Arrangement for mounting a voltage transformer and a thermostat

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement comprising a support for a voltage converter and a thermostat. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, especially a car, usually has a small engine compartment. Furthermore, the engine compartment is usually cluttered with a large number of components. It is therefore beneficial to reduce the volume of the components.

[0003] To reduce the volume of electrical components, especially those with high power consumption, their voltage is generally increased at constant power. The voltage is thus generally increased to 48V instead of the usual 12V voltage linked to the standard of batteries, especially lead-acid batteries. This results in the creation of a 48V network within the motor vehicle. Such a network requires the integration of a 12V-48V direct voltage converter (called a DC-DC converter in English for Direct Current to Direct Current converter).

[0004] However, integrating such a converter is complex due to its size. In the case of a larger liquid-cooled converter, this is even more difficult.

[0005] An example of a vehicle arrangement comprising a current converter is shown by document US2018 / 163607A1 and a vehicle body comprising an arrangement having a current converter support is shown in document WO2016 / 0240051A1. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a vehicle body comprising an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention allows the integration of a liquid-cooled current converter and a thermostatic housing without further cluttering the engine compartment. Summary of the invention

[0007] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: a current converter, in particular a current converter comprising a liquid cooling circuit, a thermostat, an internal combustion engine, a support positioning and / or holding the thermostat in position and positioning and / or holding the current converter in position, and an air / water exchanger, the exchanger cooling the intake gases of the internal combustion engine, the coolant circulating in the exchanger being common to that circulating in the liquid cooling circuit of the current converter, the body comprising an apron, a left front side member and a right front side member, characterized in that the support, the current converter and the thermostat are arranged at the front of the apron, outside the left front side member or outside the right front side member.

[0008] The support may comprise a main part capable of receiving the thermostat, and the support may comprise a secondary part capable of receiving the current converter.

[0009] The main part and the secondary part can be fixed to each other, in particular by a screw / nut type fixing.

[0010] The main part may comprise a first part capable of positioning and / or holding the thermostat in position, in particular by clipping, and the main part may comprise a second part capable of connecting the first part of the main part to the secondary part of the support.

[0011] The first part of the main part and the second part of the main part may be attached to each other, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0012] The main part and / or the secondary part and / or the first part of the main part and / or the second part of the main part may be made of sheet steel, in particular with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm.

[0013] The support can be fixed directly or indirectly to the left front side member, in particular at the level of a left external face of the left front side member, or can be fixed directly or indirectly to the right front side member, in particular at the level of a right external face of the right front side member.

[0014] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined previously, or an arrangement as defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0015] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one embodiment; the figure 2 is a top view of a body of the vehicle according to one embodiment; the figure 3 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment; the figure 4 is another perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment; the Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support of the arrangement mounted on the body according to one embodiment; figure 6 is a perspective view of the support according to the embodiment; the figure 7 is a top view of the support according to the embodiment. figure 8 is a bottom view of the support according to the embodiment; the figure 9is another perspective view of the support according to the embodiment. Detailed description

[0016] The direction in which a motor vehicle moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the motor vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0017] There figure 1schematically illustrates a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle 1, according to one embodiment. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a body 2. The motor vehicle 1 or the body 2 comprises an arrangement 10.

[0018] As will be explained in more detail later, the arrangement 10 comprises a current converter 20. For example, the current converter 20 comprises a liquid cooling circuit 21 (illustrated schematically in dotted lines on the figure 4 ). The arrangement 10 further comprises a thermostat 30 or thermostatic housing. The arrangement 10 further comprises a support 40. The support 40 is capable of positioning and / or holding the thermostat 30 in position. The support 40 is further capable of positioning and / or holding the current converter 20 in position. Thus, the same support 40 fulfills the two functions of holding the current converter 20 and the thermostat 30.

[0019] Preferably, the vehicle comprises a front axle. The front axle comprises a left front wheel 8 and a right front wheel. The arrangement 10 is preferably arranged in front of the left front wheel 8 as will be explained later.

[0020] Note that alternatively, the arrangement can be arranged in front of the right front wheel.

[0021] The body 2 comprises an apron 3. The apron 3 extends transversely from left to right of the body 2, for example forming an arc or substantially an arc, as illustrated in particular in the figure 2 . Generally, the apron 3 separates a passenger compartment of the vehicle from an engine compartment 6. The body 2 also comprises a left front side member 4 and a right front side member 5. The side members extend, or extend substantially, in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Advantageously, the support 40, the current converter 20 and the thermostat 30 are arranged at the front of the apron 3, outside the left front side member 4. By the adjective "outside" we mean an orientation on the outside of the vehicle, that is to say a positioning towards the outside of the vehicle relative to a vertical plane comprising the left front side member 4, and therefore a positioning on the left side of the left front side member 4.

[0023] Alternatively, symmetrically, the support 40, the current converter 20 and the thermostat 30 are arranged at the front of the apron 3, outside the right front side member 5.

[0024] As illustrated on the figures 3, 4 And 5 , preferably, the support 40 is fixed at or on the left front side member 4.

[0025] More specifically, as illustrated in particular on the Figure 5, the support 40 is fixed on a face 4A and / or on a face 4B provided on one or more protrusions 9 of the spar 4. Advantageously, the face 4A and / or the face 4B extends vertically and longitudinally or substantially vertically and longitudinally.

[0026] Alternatively, the support 40 is fixed directly to the left front side member 4, for example at or on a left external (i.e., exterior) face 6 of the left front side member 4. By "external face of the left side member" is meant the face extending to the left of the left side member, for example a face extending in a vertical and longitudinal or substantially vertical and longitudinal plane.

[0027] Alternatively, the support is fixed in the same way as explained above, directly or indirectly on the right front side member 5, in particular at the level of a right external face of the right front side member 5. In the same way, by "external face of the right side member", we mean the face extending to the right of the right side member, for example a face extending in a vertical and longitudinal or substantially vertical and longitudinal plane.

[0028] Preferably, the engine compartment 6 is defined as extending in front of the bulkhead 3, between two vertical and longitudinal planes, one plane being for example merged or substantially merged with the external face of the right side member and one plane being for example merged or substantially merged with the external face of the left side member.

[0029] As illustrated on the figures 6, 7 , 8 And 9, the support 40 comprises a main part 50. The main part 50 is capable of receiving the thermostat 30, for example to ensure the positioning and / or holding in position of the thermostat 30. The support 40 also comprises a secondary part 60. The secondary part 60 is capable of receiving the current converter 20, for example to ensure the positioning and / or holding in position of the converter.

[0030] As illustrated in particular on the figures 6 and 7, the main part 50 and the secondary part 60 are fixed to each other. For example, the fixing is of the screw / nut type. As illustrated, for example two nuts 42 are added or provided on the secondary part 60, for example by welding and / or stamping. Such nuts 42 then do not have, for example, a face allowing them to be screwed / unscrewed. Screws 41 are then inserted through holes provided in the main part 50 to screw into the nuts 42 so as to hold the main part 50 and the secondary part 60 together. Having the nuts 42 permanently fixed to the secondary part makes it easier and faster to obtain the support 40 by assembling the screws / nuts.

[0031] Note that more screws / nuts may also be suitable. In addition, the nuts may be of the multi-sided type (four or six for example) and may be free-running, i.e. the nuts may not be fixed to the secondary part 60 before their cooperation with the screws.

[0032] More specifically, as illustrated in particular on the figures 7 , 8 And 9 , the main part 50 comprises a first part 51. Preferably, the first part 51 of the main part 50 ensures the positioning and / or holding in position of the thermostat 30. To do this, as illustrated in the figures 4 And 9, preferably the first part 51 of the main part 50 comprises a tab 52. Advantageously, the tab 52 comprises an orifice or hole 53, for example of square section, and / or a groove 54 or groove 54. The thermostat, or an element fixing to the thermostat, then cooperates with the tab 52 and / or with the groove 54 and / or with the orifice 53 and / or with upper and lower edges 52', 52" of the tab 52, illustrated on the figure 9 . Thus, the thermostat 30 is preferably fixed by clipping onto the tab 52 of the first part 51 of the main part 50.

[0033] The main part 50 comprises a second part 55. Preferably, the second part 55 ensures the connection or fixing of the first part 51 of the main part 50 to the secondary part 60 of the support 40. The first part 51 of the main part 50 and the second part 55 of the main part 50 are fixed to each other. This fixing is for example obtained by welding, in particular by spot welding, at the level of flat or substantially flat areas 51S, 55S, respectively of the first part 51 and of the second part 55, capable of being assembled opposite each other (illustrated in the figures 7 And 8 ).

[0034] In summary, preferably as illustrated in the figure 9, the support 40 is produced by assembling three parts, namely the first part 51 of the main part 50, the second part 55 of the main part 50, and the secondary part 60. As mentioned, the first part 51 and the second part 55 are welded to each other so as to obtain the main part 50. The main part 50 is assembled to the secondary part 60 by screwing, at one end 56 of the second part 55.

[0035] Preferably, the fixing of the support 40 on the body 2, in this case at the level of a front side member, is ensured by fixing means cooperating with holes or orifices provided on the support 40.

[0036] Preferably, the support 40 is hollowed out so as to optimize its mass. Thus, for example, the first part 51 comprises two tabs 51A, 51B receiving holes 43 for fixing to the body 2 (illustrated in the figures 5 And 9 ).

[0037] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, only the main part 50 serves as an interface for fixing the support 40 to the body. Indeed, for example at least one hole, preferably two holes 43, are provided on the first part 51, as illustrated in the figure 9 . For example, at least one hole 44 is provided on the second part 55, as illustrated in the figure 6 These holes 43, 44 or circular or oblong orifices allow, for example, the passage of studs or screws, preferably welded onto the body, then the screwing of nuts after insertion of the support 40. In this way the support can be pre-positioned simply and quickly before being fixed, by screwing nuts onto the three studs or screws of the structure of the body.

[0038] Alternatively, or in addition, these holes allow the passage of screws which are screwed into the side member, the screws then cooperating with nuts so as to sandwich the main part 50 of the support 40 and possibly the side member, or an element fixed to the side member.

[0039] Regarding the fixing of the current converter, preferably, the secondary part 60 has a flat or substantially flat receiving surface 61, as illustrated in the figure 9. For example, two lower ears 62 extend from the receiving surface downwards or substantially downwards. For example, an upper ear 63 extends from the receiving surface 61 upwards or substantially upwards. Preferably, each ear 62, 63 comprises a fixing means 64 capable of cooperating with a means of fixing the converter. For example, the fixing means 64 are threaded studs or threaded shafts or screws, preferably fixed to the ears, for example by welding so as to facilitate the mounting of the converter. In this case, the converter comprises orifices capable of being crossed by these studs 64 so as to allow simple and rapid pre-positioning of the converter on the support 40. The converter is held in position on the receiving surface 61 by screwing nuts onto the studs 64 so as to sandwich the converter between the receiving surface and the nuts.

[0040] Preferably, the main part 50 and / or the secondary part 60 and / or the first part 51 of the main part 50 and / or the second part 55 of the main part 50 are made of steel sheet, for example with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm.

[0041] Advantageously, the arrangement 10 comprises a liquid cooling circuit 21 for the current converter 20. For example, the current converter itself comprises the liquid cooling circuit 21. Preferably, the arrangement comprises an exchanger 70, for example air / water, illustrated schematically and at an arbitrary location on the figure 2. For example, the exchanger 70 is capable of cooling intake gases, whether supercharged or not. Preferably, the cooling fluid circulating in the exchanger 70 is the same as that circulating in the liquid cooling circuit 21 of the current converter 20. In other words, the liquid cooling circuit 21 of the converter and the exchanger 70 cooling the intake gases are for example “mounted in series”.

[0042] The solution is particularly suitable for a vehicle comprising a liquid cooling circuit, a voltage converter and having at least one structural element of the longitudinal member type, extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally. The installation of the current converter, possibly equipped with the liquid cooling circuit and the thermostat, can be carried out without external modification of the vehicle.

[0043] Thus, although standards, particularly pollution control standards, require the addition of components in the engine compartment while the volume of the engine compartment remains constant, vehicles can still be equipped with a voltage converter and a thermostat. In addition, thanks to the converter in particular, a 48V voltage electrical network, for example, can then be created within the vehicle. Such an electrical network then makes it possible to reduce the volume of constant power electrical equipment present within the engine compartment, which saves space in the engine compartment. For example, the 48V electrical circuit makes it possible to reduce the volume of heating grilles, allowing the necessary temperatures to be reached for the proper functioning of a pollution control system integrated into the exhaust as soon as the engine is started. Thanks to these space savings within the engine compartment, the installation of other elements becomes possible.

[0044] Finally, the solution can be used to equip vehicles already in production, without requiring significant exterior and dimensional modifications. Indeed, the solution offers a particularly compact mounting system for the voltage converter and thermostatic box.

[0045] The solution ensures optimal operation of the current converter thanks to the liquid cooling circuit, preferably at a constant temperature. In addition, as mentioned above, the liquid in the liquid cooling circuit 21 can also provide cooling for an air intake cooling circuit or system, for example of the type used in vehicles meeting certain pollution control standards.

[0046] Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 is arranged in front of the left front wheel arch, outside the engine compartment 6. This location is preferred in the case of a battery arranged to the left of the engine compartment. Indeed, this makes it possible to limit the cable length between the battery and the current converter and consequently to use cables of relatively small cross-section. Obviously, in the case of a battery arranged on the right, a location on the right should be preferred, at the level of the right side member for example.

[0047] The support 40 equipped with the converter and the thermostat is therefore housed in an enclosed or substantially enclosed space, behind a front shield 11 (illustrated on the figure 1 ) of the vehicle and in front of a wheel arch 12 (illustrated on the figure 2 ) of the left front wheel 8.

[0048] Note that the installation of the converter and the thermostat are thus simplified. Since the positioning and maintenance of these two elements is done jointly on the same support 40, the manufacturing and assembly dispersions are reduced or even zero, the space between these elements can therefore be reduced. In other words, the clearances are reduced between the elements since their positions are better controlled.

[0049] Furthermore, in terms of production optimization, the converter 20 and the thermostat 30 can be prepared on their support 40 at the edge of the production line, preferably in time hidden from the production line. Thus, the assembly time, for example by screwing and / or clipping, of the converter and the thermostat on the support is then not charged to the production line. In addition, the converter, thermostat and support assembly is then assembled on the body in a single operation, which limits the duration of operations on the line for the operator and saves time both in handling and screwing. Assembly is therefore simplified, only nuts (for example three) are brought and screwed by the operator.

[0050] The solution further saves material and simplifies part referencing, with a single support now used to hold two elements instead of using two separate support references.

[0051] As a note, the solution according to the invention therefore achieves the desired objective of integrating a current converter within a vehicle despite the limited space available within the engine compartment and has the following advantages: It can be used on all ranges of motor vehicles, both with thermal and hybrid engines; it can be applied to other vehicles requiring optimization of the volume of the engine compartment.

Claims

1. Body (2) of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle (1), comprising an arrangement (10) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a current converter (20), in particular a current converter (20) comprising a liquid cooling circuit (21), - a thermostat (30), - an internal combustion engine, - a support (40) positioning and / or holding in position the thermostat (30) and positioning and / or holding in position the current converter (20), and an air / water exchanger (70), the exchanger cooling intake gases of the internal combustion engine, the cooling fluid circulating in the exchanger (70) being common to that circulating in the liquid cooling circuit (21) of the current converter (20), - the body having a bulkhead (3), a left front side member (4) and a right front side member (5), characterized in that the support (40), the current converter (20) and the thermostat (30) are arranged at the front of the bulkhead (3), on the outside of the left front side member (4) or on the outside of the right front side member (5).

2. Body (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the support (40) comprises a main part (50) able to receive the thermostat (30), and in that the support (40) comprises a secondary part (60) able to receive the current converter (20).

3. Body (2) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the main part (50) and the secondary part (60) are fastened to one another, in particular by a fastening of the screw / nut type.

4. Body (2) according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the main part (50) comprises a first part (51) positioning and / or holding in position the thermostat (30), in particular by clip-fastening, and in that the main part (50) comprises a second part (55) able to connect the first part (51) of the main part (50) to the secondary part (60) of the support (40).

5. Body (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first part (51) of the main part (50) and the second part (55) of the main part (50) are fastened to one another, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

6. Body (2) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the main part (50) and / or the secondary part (60) and / or the first part (51) of the main part (50) and / or the second part (55) of the main part (50) are made of steel sheet, in particular with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of the order of 2 mm.

7. Body (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (40) is fastened directly or indirectly to the left front side member (4), in particular at a left external face (6) of the left front side member (4), or is fastened directly or indirectly to the right front side member (5), in particular at a right external face (7) of the right front side member (5).

8. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 7.