Easy-to-insert interface part for a vehicle underbody crossmember
The interface piece with chamfers addresses the fitting challenges of cross members in motor vehicle underbodies, ensuring easy assembly and cost reduction by facilitating the introduction of interface pieces without damage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024003482
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-04-04
AI Technical Summary
The dimensional tolerances of cross members and interface pieces in motor vehicle underbodies often result in insufficient spacing, making it difficult to fit interface pieces without damage, leading to time wastage and increased manufacturing costs.
An interface piece with chamfers at the interface between the fourth and third walls, facilitating the introduction of the third walls between the first walls, allowing for press fitting without jamming or damage, and reducing the need to search for compatible pieces.
Guarantees partial insertion of the interface piece, saves assembly time, and reduces manufacturing costs by enabling easy fitting without damaging the coating.
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: EASY-INSERT INTERFACE PART FOR A CROSS BRACKET IN A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDERBody Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to the underpinnings of motor vehicles, and more specifically to the interface parts of such underpinnings. State of the art
[0002] Certain motor vehicles include a subframe comprising, on the one hand, a floor having two longitudinal walls, right and left, forming part of a peripheral (substantially vertical) wall, 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 form a U-shaped cross-section. It will be understood that the longitudinal walls extend along a longitudinal direction of the subframe, while each cross member extends along a transverse direction of the subframe. It will also be understood that the U-shaped cross-section lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the subframe.
[0003] In some of the foundations described 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 to form a U-shaped cross-section, designed to be fitted into one end of a cross member between the first walls and to be fixedly attached to one of the longitudinal walls. After fitting, the third walls are fixedly attached respectively to the corresponding first walls of the cross member. It will be understood that the U-shaped cross-section also lies in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the foundation.
[0004] Generally, the first walls of a cross member 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 cross member and each interface piece, it frequently happens that the spacing between the first walls of a cross member is insufficient to allow the third walls of an interface piece to be fitted, even by force, between these first walls. We are then forced to search for interface parts for each crossmember that are compatible for a 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] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an interface piece, on the one hand, suitable for forming part of a motor vehicle underbody comprising a floor having 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, and, on the other hand, having two third walls connected by a fourth wall in order to have together a U-shaped cross section, and suitable for being fitted into one end of this cross member between the first walls and for being fixedly attached to one of the longitudinal walls.
[0008] This interface piece is characterized by the fact that it includes, 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 piece between the first two walls of a cross member is now guaranteed, and the press fitting of the interface piece is facilitated by the angles of inclination of the chamfers, which makes it possible to avoid having to search for compatible interface pieces for each cross member and thus to save time during assembly.
[0010] The interface piece according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0011] - it can include, 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 the 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 third corresponding wall which is between 10° and 30°;
[0014] - each chamfer can extend over a whole extension of the third and fourth walls following a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of the foundation;
[0015] - each of the third walls may include a first wing extending sen possibly perpendicularly along a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of the base and suitable for contacting, and being fixedly attached to, a second wing extending substantially perpendicularly to a first corresponding wall along the first direction;
[0016] - each of the third walls may include an end from which extends substantially perpendicularly a third wing designed to be parallel to, and fixedly attached to, a corresponding longitudinal wall.
[0017] The invention also proposes a base suitable for equipping a motor vehicle and comprising a floor having 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 cross member comprises two opposite ends into which are fitted respectively two interface pieces, right and left, fixedly attached respectively to the longitudinal walls of the floor.
[0019] For example, this base may include three crossbeams.
[0020] The invention also proposes 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 box fixedly attached to the underbody so that the central floor defines a cover protecting this battery. Brief description of the figures
[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a part from an example of the construction of a motor vehicle underbody comprising interface pieces (or gussets) fixedly attached 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 cross member of [Fig.1], fitted with an example of an embodiment of an interface piece according to the invention,
[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view and in cross-section in a longitudinal and vertical plane, one end of a cross member of [Fig.1] before the fitting of an example embodiment of an interface part according to the invention, and
[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective and cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of the interface piece of [Fig.3] having chamfers facilitating the fitting. Detailed description of the invention
[0027] The invention aims in particular to provide an interface piece PI intended to equip a subframe SV, itself intended to equip a motor vehicle, and facilitating its fitting into one end of a cross member of this subframe SV.
[0028] In what follows, the motor vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It relates in fact to any motor vehicle comprising a chassis with a floor and crossmember(s).
[0029] In figures 1 to 4, the direction X 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 direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0030] In all that precedes and follows, the word "approximately" means "exactly" or "about".
[0031] An example of an SV underbody according to the invention, intended to equip a motor vehicle, has been schematically illustrated in [Fig.1].
[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.1], 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 PV floor comprises two longitudinal walls PL, right and left, forming part of a peripheral wall (here substantially vertical). It should be noted that the longitudinal walls PL extend, here, along the longitudinal direction X, and are substantially contained in planes XZ parallel to each other.
[0034] Each TV cross member is installed perpendicularly between the longitudinal walls PL and therefore extends, here, along the transverse direction Y. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the base SV comprises three TV cross members. However, the number of TV cross members in the base SV can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0035] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, each cross member TV has two first walls Pli which are, here, substantially contained respectively in parallel YZ planes, 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., contained here in an XZ plane), 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 piece PI has two third walls P23 which are, here, substantially contained respectively in parallel YZ planes, and connected to each other, via an interface, by a fourth wall P24 which is, here, substantially contained in a horizontal XY plane. Thus, the third P23 and fourth P24 walls together have a U-shaped cross-section (i.e., contained here in an XZ plane). Furthermore, each interface piece PI is adapted to be fitted into the internal housing LI of one of the two opposite ends of a TV cross member, between its first walls PI1, and to be fixedly attached to one of the longitudinal walls PL of the PV floor.
[0037] Furthermore, and as illustrated at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, each interface piece PI comprises, at the interface between its fourth wall P24 and each of its third walls P23, at least one chamfer Cj designed to facilitate the insertion of the third walls P23 between the first walls PI 1 of the floor PV. Here, "chamfer" means 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 insertion of the two interfaces of an interface piece PI into an internal housing LI, between the first two walls PI 1. Furthermore, the angles of inclination of the chamfers Cj then allow the interface piece PI to be pressed into place between the first two walls Pli without risk of jamming or damage to the coating, thus avoiding the need to search for compatible interface pieces PI for each crossmember. This results in a saving of assembly time and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the underbody SV and consequently of the vehicles.
[0039] It should be noted that preferably the third walls P23 are respectively fixedly joined by welding to the first walls PI 1 of the floor PV, after the fitting.
[0040] For example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 and 4, each interface piece 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 Cl and C2 having different inclinations at each interface makes it even easier to force the interface piece PI between the first two walls Pli without risk of blocking or damaging the coating.
[0042] Also, for example, each first chamfer Cl can form a first angle with the fourth wall P24 which is between 40° and 70°. As an illustrative example, this first angle can be approximately 50°.
[0043] Also, for example, each second chamfer C2 can form a second angle with the corresponding third wall P23 which is between 10° and 30°. As an illustrative example, this second angle can be 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 along a first direction which is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction Y of the base SV. This facilitates the fitting.
[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 and 4, each of the third walls P23 may include a first wing Al extending substantially perpendicularly along the first direction (intended to be parallel to the transverse direction Y). It will be understood that the first two wings Al extend in opposite directions, respectively towards the front and rear of the substructure SV. Each first wing Al is designed to contact, and be fixedly attached to, a second wing A2 extending substantially perpendicularly to the corresponding first wall Pli along 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 rear of the substructure SV.
[0046] The fixed joining of each first wing Al to the corresponding second wing A2 is preferably done by welding.
[0047] It should be noted, as illustrated (though not exhaustively) in [Fig. 2], that the second P12 and fourth P24 walls are opposite the floor PV, and therefore located "as far down as possible". Consequently, each first wing A1 is fixedly attached to the upper end of its third wall P23, and each second wing A2 is fixedly attached to the upper end of its first wall PI1. As a result, the first wings A1 are positioned 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 include an end from which extends substantially perpendicularly a third wing A3 designed to be parallel to the corresponding longitudinal wall PL and fixedly attached 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 rear of the subframe SV and are therefore, here, placed in an XZ plane.
[0050] It should also be noted, although not shown in Figures 1 to 4, that the SV subframe can subsequently accommodate, beneath its PV floor, a battery tray housing a rechargeable battery with its control electronics. In this case, the PV floor acts as a protective cover 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 securely fastened by screwing it to a peripheral groove that extends substantially perpendicularly from the peripheral wall of the PV floor (which includes the two longitudinal walls PL).
[0051] Also, for example, the rechargeable battery may include at least one cell module comprising at least two electrical energy storage cells. Here, "electrical energy storage cell" means a rechargeable cell and possibly an electrochemical cell (for example, of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).
Claims
Demands
1. Interface piece (IP) for a motor vehicle underbody (SV) comprising a floor (PV) having two longitudinal walls (PL), right and left, and at least one cross member (TV) installed perpendicularly between said longitudinal walls (PL) and having two first walls (P1) connected by a second wall (P12) so as to have together a U-shaped cross section, said interface piece (IP) having two third walls (P23) connected by a fourth wall (P24) so as to have together a U-shaped cross section, and adapted to be fitted into one end of said cross member (TV) between said first walls (IP1) and to be fixedly attached 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) designed to facilitate the insertion of said third walls (P23) between said first walls (Pli).
2. Interface piece 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 piece according to claim 2, characterized in that each chamfer (Cl), then called first chamfer, makes a first angle with said fourth wall (P24) between 40° and 70°.
4. Interface piece according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each chamfer (C2), then called second chamfer, forms a second angle with said corresponding third wall (P23) of between 10° and 0°
5. Interface piece according to any 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 along a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of said base (SV).
6. Interface piece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of said third walls (P23) comprises a first wing (Al) extending substantially perpendicularly along a first direction intended to be parallel to a transverse direction of said substructure (SV) and adapted to contact, and be secured fixed to, a second wing (A2) extending substantially perpendicularly to a corresponding first wall (Pli) along said first direction.
7. Interface piece according to any 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) adapted to be parallel to, and fixedly attached to, a corresponding longitudinal wall (PL).
8. Underbody (SV) suitable for equipping a motor vehicle and comprising a floor (PV) having two longitudinal walls (PL), right and left, and at least one cross member (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 cross member (TV) comprises two opposite ends into which are fitted respectively two interface pieces (PI) according to one of claims 1 to 7, right and left, fixedly attached respectively to said longitudinal walls (PL).
9. Base according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises three cross members (TV).
10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a subframe (SV) according to claim 8 or 9.