extends in a direction substantially normal to the direction of travel of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0069] In the case illustrated in [Fig.5], the chassis crossmember 21 and the support element 22 are positioned in the front part of the chassis and form an engine compartment at the front of the vehicle. In other words, the support element 22 is positioned at the front of the vehicle.

[0070] [Fig.5] also illustrates the positioning of a high-power electronic component C in the engine compartment formed by the chassis crossmember 21 and the support element 22. The high-power electronic component C may be a charger, an inverter, a converter, connectors, a filter for electromagnetic compatibility. According to one embodiment, the converter is a dc / dc converter.

[0071] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the chassis 20 comprises two fastening systems 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. Each fastening system 1 is oriented so that the face 7 of the cup 3 is opposite the chassis crossmember 21. This arrangement makes it possible to eject the high-power electronic component C towards the rear of the vehicle in the event of an accident at the front of the vehicle, namely in the event of an impact at the support element 22. In other words, in the event of an impact, the fastening means 4 can slide through the opening 7.1 and the holding arm 2 can move towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the chassis 20 further comprises fixing elements 23 and 24 adapted to fix the high-power electronic component C to the support element 22.

[0073] According to another embodiment, not illustrated in [Fig. 5], the chassis crossmember 21 is positioned in the rear part of the vehicle and the support element 22 is a support element positioned at the rear of the vehicle forming a compartment at the rear of the vehicle. The high-power electronic component C is positioned between the crossmember 21 and the support element 22. In this case also each fixing system 1 is oriented so as to have the face 7 at least partially opposite the crossmember chassis 21. This orientation allows the electronic component C to be ejected towards the front of the vehicle in the event of an impact at the support element 22.

[0074] [Fig.6] illustrates another three-dimensional view of a chassis 20 of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to one aspect of the invention.

[0075] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the chassis 20 comprises a chassis crossmember 21 and a support element 22 positioned at the front of the chassis 20. The chassis 20 further comprises two fixing systems 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0076] Each fixing system 1 comprises a fixing cup 3 and a holding arm 2. The face 7 of each fixing system is positioned at least partially opposite the chassis cross member 21. Each holding arm 2 is fixed to the high-power electronic component C.

[0077] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the chassis 20 further comprises two fixing elements 23 and 24 adapted to fix the high-power electronic component C to the support element 22.

Claims

Claims

1. Fixing system (1) for a high-power electronic component (C) of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said fixing system comprising: • a holding arm (2), • a fixing cup (3), said fixing cup being fixed to the holding arm (2) by a fixing means (4) comprising a head (4.1) and a body (4.2), said fixing cup (3) comprising a base (6) in contact with the holding arm (2) and a face (7) extending from the base (6), said base (6) comprising a passage opening (6.1) positioned opposite a fixing hole (2.1) of the holding arm (2), the body (4.2) of the fixing means (4) being at least partially housed in the passage opening (6.1) and in the fixing hole (2.1), said face (7) comprising an opening (7.1) extending from the passage opening (6.1), said opening (7.1) having a dimension greater than the maximum width of the head (4.1) of the fixing means (4).

2. Fastening system (1) according to the preceding claim further comprising a washer (4.3) positioned between the head (4.1) of the fastening means (4) and the base (6), the opening (7.1) having a dimension greater than the diameter of the washer (4.3).

3. Fixing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a nut (4.4) screwed to the body (4.2) of the fixing means, the nut (4.4) abutting against a face of the holding arm (2) comprising the fixing hole (2.1).

4. Fastening system (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means (4) is a screw.

5. Fixing system according to one of the preceding claims in which the fixing cup (3) comprises a support surface (5), said support surface comprising the base (6) and the face (7) and forming a housing in which the head (4.1) of the fixing means (4) is positioned.

6. Chassis (20) of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said chassis (20) comprising: • a chassis crossmember (21), • a fixing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the fixing cup (3) being fixed to the chassis crossmember (21), the face (7) of the fixing cup (3) being at least partially opposite the chassis crossmember (21).

7. Chassis (20) of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to the preceding claim in which the chassis crossmember (21) is a front crossmember.

8. A chassis (20) according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the fixing cup (3) comprises a fixing plate (8), the face (7) of the fixing cup (3) extending from the fixing plate (8), the fixing plate (8) comprising an anchor point (8.1) for fixing the fixing cup to the chassis cross member (21).

9. Chassis (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 comprising a high-power electronic component (C), the high-power electronic component (C) being fixed to the holding arm (2) of the fixing system (1).

10. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a chassis (20) according to one of claims 6 to 9.

11. Vehicle according to the preceding claim comprising a chassis according to claim 9 and in which the high-power electronic component (C) is a high-power electronic component chosen from a group comprising: charger, inverter, converter, connectors, filter for electromagnetic compatibility.

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