METHOD FOR MOUNTING A WATER PUMP ON A MOTOR VEHICLE AND / OR A DRIVETRAIN

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for mounting a water pump to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain by means of a bracket. The invention also relates to a bracket for attaching a water pump to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle and a powertrain comprising such a bracket or assembled using such an assembly method.

[0002] The document FR2925117-A1 describes a powertrain component whose housing forms the mounting support for the engine.

[0003] Motor vehicles typically include a cooling system comprising a water or heat transfer fluid circuit and a pump capable of circulating the water or heat transfer fluid within the circuit. Such a pump is generally called a water pump, even though the heat transfer fluid is not exactly water. It is usually driven by a timing belt.

[0004] Motor vehicles increasingly include equipment and peripherals that require cooling. Cooling systems are therefore becoming longer and more complex. To efficiently circulate water or heat transfer fluid through such systems, a second water pump, or auxiliary water pump, is commonly used in addition to the main water pump. Auxiliary water pumps are now standard equipment manufactured in large quantities.

[0005] For mounting the auxiliary water pump, water pump manufacturers typically supply a bracket attached to the pump. The water pump and its bracket are then fixed to a vehicle frame, such as an engine block or body panel. The bracket is designed specifically for the vehicle and / or powertrain on which it is intended to be mounted. Therefore, it has a geometry specific to a given powertrain or vehicle. The diversity of vehicles and powertrains results in a similar diversity of water pumps and their mounting brackets. Consequently, assembly workshops face the complex task of managing their inventory of water pumps and their brackets.

[0006] To simplify inventory management and the organization of assembly workshops, there are known water pump assembly methods in which the vehicle or powertrain manufacturer orders, on the one hand, bare water pumps (i.e., without a bracket), and on the other hand, brackets adapted to the vehicle or powertrain to be assembled. The bracket is then assembled to the water pump on a specific assembly table, and the entire assembly is then fixed to the vehicle or powertrain. Water pump inventory management is thus facilitated; however, the assembly tables used are bulky and complex to manufacture.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a method for assembling a water pump and a support for implementing the assembly method, remedying the above disadvantages and improving upon known prior art assembly methods.

[0008] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a method for assembling a water pump that is simple to implement in an assembly workshop, in particular a method for assembling a water pump that allows for simple management of water pump stocks and does not require the use of a specific assembly table.

[0009] A second object of the invention is a method of assembling a water pump which reduces, or even eliminates, the risk of incorrect assembly of the water pump.

[0010] The invention relates to a method for assembling automotive equipment, in particular an electric water pump, to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain, the assembly method comprising: a first step of providing a support according to claim 1, the support comprising a collar and a clamping screw for the collar, the collar comprising a first opening through which said clamping screw is engaged; a second step of fixing the support to a frame of the motor vehicle and / or the powertrain; a third step of inserting the automotive equipment inside the collar; a fourth step of tightening the clamping screw to lock the automotive equipment in position.

[0011] The collar may consist of two half-shells.

[0012] The collar may include a rotating joint between the two half-shells and a single clamping screw for the collar.

[0013] During the first stage, the second stage and the third stage, the first half-hull and the second half-hull can be in a spread-apart position.

[0014] In the position of separation of the first and second half-shells, the latter can define an opening angle which is between 10° and 15°, in particular approximately equal to 12°.

[0015] The first half-shell may include the first opening, and the second half-shell may include a second opening, the clamping screw being engaged through the first opening and through the second opening.

[0016] The support may include a mounting flange, the support being fixed, in particular screwed, to a frame of the motor vehicle and / or powertrain during the second stage via the mounting flange.

[0017] The support may include a means of error correction to prevent an operator from mounting the automotive equipment upside down.

[0018] The automotive equipment may include an electrical connector, and the collar may include a boss covering the electrical connector at the end of the fourth step.

[0019] The invention also relates to a support for attaching an electric water pump to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain, the support comprising a mounting flange for attachment to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain, a collar and a clamping screw for the collar, the collar comprising two half-shells and a rotating joint between the two half-shells, the collar comprising a central, free opening for receiving the automotive equipment, the first half-shell comprising a first opening, the second half-shell comprising a second opening, the clamping screw being engaged in the first opening and in the second opening, the first half-shell and the second half-shell forming an opening angle strictly greater than zero, in particular an opening angle between 10° and 15°, the support being obtained by stamping a sheet of metal,the rotational joint (26) being obtained by the cooperation of a hook (29) with a hole (33).

[0020] The collar may include a boss intended to cover an electrical connector of a water pump.

[0021] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a frame of a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain and a support as defined above, the support being fixed to the frame.

[0022] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle and / or a powertrain comprising at least one automotive component, in particular an electric water pump, or a mechanical water pump and an electric water pump, the automotive component being assembled using an assembly method as defined above.

[0023] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 is an isometric view of a water pump assembled to a support according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 3 is an isometric view of the support without the water pump; the figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating a second step in the process of assembling a water pump according to an embodiment of the invention; the figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating a third step in the assembly process; the figure 6A is a first schematic view illustrating a fourth step in the assembly process; the figure 6B is a second schematic view illustrating a fourth step in the assembly process; the figure 7A is a first schematic view illustrating a water pump assembled to the support at the end of the assembly process; the figure 7B is a second schematic view illustrating a water pump assembled to the support at the end of the assembly process.

[0024] There figure 1 This schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 equipped with a powertrain 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 can be of any type. In particular, it can be, for example, a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, a truck, or a bus. The powertrain 2 comprises an engine, in particular an internal combustion engine with an engine block 3, or engine casing. The powertrain 2 also comprises a cooling system 4. The cooling system 4 comprises a circuit 5 of water or heat transfer fluid, a first water pump 6, or main water pump, and a second water pump 7, or auxiliary water pump. Alternatively, the cooling system could comprise a single water pump, or three or more water pumps. Advantageously, the cooling system can also include a heat exchanger suitable for cooling the water or heat transfer fluid contained in the circuit 5.

[0025] Circuit 5 is a closed network of pipes passing through various components of the powertrain that require cooling. Specifically, circuit 5 may include pipes formed within the engine block 3. Water pumps 6 and 7 are powertrain components designed to circulate water or a heat transfer fluid within the cooling circuit 5. Such pumps may also be referred to as cooling pumps. To circulate the water or heat transfer fluid, water pumps 6 and 7 may include, among other things, a rotating impeller capable of driving the circulating water or heat transfer fluid within circuit 5. Such an impeller may have a generally cylindrical outer casing.

[0026] A water pump can be a mechanical pump, meaning a water pump whose impeller rotation is driven by a mechanical mechanism. A mechanical water pump may include a pulley mounted on a bearing, the pulley being driven by a belt connected to the motor. A water pump can also be an electric pump, meaning a water pump whose impeller rotation is driven by an electric motor integrated into the pump. Whether mechanical or electric, the water pump can have a generally cylindrical casing. Indeed, the pulley or the electric motor can have a generally cylindrical shape whose axis of revolution coincides with the axis of revolution of the impeller. This axis of revolution corresponds to the axis of rotation of the impeller.

[0027] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first water pump 6 is a mechanical water pump and the second water pump 7 is an electric water pump. Alternatively, the first water pump 6 could be an electric water pump and the second water pump could be a mechanical water pump. Or, both water pumps could be electric water pumps.

[0028] The invention can advantageously be used for the assembly of an electric water pump, since such pumps are standard components requiring little or no adaptation for integration into a cooling system. The electric water pump 7 is illustrated in the figure 2 It therefore comprises an electric motor 8, an electrical connector 9 connected to the electric motor 8, a hydraulic inlet 12, and a hydraulic outlet 13. The hydraulic inlet 12 and the hydraulic outlet 13 each consist of a hydraulic fitting suitable for connecting the water pump 8 upstream and downstream to the circuit 5. The hydraulic fitting of the hydraulic inlet 12 can extend along an axis substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the impeller or the electric motor. The hydraulic fitting of the hydraulic outlet 13 can extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the impeller or the electric motor. That is to say, the hydraulic fitting of the hydraulic outlet 13 extends radially with respect to the impeller. Thus, the configuration of the water pump 7 is compatible with centrifugal operation of the water or heat transfer fluid by the impeller.

[0029] The first water pump 6 and the second water pump 7 are attached respectively to the engine block 3 and to a body panel 11 of the vehicle. Generally, water pumps are attached to a frame or a fixed structure of the vehicle. Alternatively, the two water pumps 6 and 7 could be attached interchangeably to the engine block or to one or two separate body panels. In the remainder of this document, the term "frame" will be used to refer to the element or structure to which the water pump 7 is attached. The second water pump 7 is attached to a frame by means of a dedicated bracket 20. The first water pump 6 can also be attached to a frame by means of a bracket 20'. The bracket 20' may be a bracket according to the invention, or even a bracket identical to the bracket 20, or it may be any other type of bracket. The support 20 is designed to maintain the water pump in a specific position throughout the vehicle's lifetime.

[0030] We will now describe the support 20 for attaching the second water pump 7, with reference to the figures 2 And 3 In the rest of the description, the second water pump will be simply referred to as the "water pump". On the figures 2 And 3The bracket 20 is shown in a state prior to the water pump being attached. The bracket is shown in the state provided by the bracket manufacturer. The bracket 20 comprises a collar 21, a mounting bracket 22, and a single tightening screw 23 for the collar 21. The collar 21 is a means of attaching the water pump to the bracket 20. The mounting bracket 22, or mounting tab, is a means of attaching the bracket 20 to the frame. According to the invention, the bracket is made of metal, more precisely obtained by stamping a sheet of metal. The bracket 20 has sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the water pump under the vehicle's operating conditions. In particular, if the bracket is used to attach the water pump to the engine block 3, it will advantageously be designed to withstand vibrations of at least 160 Hz.If the bracket is used to attach the water pump to a chassis component 11, it will advantageously be designed to withstand vibrations of at least 30 Hz. The thickness of the sheet metal used to manufacture the bracket can be chosen to achieve the necessary strength.

[0031] The mounting flange 22 has a geometry specific to the configuration of the vehicle in which the water pump is installed. It may include various portions that are more or less flat and inclined relative to each other. The mounting flange also includes two mounting holes 38, 39, one of which is oblong. These two holes 38, 39 allow the bracket to be fixed to the frame. These holes 38, 39 are designed to cooperate with mounting screws 40 (visible on the figure 4 ) embedded in the frame. The number of holes for fixing the bracket 20 can be arbitrary. Alternatively, the bracket 20 could be fixed to the frame using other fixing techniques such as riveting, crimping, or welding.

[0032] The collar 21 includes a central opening that is generally circular in shape. It is formed by half-shells 24, 25 and a rotating joint 26 between the two half-shells 24, 25. The two half-shells 24, 25 are therefore two distinct elements. The first half-shell 24, together with the mounting flange 22, forms a single unit, that is, an assembly formed from a single piece. The two half-shells 24, 25 are roughly in the form of a band of substantially constant width extending along a semicircle. The two half-shells may have a roughly identical shape. The shape of the half-shells 24, 25 is designed to conform to the shape of a section of the water pump. In particular, the second half-shell 25 includes a U-shaped boss 37. When the water pump is in place in the bracket 20, the boss 37 covers the water pump's electrical connector 9. The boss 37 allows the electrical connector 9 to be bypassed.The boss 37 allows the pump to be indexed, particularly by rotation, onto the collar 21 so that it can be easily assembled, even blindly. Furthermore, once the pump is assembled onto the collar, the boss protects the electrical connector 9 from impacts, especially from road debris. Alternatively, the shape of the two half-shells could be completely different.

[0033] The first half-shell 24 comprises two ends 27, 28. The first end 27 comprises a hook 29 and the second end 28 comprises a first opening 30 through which the tightening screw 23 passes. Similarly, the second half-shell 25 comprises two ends 31, 32. The first end 31 comprises a hole 33 and the second end 32 comprises a second opening 34 through which the tightening screw 23 passes.

[0034] The rotating joint 26 is achieved by the cooperation of the hook 29 with the hole 33. The second half-shell can therefore pivot relative to the first half-shell around an axis passing through the first end 27 of the first half-shell, coinciding with the first end 31 of the second half-shell. This axis is oriented generally perpendicular to the surface formed by the central opening of the collar 21. Consequently, the first two ends 27, 31 are always in contact with each other, and the second two ends can move apart thanks to the rotating joint 26. (Note: the position of the hook and the hole could be reversed; that is, the hook could be arranged on the second half-shell and the hole on the first half-shell.)In particular, we can define an opening angle A1 as the angle formed between a first line passing through the two endpoints 27, 28, and a second line passing through the two endpoints 31, 32.

[0035] Passing through openings 30 and 34, the clamping screw 23 locks the rotational joint 26 so that the two half-shells 24, 25 form a fixed opening angle A1. Advantageously, in the configuration shown in the figures 2 à 5 The angle A1 can be between 10° and 15°, and in particular, it can be approximately 12°. Consequently, the two ends 28 and 32, respectively of the first half-shell 24 and the second half-shell 25, are not in contact with each other. These two ends are intended to come into contact with each other during the subsequent tightening of the clamping screw 23. Maintaining a specific opening angle A1 can be achieved in various ways.

[0036] According to the illustrated embodiment, the approach of the two ends 28 and 32 can be prevented by a specific configuration of the hook 29 and the hole 33, which tends to push the two ends 28 and 32 apart. In other words, the hook 29 and the hole 33 can be designed to produce a restoring force tending to open the angle A1. When the clamping screw 23 is subsequently tightened, this force can be easily overcome. In an alternative embodiment, the means used to produce a separating force on the two ends 28 and 32 can be a spring (not shown) working in compression, arranged around the clamping screw and interposed between the two ends 28 and 32 of the half-shells. Due to the spring bearing against the walls of the two ends 28 and 32 respectively, a separating force on the half-shells is applied to counteract the tightening of the two half-shells 24, 25.Furthermore, the clamping screw 23 comprises, on the one hand, a screw head 35 bearing against the end 32, and on the other hand, it comprises threads cooperating with a nut or a threaded opening provided at the end 28. In particular, as appears on the . figure 3 The end 28 may include a nut 36, for example welded to the end 28. The axis along which the clamping screw 23 extends is therefore defined by the orientation of the threads of the nut 36. Advantageously, the opening 34 has an oblong shape so as to allow the second half-shell to pivot relative to the first half-shell without the body of the screw interfering with the opening 34. Thus, in the absence of any external force, the two half-shells move apart under the effect of the restoring force until the screw head 35 is abutted against the end 32. As a note, the position of the two holes 30, 34 and the screw could be reversed. The screw head could be supported on end 28 while the nut 36 could be fixed on end 32. The orientation of the clamping screw can be chosen to facilitate access to the screw head for tightening this screw.

[0037] Alternatively, maintaining a fixed opening angle A1 can be achieved by inserting threads into each of the openings 30 and 34. The threads in both openings 30 and 34 would then both engage with the tightening screw. The pivoting of the second half of the shell relative to the first half when the tightening screw is tightened could then induce a slight deformation of the half-shells.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the restoring force tending to open the opening angle A1 could be obtained in a completely different way. In particular, it could be obtained by the simple effect of gravity acting on the second half-shell 25.

[0039] According to another variant, the collar could consist of a single C-shaped element without any means of articulation. The two ends of the C would then have a design similar or identical to the two ends 28, 32 described previously. Maintaining an opening angle A1 at a predetermined value would be achieved by the intrinsic shape of the collar. During subsequent tightening of the collar, its two ends could come together through an overall deformation of the collar.

[0040] In addition, the support 20 may include a means of preventing an operator from mounting the water pump upside down. This means of preventing incorrect installation may, for example, be achieved by a portion of the collar that would butt against one of the hydraulic fittings forming the hydraulic inlet 12 or the hydraulic outlet 13 of the water pump.

[0041] According to the invention, the water pump assembly is achieved using an assembly method which will now be described.

[0042] In the first step E1, the bracket 20 is provided as described previously. Specifically, the clamping screw 23 is engaged in the nut 36 so that the opening angle A1 is fixed at a value between 10° and 15°, in particular so that the opening angle A1 is approximately equal to 12°. The bracket is free, that is, it is not pre-assembled to the water pump. The central opening of the collar 21 is therefore free, in other words, unobstructed.

[0043] In a second step E2, illustrated in the figure 4 The bracket 20 is then attached to the vehicle and / or powertrain frame (not shown). This is done by screwing the mounting screws 40 through the two mounting holes 39, 39 of the mounting flange 22 in the frame. Mounting the bracket 20 alone is easier than if it were pre-assembled to the water pump because it is lighter to handle and the screws for attaching it to the frame are more easily accessible and / or visible. During this step, the clamping screw 23 is not adjusted, and the opening angle A1 of the collar remains the same as in the first step E1. At the end of the second step E2, the frame to which the bracket is attached is therefore complete. The bracket collar has a central opening that is clear and ready to receive the water pump.

[0044] In a third stage E3, illustrated in the figure 5 The water pump is brought in and inserted, or in other words, passed through the central opening of the collar 21. The opening angle A1, between 10° and 15°, preferably 12°, provides a sufficiently large central opening for easy insertion of the water pump into the collar. Advantageously, a keying device prevents the water pump from being inserted in an incorrect orientation. Advantageously, the boss 37 provides a visual reference point for correctly orienting the water pump. The operator performing the assembly can easily identify the electrical connector 9 on the water pump and rotate it so that its position coincides with that of the boss 37. Once in place, the electrical connector 9 is protected from impacts by the boss 37, which covers it. The boss 37 also allows for visual or mechanical verification that the water pump is inserted to the correct depth in the collar 21.

[0045] In a fourth step E4, illustrated on the figures 6A et 6BThe clamping screw 23 is tightened to lock the water pump in position. The clamping screw 23 is screwed through the nut 36. The movement of the screw head 35, bearing against the end 32 of the second half-shell 25, causes the second half-shell 25 to pivot around the rotating joint 26. The end 32 of the second half-shell 25 moves closer to the end 28 of the first half-shell 24 until the two half-shells effectively clamp the water pump body. Note that it is not necessary to bring the clamping screw 23 into position in a specific step, as it is fixed to both half-shells. Since the clamping screw 23 is engaged in the nut 36, it does not move, and the operator can easily locate the screw head 35 to tighten it. Furthermore, the A1 opening angle, between 10° and 15°, preferably 12°, allows for a relatively small clamping stroke of the collar and therefore rapid clamping of the collar.This A1 opening angle is therefore the best compromise between ease of insertion of the water pump into the central opening and speed of tightening the collar.

[0046] At the end of step E4, the water pump is thus fixed to the frame by means of the bracket 20. It can be seen that the ends 28 and 32 of the two half-shells are in contact with each other. This prevents the two half-shells from excessively clamping the water pump. The tightening torque of the clamping screw 23 can therefore be high enough to prevent any risk of this screw loosening during vehicle operation, without risking damage to the water pump through overtightening. Finally, the water pump can be connected to circuit 5 via its hydraulic inlet 12 and its hydraulic outlet 13. The water pump can also be electrically connected to an electronic control unit via the electrical connector 9.

[0047] Thanks to the mounting method, the water pump can be easily attached to a vehicle frame. Water pumps do not need to be pre-assembled to a bracket, which simplifies inventory management, allowing them to be shared between different vehicles. The mounting method also eliminates the need for a separate assembly table where the water pump is pre-mounted to the bracket. The water pump assembly workstation is very simple, requiring only a stock of water pumps and a stock of brackets according to the invention.

Claims

1. Holder (20) for fastening an electric water pump (7) to a motor vehicle (1) and / or to a power train (2), comprising a fastening flange (22) intended to be fastened to a motor vehicle (1) and / or to a power train (2), a collar (21) and a bolt (23) for clamping the collar (21), the collar (21) comprising two half-shells (24, 25) and a rotary joint (26) between the two half-shells (24, 25), the collar (21) comprising a central, free opening intended to receive the water pump (7), the first half-shell (24) comprising a first opening (30), the second half-shell (25) comprising a second opening (34), the clamping bolt (23) being engaged in the first opening (30) and in the second opening (34), the first half-shell (34) and the second half-shell (25) forming an opening angle (A1) strictly greater than zero, notably an opening angle of between 10° and 15°, characterized in that the holder is obtained by stamping a metal sheet, the rotary joint (26) being obtained by the cooperation of a hook (29) with a hole (33).

2. Holder (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collar (21) comprises a boss (37) intended to cover an electrical connector (9) of a water pump (7).

3. Assembly comprising a frame (3, 11) of a motor vehicle (1) and / or of a power train (2) and a holder (20) according to Claim 1 or 2, the holder (20) being fastened to the frame (3, 11).

4. Method for joining an item of automotive equipment, notably an electric water pump (7), to a motor vehicle (1) and / or to a power train (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a first step (E1) of providing a holder (20) according to Claim 1, the holder (20) comprising a collar (21) and a bolt (23) for clamping the collar (21), the collar (21) comprising two half-shells (24, 25), the first half-shell (24) comprising a first opening (30), the second half-shell (25) comprising a second opening (34), the clamping bolt (23) being engaged through the first opening (30) and through the second opening (34); - a second step (E2) of fastening the holder (20) to a frame (3, 11) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or of the power train (2); - a third step (E3) of inserting the item of automotive equipment into the collar; - a fourth step (E4) of tightening the clamping bolt (23) to lock the item of automotive equipment in position.

5. Joining method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collar (21) comprises a rotary joint (26) between the two half-shells (24, 25) and a single bolt (23) for clamping the collar (21).

6. Joining method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, during the first step (E1), the second step (E2) and the third step (E3), the first half-shell (24) and the second half-shell (25) are in a spaced-apart position.

7. Joining method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the first and second half-shells (24, 25) are in the spaced-apart position, the latter define an opening angle (A1) of between 10° and 15°, notably in that it is approximately 12°.

8. Joining method according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the holder (20) comprises a fastening flange (22), the holder (20) being fastened, notably screwed, to a frame (3, 11) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or of the power train (2) during the second step (E2) by means of the fastening flange (22).

9. Joining method according to one of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the holder (20) comprises foolproofing means to prevent an operator from assembling the item of automotive equipment the wrong way round.

10. Joining method according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the item of automotive equipment comprises an electrical connector (9), and in that the collar comprises a boss (37) covering the electrical connector (9) at the end of the fourth step (E4).

11. Motor vehicle (1) and / or power train (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one item of automotive equipment, notably an electric water pump (7), or a mechanical water pump (6) and an electric water pump (7), and in that it is joined by means of a joining method according to one of Claims 4 to 10.