Support for a motor vehicle liquid electric heater

Abstract

The invention relates to a support (10) for fixing an electric heater (3) for liquid relative to a vehicle body (2), the support (10) comprising a first fixing means for fixing such an electric heater (3) to the support (10) and the support (10) comprising a second fixing means (40) for at least partially fixing a windscreen wash tank (4) of such a vehicle to the support (10).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Support for an electric motor vehicle fluid heater.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a support for an electric liquid heater for a vehicle. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a support. The invention also relates to a body comprising such a support or assembly. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a support or body. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a support or body or arrangement. The invention also relates to a method of mounting such an arrangement.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] A motor vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, generally includes an electric liquid heater. Such an electric liquid heater is capable of heating a liquid that travels through a circuit passing through a ventilation system to ensure heating of the passenger compartment for the comfort of the occupants. Indeed, in the absence of a heat-generating thermal engine, or to accelerate the production of heat for rapid heating within the passenger compartment, such a heater is provided. Such a heater is generally powered by the electric current supplied by a traction and / or propulsion battery of the vehicle which delivers a voltage of around 400V.

[0006] Only such a heater is bulky while the engine compartment has very little space available. This is particularly the case for a plug-in hybrid vehicle which comprises at least one combustion engine, at least one electric motor and at least one particularly large battery in order to allow for substantial storage via a connection. In addition, in order to meet the needs for passenger compartment heating under severe conditions of use and / or starting, in particular in cold countries, it is necessary to install a high-power heater, for example of the order of 5000 W or even of the order of 8000 W. A heater of such power is all the more bulky. Thus, it is not possible to install such an electric liquid heater in the engine compartment of a vehicle, in particular a plug-in hybrid.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide a support for an electric heater that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention provides a support that allows other elements to be supported without making any modifications to the body of such a vehicle.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a support for fixing an electric liquid heater relative to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the support comprising a first fixing means intended to fix such an electric heater on the support and the support comprising a second fixing means intended to fix at least partially a windscreen washer reservoir of such a vehicle on the support.

[0011] The support may comprise a main part that is planar or substantially planar, the main part being able to comprise:

[0012] - a first face intended to come opposite such an electric liquid heater, and

[0013] - a second face intended to come opposite such a windscreen washer reservoir, the first face being able to be opposite the second face. The first fixing means may be intended to fix such an electric heater at the level of the first face, in particular the first fixing means may comprise three threaded rods extending projecting from the first face of the main part of the support.

[0014] The support may comprise a third fixing means intended to participate in the fixing of a protection for such an electric heater, in particular a third fixing means comprising at least one threaded rod capable of extending in projection from the first face of the main part of the support.

[0015] The bracket may include a fourth attachment means for assisting in attaching a horn to the bracket, including a fourth attachment means including a threaded rod extendable from the bracket.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a support as defined previously, an electric liquid heater and a windshield washer reservoir.

[0017] The invention also relates to a body for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the body comprising a support as defined previously, or an assembly as defined previously.

[0018] The invention also relates to a body for a vehicle, in particular for 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 an arrangement comprising:

[0020] - a body as defined above, the main part of the support extending, or extending substantially, in a vertical and transverse plane, the first face being oriented towards the rear, - a low track sleeper,

[0021] - an electric liquid heater comprising an electrical connection,

[0022] - a windshield washer reservoir,

[0023] - an audible warning device,

[0024] - protection for the electric heater, in particular protection protecting the electrical connection of the electric heater, the arrangement comprising a reinforcement intended to be fixed to the support and to the side member so as to stiffen the support.

[0025] The windscreen washer reservoir can be attached to the bracket and to the side member.

[0026] The support may comprise a lower portion extending substantially longitudinally and transversely towards the front, the lower portion being able to comprise an orifice, and the windscreen washer reservoir being able to comprise a protrusion, the protrusion being able to be housed at least partially in the orifice to participate in the pre-holding and / or holding of the windscreen washer reservoir relative to the support.

[0027] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a support as defined previously, or an assembly as defined previously, or a body as defined previously, or an arrangement as defined previously.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method of mounting an arrangement as defined above, the method comprising:

[0029] - a step of fixing the electric heater on the support followed by a step of fixing the protection on the support so as to obtain an assembled support,

[0030] - a step of mounting the assembled support on the side member, then

[0031] - a step of mounting the low track crossmember, then - a step of fixing the reinforcement on the support and on the side member, in particular at the front of the side member, then

[0032] - a step of pre-holding the windscreen washer reservoir in relation to the support and / or in relation to the side member, followed by a step of fixing the windscreen washer reservoir to the support and / or to the side member.

[0033] Presentation of figures

[0034] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a support for an electric liquid heater and for a windshield washer reservoir given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the motor vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 4 is a partial perspective detail view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support assembled according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Figure 6 is another partial perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Figure 7 is another partial perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support mounted on a spar according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 9 is another perspective view of the bracket mounted on the side member according to the embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a detailed perspective view of the bracket fixed to the side member according to the embodiment of the invention, an audible warning device being fixed to the bracket.

[0044] Figure 11 is a detailed perspective view of a protrusion of a window washer reservoir cooperating with an orifice provided in a lower part of the support according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Detailed description

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 is preferably an electric vehicle, i.e., powered and / or towed by electrical energy. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 comprises a hybrid engine, i.e., comprising at least one thermal engine and at least one electric motor. Preferably, the vehicle is of the plug-in hybrid type, i.e., its electrical energy storage means can be connected to an external electrical energy source to recharge it. Thus, preferably, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one battery and at least one electric motor (not shown). Preferably, such a battery delivers a voltage of the order of 400V. The vehicle 1 also comprises a body or chassis 2. As illustrated in Figure 1 in particular, the vehicle 1 or the body 2 preferably comprises a side member 8, for example a right front side member.The vehicle 1, or the body 2, also comprises a support 10 which will be described in more detail later. The vehicle 1 also comprises an arrangement 9.

[0048] The vehicle 1, or the arrangement 9, comprises an electric liquid heater 3. For example, the liquid is, or comprises, water or a liquid having similar properties. Such a liquid preferably comprises an antifreeze component. Preferably, the electric heater 3 heats the liquid in a circuit for heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. Preferably, the circuit (not shown) comprises a pump, the heater 3, a reservoir and passes through an HVAC system of the vehicle (for the abbreviation of the English expression Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning well known in the field of the automotive industry). Advantageously, the circuit is independent and / or comprises only these elements and the pipes for the flow of the liquid passing through this circuit. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 5, the heater 3 comprises at least one connection or plug or connector 3' to allow the heater 3 to be supplied with electricity.

[0049] The vehicle 1, or arrangement 9, further comprises a reservoir 4 for windshield washer fluid or window washer fluid. Generally, the window washer fluid is used to clean a windshield and / or a rear window of the vehicle via nozzles arranged to spray the fluid.

[0050] The vehicle 1, or the arrangement 9, or the body 2 comprises an assembly 34 illustrated in FIG. 3. The assembly 34 comprises the support 10, the electric heater 3 and the windshield washer reservoir 4. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular, the arrangement 9 comprises the body 2. Thus, the arrangement 9 comprises the support 10.

[0051] A fixing means 80 is provided for fixing the support 10 on, or relative to, the body 2. Preferably, the means for fixing the support on the body is ensured by fixing the support on the side member 8 of the body 2. Preferably, for ergonomic purposes in particular, the fixing means allows pre-holding before the support is put into its final position relative to the body. For example, nuts are provided on the side member, for example attached by welding and / or crimped onto the side member, and orifices are provided on the support 10 so that screws pass through the support at these holes and are screwed into the nuts attached to the side members to ensure the support is fixed to the side member. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support 10 comprises an upper part 13 extending transversely and longitudinally or substantially transversely and longitudinally.Preferably, the support 10 comprises a tab 48 extending vertically and longitudinally or substantially vertically and longitudinally. Preferably, the support 10 comprises a tab 45 extending transversely and vertically or substantially transversely and vertically. Alternatively, or in addition, bolts, for example three in number, comprise screws 81 and nuts 82 which cooperate together via orifices provided on the spar 8 and on the support 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in particular at the upper part 13 and / or the tab 45 and / or the tab 48. Alternatively, or in addition, threaded rods extend from the spars so as to cooperate with orifices provided in the support, nuts cooperating by screwing with the threaded rods to ensure the fixing of the support on the spar.Another, or several other fixing means, may be suitable for ensuring the pre-holding and / or holding of the support relative to the body. Note that the main function of the support is to fix the electric liquid heater 3 relative to the body 2. Thus, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, the support 10 comprises a first fixing means 30. The first fixing means 30 makes it possible to fix the electric heater 3 to the support 10.

[0052] The support 10 also has the function of fixing, at least partially, the window washer reservoir 4. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 11, the support 10 comprises a second fixing means 40. The second fixing means 40 makes it possible to fix, at least in part, the reservoir 4 on the support 10.

[0053] Preferably, the support 10 comprises a main part 20 that is planar, or substantially planar, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. More precisely, the main part 20 comprises a first face 21. The main part 20 also comprises a second face 22. The first face 21 is opposite the second face 22. Advantageously, the first face 21 receives the electric heater 3. In other words, the first face comes opposite the electric heater 3. Thus, a face of the electric heater, for example planar or substantially planar (not illustrated), comes opposite the first face 21. By "facing", we mean in contact, or substantially in contact. Thus, the face of the heater 3 is in contact, or substantially in contact or partly in contact, with the first face 21 when the heater is mounted on the support 10 at the level of the first face 21. Advantageously, the second face 22 partly receives the reservoir 4.In other words, the second face 22 comes opposite the tank 4. Thus, a face of the tank 4 that is flat, or substantially flat (not shown) comes opposite the second face 22 of the support 10. Thus, the face of the tank 4 is in contact or substantially in contact with the second face 22 when the tank is fixed to the support 10. More precisely, the first fixing means 30 of the support 10 is intended to fix the electric heater 3 at the level of the first face 21. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, the first fixing means 30 comprises threaded rods 31 extending projecting from the first face 21 of the main part 20 of the support 10. Preferably, three threaded rods 31 are provided. More or fewer threaded rods may also be suitable, for example in addition to another holding or fixing means.Nuts (not shown) are provided to cooperate with the threaded rods 31 so as to allow reliable and durable maintenance of the heater 3 at the level of the first face 21.

[0054] More specifically, the second fixing means 40 of the support 10 is intended to fix the reservoir 4 at the level of the second face 22. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second fixing means 40 comprises holes 43, 46 provided on the support 10. As mentioned above, for example, the support 10 comprises the upper part 13 extending longitudinally and transversely, or substantially longitudinally and transversely, from, or substantially from, the main part 20. In this case, preferably, a hole 43 is provided on the upper part 13 of the support 10. As mentioned above, for example, the support 10 comprises the tab 45 extending vertically and transversely, or substantially vertically and transversely. The tab 45 then comprises the hole 46.Preferably, a nut 47 (see figures 5 and 6) is previously attached to the support 10, for example by crimping and / or welding, at the hole 43 of the upper part 13 to cooperate with a screw passing through the tank 4 at the fixing means 40. Preferably, a nut (not shown) is previously attached to the support 10, for example by crimping and / or welding, at the hole 46 of the tab 45 (figure 8) to cooperate with a screw passing through the tank 4 at the fixing means 40. Alternatively or in addition, simple holes can be provided on the support and bolts are provided to ensure the maintenance and fixing of the tank 4 on the support 10 at the holes 43, 46.

[0055] Preferably, in addition, the windscreen washer reservoir 4 is also fixed to the side member 8, or at the side member. For this, preferably a fixing means 40 is provided for example at the top of the reservoir 4, near a filling pipe 4” for example, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. For example, a threaded rod is provided on the side member 8 at this level so that the reservoir 4 is inserted onto the threaded rod and a nut cooperating with the threaded rod is tightened to ensure the fixing of the reservoir relative to the side member at this upper level. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 5, 7, 8 and 11, the support 10 comprises a lower part 12 extending substantially longitudinally and transversely towards the front. The lower part 12 preferably comprises an orifice 14.The windscreen washer reservoir 4 then comprises a protrusion or extension or projection 4' arranged at its lower part when the reservoir is in the mounted position relative to the body 2. The protrusion 4' is capable of being housed at least partially in the orifice 14. In other words, preferably, the section in a longitudinal and transverse plane of the protrusion 4' is housed easily, that is to say with play, in the section in a longitudinal and transverse plane of the orifice 14. Alternatively, the protrusion 4' is flared upwards so as to become wedged in the orifice 14 once the reservoir is inserted in the orifice 14. In this case, the cooperation between the orifice 14 and the projection 4' plays a centering role. In any case, the orifice 14 and the projection 4' participate in the pre-holding and / or holding of the windscreen washer reservoir 4 relative to the support 10.

[0056] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figure 5, the support 10 comprises a third fixing means 60. The third fixing means 60 participates in the fixing of a protection 6 for the electric heater 3. Indeed, preferably, the arrangement 9 or an assembled support 36 which will be described later, comprises a cover or protection or shield 6 intended to protect the heater 3. As a reminder, the heater 3 is supplied with a voltage current of the order of 400V. Preferably, the cover 6 comprises an extension 6' extending at, and / or opposite, and / or facing, the electrical connection 3'.

[0057] Preferably, the third fixing means 60 comprises at least one threaded rod 61 extending projecting from the first face 21 of the main part 20 of the support 10. In this case, a hole is provided in the protection so as to allow the protection to be threaded onto the threaded rod 61 and a nut 62 is provided to cooperate with the threaded rod 61. For example, the nut 62 is attached to the cover 6. Preferably, holes and / or attached nuts, by crimping and / or welding, are provided on the support 10 while holes are provided on the protection 6. Thus, screws pass through the support via holes to be screwed into the attached nuts or bolts are provided to ensure the fixing of the cover 6 on the support 10. Alternatively or in addition, other means of fixing the cover 6 on the support can be envisaged, for example by clipping.Preferably, the cover has a shape adapted to facilitate the connection and / or disconnection of hydraulic conduits on 3” hydraulic connections of the heater 3 although the cover is fixed on the support 10.

[0058] For example, the thickness of the support 10 is 2 mm. For example, the support is obtained by folding and / or stamping a sheet metal, in particular a steel sheet.

[0059] Preferably, the vehicle 1 or the arrangement 9 further comprises a horn 5. The support 10 then comprises a fourth fixing means 50. The fourth fixing means 50 fixes, or participates in the fixing, the horn 5 on the support. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the fourth fixing means 50 comprises a threaded rod 51 extending from the support 10, preferably from the tab 48. Preferably, the horn 5 comprises an extension or tab 54 provided with at least one fold or lug 53. Such a fold 53 cooperates with an edge of the support to prevent pivoting around the threaded rod 51. Thus, once a nut 52 is tightened onto the threaded rod 51 after inserting the tab 54 drilled to allow insertion of the threaded rod, the horn is held in a reliable and durable manner.For example, two folds 53, for example arranged at 90 degrees, or of the order of 90 degrees, are provided to cooperate with two edges of the support arranged at 90 degrees or substantially at 90 degrees to each other.

[0060] Preferably, the main part 20 of the support 10 extends, or extends substantially, in a vertical and transverse plane. Note that the first face 21 is then oriented towards the rear, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second face 22 then being oriented towards the front.

[0061] Preferably, the vehicle 1, or the arrangement 9, or the body 2, further comprises a low track crossmember 8' (illustrated in Figure 2). Preferably, the arrangement 9 comprises the body 2, the crossmember 8', the electric liquid heater 3 comprising the electrical connection 3', the windscreen washer reservoir 4, the horn 5, and the protection 6 of the electric heater 3. The arrangement 9 further comprises a reinforcement 11 illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 to participate in the fixing of the support 10 relative to the side member. The reinforcement or connecting rod 11 is fixed on the one hand to the support 10 and on the other hand to the side member 8, for example on the nose of the side member 8. For example, the reinforcement 11 has a thickness of 3 mm. For example, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, reinforcement 11 has a 1 T flanged edge so as to increase its rigidity without excessively increasing its mass or cost.Such a reinforcement is for example obtained by folding and / or stamping a sheet metal, in particular a steel sheet. The reinforcement 11 is fixed to the spar by a screw / nut system and is fixed to the support by another screw / nut system. For example, a nut is attached to the reinforcement 11 and a nut is attached to the spar 8 or a nut or two nuts are attached to the support 10, screws cooperating with these nuts. Alternatively, or in addition, bolts 15 are provided to cooperate with holes made in the reinforcement and the spar and the support.

[0062] Note that tank 4 has a capacity or internal volume of preferably 4.2 liters, which results in a total weight once filled of around 5 kg. Note that heater 3, for example, has a weight of around 2 to 3 kg, particularly depending on its power.

[0063] A method of carrying out a method of mounting the arrangement 9 will now be described.

[0064] In a first step, a step of fixing the electric heater 3 on the support 10 is carried out. For this, as seen previously, the first fixing means 30 is used between the heater and the support 10, in particular three threaded rods 31 associated with nuts. A step of fixing the protection 6 on the support 10 is then carried out so as to obtain an assembled support 36 illustrated in particular in FIG. 5. For this fixing step, the third fixing means 60 seen previously is used, in particular the threaded rod 61 and a suitable nut 62. Preferably, these steps are successive, and at the edge of the line, that is to say in time masked with respect to the main vehicle assembly line so as not to delay the line with these steps. The assembled support 36 then comprises the support 10, the electric heater 3 and the protection 6. A step of mounting the assembled support 36 on the side member 8 is then carried out.This mounting step is preferably provided by the fixing means 80 as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0065] We then proceed to a stage of assembly of the 8' low track sleeper (see figure 2).

[0066] Following the step of fixing the cross member 8', a step of fixing the reinforcement 11 to the support 10 and to the side member 8 can be carried out. Optionally, the reinforcement 11 is fixed beforehand to the support, for example via a loosened bolt 15, so as to allow pivoting and to only have to fix it to the side member and tighten it to the support by means of added screws and nuts, or bolts 15. Preferably, the reinforcement is fixed to the side member at the front of the side member 8.

[0067] A step is then carried out to pre-hold the windscreen washer reservoir 4 relative to the support 10 and / or relative to the side member 8. For this, preferably, the protrusion 4' of the reservoir 4 is introduced into the orifice 14 of the support while pressing, or substantially pressing, a rear face of the reservoir against the second face 22 before using the other elements of the second fixing means 40 to ensure firm and durable fixing of the reservoir to the support and to the side member. Next, a step is carried out to fix the audible warning device 5 via the fourth fixing means 50, preferably equipped with anti-pivoting lugs of the tab 54.

[0068] In summary, the solution involves a multifunctional support 10 since it supports the electric liquid heater 3 (also called PTC for Positive Temperature Coefficient), the container 4 containing the windshield washer fluid, the horn 5 and finally the protector 6 of the heater 3. This eliminates the need for design, tooling for manufacturing, manufacturing and assembly of a specific support for the horn, and / or a specific support for the windshield washer reservoir, and / or a specific support for the heater protection. This reduces the number of part references to be managed for a vehicle. This results in a saving in assembly time and significant savings. In other words, from an assembly process point of view, this assembly including the support saves time. The absence of the need to create additional supports and / or interfaces avoids significant investments. Finally, the total screwing time is reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, the same bracket advantageously allows the attachment of different types of electric heater, for example with different power ratings. Furthermore, the same bracket is designed to be used in different versions and / or engines of the same vehicle model, or even usable in various vehicle models. This again results in economies of scale.

[0070] The solution allows for the integration of a very powerful and heavy heater (for example, around 2 to 3 kg) on ​​a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a very cluttered engine compartment. The support incorporates the three fixing points, for example, three added nuts or threads on the side member and / or the body, initially intended for the fixing of a windshield washer reservoir, so that neither the side member nor the body are modified. This feature avoids any costly modification of the body. Indeed, a modification of the body generates calculations and / or tests and / or prototypes. The solution proves to be very economical. In addition, if necessary, the body can receive an initial windshield washer reservoir, i.e. one with no modified capacity (for example, around 5 liters), via the three fixing points (see Figure 8 in particular, two fixing points being illustrated).Thanks to the solution, the heater can be installed in the engine compartment, which allows, from the first minutes after starting the vehicle in 100% electric mode, to supply the passenger compartment with heating, even in the case of a cold start phase. Thus, although the heater is particularly imposing, in particular when its power is of the order of 5000 W or even of the order of 8000 W, it can be installed in a front right area, preferably in front of a front right wheel 70. The solution further optimizes the ergonomics in this front right area of ​​the vehicle while ensuring several functions and minimizing the number of supports and interface parts. In summary, performance is improved in terms of assembly, factory fitting as well as after-sales, namely maintenance and / or repair operations.

[0071] Thanks to the protection 6 masking, covering at least partially the electrical connection 3' of the heater 3, a risk of electric shock or electrocution emanating from this connection during, or following an accident is eliminated. Indeed, the protection 6 prevents the destruction of the electrical connection 3' and / or damage to the heater at the electrical connection during an impact. As a reminder, the electric heater 3 is powered on the electrical circuit of the order of 400V connected to the traction and / or propulsion battery. In addition, the protection 6 prevents a person, for example a rescuer, from touching the electrical connection before the electrical circuit of the order of 400V opens to ensure the electrical safety of the vehicle. In other words, in the event of an impact or crash of the vehicle and damage to the heater, the electrical connection remains inaccessible, or at least very difficult to access by a person's fingers.The protection 6 limits the risk of transmission of high-voltage electricity to the rest of the vehicle, in particular to the generally metallic body 2 which is then conductive of the electric current. Thus, the cover 6 prevents any risk during the few moments which elapse between the crash and the cutting or opening of the high-voltage electrical circuit of the vehicle. Preferably, the cover 6 is thus manufactured, for example made of a single material, from a material which is not electrically conductive in order to maximize safety.

[0072] Note that the heater is preferably installed in a single loop comprising a pump to circulate the liquid, for example with a power of around 20 W, a jar, and part of the vehicle's ventilation and heating system (HVAC) allowing the heat transported by the liquid to be distributed into the passenger compartment.

[0073] In summary, the solution aims to lower the volume of the windshield washer reservoir to save space and to install the heater 3 back to back with respect to a surface of the reservoir 4 in order to obtain another space saving. The main flat part 20 in fact makes it possible to fix the heater on one side and the windshield washer reservoir on the other side, in other words to juxtapose the heater 3 and the reservoir 4. Although the volume of the reservoir 4 has been lowered, it should be noted that it meets the most stringent volume standards. Thus, the volume of 4.2 liters of the reservoir 4 can equip all motor vehicles, regardless of its country of sale.

[0074] The reinforcement 11 makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the support 10, in particular to avoid a vibration problem. As a reminder, the reinforcement 11, in particular stiffened by the flanged edge 11', extends between the body and the support. Thus fixed, the support supports the weight of the heater and the weight of the tank filled with windshield washer fluid, i.e. a total of around 8 to 9 kg for example, which is relatively low. Indeed, the reduction in the number of supports and associated fixing elements allows a weight saving. Such a reduction in mass contributes to achieving ecological objectives in terms of reducing fuel consumption known by the abbreviation CAFE for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency. Advantageously, the support also makes it possible to support pipes connected to the 3” connections and / or electrical wiring, possibly via clips fixed in holes made in the support.

[0075] In summary, it becomes possible to install a powerful, and therefore bulky, electric liquid heater in an engine compartment with severe space constraints. This is particularly suitable for a plug-in hybrid vehicle that generally starts in electric mode before switching to the combustion engine. Thus, even in very cold weather, with a cold combustion engine and a cold battery, the occupants have heat inside the passenger compartment very quickly thanks to a circuit run by the liquid heated by the heater and passing through the ventilation system. This results in increased comfort for the occupants regardless of the low outside temperatures, particularly in cold countries. The solution therefore makes it possible to meet the needs for passenger compartment heating in severe operating conditions and / or at start-up.

[0076] As a side note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of supporting an electric liquid heater without impact on the vehicle body, saving time on the assembly line and lowering costs, and has the following advantages:

[0077] - it can be used in other types of vehicles including elements to be fixed in confined areas,

[0078] - it can be used to fix other organs than those previously mentioned.

[0079] Although the side member shown is a right front side member, the solution can be adapted for a left front side member. Alternatively, the solution can be adapted for a side member located at the rear of the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Support (10) for fixing an electric liquid heater (3) relative to a body (2) of a vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a first fixing means (30) intended to fix such an electric heater (3) on the support (10) and in that the support (10) comprises a second fixing means (40) intended to fix at least partially a windscreen washer reservoir (4) of such a vehicle (1) on the support (10).

2. Support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a main part (20) which is flat or substantially flat, the main part (20) comprising: - a first face (21) intended to come opposite such an electric liquid heater (3), and - a second face (22) intended to come opposite such a windscreen washer reservoir (4), the first face (21) being opposite the second face (22).

3. Support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fixing means (30) is intended to fix such an electric heater (3) at the level of the first face (21), in particular the first fixing means (30) comprises three threaded rods (31) extending in projection from the first face (21) of the main part (20) of the support (10).

4. Support (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a third fixing means (60) intended to participate in the fixing of a protection (6) for such an electric heater (3), in particular a third fixing means (60) comprising at least one threaded rod (61) extending projecting from the first face (21) of the main part (20) of the support (10).

5. Support (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a fourth fixing means (50) intended to participate in the fixing of an audible warning device (5) on the support (10), in particular a fourth fixing means (50) comprising a threaded rod (51) extending from the support (10).

6. Assembly (34), characterized in that the assembly (34) comprises a support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, an electric liquid heater (3) and a windshield washer reservoir (4).

7. Body (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (2) comprises a support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, or an assembly (34) according to the preceding claim.

8. Body (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a side member (8), in particular a right front side member, characterized in that the body (2) comprises a support (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5.

9. Arrangement (9) comprising: - a box (2) according to the preceding claim, the main part (20) of the support (10) extending, or extending substantially, in a vertical and transverse plane, the first face (21) being oriented towards the rear, - a low track crossing (8'), - an electric liquid heater (3) comprising an electrical connection (3'), - a windscreen washer reservoir (4), - an audible warning device (5), - a protection (6) of the electric heater (3), in particular a protection (6) protecting the electrical connection (3') of the electric heater (3), characterized in that the arrangement (9) comprises a reinforcement (11) intended to be fixed on the support (10) and on the side member (8) so as to stiffen the support (10).

10. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the window washer reservoir (4) is fixed to the support (10) and to the side member (8). . Arrangement (9) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a lower part (12) extending substantially longitudinally and transversely towards the front, the lower part (12) comprising an orifice (14), and in that the windscreen washer reservoir (4) comprises a protuberance (4'), the protuberance (4') being able to be housed at least partially in the orifice (14) to participate in the pre-holding and / or holding of the windscreen washer reservoir (4) relative to the support (10). . Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, or an assembly (34) according to claim 6, or a body (2) according to one of claims 7 or 8, or an arrangement (9) according to one of claims 9 to 11. . Method for mounting an arrangement (9) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the method comprises: - a step of fixing the electric heater (3) on the support (10) followed by a step of fixing the protection (6) on the support (10) so as to obtain an assembled support (36), - a step of mounting the assembled support (36) on the side member (8), then - a stage of assembly of the low track sleeper (8'), then - a step of fixing the reinforcement (11) on the support (10) and on the side member (8), in particular at the front of the side member (8), then - a step of pre-holding the windscreen washer reservoir (4) relative to the support (10) and / or relative to the side member (8), followed by a step of fixing the windscreen washer reservoir (4) to the support (10) and / or to the side member (8).

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