Reinforcement device for the connection between a rocker panel and the front subframe of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A device (115) for reinforcing the connection between a rocker panel and the front subframe of a motor vehicle comprises a first part (201) adapted to be fixed longitudinally between the rocker panel and the subframe, and a second part (203) substantially orthogonal to and integral with the first part, the second part comprising means for attaching a front battery tray protector. A battery tray protection crossmember and a motor vehicle comprising such a crossmember are also described. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for reinforcing the connection between a rocker panel and a front subframe of a motor vehicle. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for reinforcing the connection between a rocker panel and a front subframe of a motor vehicle, a front protective crossmember of a battery tray, and a motor vehicle comprising such a crossmember. Prior art

[0002] Currently, hybrid vehicles, and even more so electric vehicles, require the use of a significant number of propulsion batteries. In order to optimize the layout of such a motor vehicle, these batteries are often stored in a battery tray located under the vehicle floor.

[0003] Since batteries are relatively fragile and may catch fire in the event of an impact, it is necessary to protect this tray. One method used for this purpose is to place a protective cover at the front of the battery tray, at the level of the junction between the front subframe containing the engine and the rocker panel. This cover then includes two tabs at each end, one bolted to the subframe and the other to the rocker panel.

[0004] However, this type of protection has the drawback of not providing the necessary rigidity for the connection between the subframe and the underbody. Furthermore, while the automotive industry is trying to standardize its components as much as possible for a given platform, this necessitates having one connection design for hybrid and electric vehicles with a battery tray and another connection design for internal combustion engine vehicles.

[0005] There is therefore a real need for a device which resolves all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0006] To resolve one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks, according to a first embodiment, a device for reinforcing the connection between a rocker panel and a front subframe of a motor vehicle comprises a first part adapted to be fixed longitudinally between the rocker panel and the subframe and a second part substantially orthogonal to the first part and integral with it, the second part comprising means for fixing a front protector of the battery tray.

[0007] Thus, the device makes it possible to securely fix the lower body and the cradle while fixing a protective crossmember for the battery tray.

[0008] Specific features or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: • the first piece and the second piece are joined together by welding; • The first piece and the second piece are substantially in the form of U-shaped slide; and / or • Each piece has, at the top of the U, a flat area parallel to the bottom of the U and serving as a bonding area between the two pieces.

[0009] In a second embodiment, a front protective crossmember of a battery tray includes at each end a device as described above.

[0010] A particular feature or embodiment of this second embodiment is that the second parts of the two devices and the body of the crossbar form a single piece of material.

[0011] In a third embodiment, a motor vehicle includes a cross member according to the second embodiment. Brief description of the figures

[0012] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the figures in the appendix in which: • [Fig. 1] represents a bottom view of a vehicle comprising a protective crossmember of a battery tray according to one embodiment; and • [Fig.2] shows an isometric view of a crossbar attachment device of the [Fig.l]. Methods of implementation

[0013] The embodiments presented below refer to a motor vehicle, a car. However, those skilled in the art understand that they are also applicable to other types of vehicles such as vans, trucks, etc.

[0014] The terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "longitudinal" and "transverse" are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0015] Fig. 1 represents, in view from below, the front area of ​​a motor vehicle 101 between the rocker panel 103 and the front cradle 105.

[0016] A battery tray 107 is schematically shown under the floor 109 of the vehicle.

[0017] A protective cross member 111 of the battery tray 107 is positioned between the lower body 103 and the cradle 105.

[0018] The cross member 111 includes a lowered central body 113 so that the lower part is at the same height, or even slightly lower, than the bottom of the battery tray. 107.

[0019] The cross member 111 includes at each end a fastening device, 115, 117.

[0020] The fastening device 115 is detailed in [Fig. 2]. The two devices 115, 117 being symmetrical, the following description for device 115 applies symmetrically to device 117.

[0021] The fastening device 115 comprises a first part 201 and a second part 203. In the described embodiment, the second part 203 corresponds to the end of the cross member 111 and therefore forms a single piece of material with it.

[0022] Each piece has substantially a U-shaped slide with the top of the edge of the U comprising a flat area 205, 207, substantially parallel to the bottom of the U, and allowing the two pieces to be joined together either by bolting or by welding as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0023] The first part 201 includes two bores 209, 211 allowing the first part 201 to be fixed by bolting to the cradle 105 on the one hand and to the bottom of the body 103 on the other hand.

[0024] All the parts described are preferably made of rigid sheet steel by bending and stamping.

[0025] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This description is to be considered illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this single description. Numerous embodiments are possible.

[0026] In a first variant, the second part 203 is formed in a different part from the cross member 111, then the cross member 111 is fixed to the second part typically by bolting.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (115, 117) for reinforcing the connection between a rocker panel (103) and a front subframe (105) of a motor vehicle comprising a first part (201) adapted to be fixed longitudinally between the rocker panel and the subframe and a second part (203) substantially orthogonal to the first part and integral with it, the second part comprising means for fixing a front protector of a battery tray.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part are joined together by welding.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part and the second part substantially have a U-shaped slide.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein each piece has, at the top of the U, a flat area parallel to the bottom of the U and serving as a bonding area between the two pieces.

5. Cross member (111) for front protection of a battery tray comprising at each end a device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Cross member according to claim 5, wherein the second parts of the two devices and the body (115) of the cross member form a single block of material.

7. Motor vehicle comprising a cross member according to claim 5 or 6.