Vehicle arrangement comprising an air conditioning accumulator and a means of damping the accumulator.

Abstract

Vehicle arrangement comprising an air conditioning accumulator and a means for damping the accumulator. The invention relates to an arrangement 9 for a vehicle, the arrangement 9 comprising an accumulator 3 for an air conditioning circuit 2, the accumulator 3 comprising an outer casing 4, an element 8 arranged near the accumulator 3, in particular a mounting tab-type element, the arrangement 9 comprising a damping means 10 shaped at least partially around the outer casing 4 of the accumulator 3 so as to prevent plastic deformation of the outer casing 4 in the event of contact with the element 8 following an impact sustained by such a vehicle. Illustration: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement for a vehicle comprising an air conditioning accumulator and a means for damping the accumulator. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising an air conditioning accumulator, an element and a damping means intended to prevent plastic deformation of the accumulator in the event of contact with the element during an impact of such a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a method of mounting such an arrangement. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, must meet standards and / or regulations in terms of behavior in the event of an impact. In addition, particularly in certain countries, organizations assess the ability to repair and estimate the related costs in the event of "small" impacts, in particular to the front of vehicles. Such organizations then assign a rating to the vehicle and this rating is taken into account by insurers to determine the cost of the amount of insurance to be paid by the owner of such a vehicle. Low vehicle repair costs thus lower the amount of insurance. This low amount of insurance is even a selling point, in particular when purchasing a large batch of vehicles such as a fleet of vehicles.

[0003] In the case of a vehicle chassis having a small front overhang, and consequently a cramped engine compartment, an accumulator of an air conditioning circuit is arranged at the front of such an engine compartment. Indeed, such an accumulator has a significant volume which prevents its integration into another area of ​​such an engine compartment. However, this location means that such an accumulator is impacted at the slightest front impact. In addition, such an accumulator is expensive and complex to change, in particular because it is part of an air conditioning circuit. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes an arrangement comprising a damping means making it possible to preserve the integrity of the air conditioning accumulator in the event of a small front impact. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising: - an accumulator for an air conditioning circuit, the accumulator comprising an external casing, - an element arranged near the accumulator, in particular a fixing lug type element, the arrangement comprising a damping means shaped at least partially around the external casing of the accumulator so as to avoid plastic deformation of the external casing in the event of contact with the element following an impact suffered by such a vehicle.

[0006] The damping means may comprise a first part and a second part to allow subsequent mounting of the damping means at the level of the accumulator casing extending along an axis of revolution or main axis.

[0007] The first part may comprise a first fixing means and the second part may comprise a second fixing means, the first fixing means being able to cooperate with the second fixing means.

[0008] The first fixing means and the second fixing means may together form a sliding connection, in particular in the vertical or substantially vertical direction, or in particular along the axis of revolution or main axis of the accumulator.

[0009] The first part may comprise a first step and the second part may comprise a second step, the first and second steps being able to come into contact with each other to ensure blocking of the first part relative to the second part, in particular in the vertical direction.

[0010] The external casing of the accumulator may have a substantially cylindrical shape around the main axis, the first and second parts of the damping means being able to form a cylindrical shell with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis, the main axis extending in particular substantially vertically.

[0011] The thickness of the damping means measured radially relative to the main axis may be between 10 mm and 25 mm, in particular of the order of 17 mm, and / or the damping means may be made of expanded polypropylene or polystyrene having a density of between 45 grams per liter and 200 grams per liter, in particular between 70 grams per liter and 90 grams per liter.

[0012] The arrangement may comprise a body of such a vehicle, at least one air conditioning duct connected to the accumulator, and a support for fixing the accumulator to the body.

[0013] The support can create a stop when the damping means is put in place, in particular in the vertical direction, in particular by contact of the damping means with the support.

[0014] The support can be fixed to the body by at least one fixing means, in particular of the screw type, the at least one fixing means being able to sandwich the support between the fixing means, in particular a screw head, and the body, the at least one fixing means being able to pass through at least one groove provided in the support, the at least one groove being able to be open and being able to extend substantially longitudinally towards the front, so as to allow the support to move back relative to the body by sliding the support against the fixing means along the groove in the event of an impact at the front of such a vehicle.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method of mounting an arrangement as defined above, the method comprising: - a step of providing a box, a support, an accumulator, at least one air conditioning duct, and a damping means, - followed by a step of mounting the support on the body and then mounting the accumulator on the support, or a step of mounting the accumulator on the support and then mounting the support on the body, - followed or preceded by a step of connecting at least one air conditioning duct to the accumulator, - followed by a step of mounting the damping means at the accumulator level. Presentation of figures

[0017] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement and of an embodiment of a method of mounting the arrangement, given without limitation in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0018] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] [Fig. 3] is a partial perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0021] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of a support, an accumulator and a damping means according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.5] is another partial perspective view of the support, the accumulator and of the damping means according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a top view of the support, the accumulator and the damping means according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the damping means according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a first part of the damping means, the accumulator and a support according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a second part of the damping means according to the embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0027] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular 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 vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0028] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle comprises a body 30. The vehicle or the body preferably comprises a technical front end 31. The vehicle 1 comprises an arrangement 9. The vehicle comprises an air conditioning circuit 2 in which a fluid circulates. The air conditioning circuit 2 comprises an accumulator of the air conditioning fluid 3 or dehydrator or dehydrator bottle. The air conditioning circuit 2 further comprises pipes 40, connectors, conduits or hoses as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2 to 6, the accumulator 3 has a generally cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. More preferably, the accumulator 3 is arranged so that its axis of revolution or main axis AP is oriented in the vertical or substantially vertical direction. The accumulator 3 comprises an external casing 4.In the case of a cylindrical accumulator, the external casing 4 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0029] More specifically, the arrangement 9 comprises the accumulator 3 for the air conditioning circuit 2.

[0030] The arrangement 9 further comprises an element 8 arranged in proximity to accumulator 3. For example, element 8 is a fixing lug. For example, this fixing lug is fixed to a crossmember. Alternatively, element 8 is a crossmember or a rigid part of the air conditioning circuit, for example an exchanger.

[0031] Generally speaking, the element 8 is a part of the vehicle having a rigidity greater than that of the accumulator 3, at least more rigid than the external casing 4 of the accumulator. By "external casing" is meant the external surface, or external skin, of the accumulator, that is to say the area of ​​the accumulator likely to be deformed in the event of contact against the element 8, during an impact in particular.

[0032] The arrangement 9 also comprises a damping means 10, a protection, a shock absorber, a damping screen. This damping means 10 is shaped at least partially around the external casing 4 of the accumulator 3. Thus, in the event of a frontal collision or low-speed accident of the vehicle 1, plastic deformation of the external casing 4 having contact with the element 8 is avoided, as will be explained later.

[0033] The damping means 10 comprises a first and a second part 11, 12. Preferably, the damping means 10 forms a cylindrical shell 15 with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis AP. The main axis AP preferably extends substantially vertically.

[0034] Advantageously, the damping means 10 extends around an upper part 5 of the external casing 4, in particular illustrated in [Fig. 8]. This is particularly the case when the element 8 is arranged in front of the upper part 5 of the accumulator 3 at the same level or substantially at the same level in the vertical direction as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0035] In the case of an upper part 5 of cylindrical shape with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis AP of the accumulator, the damping means also has a cylindrical shape and thus surrounds the upper part 5, for example with a constant radial thickness over the entire circumference of the upper part.

[0036] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 6], the first part 11 and the second part 12 extend around the upper part 5 of the accumulator 3. For example, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 6], the first part 11 extends substantially over two thirds of the circumference (i.e. approximately 240 degrees) of the upper part 5 and the second part 12 extends substantially over the other third (i.e. approximately 120 degrees) of the circumference of the upper part 5.

[0037] As will be explained later, the first and second parts 11, 12 can be assembled with each other while being removable, separable, from each other. This feature aims in particular to allow mounting of the damping means 10 at the level of the casing 4 of the accumulator 3, more precisely of the upper part 5, while the accumulator 3 is mounted on the body 30, or on the technical front face 31. In this case, the conduits 40 of the circuit 2 are already connected, plugged in, in particular to the accumulator 3, which is why a conventional annular-shaped damping means 10 would not be suitable for mounting.

[0038] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the damping means comprises only a single part of generally cylindrical shape having an opening. In this case, a section of the damping means along a plane perpendicular to its axis has a general shape of C. The opening of the C provides a passage for the conduits of the air conditioning circuit and allows the damping means to be mounted on the upper part of the casing while the circuit is already installed.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 11 comprises a first fixing means 13 and the second part 12 comprises a second fixing means 14. The first fixing means 13 is capable of cooperating with the second fixing means 14. For example, the first fixing means 13 and the second fixing means 14 together form a sliding connection. Advantageously, the formed slide extends in the vertical or substantially vertical direction. As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 6 and 7 in particular, the first and second fixing means 13, 14 each have a section along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the damping means intended to fit together, interlock, or complement each other. For example, each section has a shape similar to a portion of puzzle pieces or in the general shape of a T.More specifically, as illustrated in particular in Figures 6, 8 and 9, the first part 11 comprises a first fixing means 13 at each of its ends 111, 112 and the second part 12 comprises a second fixing means 14 at each of its ends 121, 122. For example, the first fixing means 13 has a section along a plane perpendicular to the axis AP in the shape of an omega and the second fixing means 14 has a complementary section along a plane perpendicular to the axis AP, that is to say completing the internal shape of the omega.

[0040] Alternatively, the second fixing means has a section, along a plane perpendicular to an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis, in the shape of an omega and the first fixing means has a complementary section, along a plane perpendicular to an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis, that is to say completing the internal shape of the omega. Alternatively again, the first fixing means has a section in the shape of a male dovetail and the second fixing means has a complementary section in the shape of a female dovetail. Alternatively again, the first fixing means has a section in the shape of a female dovetail and the second fixing means has a complementary section in the shape of a male dovetail.

[0041] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4, 7, 8 and 9, the first part 11 comprises a first step 17 or lug extending projecting from each end 111, 112 of the first part 11. In this case, the second part 12 comprises a second step 18 or notch or recess at each of its ends 121, 122. Advantageously, the first step 17 and the second step 18 are arranged so as to complement each other when they are in contact with each other. Thus, after assembly of the two parts 11, 12, the steps 17, 18 are in contact with each other or substantially in contact with each other so that the general shape of the damping means is cylindrical. The function of the recesses 17, 18 is to ensure blocking, a stop, an end of travel of the first part 11 relative to the second part 12 during sliding, translation along the slide created by the fixing means 13, 14.

[0042] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], each first recess 17 comprises a projection 171 of the stud or cylindrical protrusion type extending upwards. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 9], each second recess 18 comprises a cavity 181 of the cylindrical hollow type extending upwards. Thus, once the parts 11, 12 are assembled, at the end of the sliding between them, the projection 171 at the end 111 of the first part 11 comes to cooperate, to penetrate into the cavity 181 at the end 121 of the second part 12, and simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, the projection 171 at the end 112 of the first part 11 comes to cooperate, to penetrate into the cavity 181 at the end 122 of the second part 12.

[0043] Preferably, this translation is carried out in the vertical or substantially vertical direction, preferably from top to bottom. In this case, as illustrated, the first projection-type recess 17 is provided at the bottom of the first part 11 so as to stop the travel of the second part 12 relative to the first part 11 along the slide 13, 14. The recess 18 is then also provided at the bottom of the second part 12. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing means 13, 14 forming a slide do not extend over the entire height H of the first and second parts 11, 12 measured parallel to the axis of the cylindrical protective shell 15 thus formed, but over only a portion of the order of 30 percent of this height, or even less. Thus the sliding link type guidance is ensured over only a portion P of the height H illustrated in [Fig.8] and 9.The two pairs of studs / cavities 171, 181, preferably generally cylindrical in shape, make it possible to ensure the end of the sliding connection between the first part 11 and the second part 12.

[0044] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the thickness E of the damping means 10 measured radially relative to the main axis AP is between 10 mm and 25 mm, for example example of the order of 17 mm. Preferably, the damping means 10 is made of expanded polypropylene. Alternatively, the damping means 10 is made of polystyrene. Preferably, the density of the material is between 45 grams per liter and 200 grams per liter, preferably between 70 grams per liter and 90 grams per liter.

[0045] For example, the arrangement 9 comprises the body 30 of the vehicle, and / or the technical front face 31. Preferably, the arrangement 9 comprises at least one air conditioning duct 40 connected to the accumulator 3. Preferably, the arrangement 9 further comprises a support 20 for fixing the accumulator 3 on the body 30. For example, the support 20 creates, forms, offers a stop 25 for the damping means 10. More precisely, preferably the support 20 creates a stop for the first part 11, that is to say the part mounted first around the accumulator 3. As a reminder, preferably, the end of travel of the sliding connection between the first part 11 and the second part 12, that is to say the end of the translation between the means 13, 14 in the direction T (see [Fig.7]), is ensured by contacts between the recesses 17, 18. Alternatively or in addition, as illustrated in [Fig.3], a part 25 of the support 20 creates a stop for the end of travel when mounting the second part 12 along the first part 11. In any case, the installation of the damping means 10, in particular in the vertical direction, that is to say in the direction T, is facilitated by contact of at least one part 11, 12, or even both, with the support 20, in particular the part 25. For example, the part 25 is of the collar type coming to encircle, surround the external casing 4 of the accumulator 3 to be protected.

[0046] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the accumulator 3 or the external casing 4 of the accumulator comprises a bulge 19, a protrusion, a border, extending at the upper end of the accumulator, preferably over the entire circumference of the upper part 5. This bulge 19 creates a sort of stop ring preventing the second part 12 from being disengaged from the first part. In other words, the bulge 19 creates a stop preventing translation, in the opposite direction to the direction T, so as to prevent the two parts 11, 12 from being dismantled, from being disengaged from each other in an untimely manner.

[0047] Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the first part 11 comprises a notch 16. Thus, the threading of the first part 11 onto the accumulator 3 does not abut against the support 20. Optionally, this notch 16 acts as a stop, preferably at the end of travel in the vertical direction, for the placement of the first part 11 relative to the support 20. In addition, the cooperation of the support 20 in the notch 16 blocks any pivoting of the first part 11 (and therefore of the damping means) relative to the external casing 4 of the accumulator and / or any pivoting of the first part 11 (and therefore of the damping means) relative to the support 20.

[0048] Advantageously, the support 20 comprises a base 23 extending vertically or substantially vertically. The support 20 is fixed to the body 30 and / or to the technical front face 31 by at least one fixing means 21. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the fixing means 21 is a screw or a threaded rod extending from the base 23. Preferably, two fixing means 21 are provided. Preferably, each fixing means 21 sandwiches the support 20, in particular the base 23, between the fixing means 21, for example a screw head and the body 30 and / or the technical front face 31. More preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], each fixing means 21 passes through a groove 22 formed in the support 20, in particular in the base 23. Each groove 22 extends substantially horizontally, in the longitudinal direction, and opens out towards the front.Thus, each groove 22 is an opening extending substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane. Thus, in the event of an impact at the front of the vehicle, the support 20 can move back relative to the body 30 (in particular relative to the technical front face) by sliding the support 20 against the fixing means 21 along the groove 22.

[0049] An embodiment of a method of mounting the arrangement will now be described.

[0050] In a first step, a step is carried out of providing the body 30 (preferably equipped with the technical front face 31), the support 20, the accumulator 3, the air conditioning duct(s) 40, and the damping means 10.

[0051] A step of mounting the support 20 on the body 30 is then carried out. Advantageously, more precisely, a step of mounting the base 23 of the support 20 on the technical front face 31 of the body 30 is carried out. For this, screws 21 are preferably used which cooperate with grooves 22 provided in the base 23 and nuts to sandwich the base 23 between the screw head 21 or the corresponding nut and the body 30 or the technical front face 31 on which the base is fixed. To do this, holes or slots are provided in the body or the technical front face to cooperate with the screws 21.

[0052] Then a step of mounting the accumulator 3 on the support 20 is carried out.

[0053] Alternatively, a step of mounting the accumulator 3 on the support 20 is carried out before mounting the support 20 on the body 30, in particular via the screws 21 as described previously.

[0054] A step of connecting the air conditioning duct(s) 40 to the accumulator 3 is then carried out. It should be noted that this step of connecting the air conditioning duct(s) 40 to the accumulator 3 can be carried out prior to the step of fixing the accumulator to the support and / or prior to the step of fixing the support to the body.

[0055] In particular in the case of a vehicle intended for a country or a market in which the amounts of vehicle insurance are calculated according to the costs incurred in terms of repairs during an impact, a step of mounting the damping means 10 at the level of the accumulator is carried out.

[0056] More specifically, in the case of damping means comprising the first part 11 and the second part 12 described above, the first part 11 is first mounted. As a reminder, the first part 11 is a cylindrical portion, for example extending over approximately 240 degrees around an axis coincident with the main axis AP, i.e. an overall C-shaped section. Thus, the first part 11 is placed so that the conduit(s) are in the cavity of the C and the first part 11 is translated along the upper part 5 of the outer casing 4. To facilitate this step, preferably, the outer diameter of the upper part 5 is less than the inner diameter of the first part 11. In particular, the inner diameter of the first part 11 is just greater than, or equal to, or just less than the outer diameter of the bulge 19.Optionally, a slight bending of the C-shape of the first part 11 allows it to be threaded around the bulge 11 so that the diameter of the upper part 5 can have a diameter equal to the internal diameter of the first part 11. If the notch 16 is present in the first part 11, it is centered and aligned so that the notch 16 cooperates with the support 20, in particular with an upper part of the base 23. The first part 11 is translated until it comes into abutment against the base 23 at the level of the notch 16 and / or until the first part 11 comes into contact with the stop 25 of the support 20 as illustrated in [Fig.4] in particular. The accumulator 3 / first part 11 configuration illustrated in [Fig.8] is then obtained.

[0057] Finally, the second part 12 is inserted onto the first part 11 so as to surround the upper part 5 of the external casing 4 of the accumulator 3. As a reminder, the second part 12 is a cylindrical portion, for example extending over approximately 120 degrees around an axis coincident with the main axis AP, that is to say an overall section in the form of an arc. More precisely, a translation is carried out, in the direction T (preferably vertical) illustrated in [Fig. 7], of the second part 12 along the first part 11. More precisely, as seen previously, a means 13 at each end of the first part 11 having a C-shaped section cooperates with a means 14 at each end of the second part 12 having an arc-shaped section to generate a sliding connection in the direction T. Preferably, a clearance between the means 13, 14 is provided to facilitate assembly by sliding without a buttressing-type phenomenon.In particular, play is necessary to "pass" the bulge 19 during translation. In addition, preferably the . material chosen for the parts 11, 12 is sufficiently rigid to prevent each part from twisting, bending, or buckling during translation, particularly in the event of an insertion force, which would hinder easy assembly. The translation is extended until the notches 18 come into contact with the projections 17. Preferably, this end of translation travel is also materialized by the contact or substantially the contact of the second part 12 against the stop 25 of the support 20, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. As a reminder, the bulge 19 makes it possible to prevent reverse sliding of the parts 11, 12 and provides safety for the means 10 assembled on the accumulator 3.

[0058] Thus, the upper part 5, of cylindrical shape where appropriate, of the envelope 4, is protected, surrounded, encircled by the first and second parts of the means 10.

[0059] Thanks to the solution, vehicles intended for countries in which organizations assess the repairability and estimate the related costs, particularly in the case of "small" impacts, in particular at the front of the vehicles, can be easily and quickly equipped with the accumulator damping means. This operation is then carried out at the edge of the line, or at the end of the vehicle assembly line. The presence of the air conditioning ducts does not hinder the operation of adding the damping means, the latter preferably being separable into two parts. In the case where this addition or option only concerns a few vehicles on an assembly line, it is easy to carry out this assembly punctually.

[0060] Thus, the solution makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the accumulator in the event of a small front impact in the case of a vehicle chassis having a small front overhang, in particular not including a shock absorber also called a "crash box" in Anglo-Saxon terms, and consequently in the case of a cramped engine compartment, and this even though the accumulator 3 of the air conditioning circuit 2 is arranged at the front of the engine compartment. Despite the accumulator having a significant volume which prevents its integration into another area of ​​the engine compartment, the solution allows it to be installed in the front area which is particularly exposed in the event of a front impact. Thanks to the solution, the accumulator is protected so well that it is not necessary to change it in the event of an impact. Thus, savings are made, an accumulator being expensive to purchase and its replacement being time-consuming and tedious, in particular because it is part of the air conditioning circuit.

[0061] In summary, the solution provides protection for the air conditioning dehydrator bottle 3. This results in a better rating by a rating agency in the event of an impact and consequently a lower insurance amount.

[0062] This avoids any plastic deformation at the contact between the element 8 ([Fig.2]) and the casing 4 of the accumulator during a front impact. Indeed, the damping means 10 of the cover, hood, protection type, in particular made of foam, inserted on the accumulator cushions, deforms, protects the accumulator.

[0063] As seen previously, the solution is simple, easy and quick to install. Thus, the additional cost is very low, which is desirable, especially since this function is not visible to the customer / user of the vehicle.

[0064] The solution does not require any modification of the vehicle, the damping means being added, if necessary, during assembly of the vehicle, or even as a second assembly if necessary. In addition, the damping means 10 remains removable if necessary, easily, preferably without tools, by sliding the second part 12 upwards, after having passed the hard point created by the bulge 19 present on the bottle 4, then by sliding the first part 11. Thus, an intervention on the bottle 4, or a change of the damping means are compatible with the solution. As a reminder, the protection is of the foam part type, relatively dense, in two parts and two T-shaped counterforms to fit one into the other, creating a circular, cylindrical, shell shape 15.Preferably, the positioning in the vertical direction of the protector 10 is ensured by contact of the protector against the support 20, for example at the level of the notch 16 provided on the part 11. Thus, preferably, the protection 10 is added to the bottle 3 already fixed on its support 20.

[0065] As seen previously, in addition to the presence of the damping means 10, a recoil of the accumulator may be sought in the event of an impact, in order to maximize the damping. This recoil is for example enabled by the presence of at least one stud, preferably two filter studs 24 or diabolos or Silentbloc (Registered Trademark), for example comprising rubber (see Figures 4 and 6). Note that such studs 24 improve, where appropriate, the acoustics of the accumulator / support assembly. The deformation provided by this or these studs 24 then enables a recoil of the accumulator during an impact.

[0066] In the absence of pads, for example in the absence of a vibration problem, the recoil of the accumulator is advantageously favored. A breakable connection, for example with a weakness in the support, is provided.

[0067] In addition, or alternatively, the grooves or openings 22 of the support 20 offer a possibility of moving the dehydrator 3 back relative to the body within the engine compartment if necessary, in the event of a front impact. More precisely, the grooves 22 allow the screws 21 to escape, that is to say to allow the support to slide backwards in the event of a front impact, in particular in the event of contact of the element 8 ([Fig.2]) against the protection 10.

[0068] Advantageously, the pipes or conduits 40 of the air conditioning system or circuit are connected to the accumulator while having flexible lengths, and / or “slack”, and / or the conduits are shaped so as to be able to be bent. In other words, the movement of the accumulator, in particular its recoil, does not create any incipient rupture, rupture, or marking on these conduits 40 likely to cause a malfunction of the air conditioning or even a leak in the air conditioning circuit.

[0069] As seen previously, preferably, the density, in particular in the case of expanded polypropylene type material, is of the order of 80g / l. Preferably, such a density aims to offer protection 10 that is not very compressible. In the event of an impact, recoil is favored and / or complements a deformation of the damping means.

[0070] In summary, the damping means 10 prevents plastic deformation of the accumulator in the event of a small front impact in particular. Repairs following a front impact are then reduced, in particular by avoiding the purchase of a new accumulator and the labor to replace it. The amount of insurance for a vehicle equipped with such an arrangement is reduced, which is advantageous for the owner of such a vehicle and may possibly motivate his act of purchase, in particular in the event of the purchase of numerous vehicles or a fleet thus equipped. In addition, the solution is economical, the manufacture of the damping means being inexpensive.

[0071] As a remark, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of protecting the air conditioning accumulator in the event of an impact and has the advantage of being able to be adapted to another motorized vehicle, for example a bus or a truck.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (9) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), the arrangement (9) comprising: - an accumulator (3) for an air conditioning circuit (2), the accumulator (3) comprising an external casing (4), - an element (8) arranged close to the accumulator (3), in particular a fixing lug type element, characterized in that the arrangement (9) comprises a damping means (10) shaped at least partially around the external casing (4) of the accumulator (3) so as to avoid plastic deformation of the external casing (4) in the event of contact with the element (8) following an impact suffered by such a vehicle.

2. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the damping means (10) comprises a first part (11) and a second part (12) to allow subsequent mounting of the damping means (10) at the level of the casing (4) of the accumulator (3) extending along an axis of revolution or main axis (AP).

3. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first part (11) comprises a first fixing means (13) and in that the second part (12) comprises a second fixing means (14), the first fixing means (13) being capable of cooperating with the second fixing means (14).

4. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fixing means (13) and the second fixing means (14) together form a sliding connection, in particular in the vertical or substantially vertical direction, or in particular in the axis of revolution or main axis (AP) of the accumulator (3).

5. Arrangement (9) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first part (11) comprises a first recess (17) and in that the second part (12) comprises a second recess (18), the first and second recesses (17, 18) coming into contact with each other to ensure blocking of the first part (11) relative to the second part (12), in particular in the vertical direction.

6. Arrangement (9) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the external casing (4) of the accumulator (3) has a substantially cylindrical shape around the main axis (AP), the first and second parts (11, 12) of the damping means (10) forming a cylindrical shell (15) with an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the main axis (AP), the main axis (AP) extending in particular substantially vertically.

7. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the thickness (E) of the damping means (10) measured radially relative to the main axis (AP) is between 10 mm and 25 mm, in particular of the order of 17 mm, and / or in that the damping means (10) is made of expanded polypropylene or polystyrene having a density of between 45 grams per liter and 200 grams per liter, in particular between 70 grams per liter and 90 grams per liter.

8. Arrangement (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (9) comprises: - a body (30) of such a vehicle, - at least one air conditioning duct (40) connected to the accumulator (3), and - a support (20) for fixing the accumulator (3) on the body (30).

9. Arrangement (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (20) creates a stop (25) when the damping means (10) is put in place, in particular in the vertical direction, in particular by contact of the damping means (10) with the support (20).

10. Arrangement (9) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the support (20) is fixed to the body (30) by at least one fixing means (21), in particular of the screw type, the at least one fixing means (21) sandwiching the support (20) between the fixing means (21), in particular a screw head, and the body (30), the at least one fixing means (21) passing through at least one groove (22) formed in the support (20), the at least one groove (22) being open and extending substantially longitudinally towards the front, so as to allow the support (20) to move back relative to the body (30) by sliding the support (20) against the fixing means (21) along the groove (22) in the event of an impact at the front of such a vehicle.

11. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle comprises an arrangement (9) according to one of the claims previous.

12. Method of mounting an arrangement (9) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of providing a box (30), a support (20), an accumulator (3), at least one air conditioning duct (40), and a damping means (10), - followed by a step of mounting the support (20) on the body (30) then mounting the accumulator (3) on the support (20), or a step of mounting the accumulator (3) on the support (20) then mounting the support (20) on the body (30), - followed or preceded by a step of connecting at least one air conditioning duct (40) to the accumulator (3), - followed by a step of mounting the damping means (10) at the level of the accumulator (3).

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