Support for a water pump and a vehicle horn

Abstract

The invention relates to a support (10) for a water pump (5) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, said support (10) being intended to be fastened to a longitudinal member (3) of such a vehicle, the support (10) comprising a first fastening means for such a water pump (5), and a second fastening means for fastening a horn (6).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Support for a water pump and a vehicle horn.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a support for a water pump. The invention also relates to a body comprising such a support. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a support or such a body. The invention also relates to a method of assembling such a body.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] Several vehicles of similar ranges, particularly automobiles, generally use identical chassis or bodies, or even identical front side members to reduce costs. This is the case, for example, for an electric vehicle designed on the basis of a vehicle with a combustion engine or a hybrid powertrain.

[0006] However, there are differences within an engine compartment arranged at the front of an electric vehicle compared to other types of engine. For example, a mounting element on a front side member, such as a water pump bracket, must be designed to fit an electric vehicle engine compartment even if this vehicle uses the chassis of an existing thermal or hybrid vehicle.

[0007] The design of such a bracket to fit an electric vehicle, as well as the manufacturing process for such a bracket, including the necessary tooling, generates particularly high costs. These costs should be reduced.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a support for a water pump which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention provides a support which makes it possible to support other components whilst saving time during the assembly of a vehicle body.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a support for a vehicle water pump, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be fixed to a side member of such a vehicle, the support comprising:

[0012] - a first means of fixing for such a water pump, and

[0013] - a second fixing means intended for fixing an audible warning device.

[0014] The first attachment means may comprise a first extension, in particular a first split extension.

[0015] The second attachment means may comprise a second extension, in particular a second extension comprising a tab.

[0016] The bracket may comprise a third fixing means for fixing a wheel arch screen and / or a fourth fixing means for fixing an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve.

[0017] The third attachment means may comprise a third extension, in particular a third extension comprising an angled end.

[0018] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a side member, in particular a right front side member, the body comprising a support as defined previously.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a support as defined above or a body as defined above. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a body as defined above, the method comprising a step of mounting, using a press, a water pump comprising a vibration damping means on the first means of fixing the support.

[0020] The assembly method may comprise, following the step of mounting the water pump or simultaneously with this mounting step, a step of fixing an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve on a bracket, possibly preceded or followed by fixing a vibration filtering means on the bracket intended to filter the vibrations between the bracket and the support.

[0021] The method may comprise a step of pre-holding the support on which the water pump is fixed, on the side member, followed by a step of fixing it to the side member.

[0022] The method may comprise a step of fixing the tab on which the air conditioning expansion solenoid valve is fixed to a fourth fixing means of the support.

[0023] The method may comprise a step of fixing a horn to the second fixing means of the support and, optionally, a step of fixing a wheel arch screen to a third fixing means of the support.

[0024] Presentation of figures

[0025] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a support and of an embodiment of an assembly method given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a body of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial top view of the box according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the body according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a front view of the support according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Detailed description

[0032] The direction in which a vehicle, especially 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, we use a direct XYZ reference frame 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 vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0033] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a vehicle propelled and / or towed by electrical energy. Preferably, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one battery and at least one electric motor. The vehicle 1 further comprises a body or chassis 2. The vehicle 1 or the body 2 comprises a side member 3, for example a right front side member. The vehicle 1, or the body 2, further comprises a support 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the vehicle 1 or the body 2 further comprises a water pump 5. For example, the power of the water pump is of the order of 60 watts. Such a water pump is used, for example, to circulate a liquid, in particular a hot liquid, to heat a passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. Preferably, the water pump 5 comprises a vibration damping means 5', as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, this vibration damping means surrounds the pump 5.For example, the means 5' is made of rubber or elastomer. This damping means makes it possible to prevent the transmission of vibrations to the side member 3, and consequently to the body. In any event, the means 5' or the pump 5 comprises an orifice for the passage of a first fixing means 11. The vehicle 1 or the body 2 also comprises an audible warning device 6. Preferably, in addition, the vehicle 1 or the body 2 also comprises an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve 7 and / or a wheel arch screen 8.

[0034] Note that the wheel arch screen 8 illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3, is arranged near the right front wheel 9 illustrated in figure 1. Such a screen 8 is intended to limit or even avoid any projections from the wheel 9, in particular water and / or earth and / or sand and / or gravel, within an engine compartment arranged near the wheel 9.

[0035] More specifically, the support 10 is intended to be fixed to the side member 3 of the vehicle 1. For its fixing to the side member 3, the support 10 preferably comprises two holes 16, 17 in a fixing zone 15 of the support. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hole 16 arranged at the top is a circular hole while the hole 17 arranged at the bottom is an oblong hole extending in the vertical or substantially vertical direction. Preferably, nuts added, in particular by welding, are provided at the level of the spar so as to allow two screws 18 to pass through the support 10 at the level of the holes 16, 17 and to be screwed into the nuts added to the spar 3. Alternatively, the spar is pierced with two holes and two bolts cooperate with the holes 16, 17 and the two holes of the spar for fixing the support 10 on the spar 3. Alternatively, a single screw or a single bolt is provided.In this case, this screw or bolt is supplemented by a means for holding the support in relation to the side member so as to prevent any pivoting of the support in relation to the side member, for example a lug cooperating with a light (fixing not shown). For example, the screw(s) 18 each have an M6 or even M8 thread as well as the corresponding nut(s).

[0036] The support 10 receives, supports, holds the water pump 5. Thus, the support 10 comprises a first fixing means 11 intended to hold the water pump, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the first fixing means 11 comprises a first extension 50. Advantageously, the first extension 50 is split. For example, a slot 51 divides a distal end 52 of the first extension, as illustrated in Figure 5. Thus, the first split extension 50 is intended to be inserted into the orifice provided within the damping means 5' of the pump or directly into the pump in the case of damping means integrated into the pump 5.

[0037] The support 10 further comprises a second fixing means 12 intended for fixing the audible warning device, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0038] Preferably, the second fixing means 12 comprises a second extension 60. For example, the second extension 60 comprises a tab or lug or fold 62. For example, the second extension 60 comprises a hole 63 or a thread (not shown), or an attached nut (not shown), preferably attached by welding. Thus, the audible warning device 6 can be easily fixed to the second extension 60 of the support 10 via a bolt or a simple screw in the case of an attached nut. Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 2, a plate or tab 64, preferably flat, is fixed to the audible warning device 6. Thus, the fixing of the audible warning device 6 on the support 10 is carried out by fixing the plate 64 on the second extension 60. Advantageously, the plate is pierced at the level of its fixing zone with the support so that a bolt makes it possible to ensure the fixing with the hole 63 or a screw makes it possible to ensure the fixing in the case of a nut added to the second extension 60.

[0039] Advantageously, the support 10 comprises a third fixing means 13 intended for fixing the wheel arch screen 8, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Preferably, the third fixing means 13 comprises a third extension 80. For example, the third extension 80 comprises a bent end 83. For example, the third extension 80 comprises at least one hole 86, and / or at least one thread (not shown), and / or at least one added nut (not shown). In the case of an added nut, the nut is for example welded onto the third extension of the support 10. For example, the end 83 of the third extension comprises at least one hole 87, and / or at least one thread (not shown), and / or at least one added nut (not shown). In the case of an added nut, the nut is for example welded onto the end of the third extension of the support 10.Thus, the wheel arch screen 8 can be easily fixed to the extension 80 of the support 10 via one or more bolts or simple screws in the case of added nuts. Preferably, the hole 87 allows a pipe to be fixed, for example a pipe for the water outlet of the pump 5.

[0040] Advantageously, the support 10 comprises a fourth fixing means 14 intended for fixing the air conditioning expansion solenoid valve 7, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the fourth fixing means 14 comprises an extension 70 as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 6. The extension 70 preferably extends partly in a transverse and longitudinal plane, towards the rear. Advantageously, the solenoid valve 7 comprises a tab 20. Such a tab 20 comprises notches or holes intended to allow the passage of fixing screws to ensure the fixing of the tab 20 on the support 10 at the level of the extension 70. In the case of two fixing screws or bolts 74, two notches 22 or holes are provided in the tab 20 and two holes 76 are provided in the extension 70 as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 4, a vibration filtering means 21 is provided between the extension 70 and the lug 20 supporting the solenoid valve 7. For example, the vibration filtering means 21 comprises a stud or a cylindrical element at each screw or bolt 74. For example, each screw or bolt 74 comprises an M6 thread. Advantageously, each cylindrical element comprises a radial groove so as to allow its insertion into each notch 22 provided in the lug 20 and its retention by wedging within each notch. Each cylindrical element is for example obtained from rubber, or from elastomer, so as to attenuate the transmission or propagation of vibrations emanating from the spar 3 and / or emanating directly from the support 10 (in particular due to the vibrations emitted by the operation of the pump 5) towards the lug 20 supporting the solenoid valve 7.

[0041] Preferably, a cutout or slot 71 is provided near the extension 70 so as to create a hook or tab 72 folded downwards of the support 10 in its position of use.

[0042] Preferably, the support 10 is shaped, in particular cut, drilled, and folded, in particular by stamping, from a steel sheet. The thickness of the steel sheet is for example between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. More preferably, stampings 75, 75' at the fourth extension 70 are provided. More preferably, stampings 56 are provided parallel to the direction of the first extension 50. More preferably, stampings 55, 55' are provided perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension 50. More preferably, at least one stamping or rib 85 is provided at the fold between the end 83 and the third extension 80. Such stampings or ribs aim to stiffen the support without adding material, and consequently, without excess weight or additional cost.

[0043] A method of carrying out a method of assembling the body 2 will now be described.

[0044] In a first step, the method comprises a step of mounting the water pump 5 comprising the vibration damping means 5' on the first fixing means 11 of the support 10. The pump 5, more precisely the damping means 5' if applicable, is inserted on the split extension 50. In other words, the distal end 52 of the support 10 is inserted into the orifice provided in the damping means 5'. Advantageously, this step is carried out using a press. Possibly, due to the significant effort required to place the damping means 5' of the pump on the support 10, this insertion can only be done with a press. Note that it is difficult or even impossible to carry out this insertion once the support is fixed on the body, which is why this operation of fixing the pump on the support is carried out at the start of the method.Advantageously, this assembly between a support 10 and a water pump 5 is carried out in masked time, at the "edge of the line", for example on a separate station. Optionally, it is appropriate to assemble supports with water pumps so as to have a stock of support-type assemblies equipped with a water pump to supply a vehicle body production line without slowing it down due to the time-consuming and / or tedious insertion of the water pump on its support, in particular due to the use of a press.

[0045] Following the step of mounting the water pump 5, or simultaneously with this mounting step, a step of fixing the air conditioning expansion solenoid valve 7 on the bracket 20 is carried out, for example by screwing or bolting (not shown). For example, this step is carried out at another station, also at the “edge of the line”, so as not to delay the main production line. For example, a stock of solenoid valves 7 mounted on brackets 20 is built up, in masked time, to supply the box production line. Note that this step is possibly preceded, or followed, by a sub-step of fixing the vibration filtering means or pads 21 on the bracket 20. In the case of a bracket 20 provided with notches 22, the pads 21 provided with a radial groove or a radial groove are inserted, plugged in, slid into these notches. As a reminder, the means 21 is intended to filter the vibrations between the leg 20 and the support 10.

[0046] Preferably, a step is then carried out to pre-hold the support 10 on which the water pump 5 is already fixed, on the side member 3. For this, preferably, the finger or extension or hook 72 extending at the upper level of the support 10, near the extension 70, is used. Thus, the support equipped with the pump 5 is hooked onto an upper edge of the side member via the hook 72. The support 10 equipped with the pump 5 then holds by itself, or substantially by itself, on the side member 3. At least, the fact that the hook cooperates on the top of the side member makes it possible to support the weight of the support and pump assembly, which relieves the fitter. In particular, this allows the fitter to hold the support and pump assembly in position with one hand and to be able to take a screwdriver or another tool in the other hand to proceed with the fixing of the assembly on the side member.In any case, the pre-holding allows the support to rest on the side member while taking, for example, a screwdriver and a screw to ensure the fixing. For example, the fitter uses the screwdriver to approach the screw 18. By "approaching", we mean screwing a screw 18 without tightening it. Preferably, the screw 18 is approached within the upper circular hole 16 so as to cooperate with a nut attached to the side member 3 or a nut behind the side member. Thus, the support 10 is fully maintained in the final position, or close to its final position, and the operator can then insert the second screw 18 into the lower oblong hole 17. The operator can then screw further while adjusting the positioning in the vertical direction if necessary using the oblong hole 17 and the clearance between the screw 18 and the hole 16. The operator then proceeds to a step of fixing the support 10 on the side member 3 by screwing, in particular to a recommended tightening torque, the two screws 18.

[0047] Then, the operator proceeds to a step of fixing the bracket 20 on which the air conditioning expansion solenoid valve 7 has been fixed previously, on the fourth fixing means 14 of the support 10. For this, two screws or bolts 74 cooperate with notches 22 or orifices of the bracket 20 and with two holes 76 of the extension 70. As a reminder, preferably, in a previous step, cylindrical vibration damping elements 21 are interposed on the bracket 20 in order to provide a damping interface between the support 10 and the bracket 20.

[0048] If necessary, the method then comprises a step of fixing the audible warning device 6 to the second fixing means 12 of the support 10. This fixing step is for example ensured by fixing a tab 64 fixed to the audible warning device 6 on the extension 60 of the support 10. For example, a screw or bolt 65, completed with the stop 62 of the extension 60 preventing pivoting of the tab 64 relative to the support 10 makes it possible to ensure fixing on the support 10. Note that it is difficult, or even impossible, to fix the audible warning device on the support 10 earlier in the method. Indeed, the audible warning device would interfere, or even prevent access, in particular to the screwdriver, to carry out the screwing of the screws 18 for fixing the support 10 to the side member 3 (see figure 2).

[0049] Optionally, the method further comprises a step of fixing the wheel arch screen 8 9 to the third fixing means 13 of the support 10. To do this, screws or bolts cooperate with the hole 86 provided in the extension 80 of the support and with holes in the screen 8 or mudguard. The solution therefore relates to the creation of the support 10 grouping together the fixing of the water pump 5, the horn 6, the air conditioning solenoid valve 7 and the wheel arch screen 8 9. Thus, by multiplying the functions of a single support, the design of additional supports, their manufacture, their storage, their referencing, and all the costs relating to such additional supports are avoided. We avoid all the steps and costs associated with obtaining and installing three brackets, namely for the horn, for the air conditioning solenoid valve and for the wheel arch shield.The time required on the assembly line for fixing the components to the support is also reduced, in particular thanks to the installation of the water pump on the support and the installation of the solenoid valve on the bracket in hidden time, at the edge of the line.

[0050] Furthermore, the support 10 is designed so as to allow its integration into a body and / or onto a side member of a chassis of an existing vehicle, which also generates savings. Thus, it becomes possible to use a body initially designed for a thermal or hybrid vehicle within the production of an all-electric vehicle, the body already comprising nuts attached to the side member where appropriate. It is in fact unnecessary to modify the body and / or the side member(s) on which the support is installed. This avoids testing and / or calculation and / or modeling steps of the body and / or the side member, in particular in terms of strength and / or deformations in the event of impacts. Furthermore, the tooling and / or the production process of the body and / or its possible repairs during the life of the vehicle are not impacted.In other words, the solution allows for the integration of a maximum number of components into existing interfaces, in this case the right front side member, without modifying the body parts. Although the location of the support has been described and illustrated at the level of a right front side member, in front of the right front wheel, the solution can obviously be adapted to a left front side member, or even a side member arranged at the rear of a vehicle, or even another part of the body.

[0051] In summary, the solution consists of a layout of the area in front of the right front wheel to allow the installation of a water pump, a horn, a wheel arch screen and an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve. As a reminder, the support facilitates assembly on the body by a single operator, in particular thanks to its 72 hook providing simple and reliable pre-holding of the support assembly equipped with the water pump. As mentioned previously, the solution offers the possibility of preparing at the edge of the line to save time during vehicle assembly.

[0052] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of limiting the costs of a support within the engine compartment of an electric vehicle using the chassis of a thermal or hybrid vehicle while saving time and making assembly easier and has the following advantages:

[0053] - it can be used in other vehicles, such as trucks, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and / or buses, in particular in order to equip them according to specific needs.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Support (10) for a water pump (5) of a vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be fixed to a side member (3) of such a vehicle (1), characterized in that the support (10) comprises: - a first fixing means (11) for such a water pump (5), and - a second fixing means (12) intended for fixing an audible warning device (6).

2. Support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fixing means (11) comprises a first extension (50), in particular a first split extension (50).

3. Support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fixing means (12) comprises a second extension (60), in particular a second extension (60) comprising a tab (62).

4. Support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a third fixing means (13) intended for fixing a wheel arch screen (8) and / or a fourth fixing means (14) intended for fixing an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve (7).

5. Support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the third fixing means (13) comprises a third extension (80), in particular a third extension (80) comprising a bent end (83).

6. Body (2) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a side member (3), in particular a right front side member, characterized in that the body (2) comprises a support (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or a body (2) according to the preceding claim.

8. Method for assembling a box (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the method comprises a step of mounting at using a press of a water pump (5) comprising a vibration damping means (5') on the first fixing means (11) of the support (10).

9. Assembly method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method comprises, following the step of mounting the water pump (5) or simultaneously with this mounting step, a step of fixing an air conditioning expansion solenoid valve (7) on a bracket (20), possibly preceded or followed by fixing a vibration filtering means (21) on the bracket (20) intended to filter the vibrations between the bracket (20) and the support (10).

10. Assembly method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the method comprises a step of pre-holding the support (10) on which the water pump (5) is fixed, on the side member (3), followed by a step of fixing on the side member (3).

11. Assembly method according to one of claims 8 or 10 in combination with claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises a step of fixing the tab (20) on which the air conditioning expansion solenoid valve (7) is fixed to a fourth fixing means (14) of the support (10).

12. Assembly method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the method comprises a step of fixing an audible warning device (6) on the second fixing means (12) of the support (10) and, optionally, a step of fixing a wheel arch screen (8) on a third fixing means (13) of the support

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