Fluid storage and / or circulation module for automotive applications

Abstract

The device (1) for a motor vehicle comprises a liquid storage and / or circulation module (2), a support element (3) for supporting the module (2), and at least one primary fixation device (4) comprising a pad (6) mounted so as to be movable relative to the support element (3) so as to be moved along a direction (100) from top to bottom to apply a force to the module (2), wherein the distance of movement of the pad (6) along said direction (100) is greater than or equal to the change in position of the module (2) relative to the support element (3) along said direction (100) between a configuration in which the module (2) is empty and a configuration in which the module (2) is filled with liquid.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular device for storing and / or circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid, for a motor vehicle, and to a motor vehicle equipped with such a device. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling said device.

[0002] In motor vehicles, it is known to arrange cooling modules, such as radiators, in the front compartment of the vehicle. Such modules are conventionally attached to cross members or support elements via fastening devices. In particular, such fastening devices aim to overcome inaccuracies in the positioning of the modules resulting from tolerances in the processes for machining and mounting the vehicle, a phenomenon known by the term "dispersion." Such dispersion entails complications during the mounting of cooling modules, which must be fixed at their upper and lower parts. Cooling modules are conventionally at least partially elastic in order to compensate for the global dispersion of the various parts and to provide zero or reduced play after the module has been fixed to the intended support, i.e., when the module is empty and does not ensure the storage and / or circulation of fluids, in particular liquids.

[0003] One drawback of such a mounting system is that it does not allow for the increase in mass of the module, and therefore the change in position, when the module is filled with liquid. This is because this filling occurs at the end of the assembly line, i.e., when the various mounting systems are installed. The increase in mass of the module due to filling is accompanied by deformation of the mounting system and the appearance of play, which depends, inter alia, on the deviation between the empty and filled mass of the module. This play that occurs after filling causes vibration stresses in the module, resulting in premature weakening and wear of various components.

[0004] These drawbacks are exacerbated by the increasing size of cooling modules, especially due to evolving regulatory standards.

[0005] The present invention therefore falls within this context and aims to propose a device in which the fixing device is configured to have a play that is adapted after the modules it supports have been filled, i.e. adapted to changes in the mass and / or position of such modules depending on whether the modules are empty or filled with fluid.

[0006] To that end, the invention proposes an arrangement for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising a liquid storage and / or circulation module, in particular a cooling module, a support element for supporting the module, at least one primary device for fastening the module to the support element, and at least one secondary device for fastening the module to the support element. a secondary fixation device configured to at least partially support the weight of the module; the primary fixation device comprises a pad movable relative to the support element between a first stable position and a second stable position; The pad is designed and configured to apply a force to the module from top to bottom along a direction as the pad is moved towards the second stable position, and the movement distance K of the pad along the direction between the first and second stable positions is greater than or equal to the change in position Δz of the module relative to the support element along the direction between a configuration in which the module is empty and a configuration in which the module is filled with liquid.

[0007] The primary fixation device may in particular comprise a guide tab for guiding the pad and at least one fixation tab for fixing to the support element, the guide tab comprising at least one guide means for guiding the pad, capable of receiving the pad, and the fixation tab comprising an opening adapted to receive a fixation means, in particular a screw.

[0008] The pad may comprise a base configured to extend in contact with a lower edge of the guide means, the base comprising at least one flat or substantially flat primary bearing and at least one flat or substantially flat secondary bearing spaced from the at least one primary bearing by a height H measured along said direction and equal to a travel distance K of the pad between the first and second stable positions, the at least one primary bearing and the at least one secondary bearing being connected by a bevel. Furthermore, the lower edge of the guide means may be at least partially complementary to the base.

[0009] In particular, the slope may have an inclination α relative to a plane in which the first bearing can be inscribed, of between 5° and 75°, the inclination α being defined as a function of the change Δz in position of the module.

[0010] Optionally, the primary fixation device may comprise at least one reinforcing member, for example a reinforcing member extending at least along the direction of movement of the pad between the first and second stable positions.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the primary fixation device may comprise a gripping lever fixedly fitted and attached to the pad to allow movement of the pad between the first and second stable positions. The device may then, for example, further comprise a fitting configured to interfere with the gripping lever when the pad is disposed in the first position.

[0012] The secondary device may be formed at least partially from rubber, and then the travel distance K can be further defined as a function of the stiffness of the primary fixation device and / or as a function of the stiffness of the secondary fixation device.

[0013] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a device such as that shown above.

[0014] The invention finally relates to a method for assembling a device according to the invention, comprising the steps of: securing at least one primary fixation device to an empty liquid storage and / or circulation module; and positioning a module fitted with at least one primary fixation device relative to a support element; and then Fixing at least one primary fixation device to the support element, in particular by screwing, and then moving a pad of the primary fixation device from a first position to a second position to apply a force to the module from top to bottom along a direction; and and filling the module with a liquid.

[0015] In particular, the movement of the pad relative to the module between the first and second positions may be performed in a rotational movement about an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to said direction and in a translational movement along this same direction.

[0016] Further details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent from reading the detailed description given below, given by way of non-limiting indication, in connection with the various example embodiments illustrated in the following drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the device showing the primary fixation device attached to the upper portion of the fluid storage and / or circulation module. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a first embodiment of a primary fixation device. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a second embodiment of a primary fixation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first position of the primary fixation device as shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second position of the primary fixation device as shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment variation of the second embodiment of the primary fixation device. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic perspective view of the primary fixation device as shown in FIG. 7 when in the second position as shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1 shows an example of an automotive device 1, for example of the utility vehicle type. The device 1 according to the invention generally comprises a liquid storage and / or circulation module 2, a support element 3 for supporting the module 2, at least one primary device 4 for fixing the module 2 to the support element 3, and at least one secondary device 5 for fixing the module 2 to the support element 3.

[0019] The storage and / or circulation module 2 may, according to a particular, non-limiting example, be a cooling module 2 in which a coolant such as glycol water, or a lubricant such as oil, or any other fluid that has an effect on the mass of the storage and / or circulation module when filled, circulates. The cooling module 2 may in particular include at least one heat exchanger or radiator configured to perform an exchange of heat between a flow of outside air, e.g. coming from the front of the vehicle, and the liquid circulating in the module 2.

[0020] According to one example embodiment, a support element 3 for supporting the module 2 may be included at the technical front of the vehicle, which support element 3 may comprise at least a part of a compartment or housing for the powertrain (or PWT). In particular, the module 2 may be mounted so as to be fixed to at least one upper and / or lower cross member and / or a wall of such a compartment or housing which may accommodate the primary fixing device 4 and / or the secondary fixing device 5.

[0021] Within the apparatus 1, the secondary fixation device 5 is configured to at least partially support the weight of the module 2. In particular, the secondary device 5 may be at least partially formed from an elastically deformable material, such as rubber. In other words, the secondary fixation device 5 may be arranged to be at least partially between the module 2 and the support element 3 along a direction 100 parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0022] Throughout this description, the orientation of the device 1 is defined with respect to a longitudinal axis X corresponding to the direction of forward movement of the vehicle, a lateral axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X and the second axis Y. In this reference system, the vertical direction is defined with respect to the vehicle placed on flat ground. The axes X, Y, and Z are shown by the tripod XYZ, especially in the drawings where this is necessary.

[0023] In this context, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to their position along axis Z, i.e. along the vertical direction. Throughout the drawings, the dimensions and spacing separating various components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0024] 1, the at least one primary fixation device 4 is arranged on an upper part of the module 2, while the at least one secondary fixation device 5 is arranged on a lower part of the module 2. In particular, the at least one primary fixation device 4 is arranged on an upper end face 21, while the at least one secondary fixation device 5 is arranged on a lower end face 22 opposite the upper end face 21 of the module 2 along the axis Z.

[0025] In this case, the device 1 includes two primary fixation devices 4 attached to an upper portion of the module 2 and two secondary fixation devices 5 attached to a lower portion of the module 2. It will be understood that this example is in no way limiting and that the device 1 may include a different number of primary fixation devices 4 and / or secondary fixation devices 5. All or some of the features described in relation to the primary fixation device 4 may also be extended to all or some of the multiple primary fixation devices 4. The same applies to the secondary fixation devices 5.

[0026] The primary fixation device 4, shown in detail in FIG. 2, includes a pad 6 mounted so as to be movable relative to the support element 3. The pad 6 is also movable relative to the module 2. According to one example embodiment, the pad 6 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which allows for damping along direction 100 and efficient compression work. The pad 6 may be moved relative to the module 2 and the support element 3 between first and second stable positions, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. The pad 6 may be attached to the module 2, for example, via a pin 92, shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 2, extending through the pad 6.

[0027] "Stable position" is understood to mean the position in which the pad remains when the force required to move it is discontinued.

[0028] In particular, as will be described in detail below with respect to the assembly method, the pad 6 may be configured to be movable between a first stable position and a second stable position in a combination of rotational movement about a rotational axis 600 parallel or substantially parallel to the direction 100 and translational movement along this same rotational axis 600.

[0029] According to an alternative not shown, the pad 6 may be configured to be moved in a translational motion along an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the direction 100 .

[0030] The pad 6 is particularly designed and configured to apply a force to the module 2 from top to bottom along the direction 100 when it is moved towards the second position. In particular, according to the invention, the movement distance K of said pad 6 between the first and second stable positions is greater than or equal to the change Δz in position of the module 2 relative to the support element 3 between a configuration in which the module 2 is empty and a configuration in which the module 2 is filled with liquid.

[0031] In particular, the travel distance K may further be defined as a function of the stiffness of the primary fixation device 4 and / or as a function of the stiffness of the secondary fixation device 5 .

[0032] The "movement distance K" of pad 6 is understood to mean the movement along direction 100, i.e., along the vertical direction, when pad 6 is moved between the first and second stable positions, when pad 6 is moved in a combination of translational and rotational motion, or when pad 6 is moved in a translational motion as described above.

[0033] A "change in position Δz" of a module 2 is understood to mean a predetermined deviation in the position of a point on the module 2, for example a point on the upper end face 21 of the module 2, along the direction 100 relative to the support element 3. Such a difference is conventionally observed for modules that do not have a primary fixation device 4 as described in the present invention when changing from an "empty" to a "filled" configuration. The value of such a change in position Δz can be obtained, in particular, from a database for a given module model or dimension or from a given liquid volume.

[0034] An "empty" configuration is therefore understood to mean that the device 1, in particular the module 2, does not have any liquid and does not ensure the storage or circulation of such a liquid. Such a configuration can be observed on a vehicle assembly line before the filling of the module 2 or during handling interventions on the module 2 or on a circuit (not shown) for supplying the module 2 with liquid.

[0035] Conversely, in a "filled" configuration, the module 2 contains the liquid, i.e. ensures storage, for example for the purpose of its circulation. Such a configuration can be observed after the module 2 has been filled on the assembly line or in a vehicle on the market or in operation.

[0036] The primary fixation device 4 may further include at least one fixing tab 71 for fixing the primary device 4 to the support element 3 and a guide tab 72 for guiding the pad 6. In particular, the primary fixation device 4 may include a bracket 7 fixedly attached to the support element 3, the bracket 7 including at least a fixing tab 71 for fixing the bracket 7 to the support element 3 and a guide tab 72 for guiding the pad 6.

[0037] The fixing tab 71 and the guide tab 72 are connected and extend transversely to one another. According to one particular example, the fixing tab 71 and the guide tab 72 may extend at least partially perpendicular to one another. In particular, they may be integrally formed, i.e., they cannot be separated from one another without damaging or even destroying the bracket 7. According to one non-exemplary embodiment, the bracket 7 may be formed from polyamide, in particular a filled polyamide.

[0038] The fixing tabs 71 have a flat or substantially flat structure. The fixing tabs 71 include openings 73 or perforations 73 configured to receive the fixing means 9, in particular screws. Advantageously, such openings 73 or perforations 73 may be dimensioned as a function of the overall variation Δd1 of the primary fixation device 4 and / or as a function of the overall variation Δd2 of the modules 2. In particular, such overall variation values ​​Δd1, Δd2 may be obtained from a database.

[0039] The openings 73 or perforations 73, in particular the orifices or inserts provided at their ends, are dimensioned to ensure the fixation of the primary fixation device 4 to the support element 3 and to compensate for dimensional errors due to machining of successive components of the primary fixation device 4 and / or the module 2.

[0040] The guide tab 72 comprises at least one guide means 74, such as a sleeve, capable of receiving and guiding the pad 6, in particular along the direction 100. Such guide means 74 defines a through opening, in which the pad 6 extends when the device 1 is assembled, said opening extending between a lower edge 75 of the guide tab 72 facing the module 2 and an upper edge 76 opposite the lower edge 75. In other words, the pad 6 is mounted so as to be able to move relative to the bracket 7 of the primary fixation device 4.

[0041] Advantageously, the bracket 7 may include at least one reinforcing member 77 extending at least along the direction 100. According to various alternatives, the reinforcing member 77 may extend adjacent to the guide tab 72 and the fixing tab 71 or may be arranged in the thickness of the guide means 74, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0042] The pad 6 may comprise a base 61 and a body 62 connected to one another. At least the body 62 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, in particular of circular cross section, and is complementary to the guide means 74. Similarly, the base 61 may have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, for example of circular cross section.

[0043] In particular, the base 61 forms an enlargement of the pad 6 relative to the body 62. The cross section of the base 61 therefore has a longest dimension (not shown) that is greater than the longest dimension of the body 62 of the pad 6. "Longest dimension" is understood to mean, for example, the diameter of a circular cross section or the diagonal of a polygonal cross section.

[0044] The main body 62 extends perpendicular to the base 61 so that when the device 1 is assembled, the base 61 extends in contact with the lower edge 75 of the guide means 74, while the main body 62 extends from the lower edge 75 to at least the upper edge 76 at the opening of the guide means 74.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the base 61, in particular the upper section 60, faces the lower edge 75 of the bracket 7 and is intended to interact with this lower edge 75. The base 61 is configured to define a first contact surface with the lower edge 75 when the primary fixation device 4 is placed in a first position shown in Figure 5. When the pad 6 is moved to a second stable position shown in Figure 6, the base 61 defines a second contact surface with the lower edge 75, in particular the first contact surface can be strictly larger than the second contact surface.

[0046] In particular, the upper edge 60 of the base 6 may include at least one flat or substantially flat primary bearing 63 and at least one flat or substantially flat secondary bearing 64. Such bearings 63, 64 extend transversely to the direction 100, in particular horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0047] The primary bearing 63 and the secondary bearing 64 are separated by a height H, which is measured along the direction 100 and equals the travel distance K of the pad 6 between the first stable position and the second stable position. In particular, the base 6 is configured such that the primary bearing 63 is disposed between the secondary bearing 64 and the module 2 along the direction 100 when the device is assembled.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least one primary bearing 63 and the at least one secondary bearing 64 are connected by a ramp 65, the primary bearing 63, the ramp 65 and the second continuous assembly contributing to defining the trajectory of the pad 6 from the first position to the second position.

[0049] In particular, such inclined surface 65 has an inclination α of 5° to 75°, or even 5° to 60°, relative to a plane inscribed with the primary bearing 63. Such inclination α is defined as a function of the change Δz in position of the module 2 and therefore as a function of the travel distance K of the pad 6.

[0050] If the pad 6 includes several primary bearings 63, the primary bearings 63 can be inscribed in one and the same plane. Similarly, if the pad 6 includes several secondary bearings 64, the secondary bearings 64 are included in a shared plane. The base 61 therefore includes a flat structure formed by alternating primary and secondary bearings 63, 64, the primary bearings 63 being connected to the secondary bearings 64 by inclined surfaces 65 as described above. Consequently, the height H separating the primary bearings 63 from the adjacent secondary bearings 64 is constant within one and the same pad 6. Preferably, the same applies to the inclination of the various inclined surfaces 65 in question.

[0051] It should be noted that in the example shown, the first secondary bearing 64 is connected on one side to the adjacent primary bearing 63 by a bevel 65 and to the second secondary bearing 64 by a substantially vertical edge. Alternatively, the primary bearing 63 and secondary bearing 64 may be connected by a secondary bevel of similar or different inclination to the bevel 65 described above.

[0052] To ensure proper force movement of the pad 6 relative to the guide tab 72, the lower edge 75 of the guide means 74 may be at least partially complementary to the base 61. For example, the lower edge 75 may include at least one lower bearing 78 configured to contact and extend with the primary bearing 63 of the base 61 when the pad 6 is disposed in the first stable position and configured to contact and extend with the secondary bearing 64 when the pad 6 is in the second stable position.

[0053] Additionally, pad 6 may be shaped to interact with one or more tools for moving pad 6 when device 1 is being assembled or during handling operations. As a non-limiting example, the free end of body 62 may include an impression 66, such as a BTR impression, that can interact with a key.

[0054] Advantageously, to prevent separation of the pad 6 and the bracket 7 during handling steps, the impression 66 may include at least one blocking member 67 configured to limit or prevent movement of the pad 6 relative to the bracket 7 in one direction along the direction 100 when the pad is located in the first stable position. In particular, such blocking member 67 may be configured to abut a covering portion 79 of the bracket 7 when the pad is in the first stable position. Such covering portion 79 may start from the guide tab 72, in particular from the upper edge 76, and extend facing a portion of the main body 62 of the pad 6 along the direction 100. When the pad 6 is moved towards the second stable position, the blocking member 67 is also moved away from the covering portion 79, which then allows the pad 6 to be moved along the direction 100.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the primary fixation device 4 may advantageously comprise a gripping lever 8 fitted and attached in a fixed manner to the pad 6 to enable movement between a first position and a second position. In particular, movement between the first and second positions may be achieved by such a rotational movement of the lever about a rotation axis 600 of between 45° and 180°, for example between 60° and 75°, or even about 90°. Such a gripping lever 8 may comprise an end piece 81 complementary to the body 62, in particular to the impression 66 in the body 62 as described above, and may comprise a gripping flange 82 that enables the user to handle the lever.

[0056] When the device 1 is mounted or removed, the gripping lever 8 remains mounted within the device 1, advantageously making it possible to eliminate the need for specific tools.

[0057] Furthermore, such a gripping lever 8 may have a visual or mechanical poka-yoke function on the one hand and a reminder function on the other hand, since, as shown in Figure 7, the gripping lever 8, in particular its gripping flange 82, extends close to the locking tab 71 when the pad 6 is moved to the second position. The locking means 9 is therefore inaccessible while the primary locking device 4 is in the second position, i.e. when the primary locking device 4 applies a force from top to bottom to the module 2, preventing removal of the primary locking device 4.

[0058] Conversely, as shown in Figure 8, the technical front face may be formed in such a way that final installation on the vehicle is impossible unless the module 2 is subjected to a force. In this case, the device 1 is configured in such a way that, when the pad 6 is placed in the first position, the installation of the air guide 91 at the front face is made impossible by the gripping lever 8, the positioning of the lever overlapping in particular with the intended position for said air guide 91, such overlap being indicated by a dashed line. Such a device makes it possible to ensure that the pad 6 is properly positioned so that the primary device 4 applies the desired force to the module 2 and the method shown above is carried out correctly.

[0059] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a device 1 as shown above, which is carried out in this order.

[0060] Such a method comprises the step of attaching at least one secondary device 5 to the support element 3 or alternatively to the module 2, for example at the lower end face 22 of the module 2.

[0061] The method includes the step of fastening at least one primary fastening device 4 to an empty module 2 .

[0062] In particular, for each primary fixing device 4, a pad 6 is then movably attached to the module 2, for example via a pin. The primary device 4 is arranged such that the base 61 of the pad 6 is arranged between the module 2 and at least a part of the bracket 7 along the direction 100. In particular, the base 61 of the pad 6 is arranged between the guide means 74 and the module 2, at least along the direction 100.

[0063] The module 2 fitted with one or more primary fixing devices is then positioned relative to the support element 3. The fixing tabs 71 are arranged so that the openings 73 or perforations 73 face the orifices or inserts in the support element 3 that can receive the fixing means 9. The module 2 is then positioned so that the one or more secondary devices 5 support the weight of the module.

[0064] The method then comprises a step of fixing at least one primary fixing device 4 to the support element 3, in particular by screwing. In particular, such step comprises substeps, such as fixing a bracket 7, e.g. a fixing tab 71 of the bracket 7, to the support element 3 via fixing means 9 in order to correct or compensate for the overall variation Δd1 of the primary fixing device 4 and / or the overall variation Δd2 of the module 2.

[0065] A step is then performed of moving the pad 6 of the primary fixation device 4 from the first position to the second position, where such movement is performed in combination with a rotational movement about the axis of rotation 600 and a translational movement along a direction 100 parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 600. In particular, such a rotational movement may be between 45° and 180°, for example between 60° and 75°, or even about 90°.

[0066] The movement of the pad 6 may be effected via a tool or via a gripping lever 8 as indicated above.

[0067] The movement of the pad 6 may then comprise a sub-step of moving a point on the lower bearing 78 of the lower edge 75 of the guiding means 74 away from the primary bearing 63 of the base 61 towards a secondary bearing 64 that is spaced apart from the at least one primary bearing 63 by a height H measured along the direction 100 when the pad 6 is in the first position. Such point is in particular moved along a slope 65 connecting the primary bearing 63 and the secondary bearing 64, the slope 65 having an inclination α relative to the primary bearing 63 of between 5° and 75°, defined as a function of the change Δz in the position of the module 2.

[0068] When the pad 6 is moved towards the second position, the pad 6 exerts a force on the module 2 from top to bottom along the direction 100. Such force is maximum when the pad 6 is in the second position and minimum, or even zero, when the pad 6 is disposed in the first position. It should be noted that the movement of the pad 6 includes at least one intermediate position (not shown) between the first and second stable positions. Such intermediate position is preferably unstable, i.e., if the user prevents the movement of the pad 6 in said intermediate position, the pad 6 will naturally return to the first or second stable position, in this case the first stable position.

[0069] In the example shown, such an intermediate position may correspond to positioning the lower bearing 78 of the guide means 74 aligned with a portion of the ramp 65. Furthermore, in such an intermediate position, the force applied to the module 2 is less or substantially less than the force applied when the pad 6 is in the second position.

[0070] As mentioned above, the movement distance K of the pad 6 along the direction 100 between the first and second stable positions is specifically defined to be greater than or equal to the change in position Δz of the module 2 along the direction 100 relative to the support element 3 between the configuration in which the module 2 is empty and the configuration in which the module 2 is filled with liquid.

[0071] As a result, when pad 6 is disposed in the second position, pad 6 applies a force to module 2 from top to bottom along direction 100. This transfers such force to secondary fixation device 5, which, being elastically deformable, is crushed. In other words, as pad 6 is moved toward the second position, it indirectly applies a force from top to bottom to secondary fixation device 5. Secondary fixation device 5 then applies a reaction force from bottom to top along direction 100 in a direction opposite to the force from primary fixation device 4.

[0072] As a result, in contrast to what can conventionally be observed in the prior art, the empty module 2 is stabilized in a predetermined position along the direction 100, i.e. in the vertical direction, since the subsequent addition of liquid to the module 2 does not involve a change in the reaction force exerted by the secondary fixation device 5. In other words, the empty module 2 is therefore stabilized in a predetermined prestressed position along the direction 100, since the deviation in the mass of the module 2 resulting from the addition of liquid involves no or a negligible difference in the position Δz of the module 2 between the empty and the filled configuration.

[0073] In this way, any gaps defined in the primary fixation device 4 when the module 2 is installed and empty, i.e., in the empty configuration, remain constant or substantially constant even after the module 2 is filled, i.e., in the filled configuration, thus protecting the components of the device 1 from premature wear.

[0074] The module 2 may then be filled with a liquid, in particular a cooling liquid, and the addition of mass then does not affect the position of the module 2 along the direction 100 or the force applied to the secondary fixation device 5, i.e. its crushing.

[0075] The present invention therefore proposes an apparatus for a motor vehicle comprising a liquid storage and / or circulation module, a support element for supporting said module, at least one primary fixing device for fixing the module to the support element, and at least one secondary fixing device for fixing the module to the support element, such an apparatus advantageously making it possible to eliminate the difference in mass, and thus the change in position, of the module between its empty and liquid-filled configuration, thus protecting said apparatus from premature wear, while being easy to install and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0076] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated herein, but extends to any equivalent means or arrangements and to any technically feasible combination of such means. In particular, the shape and dimensions of the pads or brackets of the primary fixation device may be modified without departing from the invention, provided that they ultimately perform the function described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a liquid storage and / or circulation module (2), in particular a cooling module, a support element (3) for supporting said module (2), at least one primary device (4) for fastening said module (2) to said support element (3), and at least one secondary device (5) for fastening said module (2) to said support element (3), the secondary fixation device (5) is configured to at least partially support the weight of the module (2); the primary fixation device (4) comprises a pad (6) movable relative to the support element (3) between a first stable position and a second stable position, the pad (6) is designed and configured to apply a force to the module (2) from top to bottom along a direction (100) when the pad (6) is moved towards the second stable position, characterized in that the movement distance (K) of the pad (6) along the direction (100) between the first stable position and the second stable position is greater than or equal to the change in position (Δz) of the module (2) relative to the support element (3) along the direction (100) between a configuration in which the module (2) is empty and a configuration in which the module (2) is filled with liquid. Device (1).

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the primary fixing device (4) comprises a guide tab (72) for guiding the pad (6) and at least one fixing tab (71) for fixing to the support element (3), the guide tab (72) comprising at least one guide means (74) for guiding the pad (6) capable of receiving the pad (6), and the fixing tab (71) comprising an opening (73) configured to receive a fixing means (9), in particular a screw.

3. the pad (6) comprises a base (61) configured to extend in contact with the lower edge (75) of the guide means (74); the base (61) comprises at least one flat or substantially flat primary bearing (63) and at least one flat or substantially flat secondary bearing (64) spaced apart from the at least one primary bearing (63) by a height (H) measured along the direction (100) and equal to the movement distance (K) of the pad (6) between the first stable position and the second stable position, the at least one primary bearing (63) and the at least one secondary bearing (64) being connected by a slope (65); 3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lower edge (75) of the guide means (74) is at least partially complementary to the base (61).

4. 4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the inclined surface (65) has an inclination (α) with respect to a plane in which the first bearing (63) can be inscribed, the inclination (α) being between 5° and 75° and defined as a function of the change in position (Δz) of the module (2).

5. 5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the primary fixation device (4) comprises a gripping lever (8) fixedly fitted and attached to the pad (6) so as to enable movement of the pad (6) between the first stable position and the second stable position.

6. 6. The device (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a fitting (91) configured to interfere with the gripping lever (8) when the pad (6) is located in the first stable position.

7. 7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary device (5) is at least partially made of rubber, and the travel distance (K) is further defined as a function of the stiffness of the primary fixation device (4) and / or as a function of the stiffness of the secondary fixation device (5).

8. A motor vehicle equipped with a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for assembling a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: Fixing at least one primary fixation device (4) to an empty liquid storage and / or circulation module (2), and then positioning said module (2) fitted with said at least one primary fixing device (4) relative to a support element (3); and then fixing said at least one primary fixation device (4) to said support element (3), in particular by screwing, and then moving the pads of the primary fixation device (4) from a first stable position to a second stable position so as to apply a force to the module (2) from top to bottom along a direction (100); and then and filling said module (2) with a liquid.

10. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the movement of the pad (6) relative to the module (2) between the first stable position and the second stable position is performed in a rotational movement about a rotation axis (600) parallel or substantially parallel to the direction (100) and in a translational movement along the same direction.

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