DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A HEAT TREATMENT ORGAN

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attaching a heat treatment element to a holder, comprising: - a mounting plate (1) designed for fixed connection with the heat treatment element and having an opening (2) for the passage of a rod for attachment to a holder, - a first damping element arranged on the mounting plate (1) opposite the passage opening (2) and designed for the passage of the mounting rod, wherein the mounting plate (1) has a receiving area (5) surrounding the passage opening (2) and extending along an axis (D2) parallel to an axis of the mounting rod, wherein the receiving area (5) is designed to come into contact with the first damping element, and wherein the receiving area (5) extends over a length (L) that is greater than the thickness (E) of the mounting plate (1).

Description

THERMAL CONDITIONING COMPONENT FIXING DEVICE technical field [1] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. Such thermal conditioning systems can be fitted to a motor vehicle. These systems enable the temperature regulation of various vehicle components, such as the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, in the case of an electric vehicle. Heat exchange is managed primarily by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant within several heat exchangers arranged in a closed circulation circuit. Previous technique [2] Certain components of a climate control system are typically mounted on the vehicle chassis. It is common practice to attach the heaviest components using damping elements. These damping elements include, for example, compressed elastomer blocks between the component to be mounted and the chassis, which provides vibration decoupling. This reduces the transmission of vibrations. [3] It is also common to secure several components of the thermal conditioning system using an intermediate plate that allows for the grouping of several components or parts. This intermediate plate can be formed from sheet metal shaped by cutting and stamping. One or more holes are made in the plate to allow the passage of one or more fixing screws. Two damping elements are inserted opposite each other on either side of the fixing plate, at the level of a hole. A fixing screw passes through each of the damping elements as well as through the plate. A fixing nut is then tightened to secure the fixing plate by compressing the damping elements. [4] When the metal plate is made from thin sheet metal, for example less than 2 millimeters thick, the edge of the plate can, at the fixing hole, eventually damage the damping elements. Indeed, the edge of the plate can, over time, gouge the damping elements and degrade their damping capacity. [5] The object of the invention is to provide a device for fixing a component of a thermal conditioning system with improved reliability. Summary [6] To this end, the present invention proposes a device for fixing a thermal conditioning component to a support, the fixing device comprising: - a mounting plate configured to be attached to the thermal conditioning unit, the mounting plate including an opening for the passage of a rod for fixing to the support, - a first damping element disposed on the fixing plate opposite the passage hole, the first damping element being configured to be traversed by the fixing rod, in which the fixing plate includes a receiving area surrounding the passage hole and extending along an axis parallel to an axis of the fixing rod, the receiving area being configured to come into contact with the first damping element, and in which the receiving area extends over a length strictly greater than the thickness of the fixing plate. [7] The size of the receiving area on the mounting plate limits the shear force exerted by the mounting plate on the first damping element. The risk of damage to the damping element from the edge of the mounting plate is eliminated. [8] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination: [9] The fixing plate is metallic.

[0010] The mounting plate is formed from a sheet of metal.

[0011] The thickness of the fixing plate is between 1.0 millimeter and 2.5 millimeters.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the fixing device, the receiving area extends over a length greater than or equal to 150% of the thickness of the fixing plate, preferably greater than 200% of the thickness of the fixing plate.

[0013] This value for the length of the receiving area ensures that the first damping element is not damaged by the fixing plate.

[0014] The first damping element is configured to be compressed between the mounting plate and the support.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the receiving area comprises a cylindrical portion extending along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the passage opening.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the fixing device, the receiving area is formed by a cylindrical tube attached to the fixing plate.

[0017] The cylindrical tube is metallic.

[0018] The material of the cylindrical tube can be the same as the material of the mounting plate.

[0019] The material of the cylindrical tube may be different from the material of the mounting plate.

[0020] In one example of how the fastening device is implemented, the cylindrical tube is welded to the mounting plate. The cylindrical tube can also be brazed, press-fitted, or crimped.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the fixing device, the receiving area is formed by deformation of the fixing plate in the vicinity of the passage opening.

[0022] No additional parts are needed to form the receiving area for the mounting plate. The additional cost is minimal. Furthermore, the deformation applied to the plate increases its rigidity near the opening, which also reduces vibration transmission.

[0023] According to one aspect of the fastening device, the receiving area is arranged in a groove of the first damping element.

[0024] The width of the groove is between 2.0 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters.

[0025] The depth of the throat is greater than the length of the receiving area.

[0026] This leaves a gap between the bottom of the groove and the end of the receiving area. Any potential shearing of the damping element by the edge of the receiving area is avoided.

[0027] The first damping element is cylindrical. Similarly, the second damping element is cylindrical.

[0028] A cross-section of the damping element may be oblong in shape.

[0029] A cross-section of the passage opening may be oblong in shape.

[0030] The oblong shape allows for a shift of the damping element along a translational direction, which provides a possibility of adjusting the position of the fixing device if necessary.

[0031] The damping element is made of elastomer material.

[0032] For example, the damping element is made of EPDM.

[0033] The Shore A hardness of the damping element can be between 30 and 60.

[0034] An axial end of the damping element may include a series of teeth with a triangular cross-section.

[0035] The tips of the triangular teeth are configured to be in contact with the mounting plate.

[0036] During tightening, each tooth is compressed and deformed. In operation, as the compression of the damping element increases due to dynamic forces, the contact area increases, which tends to distribute the forces over a larger volume of material. This results in a more gradual deformation.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fixing rod is a screw configured to engage with a tapped hole in the support.

[0038] Alternatively, the fixing rod is a threaded rod configured to engage with a nut. A thrust washer is placed between the nut and the damping element.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fastening device includes a second damping element. The first damping element and the second damping element are coaxial and arranged on opposite surfaces of the fastening plate.

[0040] The presence of two damping elements improves the reduction of vibration transmission.

[0041] One element from the first damping element and the second damping element is configured to be compressed between the support and the mounting plate.

[0042] The other element between the first damping element and the second damping element is configured to be compressed between the fixing plate and the fixing rod.

[0043] More specifically, the other damping element is configured to be compressed between the mounting plate and a thrust washer linked to the mounting rod.

[0044] The first damping element and the second damping element are configured to be traversed by the same fixing rod.

[0045] The second depreciation element and the first depreciation element are identical.

[0046] Therefore, no assembly errors are likely to occur.

[0047] The fastening device includes a sleeve passing through the first damping element.

[0048] The sheath also passes through the second damping element.

[0049] The support washer is configured to bear against an axial end of the sleeve when the fastening device is in the mounting position.

[0050] The support washer can be rigidly attached to the sleeve.

[0051] The damping element comprises a series of transverse protrusions. The damping element extends along an axis, and the transverse protrusions extend from the inner periphery towards the axis of the damping element.

[0052] The sheath is in contact with the protuberances.

[0053] The friction of the protrusions of the damping element on the sleeve prevents the damping element and the sleeve from separating from each other during the assembly or transport phase.

[0054] The disclosure also relates to a thermal conditioning system configured to be fixed to a support, the thermal conditioning system comprising: - a thermal conditioning unit, - a fixing device as described above, in which the thermal conditioning element is secured to the fixing plate.

[0055] The thermal conditioning system can be a system for a motor vehicle.

[0056] The thermal conditioning unit is configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid.

[0057] The thermal conditioning unit is a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid.

[0058] The disclosure also relates to a motor vehicle, including: - a structural element configured to form a support, - a thermal conditioning system as described, in which the thermal conditioning unit is fixed to the support by a fixing element compressing the first damping element.

[0059] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a mounting plate for a fastening device as described above, comprising the steps: (a) provide a sheet metal, (b) form a hole in the sheet metal, (c) deform the sheet metal bordering the opening so as to form the receiving area.

[0060] Step (c) of sheet metal deformation includes the substep: - pass through the orifice a shaping tool with an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the orifice formed so as to form the receiving area.

[0061] The shaping tool is moved along a direction of movement perpendicular to a plane of the sheet metal in the vicinity of the orifice. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which:

[0063] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a thermal conditioning system incorporating a fastening device according to the invention,

[0064] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of a fastening device according to the invention,

[0065] [Fig. 3] is a partial, perspective view of a fixing plate of a fastening device according to a first embodiment,

[0066] [Fig. 4] is a partial, perspective view of the fixing plate of figure 3, from another viewing angle.

[0067] [Fig. 5] is a partial, perspective view of a fastening device according to a first embodiment,

[0068] [Fig. 6] is a partial, perspective view of a fastening device according to a variant embodiment of the first embodiment,

[0069] [Fig. 7] is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment,

[0070] [Fig. 8] is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a plate of a fastening device according to a second and a third embodiment,

[0071] [Fig. 9] is a detailed view of a damping element of the fastening device according to the first embodiment,

[0072] [Fig. 10] is another detailed view of the damping element of Figure 9, integrated into the fastening device according to the first embodiment,

[0073] [Fig. 11] is a schematic, side view illustrating different stages of a manufacturing process for a fixing plate of figures 4 and 5,

[0074] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle comprising a thermal conditioning system incorporating a fastening device according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0075] To facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate between similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations can be interchanged.

[0076] The term "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0077] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0078] Figure 1 shows a thermal conditioning system 100 configured to be fixed to a support 10, the thermal conditioning system 100 comprising: - a thermal conditioning unit 50, - a fixing device 20 which will be described. The fixing device 20 comprises a fixing plate 1, and the thermal conditioning element 50 is attached to the fixing plate 1.

[0079] The thermal conditioning system 100 described in the example is a system for a motor vehicle. The thermal conditioning system 100 It can provide thermal conditioning, that is, temperature regulation, for various components or subsystems of the vehicle. A compression device, not shown, circulates a refrigerant in a closed circuit. The high-pressure refrigerant exiting the compression device undergoes heat exchange in various heat exchangers before returning to the inlet of the compression device, thus completing a thermodynamic cycle. The refrigerant can be expanded by various expansion devices within the circuit. The refrigerant can be a chemical fluid such as R1234yf, R134a, or R744. The detailed operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 will not be described.

[0080] The thermal conditioning unit 50 is configured here to circulate a refrigerant. More precisely, the thermal conditioning unit 50 is a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between a refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid.

[0081] Figure 12 schematically represents a motor vehicle 60, comprising: - a structural element configured to form a support 10, - a 100 thermal conditioning system. The thermal conditioning element 50 of the thermal conditioning system 100 is fixed to the support 10 by a fixing element compressing a first damping element. The first damping element 3 is not shown in Figure 12 and is detailed in particular in Figure 1.

[0082] The support 10 is formed by a fixing area provided on a structural element of the vehicle 60. The structural element is a part of the body-in-white of the vehicle 60. The structural element here is a front longitudinal member of the vehicle 60.

[0083] According to the illustrated example, the fixing device 20 comprises a first damping element 3 and a second damping element 4. The first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 are coaxial and arranged on opposite surfaces 12, 13 of the fixing plate 1. The damping elements 3, 4 are intended to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the thermal conditioning unit 50 to the support 10, and vice versa.

[0084] The first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 are arranged opposite each other on either side of the mounting plate 1. The first damping element 3 is arranged on a first principal surface 12 of the mounting plate 1, and the second damping element 4 is arranged on the principal surface 13 opposite the first principal surface 12. The mounting plate 1 is sandwiched between the first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 when the mounting device 20 is assembled to the support 10. A mounting rod 11 passes through the first damping element 3, the mounting plate 1, and the second damping element 4. The mounting rod 11 extends along an axis D1. The mounting plate 1 is arranged, along the axis D1 of the mounting rod 11, between the first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4.The first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 are thus configured to be traversed by the same fixing rod. One element of the first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 is configured to be compressed between the support 10 and the fixing plate 1. The other element of the first damping element 3 and the second damping element 4 is configured to be compressed between the fixing plate 1 and the fixing rod 1.

[0085] More specifically, the other damping element is configured to be compressed between the mounting plate 1 and a thrust washer 15 linked to the mounting rod 11. The thrust washer 15 has an annular shape. The mounting rod 11 passes through the thrust washer 15.

[0086] The first damping element 3 is cylindrical. Similarly, the second damping element 4 is cylindrical. In other words, a cross-section of either the first damping element 3 or the second damping element 4 has the shape of a circular ring. The first damping element 3 extends along an axis D3.

[0087] The second damping element 4 and the first damping element 3 can be identical. Therefore, no assembly errors are likely, since the same part number can be used.

[0088] Figure 2 details the mounting plate 1 when the thermal conditioning unit 50 is not mounted. The mounting plate 1 is metallic. It is formed from a sheet of metal. For example, the mounting plate 1 is formed by cutting and stamping a sheet of metal, as shown in Figure 2. The cutting process can be, for example, laser cutting, i.e., achieved by moving a laser beam along the surface of the plate. The thickness E of the mounting plate is, for example, between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0089] The fastening device 20 secures the thermal conditioning unit 50 to the support 1. Two threaded rods 31 pass through a mounting bracket attached to the thermal conditioning unit 50, and a nut (not shown) is placed on each threaded rod 31 and tightened. The fastening device 20 can be removed from the support 10, for example, for maintenance of the thermal conditioning unit 50. The fastening device 20 is an intermediate piece that secures the thermal conditioning unit 50 to the support 10. The mounting plate 1 can also accommodate other components of the thermal conditioning system 100. The threaded rod 31' can thus receive a mounting flange for another component (not shown).The first damping element 3 is interposed between the fixing device 20 and the support 10, which makes it possible to avoid, or at least limit, the propagation of vibrations from the thermal conditioning unit 50 to the support 10 and vice versa.

[0090] The fixing rod 11 can take various forms. In one embodiment, the fixing rod 11 is a screw configured to engage with a tapped hole 18 in the support 10. Alternatively, the fixing rod 11 can be a threaded rod configured to engage with a nut. A thrust washer is positioned between the nut and the damping element.

[0091] The fastening device 20 comprises a sleeve 17 passing through the first damping element 3. The sleeve 17 also passes through the second damping element 4. The fastening rod 11 is partially received within the sleeve 17. The sleeve 17 is traversed from one axial end to the other axial end by the fastening rod 11. The fastening rod 11 is contained within the sleeve 17 according to a radial direction. A radial clearance is present between the inner lateral surface of the sleeve 17 and the outer lateral surface of the fixing rod 11, so that the fixing rod 11 can slide without constraint during assembly.

[0092] A thrust washer 15 is configured to bear against an axial end 19 of the sleeve 17 when the fastening device 20 is in the mounting position. In one embodiment, the thrust washer 15 can be rigidly connected to the sleeve 17.

[0093] The sleeve 17 is cylindrical or oblong in shape. The sleeve 17 can be considered rigid compared to the damping elements 3 and 4. The sleeve 17 limits the crushing of the first damping element 3 when the threaded element connected to the fixing rod 1 is tightened. The length of the sleeve 17 is chosen to obtain an adequate compression ratio of the first damping element 3. The same applies to the compression ratio of the second damping element 4.

[0094] When the thermal conditioning system 100 is assembled on the vehicle, the following components are found successively along the axis D1 of the mounting rod 11: the bracket 10, a first thrust washer 15, the first damping element 3, the mounting plate 1, the second damping element 4, a second thrust washer 16, and the head 21 of the screw 11 when the mounting rod 11 is a screw. This arrangement is shown in Figure 7, where the various parts are shown spaced apart. The screw 11 is inserted into the tapped hole 18 of the bracket 10. Alternatively, the mounting rod 11 can be a threaded rod protruding from the bracket 10, as in Figure 1. In this case, a mounting nut, not shown, is found instead of the screw head 21. The first support washer 15 and the second support washer 16 are, for example, identical.Each thrust washer 15, 16 distributes the clamping force over the entire surface of its corresponding damping element. This prevents excessive stress on the screw head 21 or the nut. Each thrust washer 15, 16 can be attached to its corresponding damping element during the vulcanization process.

[0095] A fixing device 20 for a thermal conditioning element 50 on a support 10 is proposed. As shown in particular in Figures 1, 3 and 7, the fastening device 20 comprises: - a fixing plate 1 configured to be secured to the thermal conditioning unit 50, the fixing plate 1 comprising a passage 2 for a fixing rod 11 to the support 10, - a first damping element 3 disposed on the fixing plate 1 opposite the passage orifice 2, the first damping element 3 being configured to be traversed by the fixing rod 11, in which the fixing plate 1 includes a receiving area 5 surrounding the passage orifice 2 and extending along an axis D2 parallel to an axis D1 of the fixing rod 11, the receiving area 5 being configured to come into contact with the first damping element 3, and the receiving area 5 extends over a length L strictly greater than the thickness E of the fixing plate 1.

[0096] The receiving area 5 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the fixing rod. The size of the receiving area 5 on the fixing plate 1 limits the shear force exerted by the fixing plate 1 on the first damping element 3. Indeed, the length L of the receiving area 5 is chosen to ensure a sufficiently large contact surface to distribute the forces transmitted by the fixing plate 1 to the first damping element 3. The maximum stresses received by the damping element are minimized, and the risk of damage to the damping element 3 by the edge of the fixing plate 1 is eliminated.

[0097] The length L of the receiving area 5 is measured parallel to the axis D1 of the fixing rod 11 when the fixing plate 1 is secured to the support 10 by the fixing rod 11.

[0098] The receiving area 5 is configured to come into contact with the first damping element 3 when the fastening device 20 is attached to the support 10. In other words, the receiving area 5 is in contact with the first damping element 3 when the first damping element 3 is compressed to a nominal clamping force corresponding to the assembly. When the fastening device 20 is assembled to the support 10, the axis D1 of the fastening rod 1, the axis D2 of the receiving zone 5, and the axis D3 of the damping element 3 are coincident.

[0099] As can be seen in particular in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the receiving area 5 delimits at least part of the periphery of the passage orifice 2. The receiving area 5 defines part of the edge of the passage orifice 2.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the fastening device 20, the receiving area 5 extends over a length L greater than or equal to 150% of the thickness E of the fastening plate 1, preferably greater than 200% of the thickness E of the fastening plate 1. For example, when the thickness E of the fastening plate 1 is 2.0 millimeters, the length L of the receiving area 5 is chosen to be greater than or equal to 3.0 millimeters, and preferably greater than 4.0 millimeters. This value of the length L of the receiving area 5 makes it possible to keep the forces transmitted to the first damping element 3 at a sufficiently low level to guarantee that the first damping element 3 is not damaged by the fastening plate 1.

[0101] The passage orifice 2 is delimited by a plane P. The receiving zone 5 extends along an axis D2 perpendicular to the plane P of the passage orifice 2.

[0102] In the illustrated example, the first damping element 3 is configured to be compressed between the fixing plate 1 and the support 10.

[0103] The first damping element 3 radially covers the passage orifice 2. As shown in Figure 10, the outer diameter d-3 of the first damping element 3 is larger than the diameter d-2 of the passage orifice 2, so the damping element 3 cannot pass through the passage orifice 2. The axis D2 of the receiving area and the axis D3 of the damping element 3 are perpendicular to the plane of the figure and are not shown. The symbol 33 indicates the outer lateral surface of the first damping element 3, that is, the outer perimeter of the first damping element 3.

[0104] The passage orifice 2 is recessed from an edge 26 of the fixing plate 1. In other words, the passage orifice 2 does not meet any edge of the fixing plate 1. The passage orifice 2 extends over an angular sector equal to 360°.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the receiving area 5 comprises a cylindrical portion 6 extending along an axis D2 perpendicular to the plane P of the passage orifice 2.

[0106] Several implementation methods are possible for reception area 5.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the fastening device 20, illustrated in Figure 8, the receiving area 5 is formed by a cylindrical tube 7 attached to the fastening plate 1. Before assembly, the cylindrical tube 7 is a separate piece from the sheet metal forming the fastening plate 1. Once the cylindrical tube 7 is attached to the fastening plate 1, the assembly is tamper-proof. Tamper-proof means that the parts cannot be separated without damaging them.

[0108] The cylindrical tube 7 is metallic. The material of the cylindrical tube 7 may be the same as the material of the mounting plate 1. The material of the cylindrical tube 7 may be different from the material of the mounting plate 1.

[0109] According to an example of the implementation of the fastening device 20, illustrated in part A of Figure 8, the cylindrical tube 7 is welded to the fastening plate 1. The cylindrical tube 7 can also be brazed. The symbol 23 indicates the welded or brazed area.

[0110] The cylindrical tube 7 can also be press-fitted, or crimped. In this case, no filler material is used to join the cylindrical tube 7 and the fixing plate 1.

[0111] Part B of Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment in which the cylindrical tube 7 is crimped. The cylindrical tube 7 is engaged in a circular orifice of the plate 1, then deformed to increase the diameter of each of the portions 24a, 24b bordering the axial ends of the tube 7. Each deformed portion 24a, 24b is folded back towards the fixing plate 1 and the outside diameter d-24 of each deformed portion 24a, 24b is greater than the diameter d-2 of the orifice 2 of the fixing plate 1 in which the cylindrical tube 7 is engaged, so that the cylindrical tube 7 remains fixed to the fixing plate 1.

[0112] According to another embodiment of the fixing device, detailed in particular in figures 3, 4, 5, 7, the receiving area 5 is formed by deformation of the fixing plate 1 in the vicinity of the passage orifice 2.

[0113] No additional parts are required to form the receiving area 5 of the mounting plate 1. The additional cost to achieve the functionality of the receiving area 5 is therefore minimal. Furthermore, the deformation applied to the mounting plate 1 increases its rigidity in the vicinity of the passage 2, which helps to reduce vibration transmission.

[0114] As detailed in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the cylindrical portion 6 of the receiving area 5 connects to a flat portion 8 of the mounting plate 1 via a flared portion 9. The internal radius of curvature r of the flared portion 9 is less than 0.5 millimeters. The external radius of curvature is between the thickness E of the mounting plate 1 and the thickness E plus 0.5 millimeters. The receiving area 5 extends on only one side of the plane P1 of the flat portion 8 to which the flared portion 9 connects.

[0115] Figure 7 details, in side view, the arrangement of the different parts of the fastening device 20 and the support 10.

[0116] The receiving area 5 is located in a groove 14 of the first damping element 3. The groove 14 is circular. The width L of the groove 14, visible for example in Figure 9, is between 2.0 and 3.5 millimeters. The width L of the groove 14 is the dimension along a radial direction DR. The receiving area 5 is thus located in a recess formed in the first damping element 3. When the damping element is in its free state, i.e., uncompressed, a radial clearance exists between the receiving area 5 and the damping element, because the width L of the groove 14 is greater than the thickness E of the plate 1. When the damping element 3 is compressed during assembly, the initial clearance becomes zero. As can be seen in figure 7, the depth G of the groove 14 is greater than the length L of the receiving zone 5. There is therefore a gap denoted 32 between the bottom of the groove 14 and the end of the receiving zone 5.Potential shearing of the damping element 3 by the edge of the receiving area 5 is prevented. The depth G of the groove 14 is the dimension measured along the axis D3 of the damping element 3. In Figure 7, the second damping element 4 does not have a groove to simplify the figure. The second damping element can be identical to the first damping element 3 for standardization purposes.

[0117] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, a cross-section of the damping element may be oblong. The first damping element is designated by the symbol 3', the second damping element by the symbol 4', and the passage hole by the symbol 2'. A cross-section of the passage hole 2' is also oblong. The oblong shape provides clearance between the passage hole 2' and a fixing rod extending along an axis D1', and allows for offsetting the damping element along a translational direction T. It is thus possible, if necessary, to adjust the position of the fixing device along the translational axis T. The cross-section of the damping element 3' comprises two semi-circular portions connected by two parallel straight portions. The same applies to the second damping element 4'.Similarly, the cross-section of the passage orifice 2' comprises two semi-circular portions connected by two parallel straight portions. The support washer 15' has the same shape as the first damping element 3', that is to say, it is also oblong in shape.

[0118] The damping element 3 is made of elastomeric material. For example, the damping element 3 is made of EPDM (ethylene propylene copolymer). The hardness of the damping element 3, measured on the Shore A scale, can range from 30 to 60. This range of values ​​allows for good vibration absorption while limiting the amplitude of the movement of the mounting plate 1 relative to the support 10.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, an axial end of the damping element 3 may comprise a series of triangular teeth 22. The tips of the triangular teeth 22 are configured to be in contact with the mounting plate 1. The triangular section is only visible when the damping element is in its free state, i.e., uncompressed. During tightening, each tooth is compressed and deformed, which tends to flatten the triangular tips. In operation, as the compression of the damping element increases due to dynamic forces, the contact area between the damping element and the plate increases, which tends to distribute the forces over a larger volume of material. Greater progressive deformation is achieved. The cross-section of a tooth by a plane parallel to the axis D3 of The damping element is triangular in shape. Each tooth extends along a radial direction DR, that is to say the lines delimiting the triangular tip of each tooth pass through the axis D3 of the damping element 3.

[0120] In the illustrated example, the damping element 3 comprises a series of transverse protrusions 27. The transverse protrusions 27 extend from the inner periphery towards the axis of the damping element 3. The sleeve 17 is in contact with the protrusions 27. The friction of the protrusions 27 of the damping element on the sleeve 17 prevents the damping element and the sleeve from separating during assembly or transport, particularly when the retaining rod 11 is not yet positioned. The protrusions 27 are optional. Similarly, the triangular teeth are optional, and the axial end of the damping element can be formed by two flat surfaces separated radially by the groove 14.

[0121] The mounting plate 1 may have several through-holes allowing the passage of as many mounting rods, in order to provide multiple attachment points to the support 10. In Figure 2, the mounting rod 11' cooperates with the damping elements 3' and 4' to provide a second attachment point to the support 10. Any number of attachment points may be used. Two mounting rods 11 and 11' are shown in Figure 2.

[0122] As stated previously, the receiving area 5 can be formed in various ways. Figure 11 details different steps in a manufacturing process for a mounting plate 1 of a fastening device 20 as described above. The manufacturing process comprises the steps: a) supplying a sheet metal 1, b) forming an opening 2 in the sheet metal 1, c) deforming the sheet metal bordering the opening 2 to form the receiving area 5.

[0123] Step c) of sheet metal deformation includes the substep: - pass through the orifice 2 a shaping tool 25 with an outside diameter d-ext greater than a diameter di-2 of the orifice 2 formed so as to form the receiving area 5.

[0124] The shaping tool 25 is moved along a direction of movement F perpendicular to a plane of the sheet metal 1 in the vicinity of the orifice 2.

[0125] The forming tool 25 comprises a cylindrical portion and an ogive-shaped portion. The ogive-shaped portion comes into contact with the area bordering the opening 2. The sheet metal forming the mounting plate 1 is supported, near the opening 2, by a flat support that guides the deformation of the sheet metal. The passage of the forming tool 25 pushes the material of the sheet metal 1 bordering the opening 2. The ogive-shaped portion initiates the deformation of the sheet metal near the opening 2. The cylindrical portion of the tool 25 allows the final shape to be obtained. The flared portion 9 of the receiving area 5 is obtained, as well as the cylindrical portion 6 of the receiving area.

[0126] In Figure 11, part A illustrates the raw sheet metal used to form the mounting plate 1. Part B illustrates the result of step b) of forming the hole 2. Part C1 illustrates the approach of the tool 25 to the vicinity of the hole 2. Part C2 illustrates the passage of the tool 25, causing a deformation of the plate 1 to form the receiving area 5. Part C3 of Figure 11 illustrates the completed mounting plate 1. The curvature of the flared portion 9 is not necessarily constant.

[0127] Other shaping steps may precede or follow the described steps, in order to obtain all the desired geometric characteristics.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for fixing (20) a thermal conditioning component (50) to a support (10), the fixing device (20) comprising: - a fixing plate (1) configured to be secured to the thermal conditioning unit (50), the fixing plate (1) comprising a passage hole (2) for a fixing rod (11) to the support (10), - a first damping element (3) disposed on the fixing plate (1) opposite the passage orifice (2), the first damping element (3) being configured to be traversed by the fixing rod (11), in which the fixing plate (1) includes a receiving area (5) surrounding the passage orifice (2) and extending along an axis (D2) parallel to an axis (D1) of the fixing rod (11), the receiving area (5) being configured to come into contact with the first damping element (3), and in which the receiving area (5) extends over a length (L) strictly greater than the thickness (E) of the fixing plate (1).

2. Fixing device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving area (5) extends over a length (L) greater than or equal to 150% of the thickness (E) of the fixing plate (1), preferably greater than 200% of the thickness (E) of the fixing plate (1).

3. Fixing device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving area (5) comprises a cylindrical portion (6) extending along an axis (D2) perpendicular to the plane (P) of the passage orifice (2).

4. Fixing device (20) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving area (5) is formed by a cylindrical tube (7) integral with the fixing plate (1).

5. Fixing device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the cylindrical tube (7) is welded to the fixing plate (1), or brazed, or press-fitted, or crimped.

6. Fixing device (20) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving area (5) is formed by deformation of the fixing plate (1) in the vicinity of the passage orifice (2).

7. Fixing device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving area (5) is disposed in a groove (14) of the first damping element (3).

8. Fixing device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second damping element (4), wherein the first damping element (3) and the second damping element (4) are coaxial and arranged on opposite surfaces (15, 16) of the fixing plate (1).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) configured to be fixed to a support (10), the thermal conditioning system (100) comprising: - a thermal conditioning unit (50) - a fixing device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thermal conditioning element (50) is secured to the fixing plate (1).

10. Motor vehicle, comprising: - a structural element configured to form a support (10), - a thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the thermal conditioning element (50) is fixed to the support (10) by a fixing element compressing the first damping element (3).

11. A method for manufacturing a fixing plate (1) of a fixing device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps: (a) supply a sheet (1), (b) form an opening (2) in the sheet metal (1), (c) deform the sheet metal bordering the opening (2) so as to form the receiving area (5).

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