FR3104123A1 - Floor with battery protection under the front seat. - Google Patents

Abstract

Floor with battery protection under the front seat. The invention relates to a floor (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a cross member (11) and a location (12) for receiving a battery (2), the floor (10) comprising a base (30) d 'location of such a battery (2), in particular a base (30) comprising a first element and / or a second element and / or a third element and / or a fourth element, the base (30) being attached to the floor (10) and being intended to protect such a battery (2) in the event of an impact from such a motor vehicle (1), in particular by stiffening the floor (10) at such a battery (2). Figure for the abstract: figure 1

Description

Floor with battery protection under front seat.

The present invention relates to a floor for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a floor and a battery. The invention also relates to a box comprising such an arrangement or such a floor. The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a body or such an arrangement or such a floor.

A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, of the state of the art is generally equipped with a main battery intended to allow the starting of an internal combustion engine. The main battery, for example of 12V voltage, is generally arranged in an engine compartment.

To supply specific functions, for example a "Stop and start" function, such a vehicle can also be equipped with a secondary or additional battery, for example with a voltage of 12V. The secondary battery is generally arranged in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Equipping a vehicle with a secondary battery in this way is generally referred to as “micro-hybridization”.

However, it is preferable that the integration of the secondary battery does not impact the assembly and/or mounting process of the vehicles concerned, nor the structural characteristics of the vehicles, and is compatible with the different ranges of vehicles. In addition, the integration of the secondary battery in the passenger compartment must meet regulatory standards in terms of shocks, in particular in order to avoid any fire starting in the passenger compartment in the event of an accident.

The object of the invention is to provide a floor capable of receiving a secondary battery and remedying the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a floor that is simple, reliable, economical and protects the battery in the event of an impact.

To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a floor for a motor vehicle comprising a crossbeam and a location for receiving a battery, the floor comprising a base for the location of such a battery, in particular a base comprising a first element and /or a second element and/or a third element and/or a fourth element, the base being attached to the floor and being intended to protect such a battery in the event of an impact from such a motor vehicle, in particular by stiffening the floor at such a battery.

The base can be pre-assembled on the floor by welding and/or screwing.

The floor may comprise a casing attached at least partially to the crosspiece, in particular by screwing, the casing possibly being intended to at least partially cover such a battery.

The casing can be attached at least partially to the base, in particular by screwing.

The housing may include:
- a first wall, in particular a substantially horizontal first wall, at least partially covering a battery, and
- a second wall, in particular a substantially vertical second wall, connecting the first wall to a bottom of the floor and/or to the base, the second wall being able to be arranged on the side opposite the crosspiece in the longitudinal direction of a such motor vehicle.

The casing may comprise a third wall extending downwards close to a sill of such a motor vehicle, in particular a substantially vertical third wall extending from the first wall to the level or substantially to the level of the bottom of the floor and/or base.

The floor may comprise a lateral positioning element for the location of a battery attached to the floor, in particular a lateral positioning element arranged close to a tunnel extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally provided at floor level.

The side positioning element can be pre-assembled on the floor by welding and/or screwing.

The battery receiving location may be arranged at, or substantially at, a front seat mounting location and/or the receiving location may be arranged behind the cross member.

The invention also relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a floor as defined previously and a battery.

The invention also relates to a body for a motor vehicle comprising an arrangement as defined above and/or a floor as defined above.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a body as defined above and/or an arrangement as defined above and/or a floor as defined above.

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment given on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures, among which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a floor of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the floor according to the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a partial top view of a floor according to a variant of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another partial top view of the floor according to the variant of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to the variant embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is another perspective view of the arrangement according to the alternative embodiment.

Figure 8 is a partial exploded view of the arrangement according to the variant embodiment of the invention.

The direction in which a motor vehicle moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction pointing up. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the motor vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a body 5 according to one embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a passenger compartment 6.

The motor vehicle 1 comprises at least one seat 3, or seating position, arranged at the front. The seat 3 is preferably a seat intended for a front passenger. Alternatively, seat 3 is the seat intended for the driver of motor vehicle 1.

Motor vehicle 1 comprises a floor 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Motor vehicle 1 further comprises an arrangement 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. The arrangement 4 comprises the floor 10 and a battery 2. The floor 10 comprises a crosspiece 11 and a location 12 for receiving the battery 2. The battery 2 is preferably an additional or secondary battery, for example intended to supply one or specific functions such as a “Stop and start” function, for example. For example, battery 2 delivers a voltage of around 12V. The battery 2 is preferably arranged in the passenger compartment 6 of the vehicle. Thus, the motor vehicle 1 is for example equipped with a “micro-hybridization”.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the floor 10 further comprises a base 30 for the location of the battery 2. The base 30 is attached to the floor 10. The base 30 stiffens, for example, the floor 10 at the level of the battery 2 so as to reinforce it in particular in the event of a side impact.

Preferably, the base 30, or sole, is pre-assembled on the floor 10. By "pre-assembly" is meant a prior fixing of the base 30 on a part of the floor so as to provide a floor comprising the base , prior to a subsequent step of integrating the battery 2. For example, the pre-assembly is carried out by welding and/or screwing.

Advantageously, the floor 10 further comprises a casing 20. Preferably the casing 20 is attached at least partially to the crosspiece 11. By "at least partially attached", it is meant that the casing 20 is fixed to the crosspiece 11, for example via at least one fixing point, for example by screwing. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, two fixing points can be provided. These two attachment points include, for example, screws 24 passing through holes 25 made in the casing 20. For example, the casing 20 is intended to at least partially cover the battery 2.

Preferably again, the casing 20 is attached at least partially to the base 30. By "attached at least partially", it is meant that the casing 20 is fixed to the base 30, for example via at least one attachment point. For example, the casing 20 is fixed to the base 30 and/or to a bottom 13 of the floor by screwing. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, two fixing points can be provided. These two fixing points include, for example, screws 26 passing through holes 27 provided on the casing 20 and/or holes 37 provided on the base 30.

Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figure 3, the casing 20 comprises a first wall 21, for example a first substantially horizontal wall 21, at least partially covering the battery 2. Preferably, the casing 20 further comprises a second wall 22, for example a second substantially vertical wall 22, connecting the first wall 21 to the base 30. It should be noted that the second wall 22 is arranged on the side opposite the crosspiece 11 in the longitudinal direction X of the motor vehicle 1 For example, the second wall 22 provides the connection between the first wall 21 and the bottom 13 of the floor 10. For example, the second wall 22 provides the connection between the first wall 21 and the bottom 13 on the one hand, and between the first wall 21 and the base 30 on the other hand.

Preferably, the casing 20 comprises a third wall 23 extending downwards close to a sill 50 of the motor vehicle 1, as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the third wall 23 is substantially vertical and extends from the first wall 21 up to the level, or substantially the level, of the bottom 13 of the floor 10 and/or of the base 30.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the floor 10 further comprises a lateral positioning element 40 for the location of the battery 2. The lateral positioning element 40 is preferably attached to the floor 10. Advantageously, the positioning element Lateral positioning 40 is arranged close to a tunnel 51 extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally, for example at the level of a vertical and longitudinal median plane of the vehicle, at the level of the bottom 13 of the floor.

Preferably, the lateral positioning element 40 is pre-assembled on the floor 10. As mentioned previously, by "pre-assembly", we mean a prior fixing of the lateral positioning element 40 on a part of the floor so as to provide a floor comprising the lateral positioning element 40 prior to a subsequent step of integrating the battery 2. For example, the pre-assembly is carried out by welding and/or screwing.

Advantageously, the reception location 12 of the battery 2 is arranged at the level, or substantially at the level, of a mounting location of the front seat 3. Alternatively or in addition, the reception location 12 is arranged behind the crosses 11, in other words towards the increasing abscissa values X.

Thus, the base 30 performs the role of protecting the battery in side impact. Preferably, as mentioned previously, the base 30 and the lateral positioning element 40, or battery support reinforcement, are welded to the floor beforehand. The lateral positioning element 40 ensures in particular the predisposition and the maintenance of the battery 2 in position, for example during the screwing of battery fixing screws.

Thus the casing 20 conceals the battery 2 at the level of the underside of the seat 3. In addition the casing 20 protects the battery from any contact with the feet of the occupants, in particular the feet of the occupants installed behind the seat 3 under which the battery is arranged. 2. The casing 20 thus protects the battery 2, and possibly its wiring and/or its connections, from possible contact with objects which could damage them. Advantageously, the casing 20 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 has no structural role, that is to say it does not protect the battery 2 in the event of an accident, in particular during an accident resulting in a side impact.

Although it is preferable for battery 2 to be positioned under the front passenger seat, it is possible to position the battery under the front driver's seat. In this case, the height adjustment stroke of the driver's seat can possibly be reduced so as to maintain sufficient operating clearances while integrating the casing 20 above the battery.

A variant of the embodiment is illustrated in Figures 4 to 7.

Note that to simplify reading, the common or identical parts between the embodiment described above and the variant described below bear the same references.

The variant of the embodiment includes a 10' floor. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 4, the floor 10 'comprises a base comprising a first element 30A. This first element 30A is intended to be fixed beforehand, for example by welding and/or screwing, to the floor.

The first element extends substantially horizontally and transversely, for example parallel to the crosspiece 11. As illustrated in Figure 8, the base comprises a second element 30B. Preferably, the second element 30B is also fixed beforehand, for example by welding and/or screwing, on the first element 30A on the one hand and on the crosspiece 11 on the other hand. The base also preferably comprises a third element 30C and a fourth element 30D, substantially parallel to each other, extending substantially vertically and longitudinally. The third element 30C and the fourth element 30D come from either side of the battery 2 in the transverse direction Y. As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 6 and 7, the variant of the embodiment comprises a casing 20′ preferably fixed at the level of the first element 30A of the base and at the level of the crosspiece 11.

The casing 20' comprises a first wall 21', for example a substantially horizontal first wall 21', at least partially covering the battery and a second wall 22', for example a second substantially vertical wall 22', connecting the first wall 21' to the bottom 13 of the floor 10' and/or to the base. The second wall 22' is provided on the side opposite the crosspiece 11 in the longitudinal direction X of the motor vehicle.

The front fixings are made for example by means of screws 24' which pass through, for example, the casing 20' so as to be screwed directly into the crosspiece 11. Alternatively, the screws 24' cooperate with tappings provided at the level of the crosspiece 11 , for example via nuts added or not on the crosspiece 11.

The rear fixings are made for example by means of screws 26' which pass through the casing 20' and preferably the second element 30B so as to be screwed directly into the first element 30A or even so as to cooperate with tappings provided at the level of this first element 30A, for example via nuts attached or not to the first element 30A.

In this variant, it is preferably the first element 30A which provides stiffness and protects the battery in the event of a side impact. For example, the first element 30A comprises a boss or rib 31A extending transversely to improve its rigidity. The battery is also protected in the event of a so-called "post shock". The pole impact is a very localized rigid side impact that is extremely violent for the structural integrity of the body and therefore of the battery. However, the third and fourth elements 30C, 30D also have the role of protecting the battery from possible deformations during an impact. For this purpose, ribs and/or rabbets 31C, 31D, for example high and/or low, as illustrated in FIG. 8 in particular, are provided.

In summary, in the variant of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, the sole comprises the first element 30A and the second element 30B. The third and fourth lateral elements 30C, 30D associated with the 20′ casing create a box for holding the battery in position and protecting it. Preferably, the sole as well as the side elements are pre-assembled on the central floor. The 20' casing or flange is then attached to the base and the side elements after installation of the battery. Preferably, the casing 20' is screwed onto the sole and/or the side elements and/or the crosspiece 11 arranged at the front under a front seat. The 20' casing and the reinforced floor reconstitute the structural inertia around the battery. Thanks to the removable 20' upper casing, on the one hand the maintenance of the battery in position on its base is facilitated, and on the other hand access for the assembly and maintenance of the battery is possible. Preferably, sufficient space in the vertical direction Z is provided above the casing 20' so as to allow in particular the location of the screw heads 24'.

In this variant, the structural behavior of the casing enveloping the battery works in two stages during an impact. Initially, the box accompanies the deformation of the floor in the context of the most constraining shock (side impact post) and repositions according to the transverse direction Y and the vertical direction Z the battery 2 between the tunnel 51 and the sill 50 then deformed and intrusive in the cockpit. Secondly, the third and fourth elements 30C, 30D or side plates dampen and absorb a maximum of forces, for example via the ribs and/or rabbets 31C, 31D high and/or low provided thereon. These side plates minimize battery intrusion and deformation. Thanks to these side plates, the battery remains below regulatory deformation thresholds.

In addition, the structure of the vehicle's underbody is not altered. Only a few minor modifications, for example tappings and/or nuts and/or punchings, are provided at the level of the floor and/or of the front crossmember under the seat, in particular in order to be able to cooperate with fixing screws 24', 26' allowing to fix the box. Thus, no major structural part, such as a central spar for example, is modified.

Both in the embodiment and in the variant, the additional battery is placed in the passenger compartment 6 or cockpit, under a front seat. The structural behavior of the basement is not altered. Preferably, the position of the battery 2 is as close as possible in the longitudinal direction X of the cross member 11. The battery is brought closer to the front cross member under the seat in order to benefit from the cross member structure, while preserving the space for the feet of the passenger seated in the second row. By way of non-limiting example, a distance of the order of 15 mm can be provided between the battery and the crosspiece. The ergonomics of the passengers, in particular the passengers seated in the rear, are also not impacted, any contact between the battery and the feet of the rear passenger(s) being avoided.

The solution is particularly simple while facilitating access for battery installation and maintenance. In addition, its cost is relatively low. In addition, since few parts are impacted by the solution, it can be easily installed on different existing vehicle ranges and at a lower cost.

In summary, the implementation of “micro-hybridization” within a vehicle is simplified. Indeed, the integration of the secondary battery does not impact the process of assembly and/or assembly of the vehicles, which makes it particularly compatible with the different ranges of vehicles. In addition, the structural characteristics of the vehicles are not impacted by the installation of this additional battery. Finally, the secondary battery is particularly protected within the passenger compartment. Layout 4 meets regulatory standards in terms of shocks and prevents any fire starting in the passenger compartment in the event of an accident.

As a side note, the solution according to the invention therefore achieves the desired objective of allowing the installation of a secondary battery within the passenger compartment without impacting the vehicle assembly process while satisfying the regulatory requirements in terms of safety. and has the following advantages:

- it can be used on different types of motor vehicles, in particular trucks, vans, light or industrial, or public transport vehicles.

Claims (12)

Floor (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a crosspiece (11) and a location (12) for receiving a battery (2), characterized in that the floor (10) comprises a base (30) for the location of such a battery (2), in particular a base (30) comprising a first element (30A) and/or a second element (30B) and/or a third element (30C) and/or a fourth element (30D), the base (30) being attached to the floor (10) and being intended to protect such a battery (2) in the event of an impact from such a motor vehicle (1), in particular by stiffening the floor (10) at the level of such a battery (2). Floor (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (30) is preassembled on the floor (10) by welding and/or screwing. Floor (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor (10) comprises a casing (20; 20') attached at least partially to the crosspiece (11), in particular by screwing, the casing (20; 20') being intended to at least partially cover such a battery (2). Floor (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the casing (20; 20') is attached at least partially to the base (30), in particular by screwing. Floor (10) according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the casing (20; 20') comprises:
- a first wall (21; 21'), in particular a substantially horizontal first wall (21; 21'), covering at least part of a battery (2), and
- a second wall (22; 22'), in particular a substantially vertical second wall (22; 22'), connecting the first wall (21; 21') to a bottom (13) of the floor (10) and/or to the base (30), the second wall (22; 22') being arranged on the side opposite the crosspiece (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) of such a motor vehicle (1). Floor (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the casing (20) comprises a third wall (23) extending downwards close to a sill (50) of such a motor vehicle (1), in particular a substantially vertical third wall (23) extending from the first wall (21) to the level or substantially to the level of the bottom (13) of the floor (10) and/or of the base (30). Floor (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor (10) comprises a lateral positioning element (40) for the location of a battery (2) attached to the floor (10), in particular a lateral positioning element (40) arranged near a tunnel (51) extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally provided at floor level (10). Floor (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lateral positioning element (40) is preassembled on the floor (10) by welding and/or screwing. Floor (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving location (12) of a battery (2) is arranged at, or substantially at, a mounting location of a front seat (3) and/or in that the reception location (12) is arranged behind the crossbeam (11). Arrangement (4) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a floor (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a battery (2). Body (5) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (4) according to the preceding claim, and/or a floor (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9. Motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (5) according to the preceding claim and/or an arrangement (4) according to Claim 10 and/or a floor (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9.