EASY-INSERT INTERFACE PIECE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDERBODY CROSSMEMBER

Abstract

An interface part (PI) is fitted to a motor vehicle underbody comprising a floor comprising two longitudinal walls and at least one crossmember (TV) installed perpendicularly between the longitudinal walls and having two first walls (P11) connected by a second wall (P12) so as to have a U-shaped cross-section together. This interface part (PI) has, on the one hand, two third walls (P23) connected by a fourth wall (P24) so ​​as to have a U-shaped cross-section together, and suitable for being fitted into one end of the crossmember (TV) between the first walls (P11) and for being fixedly secured to one of the longitudinal walls, and, on the other hand, at the interface between its fourth wall (P24) and each of its third walls (P23), at least one chamfer (C1) facilitating the introduction of its third walls (P23) between the first walls (P11). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: INTERFACE PIECE WITH EASY INSERTION FOR A CROSSMEMBER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDERBODY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the underbody of motor vehicles, and more precisely to the interface parts of such underbody. State of the art

[0002] Certain motor vehicles comprise a base comprising, on the one hand, a floor comprising two longitudinal walls, right and left, forming part of a peripheral wall (substantially vertical), and at least one cross member installed perpendicularly between these longitudinal walls and having two first walls connected by a second wall so as to have together a U-shaped cross section. It will be understood that the longitudinal walls extend in a longitudinal direction of the base, while each cross member extends in a transverse direction of the base. It will also be understood that the U-shaped cross section is included in a plane which is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the base.

[0003] In some of the bases presented above, the opposite ends of each cross member are coupled respectively to the two longitudinal walls of the floor by interface pieces, sometimes called "gussets". Each interface piece comprises two third walls connected by a fourth wall so as to have together a U-shaped cross section, and suitable for being fitted into one end of a cross member between the first walls and for being fixedly secured to one of the longitudinal walls. After fitting, the third walls are fixedly secured and respectively to the corresponding first walls of the cross member. It will be understood that the U-shaped cross section is also included in a plane which is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the base.

[0004] Generally, the first walls of a crossmember are vertical and the second wall horizontal, and there is no draft angle. Similarly, the third walls of an interface piece are vertical and the fourth wall horizontal, and there is no draft angle.

[0005] Due to the dimensional tolerances of each crosspiece and each interface piece, it frequently happens that the spacing between the first walls of a crosspiece is insufficient to allow the fitting, even by force, of the third walls of an interface piece between these first walls. We are then forced to search for interface parts for each crossmember that are compatible for fitting without damage, which wastes time and therefore increases vehicle manufacturing costs.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose an interface part, on the one hand, suitable for forming part of a motor vehicle underbody comprising a floor comprising two longitudinal walls, right and left, and at least one crossmember installed perpendicularly between these longitudinal walls and having two first walls connected by a second wall so as to have together a U-shaped cross-section, and, on the other hand, having two third walls connected by a fourth wall so as to have together a U-shaped cross-section, and suitable for being fitted into one end of this crossmember between the first walls and for being fixedly secured to one of the longitudinal walls.

[0008] This interface part is characterized by the fact that it comprises, at the interface between the fourth wall and each of the third walls, at least one chamfer suitable for facilitating the introduction of the third walls between the first walls.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the at least partial introduction of the two interfaces of an interface part between the two first walls of a crosspiece is now guaranteed, and the force fitting of the interface part is facilitated by the angles of inclination of the chamfers, which makes it possible to avoid having to search for compatible interface parts for each crosspiece and thus to save time during assembly.

[0010] The interface part according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - it can comprise, at the interface between the fourth wall and each of the third walls, two successive chamfers with different inclinations;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, each chamfer, then called first chamfer, can make a first angle with the fourth wall which is between 40° and 70°;

[0013] - also in the presence of the first option, each chamfer, then called second chamfer, can make a second angle with the corresponding third wall which is between 10° and 30°;

[0014] - each chamfer can extend over an entire extension of the third and fourth walls following a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of the base;

[0015] - each of the third walls may comprise a first wing extending sen possibly perpendicularly following a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of the base and suitable for contacting, and being fixedly secured to, a second wing extending substantially perpendicular to a first corresponding wall along the first direction;

[0016] - each of the third walls may comprise an end from which extends substantially perpendicularly a third wing suitable for being parallel to, and fixedly secured to, a corresponding longitudinal wall.

[0017] The invention also proposes a base suitable for equipping a motor vehicle and comprising a floor comprising two longitudinal walls, right and left, and at least one cross member installed perpendicularly between these longitudinal walls and having two first walls connected by a second wall in order to have together a U-shaped cross section.

[0018] This base is characterized by the fact that each crosspiece comprises two opposite ends into which are fitted respectively two interface pieces, right and left, fixedly secured and respectively to the longitudinal walls of the floor.

[0019] For example, this base can include three crosspieces.

[0020] The invention also provides a motor vehicle comprising a base of the type presented above.

[0021] For example, this motor vehicle may also include a rechargeable battery installed in a battery tray fixedly secured to the underbody so that the central floor defines a cover protecting this battery. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a part of an example of the construction of a motor vehicle underbody comprising interface parts (or gussets) fixedly secured to the ends of its cross members and to the longitudinal walls of its floor,

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view, one end of a crosspiece of [Fig.l], provided with an exemplary embodiment of an interface part according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective side view and in section in a longitudinal and vertical plane, one end of a crosspiece of [Fig.l] before the fitting of an exemplary embodiment of an interface part according to the invention, and

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective and sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a part of the interface part of [Fig.3] comprising the chamfers facilitating fitting. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose an interface part PI intended to equip a subframe SV, itself intended to equip a motor vehicle, and facilitating its fitting into one end of a crossmember of this subframe SV.

[0028] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the motor vehicle is a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It in fact relates to any motor vehicle comprising a base with a floor and crossmember(s).

[0029] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (automobile), which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0030] In all that precedes and follows the word “substantially” means “exactly” or “roughly”.

[0031] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an example of an SV base according to the invention, intended to equip a motor vehicle.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.l] a base SV, according to the invention, comprises at least one floor PV, at least one cross member TV and interface pieces (or gussets) PI.

[0033] The floor PV comprises two longitudinal walls PL, right and left, forming part of a peripheral wall (here substantially vertical). It will be noted that the longitudinal walls PL extend, here, in the longitudinal direction X, and are substantially contained in planes XZ parallel to each other.

[0034] The (each) TV crosspiece is installed perpendicularly between the longitudinal walls PL and therefore extends, here, in the transverse direction Y. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the base SV comprises three TV crosspieces. But the number of TV crosspieces of the base SV can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, each TV crosspiece has two first walls P11 which are, here, substantially contained respectively in planes YZ parallel to each other, and connected to each other by a second wall P12 which is, here substantially contained in a horizontal plane XY. Thus, the first PI 1 and second P12 walls together have a U-shaped cross-section (i.e. here contained in a plane XZ), and therefore together define an internal housing LI in the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] Also as illustrated at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, each interface part PI has two third walls P23 which are, here, substantially contained respectively in planes YZ parallel to each other, and connected to each other, via an interface, by a fourth wall P24 which is, here, substantially contained in a horizontal plane XY. Thus, the third P23 and fourth P24 walls together have a U-shaped cross-section (i.e. here contained in a plane XZ). In addition, each interface part PI is suitable for being fitted into the internal housing LI of one of the two opposite ends of a cross-member TV, between its first walls PI 1, and for being fixedly secured to one of the longitudinal walls PL of the floor PV.

[0037] Furthermore, and as illustrated at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, each interface part PI comprises, at the interface between its fourth wall P24 and each of its third walls P23, at least one chamfer Cj which is suitable for facilitating the introduction of the third walls P23 between the first walls PI 1 of the floor PV. Here, the term "chamfer" is understood to mean a beveled cut of an edge cut at the interface between the fourth wall P24 and a third wall P23.

[0038] It will be understood that the presence of the chamfers Cj allows, and guarantees, at least partial introduction of the two interfaces of an interface part PI into an internal housing LI, between the two first walls PI 1. In addition, the angles of inclination of the chamfers Cj then allow a force fitting of the interface part PI between the two first walls P1 without risk of blocking or damage to the coating, which makes it possible to avoid having to search for compatible interface parts PI for each crossmember. This therefore results in a saving in assembly time and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the SV underframes and consequently of the vehicles.

[0039] It will be noted that preferably the third walls P23 are respectively fixedly secured by welding to the first walls PI 1 of the floor PV, after fitting.

[0040] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, each interface part PI may comprise, at the interface between its fourth wall P24 and each of its third walls P23, two successive chamfers Cj (j = 1 or 2) having different inclinations. In other words, and as illustrated, each interface comprises a first chamfer C1 (j = 1) having a first inclination and followed by a second chamfer C2 (j = 2) having a second inclination different from the first inclination.

[0041] It will be understood that the presence of two chamfers C1 and C2 having different inclinations at each interface makes it even easier to force-fit the interface part PI between the first two walls P1 without risk of blocking or damage to the coating.

[0042] Also for example, each first chamfer C1 can make a first angle with the fourth wall P24 which is between 40° and 70°. As an illustrative example this first angle can be equal to approximately 50°.

[0043] Also for example, each second chamfer C2 can make a second angle with the corresponding third wall P23 which is between 10° and 30°. As an illustrative example this second angle can be equal to approximately 20°.

[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, each chamfer Cj can extend over the entire extension (or length) of the third P23 and fourth P24 walls in a first direction which is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction Y of the base SV. This facilitates fitting.

[0045] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, each of the third walls P23 may comprise a first wing A1 which extends substantially perpendicularly in the first direction (intended to be parallel to the transverse direction Y). It will be understood that the two first wings A1 extend in opposite directions, respectively towards the front and the rear of the base SV. Each first wing A1 is capable of contacting, and being fixedly secured to, a second wing A2 which extends substantially perpendicularly to the corresponding first wall P1 in the first direction (transverse Y). It will also be understood that the two second wings A2 extend in opposite directions, respectively towards the front and the rear of the base SV.

[0046] The fixed connection of each first wing A1 to the corresponding second wing A2 is preferably done by welding.

[0047] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], that the second P12 and fourth P24 walls are opposite the floor PV, and therefore located “furthest downwards”. Consequently, each first wing A1 is fixedly secured to the upper end of its third wall P23, and each second wing A2 is fixedly secured to the upper end of its first wall PI 1. As a result, the first wings A1 are placed above the second wings A2 respectively.

[0048] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, each of the third walls P23 may comprise an end from which extends substantially perpendicularly a third wing A3 suitable for being parallel to the corresponding longitudinal wall PL and fixedly secured to the latter (PL), for example by welding.

[0049] It will be understood that the two third wings A3 extend in opposite directions, respectively towards the front and the rear of the base SV and are therefore, here, placed in a plane XZ.

[0050] It will also be noted, although this does not appear in Figures 1 to 4, that the SV base can subsequently receive, under its PV floor, a battery tray housing a rechargeable battery with its control electronics. In this case, the PV floor provides a protective cover function for the battery tray, and the battery tray, the rechargeable battery with its control electronics, and the PV floor constitute a battery assembly (or pack). This cover thus protects at least the rechargeable battery. Preferably, the battery tray is fixedly secured by screwing to a peripheral rebate which extends substantially perpendicularly the peripheral wall of the PV floor (which comprises the two longitudinal walls PL).

[0051] Also for example, the rechargeable battery may comprise at least one cellular module comprising at least two electrical energy storage cells. Here, the term "electrical energy storage cell" means a rechargeable and possibly electrochemical cell (for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).

Claims

Claims

1. Interface piece (PI) for a motor vehicle underbody (SV) comprising a floor (PV) comprising two longitudinal walls (PL), right and left, and at least one crossmember (TV) installed perpendicularly between said longitudinal walls (PL) and having two first walls (P11) connected by a second wall (P12) so as to have together a U-shaped cross-section, said interface piece (PI) having two third walls (P23) connected by a fourth wall (P24) so ​​as to have together a U-shaped cross-section, and suitable for being fitted into one end of said crossmember (TV) between said first walls (PI1) and for being fixedly secured to one of said longitudinal walls (PL), characterized in that it comprises, at the interface between said fourth wall (P24) and each of said third walls (P23),at least one chamfer (Cj) suitable for facilitating the introduction of said third walls (P23) between said first walls (Pli).,

2. Interface part according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, at the interface between said fourth wall (P24) and each of said third walls (P23), two successive chamfers (Cj) having different inclinations.

3. Interface part according to claim 2, characterized in that each chamfer (Cl), then called first chamfer, makes a first angle with said fourth wall (P24) of between 40° and 70°.

4. Interface part according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each chamfer (C2), then called second chamfer, makes a second angle with said corresponding third wall (P23) of between 10° and qo°

5. Interface part according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each chamfer (Cj) extends over an entire extension of said third (P23) and fourth (P24) walls in a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of said base (SV).

6. Interface part according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of said third walls (P23) comprises a first wing (Al) extending substantially perpendicularly in a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of said base (SV) and suitable for contacting, and being secured fixedly to, a second wing (A2) extending substantially perpendicular to a first corresponding wall (Pli) along said first direction.

7. Interface part according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of said third walls (P23) comprises an end from which extends substantially perpendicularly a third wing (A3) suitable for being parallel to, and fixedly secured to, a corresponding longitudinal wall (PL).

8. Underbody (SV) suitable for equipping a motor vehicle and comprising a floor (PV) comprising two longitudinal walls (PL), right and left, and at least one crossmember (TV) installed perpendicularly between said longitudinal walls (PL) and having two first walls (Pli) connected by a second wall (P 12) in order to have together a U-shaped cross-section, characterized in that each crossmember (TV) comprises two opposite ends in which are fitted respectively two interface pieces (PI) according to one of claims 1 to 7, right and left, fixedly secured and respectively to said longitudinal walls (PL).

9. Base according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises three crosspieces (TV).

10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a base (SV) according to claim 8 or 9.

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