FRONT IMPACT PROTECTION PART FOR AN ELECTRIC POWERED TRICAR FRAME

Abstract

A protective part (PP) is fitted to a structure (ST) forming part of a three-wheeled vehicle (TM) with a front wheel (RV) coupled to handlebars (G) and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR). The structure comprises two lower side rails (LLI) coupled by first (TI1) and second (TI2) lower cross members, which respectively support an upright to which the handlebars (G) and the battery (BR) are coupled. A lower central rail (LCI) is fixedly attached to the first (TI1) and second (TI2) lower cross members and contributes to supporting the battery (BR). This protective part (PP) is fixedly attached to the lower central rail (LCI) in front of the battery (BR) and, in the event of breakage of the lower central rail (LCI) caused by the front wheel (RV) crushing against the first lower cross member (TI1) during a frontal impact, is designed to protect the battery (BR) from the broken lower central rail (LCI). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: FRONT IMPACT PROTECTION PART FOR AN ELECTRIC POWERED TRICAR FRAME Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to three-wheeled vehicles with an electric drive unit associated with a battery and comprising a front wheel and two rear wheels, and more specifically the protection of the battery in the event of a front impact. State of the art

[0002] Certain three-wheeled vehicles (or "cargo motorcycles"), with an electric drive unit connected to a battery, comprise a front wheel coupled to a handlebar, two rear wheels and a structure comprising:

[0003] - two lower lateral longitudinal members, right and left, coupled in a front part by a first lower cross member supporting a post to which the handlebars are coupled and a second lower cross member supporting the battery just before a rear part, and

[0004] - a lower central longitudinal member fixedly attached to the first and second cross members lower and contributing to battery support.

[0005] It should be noted that here the term “battery” means an assembly comprising a protective container and elements specifically designed to store electrical energy, such as, for example, possibly electrochemical cells.

[0006] It should also be noted that generally the two lower longerons have a curved shape in the rear part of the structure, and the latter also includes two upper longerons, right and left, extending throughout this rear section and being coupled to the lower longerons by support pieces. It will be understood that in this arrangement the lower longerons are installed at a lower vertical level than the upper longerons and that their curved shape allows them to come into contact with the rear portions of the upper longerons.

[0007] It should also be noted that this type of tricycle, with one front wheel and two rear wheels, has a shape which is generally described as delta-shaped.

[0008] When this type of three-wheeled vehicle is subjected to a frontal impact, its front wheel undergoes significant deformation until it becomes almost incompressible and then comes into contact with the first lower crossmember (front), to which the front end of the lower central longitudinal member is attached. This lower central longitudinal member then transmits almost all of the forces experienced to the rest of the structure. When these forces are very high, the lower central longitudinal member first deforms plastically and then breaks into a front sub-section and a rear sub-section. Finally, after this break, the front sub-section of the lower central frame rail becomes embedded in the battery (and more specifically in its protective casing), causing the casing to rupture and thus allowing the front sub-section to contact and potentially damage the internal components of the battery (particularly those that store electrical energy). This can then result in the battery failing and / or overheating, even a fire, and / or a short circuit that could potentially cause electrocution of the driver and / or a leak leading to pollution.

[0009] It would be possible to strengthen the battery protection by significantly reinforcing the front wall of its protective casing. However, this would increase the weight of the tricycle, and therefore its electrical energy consumption (which would result in a reduction of its driving range).

[0010] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation, in particular to increase the passive protection of the battery in the event of a front (or frontal) impact suffered by the three-wheeled vehicle. Presentation of the invention

[0011] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a protective part intended to equip a structure, on the one hand, suitable for forming part of a three-wheeled vehicle with a front wheel coupled to a handlebar and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, comprising:

[0012] - two lower lateral longitudinal members coupled in a front part by first and second lower crossbars respectively supporting an upright to which the handlebars and battery are coupled just before a rear section, and

[0013] - a lower central longitudinal member fixedly attached to the first and second cross members lower and contributing to battery support.

[0014] This protective piece is characterized by the fact that it is designed to be fixedly attached to the lower central longitudinal member in front of the battery, and, in the event of breakage of the lower central longitudinal member, caused by the front wheel being crushed against the first lower crossmember during a front impact, to protect the battery from a front sub-part of the broken lower central longitudinal member.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, in the event of a front impact, the broken lower central longitudinal member is forced to become embedded in the protective part, which prevents it from attacking the protective tray and therefore from contacting and possibly damaging the internal elements of the battery, and consequently makes it possible to increase the passive protection of the battery without a significant increase in weight.

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

[0017] - it can have a section in a vertical and longitudinal plane of the shape general triangular shape, with a front wall designed to be oriented towards the upright by being inclined;

[0018] - in the presence of the first option, it may include at least one wall of longitudinal reinforcement fixedly attached to an internal face of the front wall;

[0019] - it may comprise two rear transverse walls, right and left, specific to be installed against a front wall of the battery;

[0020] - in the presence of the first two options, it can comprise two walls longitudinal, right and left, fixedly attached to the front wall and to which are fixedly attached respectively the rear transverse walls;

[0021] - in the presence of the last sub-option, it may include at least one wall of transverse reinforcement fixedly attached to internal faces of the longitudinal walls;

[0022] - in the presence of the first sub-option and last sub-sub-option, each wall transverse reinforcement can pass through the longitudinal reinforcement wall at a corresponding dedicated cutout;

[0023] - also in the presence of the last sub-option, the longitudinal walls may include downward extensions designed to be fixedly attached respectively to the right and left lateral faces of the lower central spar.

[0024] The invention also proposes a structure, on the one hand, suitable for forming part of a three-wheeled cargo bike with a front wheel coupled to handlebars and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, comprising:

[0025] - two lower lateral longitudinal members coupled in a front part by first and second lower crossbars respectively supporting an upright to which the handlebars and battery are coupled just before a rear section,

[0026] - a lower central longitudinal member fixedly attached to the first and second cross members lower and contributing to battery support, and

[0027] - a protective piece of the type shown above and fixedly attached to the lower central longitudinal member in front of the battery.

[0028] The invention also proposes a three-wheeled vehicle comprising, on the one hand, a front wheel coupled to a handlebar and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, a structure of the type presented above on which these electric drive units and batteries are fixedly installed. 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 left-side view, part of an example of a three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive unit associated with a battery and comprising an example of an embodiment of a structure according to the invention including a protective part according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the left side, a front part of the three-wheeled vehicle in [Fig. 1], and

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, a example of the realization of a protective part according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] The invention aims in particular to provide a PP protective part intended to be part of an ST structure of a TM three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive machine associated with a BR battery and delta shape (one front wheel RV and two rear wheels RR), in order to protect this BR battery in the event of a front (or frontal) impact.

[0034] 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 including, in particular, two lower longitudinal members, possibly curved, coupled at the front by lower cross members coupled by a lower central longitudinal member, one of which is adapted to support, together with the latter, a rechargeable battery associated with its electric drive unit just before a rear section. Thus, the invention also relates to three-wheeled vehicles with an electric drive unit dedicated to the transport of passengers.

[0035] In figures 1 to 3 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate at least partially part of an example of a delta-shaped TM three-wheeler (one front wheel RV and two rear wheels RR), with an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable BR battery, and comprising an example of an embodiment of an ST structure according to the invention including an example of an embodiment of a PP protective part according to the invention.

[0038] Although it appears only partially in Figures 1 and 2, the ST structure includes in particular two lower lateral longitudinal members LLI, right and left, first (TU) and second (TI2) lower cross members, a lower central longitudinal member LCI and an MS upright.

[0039] The MS upright is an element of the ST structure to which a handlebar G is rotationally coupled, to which the front wheel RV is coupled.

[0040] It should be noted that the ST structure can be subdivided into a front section PVS and a rear section PRS, which extend mutually via the lower side members LLI. The front section PVS includes an area in which, among other things, the driver's seat SC and the rechargeable battery BR (here located under this driver's seat SC) are installed. It should also be noted that this front section PVS can support a cab that is at least partially enclosed, comprising a rear wall PRC located at the interface with the rear section PRS and housing the handlebars G, the controls usable by the driver, the battery BR, and the driver's seat SC (as partially and non-exhaustively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). It should also be noted that in Figures 1 and 2, the cab is essentially represented by its frame CC, but it generally includes walls, a possible windshield, and one (or two) possible door(s).

[0041] The BR battery is an assembly comprising a protective tray and rechargeable elements suitable for storing electrical energy, such as possibly electrochemical cells.

[0042] The two lower lateral longitudinal members LLI respectively comprise front parts coupled in the front part PVS of the ST structure by the first TU and second TI2 lower cross members.

[0043] The first lower cross member TU supports the upright MS (to which the handlebar G is coupled). The second lower cross member TI2 supports the battery BR (and the driver's seat SC) just before the rear part PRS of the structure ST.

[0044] For example, each lower lateral longitudinal member LLI comprises, in the rear section PRS, a first front sub-section extending rearward from its front portion, positioned at a first vertical level (along the vertical direction Z), and extended rearward from the three-wheeled vehicle TM by a first rear sub-section positioned at a second vertical level (along the vertical direction Z) higher than the first level. In other words, in the rear section PRS, each lower lateral longitudinal member LLI has a curvilinear (upward) shape.

[0045] As illustrated, the ST structure may also include two upper lateral longitudinal members LLS, right and left, which extend (longitudinally) throughout the rear portion PRS of the ST structure by being coupled to the lower lateral longitudinal members LLI by PSm support pieces. For example, these PSL support pieces can be metal profiles extending substantially vertically (along the vertical direction Z)). The number of PSL support pieces ensuring the coupling of an upper side member LLS to the corresponding lower side member LLI (in the rear part PRS) can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0046] When the lower side members LLI have an upward curvilinear shape, each upper side member LLS comprises a second rear sub-section positioned directly above and in contact with a portion of the first rear sub-section of the corresponding lower side member LLI (and thus coupled to it), and a second front sub-section extending this second rear sub-section forward of the three-wheeled vehicle TM (being positioned at the same vertical level) and vertically spaced (along the vertical direction Z, being positioned above) from the first front sub-section of the corresponding lower side member LLI. Thus, the first rear (curvilinear) sub-sections respectively support the second rear sub-sections of the corresponding upper side members LLS, and the second rear sub-sections are fixedly attached, by welding and / or screwing, to the first rear sub-sections.

[0047] It should be noted that the upper lateral longitudinal members LLS can be coupled together by upper cross members.

[0048] For example, and as partially and non-limitingly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the ST structure may include a PS floor supported by the upper lateral stringers LLS, substantially flat and capable of supporting objects.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the PP protective piece according to the invention is suitable for being fixedly attached at least to the lower central longitudinal member LCI, in front of the battery BR. This fixed attachment can be achieved by welding and / or screwing.

[0050] In addition, the PP protective piece is arranged, in the event of breakage of the lower central longitudinal member LCI, caused by a crushing of the front wheel RV against the first lower cross member TU during a front impact, to protect the battery BR of a front sub-part SPV of the broken lower central longitudinal member LCI.

[0051] It will be understood that henceforth the rear end of the front sub-part SPV of the lower central longitudinal member LCI (resulting from the substantially central break of the latter (LCI)) is constrained to fit into the protective part PP, being subject to damping, which prevents it from damaging the protective tray and thus from contacting and possibly damaging the internal components of the BR battery (and in particular those that store electrical energy). There is therefore (virtually) no longer any risk of failure of the BR battery and / or internal overheating of the BR battery, or even of fire, and / or short circuit and / or leakage. The invention allows Therefore, to increase the passive protection of the BR battery, without increasing the weight of the TM tricycle, which avoids reducing its mileage range.

[0052] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 to 3, the PP protective piece may have a cross-section in a vertical and longitudinal plane XZ that is generally triangular, preferably rectangular to allow parallelism with the front wall PVB of the battery BR. In this case, it may include a front wall PVP that is designed to be oriented towards the upright MS by being inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z or to a plane XY. This triangular shape avoids the presence of a potentially dangerous edge. However, other shapes can be considered, and in particular a general rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0053] In the presence of this illustrated arrangement, the PP protective piece also comprises, as illustrated but not limited to Figures 2 and 3, two longitudinal walls PL, right and left, which are fixedly attached to the front wall PVP (preferably substantially perpendicularly). This increases the rigidity of the PP protective piece and thus enhances its ability to protect the BR battery.

[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 3], the PP protective piece may include at least one longitudinal reinforcing wall PRL which is fixedly attached to the inner face Fil of the front wall PVP. This also enhances the PP protective piece's ability to protect the BR battery, particularly due to increased rigidity. This fixed attachment can be achieved by welding.

[0055] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the PP protective piece may include two rear transverse walls PTR, right and left, which are suitable for installation against the front wall PVB of the BR battery. It will be understood that these rear transverse walls PTR advantageously allow, when the PP protective piece does not include a rear closing wall opposite the front wall PVB as in the example of [Fig. 3], an increase in the bearing surface of the PP protective piece on the front wall PVB and thus a better distribution of the forces absorbed when the front sub-section SPV of the lower central spar LCI strikes the front wall PVP of the PP protective piece.

[0056] It should be noted that these rear transverse walls PTR can optionally be fixedly attached to the front wall PVB of the battery BR. This fixed attachment can then be achieved by welding and / or screwing.

[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the PP protective piece may also include an upper transverse wall PTS suitable for installation against the front wall PVB of the BR battery. It will be understood that this upper transverse wall PTS also allows, in the example of [Fig. 3] to increase the bearing surface of the PP protective part on the front PVB wall and thus further increase the distribution of forces absorbed when the front SPV sub-part of the lower central longitudinal member LCI hits the front PVP wall of the PP protective part.

[0058] It should be noted that this upper transverse wall PTS can optionally be fixedly attached to the front wall PVB of the battery BR. This fixed attachment can then be achieved by welding and / or screwing.

[0059] It should also be noted that, when the PP protective piece includes the two longitudinal walls PL, the possible rear transverse walls PTR can, as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 2 and 3, be fixedly attached respectively to these longitudinal walls PL.

[0060] It should also be noted that, when the PP protective part comprises the two longitudinal walls PL, it may also include at least one transverse reinforcing wall PRT which is fixedly attached to the inner faces FI2 of these longitudinal walls PL. This also enhances the PP protective part's ability to protect the battery BR, particularly due to increased rigidity. This fixed attachment can be achieved by welding.

[0061] It will be understood that the PP protective piece may comprise at least one longitudinal reinforcing wall PRL and / or at least one transverse reinforcing wall PRT. When it comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcing wall PRL and at least one transverse reinforcing wall PRT, as illustrated (without limitation) in [Fig. 3], and thus further increasing its rigidity, each transverse reinforcing wall PRT may pass through one of the longitudinal reinforcing walls PRL at a corresponding dedicated cutout (or passage) DD. In this case, each transverse reinforcing wall PRT may optionally be permanently welded to one of the longitudinal reinforcing walls PRL.

[0062] It should also be noted that, when the PP protective piece comprises the two longitudinal walls PL, these walls (PL) may advantageously include downward extensions (along the vertical direction Z) designed to be fixedly attached respectively to the right and left lateral faces FLL of the lower central spar LCI. This reinforces the anchoring of the PP protective piece to the rear sub-section of the lower central spar LCI, which extends from its front sub-section SPV.

[0063] It should also be noted that the PP protective piece can be made by cutting and stamping a metal plate or sheet (for example, steel or aluminum), which allows it to be permanently joined by welding. However, it could also be made by molding a rigid and resistant plastic or synthetic material, and in this case, it is permanently joined by gluing and / or screwing.

Claims

Demands

1. Protective part (PP) for a structure (ST), on the one hand, suitable for forming part of a three-wheeled vehicle (TM) with a front wheel (RV) coupled to a handlebar (G) and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR), and, on the other hand, comprising i) two lower lateral longitudinal members (LLI) coupled in a front part (PVS) by first (TU) and second (TI2) lower cross members respectively supporting an upright (MS) to which said handlebar (G) and said battery (BR) are coupled just before a rear part (PRS), and ii) a lower central longitudinal member (LCI) fixedly attached to said first (TU) and second (TI2) lower cross members and participating in the support of said battery (BR), characterized in that it is suitable for being fixedly attached to said lower central longitudinal member (LCI) in front of said battery (BR) and, in the event of breakage of said lower central longitudinal member (LCI),caused by crushing of said front wheel (RV) against said first lower crossmember (TU) during a front impact, to protect said battery (BR) from a broken front sub-section (SPV) of said lower central longitudinal member (LCI).

2. Protective piece according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a section in a vertical and longitudinal plane of generally triangular shape, with a front wall (PVP) suitable for being oriented towards said upright (MS) by being inclined.

3. Protective piece according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcing wall (PRL) fixedly attached to an internal face (Wire) of said front wall (PVP).

4. Protective piece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises two rear transverse walls (PTR), right and left, suitable for being installed against a front wall (PVB) of said battery (BR).

5. Protective piece according to claim 2 or 3 taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that it comprises two longitudinal walls (PL), right and left, fixedly attached to said front wall (PVP) and to which are fixedly attached respectively said rear transverse walls (PTR).

6. Protective piece according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one transverse reinforcing wall (PRT) fixedly attached to internal faces (FI2) of said longitudinal walls (PL).

7. Protective piece according to the combination of claims 3 and 6, characterized in that each transverse reinforcing wall (PRT) passes through said longitudinal reinforcing wall (PRL) at the level of a corresponding dedicated cutout (DD).

8. Protective piece according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said longitudinal walls (PL) comprise downward extensions adapted to be fixedly attached respectively to lateral faces (FLL), right and left, of said lower central spar (LCI).

9. Structure (ST) suitable for being part of a front wheel (RV) three-wheeled vehicle (TM) coupled to a handlebar (G) and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR), and comprising i) two lower lateral longitudinal members (LLI) coupled in a front part (PVS) by first (TU) and second (TI2) lower cross members supporting respectively an upright (MS) to which is coupled said handlebar (G) and said battery (BR) just before a rear part (PRS), and ii) a lower central longitudinal member (LCI) fixedly attached to said first (TU) and second (TI2) lower cross members and participating in the support of said battery (BR), characterized in that it further comprises a protective piece (PP) according to one of the preceding claims, fixedly attached to said lower central longitudinal member (LCI) in front of said battery (BR).

10. Triporteur (TM) comprising a front wheel (RV) coupled to a handlebar (G) and an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable battery (BR), characterized in that it further comprises a structure (ST) according to claim 9, on which said electric drive unit and battery (BR) are fixedly installed.

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