FR2943970A3 - Locking device for clamping system clamping electric energy storage unit on structure of e.g. hybrid motor vehicle, has hook cooperating with ring in mechanical connection with structure of vehicle having electric energy storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) has a hook (101) in mechanical connection with an electric energy storage unit with a structure of a motor vehicle. The hook cooperates with a ring (15) in mechanical connection with the structure of the motor vehicle. The ring and the hook are movable with respect to each other between a position (B) in which the ring is engaged with the hook and another position (A) in which the ring is disengaged from the hook. Relative movement between the positions is allowed by an action of a displacement unit (130).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for locking the position of an electrical energy storage means on a chassis of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a clamping system of a means for storing electrical energy on a chassis of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, comprising such a locking device.

Electric or hybrid motor vehicles use electrical energy to power an electric motor whose mechanical work allows them to move. Thus, electric or hybrid motor vehicles must have a means of storing electrical energy to deliver the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the electric motor.

It is expected that the electrical energy storage means of electric vehicles can be quickly recharged in a charging station. It is also expected that the electrical energy storage means can be quickly replaced. For example, its replacement operations may occur on a weekly basis. Given this high frequency, it is desirable that the replacement operation be done without manual intervention and as quickly as possible. These constraints are reinforced by the fact that the electrical energy storage means are preferably positioned under the body of the motor vehicle.

The positioning of the electrical energy storage means further requires that the locking device and / or the clamping system can operate without problems despite significant geometric and dimensional dispersions. The object of the invention is to provide a locking device of an electrical energy storage means for overcoming the problems mentioned above and improving the locking devices known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a locking device in the position of a simple electrical energy storage means, preferably not requiring direct manual intervention, allowing rapid replacement of the electrical energy storage means. and operating without problems despite significant geometric and / or dimensional dispersions of the motor vehicle frame and / or the electrical energy storage means.

According to the invention, the device makes it possible to lock the position of an electrical energy storage means for supplying an electric motor drive motor of a motor vehicle and intended to be removably attached to a structure of the motor vehicle . It is characterized in that it comprises a hook in mechanical connection with the electrical energy storage means, respectively with the structure of the motor vehicle, and intended to cooperate with an element in mechanical connection with the structure of the motor vehicle, respectively with the means of storing electrical energy.

The element may comprise a ring.

The hook and the element can be movable relative to each other between a first engagement position of the element in the hook and a second position in which the element is disengaged from the hook, the relative movement between the first and second positions being enabled by the action of a moving means.

The moving means may comprise a member movable in rotation between two extreme positions corresponding to the first and second positions, the movement between the two extreme positions being less than 360 °, preferably less than 180 °, and in particular, less than or equal to 90 °.

The rotational movement of the member can be transformed into a translational movement, for example by means of a screw-nut system or a cam system.

The moving means may comprise a jack.

The jack may be mechanical or hydraulic or pneumatic type. The moving means may comprise an electromagnet.

According to the invention, the clamping system of a means for storing electrical energy on a structure of a motor vehicle comprises a locking device defined above.

The clamping system may include means for positioning the electrical energy storage means on the structure of the motor vehicle.

According to the invention, the motor vehicle comprises a locking device defined above or a previously defined clamping system.

The attached drawings show, by way of example, four embodiments of a locking device in position of an electrical energy storage means according to the invention. Figure 1 is a bottom view of a motor vehicle equipped with several locking devices according to the invention. Figure 2 is a side view of a motor vehicle equipped with a plurality of locking devices according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electrical energy storage means according to the invention and intended to be fixed on a motor vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of an arrangement of an electrical energy storage means fixed to a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising a first embodiment of a position locking device according to the invention. .

Figure 5 is a detail view, in partial section, of the first embodiment of a position locking device according to the invention. Figures 6 to 9 are views of a second embodiment of a position locking device according to the invention.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a position locking device according to the invention.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a position locking device according to the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a motor vehicle 10 of electric or hybrid type mainly comprises a structure 11, wheels 12 and a passenger compartment 13. It is intended to receive a means 20 for storing electrical energy, storage means being intended to supply the electrical energy necessary for supplying a driving motor 30 of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the structure of the vehicle, in particular its chassis 11, comprises a recess 14 for accommodating the electrical energy storage means.

The structure of the motor vehicle and the electrical energy storage means have means 21, 22 complementary positioning of the electrical energy storage means 20 on the vehicle structure. They also have means 100 for locking the position of the electrical energy storage means on the vehicle structure, in particular on the chassis. In particular, the electrical energy storage means can be fixed under the chassis of the vehicle.

As represented in FIG. 3, the electrical energy storage means comprises, for example, an electric storage battery 24 and a plate 25 intended to close the recess 14 when the electrical energy storage means is in place on the structure of the vehicle.

In order to fix a means of storing electrical energy on the structure of the vehicle, the electrical energy storage means is first positioned relative to the structure of the electric vehicle. This is done thanks to the positioning means 21, 22 mentioned above. For example, the positioning means comprise holes, such as holes 21a, in the vehicle structure and centering pins 21b integral with the electrical energy storage means, in particular integral with the plate 25. It is clear that these means can be completely reversed, the holes being provided on the electrical energy storage means and the centering pins being provided on the vehicle structure. Thanks to these positioning means and a stop (for example constituted by the arrival of the electrical energy storage means against the vehicle structure in its translational movement parallel to the axis of the centering pins), all degrees of The freedom of the means for storing electrical energy with respect to the structure of the vehicle is blocked. However, the electrical energy storage means can still move relative to the vehicle structure in a translation movement parallel to the axis of the centering pins and in the direction of breaking of the stop contact. Thus, in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 10, the electrical energy storage means can move downwards with respect to the structure of the vehicle.

To prevent such a displacement, in a second step, activates a locking means in position 100, 200, 300, 400 of the electrical energy storage means on the vehicle structure. This locking means makes it possible to maintain the abutment contact between the electrical energy storage means and the vehicle structure. For example, the locking means acts by applying a force between the electrical energy storage means and the vehicle structure so that the electrical energy storage means applies a force F to the vehicle structure for example a force at least substantially parallel to the vertical axis, that is to say the Z axis of the vehicle. The locking means must be able to be activated and deactivated as simply as possible and as quickly as possible. Preferably, it can be activated or deactivated remotely, that is to say without intervention at the electrical energy storage means or its interface with the vehicle structure. For example, it can be activated or deactivated by action on a control member, such as a button, provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the case where it is necessary to intervene at the locking means, the locking or unlocking action must be limited to a simple and rapid action, such as: - a lever action, for example limited to a rotation angle the lever is less than 60 °, and preferably less than 45 °, or an action of rotation of a workpiece of limited amplitude at a few turns (2, 3, 4 or 5), preferably less than one turn, preferably MS \ REN 152FR.dpt less than half a turn and preferably less than or equal to a quarter turn.

A first embodiment of a position-locking device 100 according to the invention is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The position-locking device 100 mainly comprises a hook 101, a ring 15 and a means 130 relative movement of the hook relative to the ring.

The ring can be fixed on the vehicle structure, for example on the vehicle chassis, in particular in the recess 14. It can be fixed by any means, in particular by screwing or welding.

The hook may itself be in mechanical connection with the electrical energy storage means, in particular on the plate 25.

Thanks to the displacement means 130, the hook can be moved between a first position A in which the ring is clear of the hook and a second position B in which the ring and the hook are engaged.

In the first position, it is said that the locking means is deactivated and, in the second position, it is said that the locking means is activated.

The moving means mainly comprises a screw-nut system including a screw 107 pivotally connected to the plate 25 and a nut 105 in pivot connection with a lower end of the hook. A rotation of the screw 107 in a first direction by the action of a tool 109 causes the translation displacement of the nut 105 in a first direction and a rotation of the screw 107 in a second direction by the action of the 109 causes the translational displacement of the nut 105 in a second direction. MS \ REN152FR.dpt

The hook is in mechanical connection with a support 102 comprising for example mainly a drum receiving the lower end of the hook. This included a groove 103 for receiving a pin 104 secured to the hook. This groove guides the hook in its movement.

This has a complex movement combining a translation along a first axis and a rotation along a second axis perpendicular to the first. The translational movement is obtained by displacement of the nut 105 along the axis of the screw 107. The rotational movement is obtained by action of the edges of the groove 103 on the pin 104. It is permitted by the pivot connection existing between the hook and the nut. Preferably, an elastic means (not shown) recalls the hook to its first position A.

A second embodiment 200 of a locking device according to the invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

This second embodiment differs from the first mainly by the structure of the moving means. Indeed, the moving means 230 does not include a screw-nut system, but a cam or bayonet system. The principle is always based on the displacement in translation of the lower end 206 of the hook.

A support 202 includes grooves 211 cooperating with pins 212 to guide the hook in its complex movement of translation and rotation combined. A semi-cylindrical piece 205 is in pivot connection with the hook 201. The semi-cylindrical piece is also pivotally connected to a piece 234 comprising pins 214 intended to cooperate with bayonet grooves 213 provided in the support 202. The piece 234 is integral or slide connection with an activation part 240 to be operated by a tool. An elastic means 235, such as a helical spring, bears against the bottom of the support 202 and acts on the piece 234 and, via this piece, on the hook to return it to its position of disengagement with the ring. With this architecture, it is sufficient to cause a rotation of a quarter of a turn of the workpiece 240 in a first direction to bring the locking device from an activated state to a deactivated state and cause a rotation of a quarter turn of the coin 240 in a second direction to bring the locking device from a deactivated state to an activated state. Indeed, the action of the pins 214 on the edges of the grooves 213 causes a translation of the part 234 relative to the support 202 when the piece 234 rotates relative to the support 202. It follows a combined movement of translation and rotation of the hook.

A third embodiment of a locking device 300 according to the invention is described below with reference to FIG.

This third embodiment differs mainly from the previous ones in that the moving means is controlled remotely.

In this embodiment, the hook is in connection with the structure 11 of the vehicle and the ring 15 'is fixed to the electrical energy storage means. In this embodiment, the principle is always based on the displacement in translation of one end of the hook 301. This end of the hook is in pivot connection with a semi-cylindrical piece 310. This semi-cylindrical piece is connected to a displacement means. 330. This means of displacement comprises an elastic means, such as a spring 305, acting on a piston 306 movable in a support 302 constituting a cylinder. The piston can be moved by injecting a fluid into a chamber 308 via a line 309. When fluid is injected into the chamber 308, the piston 306 moves upwardly against the action of the spring 305 and drives the hook in its movement via a rod 307. The hook then arrives in an engagement position with a ring 15 '. When MS \ REN 152FR.dpt releases the fluid pressure, the action of the spring 305 moves the piston 306 downwardly, which brings the hook into a second position in which it is disengaged from the ring 15 '.

Thus, in this third embodiment, the moving means comprises a jack 302, 306, 307, 308. The fluid actuating the jack may be a liquid, such as oil, or a gas, such as air. Actuation of the jack can be controlled remotely, for example by means of a control member, such as a button, located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

As illustrated by this third embodiment, it is obvious that the hook may be in connection with the structure of the vehicle and that the ring can be attached to the electrical energy storage means.

A fourth embodiment 400 differs from the third embodiment in that the moving means 430 comprises an electromagnet 429 in place of the jack. This electromagnet is powered by electrical cables 428 and acts on a rod 407. The kinematics of the hook may for example remain identical.

The ring may be replaced by another element, such as a simple straight shaft joining two parts of the vehicle structure or two parts of the electrical energy storage means.

Finally, it is clear that the hook can be fixed rigidly to the structure of the vehicle, respectively by means of electrical energy storage, while it is the ring which is in mechanical connection with the electrical energy storage means, respectively with the structure of the vehicle, via a moving means, and mobile with the latter.

MS \ REN 152EN.dpt 5 Preferably, a plurality of locking devices (2, 3 or 4) are used to provide the locking function in position of the electrical energy storage means on the vehicle structure. MS \ REN152FR.dpt

Claims (11)

Claims: 1 Device (100; 200; 300; 400) for locking the position of an electrical energy storage means (20) for supplying an electric drive motor of a motor vehicle (10) and for to be removably attached to a structure (11) of the motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a hook (101; 201; 301) in mechanical connection with the electrical energy storage means, respectively with the structure of the motor vehicle, and intended to cooperate with an element (15; 15 ') in mechanical connection with the structure of the motor vehicle, respectively with the electrical energy storage means. 2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element comprises a ring (15; 15 '). 3. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hook and the element are movable relative to each other between a first position (B) of engagement of the element in the hook and a second position (A) in which the element is released from the hook, the relative movement between the first and the second position being allowed by the action of a moving means (130, 230, 330, 430). 4. Locking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the displacement means comprises a member (107; 240; 234) movable in rotation between two extreme positions corresponding to the first and second positions, the movement between the two extreme positions being less than 360 °, preferably less than 180 °, and in particular less than or equal to 90 °. MS \ REN 152EN.dpt 12 5. Locking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotational movement of the member is converted into a translational movement, for example by a screw-nut system or a cam system. 6. Locking device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the displacement means comprises a jack (302, 306, 307, 308). 10 7. Locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that the jack is of mechanical or hydraulic or pneumatic type. 8. Locking device according to claim 3 to 5, characterized in that the moving means comprises an electromagnet (430). 9. System for clamping a means (20) for storing electrical energy on a structure (11) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising a device (100; 200; 300; 400) for locking according to the one of claims 1 to 8. 10. Clamping system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means (21, 22) for positioning the electrical energy storage means on the structure of the motor vehicle. 25 11. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a locking device (100; 200; 300) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a clamping system according to one of claims 9 or 10. MS \ REN 152EN.dpt 15 20