PROGRAMMED DEFORMATION STRUCTURE FOR AN ELECTRIC POWERED TRICAR VEHICLE

Abstract

A structure (ST) is part of a three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive unit and a rechargeable battery. It comprises two lower longitudinal members (LI), right and left, curved and coupled at the front (PSV) by lower cross members supporting the battery just before a rear (PSR), and two upper longitudinal members (LS), right and left, extending throughout this rear (PSR) and coupled to the lower longitudinal members (LI) by support members (PSL1-PSL2). These upper (LS) and lower (LI) longitudinal members are arranged, when subjected to a rear impact, to deform in a programmed manner to absorb at least part of the impact energy. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: PROGRAMMED DEFORMATION STRUCTURE FOR AN ELECTRIC POWERED TRICAR VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to three-wheeled vehicles with an electric drive unit and comprising one front wheel and two rear wheels, and more specifically to the structure of such three-wheeled vehicles. Prior art

[0002] Certain three-wheeled cargo bikes (or "cargo motorcycles") with an electric drive unit comprise a front wheel and two rear wheels, and a structure having two lower, curved side members, right and left, coupled at the front by lower cross members supporting a rechargeable battery associated with their electric drive unit, located just before a rear section. This rear section has a curved shape. Two upper side members, right and left, extend across the entire rear section and are coupled to the lower side members by support brackets. It will be understood that the lower side members are installed at a lower vertical level than the upper side members and that their curved shape allows them to make contact with the rear sub-sections of the upper side members. It should be noted that this type of three-wheeled cargo bike has a shape that is generally described as delta-shaped.

[0003] Generally, the distance along the transverse direction separating the upper stringers is substantially the same as that separating the lower stringers, and the possible rear floor, supported by the upper stringers and upper cross members, is wider than the front floor supported by the lower stringers and lower cross members.

[0004] When the upper and lower side members are subjected to an impact at their rear ends, there is a significant probability that the structure will deform, at least by bending its upper side members, displacing the front upper crossmember and / or the front end of the rear floor towards the driver's seat and / or the battery, and causing the rear wall of the three-wheeled vehicle's cab to dent (or break). This could injure the driver and / or damage the battery, which could then leak and / or cease to function and / or overheat internally, or even catch fire.

[0005] It would be possible to strengthen the protection of the driver and the battery by permanently installing a dedicated protective wall (or by significantly reinforcing the rear wall of the cab) in a vertical and transverse plane behind the driver's seat and the battery (at the interface between the front and rear parts of the structure). But this would lead to an increase not only in the cost of the tricycle, but also in its weight and therefore in its electrical energy consumption (which would result in a reduction in its mileage range).

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation, in particular to increase the passive protection of the battery and the driver in the event of a rear-end collision. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a structure, on the one hand, intended to be part of a three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, comprising two lower longitudinal members, right and left, curvilinear and coupled in a front part by lower cross members suitable for supporting this battery just before a rear part, and two upper longitudinal members, right and left, extending throughout this rear part by being coupled to the lower longitudinal members by support pieces.

[0008] This structure is characterized by the fact that its upper and lower longitudinal members are arranged, when they undergo a shock from the rear, so as to deform in a programmed way to absorb at least part of the energy of the shock.

[0009] This programmed deformation of the structure makes it possible in the event of a rear impact to make virtually zero the probability that the upper front crossmember and / or the front end of a possible rear floor will hit the driver's seat and / or the battery, and thus to increase the passive protection of the driver and the battery.

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

[0011] - its upper and lower longitudinal members may each comprise at minus a weakening zone which is designed to allow their deformation in a programmed way;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, its lower longitudinal members may include respectively, the first rear sub-sections equipped with first weakening zones in identical first positions along a longitudinal direction of the tricycle, and its upper longitudinal members may respectively comprise second rear sub-sections coupled respectively to these first rear sub-sections and equipped with second weakening zones in identical second positions along this longitudinal direction and identical to the corresponding first positions. In this case, the first and second weakening zones are designed to allow together a programmed deformation of the first and second rear sub-sections by longitudinal compression;

[0013] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the first positions can be located on lower sub-parts of the lower spars, and the second positions can be located on upper sub-parts of the upper spars;

[0014] - in the presence of the last sub-option, its upper longerons can comprising respectively front sub-parts extending forward respectively the second rear sub-parts and provided, in identical third positions along the longitudinal direction, with third weakening zones designed to allow together a programmed deformation of the front sub-parts by folding;

[0015] - in the presence of the last sub-sub-option, each of the sub-parts before may include in an upper sub-part a first third weakening zone in a first third position, and in a lower sub-part a second third weakening zone in a second third position located downstream of the first third weakening zone;

[0016] - also in the presence of the last sub-sub-option, the sub-parts before can each be coupled to the corresponding lower spar by a first support piece and a second support piece located downstream of this first support piece and comprising a fourth weakening zone, the fourth weakening zones being designed to facilitate together the deformation of the front sub-parts by folding, in a programmed manner.

[0017] - also in the presence of the first option, each area of ​​weakening can be a removal of material on at least one edge or face of a lower or upper stringer or support piece.

[0018] The invention also proposes a three-wheeled vehicle comprising, on the one hand, an electric drive machine associated with a rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, a structure of the type presented above and on which these electric drive machines and batteries are fixedly installed.

[0019] For example, this three-wheeled vehicle may also include a floor supported by the upper longitudinal members. Brief description of the figures

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, part of an example of a three-wheeled vehicle with an electric motor and including an example of an embodiment of a structure according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a left-side view, the three-wheeled vehicle with electric motive machine of the [Fig.1] with the rear wall of a cabin,

[0023] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a left-side view, a portion of the left side of the structure of Figures 1 and 2, before a rear impact, and

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a view from the left side, a part of the part left side of the structure in figures 1 and 2, after a rear impact. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] The invention aims in particular to propose a programmed deformation ST structure, intended to be part of a TM three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive machine and delta shape (one front wheel and two rear wheels).

[0026] In what follows, the TM three-wheeled vehicle (with an electric drive unit) is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be dedicated to the transport of goods. However, the invention is not limited to this type of three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive unit. It relates, in fact, to any three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive unit comprising a structure with two lower longitudinal members, coupled at the front by lower cross members designed to support a rechargeable battery associated with its electric drive unit just before a rear section, and two upper longitudinal members extending throughout this rear section and coupled to the lower longitudinal members by support brackets. Thus, the invention also relates to three-wheeled vehicles with an electric drive unit dedicated to the transport of passengers.

[0027] In figures 1 to 4 the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the TM tricycle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the TM tricycle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the TM tricycle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0028] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the term "front" is defined with respect to the front end of the TM tricycle, and the term "rear" is defined with respect to the rear end of the TM tricycle (opposite the front end). Consequently, the front part of an element is (intended to be) oriented towards the front end of the TM tricycle, while the rear part of that element is (intended to be) oriented towards the rear end of the TM tricycle.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate part of an example of a TM tricycle with a delta shape (one front wheel and two rear wheels), with an electric drive machine associated with a rechargeable BR battery, and comprising an example of an embodiment of an ST structure according to the invention.

[0030] Although this is only partially shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ST structure includes, in particular, two lower longitudinal members LI, right and left, cross members The lower TI and upper LS sections are connected by lower longitudinal members. This ST structure can be subdivided into a front PSV and a rear PSR section, which extend mutually via the lower LI longitudinal members. The front PSV section includes a ZSB zone in which, among other things, the driver's seat SC and the rechargeable BR battery are installed (here, under this driver's seat SC). It should be noted that this front PSV section can support a cab that is at least partially enclosed, with a rear wall PR at the interface with the rear PSR section, housing the BR battery and the driver's seat SC (as partially and non-exhaustively illustrated in [Fig. 2]).

[0031] The two lower longitudinal members LI are coupled in the front section PSV by lower cross members TI, which are designed to support the battery BR (and the driver's seat SC) just before the rear section PSR. Furthermore, and preferably, each lower longitudinal member LI includes in the rear section PSR a first front sub-section SPV1 positioned at a first vertical level (along the vertical direction Z) and extended towards the rear of the three-wheeled vehicle TM by a first rear sub-section SPR1 positioned at a second vertical level (along the vertical direction Z) higher than the first level. In other words, in the rear section PSR, each lower longitudinal member LI has a curvilinear (upward) shape.

[0032] The two upper longitudinal members LS extend throughout the rear section PSR, being coupled to the lower longitudinal members LI by support members PSLm. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 1 to 4, each upper longitudinal member LS is coupled in the rear section PSR to the corresponding lower longitudinal member LI (and more precisely to its first forward sub-section SPV1) by first PSL1 (m = 1) and second PLS2 (m = 2) support members (for example, metal profiles extending substantially vertically (along the vertical direction Z)), the second support member PSL2 being located downstream of the first support member PSL1 (relative to the front end of the TM tricycle). However, the number of support members ensuring the coupling of an upper longitudinal member LS to the corresponding lower longitudinal member LI (in the rear section PSR) can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0033] These upper longitudinal members LS are coupled together by upper cross members TS and in particular front and rear upper cross members.

[0034] Furthermore, and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the lower longitudinal members LI having an upward curvilinear shape, each upper longitudinal member LS comprises a second rear sub-part SPR2 placed just above and in contact with the first rear sub-part SPR1 of the corresponding lower longitudinal member LI (and therefore coupled to the latter (SPR1)), and a second front sub-part SPV2 extending towards the front of the TM three-wheeler this second rear sub-part SPR2 (being placed at the same vertical level) and spaced vertically (along the vertical direction Z, being placed above) of the first front sub-part SPV1 of the corresponding lower LI spar. Thus, the first rear sub-parts SPR1 respectively support the second rear sub-parts SPR2 of the corresponding upper LS spars, and the second rear sub-parts SPR2 are fixedly attached, by welding and / or screwing, to the first rear sub-parts SPR1.

[0035] For example, and as partially and non-limitingly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the TM three-wheeled vehicle may include a floor PS supported by the upper longitudinal members LS. It should be noted that in the illustrated example, only the frame of the floor PS is shown (the substantially flat platform of the floor PS, which is attached to the frame and which supports objects (or goods), is not shown in order to facilitate observation of the elements constituting the structure ST).

[0036] The upper longitudinal members LS and the lower longitudinal members LI are arranged, when they undergo a shock from the rear, so as to deform in a programmed way to absorb at least part of the energy of this shock (see [Fig.4]).

[0037] Here, "rear impact" means an impact suffered by the rear ends of the upper longitudinal members LS and lower longitudinal members LI and / or the possible floor PS in a direction having a non-zero longitudinal component (along the longitudinal direction X).

[0038] Thanks to this programmed deformation of the ST structure, in the event of a rear-end collision, the probability that the front upper crossmember TS and / or the front end of the rear floor PS will strike the driver's seat SC and / or the battery BR is virtually nil, and therefore the risk of injury to the driver and / or damage to the battery BR is also virtually nil. Consequently, the invention makes it possible to increase the passive protection of the driver and the battery BR, without increasing the weight of the three-wheeled vehicle TM, thus avoiding a reduction in its driving range.

[0039] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, the upper spars LS and the lower spars LI can each include at least one weakening zone ZAj which is suitable for allowing their deformation in a programmed manner.

[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, each weakening zone ZAj can be a material removal on at least one edge or face of a lower spar LI or upper LS or of a support member PSLm. It should be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, each weakening zone ZAj is a material removal on at least one edge of a lower spar LI or upper LS, but each weakening zone ZAj could be a material removal on at least one face of a lower spar LI or upper LS. It should also be noted that a weakening zone ZAj can This could be a material removal on two parallel edges of the same face or on two opposite faces of a lower spar LI or upper spar LS. However, in unillustrated embodiments, each weakening zone ZAj could be a reduction in thickness or a boss, facilitating local bending, on at least one edge or face of a lower spar LI or upper LS.

[0041] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, the first rear sub-parts SPR1 of the lower longitudinal members LI can be provided with first weakening zones ZA1 (j = 1) in first positions that are identical (in pairs) along the longitudinal direction X. In other words, if a first weakening zone ZA1 is defined in a first longitudinal position on a lower longitudinal member LI, then a first weakening zone ZA1 is also defined in this same first longitudinal position on the other lower longitudinal member LL.

[0042] Similarly, the second rear sub-parts SPR2 of the upper spars LS can be provided with second weakening zones ZA2 (j = 2) in second positions which are identical (in pairs) along the longitudinal direction X but also identical to the corresponding first positions of the first weakening zones ZA1. In other words, if a second weakening zone ZA2 is defined on an upper spar LS in a second longitudinal position located vertically above a corresponding first position, then a second weakening zone ZA2 is also defined on the other upper spar LS in this same second longitudinal position vertically above the corresponding first position.

[0043] In this case, the first ZA1 and second ZA2 weakening zones are designed to allow, together, a programmed deformation of the first SPR1 and second SPR2 rear sub-parts by longitudinal compression. An example of programmed deformation of the first SPR1 and second SPR2 rear sub-parts by longitudinal compression is illustrated, without limitation, in [Fig. 4].

[0044] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 and 4, the number of first attenuation zones ZA1, like the number of second attenuation zones ZA2, is equal to three. But this number can take any value greater than or equal to two.

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, the first longitudinal positions can be located on lower sub-parts of the lower longitudinal members LI, and the second longitudinal positions can be located on upper sub-parts of the upper longitudinal members LS. This makes it possible to optimize the compression deformation.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, the second forward sub-sections SPV2 of the upper spars LS can be provided, in identical third positions along the longitudinal direction X, with third weakening zones ZA3k which are designed to allow, together, a programmed deformation of the second forward sub-sections SPV2 by folding. In other words, if a third weakening zone ZA3k is defined in a third longitudinal position on one upper spar LS, then a third weakening zone ZA3k is also defined in this same third longitudinal position on the other upper spar LS.It should be noted that in the presence of such an arrangement, no weakening zone is defined on the first sub-parts before SPV1 of the lower spars LI, so as to allow programmed compression by folding only of the second sub-parts before SPV2 of the upper spars LS. An example of programmed deformation of the second sub-parts before SPV2 by compression by folding is illustrated, without limitation, in [Fig.4].

[0047] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, each of the second sub-parts before SPV2 can include in an upper sub-part a first third weakening zone ZA3i (k = 1) in a first third position, and in a lower sub-part a second third weakening zone ZA32 (k = 2) in a second third position located downstream of the first third weakening zone ZA3b. This "staggered" arrangement (top / bottom or top / bottom) optimizes the deformation by folds.

[0048] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4, when the second forward sub-sections SPV2 of the upper spars LS are each coupled to the corresponding lower spar LI by first PSL1 and second PSL2 support pieces, each second support piece PSL2 may include a fourth weakening zone ZA4 (j = 4). In this case, the fourth weakening zones ZA4 are designed to facilitate the programmed deformation of the forward sub-sections SPV2 by folding. This facilitation is particularly effective when each second support piece PSL2 is located slightly downstream of the second third position of the first third weakening zone ZA3i of the corresponding upper spar LS, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 4.Indeed, in this arrangement, the presence of the fourth weakening zones ZA4 allows the second support pieces PSL2 to bend forward in their upper part. Consequently, the sub-sub-part (downstream) of each second forward sub-part SPV2 of an upper LS longeron, contained between the first ZA3i and second ZA32 third weakening zones, can straighten to form a fold without the other sub-sub-part. (upstream) of this second sub-part before SPV2 is not deformed or moved towards the front of the TM three-wheeler, which prevents the upper front cross member TS connecting the upper side members (and therefore also the possible PS floor) from hitting the SC driver's seat and / or the BR battery.

Claims

Demands

1. Structure (ST) suitable for being part of a three-wheeled vehicle (TM) with an electric power unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR), and comprising i) two lower longitudinal members (LI), right and left, curvilinear and coupled in a front part (PSV) by lower cross members (TI) suitable for supporting said battery (BR) just before a rear part (PSR), and ii) two upper longitudinal members (LS), right and left, extending throughout said rear part (PSR) being coupled to said lower longitudinal members (LI) by support pieces (PSLm), characterized in that said upper longitudinal members (LS) and said lower longitudinal members (LI) are arranged, when they undergo a shock from the rear, so as to deform in a programmed manner to absorb at least part of the energy of said shock.

2. Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper stringers (LS) and said lower stringers (LI) each comprise at least one weakening zone (ZAj) suitable for allowing their programmed deformation.

3. Structure according to claim 2, characterized in that said lower spars (LI) respectively comprise first rear sub-parts (SPR1) provided with first weakening zones (ZA1) in first identical positions along a longitudinal direction, and said upper spars (LS) respectively comprise second rear sub-parts (SPR2) coupled respectively to said first rear sub-parts (SPR1) and provided with second weakening zones (ZA2) in second identical positions along said longitudinal direction and identical to said corresponding first positions, said first (ZA1) and second (ZA2) weakening zones being suitable to allow together a deformation of said first (SPR1) and second (SPR2) rear sub-parts by longitudinal compression, in a programmed manner.

4. Structure according to claim 3, characterized in that said first positions are located on lower sub-parts of said lower spars (LI), and said second positions are located on upper sub-parts of said upper spars (LS).

5. Structure according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said upper longitudinal members (LS) respectively comprise front sub-parts (SPV2) extending forward respectively said second rear sub-parts (SPR2) and provided, in identical third positions along said longitudinal direction, with third weakening zones (ZA3k) suitable for enabling together a deformation of said front sub-parts (SPV2) by folding, in a programmed manner.

6. Structure according to claim 5, characterized in that each of said front subparts (SPV2) comprises in an upper subpart a first third weakening zone (ZA3i) in a first third position, and in a lower subpart a second third weakening zone (ZA32) in a second third position located downstream of said first third weakening zone (ZA3i).

7. Structure according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said front sub-parts (SPV2) are each coupled to said corresponding lower spar (LI) by a first support piece (PSL1) and a second support piece (PSL2) located downstream of said first support piece (PSL1) and comprising a fourth weakening zone (ZA4), said fourth weakening zones (ZA4) being suitable to facilitate together said deformation of the front sub-parts (SPV2) by folding, in a programmed manner.

8. Structure according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that each weakening zone (ZAj) is a material withdrawal on at least one edge or face of a lower (LI) or upper (LS) spar or of a support piece (PSLm).

9. Triporteur (TM) comprising an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR), characterized in that it further comprises a structure (ST) according to any one of the preceding claims on which said electric drive unit and battery (BR) are fixedly installed.

10. Three-wheeled vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a floor (PS) supported by said upper longitudinal members (LS).

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