FASTENING SYSTEM FOR THE INCLINED FASTENING OF A COOLING MODULE IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

TITLE: FIXING SYSTEM FOR THE INCLINED FIXING OF A COOLING MODULE IN A VEHICLE Fixing system (4) for the inclined fixing of a cooling module (3) of a vehicle (1) comprising a primary fixing device (5) comprising an anchoring housing (52) configured to be connected to a first support (21) of the vehicle (1), a secondary fixing device (6) and a removable movable cross member (7) capable of carrying the cooling module (3), mounted movable in rotation on a second support (22) by means of the secondary fixing device (6). Abstract figure: figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: FASTENING SYSTEM FOR THE INCLINED FASTENING OF A COOLING MODULE IN A VEHICLE

[0001] The invention relates to a system for fixing a cooling module for a vehicle, in particular for fixing said module in an inclined position. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a fixing system and a cooling module. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with an arrangement according to the invention. The invention finally relates to a method for mounting a cooling module in the vehicle.

[0002] In the automotive industry, cooling modules, also referred to as heat treatment modules, radiators or cooling cases, are conventionally equipped on the front of the vehicle. In particular, the cooling module may be mounted on a support such as a technical front of the vehicle, corresponding to a structure of the vehicle located in front of the powertrain and having the function of supporting various components of the vehicle.

[0003] It is known to fix the cooling module vertically or substantially vertically, by means of a fixing system comprising upper fixing elements and lower fixing elements aligned or substantially aligned along the vertical direction, i.e. arranged one above the other. Such positioning of the cooling module nevertheless generates a significant vertical bulk requiring a high positioning of the hood negatively affecting the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0004] In order to resolve such a drawback, it is known to arrange the cooling module in an inclined manner relative to the vertical direction. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible to optimize the dimension of the cooling module while lowering the position of the hood so as to increase the available heat exchange power, compared to vehicles comprising a vertical cooling module and a lowered hood, and to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The fixing systems implemented then conventionally comprise upper fixing elements screwed onto an upper cross member, and lower fixing elements mounted on a lower cross member, offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Such a system has the disadvantage of being more cumbersome, due to the addition of a specific upper crosspiece, and the associated assembly process is long and complex due to the multiple screw connections.

[0005] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a fixing system for a cooling module and a method for mounting such a module which is simpler to implement and less expensive and bulky than the systems of the prior art.

[0006] The invention thus relates to a fixing system for the inclined fixing of a cooling module in a vehicle comprising at least one primary fixing device, at least one secondary fixing device and a cross member configured to be mobile and removable and capable of carrying the cooling module.

[0007] The at least one primary fastening device comprises a connecting member, configured to be connected to the cooling module, and an anchoring housing configured to be connected to a first support of the vehicle, said anchoring housing comprising a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member. The at least one secondary fastening device is configured to cooperate with the movable crossmember and with a second support of the vehicle, the at least one secondary fastening device comprising a base and a cylinder configured to allow the at least one crossmember to move in rotation. The at least one crossmember thus extends along a first direction and is configured to be mounted so as to be movable in rotation on the second support by means of the at least one secondary fastening device.

[0008] In particular: - the anchoring housing of the primary fixing device comprises a return member, in particular a leaf spring; and / or - the anchoring box and the connecting member are of complementary shapes and / or are configured to cooperate by clipping.

[0009] For example, the primary fixing device comprises a fixing foot attached and fixed to the anchor housing or forming a single-piece assembly with the anchor housing.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the base and the cylinder form a single-piece assembly, the movable crosspiece comprising an orifice capable of receiving said cylinder. In particular, the base comprises a stop member and the crosspiece comprises a rib configured to receive said stop member.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment, the cylinder and the movable crosspiece are integral with each other, the base comprising a housing configured to receive the cylinder and the secondary fixing device comprising a removable and attached retaining tab, configured to hold said cylinder in the housing.

[0012] Optionally, the secondary fixing device comprises a lug configured to cooperate with the second support.

[0013] Optionally, the fastening system comprises a plurality of devices primary fixing devices and / or a plurality of secondary fixing devices.

[0014] The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising at least one fixing system according to the invention and a cooling module arranged on the cross member, the cooling module comprising a frame to which the connecting member of the primary fixing device is connected or the cooling module comprising a water box, configured to allow the circulation of a fluid such as glycolated water, to which the connecting member of the primary fixing device is connected.

[0015] The invention also extends to a vehicle comprising an arrangement according to the invention, a first support, such as a side member, and a second support, such as a cradle, the cooling module being connected to the movable cross member and the assembly formed by the movable cross member and the cooling module being configured to be moved, by pivoting about an axis of rotation parallel to the first direction, between at least one initial position, in which the cooling module extends along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a final operating position, inclined relative to the second direction.

[0016] The invention finally relates to a method of mounting a cooling module in a vehicle according to the invention, comprising: - positioning the movable crosspiece on the second support by means of at least one secondary fixing device; - positioning of the cooling module on the mobile cross member; - the pivoting of the assembly formed by the cooling module and the movable crosspiece around an axis of rotation; - fixing the cooling module in an operating position by cooperation between the connecting member and the anchoring housing of the primary fixing device.

[0017] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0018] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation seen from the front of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle equipped with an arrangement comprising a system for fixing a cooling module.

[0019] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the cooling module equipped with the fixing system arranged in an initial position, in particular vertical.

[0020] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of the cooling module equipped with the fixing system arranged in a final inclined operating position, in particular relative to the vertical direction.

[0021] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a primary fixing device of the fixing system.

[0022] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an anchor housing of the primary fixing device.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the anchor housing of the primary fixing device.

[0024] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the secondary fixing device of the fixing system.

[0025] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the secondary fixing device of [Fig.7],

[0026] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the secondary fixing device of [Fig.7] seen from below.

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the secondary fixing device.

[0028] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 considered may be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a private vehicle or a utility vehicle. Also, the vehicle 1 may have a thermal, electric or hybrid engine.

[0029] According to the conventions relating to the automotive field, throughout the description below, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X, oriented from front to rear. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to a ground on which the vehicle 1 rests is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference frame XYZ is defined. The terms “top” and “bottom” or “upper” and “lower” are understood in their general sense, the terms “bottom” and “lower” designating a greater proximity to the ground. The same applies to the terms “front” and “rear”.Also, the terms "first", "second", "primary", "secondary" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements.

[0030] The vehicle 1 comprises an arrangement 2, further described below, comprising a cooling module 3 and a fixing system 4 according to the invention configured to allow inclined fixing of the cooling module 3 within the vehicle 1. Here, the term "inclined" means that the cooling module 3, arranged in the vehicle 1, is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible to reduce the bulk generated along the vertical Z, to lower a height of a hood of the vehicle 1 and thus to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1. Such a positioning also makes it possible to increase the available heat exchange power compared to arrangements of the prior art in in which the cooling module is positioned vertically and the hood of the vehicle is lowered, increasing the exchange surface of the cooling module 3. Figures 2 to 10 illustrate different examples and embodiments of the fixing system 4 according to the invention.

[0031] The cooling module 3 can also be referred to as a heat treatment module, radiator or cooling case. It is equipped on the front of the vehicle 1 and is intended for the heat treatment, particularly the cooling, of at least one engine or powertrain equipping the vehicle 1 and / or at least one electronic component equipping the vehicle 1.

[0032] The cooling module 3 delimits at least in part a circuit configured to allow the circulation of a fluid, such as a cooling fluid, capable of implementing a heat exchange, for example here a water-air heat exchange between said fluid and a flow of air outside the vehicle 1 entering at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0033] Conventionally, the cooling module 3 comprises a central element comprising a plurality of bundles, not detailed. The cooling module 3 may comprise a frame and / or at least one water box 31 connected to the central element and arranged on at least a portion of a periphery thereof. By water box 31 is meant an element capable of allowing the circulation and / or storage of the fluid. For example, the central element may be framed by water boxes 31 so that a water box 31 is arranged on each side of the central element, in particular along the transverse direction Y.

[0034] The vehicle 1 also comprises at least one support or a plurality of supports configured to carry and hold the cooling module 3 by means of the fixing system 4 according to the invention. In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment described below, the vehicle 1 comprises at least a first support 21 and a second support 22.

[0035] In particular, the first support 21 and the second support 22 are elements of a technical front face of the vehicle 1 and / or of a front engine compartment of the vehicle 1. The term "technical front face" means a structure at least partly located in front of the powertrain, or engine block, and which is configured to support different components, in particular the cooling module 3, and / or to integrate different functions of the vehicle 1, for example supporting at least one hood stop or a hood lock.

[0036] The technical front face can take multiple forms. It notably comprises a plurality of parts made from a plastic material and / or a plurality of parts made from a metallic material.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first support 21 is at least one side member of the vehicle 1 and the second support 22 is a cradle of the vehicle 1.

[0038] Generally speaking, the fixing system 4 according to the invention comprises at least one primary fixing device 5, at least one secondary fixing device 6 and a removable mobile cross member 7 configured to ensure at least partial support of the cooling module 3 and to be moved between different positions. The fixing system 4 is advantageously configured to maintain the cooling module 3 in an inclined position, here relative to the vertical direction Z, within the vehicle 1.

[0039] Preferably, the fixing system 4 comprises a plurality of primary fixing devices 5, in particular two primary fixing devices 5 arranged on each side of the cooling module 3 so as to frame the latter along a defined direction, and a plurality of secondary fixing devices 6, in particular two secondary fixing devices 6 arranged on each side of the cooling module 3 so as to frame the latter along this same direction. In this case, the primary fixing devices 5 correspond to upper fixings of the cooling module 3 and the secondary fixing devices 6 correspond to lower fixings of said module when the arrangement 2 is installed in the vehicle 1.The primary fixing devices 5 are thus arranged on either side of the cooling module 3 along the transverse direction Y and the same applies to the secondary fixing devices 6.

[0040] For the sake of clarity, the following description is made with reference to a single primary fixing device 5. It is nevertheless understood that this extends mutatis mutandis to a plurality of primary fixing devices 5. The different primary fixing devices 5 may also be identical or, alternatively, be made according to the different alternatives or variants of the invention. A similar principle applies for the description of the secondary fixing device 6.

[0041] The primary fixing device 5 comprises a connecting member 51 and an anchoring housing 52 comprising a recess 53 configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member 51.

[0042] The connecting member 51 is configured to be connected to the cooling module 3. It comprises a body 51a and a head 51b, said head 51b being configured to cooperate with the anchoring housing 52. In particular, the connecting member 51, for example the body 51a, is connected to the frame and / or to the water box 31 of the cooling module 3. In order to allow suitable and unhindered cooperation of the connecting member 51 and the anchoring housing 52, said member is preferably arranged transversely, or even orthogonally to a portion of the frame or the water box 31 carrying it, the head 51b thus forming a free end of the connecting member 51 facing the anchoring housing 52 prior to their cooperation.

[0043] Optionally but preferably, the assembly formed by the connecting member 51 and the frame or assembly formed by the connecting member 51 and the water box 31 is in one piece. By “in one piece” is meant that such elements cannot be separated or dissociated from each other without resulting in their degradation or even their destruction. Alternatively, the connecting member 51 is attached and fixed to the cooling module 3, for example by welding.

[0044] In particular, the connecting member 51 is made of a plastic material, for example a filled plastic material, such as polyamide or polypropylene, for example reinforced with glass fibers, or of a metallic material, such as aluminum or other. A similar material can therefore be used for the frame and / or the water box 31 of the cooling module 3.

[0045] Optionally, the connecting member 51 comprises a primary filtration member 54. Here, the term “filtering member” is understood to mean a member having the function of limiting, or even preventing, the propagation of solid-borne noise from the cooling module 3 to a support, in this case to the first support 21 and, consequently, to the anchoring housing 52. The primary filtration member 54 thus ensures the decoupling of the cooling module 3 relative to the first support 21 so that the noises emitted by acoustic radiation from the cooling module 3 due to the vibrations of the powertrain do not affect, or only slightly, the first support 21. In particular, the primary filtration member 54 is arranged at the head 51b of the connecting member 51 and forms a membrane surrounding all or part of it.For example, the primary filtration member 54 is made of an elastically deformable material, such as plastic, in particular EPDM, or rubber. In particular, the primary filtration member 54 is removable relative to the connecting pad 5 and is configured to be reversibly mounted on the connecting pad 5.

[0046] The anchoring box 52 is configured to be connected to the first support 21 of the vehicle 1. For example, as explained above, said first support 21 is a side member of the vehicle 1. In particular, when the fixing system 4 according to the invention comprises a plurality of primary fixing devices 5, each of the primary fixing devices 5 is arranged on a first support 21, in particular a side member, which is specific to it. The recess 53 of the anchoring housing 52 is configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member 51, in particular at least the head 51b of the connecting member 51, so as to allow a reversible connection of the cooling module 3 with the anchoring housing 52, and, by extension, with the first support 21. The recess 53 thus forms a cavity open on one side, said open side being turned towards the cooling module 3 and the connecting member 51 within the vehicle 1.

[0047] The anchoring housing 52 is made of a plastic material, in particular a loaded one, such as than polyamide or polypropylene, for example reinforced with glass fibers, or in a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum.

[0048] Optionally but preferably, the anchoring housing 52 of the primary fixing device 5 comprises a return member 55. For example, the return member 55 is a leaf spring. The return member 55 is arranged in the recess 53 so as to cooperate with the connecting member 51, in particular with the head 51b, when the arrangement 2 is assembled within the vehicle 1. It helps to keep the connecting member 51 in position in the anchoring housing 52 when the cooling module 3 is mounted in the vehicle 1 for its operation and thus to ensure a reversible connection implemented in a simple and rapid manner. In particular, the anchoring housing 52 and the connecting member 51 are configured to cooperate by clipping.

[0049] Optionally but preferably, the anchoring housing 52 and the connecting member 51 are at least partly complementary in shape. For example, the recess 53 and / or the return member 55 is at least partly complementary in shape to the head 51b of the connecting member 51.

[0050] Optionally again, the primary fixing device 5 comprises a foot of fixing 56 configured to connect the anchor housing 52 to the first support 21. The fixing foot 56 is made of a plastic material, in particular filled, such as polyamide or polypropylene, for example reinforced with glass fibers, or of a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the fixing foot 56 and the anchor housing 52 form a single-piece assembly. They are then made of a similar material and said assembly is, for example, formed by molding or overmolding. The fixing foot 56 is then configured to be fixed to the first support 21 by welding or by means of a fixing means, such as a screw.

[0051] Alternatively, the fixing foot 56 is attached and fixed to the anchoring housing 52, for example by welding, gluing and / or by means of a fixing means such as a screw and can then be fixed to the first support 21.

[0052] The secondary fixing device 6 is configured to cooperate with the movable cross member 7 and with the second support 22 of the vehicle 1. When the fixing system 4 comprises a plurality of secondary fixing devices 6, these are configured to be arranged on either side of the cross member 7, in particular along the transverse direction Y and / or a first direction 100, corresponding to a direction of extension of the cross member 7.

[0053] The secondary fixing device 6 comprises a base 61 and a cylinder 62 configured to allow the crosspiece 7 to move in rotation. For this purpose, the cylinder 62 has a circular base. When the fixing system 4 according to the invention is assembled, the crosspiece 7 extends in the first direction 100, here parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y for example. The crosspiece 7 is thus mounted to be movable in rotation on the second support 22 by means of the at least one secondary fixing device 6.

[0054] In particular, the crossmember is mounted in rotation about an axis of rotation 500 parallel to the first direction and passing through the cylinder 62, or the cylinders in the case of a plurality of secondary fixing devices. It is thus configured to be moved in rotation between different positions. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible, when installing the cooling module 3 in the vehicle 1, to be able to place the latter on the movable crossmember 7 and thus move in rotation the assembly formed by the crossmember 7 and the cooling module 3.

[0055] In particular, the assembly formed by the movable crosspiece 7 and the cooling module 3 is configured to be moved, by pivoting about the rotation axis 500, between at least one initial or nominal position Pix, in which the cooling module 3 extends along a second direction 200 orthogonal to the first direction 100, and a final operating position Pfx, inclined relative to the second direction 200. In the example illustrated, the second direction 200 extends parallel, or substantially parallel, to the vertical direction Z, so that the cooling module 3 extends vertically or substantially vertically in the initial position Pix, and is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z when it is arranged in the final operating position Pfx.In particular, the inclined position of the cooling module 3 and of the fixing system 2 within the vehicle 1 corresponds to an offset between a positioning of the primary fixing device 5 and a positioning of the secondary fixing device 6 along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction 200, that is to say here parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0056] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the secondary fixing device 6 in which, in general, the cylinder 62 and the base 61 are connected to each other on the one hand and the crosspiece 7 comprises an orifice 71 configured to receive the cylinder 62 on the other hand. The crosspiece 7 is then able to pivot around the cylinder 62. For example, said orifice 71 is arranged at a lateral end 72 of the crosspiece 7, delimiting the latter along the first direction 100. It is also understood that the crosspiece 7 may comprise a plurality of orifices 71, in particular, at least one orifice 71 at each of the lateral ends 72, when the fixing system 4 comprises a plurality of secondary fixing devices 6.

[0057] In particular, the cylinder 62 and the base 61 are made of a metallic material, such as steel. Alternatively, the cylinder 62 and the base 61 are made of a plastic material, especially a filled plastic, such as polyamide or polypropylene, for example reinforced with glass fibers, or in a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum.

[0058] In such an embodiment, optionally but preferably, the base 61 and the cylinder 62 form a single-piece assembly.

[0059] The base 61 comprises at least one flat portion, configured to be arranged on a flat surface of the second support 22, in this case the cradle. In particular, a first face 61a of the base 61 is arranged in contact with a first surface 22a of the second support 22. The base 61 is an added part, mounted on the second support 22. For example, the base 61 is mounted on the second support 22 by means of a fixing means 8, such as a screw-nut assembly. Such a principle allows a reversible connection. Alternatively, the base 61 is connected to the second support 22 by welding.

[0060] The cylinder 62 is connected to a second face 61b of the base 61, opposite the first face. It extends along a direction of extension parallel to the axis of rotation 500, projecting from the base 61 and, by extension, from the second support 22 so as to allow the connection with the crosspiece 7. Optionally, a portion of the cylinder 62, in particular of the base of the cylinder 62, comprises a flat edge so as to allow the connection between the cylinder 62 and the base 61, while a separate portion of said cylinder has a circular base so as to allow the rotation of the crosspiece 7.

[0061] For example, in order to limit the space requirement generated, in particular along the vertical direction Z, the base 61 has the shape of a plate. In this case, the base 61 has the shape of a rectangular or substantially rectangular plate.

[0062] Optionally, the secondary fixing device 6 further comprises a lug 63, which may also be referred to as a “tooth”, configured to cooperate with the second support 22. In particular, the base 61 comprises said lug 63. The second support 22 thus comprises an opening 23 capable of receiving the lug 63. The lug 63 advantageously helps to prevent rotation of the base 61 relative to the second support 22 when the crosspiece 7, or the assembly formed by the crosspiece 7 and the cooling module 3, is moved between two distinct positions. Advantageously, such a principle also serves to index the base 61 relative to the second support 22.

[0063] Optionally, the lug 63 is at least partly elastically deformable so as to allow its insertion and extraction from the opening 23 by the exertion of a force. Optionally, the lug 63 is configured to extend into abutment with at least a portion of the second support 22. For example, the lug 63 extends into abutment with a second surface 22b of the second support 22, opposite the first surface 22a. along the second direction 200.

[0064] Optionally, the base 61 comprises a stop member 64 configured to cooperate with the cross member 7 when the fixing system 4 is arranged in the vehicle 1. When the arrangement 2 is arranged in the vehicle 1, the stop member 64 extends projecting from an edge of the base 61 and projecting from the second support 22 so as to cooperate with the cross member 7. The stop member 64 has a polygonal profile, in particular square or rectangular.

[0065] For example, the crosspiece 7 comprises at least one cutout 73 or a groove configured to receive the stop member 64. In particular, said cutout 73 is arranged at the level of the lateral end 72 of the crosspiece 7 arranged opposite the base 61. The cutout 73 has a shape complementary to the stop member 64, in particular to the profile of the stop member 64. The same applies to the opposite lateral end 72.

[0066] The cutout 73 and the stop member 64 are shaped and oriented so as to hold the crosspiece 7, and by extension the cooling module 3, in a defined position. According to an optional but preferred embodiment, further described below with reference to the method according to the invention, the cutout 73 and the stop member 64 are shaped and oriented so as to hold the crosspiece 7 in an intermediate assembly position. In particular, the intermediate assembly position aims to prevent the assembly formed by the crosspiece 7 and the cooling module 3 from accidentally tilting towards the final operating position Pfx, inclined.

[0067] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], positive values ​​represent angles of inclination a_fx allowing the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 to tilt towards the rear of the vehicle 1, towards the final operating position Pfx. The second direction 200, corresponding to the vertical direction Z, corresponds to a zero inclination value. Conversely, negative values ​​represent angles of inclination a_ix allowing the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 to tilt towards the intermediate assembly position, here towards the front of the vehicle 1, opposite the final operating position Pfx.

[0068] In particular, the stop member 64 and the cutout 73 are shaped and oriented so as to allow a negative inclination a_ix relative to the second direction 200 comprised in an interval of [-5°; -15°], that is to say a tilting of 5 to 15° of inclination relative to the second direction 200 in a direction opposite to a tilting direction of the final operating position Pfx of the cooling module 3. Such an inclination a_ix is ​​here represented by a half-line of intermediate extension A1 and corresponds in particular to the inclination of the crosspiece 7 and / or of the cooling module 3 in the intermediate position of the cooling module. dissement 3.

[0069] [Fig. 10] illustrates a second embodiment of the secondary fixing device 6 which differs from the first in that the cylinder 62 and the movable crosspiece 7 are integral with each other and are configured to pivot concomitantly relative to the base 61.

[0070] Optionally but preferably, the cylinder 62 and the movable crosspiece 7 form a single-piece assembly. Alternatively, the cylinder 62 is an added part, arranged in an orifice 71 as described previously, and welded so as to be integral with the crosspiece 7.

[0071] The base 61 comprises a housing 65 configured to receive at least a portion of the cylinder 62 and to allow the latter to move in rotation around the axis of rotation 500. The housing 65 thus has a profile complementary in shape to a profile of the cylinder 62. In particular, the housing 65 has a semi-circular profile. The preceding description, relating to the movement of the crosspiece 7, and by extension of the cooling module 3, applies here mutatis mutandis with the difference that the cylinder 62 pivots concomitantly with the crosspiece 7.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment not shown, the base 61 is an added part fixed to the second support 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the base 61 and the second support 22 are merged.

[0073] In such an embodiment, the secondary fixing device 6 further comprises a removable and attached retaining tab 9, configured to hold the cylinder 62 in the recess 53. Preferably, the retaining tab 9 is held integral with the base 61 and / or the second support 22 by means of at least one fixing means 8, such as a screw-nut assembly. Thus, when the arrangement 2 is arranged in the vehicle 1 for operation, the cylinder 62 is interposed between the base 61 and the second support 22 on the one hand, and at least a portion of the retaining tab 9 on the other hand. In particular, the retaining tab 9 is at least partly complementary in shape to the cylinder 62. In this case, the retaining tab 9 comprises a curved, semi-circular portion, configured to cooperate with the circular profile of the cylinder 62.

[0074] Optionally, the secondary fixing device 6 further comprises one or more stop element(s), not shown, extending radially relative to the cylinder 62. For example, the stop element is a first stop element which is configured to come into abutment against the base 61 in order to allow the crosspiece 7 to be blocked relative to the base 61 in the pre-assembly position as described previously, i.e. so as to allow a negative inclination a_ix relative to the second direction 200 within an interval of [-5°; -15°], here a tilting of 5 to 15° of inclination relative to the second direction 200 in a direction opposite to a direction of tilting of the final operating position Pfx of the cooling module 3. By way of example, such a stop element is arranged projecting from a free end of the cylinder 62, outside the retaining plate 9.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the stop element is a second stop element which is configured to come into abutment against the base 61 in order to allow the blocking of the cross member 7 relative to the base 61 in the final operating position Pfx, that is to say in particular in order to implement an angle of inclination a_fx allowing the tilting of the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 towards the rear of the vehicle 1 as described above.

[0076] For example, the retaining tab 9 is made of a plastic material, in particular a filled plastic material such as polyamide, alternatively, the retaining tab 9 is made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum.

[0077] Regardless of the embodiment implemented, the cooling module 3 is configured to be mounted on the movable crosspiece 7. In particular, in a conventional manner, the cooling module 3 comprises at least two studs 32 and the crosspiece 7 comprises at least two holes 74 capable of receiving said studs 32.

[0078] Also, the cooling module 3 comprises at least one secondary filtration member 33, arranged at each of the pads 32. Similar to what was described above with reference to the primary filtration member 54, the secondary filtration member 33 has the function of limiting, or even preventing, the propagation of solid-borne noise from the cooling module 3 to the crosspiece 7 and the second support 22. In particular, each secondary filtration member 33 is arranged at one of the pads 32 so as to surround it and prevent its contact with an edge of the hole 74 receiving it. For example, the secondary filtration member 33 is made of an elastically deformable material, such as plastic, in particular EPDM, or rubber. Optionally, said member is removable relative to the pad 32 carrying it.

[0079] The invention also relates to a method for mounting the fixing system 4 in a vehicle 1 according to the invention. It is understood that the preceding description, relating to the fixing system 4, to the arrangement 2 and to the vehicle 1 according to the invention, applies mutatis mutandis to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0080] Optionally, depending on the embodiment and the alternative implemented, the method comprises, in a first step, the fixing of the base 61 of the secondary fixing device 6 considered on the second support 22. For example, such fixing is carried out by means of fixing means 8.

[0081] The method comprises positioning the crosspiece 7 on the second support 22 by means of the at least one secondary fixing device 6. In particular, such positioning is carried out by means of two secondary fixing devices fixing 6 arranged on either side of the crosspiece 7 along the first direction 100, in particular at least partly arranged at the level of lateral ends 72 of said crosspiece 7.

[0082] In parallel, that is to say beforehand, simultaneously or subsequently, the method comprises the positioning of the anchoring housing 52 of the at least one primary fixing device 5 on the first support 21, for example on one or more side members of the vehicle 1. Such a principle can be applied to a plurality of primary fixing devices 5.

[0083] Then, the method comprises the positioning of the cooling module 3 on the movable crosspiece 7. Conventionally, as described above, the cooling module 3 is positioned on the crosspiece 7 by inserting the studs 32, and optionally the secondary filtration members, into the holes 74 of the crosspiece 7. In particular, when positioning the cooling module 3 on the crosspiece 7, the crosspiece 7 is arranged in an initial position Pix configured so that the cooling module 3 extends along the second direction 200 or substantially along the second direction 200, that is to say here along the vertical direction Z. In other words, in the initial position Pix, or nominal, of the crosspiece 7, the cooling module 3 is not inclined relative to the second direction 200.

[0084] Once the cooling module 3 is equipped on the movable cross member 7, the method comprises pivoting the assembly formed by the cooling module 3 and the movable cross member 7 around the rotation axis 500. Such pivoting can be carried out by manual intervention or by means of machines.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, such pivoting is carried out directly so as to pivot the assembly formed by the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 towards the final operating position Pfx, of the cooling module 3, in which the module has an inclined position relative to the second direction 200, and, here, to the vertical direction Z. In particular, the inclined position of the cooling module 3 and of the fixing system 2 within the vehicle 1 corresponds to an offset between a positioning of the primary fixing device 5 and a positioning of the secondary fixing device 6 along a third direction 300, orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction 200, that is to say here parallel to the longitudinal direction X.In particular, in the inclined position, the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 have an inclination a_fx comprised in an interval of [15°; 50°], in particular an inclination of the order of 33° by tilting said module towards the rear of the vehicle 1, that is to say a tilting of 15 to 50° of inclination relative to the second direction 200 towards the rear of the vehicle 1, here represented by a half-line of final extension A2.

[0086] According to a preferred alternative embodiment, the pivoting of the assembly formed by the cooling module 3 and the crosspiece 7 is carried out in two phases. A first pivoting phase comprises the tilting of the assembly formed by the cooling module 3 and the crosspiece 7 towards an intermediate assembly position, as described above, then a second pivoting phase in which such an assembly is moved towards the final operating position Pfx similarly to what has been described previously.

[0087] As previously explained, the intermediate assembly position aims to prevent the assembly formed by the crosspiece 7 and the cooling module 3 from accidentally tilting towards its final operating position Pfx. Such a position is implemented temporarily so as to secure the cooling module 3 while additional tasks are carried out, in particular, such as fixing the anchoring boxes or components of the technical front panel.

[0088] In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, for the sake of clarity, a distinction is thus made between positive values ​​of the angles of inclination allowing the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 to tilt towards the rear of the vehicle 1, towards the final operating position Pfx and negative values ​​of the angles of inclination allowing the cooling module 3 and the cross member 7 to tilt towards the front of the vehicle 1, towards the intermediate assembly position and opposite the final operating position Pfx.

[0089] In particular, the intermediate assembly position makes it possible to position the cooling module 3 and the crosspiece 7 at a negative inclination relative to the second direction 200 within an interval of [-5°; -15°], i.e. a tilting of 5 to 15° of inclination relative to the second direction 200 in a direction opposite to a tilting direction of the final operating position Pfx of the cooling module 3.

[0090] It is understood that, when the first embodiment is implemented, the pivoting of the crosspiece 7 is achieved by rotation of the crosspiece 7 around the at least one cylinder 62 of the at least one secondary fixing device 6. Conversely, when the second embodiment is implemented, the crosspiece 7 and the cylinder 62 considered pivot concomitantly relative to the base 61.

[0091] The method finally comprises fixing the cooling module 3 in the final operating position Pfx. As explained above, such fixing is carried out by cooperation between the at least one connecting member 51 and the at least one anchoring housing 52 of the primary fixing device 5. Such a principle is carried out for the plurality of primary fixing devices 5 when the fixing system 4 according to the invention comprises several of them.

[0092] The anchoring box 52 has the function of fixing the connecting member 51 and stopping the tilting of the cooling module 3. The position and orientation of the box anchoring housing 52 is thus configured to allow the cooling module 3 and the crosspiece to be held at the desired final inclination. In particular, the anchoring housing 52 cooperates with the connecting member 51 of the primary fixing device 5 considered by clipping, so as to allow simple and rapid assembly. When the anchoring housing 52 comprises the return member 55, the latter advantageously participates in maintaining the cooling module 3 in the desired position.

[0093] When the second embodiment is executed, the fixing of the cooling module 3 on the anchoring housing 52 is followed by the fixing of the at least one retaining tab 9 on the base 61 and / or the second support 22 so as to prevent the displacement of the cylinder 62 and the crosspiece 7.

[0094] The present invention thus proposes a system for fixing a cooling module and a method for mounting said module in a vehicle advantageously allowing inclined fixing of the cooling module carried out more simply and quickly than in the prior art. The invention is advantageously adapted to positioning according to various inclinations, various cooling modules and allows secure mounting of said module.

[0095] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically effective combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

Claims

1. Fastening system (4) for the inclined fastening of a cooling module (3) in a vehicle (1) comprising at least one primary fastening device (5), at least one secondary fastening device (6) and a cross member (7) configured to be movable and removable capable of carrying the cooling module (3): - the at least one primary fastening device (5) comprising a connecting member (51), configured to be connected to the cooling module (3), and an anchoring housing (52) configured to be connected to a first support (21) of the vehicle (1), said anchoring housing (52) comprising a recess (53) configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member (51);- the at least one secondary fixing device (6) being configured to cooperate with the movable cross member (7) and with a second support (22) of the vehicle (1), the at least one secondary fixing device (6) comprising a base (61) and a cylinder (62) configured to allow the at least one cross member (7) to move in rotation; - the at least one cross member (7) extending along a first direction (100) and being configured to be mounted movable in rotation on the second support (22) by means of the at least one secondary fixing device (6).;

2. Fastening system (4) according to the preceding claim, in which: - the anchoring housing (52) of the primary fastening device (5) comprises a return member (55), in particular a leaf spring; and / or - the anchoring housing (52) and the connecting member (51) are of complementary shapes and / or are configured to cooperate by clipping.

3. Fixing system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the primary fixing device (5) comprises a fixing foot (56) attached and fixed to the anchoring housing (52) or forming a single-piece assembly with the anchoring housing (52).

4. Fixing system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base (61) and the cylinder (62) form a single-piece assembly, the movable crosspiece (7) comprising an orifice (71) capable of receiving said cylinder (62).

5. Fastening system (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the base (61) comprises a stop member (64) and the crosspiece (7) comprises a rib configured to receive said stop member. (64).

6. Fixing system (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cylinder (62) and the movable crosspiece (7) are integral with each other, the base (61) comprising a housing (65) configured to receive the cylinder (62) and the secondary fixing device (6) comprising a removable and attached retaining tab (9), configured to hold said cylinder (62) in the housing (65).

7. Fastening system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary fastening device (6) comprises a lug (63) configured to cooperate with the second support (22).

8. Arrangement (2) comprising at least one fixing system (4) according to one of the preceding claims and a cooling module (3) arranged on the crosspiece (7): - the cooling module (3) comprising a frame to which the connecting member (51) of the primary fixing device (5) is connected; or - the cooling module (3) comprising a water box (31), configured to allow the circulation of a fluid such as glycolated water, to which the connecting member (51) of the primary fixing device (5) is connected.

9. Vehicle (1) comprising an arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, a first support (21), such as a side member, and a second support (22), such as a cradle, the cooling module (3) being connected to the movable cross member (7) and the assembly formed by the movable cross member (7) and the cooling module (3) being configured to be moved, by pivoting about an axis of rotation (500) parallel to the first direction (100), between at least one initial position (Pix), in which the cooling module (3) extends along a second direction (200) orthogonal to the first direction (100), and a final operating position (Pfx), inclined relative to the second direction (200).

10. Method for mounting a cooling module (3) in a vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: - positioning the movable cross member (7) on the second support (22) by means of the at least one secondary fixing device (6); - positioning the cooling module (3) on the movable cross member (7); - the pivoting of the assembly formed by the cooling module (3) and the crosspiece (7) movable around an axis of rotation (500); - fixing the cooling module (3) in an operating position by cooperation between the connecting member (51) and the anchoring housing (52) of the primary fixing device (5).

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