Layout for electric or hybrid vehicles including a stiffening element

Abstract

TITLE: Layout for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a stiffening element. Layout (2) for an electric or hybrid vehicle (1), comprising a floor (3), a cross member (4) disposed on a first face (32) of the floor (3) and extending along a first direction, a longitudinal member (5) extending transversely to the cross member (4), and a stiffening element (6) for the longitudinal member (5) attached and fixed to said longitudinal member (5) on one side and to the floor (3) and the cross member (4) on the other. Figure of the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Layout for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a stiffening element

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, particularly one with an electric or hybrid motor, comprising a stiffening element. The invention also relates to a stiffening element intended for such an arrangement. The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising the arrangement and / or the stiffening element. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting the arrangement in the vehicle.

[0002] In the automotive environment, during a frontal collision, the vehicle's bulkhead can be displaced and may move backward toward the driver or a front passenger. It is therefore essential to control the rearward movement of the bulkhead to ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants, particularly to prevent the bulkhead from injuring their lower limbs.

[0003] Classically, the control of the recoil of the apron is implemented by ensuring the maximum compression and absorption of energy at the level of the engine compartment, i.e. in front of the apron, and by ensuring suitable supports for the apron, in particular at the rear of it, within the passenger compartment, for example at the level of a foot, a tunnel and / or a longitudinal member of the vehicle which must not, or only slightly, deform in the event of a frontal impact.

[0004] In the case of electric or hybrid vehicles, the battery is located under the vehicle floor and extends, in particular, partially under the front seats. To ensure more comfortable seating for the vehicle occupants, the battery can be specifically arranged so as not to extend under the lower limbs of the front seat occupants, i.e., under a footwell specific to each front seat. Such an arrangement advantageously optimizes the space available for the occupants by lowering the floor under their feet for greater comfort. However, it follows that, when the battery is located under the floor and the seats but not under the feet of the front seat occupants, it is necessary to integrate a step between the footwell and the floor under the front seats, at which point the side member supporting the firewall rests.

[0005] It has been observed that such a step does not have sufficient rigidity to prevent rotation of the side member in the event of a frontal impact, which can result in significant intrusions of the deck and affect the safety of the occupants of the vehicle. This drawback is even more pronounced when the height of such a step increases and / or for larger and therefore heavier vehicles.

[0006] The invention falls within this context and aims to propose an arrangement enabling sufficient rigidity of the passenger compartment of an electric or hybrid vehicle to contain the intrusions of the apron in the event of a frontal impact, particularly at the level of a front area of ​​the vehicle.

[0007] The invention thus relates to an arrangement for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a floor, configured to delimit at least partially a battery compartment and a step, interposed between said compartment and a footwell suitable for receiving the lower limbs of vehicle occupants, the arrangement further comprising, in addition, a cross member disposed on a first face of the floor and extending along a first direction, a longitudinal member, extending transversely to the cross member and an added longitudinal member stiffening element comprising: - an elongated structure extending along a direction transverse to the first direction and comprising a plurality of walls forming a shape open on at least one side; - at least one fixing bracket, connected to at least one of the walls; - a first connecting portion linked to the longitudinal member, a second connecting portion, interposed between at least a part of the floor and the cross member and connected to them, and an intermediate portion, interposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and at least partly inclined relative to them, the second connecting portion including at least partly at least one fixing bracket.

[0008] In particular: - at least one open side delimited by the plurality of walls is partly facing the cross member, said open side being opposite at least one wall of the plurality of walls that is at least partly facing the stringer; and / or - the plurality of walls of the stiffening element is in an open shape comprising a "U" profile carrying at least one fixing tab, in particular so as to form an inverted "Q" profile.

[0009] Optionally: - the stiffening element comprises a stepped structure, the first connecting portion being at least partly situated in a first plane and the second connecting portion being at least partly situated in a second plane, distinct from the first plane, in particular parallel to the first plane; and / or - the intermediate portion includes an inclination between 10 and 70°, in particular between 20 and 55°, or even between 25 and 50°, relative to the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the floor and / or the longeron.

[0010] According to examples of implementation: - the stiffening element is made of a metallic material, such as steel, in particular by bending and / or stamping; and / or - at least one fixing bracket and the plurality of walls form a single unit.

[0011] Optionally: - the first connecting section is attached to the side member via a fastening means, such as a screw-nut assembly; and / or - the second connecting section is attached to the floor and / or the cross member by welding, in particular at the level of at least one fixing bracket.

[0012] According to examples of embodiments, the arrangement further comprises: - a separating element, connected to the floor and / or the longitudinal member, comprising an additional housing shaped like the stiffening element configured to receive at least a part of said element; and / or - a recess, included in the floor, complementary in shape to the stiffening element and configured to receive at least a part of said element.

[0013] Optionally, the arrangement further includes a cover attached and positioned in contact with at least one fixing tab so as to close at least one open side of the stiffening member.

[0014] The invention also extends to a stiffening element for an arrangement according to the invention, comprising: - an elongated structure comprising a plurality of walls; - a first connecting portion, configured to be connected to a stringer, a second connecting portion configured to be interposed between at least part of a floor and a cross member and to be connected to the floor and the cross member, and an intermediate portion, interposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and at least partly inclined relative to them; - at least one fixing bracket, connected to at least one of the walls and at least partly included in the first portion of the connection so as to be fixed to the cross member and / or the floor.

[0015] The invention also relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising an arrangement and / or a stiffening element according to the invention.

[0016] The invention further extends to a method for mounting an arrangement in a vehicle, comprising: - the positioning and fixing of the longitudinal member and the floor; - the positioning and fixing of the stiffening element relative to the longitudinal member and the floor; - the positioning of the cross member on the floor, so that the stiffening member is at least partially interposed between said floor and the cross member, and the fixing of the cross member on the floor and on the stiffening member.

[0017] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with an arrangement including a side member stiffening device.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a vehicle interior including the layout.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view representation of the arrangement.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the arrangement and device of stiffening.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the arrangement and stiffening device.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the positioning of the stiffening device relative to a separating element.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the arrangement.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the arrangement, including a lid.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view representation of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 considered is an electric or hybrid vehicle, that is to say, it comprises at least one electric motor, also referred to as an electric machine (not shown), and at least one electrical energy storage device, or battery. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle.

[0028] According to conventions relating to the automotive field, throughout the description below, the direction in which the vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X, oriented from front to rear. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground on which the vehicle 1 rests is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct coordinate system XYZ is defined. The terms "up" and "down" or "superior" and "inferior" are understood in their general sense, the terms "Low" and "lower" denote a greater proximity to the ground. The same applies to the terms "front" and "back." Likewise, the terms "first," "second," "primary," and "secondary" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy among those elements.

[0029] The vehicle 1 comprises an arrangement 2 generally including a floor 3, a cross member 4, a side member 5, and a stiffening element 6. The invention also extends to a stiffening element 6 intended for an arrangement 2 and / or a vehicle 1 according to the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the following description, relating to a vehicle 1 and an arrangement 2 comprising a stiffening element 6, applies mutatis mutandis to a stiffening element 6 as such.

[0030] Typically, the floor 3 is located in a lower part of the vehicle 1 and is configured to support various equipment of the vehicle 1, such as seats and / or other components. For example, the floor 3 is made of a metallic material, such as sheet metal, in particular steel. In particular, the floor 3 is partially or substantially flat.

[0031] The floor 3 helps to delimit a passenger compartment, in which the seats are arranged, and a battery compartment 30, comprising the electrical energy storage device, the floor 3 thus separating the passenger compartment from the battery compartment 30. Optionally, the vehicle also includes a floor 3' that helps to delimit at least one area suitable for accommodating at least part of the lower limbs of occupants of the vehicle 1, also referred to as a footwell 31, particularly for a driver and / or a front passenger. In particular, the vehicle 1 includes a footwell 31 for each front seat of the vehicle 1, each adjacent to the floor 3.

[0032] The floor 3' delimiting at least one foot cellar and the floor 3 are partially separated along at least one direction, in particular along the vertical direction Z, so as to form a step 33. In particular, said step 33 helps to delimit the battery compartment 30 on the one hand and at least one foot cellar 31 on the other. Optionally, the floor 3' and the floor 3 are, for example, connected by a separating element 34, further described below.

[0033] Such an arrangement advantageously optimizes the available space for occupants by lowering the floor 3' to the level of the cellar at feet 31 for greater comfort.

[0034] In a known manner, the cross member 4 is an elongated profiled part, in particular made of a metallic material, such as steel. The cross member 4 is disposed on a first face 32 of the floor 3, facing the passenger compartment. It extends mainly along a first direction 100, in particular parallel, or substantially parallel, to the transverse direction Y. The cross member 4 comprises a plurality of flanks 41 forming in a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped profile, said profile being defined here in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X. "Extended" means that the cross member 4 extends over a length, defined along the first direction 100, at least twice the width of the cross member 4, defined along a direction transverse to the first direction 100. The cross member 4 further comprises a base 42, disposed in contact with the floor 3. In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], 7 or 8, the base 42 of the cross member 4 comprises a plurality of slats 42a, at least partially flat, connected to the sides 41 of the cross member 4 and configured to be disposed in contact with the floor 3. Specifically, the cross member 4 is fixed to the floor 3 by means of fasteners, not shown, such as screw-nut assemblies, and / or the cross member 4 is fixed on floor 3 by welding.For example, a contact interface between the cross member 4 and the floor 3 is at least partly flat or substantially flat.

[0035] The side member 5 is an elongated profiled part, in particular made of a metallic material, such as steel. The side member 5 is arranged in the passenger compartment, in particular so as to be interposed between the front seats, i.e., between a driver's seat and a front passenger seat. In particular, the side member 5 is at least partially arranged at the level of at least one footwell 31, for example at floor level 3'. For example, the side member 5 is a central side member 5, arranged in a central area of ​​at least one footwell 31 of the vehicle 1 or in a central area of ​​the passenger compartment, i.e., an area corresponding to half, or substantially half, of the passenger compartment along the transverse direction Y. The side member 5 extends mainly along a second direction 200, transverse, or even orthogonal, to the first direction 100 and in particular parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal direction X.

[0036] Optionally, the stringer 5 comprises a plurality of faces 51 forming an inverted or substantially U-shaped profile, said profile being defined here in a plane parallel to the transverse direction Y. The stringer 5 further comprises a base 52, for example disposed in contact with the ground 3'. In particular, the stringer 5 is fixed to the ground 3' by means of fasteners, not shown, such as screw-nut assemblies, and / or the stringer 5 is fixed to the ground 3' by welding. Optionally, the stringer 5 is connected to the step 33. According to one embodiment, the stringer 5 comprises at least lateral faces 51, connected to the base 52, for example here forming arms of the U, and an intermediate face, connecting said lateral faces 51 to each other and here forming the base 52 of the U.

[0037] The stiffening member 6 is configured to reinforce the longitudinal member 5 and the step area 33 so as to limit the rearward movement of a vehicle apron 10, positioned to support the longitudinal member 5 and separating the passenger compartment from the engine compartment. said vehicle 1 in the event of a frontal collision. It thus helps to control the recoil of said apron 10 in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants, particularly so that the apron 10 does not injure their lower limbs located in at least one footwell 31.

[0038] The stiffening member 6 comprises an elongated structure extending along a direction transverse to the first direction 100. In particular, the stiffening member 6 extends essentially along the second direction 200, notably parallel to the longitudinal direction X. Similar to what has been indicated above, "elongated" means that the stiffening member 6 extends over a length, defined along the second direction 200, at least twice greater than a width of said member, defined along the first direction 100.

[0039] The stiffening member 6 comprises a plurality of walls forming an open shape on at least one side. The stiffening member 6 is thus an elongated profiled part. For example, the stiffening member 6 comprises side walls 61a, bordering the open side of the stiffening member 6, and at least one intermediate wall 61b, connecting the side walls 61a to each other and opposite the open side. In particular, at least a portion of one of the walls, for example of the intermediate wall 61b, is configured to be in contact with the spar 5.

[0040] Also, the stiffening member 6 includes at least one fixing bracket 65, which can also be considered a fin, connected to at least one of the walls of the stiffening member 6 and configured to allow the stiffening member 6 to be fixed relative to the floor 3 and / or the cross member 4. Optionally, but preferably, the at least one fixing bracket 65 is at least partially flat or substantially flat. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one fixing bracket 65 is at least partially complementary in shape to the cross member 4 and / or the floor 3. The at least one fixing bracket 65 extends over all or part of a length of the stiffening member 6, said length being defined along the second direction 200.

[0041] In particular, the stiffening member 6 comprises a plurality of fastening lugs 65. It is understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the following description, when made with respect to a fastening lug 65, extends to all or part of the plurality of fastening lugs 65. In this case, the stiffening member 6 comprises three fastening lugs 65, two lateral fastening lugs 65 being connected to the lateral walls 61a of the stiffening member 6 and an intermediate fastening lug 65 being connected to the intermediate wall 61b and connecting said lateral fastening lugs 65 to each other. It is understood that such a representation is in no way limiting.

[0042] Optionally, at least one open side of the stiffening member 6, delimited by the plurality of walls, is partly turned towards the cross member 4, in particular towards the base 42 of the cross member 4 and / or towards a primary face of the cross member 4. The primary face of the cross member 4 corresponds to the face turned towards the first face 32 of the floor 3. In other words, the said open side is opposite to the wall disposed in contact with the stringer 5, that is to say here opposite to the intermediate wall 61b.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of walls of the stiffening element 6 is inscribed in an open shape comprising a U-shaped profile carrying at least one mounting tab 65 or the mounting tabs 65. In particular, the at least one mounting tab 65 extends transversely, or even orthogonally, to the at least one wall supporting it. The lateral walls 61a then form the arms of the U and the intermediate wall 61b forms the base 52 of said U. When the stiffening element 6 comprises a plurality of mounting tabs 65, connected to the walls, it optionally has an inverted Q-shaped profile.

[0044] The shape of the stiffening member 6, open on one side and comprising at least two walls transverse to one of the walls of the plurality of walls, here due to the lateral walls 61a extending transversely to at least one intermediate wall 61b, makes it possible to ensure the flexural stiffness of the stiffening member 6.

[0045] Optionally, but preferably, the stiffening member 6 is made of a metallic material, such as steel, to optimize its strength and secure attachment. For example, the stiffening member 6 is obtained by bending and / or stamping. Alternatively, at least one fixing bracket 65, or in particular a plurality of fixing brackets 65, and the plurality of walls form a single unit. "Single unit" means that at least one fixing bracket 65 and the walls cannot be separated without resulting in damage to, or even destruction of, the stiffening member 6.

[0046] The stiffening member 6 is attached and arranged in the passenger compartment so as to be at least partially superimposed on the longitudinal member 5. It is configured to cooperate with the longitudinal member 5 on the one hand and with the floor 3 and the cross member 4 on the other hand. In particular, the stiffening member 6 comprises a first connecting portion 62, configured to be connected to the longitudinal member 5, a second connecting portion 63, configured to be connected to the floor 3 and the cross member 4, and an intermediate portion 64, interposed between the first connecting portion 62 and the second connecting portion 63 and connected to said portions.

[0047] The first link portion 62 includes a first contact interface, planar or substantially planar, configured to extend to the contact of the spar 5. For example, the first link portion 62 is configured to be connected to the intermediate face of the spar 5.

[0048] The second connecting portion 63 comprises at least a part of at least one fixing lug 65, in particular at least a part of the plurality of fixing lugs 65. The second connecting portion 63 comprises a second contact interface, planar or substantially planar, configured to be interposed between at least a portion of the floor 3 and the cross member 4 and to be in contact with them. It is also configured to be at least partially connected to the floor 3 on one side and to the cross member 4 on the other. In particular, such a connection is achieved via at least one fixing bracket 65, for example, via a plurality of fixing brackets 65. The positioning of at least one fixing bracket 65, or even of the plurality of fixing brackets 65, at the level of the open side, in particular so as to border said open side, advantageously ensures the attachment of the stiffening element 6 relative to the cross member 4 and the floor 3.

[0049] Note that at least one fixing lug 65, and by extension the plurality of fixing lugs 65, can extend over all or part of a length of the second connecting portion 63 defined along the second direction 200. Also, at least one fixing lug 65, and by extension the plurality of fixing lugs 65, can extend over all or part of a length of the intermediate portion 64 defined along the second direction 200.

[0050] In particular, the stiffening member 6, especially the second connecting portion 63, is connected to the first face 32 of the floor 3 and to the primary face of the cross member 4, facing the first face 32 of the floor 3. In particular, the stiffening member 6 is connected to the base 42 of the cross member 4, for example to at least one of the slats 42a of the base 42, via the second connecting portion 63. Preferably, the stiffening member 6 is connected to the cross member 4 and to the floor 3 via the plurality of fixing lugs 65.

[0051] According to exemplary embodiments, the stiffening member 6 is connected to the longitudinal member 5 on one side and to the cross member 4 and the floor 3 on the other by means of at least one fastening means 7, such as a screw-nut assembly, and / or by welding. Preferably, the first connecting portion 62 is connected to the longitudinal member 5 by means of a fastening means 7, such as a screw-nut assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the second connecting portion 63 is connected to the floor 3 and / or the cross member 4 by welding, in particular at the level of at least one fastening lug 65, for example by means of spot or weld beads. The fastening means 7 and / or the weld points advantageously prevent any possible displacement of the stiffening element 6 relative to the spar 5, particularly along the second direction 200, i.e. here along the longitudinal direction X.

[0052] According to the particular embodiment illustrated, weld points are made between the floor 3 and a first surface of the lateral fixing brackets 65, facing the floor 3. Also, for example, weld points are made between a second surface of the lateral fixing tabs 65 and a second surface of the intermediate fixing tab 65 on the one hand, and the cross member 4 on the other hand, in particular the tabs of the cross member 4.

[0053] The intermediate portion 64 of the stiffening member 6 is at least partly inclined relative to the first connecting portion 62 and the second connecting portion 63. In particular, at least a portion of the at least one intermediate wall 61b included in the intermediate portion 64 is inclined relative to the first connecting portion 62 and the second connecting portion 63, that is to say for example relative to a portion of the at least one intermediate wall 61b included in the first connecting portion 62 and / or to a portion of the at least one intermediate wall 61b included in the second connecting portion 63.For example, portions of the walls, i.e. here the lateral walls 61a and at least one intermediate wall 61b, included in the intermediate portion 64, are inclined relative to at least one portion of said walls included in the first connecting portion 62 and relative to at least one portion of said walls included in the second connecting portion 63.

[0054] By extension, the intermediate portion 64 of the stiffening member 6 is at least partly inclined relative to the longitudinal member 5 and / or relative to the floor 3. In particular, a portion of at least one intermediate wall 61b and / or portions of the side walls 61a included in the intermediate portion 64 of the lowering member are inclined relative to the longitudinal member 5 and / or relative to the floor 3.

[0055] For example, the intermediate portion 64 includes an inclination Kl of between 10 and 70°, in particular between 20 and 55°, or even between 25 and 50°, relative to the first connecting portion 62, the second connecting portion 63 and / or the spar 5. For example, the intermediate portion 64 includes an inclination Kl of the order of 45° relative to the first connecting portion 62, the second connecting portion 63 and / or the spar 5.

[0056] Due to the inclined intermediate portion 64, the stiffening member 6 comprises a stepped structure along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction 100 and the second direction 200. In particular, the first connecting portion 62 lies at least partly in a first plane, here at the level of portions of the mounting tabs 65 included in the first connecting portion 62, and the second connecting portion 63 lies at least partly in a second plane, distinct from the first plane. In particular, the first plane and the second plane are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0057] The stiffening element 6 according to the invention thus has a shape allowing the stiffening of the longitudinal member 5 disposed at the level of at least one foot cellar 31 and at the level of the battery compartment 30, forming a step 33 in the vehicle 1 so as to allow for appropriate restraint of the vehicle 1's bulkhead 10 in the event of a frontal impact. The partially inclined, stepped shape of the stiffening element 6 ensures that the stiffening element 6 is fixed on either side of said step 33, i.e., at various points along the third direction 300, corresponding here to the vertical direction Z. The open structure of the stiffening element 6 and the presence of walls extending transversely to at least one of the walls of the stiffening element 6 ensure appropriate stiffness of the stiffening element 6 in bending, thus preventing rotation of the side member 5 around the transverse direction Y.

[0058] Optionally, the arrangement 2 and / or the vehicle 1 further comprises the partition element 34, also referred to as the glazing bead, described previously, which is configured to separate the battery compartment 30 from at least one footwell 31 along at least one direction. In other words, said partition element 34 helps to delimit the step 33 present between the floor 3 delimiting the battery compartment 30 and the at least one footwell 31, that is to say, the step 33 connecting the floor 3' to the floor 3 in the illustrated example. In this case, the partition element 34 extends along the first direction 100 and / or the third direction 300 and is interposed between the battery compartment and the at least one footwell along the second direction 200.

[0059] In particular, the floor 3 and / or the longitudinal member 5 may be connected to the separating element 34, for example by means of at least one fastener and / or by welding. For example, the separating element 34 is made of a metallic material.

[0060] Optionally, but preferably, the separating element 34 includes a complementary housing 35 shaped to at least a portion of the stiffening member 6 and configured to receive at least a portion of said member. This housing 35 forms a recess or inset, extending, for example, partially into or towards the battery compartment 30 so as to receive the stiffening member 6. The housing 35 is, for example, formed in the separating element 34 by stamping or bending. In particular, this housing 35 is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the intermediate portion 64 of the housing 35. For example, the housing 35 is at least partially inclined and shaped so as to be in contact with the inclined intermediate portion 64 of the stiffening member 6.Such a principle makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the arrangement 2, particularly along the third direction 300, and to support the stiffening element 6, particularly at the intermediate portion 64. .

[0061] Alternatively, the separating element 34 includes a cutout in place of the housing 35, the preceding description applying mutatis mutandis.

[0062] Similarly, optionally but preferably, the floor 3, configured to delimit the battery compartment 30, includes a complementary recess 36 shaped like the stiffening member 6 configured to receive at least a portion of said member. This recess thus forms a recess or inset, extending, for example, partially into or towards the battery compartment 30 so as to receive the stiffening member 6. The recess 36 is open on one side and configured to extend in continuity with the housing of the separating element 34. In other words, the recess 36 is open onto the housing 35. The recess 36 is, for example, formed in the floor 3 by stamping or bending.

[0063] In particular, said recess 36 is complementary in form to at least a portion of the intermediate portion 64 of the housing 35. Optionally, said recess 36 is complementary in form to at least a portion of the second connecting portion 63 and / or to at least one fixing bracket 65. For example, said recess 36 comprises a cavity delimited by the floor 3 and open on at least one side, for example having a U-shaped profile as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. In particular, said recess 36 is at least partially inclined so as to support the stiffening element 6 and so as to extend into contact with it. Alternatively or additionally, the recess 36 includes at least one notch or groove 37 suitable for receiving at least one fixing tab 65. For example, the recess 36 includes a plurality of notches or grooves 37 surrounding at least part of it.Optionally, the housing 35 of the separating element 34 also includes at least one notch or groove 37' suitable for receiving at least one fixing tab 65. Such a principle makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the arrangement 2, in particular along the third direction 300, and to support the stiffening member 6, in particular at the intermediate portion 64 and / or the first connecting portion 62.

[0064] In particular, at least one notch or groove 37 included in the recess 36 is dimensioned and shaped so that the floor 3 and at least one fixing tab 65 are in the same plane in order to optimize the sealing of the fixing interface between the cross member 4 on the one hand and the floor 3 and the stiffening member 6 on the other hand.

[0065] Alternatively, the floor 3 includes an opening in place of the recess 36 or the cavity 37 so that part of the intermediate portion 64 and / or at least one fixing tab 65 can then extend into the battery compartment 30. The preceding description then applies mutatis mutandis.

[0066] According to a particular embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 8] or 9, the arrangement 2 further comprises a cover 8, attached to and fixed onto the stiffening member 6 so as to close all or part of at least one open side of the stiffening member 6. Preferably, the cover 8 is configured to close all or part of the open side included in the intermediate portion 64. For example, the cover 8 is a metal plate that is at least partly flat or substantially flat. The cover 8 is configured to be disposed in contact with all or part of at least one or more of the mounting tabs 65, and fixed thereto, for example by welding.

[0067] In particular, in the illustrated example, at least one fastening tab 65 extends over all or part of the intermediate portion 64 of the stiffening member 6, in addition to the second connecting portion 63, and the cover is configured to close all or part of the open side included in the intermediate portion 64. Optionally, the cover 8 also extends over all or part of the intermediate portion 64 so as to close all or part of the open side. This principle advantageously delays potential buckling of the stiffening member 6 when it is subjected to bending, particularly at the end of a frontal impact. Furthermore, this principle can allow for a reduction in the wall thickness of the stiffening member 6, notably to reduce its cost.

[0068] The invention also extends to a method of mounting an arrangement 2 according to the invention in a vehicle 1. The method comprises, initially, the positioning and fixing of the side member 5 and the floor 3 configured to delimit the battery compartment 30, in the vehicle 1. The fixing of the side member 5 and the floor 3 can be achieved by means of at least one fixing member as described above or by welding. Optionally, when the arrangement 2 includes the partition element 34, the latter can be positioned and fixed beforehand to the side member 5 so that said side member 5 is fixed to said partition element 34.

[0069] The method then comprises positioning the stiffening member 6, as described above, relative to the side member 5 and the floor 3. The stiffening member 6 is positioned in contact with the side member 5, in particular to allow contact between the first connecting portion 62 and at least one of the sides 51 of the side member, such as the intermediate side. The stiffening member 6 is then fixed to the side member 5, for example by screwing via at least one fastening means 7 or by welding. The stiffening member 6 is also positioned in contact with the floor 3, in particular at least via the second connecting portion 63, and fixed to it, for example by welding. Optionally, the stiffening member 6 is arranged so as to extend into the recess 35 of the separating element 34 and / or into the recess 36 of the floor 3 as described previously.

[0070] Finally, the method includes positioning the cross member 4 on the floor 3, so that the stiffening member 6 is at least partially interposed between said floor 3 and the cross member 4, and the fixing of the cross member 4 to the floor 3 and to the stiffening member 6, in particular at the level of at least one fixing bracket 65. In particular, the fixing of the cross member 4 to the floor 3 and to the stiffening member 6 is carried out in the same plane so as to optimize the sealing of the interface between the floor 3, the stiffening member 6 and the cross member 4. Such a principle is, for example, implemented when at least one fixing bracket 65 is disposed in at least one notch or groove 37.

[0071] The present invention thus proposes an arrangement for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a stiffening element capable of limiting the displacement of a vehicle bulkhead within the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal impact by reinforcing the stiffness of a side member located near a battery compartment of the vehicle. The invention can advantageously be implemented simply and can be adapted to different vehicle architectures at low cost.

[0072] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. An arrangement (2) for an electric or hybrid vehicle (1) comprising a floor (3), configured to delimit at least partially a battery compartment (30) and a step (33), interposed between said compartment and a footwell (31) suitable for receiving the lower limbs of occupants of the vehicle (1), the arrangement (2) further comprising a cross member (4) disposed on a first face (32) of the floor (3) and extending along a first direction (100), a longitudinal member (5), extending transversely to the cross member (4) and a stiffening element (6) for the longitudinal member (5), attached, comprising: - an elongated structure extending along a direction transverse to the first direction (100) and comprising a plurality of walls forming a shape open on at least one side; - at least one fixing bracket (65), connected to at least one of the walls;- a first connecting portion (62) linked to the longitudinal member (5), a second connecting portion (63), interposed between at least a part of the floor (3) and the cross member (4) and linked to them, and an intermediate portion (64), interposed between the first connecting portion (62) and the second connecting portion (63) and at least partly inclined relative to them, the second connecting portion (63) comprising at least partly at least one fixing bracket (65).;

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - at least one open side delimited by the plurality of walls is partly turned towards the cross member (4), said open side being opposed to at least one wall of the plurality of walls at least partly turned towards the stringer (5); and / or - the plurality of walls of the stiffening member (6) is inscribed in an open form comprising a "U" profile carrying at least one fixing tab (65), in particular so as to form an inverted "Q" profile.

3. An arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the stiffening member (6) comprises a stepped structure, the first connecting portion (62) being at least partially contained within a first plane and the second connecting portion (63) being at least partly in a second plane, distinct from the first plane, in particular parallel to the first plane; and / or - the intermediate portion (64) includes an inclination (Kl) between 10 and 70°, in particular between 20 and 55°, or even between 25 and 50°, relative to the first connecting portion (62), to the second connecting portion (63), to the floor (3) and / or to the stringer (5).

4. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the stiffening member (6) is made of a metallic material, such as steel, in particular by bending and / or stamping; and / or - at least one fixing tab (65) and the plurality of walls form a single unit.

5. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first connecting portion (62) is connected to the stringer (5) by means of a fastening means (7), such as a screw-nut assembly; and / or - the second connecting portion (63) is connected to the floor (3) and / or to the cross member (4) by welding, in particular at the level of at least one fastening tab (65).

6. An arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a separating element (34), connected to the floor (3) and / or the stringer (5), comprising a housing (35) complementary in shape to the stiffening member (6) configured to receive at least a part of said member; and / or - a recess (36), included in the floor (3), complementary in shape to the stiffening member (6) and configured to receive at least a part of said member.

7. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (8) attached and disposed in contact with at least one fixing tab (65) so as to close at least one open side of the stiffening member (6).

8. Stiffening member (6) for an arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an elongated structure comprising a plurality of walls; - a first connecting portion (62), configured to be connected to a stringer (5), a second connecting portion (63) configured to be interposed between at least a part of a floor (3) and a cross member (4) and to be connected to the floor (3) and to the cross member (4), and an intermediate portion (64), interposed between the first connecting portion (62) and the second connecting portion (63) and at least partly inclined relative to them; - at least one fixing bracket (65), connected to at least one of the walls and at least partly included in the first connecting portion (62) so as to be fixed to the cross member (4) and / or to the floor (3).

9. Vehicle (1) with electric or hybrid motor comprising an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a stiffening element (6) according to the preceding claim.

10. Method of mounting an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in a vehicle (1), comprising: - positioning and fixing the side member (5) and the floor (3); - positioning and fixing the stiffening member (6) relative to the side member (5) and the floor (3); - positioning the cross member (4) on the floor (3), so that the stiffening member (6) is at least partially interposed between said floor (3) and the cross member (4), and fixing the cross member (4) to the floor (3) and to the stiffening member (6).

Images