Support for an electric heat transfer fluid heater for an electric motor vehicle and associated mounting method

Abstract

This support (6) for attaching an electric liquid heater (10) to the body (2) of an electric motor vehicle comprises a main part intended to be attached to a partition (3) between an engine compartment (4) and a passenger compartment (5) of the vehicle. The main part comprises a first face intended to face a front face (3a) of the partition (3) and a second face intended to face the electric liquid heater (10), the second face being opposite the first face. The support (6) further comprises a support piece and a mounting bracket, each attached to the main part. The mounting bracket is intended to attach a pump (9), and the support piece is intended to support an expansion tank (11). (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Support for an electric heat transfer fluid heater for an electric motor vehicle and associated mounting method technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a support for an electric heat transfer fluid heater for an electric motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a support. The invention further relates to a body comprising such a support or assembly, as well as to a vehicle comprising such a support, assembly, or body. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting such an assembly. Previous techniques

[0002] An electric motor vehicle generally includes an electric heat transfer fluid heater. Such an electric heater is configured to heat a heat transfer fluid that circulates through a ventilation system to provide passenger compartment heating for occupant comfort. Indeed, in the absence of an internal combustion engine generating heat, or to accelerate heat production for rapid passenger compartment heating, such a heater becomes necessary.

[0003] Generally, a pump is also provided to circulate the heat transfer fluid inside the electric heater. An expansion vessel, also called a "reservoir," is connected to this pump to create sufficient pressure at the pump inlet to prevent cavitation. Indeed, if the pressure at the pump is too low, cavitation can occur, meaning the heat transfer fluid boils at the pump impeller, damaging the impeller.

[0004] Traditionally, such components are distributed throughout the engine compartment, requiring complex piping systems that generate heat loss. For example, each component needs to be fixed to the vehicle body and must be accessible for installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the length of the piping and its exposure to the airflow from the cooling fan assembly are primary factors contributing to heat loss. Description of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a support for an electric heat transfer fluid heater for an electric motor vehicle, overcoming the drawbacks described above. In particular, the invention proposes a compact support allowing other elements to be attached without making any modifications to the body of such a vehicle.

[0006] The invention relates to a support for fixing an electric liquid heater to the body of an electric motor vehicle.

[0007] The support includes a main part intended to be fixed on a partition apron between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the main part comprising a first face intended to face a front face of the apron and a second face intended to face the electric liquid heater, the second face being opposite the first face.

[0008] The support further includes a support piece and a fixing bracket, each fixed to the main part, the fixing bracket being intended to fix a suitable pump for circulating a heat transfer fluid inside the electric heater, and the support piece being intended to support a suitable expansion vessel to protect the pump from the risk of cavitation.

[0009] The compact design of such a support reduces heat loss. A single support advantageously allows for the mounting of a circuit including the pump, electric heater, expansion tank, and their tubing, thus reducing the number of mounting parts and interfaces on the vehicle body. This reduces the number of part numbers required for a vehicle. The result is weight reduction, faster assembly, and significant cost savings.

[0010] Preferably, the main part comprises an upper fold and a lower fold opposed to each other, the support comprising first means for fixing the support to the apron associated with each fold.

[0011] For example, the first means of fixing include nuts and fixing holes provided in the folds, the fixing holes and nuts being intended to cooperate with threaded rods extending protruding from the deck so as to ensure the fixing of the support on the deck.

[0012] According to one feature, the support includes second means for fixing the support piece to the main part.

[0013] According to another feature, the support includes third means for fixing the electric heater on the second face of the main part.

[0014] According to another feature, the support includes fourth means for fixing the pump to the support.

[0015] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a support as defined above, an electric liquid heater, a pump, and an expansion vessel. Such an assembly constitutes a support that saves assembly time because it is produced at the end of the production line, i.e., during time masked by report to the main vehicle assembly line so as not to delay the line with the assembly of the support.

[0016] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a body for an electric motor vehicle, comprising an apron and a support as defined above, or comprising an apron and an assembly as defined above.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an electric motor vehicle comprising a support, an assembly or a body as defined above.

[0018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting an assembly as defined above in the engine compartment of an electric motor vehicle. The method comprises successive steps of: - fixing the electric heater, pump and expansion vessel to the support and assembling the pipes to form a circuit, so as to obtain an assembled support, - mounting the assembled support onto a partition wall separating the engine compartment from the vehicle's passenger compartment, and - Connection of the circuit within a vehicle's air conditioning system. Brief description of the diagrams

[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] illustrates an electric motor vehicle according to the invention in a coordinate system direct orthonormal XYZ;

[0021] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention mounted in an engine compartment of the vehicle of [Fig.1]; and

[0022] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a support of the whole of [Fig.2]. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0023] For the purposes of the description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ classically used in automotive design and illustrated in [Fig.1]. In this coordinate system, the X axis designates the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of a vehicle 1 and is oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle 1, the Z axis designates the vertical direction and is oriented upwards.

[0024] Vehicle 1 is an electric motor vehicle, i.e., propelled and / or towed by electrical energy. Vehicle 1 comprises at least one battery and at least one electric motor (not shown).

[0025] The vehicle 1 further comprises a chassis or a body 2.

[0026] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the vehicle 1 or the body 2 includes a partition 3 between an engine compartment 4 and a passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0027] It should be noted that identical or similar elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0028] Vehicle 1 or body 2 further includes a support 6 which will be described in more detail later. Vehicle 1 further includes an assembly 7 of which the support 6 is a part.

[0029] The vehicle 1, or the assembly 7, includes a circuit 8 for heating the passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1 using a heat transfer fluid. The circuit 8 includes a pump 9, an electric heater 10 for the heat transfer fluid, an expansion vessel 11 and passes through an HVAC system of the vehicle (HVAC is an abbreviation for the English expression "Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning" well known in the automotive industry).

[0030] For example, the heat transfer fluid is, or comprises, water or a fluid having similar properties. Such a fluid preferably comprises an antifreeze component.

[0031] The support 6 allows the circuit 8 to be fixed to the apron 3 in an efficient and compact manner. In other words, the support 6 allows several components to be fixed to the apron 3, such as the pump 9, the electric heater 10, the expansion vessel 11, and the pipes 12 or tubing necessary for the flow of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 8.

[0032] As particularly visible on [Fig.3], the support 6 comprises a main part 13 which is provided with a first face 14 and a second face 15 opposite to the first face 14.

[0033] The second face 15 receives the electric heater 10. In other words, the second face is opposite the electric heater 10. By "opposite," we mean in contact or substantially in contact. Thus, one face of the electric heater 10 is in contact or partially in contact with the second face 15 when the electric heater 10 is mounted on the support 6 at the level of the second face 15.

[0034] Advantageously, the first face 14 is arranged opposite the apron 3. Thus, the first face 14 is in contact or substantially in contact with a front face 3a of the apron 3 when the support 6 is fixed on the apron 3.

[0035] The support 6 further includes a support piece 16 and a fixing tab 17 each fixed to the main part 13.

[0036] Preferably, the support piece 16 is fixed to the second face 15 of the main part 13 and is intended to support the expansion vessel 11 by fixing it relative to the second face 15 of the main part 13 of the support 6. Preferably, the support piece 16 includes clips 16a adapted to fix the pipes 12 of the circuit 8 ([Fig.2]).

[0037] As particularly visible in [Fig. 3], the support piece 16 comprises a base 16b and guiding means 16c. The guiding means 16c cooperate with associated guide means provided on the expansion vessel 11 to ensure the correct positioning of the expansion vessel 11 relative to the support piece 16. Here, the guide means 16c include a guide arm which cooperates with an associated orifice provided on the expansion vessel 11.

[0038] The base 16b is adapted to support and fix the expansion vessel 11. For example, the base 16b may include snap holes intended to receive associated snap tabs provided on the expansion vessel 11, forming removable fixing means for the expansion vessel 11 on the support piece 16.

[0039] The fixing bracket 17 is intended to fix the pump 9 relative to the main part 13.

[0040] The main part 13 comprises an upper fold 18 and a lower fold 19 opposite each other which delimit the height of the main part 13. When the support 6 is fixed on the apron 3, the upper fold 18 is above the lower fold 19.

[0041] Preferably, the fixing tab 17 extends outward from the lower fold 19.

[0042] The support 6 includes means 20 for fixing the support 6 to the apron 3 associated with each fold 18, 19. Preferably, the first fastening means 20 comprise nuts 21 and fastening holes (not visible in the figures) formed in the folds 18, 19. The fastening holes and the nuts 21 are intended to cooperate with threaded rods 22 extending protruding from the deck 3 so as to secure the support 6 to the deck 3. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the support 6 is secured to the deck 3 using exactly three threaded rods 22. Alternatively, a different number of threaded rods 22 may be used.

[0043] The support 6 includes secondary fastening means 23 for the support piece 16 to the main part 13. Preferably, the secondary fastening means 23 are arranged on the second face 15 of the main part 13. For example, the secondary fastening means 23 include means for screwing the support piece 16 to the main part 13 of the support 6. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the support piece 16 is fastened to the main part 13 using two threaded rods 24 that cooperate with associated nuts and washers. Alternatively, a different number of threaded rods 24 may be used. In another embodiment, not shown, the secondary fastening means 23 may include weld beads or spot welds.

[0044] As particularly visible in [Fig. 3], the support 6 includes third means 25 for attaching the electric heater 10 to the second face 15 of the main part 13. Such third means may include screw-on attachments and / or snap-on attachments. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the electric heater 10 is attached to The second face 15 of the main part 13 is made using three screws 26. As indicated previously, it remains possible to provide, as an alternative or in addition to screw fixing means, removable snap-on fixing means, including for example snap holes provided on the main part 13. Such snap holes are intended to receive snap tabs extending outwards from the face of the electric heater 10 which is opposite the second face 15 of the main part.

[0045] The support 6 also includes fourth means 27 for attaching the pump 9 to the support 6. The fourth means 27 include, for example, snap holes provided in the mounting tab 17 and intended to receive snap tabs provided on the pump 9. Alternatively, it remains possible that the fourth means 27 include means for attaching the pump 9 to the support 6 by screwing.

[0046] We will now describe an example of the implementation of a method for assembling an assembly 7 as described previously.

[0047] In a preliminary step, the support 6 is formed by fixing the support piece 16 and the fixing tab 17 onto the main part 13 of the support 6.

[0048] Next, a step is taken to fix the electric heater 10, the pump 9 and the expansion vessel 11 onto the support 6 followed by a step of assembling the pipes 12 to form the circuit 8, so as to obtain an assembled support.

[0049] Next, the assembled support is mounted on a separating apron 3 of the engine compartment 4 from the passenger compartment 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0050] The process ends with a step of connecting the circuit 8 within an HVAC air conditioning system of the vehicle 1.

Claims

Demands

1. A support (6) for attaching an electric liquid heater (10) to the body (2) of an electric motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the support (6) comprises a main portion (13) intended to be attached to a partition (3) between an engine compartment (4) and a passenger compartment (5) of the vehicle (1), the main portion (13) comprising a first face (14) intended to face a front face (3a) of the partition (3) and a second face (15) intended to face the electric liquid heater (10), the second face (15) being opposite the first face (14), the support (6) further comprising a support piece (16) and a mounting bracket (17) each attached to the main portion (13), the mounting bracket (17) being intended to attach a pump (9) adapted to circulate a heat transfer fluid within the electric heater (10),and the support piece (16) being intended to support an expansion vessel (11) adapted to protect the pump (9) from the risk of cavitation.

2. Support (6) according to claim 1 in which the main part (13) comprises an upper fold (18) and a lower fold (19) opposed to each other, the support (6) comprising first means for fixing (20) the support (6) to the deck (3) associated with each fold (18, 19).

3. Support (6) according to claim 2 in which the first fastening means (20) comprise nuts (21) and fastening holes provided in the folds (18, 19), the fastening holes and the nuts (21) being intended to cooperate with threaded rods (22) extending projecting from the deck (3) so as to secure the support (6) to the deck (3).

4. Support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising second means of fixing (23) the support piece (16) to the main part (13).

5. Support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising third means of fixing (25) the electric heater (10) on the second face (15) of the main part (13).

6. Support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising fourth means of fixing (27) the pump (9) to the support (6).

7. Assembly (7) comprising a support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an electric liquid heater (10), a pump (9) and an expansion vessel (11).

8. Body (2) for electric motor vehicle (1), comprising an apron (3) and a support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or comprising an apron (3) and an assembly (7) according to claim 7.

9. Electric motor vehicle (1) comprising a support (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or an assembly (7) according to claim 7, or a body (2) according to claim 8.

10. Method of mounting an assembly (7) according to claim 7 in an engine compartment (4) of an electric motor vehicle (1) comprising successive steps of: - fixing the electric heater, the pump and the expansion tank on the support (6) and assembling the pipes (12) to form a circuit (8), so as to obtain an assembled support, - mounting the assembled support on a partition (3) separating the engine compartment (4) from a passenger compartment (5) of the vehicle (1), and - connecting the circuit (8) within an air conditioning system of the vehicle (1).

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