Front arrangement for vehicle and associated vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front arrangement for a vehicle, and this is: - A subframe comprising two lateral members, wherein each lateral member extends along the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, and the two lateral members are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction, said subframe - A support member (30) comprising an upper surface (64) and a lower surface (66) opposite each other along a vertical direction (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x) and transverse direction (y), wherein the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) extends opposite to the subframe, the support member (30), - A lower receiving space defined along the vertical direction (z) between the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) and the subframe, and - Includes a charger that is fixed to the subframe and extends into the lower receiving space.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates particularly to a front device for a vehicle intended to be arranged at the front of the vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising such a front device. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial vehicles, especially light vehicles such as vans, are increasingly being used in cities, for example, to ensure the delivery of parcels or goods.

[0003] For functional reasons, these vehicles generally have large dimensions, especially at the front of the vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, these vehicles often provide a large front overhang and a large turning diameter.

[0005] Known commercial vehicles are therefore generally not very maneuverable, which causes difficulties, especially in narrow urban spaces.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages and to propose a front device for a vehicle that enables, in particular, to improve the maneuverability of the vehicle.

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention has, for this purpose, a front device for a vehicle, particularly for an automobile, which:

[0008] - A subframe comprising two lateral members, wherein each of the lateral members extends along the longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end, and the two lateral members are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, said subframe

[0009] - A support member comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to each other along a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, wherein the lower surface of the support member extends facing the subframe, said support member

[0010] - A lower receiving space defined along the vertical direction between the lower surface of the support and the subframe, and

[0011] - Includes a charger fixed to the subframe and extending from the lower receiving space.

[0012] According to other advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the forward device comprises one or more of the following features, taken according to all technically possible combinations or alone:

[0013] - The subframe includes a cross member extending between two lateral members along the transverse direction, and the charger is fixed to the cross member.

[0014] - The front device further includes a battery fixed on the upper surface of the support.

[0015] - The front unit further includes an air conditioning compressor fixed on the upper surface of the support member.

[0016] - The air conditioning compressor includes a U-shaped filter support.

[0017] - The front device includes a solenoid valve fixed to the lower surface of the support.

[0018] - The front device includes a cooling and / or heating element, and the cooling and / or heating element is fixed to the lower surface of the support.

[0019] - The front unit further includes at least one line of the vehicle's air conditioning and / or heating system, and the line extends at least partially from the lower receiving space.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, particularly an automobile, comprising a front device as described above.

[0021] According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the vehicle further comprises a powertrain arranged at the rear of the vehicle. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] The present invention is given merely as a non-limiting example and will become more clearly apparent upon reading the following description made with reference to the drawings, where: [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a front device according to the present invention, and the arrangement includes a support member that conveys a subframe and components, [Fig. 3] [Fig. 4] Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the front device of Fig. 2, [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a support member that conveys components of a front device according to the present invention. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a subframe of a front device according to the present invention, and [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a compressor of a forward device according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle (10) according to the present invention.

[0024] The vehicle (10) is, for example, an automobile, especially a commercial vehicle, especially a light commercial vehicle.

[0025] In particular, the vehicle (10) is intended to transport goods such as parcels and / or passengers.

[0026] The vehicle (10) is a van, for example, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] The vehicle (10) is preferably an electric vehicle.

[0028] For clarity, a regular orthogonal reference frame (XYZ) including a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y), and a vertical direction (Z) is defined. The longitudinal direction (X) extends along the forward movement axis of the vehicle (10) and corresponds to the front-rear axis of the vehicle (10). The transverse direction (Y) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and corresponds to the left-right axis of the vehicle (10). The vertical direction (Z) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) and corresponds to the bottom-top axis of the vehicle (10).

[0029] The terms "top" and "bottom" are defined for the vertical direction (Z) corresponding to the height of the vehicle. The terms "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are defined for the general direction of forward movement of the vehicle.

[0030] For example, the vehicle (10) includes, in particular, a chassis (12) of the “skateboard platform” type and a body (14) fixed on the chassis (12).

[0031] In particular, the chassis (12) includes a flat structure similar to, for example, a skateboard and is intended to support all essential mechanical and electronic components for the propulsion and control of the vehicle.

[0032] The vehicle (10) advantageously provides a small front protrusion corresponding to the distance (D) between the axle of the front wheel (19) of the vehicle (10) and the front end of the vehicle (10). For example, the protrusion is between 600 mm and 900 mm, and, for example, substantially equal to 750 mm.

[0033] The vehicle (10) also advantageously provides a small rotational diameter corresponding to the diameter of the smallest circle that can be described by the vehicle rotating its wheel to its maximum. For example, the rotational diameter of the vehicle (10) is between 7m and 12m and, for example, substantially equal to 10m.

[0034] The vehicle (10) also advantageously provides a long wheelbase corresponding to the distance between the front axle and the rear axle, in particular. For example, the wheelbase of the vehicle (10) is between 3000mm and 3500mm.

[0035] Preferably, the vehicle (10), particularly the body (14), defines a compartment (16) particularly at the front of the vehicle (10).

[0036] Advantageously, the vehicle (10) includes a heating and / or cooling system (18) intended to heat and / or cool other elements of the vehicle (10), such as the passenger compartment of the vehicle (10) and / or, for example, high-voltage components.

[0037] The heating and / or cooling system (18) is preferably arranged in the compartment (16).

[0038] The heating and / or cooling system (18) is, for example, a heat pump.

[0039] Preferably, the vehicle (10) includes a powertrain (22) arranged at the rear of the vehicle (10).

[0040] In particular, for example, the powertrain (22) includes a motor (24), in particular an electric motor. The motor (24) is fixed, for example, to the chassis (12), in particular to the rear of the chassis (12).

[0041] Preferably, the powertrain (22) also includes a drive battery (25) arranged particularly near the motor (24).

[0042] The vehicle (10) includes a front device (26) according to the present invention.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the front device (26) is arranged particularly in the front of the vehicle (10), specifically in the compartment (16).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the front device (26) includes a subframe (28), a support (30), a lower receiving space (32), and a charger (34).

[0045] Preferably, the front device (26) further includes at least one of a battery (36), an air conditioning compressor (38), a solenoid valve (40), a cooler (42), a heating element (44), and at least one line (46) of the heating and / or cooling system (18) of the vehicle (10).

[0046] The subframe (28) includes two side members (48A, 48B) and preferably at least one cross member (50).

[0047] The two side members (48A, 48B) each extend along the longitudinal direction (X) between the front end (54A, 54B) and the rear end (56A, 56B).

[0048] The two side members (48A, 48B) are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction (Y).

[0049] In particular, the subframe (28) includes a left side member (48A) and a right side member (48B).

[0050] Each of the two side members (48A, 48B) provides a beam, in particular, made of metal, for example, steel or aluminum alloy.

[0051] Each of the two side members (48A, 48B) provides a substantially square closed box cross-section, for example, particularly one side being between 3 cm and 15 cm.

[0052] Preferably, the cross member (50) extends between the two side members (48A, 48B) along the transverse direction (Y).

[0053] In particular, in the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the cross member (50) extends and, in particular, connects the rear ends (56A, 56B) of two side members (48A, 48B).

[0054] The cross member (50) is made of, for example, metal, particularly steel or aluminum alloy.

[0055] The intersection member (50) provides, for example, a closed box cross section of a rectangular shape having a length between 7 cm and 20 cm (measured according to the direction (X)).

[0056] In particular, the intersecting member (50) preferably includes an upper surface (58) and a lower surface (60) that are opposite to each other with respect to the vertical direction (Z). Each of the two surfaces (58, 60) extends in a plane (XY).

[0057] Each of the two surfaces (58, 60) extends substantially in the plane (XY), in particular. For example, the upper surface (58) is oriented upward and the lower surface (60) is oriented downward.

[0058] Advantageously, the subframe (28) also includes a front cross member (52) to particularly reinforce the subframe (28).

[0059] For example, in a specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the front cross member (52) extends and, in particular, connects the front ends (54A, 54B) of two side members (48A, 48B).

[0060] In a specific embodiment, the subframe (28) includes two lugs (62A, 62B) for locking suspension elements, and in particular, a left lug (62A) and a right lug (62B).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, each of the lugs (62A, 62B) extends along the vertical direction (Z).

[0062] For example, each of the lugs (62A, 62B) is fixed to the rear end (56A, 56B) of the corresponding side member (48A, 48B).

[0063] For example, the subframe (28) is fixed to the chassis (12), and is fixed particularly to the front of it.

[0064] In particular, the rear ends (56A, 56B) of the side members (48A, 48B) are connected to the front of the chassis (12), for example.

[0065] Alternatively, the subframe (28) is an integrated subframe, that is, it forms an integral part of the chassis (12).

[0066] The support member (30) includes an upper surface (64) and a lower surface (66) that are opposite each other according to the vertical direction (Z).

[0067] Each of the two surfaces (64, 66) substantially extends in the plane (XY). For example, the upper surface (64) is oriented toward the top and the lower surface (66) is oriented toward the bottom.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) extends facing the subframe (28), particularly along the vertical direction (Z).

[0069] For example, the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) extends parallel to the subframe (28) and preferably extends a certain distance from it along the vertical direction (Z).

[0070] In particular, the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) is separated from the subframe (28) and, for example, from the upper surface (58) of the cross member (50) by a distance (d1) between 2 cm and 100 cm.

[0071] For example, the support member (30) includes a sheet metal part (68) defining an upper surface (64) and a lower surface (66), and is preferably formed by this.

[0072] The sheet metal part (68) is, for example, folded and / or stamped.

[0073] For example, the sheet metal part (68) is made of steel.

[0074] The sheet metal part (68) provides a thickness between, for example, 1 mm and 2 mm, or even between 1.5 mm and 1.75 mm.

[0075] The sheet metal part (68) provides a cross-section taken in a plane (XZ), for example, in particular in the shape of an inverse omega.

[0076] In particular, the sheet metal part (68) defines two transverse edges (70) connected to each other by a central part (72).

[0077] Each of the transverse edges (70) extends particularly along the transverse direction (Y).

[0078] For example, each of the transverse edges (70) has an inverted U-shaped cross-section oriented particularly toward the bottom.

[0079] The central portion (72) extends particularly in the plane (XY) between the two transverse edges (70).

[0080] Advantageously, the support portion (30) includes, in particular, recesses and / or protrusions (boss) formed in the central portion (72) and / or transverse edges (70) of the sheet metal part (68).

[0081] The support member (30) is fixed, for example, to the chassis (12), particularly to the front thereof.

[0082] The support member (30) provides a length between 650 mm and 850 mm, or even between 730 mm and 780 mm, measured along the lateral direction (Y), for example.

[0083] The support member (30) provides a width between 200 mm and 350 mm, or even between 250 mm and 300 mm, measured along the longitudinal direction (X), for example.

[0084] The lower receiving space (32) is defined according to the vertical direction (Z) between the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) and the subframe (28).

[0085] In particular, the lower receiving space (32) corresponds to the volume between the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) and the subframe (28), particularly the height (d1).

[0086] The charger (34) is fixed to the subframe (28).

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the charger (34) extends from the lower receiving space (32).

[0088] More precisely, in one particular embodiment, the charger (34) is fixed to the cross member (50), particularly the upper surface (58) of the cross member (50).

[0089] The charger (34) is secured to the subframe (28) by, for example, screws.

[0090] The charger (34) provides, for example, a rectangular block shape.

[0091] The charger (34) is intended to convert electrical energy from an external source, such as a wall outlet or a charging station, into energy stored in the drive battery (25).

[0092] Preferably, the battery (36) is secured by screws on the upper surface (64) of the support (30), particularly on the central portion (72) of the sheet metal part (68).

[0093] The battery (36) is, for example, fixed on the right side of the upper surface (64) of the support member (30).

[0094] The battery (36) preferably includes a protective part (74) that surrounds the battery (36).

[0095] The protection part (74) is advantageously configured to protect the battery (36) in the event of an accident, especially a frontal collision.

[0096] The battery (36) is, for example, an auxiliary battery, specifically a lead-acid battery.

[0097] The battery (36) provides a terminal voltage of about 12 volts.

[0098] Preferably, the air conditioning compressor (38) is fixed by screws, for example, on the upper surface (64) of the support (30), particularly on the central part (72) of the sheet metal part (68).

[0099] The air conditioning compressor (38) is fixed, for example, on the left side of the upper surface (64) of the support member (30), particularly next to the battery (36).

[0100] The air conditioning compressor (38) specifically includes a main body (76).

[0101] The air conditioning compressor (38), in particular its main body (76), is preferably supplied with a high voltage of about 800 V, for example, and is a beltless electric air conditioning compressor.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioning compressor (38) advantageously further includes a filter support (78), particularly a filtration means.

[0103] The filter support (78) preferably ensures that the air conditioning compressor (38) is locked onto the upper surface (64) of the support (30), more precisely on the support (30), and much more precisely on one of the recesses provided on the central portion (72) of the sheet metal part (68).

[0104] In particular, the filter support (78) is fixed between the main body (76) and the support (30).

[0105] The filter support (78) provides a U-shape, for example, in a plane (XY).

[0106] In particular, the filter support (78) includes two transverse branches (82) connected to each other by a longitudinal branch (84) that extends along the transverse direction (Y) and extends along the longitudinal direction (X).

[0107] The filter support (78) is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, particularly by casting.

[0108] In particular, the filtering means is advantageously arranged between the filter support (78) and the main body (76) so as not to transmit vibrations from the main body (76) to the support (30).

[0109] The filtration means is preferably configured to ensure pendulum damping, particularly at its center of gravity.

[0110] Preferably, the cooler (42) is fixed on the lower surface (66) of the support (30), for example, by screws.

[0111] The cooler (42) is fixed on the left side of the lower surface (66) of the support (30), for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5.

[0112] The cooler (42) is, for example, a component of the heating and / or cooling system (18).

[0113] For example, the cooler (42) is more commonly known as a “chiller”.

[0114] In particular, the cooler (42) is configured to provide heat exchange between the liquid, particularly water, and the gas, particularly air, used in the heating and / or cooling system (18).

[0115] Preferably, the heating element (44) is fixed on the lower surface (66) of the support member (30), for example, by screws.

[0116] The heating element (44) is fixed on the right side of the lower surface (66) of the support member (30), for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5.

[0117] The heating element (44) is, for example, a component of the heating and / or cooling system (18).

[0118] For example, the heating element (44) is particularly of the HVCH ("high voltage cooling water heaters") type.

[0119] In particular, the heating element (44) is configured to heat the liquid, particularly water, of the heating and / or cooling system (18), for example, through a heating resistor.

[0120] The solenoid valve (40) is fixed on the lower surface (66) of the support member (30), for example, by screws.

[0121] The solenoid valve (40) is fixed in the center of the lower surface (66) of the support member (30), particularly between the cooler (42) and the heating element (44), as shown in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5, for example.

[0122] The solenoid valve (40) is, for example, a component of a heating and / or cooling system (18).

[0123] For example, the solenoid valve (40) is provided with 7 ports.

[0124] In particular, the solenoid valve (40) is configured to ensure the distribution of cooling and / or heating liquid, particularly water, to different components, for example, cooling of the driving battery (25) and / or electric motor (24) and / or passenger compartment of the vehicle (10).

[0125] Advantageously, the front device (26) includes a plurality of lines (46) of the heating and / or cooling system (18).

[0126] Preferably, at least one, and advantageously, each of the lines (46) extends at least partially in the lower receiving space (32).

[0127] In particular, each of the lines (46) is configured to ensure the transport of cooling and / or heating liquid in the vehicle (10) toward different components, such as the driving battery (25) and / or electric motor (24) and / or passenger compartment of the vehicle (10).

[0128] The lines (46) are connected, for example, to a solenoid valve (40) and / or a cooler (42) and / or a heating element (44).

[0129] The heating and / or cooling system (18) of the vehicle (10) includes, in particular, other components such as, for example, a degassing tank and / or at least one pump.

[0130] These front devices (26) are particularly advantageous.

[0131] In particular, this front device (26) offers the advantage of being compact, especially thanks to the support member (30).

[0132] In addition, arranging various components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) on the support member (30), on the subframe (28), and especially in the receiving space (32) makes it possible to arrange these components in a compact size.

[0133] In addition, arranging the powertrain (22) at the rear of the vehicle (10) makes the front of the vehicle (10) smaller.

[0134] The fact that the front of the vehicle (10) is made small in this way makes it possible to reduce the front protrusion and rotation diameter, and thus improves the maneuverability of the vehicle (10).

[0135] In addition, thanks to the front device (26) which includes all vertically arranged components, the functions of the vehicle (10) are not reduced, and in particular, the wheelbase of the vehicle (10) is not affected.

Claims

Claim 1 A front device (26) for a vehicle (10), - a subframe (28) comprising two side members (48A, 48B), wherein each of the side members (48A, 48B) extends along the longitudinal direction (X) between a front end (54A, 54B) and a rear end (56A, 56B), and the two side members (48A, 48B) are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X); - a support member (30) comprising an upper surface (64) and a lower surface (66) opposite each other along a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y), wherein the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) extends facing the subframe (28); - the lower surface of the support member (30). A front device (26) comprising a lower receiving space (32) defined along the vertical direction (Z) between the surface (66) and the subframe (28), and a charger (34) fixed to the subframe (28) and extending from the lower receiving space (32). Claim 2 In claim 1, the subframe (28) includes a cross member (50) extending between the two side members (48A, 48B) along the transverse direction (Y), and the charger (34) is fixed to the cross member (50), the front device (26). Claim 3 A front device (26) further comprising a battery (36) fixed on the upper surface (64) of the support member (30) in claim 1 or 2. Claim 4 A front device (26) further comprising an air conditioning compressor (38) fixed on the upper surface (64) of the support member (30) in claim 1 or 2. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the air conditioning compressor (38) is a front device (26) including a U-shaped filter support (78). Claim 6 A front device (26) comprising a solenoid valve (40) fixed to the lower surface (66) of the support member (30) in claim 1 or 2. Claim 7 A front device (26) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cooler (42) and / or a heating element (44), wherein the cooler (42) and / or the heating element (44) is fixed to the lower surface (66) of the support member (30). Claim 8 In claim 1 or 2, the front device (26) further comprises at least one line (46) of the air conditioning and / or heating system (18) of the vehicle (10), wherein the line (46) extends at least partially within the lower receiving space (32). Claim 9 A vehicle (10) including a front device (26) according to paragraph 1 or 2. Claim 10 In claim 9, the vehicle (10) further comprises a powertrain (22) arranged at the rear of the vehicle (10).

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