MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A MULTIFUNCTIONAL PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRIC TRACTION BATTERY

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (1000), comprising a body (100) containing a battery tray (200) close to the ground under said motor vehicle (1000), comprising a multifunction protection device (300) for protecting said battery tray (200) against obstacles constituted by the roadway or present on the roadway, this multifunction protection device (300) comprising at least one structural part (400) for protecting the battery arranged to be fixed on or under said body (100) on a transverse side of a battery tray (200) and extending in said longitudinal direction (X) of said motor vehicle (1000). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A MULTIFUNCTION PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRIC TRACTION BATTERY

[0001] The invention relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a body containing at least one battery tray in the part closest to the ground under said motor vehicle, said motor vehicle extending on either side of a median plane defined by a longitudinal direction and by a vertical direction parallel to the field of gravity, said motor vehicle being arranged to travel in a straight line on a roadway in said longitudinal direction which is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to said vertical direction.

[0002] Electric or hybrid motor vehicles have one or more batteries, arranged as low as possible in order to lower the vehicle's center of gravity, and which are generally in the lower part of the body. They are therefore subject to various factors likely to damage them. The movement of the vehicle on rough terrain, and in particular going down sidewalks (especially in reverse), makes battery protection essential. It is also necessary to take into account the passage of a dreaded event, such as a foreign body present on the road, under the battery. The battery protection must include anti-gravel protection. Naturally, the battery protection must be designed in such a way as to limit aerodynamic friction on all the hollow bodies of the crossmembers of the battery tray, and also to ensure the visibility of the voltage cables going to the charging socket while protecting these electrical connections.

[0003] Document EP4077106B1 describes an underbody protective element comprising a central core and synthetic layers on both sides of the central part, and comprising a blade stiffener.

[0004] Document WO2022162285A1 describes an underbody structure comprising at least one body part, the vehicle comprising at least one element fixed under the body part, and an impact protection device for protecting the or at least one of the elements fixed under the body part.

[0005] Document CN202669709U describes a battery fixed to the side members of a motor vehicle, where a protective part is welded to the side members in order to protect the battery from a curb when the vehicle is moving.

[0006] In short, a structural part is known for protecting the battery to protect it from sidewalks or lower impacts, or a protective plate comprising longitudinal reinforcing projections acting as stiffeners.

[0007] However, the teachings of the prior art do not propose a global solution, making it possible to combine the underbody side protection with the sidewalk protection, all in a single part, i.e. without a core, making it possible to act both as a stiffener for the part and as a protection function against impacts.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a complete protection device for battery trays, easily adaptable to an existing vehicle model, and allowing, by its small size, to overcome the constraints of ground clearance, interference with the mechanical clearances of the other components of the vehicle, and of low mass and moderate cost.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a body containing at least one battery tray in the part closest to the ground under said motor vehicle, said motor vehicle extending on either side of a median plane defined by a longitudinal direction and by a vertical direction parallel to the field of gravity, said motor vehicle being arranged to travel in a straight line on a roadway in said longitudinal direction which is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to said vertical direction.

[0010] According to the invention, said motor vehicle comprises a multifunction protection device for protecting at least one said battery tray against obstacles constituted by the roadway or present on the roadway, said multifunction protection device comprising at least one structural part for protecting the battery arranged to be fixed on or under said body on a transverse side of a said battery tray and extending in said longitudinal direction of said motor vehicle.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to effectively protect the transverse side of a battery tray.

[0012] Advantageously, said multifunction protection device comprises several said structural parts, on either side of a said battery tray.

[0013] Thus the battery trays are protected on both sides of the vehicle.

[0014] Advantageously, said multifunction protection device comprises several said structural parts, on either side of a said battery tray, in pairs symmetrical with respect to a median plane of said battery tray concerned, parallel to the median plane of said motor vehicle.

[0015] This configuration allows the balance of masses and constraints.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one said structural part comprises a longitudinal rail for protecting said battery tray, and a block on the rear side of said motor vehicle, for the rear protection of said battery tray when going up or down a pavement, said longitudinal rail being arranged in said longitudinal direction in front of said block in the forward direction of travel of said motor vehicle.

[0017] This advantageously combines the protection of the battery tray against obstacles on the road and curbs, and its protection when crossing a curb uphill or downhill. The longitudinal protection rail contributes to the rigidity of this structural part, making it easy to store, install or remove.

[0018] Advantageously, said longitudinal rail comprises a first aerodynamically profiled part, at its front part in the forward direction of travel of said motor vehicle, in that said block comprises a junction part aligned with said longitudinal rail, and said block comprises, at the part which is not in the extension of said longitudinal rail, a second aerodynamically profiled part, at its front part in the forward direction of travel of said motor vehicle.

[0019] Thus the multifunctional protection device only opposes very low aerodynamic drag to the movement of the vehicle.

[0020] Advantageously, said block comprises a sloping part at its rear part opposite its front part comprising said second aerodynamic profiled part, in said longitudinal direction X.

[0021] This sloping part tends to protect the battery tray when moving up or down the sidewalk.

[0022] Advantageously, at least one said structural part is made of plastic.

[0023] Its mass is thus extremely reduced, and its manufacturing cost is low. The possible exchange of such a structural part is inexpensive.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one said structural part comprises an anti-gravel coating on its surface intended to face the roadway.

[0025] This anti-gravel coating effectively contributes to the good performance in service of the multifunction protection device.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one said structural part comprises a reinforcement made of honeycomb material at least in each part projecting towards the roadway.

[0027] Thus the structure is strongly reinforced while remaining very light, the resistance to sinking of the honeycomb protects the battery tray, both at the level of each longitudinal rail and at the level of each rear block.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one said structural part comprises on either side of its longitudinal median plane and at the outer edge, on the one hand at least one first tab arranged to bear under or on the battery tray to be protected, and on the other hand at least one second tab arranged to bear under or on said body and comprising fixing means arranged to cooperate with complementary fixing means that said body or a said battery tray comprises.

[0029] Thus the seals are guaranteed, the fixing is easy, and the possible exchange of a structural part is also very easy.

[0030] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments mitatives, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in elevation, an electric or hybrid motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising a multifunction protection device for the protection of a battery tray; the hollow arrow represents the front of the vehicle, in its normal direction of travel; - [Fig.2] illustrates schematically, in top view corresponding to the side opposite the ground in the mounting position, a lateral structural part which comprises this multifunctional protection device; a longitudinal rail for protecting the battery tray, and a block on the side of the rear of the motor vehicle, are here mounted contiguously, in this advantageous variant because it is very rigid; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the structural part of [Fig.2], seen from below, that is to say as it appears from the ground; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in bottom view as in [Fig.3], a part of the motor vehicle of [Fig.l], with part of the body carrying battery trays and a multi-function protection device comprising two lateral structural parts, symmetrical with respect to a median plane on either side of which this vehicle extends; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in top view as in [Fig.2], a part of the motor vehicle of [Fig.l], in the execution illustrated in [Fig.4], with a part of the body and its connections with the two lateral structural parts.

[0031] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an electric or hybrid motor vehicle 1000, comprising a multifunction protection device for an electric traction battery according to the invention.

[0032] This motor vehicle 1000 comprises a body 100, which contains at least one battery tray 200 in the part closest to the ground under the motor vehicle 1000, and in particular under the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1000. A battery tray 200 may comprise several batteries.

[0033] This motor vehicle 1000 extends on either side of a median plane XZ defined by a longitudinal direction X and by a vertical direction Z parallel to the gravity field, the motor vehicle 1000 being arranged to move in a straight line in this longitudinal direction X which is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. A transverse direction Y is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and to the vertical direction Z.

[0034] The multifunction protection device 300 for an electric traction battery according to the invention comprises at least one structural part 400 for protecting the battery, which can be added to a battery tray and / or to an existing vehicle, and which has several functions: an aerodynamic function associated with a reinforced lateral protection device (in particular honeycomb in an advantageous embodiment), protection of the rear of the battery when reversing down a curb when the two rear wheels descend the curb (in particular honeycomb in an advantageous embodiment), and a visual function to hide the easements.

[0035] At least one, and preferably each, structural part 400 for protecting the battery is arranged to be fixed on or under said body 100 on a transverse side of a battery tray 200, and extends in the longitudinal direction X of the motor vehicle 1000.

[0036] Advantageously, this multifunction protection device comprises several structural parts 400 for protecting the battery, in particular on either side of a battery tray 200, and, more particularly in pairs symmetrical with respect to a median plane of the battery tray 200 concerned, parallel to the median plane XZ of the vehicle 1000.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one structural part 400, and more particularly each structural part 400, comprises a longitudinal rail 410 for protecting the battery tray 200, and a block 420 or paving stone, on the rear side of the vehicle 1000, for rear protection when going up or down a sidewalk. The longitudinal rail 410 is arranged in the longitudinal direction X in front of the block 420 in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle 1000.

[0038] Advantageously, the longitudinal rail 410 comprises a first aerodynamic profiled part 415, at its front part in the direction of forward movement of the motor vehicle 1000.

[0039] More particularly, the block 420 comprises a joining portion 421 aligned with the longitudinal rail 410, and, in plan view, the assembly of the block 420 and the longitudinal rail 410 forms a square or a capital L.

[0040] Advantageously, the block 420 comprises, at the level of the part which is not in the extension of the longitudinal rail 410, a second aerodynamic profiled part 425, at its front part in the direction of forward movement of the motor vehicle 1000.

[0041] Advantageously, the block 420 comprises a sloping part 429 at its rear part opposite its front part which comprises the second aerodynamic profiled part 425, in the longitudinal direction X.

[0042] In a particular advantageous embodiment, at least one structural part 400, and preferably each structural part 400, is made of plastic.

[0043] In a particular advantageous embodiment, at least one structural part 400, and preferably each structural part 400, comprises an anti-gravel coating. on its surface intended to be turned towards the roadway.

[0044] In a particular advantageous embodiment, at least one structural part 400, and preferably each structural part 400, comprises a reinforcement made of honeycomb material at least in each part projecting towards the roadway, that is to say at least one longitudinal rail 410 and one block 420.

[0045] In a particular advantageous embodiment, at least one structural part 400, and preferably each structural part 400, comprises, on either side of its longitudinal median plane and at the outer edge, on the one hand at least one first tab 440 arranged to bear under or on the battery tray 200 to be protected, and on the other hand a second tab 450 arranged to bear under or on the body 100 and comprising fixing means 460 arranged to cooperate with complementary fixing means 160 that the body 100 or a battery tray 200 comprises, so as to be able to carry out a simple and rapid exchange of a structural part 400 damaged during an incident along the way. Naturally, the first tab 440 may also comprise similar fixing means. [Fig. 3] and [Fig.4] show two types of second tabs 450: longitudinal with the greatest length in the longitudinal direction X, or transverse with the greatest length in the transverse direction Y. The complementary fixing means 160 may in particular consist of an insert, or a thread, or similar, in particular and not limited to a side member or a cross member that the body 100 comprises (in particular to carry a battery tray 200) or even on a side member or a cross member that a battery tray 200 comprises, or similar.

[0046] Advantageously, and as visible in [Fig.2], at least one structural part 400, and preferably each structural part 400, comprises water drainage holes 480, because it is exposed to projections.

[0047] Advantageously, the multifunction protection device comprises at least one pad, in particular a rear pad, for protection in the event of crossing a sudden drop, such as when descending a sidewalk.

[0048] Advantageously, the multifunction protection device comprises at least longitudinal rails, extending in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle, on either side of the battery tray to be protected.

[0049] In short, the invention provides a global solution, making it possible to combine the underbody side protection with the sidewalk protection, all in a single part, i.e. without a core, in particular with a honeycomb manufacturing process on the reinforcing elements, thus making it possible to limit the total mass, and making it possible to act both as a stiffener for the part and as a protection function against impacts.

[0050] Each structural part incorporates the minimum aerodynamic shapes for the other functions. This fairing limits aerodynamic friction on all the hollow bodies of the battery tray crossmembers, and helps reduce noise under the body.

[0051] Such a structural part is, again, advantageously arranged to serve as a support for electrical connections, and / or to allow the visibility of such connections, in particular the voltage cables going to the charging socket.

[0052] Battery safety is well ensured, since each structural part integrates, in a single component, a longitudinal rail function for protecting the battery tray, and a rear curb rise / fall protection function.

[0053] This structural part is easy to protect against gravel, and provides protection against corrosion.

[0054] The invention makes it possible to easily take into account all the geometric constraints of a particular vehicle model, in particular the underbody limits, the safety ground clearance and the curb clearance, and to avoid any interference due to the mobility and / or thermal behavior of the vehicle components.

[0055] The invention provides a satisfactory solution to the problem of battery protection, in all climates and in all driving conditions, with a robust, compact device that can be produced at a moderate cost. The device is multifunctional, and thus provides effective protection against various external damage factors to the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. An electric or hybrid motor vehicle (1000) comprising a body (100) containing at least one battery tray (200) in the part closest to the ground under said motor vehicle (1000), said motor vehicle (1000) extending on either side of a median plane (XZ) defined by a longitudinal direction (X) and by a vertical direction (Z) parallel to the gravity field, said motor vehicle (1000) being arranged to travel in a straight line on a roadway in said longitudinal direction (X) which is parallel to the ground and perpendicular to said vertical direction (Z), characterized in that said motor vehicle (1000) comprises a multifunction protection device (300) for protecting at least one said battery tray (200) against obstacles constituted by the roadway or present on the roadway,said multifunction protection device (300) comprising at least one structural part (400) for protecting the battery arranged to be fixed on or under said body (100) on a transverse side of a said battery tray (200) and extending in said longitudinal direction (X) of said motor vehicle (1000).,

2. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 1 characterized in that said multifunction protection device (300) comprises several said structural parts (400), on either side of a said battery tray (200).

3. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 2 characterized in that said multifunction protection device (300) comprises several said structural parts (400), on either side of a said battery tray (200), in pairs symmetrical with respect to a median plane of said battery tray (200) concerned, parallel to the median plane (XZ) of said motor vehicle (1000).

4. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that at least one said structural part (400) comprises a longitudinal rail (410) for protecting said battery tray (200), and a block (420) on the rear side of said motor vehicle (1000), for the rear protection of said battery tray (200) when going up or down a sidewalk, said longitudinal rail (410) being arranged in said longitudinal direction (X) in front of said block (420) in the direction of forward travel of said motor vehicle (1000).

5. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 4 characterized in that that said longitudinal rail (410) comprises a first aerodynamically profiled part (415), at its front part in the forward direction of travel of said motor vehicle (1000), in that said block (420) comprises a junction part (421) aligned with said longitudinal rail (410), and in that said block (420) comprises, at the part which is not in the extension of said longitudinal rail (410), a second aerodynamically profiled part (425), at its front part in the forward direction of travel of said motor vehicle (1000).

6. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 5 characterized in that said block (420) comprises a sloping part (429) at its rear part opposite its front part comprising said second aerodynamic profiled part (425), in said longitudinal direction X.

7. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that at least one said structural part (400) is made of plastic material.

8. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that at least one said structural part (400) comprises an anti-gravel coating on its surface intended to be turned towards the roadway.

9. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that at least one said structural part (400) comprises a reinforcement made of honeycomb material at least in each part projecting towards the roadway.

10. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that at least one said structural part (400) comprises on either side of its longitudinal median plane and at the outer edge, on the one hand at least one first tab (440) arranged to come to bear under or on the battery tray (200) to be protected, and on the other hand at least one second tab (450) arranged to come to bear under or on said body (100) and comprising fixing means (460) arranged to cooperate with complementary fixing means (160) that comprise said body (100) or a said battery tray (200).

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