Supporting piece for water pump of vehicle, vehicle body of vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a supporting piece (10) for a water pump (5) of a vehicle, a vehicle body of the vehicle and the vehicle. The support (10) is intended to be fastened to a longitudinal member (3) of the vehicle, the support (10) comprising first fastening means for the water pump (5) and second fastening means for fastening the horn (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member for a water pump. The present invention also relates to a vehicle body comprising the support member. The present invention further relates to a vehicle comprising the support member or the vehicle body. The present invention further relates to a method for assembling the vehicle body. Background Art

[0002] For the purpose of reducing costs, a plurality of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, from a similar range often use the same chassis or body, or the same front longitudinal members. This is the case, for example, with electric vehicles based on vehicle designs with an internal combustion engine or a hybrid power unit.

[0003] However, the engine compartment located at the front of an electric vehicle exhibits differences compared to other types of vehicle power units. Therefore, elements for fastening to the front longitudinal members, such as the water pump support, need to be designed to adapt to the engine compartment of an electric vehicle, even if the vehicle is reusing the chassis of an existing internal combustion engine vehicle or hybrid vehicle.

[0004] Designing such a support to suit a vehicle with an electric power unit, as well as the process of manufacturing such a support, in particular the required tooling, results in particularly high costs. These costs need to be reduced. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a support member for a water pump that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the present invention proposes a support member that can support other components while saving time during the assembly process of the vehicle body.

[0006] To achieve this aim, the present invention relates to a support for a water pump for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be fixed to a longitudinal member of such a vehicle, comprising:

[0007] - a first fixing device for such a water pump, and

[0008] - A second fixing device intended for fixing the speaker.

[0009] The first fixing device may comprise a first extension, in particular a split first extension.

[0010] The second fixing means may comprise a second extension, in particular a second extension comprising a tongue.

[0011] The support may comprise third fixing means intended for fixing a wheel arch lining and / or fourth fixing means intended for fixing an electrically operated expansion valve of an air conditioning system.

[0012] The third fixing device may comprise a third extension, in particular a third extension comprising a bent end.

[0013] The invention further relates to a body of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a longitudinal member, in particular a right front longitudinal member, the body comprising a support as defined above.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a support as defined above or a body as defined above.

[0015] The invention further relates to an assembly method for a vehicle body as defined above, comprising the step of mounting a water pump comprising a vibration damping device on a first fixing device of a support using a press.

[0016] The assembly method may include a step of fixing an electrically operated expansion valve of the air conditioning system to the splice after or simultaneously with the step of installing the water pump, and this step may be preceded or followed by fixing a vibration filtering device to the splice, which is intended to filter out vibrations between the splice and the support.

[0017] The method may comprise the step of preliminarily holding a support member to which the water pump is fixed on the longitudinal member, followed by the step of fixing this support member to the longitudinal member.

[0018] The method may comprise the step of securing a tab to which an electrically operated expansion valve of the air conditioning system is secured to a fourth securing means of the support.

[0019] The method may comprise the step of fixing the horn to the second fixing means of the support and possibly the step of fixing the wheel arch lining to the third fixing means of the support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a support member and an embodiment of an assembly method given by way of non-limiting examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a partial three-dimensional view of a motor vehicle body according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a partial view of a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0024] Figure 4It is a detailed perspective view of a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a support member according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a front view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, lying in a plane parallel to the ground, is referred to as the transverse direction Y. A third direction perpendicular to these two directions is referred to as the vertical direction Z. Therefore, a direct reference system XYZ is used, where X is the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle and therefore points to the rear, Y is the transverse direction pointing to the right, and Z is the vertical direction pointing upward. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which a motor vehicle typically moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rearward direction.

[0028] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 (preferably a motor vehicle) is schematically illustrated. The motor vehicle is preferably a vehicle that uses electricity for propulsion and / or traction. Vehicle 1 preferably includes at least one battery and at least one electric motor. Vehicle 1 also includes a body or chassis 2. Vehicle 1 or body 2 includes a longitudinal member 3, such as a right front longitudinal member. Vehicle 1 or body 2 further includes a support member 10.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 1 or the vehicle body 2 further comprises a water pump 5. For example, the water pump has a power of 60 watts. Such a water pump is used, for example, to circulate a liquid, in particular a hot liquid, in order to heat the interior of the vehicle 1. Preferably, the water pump 5 comprises a vibration damping device 5 ', such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. For example, the vibration damping device surrounds the pump 5. For example, the device 5' is made of rubber or an elastomer. The damping device prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the longitudinal member 3 and thus to the vehicle body. In either case, the device 5' or the pump 5 includes an aperture through which the first fixing device 11 can pass. The vehicle 1 or vehicle body 2 further includes a speaker 6. Preferably, the vehicle 1 or vehicle body 2 also includes an electrically operated expansion valve 7 for the air conditioning system and / or a wheel arch lining 8.

[0030] Notice, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The wheel arch lining 8 shown in FIG is positioned in Figure 1This lining 8 is intended to limit or even prevent any debris (especially water and / or soil and / or sand and / or stone chips) thrown up by the wheel 9 from entering the engine compartment near the wheel 9.

[0031] More specifically, the support 10 is intended to be fixed to a longitudinal member 3 of the vehicle 1. In order to fix the support to the longitudinal member 3, the support 10 preferably comprises two holes 16, 17 located in the fixing area 15 of the support. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the hole 16 positioned at the top is a circular hole, while the hole 17 positioned at the bottom is an oblong hole extending in a vertical or nearly vertical direction. Preferably, a captive nut, in particular attached via welding, is provided on the longitudinal member so as to allow two screws 18 to pass through the support 10 via the holes 16, 17 and to be screwed into the captive nut attached to the longitudinal member 3. Alternatively, the longitudinal member is provided with two holes, and two bolts engage with the holes 16, 17 and the two holes in the longitudinal member in order to fix the support 10 to the longitudinal member 3. Alternatively, only one screw or one bolt is provided. In this case, this screw or this bolt is assisted by a device for holding the support relative to the longitudinal member so as to prevent any pivoting of the support relative to the longitudinal member, such as a stud engaged in a slot (fixing not shown). For example, the one or more screws 18 each have an M6 or even M8 thread, as do the corresponding one / multiple nuts.

[0032] The support 10 receives, supports and holds the water pump 5. Therefore, the support 10 comprises first fixing means 11 intended to hold the water pump, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Preferably, the first fixing means 11 comprises a first extension 50. Advantageously, the first extension 50 is split. For example, a slit 51 separates the distal end 52 of the first extension, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Thus, the split first extension 50 is intended to be inserted into an orifice formed in the damping device 5 ′ of the pump or directly into the pump in the case where the damping device is integrated into the pump 5 .

[0033] The support 10 further comprises a second fixing means 12 intended for fixing the loudspeaker, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 What is shown.

[0034] Preferably, the second fixing means 12 comprises a second extension 60. For example, the second extension 60 has a tongue or a lug or a bend 62. For example, the second extension 60 comprises a hole 63 or a tapped portion (not shown) or a captive nut (not shown) preferably attached by welding. Thus, in the case of a captive nut, the horn 6 can be easily fixed to the second extension 60 of the support 10 by means of a bolt or a simple screw. Advantageously, as Figure 2 A plate or tab 64, preferably flat, is shown fixed to the horn 6. The horn 6 is thus fixed to the support 10 by fixing the plate 64 to the second extension 60. Advantageously, this plate has, in its fixing area, holes intended for fixing to the support, so that bolts can provide the fixing with the holes 63, or, in the case of a captive nut on the second extension 60, screws can provide the fixing.

[0035] Advantageously, the support 10 comprises third fixing means 13 intended for fixing the wheel arch lining 8, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Preferably, the third fixing device 13 includes a third extension 80. For example, the third extension 80 includes a bent end 83. For example, the third extension 80 includes at least one hole 86 and / or at least one tapped portion (not shown) and / or at least one captive nut (not shown). In the case of a captive nut, the nut is, for example, welded to the third extension of the support 10. For example, the end 83 of the third extension includes at least one hole 87 and / or at least one tapped portion (not shown) and / or at least one captive nut (not shown). In the case of a captive nut, the nut is, for example, welded to the end of the third extension of the support 10. Thus, in the case of a captive nut, the wheel arch lining 8 can be easily fixed to the extension 80 of the support 10 by means of one or more bolts or simple screws. Preferably, the hole 87 accommodates a fixing for a pipe, for example, a pipe for water leaving the pump 5.

[0036] Advantageously also, the support 10 comprises fourth fixing means 14 intended for fixing the electrically operated expansion valve 7 of the air conditioning system, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Preferably, the fourth fixing device 14 includes an extension 70, such as in particular Figure 4 and Figure 6 The extension 70 preferably extends partially rearward in a transverse and longitudinal plane. Advantageously, the electrically operated valve 7 comprises a tab 20. Such tab 20 has recesses or holes intended to allow the passage of fixing screws in order to fix the tab 20 to the support 10 at the extension 70. In the case of two fixing screws or bolts 74, two recesses 22 or holes are formed in the tab 20 and two holes 76 are formed in the extension 70, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Advantageously, as shown Figure 4 As shown, the vibration filtering device 21 is arranged between the extension 70 and the tab 20 supporting the electrically operated valve 7. For example, the vibration filtering device 21 comprises a block or cylindrical element at each screw or bolt 74. For example, each screw or bolt 74 has an M6 thread. Advantageously, each cylindrical element has a radial groove so that the radial groove can be inserted into each recess 22 formed in the tab 20 and retained in each recess by being wedged therein. Each cylindrical element is made of rubber or an elastomer, for example, so as to attenuate the transmission or diffusion of vibrations emanating from the longitudinal member 3 and / or directly from the support 10 (in particular vibrations emanating due to the operation of the pump 5) towards the tab 20 supporting the electrically operated valve 7.

[0037] Preferably, a cutout or slit 71 is formed near the extension 70 so as to create a hook or tongue 72 that, in its position of use, bends downwards towards the bottom of the support 10 .

[0038] Preferably, the support member 10 is formed (especially cut out), punched and (especially by stamping) bent from steel sheet. The thickness of the steel sheet is, for example, between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. Further preferably, pressed features 75, 75' are provided in the fourth extension 70. Further preferably, the pressed features 56 are arranged parallel to the direction of the first extension 50. Further preferably, the pressed features 55, 55' are arranged perpendicular to or nearly perpendicular to the extension 50. Further preferably, at least one pressed feature or rib 85 is provided at the bend between the end 83 and the third extension 80. The purpose of such pressed features or ribs is to reinforce the support member without adding material and therefore without additional weight or cost.

[0039] One embodiment of an assembling method for assembling the vehicle body 2 will now be described.

[0040] First, the method comprises a step of mounting the water pump 5 including the vibration damping device 5' on the first fixing device 11 of the support 10. The pump 5, and more particularly the damping device 5', is inserted, where applicable, onto the split extension 50. In other words, the distal end 52 of the support 10 is inserted into an orifice formed in the damping device 5'. Advantageously, this step is performed using a press. Possibly, due to the significant forces involved in assembling the damping device 5' of the pump onto the support 10, this insertion can only be achieved using a press. Note that once the support has been fixed to the vehicle body, it is difficult (or even impossible) to perform this insertion, and this is why this operation of fixing the pump to the support is performed at the beginning of the method. Advantageously, this assembly of the support 10 and the water pump 5 is performed as a parallel operation "beside the assembly line", for example at a separate workstation. It may be desirable to assemble the support with the water pump in order to produce a batch of support-water pump complete body subassemblies for delivery to a vehicle body production line without slowing down this line by inserting the water pump on its support, an insertion operation which is awkward and / or time consuming, particularly when a press is used.

[0041] After the step of installing the water pump 5 or simultaneously with this installation step, a step of fixing the electrically operated expansion valve 7 of the air conditioning system to the tab 20 is performed, for example using a threaded or bolted connection (not shown). This step is performed, for example, at another workstation, also "next to the assembly line", so as not to slow down the main production line. For example, as a parallel process, a batch of electrically operated valves 7 mounted on the tab 20 is formed for delivery to the body production line. Note that this step may be preceded or followed by a sub-step of fixing a vibration filtering device or block 21 to the tab 20. In the case where the tab 20 is provided with recesses 22, a block 21 provided with radial grooves or radial recesses is inserted, pushed into, or slid into these recesses. Remember that the device 21 is intended to filter vibrations between the tab 20 and the support 10.

[0042] Preferably, the next step is to initially secure the support member 10 (to which the water pump 5 is already secured) to the longitudinal member 3. To this end, a finger, extension, or hook 72 extending from the upper end of the support member 10 near the extension 70 is preferably used. Thus, the support member, equipped with the pump 5, is hooked onto the upper lip of the longitudinal member via the hook 72. The support member 10, equipped with the pump 5, is thus secured to the longitudinal member 3 without any or minimal assistance. At a minimum, the hook's engagement with the top of the longitudinal member supports the weight of the support member and pump subassembly, thereby reducing the burden on the assembler. In particular, it allows the assembler to secure the support member and pump subassembly in place with just one hand, allowing them to use their other hand to pick up a screwdriver or other tool to secure the subassembly to the longitudinal member. In any case, initial securing means that the support member can rest on the longitudinal member in the time it takes to obtain, for example, a screw and a screwdriver for securing the assembly. For example, the assembler may use a screwdriver to partially secure the screws 18. Here, "partially assembled" means screwing in the screw 18 without tightening it. Preferably, the screw 18 is partially assembled in the circular upper hole 16 so that it engages with the captive nut on the longitudinal member 3 or the nut on the rear of the longitudinal member. The support 10 is thus completely retained in its final position, or close to it, and the operator can then insert the second screw 18 into the oblong lower hole 17. The operator can then tighten the screws further and, if necessary, adjust the vertical positioning by taking advantage of the oblong hole 17 and the clearance between the screw 18 and the hole 16. The operator then performs the step of securing the support 10 to the longitudinal member 3 by tightening the two screws 18, in particular to the recommended tightening torque.

[0043] Next, the operator carries out the step of fixing the tab 20, to which the electrically operated expansion valve 7 of the air conditioning system has previously been fixed, to the fourth fixing means 14 of the support 10. To this end, two screws or bolts 74 engage with the recesses 22 or orifices in the tab 20 and with the two holes 76 in the extension 70. Remember that, preferably, in the previous step, a cylindrical vibration damping element 21 was inserted on the tab 20 in order to provide a damping interface between the support 10 and the tab 20.

[0044] Where applicable, the method next comprises a step of fixing the horn 6 to the second fixing means 12 of the support 10. This fixing step is performed, for example, by fixing the tab 64 fixed to the horn 6 to the extension 60 of the support 10. For example, screws or bolts 65 (assisted by end stops 62 of the extension 60 which prevent the tab 64 from pivoting relative to the support 10) provide the fixation to the support 10. It is noted that at any early stage of the method, it is difficult or even impossible to fix the horn to the support 10. This is because the horn interferes with or even prevents the access of the screw-driving tool, in particular the tightening of the screws 18 fixing the support 10 to the longitudinal member 3 (see Figure 2 ).

[0045] The method may further comprise the step of fixing the wheel lining 8 of the wheel 9 to the third fixing means 13 of the support 10. To this end, screws or bolts engage with holes 86 formed in the extension 80 of the support and holes in the wheel lining 8 or the splash guard.

[0046] The solution, therefore, involves creating a support 10 that groups together the fixings for the water pump 5, the horn 6, the electrically operated air conditioning valve 7, and the wheel arch lining 8 for the wheel 9. Thus, by increasing the number of functions performed by a single support, the need to design, manufacture, stock, and provide a reference list of additional supports is overcome, and all costs associated with such additional supports are avoided. All the steps and costs associated with obtaining and installing three supports (i.e., one for the horn, one for the electrically operated air conditioning valve, and one for the wheel arch lining) are thus avoided. In particular, by mounting the water pump on the support and the electrically operated valve on the tab as a parallel process alongside the assembly line, the assembly line time required to secure the components to the supports is also reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, the support 10 is designed to allow its integration into the vehicle body and / or onto the longitudinal members of an existing vehicle chassis, thereby also saving costs. Thus, a vehicle body originally designed for an internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicle, which already has captive nuts for attachment to the longitudinal members, where applicable, can be used in the production of an all-electric vehicle. Specifically, there appears to be no need to modify the vehicle body and / or the longitudinal members to which the support is fitted. This thus avoids the need to test and / or calculate and / or model the vehicle body and / or the longitudinal members, in particular with regard to their impact resistance and / or impact deformation. Furthermore, the tools and / or processes involved in the production of the vehicle body and / or its potential repair over the life of the vehicle are not affected. In other words, this solution therefore allows the maximum number of components to be integrated onto the existing interface, in this case onto the right front longitudinal member, without modifying the components of the vehicle body.

[0048] Although the position of the support has been described and illustrated as on the right front longitudinal member, in front of the right front wheel, the solution can obviously be adapted to accommodate the left front longitudinal member, or even a longitudinal member arranged at the rear of the vehicle, or even some other part of the body.

[0049] In summary, this solution includes a layout in the area in front of the right front wheel that allows for the installation of the water pump, horn, wheel arch lining, and the electrically operated expansion valve for the air conditioning system. Remember, the support facilitates installation on the vehicle body by a single operator, particularly thanks to its hook 72, which provides a simple and reliable initial hold for the support-water pump subassembly. As mentioned previously, this solution offers the possibility of preparation alongside the assembly line, saving time during vehicle assembly.

[0050] It should be noted that this solution thus meets the desired objective of limiting the costs of supports in the engine compartment of an electric vehicle that reuses the chassis of an internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicle, while saving time and facilitating assembly, and offers the following advantages:

[0051] - The solution can be used in other vehicles such as trucks, agricultural vehicles, site vehicles and / or buses in order to equip them according to specific requirements.

Claims

1. A support (10) for a water pump (5) of a vehicle (1), intended to be fixed to a longitudinal member (3) of the vehicle (1), characterized in that The support member (10) comprises: - a first fixing device (11) for the water pump (5), and - a second fixing means (12) intended for fixing the loudspeaker (6).

2. The support member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first fixing device (11) comprises a first extension portion (50).

3. The support member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second fixing device (12) includes a second extension (60).

4. The support member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The support (10) comprises third fixing means (13) intended for fixing a wheel arch lining (8) and / or fourth fixing means (14) intended for fixing an electrically operated expansion valve (7) of an air conditioning system.

5. The support member (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The third fixing device (13) includes a third extension portion (80).

6. The support member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The vehicle is a motor vehicle.

7. The support member (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first extension portion (50) is a split first extension portion.

8. The support member (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The second extension (60) includes a tongue (62).

9. The support member (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The third extension portion (80) includes a bent end (83).

10. A vehicle body (2) comprising a longitudinal member (3), characterized in that The vehicle body (2) comprises a support element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The vehicle body (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that The vehicle is a motor vehicle.

12. The vehicle body (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The longitudinal member (3) is a right front longitudinal member.

13. A vehicle (1), characterized in that The vehicle comprises a support element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or a vehicle body (2) according to one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The vehicle (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The vehicle is a motor vehicle.

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