EXPANDABLE SEALING INSERT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A sealing insert (IE) is fitted to a motor vehicle comprising a structural part (PS), a floor (PV) having a first peripheral rebate (FP1) having a first sub-part (SP1) inclined and spaced from the structural part (PS) by a space (EV), and a battery tray (BB) having a second peripheral rebate (FP2) having a second inclined sub-part (SP2), placed opposite this first sub-part (SP1) and secured by screwing to the first peripheral rebate (FP1) and structural part (PS). This sealing insert (IE) has a shape homologous to that of the space (EV) in order to be housed within it, expands in part in a post-cataphoresis drying phase to define a sealing bead with the first sub-part (SP1) and structural part (PS), and includes first holes receiving screws (VS) through second and third through holes defined in the first (SP1) and second (SP2) sub-parts.Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: EXPANDABLE SEAL INSERT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to motor vehicles, and more specifically to the sealing that must be ensured in such vehicles at the interface between the structural part and the floor. State of the art

[0002] Some motor vehicles include a structural part, a floor having a first peripheral groove, and a battery tray having a second peripheral groove secured by screws, also passing through this first peripheral groove, to the latter and to the structural part.

[0003] It should be noted that the floor can optionally serve as a protective cover for a rechargeable battery installed in the battery tray. The battery, the battery tray and the floor-cover then define a battery assembly (or "pack").

[0004] In some of these motor vehicles, the first peripheral rebate has two inclined first sub-parts, right and left, separated from this structural part by two spaces, right and left, and, similarly, the second peripheral rebate has two inclined second sub-parts, right and left. It should be noted that each first sub-part (right or left) is inclined because it connects the third and fourth sub-parts (right or left) of the first peripheral rebate, installed at different levels, and each second sub-part (right or left) is inclined because it connects the fifth and sixth sub-parts (right or left) of the second peripheral rebate, installed at different levels.

[0005] These gaps, right and left, defined between the first two sub-parts of the first peripheral rebate and the structural part, locally allow the passage of liquid (particularly water) between the floor and the structural part, and therefore potentially the entry of liquid into the passenger compartment. This passage can prove dangerous due to the presence of electrical cables and / or electrical equipment. Furthermore, this passage can allow liquid to stagnate, which can cause foul odors.

[0006] Currently, attempts are being made to seal these gaps, on the right and left, using very thick gaskets that are manually applied after the floor and battery tray have been screwed onto the structural part. However, such a seal is not sufficiently effective. Furthermore, installing the two gaskets is not only relatively time-consuming, and therefore expensive, but also not very ergonomic.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a sealing insert suitable for equipping a motor vehicle comprising:

[0009] - a structural part,

[0010] - a floor comprising a first peripheral rebate having a first inclined sub-part separated from this structural part by a space, and

[0011] - a battery tray comprising a second peripheral groove having a second inclined sub-part, placed opposite the first sub-part and secured by screwing to the first peripheral rebate and structural part.

[0012] This sealing insert is characterized by the fact that it:

[0013] - has a shape homologous to a shape of this space in order to be housed in this The latter is designed to expand partially during a post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define a sealing bead at the interfaces with the first sub-part and the structural part, and

[0014] - includes first holes suitable for receiving screws passing through second and third through holes defined respectively in the first and second sub-parts.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the battery tray, floor and sealing inserts can be joined together and the spaces can be plugged, which makes it possible to ensure sealing between each first sub-part and the corresponding second sub-part, at the interface between each first sub-part and the corresponding sealing insert, and at the interface between each first sub-part and the structural part, and thus to locally prevent the passage of liquid between the floor and the structural part at the level of each space.

[0016] The sealing insert according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0017] - it may include a rigid part having the shape homologous to the shape of the space and the first and second faces intended to be oriented respectively towards the structural part and first sub-part and in front of which is placed a layer of an expandable material, comprising a part of the first holes and designed to expand in the post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define the sealing bead;

[0018] - in the presence of the first option, the rigid part may include a third face connecting the first and second faces and in front of which the layer is placed;

[0019] - the first holes can be threaded to allow for a clean screwing of the screws to allow the second sub-part to be pressed against the first sub-part and a plating of the first sub-part against the sealing bead after the post-cataphoresis drying phase;

[0020] - it may have a general shape of a right triangular prism in which the first and second faces are not parallel to each other;

[0021] - in the presence of the last option, it may have a general prism shape right with a triangular base.

[0022] The invention also proposes a motor vehicle comprising:

[0023] - a structural part,

[0024] - a floor comprising a first peripheral rebate having two first sub-parts, right and left, inclined and spaced from this structural part by two spaces, right and left, and

[0025] - a battery tray comprising a second peripheral groove having two second sub-parts, right and left, inclined and placed opposite the first sub-parts respectively, and secured by screwing to the first peripheral rebate and structural part, and

[0026] - sealing inserts, right and left, of the type shown above and installed respectively in the corresponding spaces and secured by screwing to the first peripheral rebate and structural part.

[0027] For example, this vehicle may also include a rechargeable battery installed in the battery tray. In this case, the floor may define a cover protecting this rechargeable battery.

[0028] Also, for example, this vehicle may also include a sealing gasket interposed between the first and second peripheral rebates and ensuring a seal between the first and second peripheral rebates when it is partially crushed by screwing. Brief description of the figures

[0029] 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:

[0030] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below and the rear side, a part of an example of a structural part of a motor vehicle to which are attached a floor, constituting an upper cover of a battery assembly, and a battery tray of this battery assembly, and two examples of embodiments of sealing inserts according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the insert left sealing of the [Fig.1], before its installation, and

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical at the level of the left sealing insert, the structural part, floor and battery tray of the [Fig.l] with this left sealing insert. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] The invention aims in particular to provide a sealing insert IE intended to equip a motor vehicle and capable, after expansion, of defining a sealing bead locally preventing the passage of liquid between a part of a first rebate PF1 of a floor PV and a structural part PS.

[0034] In what follows, the motor vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a car, as partially illustrated in [Fig. 1]. However, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It relates in fact to any motor vehicle comprising a floor fixedly attached to its structural part, to which a battery tray of a battery pack is attached, and which can serve as a top cover for this battery pack.

[0035] In figures 1 to 3 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.

[0036] Figures 1 and 3 schematically illustrate part of an example of a structural part PS of a motor vehicle to which a floor PV and a battery tray BB of a battery assembly (or pack) are attached, and two examples of embodiments of sealing inserts IE, right and left, according to the invention.

[0037] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 3, the PV floor also constitutes a top cover for the battery assembly, but this is not mandatory. This battery assembly then also includes a rechargeable battery installed in the battery tray and protected at its top by the PV floor acting as a top cover.

[0038] 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 and possibly electrochemical cell (for example, of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).

[0039] The structural part PS includes in particular stringers (extending along the longitudinal direction X) and cross members (extending along the transverse direction Y).

[0040] The PV floor comprises a first peripheral rebate FP1 (extending substantially perpendicularly (here in an XY plane) a peripheral wall, which itself extends an upper wall extending generally in an XY plane). As illustrated in [Fig. 1], this first peripheral rebate FP1 includes, in particular, two first sub-parts SP1, right and left, inclined (here with respect to the vertical direction Z) in opposite directions, and separated from the structural part PS by two spaces EV, right and left. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], each first sub-part SP1 (right or left) is inclined because it connects the third SP3 and fourth SP4 sub-parts (right or left) of the first peripheral rebate FP1, installed at different levels.The fourth sub-part SP4 is installed here along the longitudinal direction X and at a higher level (along the vertical direction Z) than the level where the third sub-part SP3 is installed (which extends along the transverse direction Y). The fourth sub-parts SP4, right and left, are at least fixedly attached, by screwing and possibly welding, respectively to the right and left stringers of the structural part PS.

[0041] The BB battery tray includes a second peripheral rebate FP2 (extending substantially perpendicularly (here in an XY plane) from a peripheral wall, which itself extends from a lower wall extending generally in an XY plane). As illustrated in [Fig. 1], this second peripheral rebate FP2 includes, in particular, two second sub-parts SP2, right and left, inclined (here with respect to the vertical direction Z) in opposite directions to each other, and positioned opposite the first sub-parts SP1, right and left, respectively. Furthermore, this second peripheral rebate FP2 is screwed to the first peripheral rebate FP1 and to the structural part PS. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], each second sub-part SP2 (right or left) is inclined because it connects the fifth SP5 and sixth SP6 sub-parts (right or left) of the second peripheral rebate FP2.The sixth sub-part SP6 is installed here along the longitudinal direction X and at a higher level (along the vertical direction Z) than the level where the fifth sub-part SP5 is installed (which extends along the transverse direction Y). The sixth sub-parts SP6, right and left, are at least fixedly attached, by screwing, respectively to the right and left longitudinal members of the structural part PS and to the fourth sub-parts SP4, right and left.

[0042] Each IE sealing insert, right or left, has a shape that is homologous to the shape of the corresponding EV space, right or left, so as to be housed within the latter (EV). Furthermore, each IE sealing insert, right or left, is designed to partially expand during a post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define a sealing bead at both interfaces with the first sub-part SP1 and the structural part PS.

[0043] It will be understood that each IE sealing insert has the capacity to expand (and thus increase its volume) in a space EV when subjected to a high temperature during the drying (oven) phase following cataphoresis. Thus, during cataphoresis each IE sealing insert is in a non-expanded state, and after the drying phase each IE sealing insert is now in its expanded state in order to define the (each) sealing bead.

[0044] In addition, each IE sealing insert, right or left, includes first holes T1 which are suitable for receiving screws VS through the second TT2 and third TT3 through holes defined respectively in the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts.

[0045] It will be understood that each second through hole TT2 is positioned below a corresponding third through hole TT3 and above a corresponding first hole T1 to allow the passage of a screw VS intended to contribute to the joining of the battery tray BB, PV floor, and sealing inserts IE. This ensures sealing between each first sub-part SP1 and the corresponding second sub-part SP2, as well as at the interface between each first sub-part SP1 and the corresponding sealing insert IE, due to the presence of a portion of the corresponding sealing bead (after expansion during the post-cataphoresis drying phase). Furthermore, the presence of another portion of each sealing bead ensures sealing at the interface between each first sub-part SP1 and the structural part PS.This effectively prevents the localized passage of liquid (particularly water) between the PV floor and the PS structural section at each EV compartment, thus preventing liquid from entering the passenger compartment and avoiding electrical hazards and the formation of foul odors. Furthermore, the presence of the initial Tl holes significantly facilitates the installation of the IE sealing inserts, thereby reducing vehicle costs and considerably improving the ergonomics for the technicians responsible for assembly.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 2], each sealing insert IE, right or left, may comprise a rigid part PR and a layer CE of an expandable material. In this case, each rigid part PR has the shape homologous to the shape of the corresponding space EV, and comprises first Fl and second F2 faces which are intended to be oriented respectively towards the part Structural PS and first sub-part SP1. The CE layer of expandable material is placed in front of each of these first Fl and second F2 faces and includes, at the level of the second face F2, a portion of each first hole Tl. Furthermore, the CE layer is designed to expand during the post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define the sealing bead.

[0047] For example, each rigid PR part can be made of a plastic material (for example of the polyamide type (possibly PA66)), and the expansive material of the CE layer can, for example, be a foam which undergoes significant expansion in a post-cataphoresis oven phase.

[0048] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the rigid part PR of each sealing insert IE, right or left, may include a third face F3 that connects the first Fl and second F2 faces and in front of which the CE layer is placed. This third face F3 is oriented here towards the outside of the vehicle and substantially installed in an XZ plane in front of an internal lateral face of the structural part PS. Thus, each rigid part PR is surrounded by the CE layer (here with the exception of its two opposite transverse faces, installed in YZ planes). This also ensures liquid sealing at each interface between a sealing insert IE (on the side of its third face F3) and an internal lateral face of the structural part PS.

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.3], the first holes Tl can be threaded (and possibly blind (or non-through)) in order to allow screwing of the screws VS suitable for allowing a plating of each second subpart SP2 against the corresponding first subpart SP1 and a plating of each first subpart SP1 against the corresponding sealing bead after the post-cataphoresis drying phase.

[0050] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.3], that the sealing between each first sub-part SP1 and the corresponding second sub-part SP2 can be further reinforced by the intercalation, between the first FP1 and second FP2 peripheral rebates, of a sealing gasket JE which is partially crushed by screwing by means of the screws VS.

[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, each IE sealing insert, right or left, may have a general shape of a right triangular prism in which the first Fl and second F2 faces are not parallel to each other. It should be noted that the first Fl face is the one that is parallel to the sub-part of the structural part PS located in an XY plane, while the second F2 face is the one that is inclined. However, other general shapes can be considered provided they allow for a high-quality seal in the corresponding EV space.

[0052] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 2. Each IE sealing insert, right or left, can have a general shape of a right triangular prism with a right-angled base. This shape is well suited to the illustrated case in which the third face F3 of each IE sealing insert is installed in front of an internal lateral face of the structural part PS that is located in a plane XZ, and is therefore perpendicular to the first associated face Fl. However, each IE sealing insert, right or left, could have a general shape of a right triangular prism with a non-right-angled base when the internal lateral face of the structural part PS is located in a plane that is inclined with respect to a plane XZ.

Claims

Demands

1. A sealing insert (EI) suitable for equipping a motor vehicle comprising i) a structural part (PS), ii) a floor (PV) having a first peripheral rebate (FP1) having a first inclined sub-part (SP1) separated from said structural part (PS) by a space (EV), and iii) a battery tray (BB) having a second peripheral rebate (FP2) having a second inclined sub-part (SP2), positioned opposite said first sub-part (SP1) and secured by screws to said first peripheral rebate (FP1) and structural part (PS), characterized in that it has a shape homologous to a shape of said space (EV) in order to be housed in the latter (EV), is suitable for partially expanding in a post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define a sealing bead at the interfaces with said first sub-part (SP1) and structural part (PS),and includes first holes (T1) suitable for receiving screws (VS) passing through second (TT2) and third (TT3) through holes defined respectively in said first (SP1) and second (SP2) sub-parts.

2. Sealing insert according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rigid part (PR) having said shape homologous to the shape of said space (EV) and first (F1) and second (F2) faces intended to be oriented respectively towards said structural part (PS) and first sub-part (SP1) and in front of which is placed a layer (CE) of an expandable material, comprising a part of said first holes (T1), and adapted to expand in said post-cataphoresis drying phase in order to define said sealing bead.

3. Sealing insert according to claim 2, characterized in that said rigid part (PR) comprises a third face (F3) connecting said first (F1) and second (F2) faces and in front of which said layer (CE) is placed.

4. Sealing insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first holes (T1) are threaded to allow screwing of said screws (VS) suitable for allowing a pressing of said second sub-part (SP2) against said first sub-part (SP1) and a plating of said first sub-part (SP1) against said sealing bead after said post-cataphoresis drying phase.

5. Sealing insert according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 4 combined with claim 2, characterized in that it has a general shape of a right triangular prism in which said first (F1) and second (F2) faces are not parallel to each other.

6. Sealing insert according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a general shape of a right prism with a right triangular base.

7. Motor vehicle comprising i) a structural part (PS), ii) a floor (PV) having a first peripheral rebate (FP1) having two first sub-parts (SP1), right and left, inclined and spaced from said structural part (PS) by two spaces (EV), right and left, and iii) a battery tray (BB) having a second peripheral rebate (FP2) having two second sub-parts (SP2), right and left, inclined and placed opposite said first sub-parts (SP1) respectively, and secured by screwing to said first peripheral rebate (FP1) and structural part (PS), characterized in that it further comprises sealing inserts (IE), right and left, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, installed respectively in said corresponding spaces (EV) and secured by screwing to said first peripheral rebate (FP1) and structural part (PS).

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery installed in said battery tray (BB), and in that said floor (PV) defines a cover protecting said rechargeable battery.

9. Vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a sealing gasket (JE) interposed between said first (FP1) and second (FP2) peripheral rebates and ensuring a seal between said first (FP1) and second (FP2) peripheral rebates when it is partially crushed by said screwing.