Technical sub-assembly of a motor vehicle comprising an adaptable reservoir for a brake master cylinder

Abstract

The invention relates to a technical subassembly (10) of a motor vehicle comprising at least one engine compartment (14), delimited by two longitudinal members (16D, 16G) and a bulkhead (18), a brake master cylinder (24), fixed on one side or the other of the bulkhead (18) and surmounted by a reservoir (26), which is suitable for being arranged, depending on its mounting side, to a lateral structural element (20G, 20D), to at least one transverse structural element (22) or near at least one first (28) or second (30, 32) piece of equipment of the engine compartment (14) specific to said side, said reservoir (26) comprising at least walls (36, 38, 50, 52) arranged with a minimum clearance determined at a distance from said structural elements or at a distance from the equipment (28, 30, 32), or resistant to direct contact with one of said equipment or supporting a fastening element (34) of said equipment (28), regardless of its fastening side. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 7.

Description

Title of the invention: Technical sub-assembly of a motor vehicle comprising an adaptable reservoir for a brake master cylinder. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a technical sub-assembly of a motor vehicle comprising a brake master cylinder equipped with a reservoir which can be used indifferently in the context of a right-hand or left-hand mounting of the master cylinder on the apron of said vehicle. Technical background

[0002] Diversity management has a very high cost in the automotive world due to the large volumes of vehicles produced and the heavy investments required in the industrial equipment to be able to produce different vehicles.

[0003] However, certain diversities are mandatory in order to be able to sell vehicles in certain markets.

[0004] This is particularly the case when it comes to producing vehicles adapted to different driving sides, depending on the countries in which they are distributed. Some vehicles are necessarily right-hand drive and others are necessarily left-hand drive.

[0005] Adapting a vehicle with its steering on one side into a vehicle with its steering on the opposite side can be done in different ways and with a different level of impact depending on the parts involved.

[0006] As regards the driver's seat, the adaptation of the vehicle generally entails significant and unavoidable modifications since the steering wheel, pedals, controls around the steering wheel, gear lever, and the entire dashboard are involved.

[0007] With regard to other areas, such as the engine compartment or the body of the vehicle, and components housed in this compartment or under this body, the adaptation of the vehicle generally also entails modifications, but these may however be more or less significant depending on the technical choices made.

[0008] For example, during this adaptation, while some components necessarily change sides, such as the steering rack, others do not, either because they are not affected by the modification, as is the case with the clutch system, or because their adaptation can be carried out by means of remote controls, as is the case, for example, with the brake master cylinder which can be controlled by a remote pedal assembly coupled to the master cylinder by linkage bars.

[0009] The use of remote controls with linkage bars requires adapting these bars and routing them from one side of the vehicle to the other, which adds complexity and reduces interior space. Furthermore, remote controls with linkage bars are often poorly received by users because they are less responsive, louder, and less efficient than direct controls.

[0010] With regard to the pedal assembly, in particular, a better solution is to use a pedal assembly specific to each driving side. Using a pedal assembly specific to each driving side implies arranging the associated brake master cylinder on the same side as the pedal assembly.

[0011] When adapting a right-hand drive vehicle to a left-hand drive vehicle using a pre-existing body structure, it is therefore necessary to modify the bulkhead to accommodate the master cylinder on the opposite side to that originally intended. Developing a specific bulkhead is not feasible for obvious cost reasons, as the cost of designing and manufacturing a new bulkhead would be prohibitive.

[0012] However, a firewall is not necessarily symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the engine compartment and may have surfaces with different inclinations relative to the vertical depending on whether they are located on the right or left side. This leads to a different inclination of the master cylinder depending on whether it is mounted on the right or left side of the firewall.

[0013] In addition, the engine compartment receives numerous pieces of equipment whose location is not modified depending on whether the vehicle is left-hand or right-hand drive.

[0014] As a result, the master cylinder and the reservoir above it could be mounted on one side of the apron and not on the other, because in this case they would interfere with lateral structural elements of the vehicle, such as, for example, vehicle cup risers, a transverse structural element of the vehicle (due to a different inclination of the master cylinder on one side compared to the other), such as a crossmember, or equipment housed in the engine compartment.

[0015] To remedy this drawback, several solutions have been considered with regard to the brake fluid reservoir.

[0016] One solution would be to reduce the size of the reservoir. This solution is not feasible, as it is necessary to maintain a minimum volume of brake fluid in the reservoir, which is essential for the system to function and, in particular, for compensating for brake pad wear, since it is necessary to maintain a certain level. minimum in the reservoir to avoid the introduction of air bubbles into the braking system.

[0017] A second solution involves relocating the brake fluid reservoir to another location in the engine compartment. This design is undesirable because it increases the cost of the braking system due to the installation of the necessary lines and supports for these lines and the reservoir. Furthermore, it reduces the system's reliability, as the increased number of lines is a potential source of leaks as the vehicle ages.

[0018] A third, generally adopted solution is to develop a brake fluid reservoir specific to each version of the vehicle. However, developing a brake fluid reservoir entails very significant development costs, both in terms of development, tooling, and industrialization.

[0019] There is therefore a real need for a reservoir that can be mounted on the master cylinder regardless of which side it is mounted on the vehicle's bulkhead. Summary of the invention

[0020] The invention satisfies this need by providing a tank that does not interfere with its environment regardless of which side of its mounting on the vehicle's apron.

[0021] To this end, the invention proposes a technical subassembly of a motor vehicle comprising at least:

[0022] - an engine compartment, delimited by two longitudinal members and a bulkhead essentially vertical, extending transversely between the stringers,

[0023] - a brake master cylinder, fixed to the firewall on one side or the other relative to to a longitudinal median plane of the compartment, said master cylinder being surmounted by a reservoir,

[0024] said tank being suitable for arrangement:

[0025] according to a first configuration in which the master cylinder is fixed on a first side of the median plane, near a lateral structural element of the compartment, near at least one transverse structural element of the compartment and near at least one first piece of engine compartment equipment specific to said first side, and

[0026] according to a second configuration in which the master cylinder is fixed on a second side of the median plane, near another lateral structural element of the compartment, near the transverse structural element and near at least one second piece of equipment of the engine compartment specific to said second side, characterized in that the reservoir comprises at least walls of determined shapes, each of which is configured to be arranged according to at least a minimum clearance determined at a distance: - of said lateral and transverse structural elements, - at least one initial piece of equipment in the first configuration, - at least one second piece of equipment in the second configuration.

[0027] The invention therefore advantageously provides a single reservoir suitable for equipping a motor vehicle master cylinder regardless of which side it is mounted on the vehicle's bulkhead. The shape of the reservoir walls allows sufficient clearance with rigid elements in the master cylinder's environment, such as structural components or engine compartment equipment, to prevent any risk of interference or damage to the reservoir.

[0028] They also allow the passage and retention of flexible elements of the environment of the master cylinder in the immediate vicinity of it.

[0029] According to other features of the invention: - at least one of the said walls of determined shape is designed to withstand direct contact with one of the said first or second pieces of equipment, - at least one of said walls of determined shapes to support a fixing element of one of said first or second equipment.

[0030] Advantageously some of the determined walls allow the passage and retention of flexible elements from the environment of the master cylinder in the immediate vicinity thereof.

[0031] According to other features of the invention:

[0032] - the lateral structural elements are each supported by a longitudinal member arranged on one side of the median plane,

[0033] - said at least a determined minimal set extends in a direction longitudinal, vertical or transverse, at a distance from said lateral and transverse structural elements or at a distance from one of the first and second pieces of equipment of the engine compartment specific to said first or second side,

[0034] - said at least a minimum set determined along the longitudinal and vertical is greater by a determined value than at least a minimum clearance along the transverse direction,

[0035] - the determined value is equal to a maximum deformation of the deck according to the longitudinal and vertical directions during braking,

[0036] - the lateral structural element includes a raised shock absorber cup. by the side member associated with the engine compartment,

[0037] - the transverse structural element comprises a transverse reinforcement cross member of the apron and / or a hood closing the engine compartment

[0038] - at least one initial engine compartment equipment specific to the first The apron side features a wiring harness for the vehicle's electrical system, arranged on one side and above the tank.

[0039] - the fastening means comprise a sheet metal chamfer allowing the fastening of said tablecloth on the side of the tank,

[0040] - at least one second engine compartment equipment specific to the second The apron side features a battery and charger arranged transversely on either side of the tank.

[0041] - the first side is the right side and the second side is the left side, the tank comprising a substantially flat vertical right-hand side wall, which is arranged according to a first minimum transverse clearance determined at a distance from a right-hand shock absorber cup riser when the master cylinder is fixed on the right side of the median plane and which is arranged according to a second clearance determined at a distance from a vehicle battery charger when the master cylinder is fixed on the left side of the median plane,

[0042] - the tank comprises a left-hand side wall formed by a succession of wall sections increasingly distant from the right side wall from front to back of the tank, which is arranged according to a second minimum transverse set determined at a distance of one battery from the vehicle when the master cylinder is fixed on the left side of the median plane, a rear end section having a horizontal fixing lug projecting from the edge of the sheet metal,

[0043] - the tank forms a first angle with the horizontal direction when mounted on the right side of the median plane and a second angle when mounted on the left side of the median plane,

[0044] - each side wall is translucent and has at least one triangular marking front and a rear triangular marking having respective upper vertices indicating a brake fluid level in the reservoir, each marking being associated with a level reading associated with one of the angles corresponding to said mounting side,

[0045] - the tank comprises an upper wall formed of a succession of sections of decreasing height from front to back, comprising successively a front section carrying a filler cap arranged with a third minimum vertical clearance at a distance from the hood, an intermediate section having a cutout which is arranged according to a fourth minimum vertical clearance at a distance from the transverse reinforcement cross member of the apron, and a rear section having an overthickness resistant to direct contact with the sheet,

[0046] - the tank comprises a lower wall formed by a succession of sections of decreasing height from front to back, the rear section being vertically further from the apexes of the rear triangular markings than the front section is from the apexes of the front triangular markings in order to minimize the volume of brake fluid in front of the reservoir,

[0047] - each minimum transverse clearance is 10 mm and each minimum longitudinal clearance or The vertical measurement is 12mm.

[0048] - the tank has a front wall which is arranged according to a longitudinal clearance determined from the charger when the master cylinder is fixed on the left side of the median plane.

[0049] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising a technical sub-assembly according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0050] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a front view along the axial direction of a subassembly technique according to the invention, viewed from the engine compartment, and of two positions that can be occupied by a master cylinder;

[0052] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a front view along the axial direction of an apron of the engine compartment of the technical subassembly of the [Fig.1], seen from the passenger compartment of the vehicle, configured for a left-hand drive position;

[0053] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is an axial cross-sectional view by plane 3-3 of the [Fig.1] of a technical sub-assembly according to the invention configured for the driver's position on the left;

[0054] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a first top view of a technical sub-assembly according to the invention configured for the driver's seat on the left;

[0055] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a second top view of a technical subassembly according to the invention configured for the driver's seat on the left;

[0056] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a front view along the axial direction of an apron of the engine compartment of the technical subassembly of the [Fig.1], seen from the passenger compartment of the vehicle, configured for a right-hand drive position;

[0057] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a first perspective view of a master cylinder according to the invention, mounted on the apron for the right-hand driving position;

[0058] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a second perspective view of a master cylinder according to the invention, mounted on the apron for the right-hand driving position;

[0059] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a third perspective view of a master cylinder according to the invention, mounted on the apron for the right-hand driving position;

[0060] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a top view of a technical subassembly according to the invention configured for the right-hand drive position;

[0061] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is an axial cross-sectional view by plane 11-11 of [Fig. 1] of a technical subassembly according to the invention configured for the right-hand drive position. Detailed description of the invention

[0062] In the description that follows, identical reference numerals designate identical parts or parts having similar functions.

[0063] Figures 1 to 11 show a technical subassembly 10 according to the invention. The subassembly will be described with reference to the directions of the trihedral axis "X", "Y", "Z", where "X" designates the longitudinal direction, "Y" designates the transverse direction and "Z" designates the vertical direction.

[0064] Typically, this technical subassembly of a motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one engine compartment 14 and a master cylinder 24. The engine compartment 14 is part of a vehicle body structure that is known per se and is not the subject of this description. In a known manner, the engine compartment 14 is delimited by two longitudinal members, namely a right longitudinal member 16D and a left longitudinal member 16G. A substantially vertical bulkhead 18 extends transversely between the two members 16D and 16G.

[0065] The technical sub-assembly 10 within the meaning of the invention also includes a brake master cylinder 24, which, depending on whether the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle, i.e. with a driving position on the left, or a left-hand drive vehicle, i.e. with a driving position on the right, is fixed on the left side or the right side of the vehicle apron 18, on one side or the other with respect to a longitudinal median plane P of the compartment 14. This master cylinder 24 is surmounted by a reservoir 26.

[0066] In [Fig. 1], the positioning of the master cylinder 24 surmounted by its reservoir 26 has been shown in the two possible locations right and left on the apron 18 of the vehicle, it being understood that according to the configuration of the vehicle, the master cylinder 24 occupies only one of the two locations.

[0067] Thus, according to a first configuration which has been shown in figures 6 to 11, the master cylinder 24 is fixed on a first side of the median plane P, in this case the right side, near a lateral structural element 20D of the compartment 14, near a transverse structural element 22 of the compartment 14, and near at least a first piece of equipment 28 of the engine compartment 14 which is specific to this first right side.

[0068] The right lateral structural element 20D is supported by the right lateral longitudinal member 16D, on a first side of the median plane P.

[0069] In particular, the side member 16D carries a corresponding shock absorber cup extension 20D, which here constitutes the previously mentioned lateral structural element 20D. Furthermore, a cross member 22, here forming the transverse structural element 22, surmounts the bulkhead 18 and extends transversely into an upper part of the engine compartment 14. This cross member reinforces, in particular, a windshield frame of the vehicle (not shown).

[0070] Of course, it will be understood that this configuration is not limiting of the invention and that the transverse structural element 22 is not limited to the cross member 22, but could consist of any transverse element that can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the master cylinder 24, such as a hood (not shown) closing the engine compartment 14 of the vehicle.

[0071] The first equipment 28 of the engine compartment 14 which is specific to the first right side of the apron 18 includes for example a cable 28 of an electrical harness of the vehicle arranged on one side and above the tank 26, this cable 28 running under the cross member 22.

[0072] According to a second configuration which has been shown in figures 2 to 5, the master cylinder 24 is fixed on a second side of the median plane P, in this case the left side, near a lateral structural element 20G of the compartment 14, near at least one of the transverse structural elements 22 of the compartment 14 and near at least one second piece of equipment 30, 32 of the engine compartment 14 which is specific to this second left side.

[0073] The left lateral structural element 20G is carried by the left lateral longitudinal member 16G, on a second side of the median plane P.

[0074] Similarly, the side member 16G also carries a corresponding shock absorber cup extension 20G, which here constitutes the previously mentioned lateral structural element 20G. The transverse structural element 22, for its part, always surmounts the bulkhead 18 near the master cylinder 24.

[0075] Of course, it will be understood that this configuration is not limiting of the invention and that the engine compartment 14 could include other lateral structural elements other than the 20D, 20G shock absorber cup risers.

[0076] The equipment 30, 32 of the engine compartment 14 specific to the second side of the left apron includes a battery 30 and a charger 32 which are arranged transversely on either side of the tank 26.

[0077] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 11, the master cylinder 24 does not necessarily form the same angle with the horizontal direction X depending on whether it is mounted to the right or left of the median plane P, since the apron wall itself does not form the same angle with this direction X. Thus, in the case of the mounting with the driver's seat on the right as shown in [Fig. 11], the master cylinder 24 forms an angle α with the horizontal direction X, while in the case of the mounting with the driver's seat on the left as shown in Figure 3, the master cylinder 24 forms an angle β with the horizontal direction X.

[0078] In the example shown here, and in a non-limiting manner of the invention, the difference between angles a and b can be about 9°.

[0079] According to the invention, the tank 26 comprises at least walls 36, 38, 50, 54 of determined shapes, each of which is configured to be arranged according to at least a minimum clearance JXi, Jyh Jy2, Jy3, Jzi determined remotely:

[0080] - of said lateral structural elements 20D, 20G and transverse 22,

[0081] - of at least one first piece of equipment 28, in the first configuration,

[0082] - of at least one second piece of equipment (30, 32) in the second configuration,

[0083] Generally speaking, the minimum clearance JXi, Jyi, Jy2, Jys, Jzi is not limited to a single direction. Thus, in the present case, the determined minimum clearance may extend along a longitudinal, vertical or transverse direction, at a distance from said lateral structural elements 20D, 20G and transverse structural elements 22 or at a distance from one of the first and second equipment 28, 30, 32 of the engine compartment 14 specific to said first or second side.

[0084] Thus, referring to the trihedron X,Y,Z, the minimum set determined will be considered along these three directions and will be named respectively JX1 according to the direction X, JYb JY2, JY3 according to the direction Y, and JZi according to the direction Z.

[0085] Generally, in each of the two types of right or left-hand mounting, the minimum clearance Jxi, JYi, JY2, JY3, Jzi is intended to prevent any interference between the reservoir 26 and one of the aforementioned lateral structural elements 20D, 20G and transverse structural elements 22, or with one of the first and second components 30, 32. Therefore, it is important to take into account the dynamic operating conditions of the subassembly 10 when establishing this clearance. Indeed, the master cylinder 24 is more prone to significant displacements along the longitudinal X and vertical Z directions than along the transverse Y direction. This is due to the fact that the apron 18 is likely to deform elastically precisely along these longitudinal X and vertical Z directions when a high braking force is applied to the master cylinder 24.

[0086] Therefore, within the framework of the present invention, the minimum clearance Jxb JZi along the longitudinal and vertical directions is greater by a determined value than at least a minimum clearance JYb JY2, JY3 along the transverse direction. This determined value is thus equal to a maximum deformation of the apron along the longitudinal X and vertical Z directions during braking.

[0087] By way of example, and without limiting the invention, each minimum transverse clearance JYb JY2, JY3 is 10 mm and each minimum longitudinal clearance JX1 or vertical clearance Jzi is 12 mm.

[0088] Furthermore, at least one of said walls 38 of determined shapes is configured to support a fixing element 34 of said first or second equipment 28.

[0089] We will now describe in more detail the shapes of the walls of the tank 26 in relation to each lateral structural element 20D, 20G and transverse 22, and with the first and second equipment 28, 30, 32.

[0090] As previously discussed, the lateral structural elements 20D and 20G are here formed by shock absorber cup extensions 20D and 20G. The transverse structural element 22 is a cross member surmounting the bulkhead 18. The engine compartment 14 includes initial equipment 28 consisting of the wiring harness 28. As can be seen in Figures 4, 5, and 11, the wiring harness 28 passes transversely through the engine compartment 14. However, it is only on the right side of the engine compartment 14 that it is arranged near the reservoir 26 when the master cylinder 24 is mounted on the right side.

[0091] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the engine compartment 14 also includes two second pieces of equipment 30, 32 consisting respectively of a battery 30 and a battery charger 32. This battery 30 and this battery charger 32 are specifically arranged on the left side of the engine compartment 14, they are arranged transversely on either side of the reservoir 26 when the master cylinder 24 is mounted on the left side.

[0092] Finally, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the fixing element 34 consists of a sheet metal groove 34 allowing the fixing of the ribbon 28 on the side of the reservoir 26. It will therefore be understood that this sheet metal groove 34 is fixed on the side of the reservoir 26 when the ribbon 28 is arranged near the reservoir 26, that is to say when the master cylinder 24 and the reservoir 26 are mounted on the right side of the engine compartment 14.

[0093] As illustrated in [Fig.10], the reservoir 26 has a substantially flat vertical right side wall 36, which is arranged according to a first minimum transverse clearance JYi determined at a distance from the right shock absorber cup riser 20D when the master cylinder 24 is fixed on the right side of the median plane P.

[0094] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the same vertical right side wall 36 is arranged according to a second set determined JY2 at a distance from the vehicle's battery charger 32 when the master cylinder 24 is fixed on the left side of the median plane P.

[0095] Thus the vertical right side wall 36 can satisfy two conditions for respecting transverse play.

[0096] Similarly, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 7 to 9, the tank 26 has a left vertical side wall 38 formed by a succession of stepped wall sections 38a, 38b, 38c, spaced increasingly far apart from the right side wall 36 from front to back of the tank. The wall 38 is arranged according to a second minimum transverse clearance determined JY3 at a distance from the vehicle battery 30 when the master cylinder 24 is fixed on the left side of the median plane P. In Figures 4 and 5 This JY3 clearance is minimal between the second section and battery 30, but it will be understood that this configuration is not limiting of the invention and that the JY3 clearance could be minimal with respect to another section of the wall 38.

[0097] The rear end section 38c also includes a horizontal mounting tab 40 projecting from the section 38c. This projecting tab 40 is intended, when the master cylinder 24 is fixed on the right side of the median plane P, to allow the fixing of the sheet metal chamfer 34, as shown in [Fig.8].

[0098] As previously seen, depending on the side of the apron 18 where the master cylinder 24 is fixed, it has a different angle a or P with respect to the horizontal, that is to say with respect to the axial direction X. Furthermore, the reservoirs 26 of all European and Asian vehicles are translucent in order to be able to measure the level of brake fluid in them.

[0099] Consequently, it is not possible to use conventional level indicators in the form of moldings on the side walls 36 or 38 on such a reservoir 26. Therefore, advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, each translucent side wall 36, 38 has at least one front triangular marking 42 and one rear triangular marking 44 with respective upper vertices 46, 48, which form an indicator of the brake fluid level in the reservoir 26. Depending on the side of the bulkhead 18 on which the reservoir 26 is mounted, it forms, as previously mentioned, an angle α or θ with the axial direction X. Therefore, one or the other of the front or rear, right or left triangular markings 42, 44 will be used specifically on one side or the other, the latter being, for example, painted in a specific way depending on the mounting side of the master cylinder. 24.Each marking 46, 48 is associated with the reading of a level associated with the assembly according to one of the angles a, [3 corresponding to said mounting side. The level reading is taken on the corresponding upper vertex 46, 48.

[0100] In the same way as for the side walls 36, 38, the tank 26 has an upper wall 50 and a lower wall 52 adapted to their environment. Thus, the tank 26 has an upper wall 50 which is formed of a succession of stepped sections 50a, 50b, 50c of decreasing height from front to back.

[0101] The front section 50a has a filler cap arranged with a third minimum vertical clearance (not shown) at a distance from the vehicle hood (not shown). An intermediate section 50b has a cutout arranged with a fourth minimum vertical clearance JZi at a distance from the cross member 22 reinforcing the deck 18, as shown in [Fig. 11]. Finally, a rear section 50c has an additional thickness 50d that is resistant to direct contact with the sheet 28, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10.

[0102] Conversely, as illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 11, the reservoir 26 has a lower wall 52 formed by a succession of two stepped sections 52a, 52b of decreasing height from front to back. Of course, the lower wall 52 could have a greater number of sections.

[0103] On each side of the reservoir 26, the rear section 52b is vertically further from the apexes 48 of the rear triangular markings 44 than the front section 52a is from the apexes 46 of the front triangular markings 42 in order to minimize the volume of brake fluid in front of the reservoir 26. Indeed, while it is necessary to maintain a minimum volume of brake fluid in the reservoir to compensate for variations in level in the braking circuit as the brake linings wear, it is not necessary to maximize the volume of brake fluid used.

[0104] Finally, as illustrated in [Fig.5], the reservoir 26 has a front wall 54 which is arranged with a longitudinal clearance JXiminimal of the vehicle's battery charger 32 when the master cylinder 26 is fixed on the left side of the median plane P.

[0105] The invention proposes a technical sub-assembly 10 of motor vehicles whose master cylinder 24 includes a reservoir 26 allowing the latter to be mounted on either side of the apron 18, which makes it possible to rationalize the manufacturing costs of the right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions of the same type of vehicle, in a simple and efficient manner.

[0106] The invention therefore also proposes a motor vehicle equipped with such a technical sub-assembly 10.

Claims

Demands

1. A motor vehicle technical subassembly (10) comprising at least: - an engine compartment (14), delimited by two longitudinal members (16D, 16G) and a substantially vertical bulkhead (18) extending transversely between the members (16D, 16G), - a brake master cylinder (24), fixed to the bulkhead (18) on one side or the other with respect to a longitudinal median plane (P) of the compartment, said master cylinder (24) being surmounted by a reservoir (26), said reservoir (26) being able to be arranged: according to a first configuration in which the master cylinder (24) is fixed on a first side of the median plane, near a lateral structural element (20D) of the compartment (14), near at least one transverse structural element (22) of the compartment (14), and near at least one first piece of equipment (28) of the engine compartment (14) specific to said first side,and according to a second configuration in which the master cylinder (24) is fixed on a second side of the median plane (P), near another lateral structural element (20G) of the compartment (14), near the transverse structural element (22) and near at least one second piece of equipment (30, 32) of the engine compartment (14) specific to said second side, characterized in that the reservoir (26) comprises at least walls (36, 38, 50, 54) of determined shapes, each of which is configured to be arranged according to at least a minimum clearance (JXi, Jyh Jy2, Jys, Jzi) determined at a distance from: - said lateral (20D, 20G) and transverse (22) structural elements, - at least one first piece of equipment (28), in the first configuration, - at least one second piece of equipment (30, 32) in the second configuration.

2. Technical sub-assembly (10) of motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of said walls (38) of determined shapes is configured to support a fastening element (34) of one of said first or second equipment (28).

3. Technical subassembly (10) of motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lateral structural elements (20D, 20G) are each carried by a longitudinal member (16D, 16G) arranged on one side of the median plane (P).

4. Technical subassembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - said at least one specified minimum clearance (JXi, Jyu Jy2, Jys, Jzi) extends along a longitudinal (X), vertical (Z) or transverse (Y) direction, at a distance from said lateral (20D, 20G) and transverse (22) structural elements or at a distance from one of the first and second equipment (28, 30, 32) of the engine compartment (10) specific to said first or second side, - said at least one specified minimum clearance (JXi, Jzi) along the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) directions is greater by a specified value than said at least one specified minimum clearance (JYi, JY2, JyO) along the transverse (Y) direction.

5. Technical subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the determined value is equal to a maximum deformation of the apron (18) along the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) directions during braking.

6. Technical subassembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: - the lateral structural element (20D, 20G) comprises a shock absorber cup extension carried by the side member (16D, 16G) associated with the side of the engine compartment (14), - the transverse structural element (22) comprises a transverse cross member reinforcing the bulkhead (18) and / or a cover closing the engine compartment (14), - at least one first component (28) of the engine compartment (14) specific to the first side of the bulkhead comprises a bundle (28) of a vehicle electrical harness arranged on one side and above the fuel tank (26), - the fastening element (34) comprises a sheet metal chamfer (34) allowing the fastening of said bundle (26) to the side of the fuel tank (26), and - at least one second component (30,32) of the engine compartment specific to the second side of the apron include a battery (30) and a charger (32) arranged transversely on either side of the tank (26).

7. Technical subassembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first side is the right side and the second side is the left side, the reservoir (28) having a substantially flat vertical right side wall (36), which is arranged according to a first determined minimum transverse clearance (JYi) at a distance from a riser (20D) of the right shock absorber cup when the master cylinder is fixed on the right side of the median plane (P) and which is arranged according to a second determined minimum clearance (JY2) at a distance from a battery charger (32) of the vehicle when the master cylinder (24) is fixed on the left side of the median plane (P).

8. Technical subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank comprises a left side wall (38) formed of a succession of wall sections (38a, 38b, 38c) spaced increasingly apart from the vertical right side wall (36) from front to back of the tank (26), which is arranged according to a second determined minimum transverse clearance (JY2) at a distance of one battery (30) of the vehicle when the master cylinder (26) is fixed on the left side of the median plane (P), a rear end section (38c) comprising a horizontal fixing tab (40) projecting from the edge of the sheet metal (34).

9. Technical subassembly (10) according to claims 7 and 8 taken in combination, characterized in that: - the reservoir (24) forms a first angle (a) with the horizontal direction X when mounted on the right side of the median plane (P) and a second angle (|3) when mounted on the left side of the median plane (P), - each side wall (36, 38) is translucent and has at least one front triangular marking (42) and a rear triangular marking (44) having respective upper vertices (46, 48) indicating a brake fluid level in the reservoir (26), each marking being associated with the reading of a level associated with one of the angles (a, b) corresponding to said mounting side.

10. Technical subassembly (10) according to claims 0 to 9, characterized in that the tank (26) comprises an upper wall (50) formed of a succession of sections (50a, 50b, 50c) of decreasing height from front to back, successively comprising a front section (50a) carrying a filler cap (51) arranged with a third minimum vertical clearance at a distance from the hood, a intermediate section (50b) comprising a cutout which is arranged according to a fourth minimum vertical set (JZi) determined at a distance from the transverse cross member (22) of reinforcement of the deck (18), and a rear section (50c) comprising an overthickness (50d) resistant to direct contact with the sheet (28).

11. Technical subassembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the tank has a front wall (54) which is arranged according to a minimum longitudinal clearance (JXi) determined of the charger (32) when the master cylinder (26) is fixed on the left side of the median plane (P).

12. Motor vehicle comprising a technical subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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