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

Abstract

A mounting system (1) for a high-power electronic component of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said mounting system comprising: a retaining arm, a retaining cup (3) attached to the retaining arm (2) by a retaining means (4) comprising a head and a body, said cup comprising a base (6) in contact with the retaining arm (2) and a face (7), said base (6) comprising a passage opening (6.1) positioned opposite a mounting hole (2.1) of the retaining arm (2), the body (4.2) of the retaining means (4) being at least partially housed in the passage opening (6.1) and in the mounting 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 retaining means (4). FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: 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

[0001] The invention relates to the field of safety systems for electric or hybrid vehicles. One aspect of the invention relates to a mounting 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 mounting system. The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the chassis. Previous Art

[0002] Electric or hybrid motorized vehicles 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 charging.

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

[0005] These components weigh up to several tens of kilograms, have an aluminum housing, and are generally attached 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 mounting high-power electronic components have been proposed. For example, patent application WO2009 / 089892 describes a support frame for mounting power electronics in the vehicle's engine compartment. Patent application DE102011105492 discloses a system for mounting power electronics on the internal combustion engine of vehicles while preventing unwanted vibrations and oscillations. Patent application KR102355851 describes a mounting structure for an electric vehicle cradle that improves strength, impact force absorption, and vibration performance.

[0007] Due to their positioning, high-power electronic components are subjected to significant 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 pose safety risks to vehicle users.

[0008] There is currently no technical solution for fixing 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 fastening system for a high-power electronic component of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said fastening system comprising:

[0010] - a support arm,

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

[0012] said base comprising a passage opening positioned opposite a fixing hole for the retaining 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 fastening means.

[0014] The retaining 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 the 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 absorbing all the impact energy, which will then be dissipated by other elements.

[0016] This is possible because the size of the opening in the mounting cup is greater than the maximum width of the head of the mounting means. In the event of an impact, the mounting means can then slide through the opening, pulling with it the retaining arm which is attached to the high-power electronic component.

[0017] The support arm and the high-power electronic component will therefore be able to move, instead of being abruptly stopped by the fixings, which allows the energy of the shock 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 damage to the power electronics during an impact and thus limit the number of parts damaged in the event of an accident. It is therefore possible to increase the lifespan of high-power electronic components while reducing safety risks for users of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

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

[0020] A fastening means is defined as an element adapted to be housed in the fastening hole and in the passage opening so as to secure the retaining arm and the fastening cup. A fastening means may, for example, be a screw, a nail, a rivet, or a clip system.

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

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

[0023] - the fastening system comprises a nut screwed to the body of the fastening means, the nut butting against one face of the retaining arm including the fixing hole;

[0024] - the means of fixing is a screw;

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

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

[0027] Another object of the invention is an assembly comprising a fastening system according to the first aspect of the invention and a high-power electronic component, the high-power electronic component being attached to the retaining arm of the fastening system. The high-power electronic component may be a charger, an inverter, a converter, a connector, an electromagnetic compatibility filter, or a combination of these elements. In 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 cross member, the face of the fixing cup being at least partially opposite the chassis cross member.

[0029] A chassis crossmember is defined as a chassis component used to improve its rigidity. A chassis crossmember extends, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to or substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. With the mounting cup rigidly fixed to the chassis crossmember, the retaining arm can be ejected from the mounting cup, carrying the high-power electronic component with it. Since the face of the mounting cup containing the opening is at least partially aligned with the chassis crossmember, the high-power electronic component and the retaining 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 frontal or 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 mounting 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 includes a fixing plate, the face of the fixing cup extending from the fixing plate, the fixing plate including an anchor point for fixing the fixing cup to the cross member of the chassis.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the fixing plate includes two anchor points.

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

[0035] According to one embodiment, each anchor point is adapted to receive a means of attachment.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the chassis further includes the high-power electronic component, the high-power electronic component being fixed to the support 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 retaining arm of the fastening system.

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

[0039] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, illustrated by the figures in which:

[0040] - Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a system of fixation according to one aspect of the invention;

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

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

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

[0044] - Figure 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] - Figure 6 illustrates another three-dimensional view of one 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 reference numerals. For the sake of readability, the size scales between represented elements are not respected. Definitions

[0047] An electric or hybrid vehicle is understood to be a vehicle with electric or hybrid traction.

[0048] A fastening means means an element adapted to secure a support arm and a fixing cup, the fastening means comprising a head and a body.

[0049] A retaining arm is defined as an element adapted to be attached to a high-power electronic component. The retaining arm is further adapted to be connected to a vehicle chassis by means of a mounting cup.

[0050] A mounting cup is defined as a mounting element comprising a mounting plate and a base. The mounting plate is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle chassis, while the base is configured to be fixed to a support arm for a high-power electronic component.

[0051] The maximum width of the head of the fastening 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 according to a normal cutting plane at the base of the fixing cup.

[0052] The opening for the passage of the fixing cup is understood to be an opening sized to accommodate at least partially the body of the fixing means. Detailed description of the invention

[0053] Examples of embodiments of a mounting system for 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 accompanying drawings. These examples illustrate the features and advantages of the invention. It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to these examples.

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

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

[0056] The mounting cup 3 comprises a mounting plate 8 and a support surface 5 extending from the mounting plate 8. The mounting plate 8 includes two anchor points 8.1 adapted for attaching the mounting cup to an electric or hybrid vehicle chassis. The support surface 5 extends from the mounting plate 8 and is adapted to support the retaining arm 2. The support surface 5 comprises a base 6 and a face 7 extending from the base 6. In one embodiment, the face 7 connects the base 6 and the connecting plate 8.

[0057] The base 6 includes a passage opening not visible in [Fig. 1]. The fastening system 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], further includes a fastening means 4 comprising a head 4.1 and a washer 4.3. The fastening means 4 further includes a body and a nut not visible in [Fig. 1]. The fastening means 4 is adapted for securing the retaining arm 2 and the retaining cup 3.

[0058] The fastening means used in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1] is a screw. Other fastening means such as rivets, nails or clip systems may also be used.

[0059] The face 7 includes 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 retaining arm 2 in the event of an accident. Thanks to the fastening system 1 as illustrated in [Fig.1], in case of an accident the energy of the shock is not entirely absorbed by the high power electronic component attached to the support arm 2. This helps to protect the high power electronic component in case of shock.

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

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

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

[0063] The support surface 5 of the fixing cup 3 further includes a face 7 extending from the base 6 and connecting the base 6 to the fixing plate 8. The face 7 includes 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 head 4.1 and the washer 4.3 to pass through the opening 7.1 in the event of an impact.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates another three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the fastening 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 fastening means 4 and abuts against a wall 2.2 of the retaining arm, the wall 2.2 being opposite the base 6 of the retaining cup 3. This arrangement allows the retaining arm 2 and the retaining cup 3 to be joined by means of the fastening means 4, which is at least partially housed in the passage opening 6.1 and in the retaining hole 2.1.

[0065] Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the retaining cup 3. As illustrated in Figure 4, the retaining cup 3 comprises the retaining plate 8 and a support surface 5 extending from the retaining 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 retaining means 4 and the washer can be positioned.

[0066] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the mounting plate 8 includes a rim 8.2. The rim 8.2 provides rigidity to the cup. The mounting plate also includes anchor points 8.1 in the form of holes for receiving fastening means. Anchor points 8.1 are suitable for fixing the mounting 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] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of an electric or hybrid vehicle chassis 20 according to another aspect of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 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] Figure 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 can be a charger, an inverter, a converter, connectors, or an electromagnetic compatibility filter. In 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 allows the high-power electronic component C to be ejected 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 retaining arm 2 can move towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the chassis 20 further includes fastening 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 as well, each fastening system 1 is oriented so that its face 7 is 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 a shock to 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 includes a chassis cross member 21 and a support element 22 positioned at the front of the chassis 20. The chassis 20 further includes two fastening systems 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

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

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

Claims

Demands

1. A mounting system (1) for a high-power electronic component (C) of a hybrid or electric vehicle, said mounting system comprising: • a retaining arm (2), • a retaining cup (3), said retaining cup being attached to the retaining arm (2) by a retaining means (4) comprising a head (4.1) and a body (4.2), said retaining cup (3) comprising a base (6) in contact with the retaining arm (2) and a face (7) extending from the base (6), said base (6) comprising a passage opening (6.1) positioned opposite a retaining hole (2.1) of the retaining arm (2), the body (4.2) of the retaining means (4) being at least partially housed in the passage opening (6.1) and in the retaining 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 fastening means (4).

2. A 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. A fastening system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a nut (4.4) screwed to the body (4.2) of the fastening means, the nut (4.4) abutting against a face of the retaining arm (2) comprising the fastening hole (2.1).

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

5. A fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening 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 fastening means (4) is positioned.

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

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

8. 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 any one of claims 6 to 8 comprising a high-power electronic component (C), the high-power electronic component (C) being attached to the retaining arm (2) of the fastening system (1).

10. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a chassis (20) according to any 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 selected from a group comprising: charger, inverter, converter, connectors, filter for electromagnetic compatibility.

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