System for attaching a vibration module to a structural component in, for example, a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for attaching a vibration module to a structural part, comprising: a support member (10) comprising a first portion (11) designed to be coupled to a pin of the vibration module and a second portion (12) designed to be fixed to the structural part; a housing (20) whose central body (22) is arranged in an opening (111) of the first portion (11), the housing being designed to house the pin surrounded by a damping pad; and a lock (30) fixed to the housing (20) and in contact with the first portion (11). The system (1) can adopt a delivery posture with the lock (30) at a first height along a central axis, and a locked posture with the lock (30) at a second height lower than the first height, the locked posture being achieved by rotating the lock (30) about the central axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of accessories, particularly accessories for automotive applications. Specifically, it relates to a system for attaching a vibration module to a structural component, particularly suitable for attaching a cooling module to the technical front end of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In motor vehicles, a pin in the upper part of the cooling module (which typically includes a condenser, radiator, and fan) is secured to a structural component at the front end via an upper attachment system. The cooling module is also mounted on a portion of a frame at its lower part, which is secured to the front end by means of a damping member made of elastic material. A pad made of elastic material is also inserted between the upper attachment system and the pin of the cooling module; when the vehicle is in operation, the damping member and the elastic pad dampen vibrations generated by the cooling module.

[0003] In addition to the presence of these shock absorbers, it is important that the entire stack of parts between the structural components and the frame sections maintain close contact to avoid amplification of vibrations and associated noise during vehicle operation and throughout its lifespan. Variations in play and tolerances in these parts can, in particular, disrupt the sought-after close contact.

[0004] To address this, document US2019061512 proposes an upper support system formed by a first portion and a second portion extending perpendicularly to the first portion. The first portion includes drilled holes for attaching the support system to structural components of a vehicle. The second portion includes an opening with internal threads that receives an elastomeric insulator (elastic pad) surrounding a pin on the upper part of the radiator. A universal holder can be selectively screwed into the opening to the desired depth. Therefore, this upper support system allows adjustment of the gap between the top of the radiator and the bottom of the elastomeric insulator to accommodate tolerance variations in the mating components. Consequently, the system prevents excessive vibration that could lead to noise and durability problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an alternative to existing technical solutions, seeking to remedy all or part of the aforementioned problems. The invention relates to a system for attaching a vibration module to a structural component, which allows for compensation for deviations in locking posture; said system is particularly suitable for attaching a cooling module to the front end of a vehicle.

[0006] Brief Description of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to a system for attaching a vibration module to a structural component, the system comprising:

[0008] - A bracket comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending along a main plane and designed to be connected to a pin of a vibration module, the second portion being designed to be fixed to a structural component, the first portion having a first opening along a central axis, and the second portion having a second opening.

[0009] - A housing comprising a generally cylindrical central body, an upper head, and a lower flange, the central body being disposed in a first opening and designed to receive a pin surrounded by a damping pad, the first surface of the flange abutting against the lower surface of a first portion, the lower surface having complementary inclined planes.

[0010] - Lock, which is fixed to the upper head and makes contact with the upper surface of the first part.

[0011] This attachment system can be used in two postures:

[0012] - Delivery position, wherein the lock is at a first height relative to the upper surface of the first portion of the bracket along the central axis; and

[0013] - A locking posture, which is achieved by rotating the lock about its central axis, wherein the lock is at a second height below the first height due to the cooperation between complementary inclined planes.

[0014] The upper attachment system according to the invention allows for a locking posture after the pins and structural components are fixed to the vibration module, in which the upper attachment system compresses the damping pad and compensates for any play in the stack of parts to be fixed: this ensures that the parts remain in close contact along the z-axis.

[0015] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, used alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0016] • The attachment system includes a ring disposed in the second opening;

[0017] The lock includes a central member that is attached to the upper head of the housing by clamping.

[0018] The lock includes a central member that is fitted into a hexagonal hole in the upper head of the housing to withstand locking torque when the lock is rotated to move from a delivery position to a locking position.

[0019] • The lock includes a flap that is designed to block access to the second opening in the locked position;

[0020] • The lock includes a flexible tab, which contacts the upper surface of the first part.

[0021] The central body of the housing includes a flexible arm that extends along the central axis and is capable of bending radially;

[0022] • The first surface of the flange and the lower surface of the first portion include complementary notches and pegs, respectively, to stabilize the delivery posture and the locking posture;

[0023] • The bracket includes a first end-of-travel stop, which is designed to interact with a second stop supported by the housing and / or by the lock to limit rotation between the delivery posture and the locking posture;

[0024] The bracket, housing, and lock are made of plastic materials, such as polyamide PA66;

[0025] • The plastic material forming the support and shell is filled with glass fiber.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an upper attachment assembly for holding a vibration module on a structural component, the upper attachment assembly comprising two upper attachment systems as described above, wherein:

[0027] - The two supports are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the main plane.

[0028] - The two housings and two locks are identical. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 The upper attachment system is shown in exploded and assembled diagrams;

[0031] Figure 2 An upper attachment system according to the invention is shown, (a) being secured to a vibration module pin, and (b) being secured to said pin and a structural component;

[0032] Figure 3 An attachment assembly comprising two attachment systems according to the invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 An attachment system according to the invention is shown, which is fixed to a vibration module pin, and a damping pad is inserted between the system and the pin;

[0034] Figure 5An enlarged view of the attachment system according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 The separate housings and locks, which are fixed to each other, are shown in the attachment system according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 7 Views are shown of the attachment system according to the invention in a delivery posture P1 and a locking posture P2;

[0037] Figure 8 An enlarged view of the attachment system according to the present invention is shown.

[0038] In the description section, the same labels in the diagram can be used for parts of the same type.

[0039] Various possibilities (variations and implementations illustrated and / or detailed in the following description) should be understood as not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This invention relates to a system 1 for attaching a vibration module to a structural component. As previously mentioned, the vibration module can be a cooling module of a vehicle engine, particularly including a radiator and a fan. In this case, the structural component forms part of the vehicle's technical front end. Of course, the invention is not limited to this application and can be used in any field or construction requiring an attachment system between a vibration module and a structural component.

[0041] The upper attachment system 1 includes a bracket 10, a housing 20, and a lock 30, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, they are separate and assembled. Typically, these three parts of attachment system 1 mate with each other to secure the pin 51 of the vibration module 50 and the structural component 60. Figure 2 ).

[0042] Advantageously, the bracket 10, housing 20, and lock 30 are formed of a plastic material, such as polyamide PA66. To enhance mechanical strength, the plastic material forming the bracket 10 and housing 20 may optionally be filled with glass fiber, such as polyamide PA66GF50.

[0043] The bracket 10, housing 20, and lock 30 are preferably manufactured by injection molding. Using this manufacturing method, it is advantageous to design the parts to have the most uniform and constant plastic thickness possible, allowing for uniform cooling and good integrity and robustness. Mechanical reinforcements 115 and 325 are provided, in particular, in the form of grooves, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 exemplified.

[0044] Typically, the vibration module 50 is held at two pins 51 located on either side of the upper surface of the vibration module. Therefore, the attachment assembly 2 for holding the vibration system 50 includes two upper attachment systems 1, wherein the two supports 10 are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the principal plane (x, y); the two housings 20 and the two locks 30 are identical. Figure 3 This helps to simplify the types of parts required for the attachment assembly 2.

[0045] Returning to the description of attachment system 1, bracket 10 includes a first portion 11 extending along a principal plane (x, y) and designed to be coupled to a pin 51 of vibration module 50; the first portion 11 has a first opening 111 along the central axis z. Bracket 10 also includes a second portion 12 designed to be secured to structural member 60. The second portion 12 has a second opening 121.

[0046] Preferably, the ring 40 (e.g., made of steel) is provided in the second opening 121 to secure the second portion 12 to the structural member 60. Figure 2 This enhances the mechanical resistance of the clamping force of the support bracket 10. This fixing is usually achieved by means of a bolt / washer / nut assembly.

[0047] The second opening 121 advantageously has a rectangular shape wider than the diameter of the bolt to compensate for dimensional tolerances and relative positioning of the vibration module 50 and the structural component 60. For example, the second opening 121 can be defined to accommodate alignment uncertainties of + / -4 mm to + / -5 mm along the y-axis and + / -2 mm to + / -3 mm along the z-axis regarding the hole in the structural component 60.

[0048] The housing 20 of the attachment system 1 includes a generally cylindrical central body 22, and an upper head 21 and a lower flange 23 located on either side of the body 22. Figure 1 The central body 22 is disposed in the first opening 111 of the first portion 11 of the support 10. The central body is designed to accommodate the pin 51 surrounded by the damping pad 52. Figure 4 A damping pad 52 is shown, which is to be engaged on the side of the lower flange 23 of the central body 22. The pad is also press-fitted onto the pin 51 of the vibration module 50. The pad is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) and has a lower flange 52a, which will be positioned between the surface 232 of the flange 23 (referred to as the second surface 232) and the upper surface of the vibration module 50.

[0049] The other surface 231 of the flange 23 abuts against the lower surface 112 of the first portion 11. The surfaces 231 and 112 have complementary inclined planes 231a and 112a. Figure 5The usefulness of these inclined planes 231a and 112a will be discussed later.

[0050] The lock 30 of the upper attachment system 1 is secured to the upper head 21 of the housing 20 and makes contact with the upper surface 113 of the first portion 11 of the bracket 10. Advantageously, the lock 30 includes a central member 31, which is attached to the upper head 21 of the housing 20 by clipping. Figure 6 For this purpose, the central member 31 includes, for example, two hooks 311 symmetrical about the central axis of the member 31; these hooks 311 are configured to engage with recesses 211 provided in the recess of the upper head 21 of the housing 20. The hooks 311 are as follows: Figure 6 The outward orientation is shown to ensure high mechanical strength; however, an inward-facing hook with a suitable notch and recess at the upper head 21 can be considered.

[0051] Therefore, the lock 30 is secured to the housing 20 and supported on the upper surface 113 of the bracket 10. The housing 20 is assembled to the bracket 10, wherein the housing is attached to the lock 30 at its upper head 21 and presses against the lower surface 112 of the bracket 10 via the first surface 231 of its flange 23. Nevertheless, the lock 30 and the housing 20 are still capable of rotational movement about the z-axis within a certain angular range, as described later.

[0052] According to the invention, the upper attachment system 1 (whose support 10, housing 20, and lock 30 are assembled together) can then be used in two postures P1 and P2. Figure 7 exemplified):

[0053] - Delivery posture P1, wherein the lock 30 is at a first height H1 along the central axis z relative to the upper surface 13 of the first portion 11 of the bracket 10, and

[0054] - Locking posture P2, which is achieved by rotating the lock 30 about the central axis z, wherein the lock 30 is in a second height H2 below the first height H1 due to the cooperation between the complementary inclined planes 231a and 112a.

[0055] The upper attachment system 1 is positioned and secured to the pin 51 and structural component 60 of the vibration module 50 in its delivery posture P1; then, the upper attachment system can be placed in a locking posture P2, in which the upper attachment system compresses the flange 52a of the damping pad 52 and compensates for any play in the stack of the parts to be joined (from the structural component 60 to the mechanical parts holding the lower surface of the vibration module 50): this ensures that the parts remain in close contact along the z-axis.

[0056] It should be remembered that when module 50 is attached to structural component 60, it will cause module 50 to vibrate during operation, and any clearance that may exist in the stack of said parts can easily increase vibration-related wear and generate noise pollution. Because the attachment system 1 has clearance compensation, it is highly advantageous to keep the parts in close contact.

[0057] Depending on the characteristics and location of the vibration module 50 (especially in the case of automotive applications, depending on the type of vehicle), the clearance to be compensated can be, for example, expected to be between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few millimeters; for example, it could be 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, or even 4mm. Of course, the clearance to be compensated is not limited to these value ranges and can be lower or much higher than the millimeter range by manufacturing the attachment system accordingly to the required dimensions.

[0058] In delivery posture P1, the complementary inclined planes 231a and 112a are positioned opposite each other, that is, the high point of the lower surface 112 of the first part 11 of the bracket 10 is opposite to the low point of the first surface 231 of the flange 23. Rotation of the lock 30 about the z-axis causes the inclined planes 231a and 112a to move relative to each other, and the high point of the lower surface 112 of the first part 11 of the bracket 10 is positioned opposite to the high point of the first surface 231 of the flange 23. Naturally, the rotation of the lock 30 thus causes a downward vertical movement (along the z-axis) of the housing 20 and the lock 30; in other words, the height of the upper head 21 of the housing 20 relative to the upper surface 113 of the first part and the height of the lock 30 relative to said upper surface decrease in locking posture P2 (H2).

[0059] The rotation angle of lock 30 can be, for example, between 30° and 90°. Figure 7 As shown, the bracket 10 advantageously includes a first end-of-stroke stop 114 configured to engage with a second stop 233 supported by the housing 20 to limit rotation between the delivery posture P1 and the locking posture P2 by a defined angular amplitude. The second stop may alternatively or cumulatively be supported by the lock 30.

[0060] In the attachment system 1 according to the invention, the lock 30 that abuts the upper surface 113 of the first part 11 in the delivery posture P1 must be able to adapt to the reduction in height in the locking posture P2.

[0061] Therefore, an advantageous embodiment provides that the lock 30 includes a flexible tab 312, which contacts the upper surface 113 of the first portion 11 via the flexible tab. For example, it can be... Figure 6 ​As can be seen, these flexible tabs 312 can be folded and deformed to accommodate the transition of the lock 30 from height H1 in the delivery posture P1 to height H2 in the locking posture P2, where height H2 is lower than height H1. Although the tabs 312 are flexible, they have a certain degree of stiffness, which ensures that the parts of the attachment system 1 always remain in close contact with each other regardless of the postures P1 and P2.

[0062] Of course, other implementations can be envisioned to allow the lock 30 to accept height variations with respect to the upper surface 113 of the first portion 11 of the bracket 10, for example, such as the arrangement of complementary inclined planes.

[0063] Advantageously, the central member 31 of the lock 30 has a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) lower portion that fits into a hole 212 in the upper head 21 of the housing 20, the hole 212 having a complementary polygonal shape (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 6 (as shown in the hexagon). This connection allows it to withstand high locking torques that occur when the lock 30 rotates from delivery position P1 to locking position P2 (or from locking position P2 to delivery position P1).

[0064] The lock 30 may also include a hinge 32, which facilitates gripping the lock 30 to perform a rotation from a delivery position P1 to a locking position P2. The hinge 32 is preferably configured to engage the lock in the locking position P2 (…). Figure 7 The leaf 32 blocks or at least impedes access to the second opening 121. In other words, in the locking position P2, the leaf 32 blocks access to the attachment bolts on the structural member 60. Conversely, in the delivery position P1, the leaf 32 is substantially parallel to the x-axis; therefore, the tool can easily access the second opening 121 and perform bolt tightening for attachment to the structural member 60.

[0065] Optionally, the upper part of the central member 31 of the lock 30 has a polygonal shape (e.g., hexagonal) to allow the lock 30 to be rotated using a key. This option is implemented, for example, without the hinge 32, or in the case of the hinge 32 in case the locking torque is too high and holding the hinge 32 alone is insufficient to rotate the lock 30.

[0066] Advantageously, the central body 22 of the housing 20 includes a flexible arm 221 that extends along the central axis z and is capable of bending radially, such as... Figure 6As illustrated, these flexible arms 221 are designed to be pushed outward when the damping pad 52 is forcefully inserted into the central body 22: this allows the arms 221 to press against the inner wall of the first portion 11 in the first opening 111 and ensures close contact between the first portion 11 and the central body 22 of the housing 20, regardless of any dimensional uncertainties. This close contact configuration in the plane (x, y) also helps to limit wear and noise associated with vibrations of the module 50 during operation.

[0067] Furthermore, the first surface 231 of the flange 23 and the lower surface 112 of the first portion 11 of the bracket 10 respectively include complementary notches 231b and studs 112b to stabilize the delivery posture P1 and the locking posture P2. Figure 8 ).

[0068] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and examples, and variations may be added without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An attachment system (1) for attaching a vibration module (50) on a structural part (60), the attachment system comprising: a bracket (10) comprising a first portion (11) extending along a main plane (x, y) and designed to be coupled to a pin (51) of the vibration module (50), and a second portion designed to be fixed to the structural part, the first portion (11) having a first opening (111) along a central axis (z) and the second portion having a second opening (121), a housing (20) comprising a substantially cylindrical central body (22) arranged in the first opening (111) and designed to house the pin (51) surrounded by a damping pad (52), an upper head (21) and a lower flange (23), a first surface (231) of the lower flange (23) abutting a lower surface (112) of the first portion (11), the surfaces (231, 112) having complementary inclined planes (231a, 112a), a lock (30) fixed to the upper head (21) and establishing contact with an upper surface (113) of the first portion (11), the attachment system (1) being able to adopt two postures: a delivery posture (PI) in which the lock (30) is at a first height (HI) along the central axis (z) relative to the upper surface (113) of the first portion (11) of the bracket (10), and a locked posture (P2) achieved by rotating the lock (30) about the central axis (z), in which the lock (30) is at a second height (H2) lower than the first height (HI) due to the cooperation between the complementary inclined planes.

2. The attachment system (1) according to claim 1, comprising a ring (40) arranged in the second opening (121).

3. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (30) comprising a central member (31) attached to the upper head (21) of the housing (20) by clamping.

4. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (30) comprising a central member (31) fitted into a hexagonal hole (212) in the upper head (21) of the housing (20) to withstand locking torque when the lock (30) is rotated to move from the delivery posture (PI) to the locked posture (P2).

5. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (30) comprising a flap (32) designed to block access to the second opening (121) in the locked posture (P2).

6. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (30) comprising a flexible tab (312) via which the lock is in contact with the upper surface (113) of the first portion (11).

7. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central body (22) of the housing (20) comprising a flexible arm (221) extending along the central axis (z) and able to bend radially.

8. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said first surface (231) of said lower flange (23) and said lower surface (112) of said first portion (11) comprise respectively a complementary notch (231b) and a peg (112b) to stabilize said delivery posture (Pl) and said locking posture (P2).

9. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said bracket (10) comprises a first end-of-travel stop (114) designed to interact with a second stop (233) supported by said housing (20) and / or by said lock (30) in order to limit the rotation between said delivery posture (Pl) and said locking posture (P2).

10. Attachment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said bracket (10), said housing (20) and said lock (30) are formed from a plastic material.

11. Attachment system (1) according to claim 10, wherein Said bracket (10), said housing (20) and said lock (30) are formed from polyamide PA66.

12. An attachment assembly (2) for holding an upper part of a vibration module (50) on a structural component (60), said attachment assembly comprising two attachment systems (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and wherein: The two brackets (10) are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to said main plane (x, y), The two housings (20) and the two locks (30) are identical.

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