Flooring arrangement for a three-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor arrangement (1) for a three-wheeled vehicle (2) configured to deform in an accordion-like fashion in the event of a rear-end collision (RA) with the three-wheeled vehicle (2). To this end, the support frame and the load floor (11) of the floor arrangement (1) comprise programmed deformation means distributed along the longitudinal axis (X). More specifically, the intermediate longitudinal members (120) of the support frame comprise deformation indentations (13) formed by grooves in the intermediate longitudinal members (120); and the load floor (11) comprises deformation ribs (14) forming vertical folds on the load floor (11). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Floor arrangement for a three-wheeled vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of structural arrangements of three-wheeled motor vehicles, and in particular those which improve the safety and reliability of such three-wheeled vehicles in the event of a rear-end collision. More specifically, the invention relates to a floor arrangement for a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0002] The invention relates particularly to such three-wheeled vehicles equipped with an electric motor powered by a traction battery located under a driver's seat. Such three-wheeled vehicles comprise, at the front, a driver's cab housing the driver's seat and the steering mechanism. Behind the driver's cab, such three-wheeled vehicles comprise a support frame formed by two intermediate longitudinal members extending along a longitudinal axis, the intermediate longitudinal members being connected to each other by lateral cross members extending along a transverse axis; and a load floor forming a predominantly flat loading surface attached to the support frame.

[0003] These three-wheeled vehicles have lower longitudinal members that form a subframe and support the driver's seat, the cab, and the cargo floor behind the cab. The electric traction battery is then housed under the driver's seat, specifically under the driver's seat, to optimize the overall dimensions of these three-wheeled vehicles.

[0004] Major failures in the rigidity and physical integrity of known three-wheeled vehicles are observed in the event of a rear-end collision. Indeed, in the event of a collision with a moving barrier, the force generated by the impact is transmitted within the three-wheeled vehicle through the lower and intermediate side members, each of which forms a pathway for transmitting longitudinal forces towards the front of the vehicle. However, the particular geometry described above leads, in the event of a rear-end collision, to a deformation of the intermediate side members towards the traction battery. As the traction battery is located substantially in direct line with the intermediate side members, a deformation or forward longitudinal displacement of the intermediate side members leads to interference with the traction battery.

[0005] In other words, a rear shock on such known three-wheeled vehicles leads to an impact with the electric traction battery, in turn leading to increased and excessive fire risks for such three-wheeled vehicles.

[0006] Of course, this situation is not desirable.

[0007] The present invention aims to propose a new floor arrangement for three-wheeled vehicles in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to improve the reliability of such three-wheeled vehicles.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to reduce the risk of damage to the battery electric traction and, consequently, fire risks.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a floor arrangement for a three-wheeled vehicle, the floor arrangement comprising:

[0011] - a support frame formed by two intermediate longitudinal members which extend along a longitudinal axis of the floor arrangement, the intermediate stringers being connected to each other by lateral crossbeams which extend along a transverse axis of said floor arrangement;

[0012] - a load floor forming a predominantly flat loading surface, the load floor being integral with the support frame.

[0013] In the floor arrangement according to the invention, the support frame comprises a plurality of deformation initiation points distributed along the intermediate stringers.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the three-wheeled vehicle on which the floor arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the three-wheeled vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said three-wheeled vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood to be along a direction extending from a passenger side of the three-wheeled vehicle to a driver's side of said three-wheeled vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood to be taken along a direction extending from front to back or from back to front of the three-wheeled vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the three-wheeled vehicle towards the roof of said three-wheeled vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the support frame forms a structural element supporting the load floor. The support frame delimits a substantially horizontal surface extending from front to back and between two lateral edges of the three-wheeled vehicle. The support frame is configured to support a load important structure located on the load floor. For this purpose, the support frame forms a welded metal structure delimited by intermediate stringers and lateral cross members.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the intermediate side member forms a prismatic span extending relative to the longitudinal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle, at each lateral edge of said three-wheeled vehicle. The intermediate side members form structural elements of the three-wheeled vehicle to which other parts of the three-wheeled vehicle are attached. The intermediate side members thus provide the rigidity necessary for the operation of the three-wheeled vehicle, during driving sequences, but also in the event of an accident in order to transmit the forces resulting from said impact towards absorption devices or towards the running gear of the three-wheeled vehicle, for example. The intermediate side members are generally made of steel profiles, giving the body structure its robustness.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, each lateral crossmember is a beam—straight or curved—that extends primarily along the transverse axis. The lateral crossmember is fixed rigidly at its lateral ends to the intermediate side members of the three-wheeled vehicle. The lateral crossmember thus forms a bracing device for the intermediate side members. The support frame of the three-wheeled vehicle comprises one or more lateral crossmembers connecting the intermediate side members, the lateral crossmembers being distributed along the longitudinal axis. Each lateral crossmember thus provides the rigidity necessary for the operation of the three-wheeled vehicle during driving sequences, and also transmits the mechanical forces resulting from an impact to each intermediate side member and to the lower side members and the underbody of the three-wheeled vehicle.Each side crossmember is generally formed from a steel profile, giving the body structure its robustness.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the load floor extends behind the driver's cab of the three-wheeled vehicle and allows for the transport of goods placed on said load floor. The load floor defines a substantially flat surface that extends longitudinally from front to rear and transversely between two intermediate side members of the three-wheeled vehicle. Relative to the vertical axis, the load floor is located above the support frame and above the underbody and lower side members of the three-wheeled vehicle.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the deformation initiation points form areas of concentration of the mechanical stresses transmitted in the support frame following a rear impact on the three-wheeled vehicle. Thus, in the event of a rear impact, the forces resulting from the rear impact are concentrated at each deformation initiation point and lead to elastic and / or plastic deformation of the side members. intermediate side members. Consequently, rather than being propelled forward in the event of a rear-end collision, the intermediate side members are now deformed at each point of deformation – elastically and / or plastically. This advantageous configuration prevents forward displacement and impact of the traction battery located directly in front of the intermediate side members.

[0020] Thus, the floor arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it offers a more reliable structure for the three-wheeled vehicle, and reduces the risks of fire that resulted from a perforation of the electric traction battery.

[0021] The floor arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0022] - each deformation initiation involves a local thinning of material from the corresponding intermediate spar. This advantageous configuration allows the mechanical stresses to be concentrated at or near the area of ​​least thickness of the intermediate spar taken at the local thinning of material;

[0023] - in particular, each deformation initiation has a groove formed on the corresponding intermediate spar. Each groove thus forms a locally shaped recess of material on the intermediate spar. Each groove has a rectangular, trapezoidal or curved transverse profile, such as for example ovoid or circular;

[0024] - the groove forming one of the deformation inlets is oriented along the axis vertical. In other words, the groove forming one of the deformation initiation points is located on an underside or an upper side of the intermediate spar. This advantageous configuration facilitates the deformation of the intermediate spar;

[0025] - relative to the longitudinal axis, the grooves forming the deformation initiation points are alternately oriented upwards and downwards. This advantageous configuration facilitates the deformation of the intermediate side member around a substantially horizontal axis. In other words, relative to the longitudinal axis, the grooves forming the deformation initiation points are alternately arranged on the lower and upper faces of the intermediate side member. This advantageous configuration facilitates the deformation of the intermediate side member around a substantially horizontal axis. More specifically, this advantageous configuration facilitates the accordion-like deformation of the intermediate side member following a rear-end impact;

[0026] - the load-bearing floor comprises a plurality of deformation ribs which extend along the transverse axis between two lateral edges of the load floor. Each deformation rib forms a local fold in the load floor, the fold extending between the two lateral edges. In conjunction with the deformation initiation points of the intermediate stringers, the deformation ribs allow the load floor to be bent in a manner analogous to the deformation of the intermediate stringers;

[0027] - each deformation rib has a rectangular transverse profile, Trapezoidal or curved, such as ovoid or circular, this advantageous configuration allows for an economical geometry of the load floor by facilitating its deformation in the event of a rear impact.

[0028] - the deformation ribs are oriented along the vertical axis. This An advantageous configuration makes it easier to deform the load-bearing floor around a substantially horizontal axis. In particular, the deformation ribs are oriented upwards, i.e. in a direction opposite to the support frame;

[0029] - the deformation ribs of the load-bearing floor are aligned with the starting points of By deforming the support frame, this advantageous configuration, in synergy with the deformation points present on the intermediate side members, allows the floor arrangement to deform optimally in the event of a rear impact. In other words, each deformation rib of the load-bearing floor is located directly above and opposite one of the deformation points of the support frame.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, a three-wheeled vehicle is proposed comprising a floor arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0031] Advantageously, the three-wheeled vehicle comprises:

[0032] - a body structure forming a chassis for the three-wheeled vehicle;

[0033] - an electric traction battery mounted on the body structure and under a seat driver of the three-wheeled vehicle, the floor arrangement extending behind the electric traction battery and being linked to the body structure by a plurality of vertical supports.

[0034] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0036] [Fig.1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of a three-wheeled vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and in a normal operating state;

[0037] [Fig.2] illustrates a side view of the three-wheeled vehicle illustrated in [Fig.1] and following a rear-end collision;

[0038] [Fig.3] illustrates a partial profile view of the support frame of the floor arrangement according to the invention equipping the three-wheeled vehicle illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2;

[0039] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional exploded view of the floor arrangement equipping the three-wheeled vehicle illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.

[0040] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0041] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0042] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0043] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the three-wheeled vehicle 2 on which the floor arrangement 1 according to the invention is intended to be mounted.

[0044] More specifically, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the three-wheeled vehicle 2 and an opposite lateral side of said three-wheeled vehicle 2. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the three-wheeled vehicle 2 to a driver's side of said three-wheeled vehicle 2, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0045] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as if taken along a direction extending from front to back or from back to front of the three-wheeled vehicle 2. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives front, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0046] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis extending from the wheels of the three-wheeled vehicle 2 towards the roof of said three-wheeled vehicle 2, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the axis transverse Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or inferior and superior, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0047] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 4, the invention addresses a floor arrangement 1 for a three-wheeled vehicle 2, and more particularly for an electrified three-wheeled vehicle 2, i.e., one whose traction chain is powered by an electric motor, the three-wheeled vehicle 2 comprising an electric traction battery 23. As seen in [Fig. 1], the electric traction battery 23 is housed under a driver's cab 21, and more particularly under a driver's seat of the driver's cab 22.

[0048] The three-wheeled vehicle 2 has lower longitudinal members 25 which form a subframe of said three-wheeled vehicle 2. Above the lower longitudinal members 25 and behind the driver's cab 21, the three-wheeled vehicle 2 has a floor arrangement 1. The floor arrangement 1 forms a loading surface located behind the driver's cab 22. The floor arrangement 1 is connected to the lower longitudinal members 25 by vertical supports 24.

[0049] According to the invention, the floor arrangement 1 comprises:

[0050] - a support frame 12 formed by two intermediate longitudinal members 120 which extend along the longitudinal axis X of the floor arrangement 1, the intermediate stringers 120 being connected to each other by lateral cross members 123 which extend along the transverse axis Y of said floor arrangement 1;

[0051] - a load-bearing floor 11 forming a predominantly flat loading surface, the load-bearing floor 11 being integral with the support frame 12.

[0052] In order to facilitate deformation of the floor arrangement 1 in the event of a rear impact CA of the three-wheeled vehicle 2, the support frame 12 has a plurality of deformation initiations 13 distributed along the intermediate longitudinal members 120. Each deformation initiation 13 has a material restriction, i.e. a local thinning of material at the intermediate longitudinal member 120, so that, in the event of a rear impact CA and propagation of mechanical stresses in the floor arrangement 1, the mechanical stresses are localized at the level of these local thinnings of material and then lead to a deformation of the intermediate longitudinal member 120 at the level of each deformation initiation 13.

[0053] Thus, each deformation inlet 13 acts as a flexible hinge in the event of a rear-end collision CA, deforming elastically or even plastically. Therefore, the floor arrangement 1 deforms rather than transmits mechanical stresses forward and to the electric traction battery 23 located directly opposite it, along the longitudinal axis X. Figure 2 illustrates the deformation state of the floor arrangement 1 according to the invention following a rear-end collision CA of the three-wheeled vehicle 2.

[0054] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3], each intermediate longitudinal member 120 has a plurality of deformation points 13 which are distributed along the longitudinal axis X. Naturally, the two intermediate longitudinal members 120 are identical to each other so that the deformation points 13 are distributed in the same longitudinal positions. In this way, the supporting frame is configured to be able to bend along flexible hinges oriented along the transverse axis Y.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], each deformation initiation point 13 is formed by a groove 131 machined on the intermediate spar 120. Each groove 131 thus forms a locally machined recess in the material of the intermediate spar 120, taking the form of a rectangular or trapezoidal transverse profile. Furthermore, for the sake of simplification and cost reduction, the grooves 131 forming the deformation initiation points 13 open onto a lower face 122 or an upper face 121 of the intermediate spar 120. This advantageous configuration allows the intermediate spar 120 to be machined on only one of its faces, either the upper face 121 or the lower face 122, for each deformation initiation point 13.

[0056] Thus, the grooves 131 forming the deformation initiations 13 are oriented along the vertical axis Z and are formed from the lower face 122 of the intermediate spar 120 or from the upper face 121 of said intermediate spar 120.

[0057] In a particularly advantageous manner, to promote accordion-like deformation of the support frame 12 of the floor arrangement 1, the grooves 131 forming the deformation initiators 13 are alternately oriented upwards and downwards. In other words, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the grooves 131 forming the deformation initiators 13 are alternately arranged from the lower face 122 and from the upper face 121 of the intermediate stringer 120.

[0058] Even if the load floor 11 linked to the support frame 12 is much lighter and less rigid than the support frame 12, it may be advantageous to program its deformation in a manner analogous to that of the support frame 12 located below.

[0059] For this purpose, the load-bearing floor 11 comprises a plurality of deformation ribs 14 distributed from each lateral edge of the load-bearing floor 11. Each deformation rib 14 forms a fold 141 along the vertical axis Z in the load-bearing floor 11. Each deformation rib 14 extends in a straight line between the two lateral edges of the load-bearing floor 11. Each deformation rib 14 extends along the transverse axis Y. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], each deformation rib 14 has a triangular transverse profile, for example.

[0060] Thus, each deformation rib 14 acts as a flexible hinge in the event of a rear impact CA, causing the load floor 11 to bend elastically or even plastically around each of its deformation ribs 14.

[0061] As can be seen in [Fig.3] in particular, the deformation ribs 14 are aligned with the underlying deformation initiators 13 distributed over the support frame 12. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate the deformation of the load floor 11 and the support frame 12 in a homogeneous and “synchronized” manner.

[0062] In summary, the invention relates to a floor arrangement 1 for a three-wheeled vehicle 2 configured to be able to deform in an accordion-like fashion in the event of a rear impact CA against the three-wheeled vehicle 2. To this end, the support frame 12 and the load floor 11 of the floor arrangement 1 comprise programmed deformation means distributed along the longitudinal axis X. More particularly, the intermediate longitudinal members 120 of the support frame 12 comprise deformation indentations 13 formed by grooves 131 provided in the intermediate longitudinal members 120; and the load floor 11 comprises deformation ribs 14 forming vertical folds 141 on the load floor 11.

[0063] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Floor arrangement (1) for a three-wheeled vehicle (2), the floor arrangement (1) comprising: - a support frame (12) formed by two intermediate longitudinal members (120) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) of the floor arrangement (1), the intermediate longitudinal members (120) being connected to each other by lateral cross members (123) extending along a transverse axis (Y) of said floor arrangement (1); - a load floor (11) forming a predominantly flat loading surface, the load floor (11) being integral with the support frame (12); characterized in that the support frame (12) comprises a plurality of deformation incipients (13) distributed along the intermediate longitudinal members (120).

2. Floor arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each deformation initiation (13) includes a local thinning of material of the corresponding intermediate stringer (120).

3. Floor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each deformation start (13) has a groove (131) provided on the corresponding intermediate stringer (120).

4. Floor arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the groove (131) forming one of the deformation incipients (13) is oriented along the vertical axis (Z).

5. Floor arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, relative to the longitudinal axis (X), the grooves (131) forming the deformation initiation points (13) are alternately oriented upwards and downwards.

6. Floor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load floor (11) comprises a plurality of deformation ribs (14) which extend along the transverse axis (Y) between two lateral edges of the load floor (11).

7. Floor arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each deformation rib (14) forms a local fold (141) of the load floor (11), the fold (141) extending between the two lateral edges.

8. Floor arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the deformation ribs (14) of the load floor (11) are aligned with deformation initiators (13) of the support frame (12).

9. Three-wheeled vehicle (2) comprising a floor arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A three-wheeled vehicle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the three-wheeled vehicle (2) comprises: - a body structure forming a chassis for the three-wheeled vehicle (2); - an electric traction battery (23) mounted on the body structure and under a driver's seat of the three-wheeled vehicle (2), the floor arrangement (1) extending behind the electric traction battery (23) and being connected to the body structure by a plurality of vertical supports (24).

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