WO2011004093A1

WO2011004093A1 - Vehicle the chassis of which comprises at least two axial structures

Info

Publication number: WO2011004093A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/051234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Christophe Bolle Reddat
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2009-07-10
Filing date: 2010-06-18
Publication date: 2011-01-13
Also published as: EP2451694A1; FR2947797A1; FR2947797B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (1), notably of the automobile type, comprising a chassis (2), preferably tubular. The chassis (2) of the vehicle comprises at least two axial structures (3, 4) joined together parallel to one another by connecting means (5), at least one of said structures (3, 4) delimiting a compartment capable of housing all or part of a drive train (15) and/or alternatively a fuel tank (16) and/or a battery (17).

Description

Vehicle whose chassis includes

minus two axial structures

The present invention relates to a vehicle, including the type of a car, having a preferably tubular frame.

The car that evolves in an urban environment is faced with constraints that tend to greatly reduce its movement and its parking. Its ability to move in an increasingly dense flow of traffic but also to park in dedicated areas that are increasingly cramped, is strongly related to its size.

This is the reason why the car is manufactured in a compact version to meet all or part of these new constraints. However, in order to reach a clientele demanding by the diversity of use of its vehicle, versatility is sought. The automobile has to deal with both urban and motorway journeys, while meeting a level of safety and comfort equivalent to those of the higher category models.

To respond favorably to each of these constraints, the design time of such compact vehicles is high and strongly related to the strong need to drastically reduce the size of the functional organs that compose it. In addition, today we come to manufacturing limits that do not allow to consider the benefits of dimensional restrictions, without fundamentally reconsider the architecture of vehicles.

The Applicant has further found that the habitability of a vehicle having at least two rows of seats, is highly dependent on the separation distance between the knees of a rear passenger and the back of a seat of rank inferior.

In today's vehicles, a positive habitability index makes it possible to have at most the knees of a rear passenger away from a back of a seat of lower rank. The size of the vehicle is thus dependent on this habitability index. The Applicant has also found that the ultra compact automobile, that is to say, whose size is close to 2.5 meters maximum can not be manufactured from the current architectural base where the powertrain, the cockpit and luggage compartment are arranged at the extension of each other. It is in this sense that the Applicant proposes an invention whose purpose is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above to manufacture an ultra compact vehicle intended primarily, but not exclusively, to urban use.

To this end, the vehicle according to the invention, furthermore in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the vehicle chassis comprises at least two axial structures assembled together. , parallel to one another, by connecting means, at least one of said structures defining a compartment capable of accommodating all or part of a traction chain and / or a fuel tank and / or a battery .

Such a vehicle is remarkable in that with such an architecture, the frame is ultra compact size, while allowing an optimized integration of some of its functional elements.

Furthermore, the vehicle of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination with others:

the axial structures are identical and have a progressive height from the rear to the front. This improves the accessibility to the passenger compartment of the vehicle but also the comfort of its occupants;

- An upper portion of each axial structure defines a seating surface or loading and in that a lower portion of each axial structure extends to the right of a floor. The vehicle is thus of simple design and inexpensive to achieve, allowing depending on the chosen configuration is the transport of passengers in the case of a particular vehicle or the transport of objects in the case of a commercial vehicle; said frame comprises at least one transverse structure extending at the front or rear of said axial structures, said transverse structure being connected to said axial structures by appropriate connecting means. It is thus easy to change the version during mass production of the vehicle, to meet the customer's need to whom it becomes possible to choose between for example a two-seater vehicle side by side involving a single transverse structure before or a four-seater vehicle involving two transverse front and rear structures;

said frame comprises said transverse structure extending in the extension of said axial structures in front of the latter, an apron extending substantially vertically in the junction zone of said axial and transverse structures. The design of a vehicle of ultra compact size is thus made possible while maintaining a high rigidity of the chassis; the vehicle comprises at least one wheel rotatably connected to said transverse structure, the wheel being connected to said transverse structure by means of a suspension and / or steering means. It is thus possible to simultaneously manufacture the wheel assembly to the transverse structures and the assembly of the axial structures together, in reduced vehicle manufacturing time. In addition, the independent operation of each wheel relative to the chassis gives the vehicle handling and driving comfort exemplary;

- Said suspension means comprises at least one suspension arm of the wheel to at least one of the axial bars of the transverse structure. Such an arrangement of said suspension means to the frame is of a simple, efficient and easily transformable design so that according to the typing chosen by the customer, for example between sport or comfort, it is made possible to respond to his choice by using suspension arm of different design;

said suspension arm comprises two branches assembled together at one of their ends, the opposite ends of the branches being rotationally connected to an axial bar of the transverse structure, said arm having a substantially V-shaped shape. Such a design which allows an optimal distribution of the forces resulting from the rolling of the vehicle, while proposing a compactness remarkable given the possibility offered to the integration of other elements of said suspension means inside the suspension arms for example;

- The traction chain comprises at least one drive means connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle, said drive means being of the type of a heat engine or electric connected to a corresponding energy reserve. It is thus made possible for the customer to choose the type of drive means among several, thereby broadening the offer as to the different modes of propulsion offered for the same frame of the vehicle;

- The frame comprises at least lateral protection means extending along a side edge of said floor, to protect the occupants during side impacts. The vehicle is safe in that the occupants are passively protected by a chassis that minimizes the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

the vehicle comprises a steering column support located at the front of at least one of said axial structures. The vehicle offers modularity on the side of the pipe. Such an implantation of the steering column support at the front of the axial structures advantageously makes it possible to transmit and filter some of the steering forces via the chassis;

the floor is connected to said front apron and to at least one substantially vertical partition extending on a lateral edge, said floor, said apron, said partition and the axial structure facing it delimiting a cellar with lateral feet. The creation of cellars with feet advantageously allows the occupants located on the same axial structure to quickly find a position of comfort on the vehicle, while occupying a minimized position; the vehicle comprises at least one means for absorbing and / or transmitting the energy of a frontal impact of the vehicle against an obstacle external to the vehicle, such as a transverse beam forming a bumper connected to the transverse structure. The safety asset is here reinforced by elements designed to protect the occupants of the vehicle effectively, at least to limit the risk of injury in the event of a frontal impact, by dissipating but also by distributing at the most just the energy of the shock through the chassis. Other advantages and features of the invention emerge from the description of embodiments given below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle frame, three quarter front right view, according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the frame of Figure 1 on which are arranged wheels and a part of a suspension device and steering wheels, according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective of the chassis of the vehicle of FIG. 2 on which elements intended to protect the passengers of the vehicle during a frontal or lateral collision, as well as functional members, according to the invention, are arranged. ;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the chassis of the vehicle of Figure 3 on which is mounted a floor, a fairing and as well as seating of the vehicle, according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 4 on which is arranged a body skin forming a passenger protection cell with respect to the outside of the vehicle.

In what follows, the terms "before", "back", "right" and "left" are understood according to the normal direction of operation of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a vehicle chassis taken separately that is to say isolated from other parts or bodies which will be described in more detail later. The chassis, which takes the general reference 2, is derived from an assembly of tubes, preferably steel tubes, welded together so as to define a main portion of the chassis for transporting occupants.

The main part of the frame 2 preferably comprises two axial structures 3, 4 each delimiting a compartment. More preferably, according to the alternative architecture proposed by the invention, the axial structures 3, 4 are identical to each other and arranged parallel to each other, symmetrically with respect to a median plane extending longitudinally to the vehicle.

Preferably, each axial structure 3, 4 comprises longitudinal tubes defining a lower portion 7 or 9 substantially flat and horizontal disposed in line with an upper portion 6 or 8.

Preferably, the upper portion 6 or 8 comprises in the front part of the curved longitudinal tubes, which are partly median extended rearwardly by tubes inclined upwards and at the rear by parallel tubes to those forming the tube. lower part 7 or 9 of the axial structure 3 or 4. While the longitudinal tubes of the lower part 7 or 9 are parallel to each other, the longitudinal tubes of the upper part 6 or 8 respectively belonging to each of the axial structures 3 and 4, converge partially towards each other so that the front of the upper part is narrower relative to the rear of the upper part. Each axial structure 3 or 4 further comprises means for connecting the lower part 7 or 9 to the upper part 6 or 8. Such connecting means are preferably formed by tubes which extend substantially to the vertical.

Each axial structure 3 or 4 comprises transverse tubes, arranged to form for example braces (not shown), to bind together the longitudinal tubes belonging either to the upper portion 6 or 8, or to the lower portion 7 or 9. Such braces further increase the rigidity of each of the axial structures 3 or 4, which advantageously reduces all the vibration of the vehicle during its normal operation.

The height of each axial structure 3 or 4 is scalable in that the cross section varies between the front and rear of the vehicle. To do this, the height of the rear portion of each axial structure 3 or 4 is higher compared to the height of its front portion.

In combination with the variation of the width mentioned further upstream, the variation of the height of each axial structure 3 or 4 advantageously allows improved access on board the vehicle. The cross section of each structure axial 3 or 4 is thus scalable having a smaller section at the front relative to the rear.

The lower part of each axial structure 3 or 4 comprises in its front zone two tubes converging axially towards each other so that their front end is defined by the junction of the tubes. Preferably, the front end extends in the same plane as that of the longitudinal tubes defining the lower portion 7 or 9 of the axial structure 3 or 4.

The front zone of the upper part 6 or 8 of each of the axial structures 3 and 4 comprises in turn two tubes converging towards each other so that each axial structure 3 or 4 has a triangular end whose The summit portion extends substantially forward and upward.

The upper part 6 or 8 of the axial structure 3 or 4 defines a seating surface or loading, depending on the configuration of the vehicle obtained by the removable seats for example. The frame 2 further comprises supports 34 and 44 which are preferably intended to accommodate a steering column made visible in Figures 2 to 5. The supports 34 and 44 are located at the front of each of the axial structures 3 , 4.

Said support 34 or 44 is preferably a straight tube of cylindrical section and constant diameter. The steering column support 34 or 44 is inclined upwards and backwards so that its rear end forms the top part of the chassis 2 of the vehicle.

The axial structures 3 and 4 are connected transversely to each other by means of a dedicated connection means 5 which comprises a plurality of transverse connecting bars parallel or crossed between them. More particularly, the lower portions 7 and 9 of the axial structures 3 and 4 are connected to each other by a cross formed of several connecting rods inclined transversely and mutually overlapping. Transverse bars connect the front or rear portions of the axial structures 3 and 4, while other bars connect said steering column supports 34 and 44 to each other. The main part of the frame 2 in which the two axial structures 3 and 4 extend is preferably extended at the front and rear by transverse structures 13 and 14 which are now detailed.

In the embodiment of the accompanying figures, each of the transverse structures 13 and 14 is of substantially parallelepiped shape and has bars which extend axially or transversely to the vehicle.

The support 34 or 44 mentioned above is related to both the axial structure 3 or 4, but also to the transverse structure 13 extending forwardly the main part of the vehicle chassis. The support 34 or 44 forms part of the junction between the axial structures 3 and 4 and the transverse structure 13.

The transverse structure 13 is formed of two axial bars 131 and 132 defining its lateral sides. The axial bars 131 and 132 are disposed substantially horizontally relative to the vehicle, preferably one above the other so that the axial bar 131 high is disposed above the axial bar 132 low. The axial bars 131 and 132 further extend in a substantially vertical plane and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Preferably, the front end of the axial bar 131 or 132 ends with a mounting plate on which is assembled a means for absorbing and transmitting the energy of a shock 60, such that it is for example made visible in Figures 3 and 4. Each plate preferably extends in a substantially vertical plane and transverse to the vehicle.

Preferably, their rear end is welded to the front of the axial structure 3 or 4 so that each axial bar 131 or 132 extends horizontally to the right of the axial structure 3 or 4. Said axial bar 131 high is bound to one of the supports 34 and 44 of the steering column while the lower axial bar 132 is welded to the lower part 7 or 9 of the axial structures 3 and 4.

The transverse structure 13 further comprises high and low transverse bars which connect said axial bars 131 high and 132 low between them. The transverse structure 13 is also equipped with vertical connecting bars high and low bars so that it substantially defines the three quarters of the edges of a rectangular parallelepiped.

The transverse structure 14 which is arranged in continuity towards the rear of the main part of the frame is of substantially identical shape to the transverse structure 13 which has just been described, with the symmetry about an axis transverse to the vehicle 1.

The transverse structure 14 is against the back of the axial structures 3 and 4, at the upper parts 6 and 8 and the lower parts 7 and 9 of the axial structures 3 and 4, which has a substantially V whose base delimit the rear end of the main part of the chassis.

Identical to the structure 13, the transverse structure 14 comprises mounting plates of a means for absorbing and / or transmitting the energy of a rear impact of the vehicle against an external obstacle.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the transverse structures 13 and 14 are connected to wheels 21, 22, 31, and 32 via a suspension means 40.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each wheel is connected to the vehicle structure by a suspension means of its own which allows independent operation of each wheel in terms of suspension compared to other wheels equipping the vehicle 1.

Each suspension means 40 consists for example of a suspension arm 41 or 42 having two legs defining substantially V. One end of each of the suspension arms 41 and 42 is rotatably connected around the transverse structure 13 or 14 by means of bearings provided for this purpose. The opposite end of each of the suspension arms 41 and 42 is connected to the hub of the wheel 21, 22, 31 or 32. The pivoting of the suspension arms 41 and 42 ensures the movement of the associated wheel.

Each wheel is preferably associated with a damping means which controls its movement. Such a damping means connects one of the arms of suspension to the transverse structure 13 or 14. Preferably, the axial bar 131 or 141 high includes a dedicated support for fixing the damper.

The vehicle 1 further comprises a steering means 50 formed mainly of a steering column, which is shown in Figures 2 and following. The latter is disposed inside the support 34 left, the other support 44 being left free. However, it remains easy to change the location of the steering column to the right support 44, depending on the country of marketing of the vehicle and the driving side regulated.

Preferably, the steering column is connected in its upper part to a handlebar having control handles which are connected to the drive means and the brake system of the vehicle. The lower part of the steering column is linked to a steering bar via a not shown rack. Said steering rod is mounted integral with the front wheels 21 and 22. [0045] In FIG. 3, the chassis 2 of the vehicle 1 is equipped with a protection means 60 which is preferably formed by a transverse beam 61 or 62 fixed front or rear respectively transverse structures 13 and 14, through the fixing plates.

Preferably, said energy absorbing means of a shock is produced by a deformable element under the effect of an axial force, such a crash box type absorber which is disposed at the right of each structure. axial 3 or 4 and interposed between a transverse structure 13 or 14 and a beam 61 or 62.

Preferably, the lateral ends of each of the beams 61 and 62 partly cover a wheel of the vehicle, thus forming part of a mudguard. Each side of the chassis 2 of the vehicle 1 is also equipped with a lateral protection means 18 which preferably comprises an assembly formed of a protection bar made visible in Figures 1 and 2, and a spar to height evolutionary visible in Figure 3 and following. The front of the spar has a height lower than the height at the rear, which gives this piece of appearance a dynamic profile. The protection bar of said lateral means 18 of protection is preferably connected to the spar, extending parallel thereto, and to the lower part 7 or 9 of one of the axial structures 3 and 4 as this is made visible in Figures 1 and 2. Each guard bar protrudes transversely out of axial structure 3 or 4 so that it is preferably interposed between a pair of wheels located on one side of the vehicle.

The vehicle 1 is remarkable in that the chassis is adapted to receive at least one traction chain 15 or two traction chains of similar type or different from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises a hybrid drivetrain formed of a first drive means of the type of a heat engine associated with a reserve of energy which are integrated in one of the axial structures 3 and 4. The other of the axial structures 3 and 4 includes a second drive means of the type of an electric motor associated with batteries 17. According to another design, only one of the structures axial 3 and 4 integrates a drive train 15 comprising either a heat engine or an electric motor.

Preferably, the heat engine is connected by a transmission means (not shown) to the wheels 31 and 32 of the rear vehicle 1. [0054] More preferably, the electric motor is connected by a transmission means (not shown ) to the front wheels 21 and 22 of the vehicle 1.

The vehicle of Figure 4 is equipped with an apron 1 1 and 12 vertical partitions to partially isolate the occupants of the vehicle from the outside. The vehicle 1 is further equipped with two-seater saddles disposed above each of the axial structures 3 and 4. Such a seat provides an optimal ratio between the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers it is intended to carry. Advantageously, the habitability index is negative in that the knees of an occupant of the back seat of a saddle extend transversely to the right of an occupant of the front seat. Preferably, each tandem seat has a rear backrest against which the back of the occupant is intended to come into support, which improves its comfort.

Each saddle is flexible in that it comprises at least one retractable portion whose withdrawal allows to form a loading area. [0058] The seat saddle further embeds a security element, such as a lap belt forming a means of restraining the occupants in case of shock.

The vehicle 1 further comprises a floor 10 which extends substantially in a horizontal plane to the vehicle, preferably passing through the lower portions 7 and 9 of the axial structures 3 and 4. The front edge of the floor 10 is connected to said front apron 1 1. The lateral edges of the floor 10 are connected to the substantially vertical partitions 12 and to the spar 18.

Since the lower parts 7 and 9 of the axial structures 3 and 4 extend to the right of the floor 10, it defines a base of the vehicle.

The floor 10, the apron 1 1 and the partitions 12 are carried by the vehicle chassis.

Preferably, the assembly consisting of the floor 10, partitions 12 and the axial structure 3 or 4 facing it delimit a cellar with lateral feet.

More preferably, the assembly consisting of the floor 10 and the axial structures 3 and 4 facing each other delimit a cellar with central feet. Each cellar with feet extends along the axial structures 3 and 4, over approximately their entire length.

The transverse structure 13 or 14 further comprises means for fixing a luggage compartment, as is partly shown in Figure 5. Such a luggage compartment is for example made of plastic material according to a method molding.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, at least one transverse structure accommodates a powertrain by fastening means appropriate, in which case the compartments of the axial structures 3 and 4 accommodate luggage boxes.

According to other features of the invention, the chassis of the vehicle is adapted to receive a body by appropriate fastening means. The body is advantageously shaped to create an occupant protection cell with respect to the outside. The latter also incorporates both lateral and transverse openings, such as a tailgate or a front cover for access to a storage box.

Claims

claims

Vehicle (1), in particular of the type of an automobile, comprising a tubular chassis (2), characterized in that the chassis (2) of the vehicle comprises at least two axial structures (3, 4) assembled together, in parallel to one another, by connecting means (5), at least one of said structures (3, 4) defining a compartment capable of accommodating all or part of a traction chain (15) and / or a fuel tank (16) and / or a battery (17).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial structures (3, 4) are identical and have a progressive height from the rear to the front.

3. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that an upper portion (6, 8) of each axial structure (3, 4) delimits a seating or loading surface and in that a lower part (7, 9) of each axial structure (3, 4) extends in line with a floor (10).

4. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said frame (2) comprises at least one transverse structure (13, 14) extending at the front or rear of said axial structures (3, 4), said transverse structure being bonded to said axial structures by appropriate connecting means.

5. Vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that said frame (2) comprises said transverse structure (13, 14) extending in the extension of said axial structures (3, 4) in front of them, a apron (1 1) extending substantially vertically in the junction zone of said axial and transverse structures.

6. Vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one wheel (21, 22, 31, 32) rotatably connected to said transverse structure (13, 14), the wheel

(21, 22, 31, 32) being connected to said transverse structure (13, 14) via a suspension means (40) and / or direction (50).

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said suspension means (40) comprises at least one suspension arm (41, 42) of the wheel. (21, 22, 31, 32) to at least one of the axial bars (131, 132, 141, 142) of the transverse structure (13, 14).

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said suspension arm (41, 42) comprises two branches assembled together at one of their ends, the opposite ends of the branches being rotatably connected to an axial bar (131, 132, 141, 142) of the transverse structure (13, 14), said arm (41, 42) having a substantially V shape.

9. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the traction chain (15) comprises at least one drive means connected to at least one wheel (21, 22, 31, 32) of the vehicle (1), said drive means being of the type of a heat engine or electric connected to a corresponding energy reserve.

10. Vehicle according to claim 3 and any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises at least lateral means (18) of protection extending along a side edge of said floor .

A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a steering column support (34, 44) located at the front of at least one of said axial structures (3, 4 ).

12. Vehicle according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that the floor (10) is connected to said front apron (1 1) and to at least one partition (12) substantially vertical s' extending on a lateral edge, said floor (10), said apron (1 1), said partition (12) and the axial structure (3, 4) facing it delimiting a cellar with lateral feet.

13. Vehicle according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one means (60) for absorbing and / or transmitting the energy of a frontal impact of the vehicle against an obstacle external to the vehicle, such as a transverse beam (61) forming a bumper connected to the transverse structure (13, 14).