FR3099417A1 - MOUNTING ON AN EXTENSION OF AN ENGINE CRADLE EQUIPPING A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY, A COMPRESSOR PARTICIPATING IN A THERMAL EXCHANGE CIRCUIT EQUIPPING THE VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

Mounting on an extension of an engine cradle equipping a motor vehicle body, a compressor participating in a heat exchange circuit equipping the vehicle. The body has an engine compartment (1) inside which are installed at least one electric motor (3) which is mounted on an engine cradle (2) fixed to the body inside the engine compartment (1), and a compressor (7) participating in a heat exchange fluid circuit equipping the vehicle. The compressor (7) is mounted on a lateral extension (5) connecting longitudinally (L1) the engine cradle (2) to a front body element on which the extension (5) is fixed. Figure 1

Description

MOUNTING ON AN EXTENSION OF A MOTOR CRADLE FITTING A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY, A COMPRESSOR PARTICIPATING IN A HEAT EXCHANGE CIRCUIT FITTING THE VEHICLE.

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, the propulsion energy of which is at least partly provided by an electric motor unit. The invention relates more particularly to the relative assembly on the vehicle between an electric motor and a compressor participating in a heat exchange circuit fitted to the vehicle, such as in particular dedicated to an air conditioning system for the passenger compartment of the vehicle. .

Prior art

Among motor vehicles, some of them are equipped with an electric motor unit supplying at least part of the vehicle's propulsive energy. The motorization group comprises at least one electric motor generating the propulsive electric energy of the vehicle. Such vehicles are likely to be equipped with an exclusively electric propulsion engine or a combination of a heat engine and an electric motor.

Furthermore, motor vehicles are commonly equipped with a heat exchange circuit conveying a phase-change coolant. A phase change of the refrigerant fluid modifies its temperature and is conventionally provided by various hydraulic components fitted to the circuit. Such a heat exchange circuit makes it possible to cool components of the vehicle which heat up in operation and/or comprises at least one thermal loop dedicated to conditioning the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Depending on the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the circuit, such hydraulic components include in particular at least one compressor, a main condenser with a condenser/evaporator function cooled by an air flow, a holder and at least one heat exchanger via which the coolant is exploited to provide useful heat exchange to the vehicle.

The problem therefore arises of the installation on the vehicle of the motor and of the compressor. Conventionally, a propulsion engine of a motor vehicle is mounted on an engine cradle fixed to the body of the vehicle inside the engine compartment. The compressor is then mounted on a support which is installed on the powertrain, for example being fixed on the engine or on one of its accessories, such as in particular on a speed reducer fitted to the engine. On this subject, reference may be made, for example, to document US4600367-A- (SANDEN Corp.), which describes such methods of mounting a compressor on a propulsion engine of a motor vehicle.

In this context, it is necessary to take into account various constraints concerning the organization of the powertrain and/or the installation on the body of the vehicle of its various components with respect to each other. Such constraints concern not only the overall architecture of the powertrain and/or its components, but also the possibility of providing passages for an operator allowing their installation inside the engine compartment which is as easy as possible to carry out, especially on a vehicle assembly line.

For example, the engine compartment is often cluttered with various accessories and/or equipment useful to the vehicle, including in particular the compressor, which does not facilitate the installation of the powertrain and/or its components inside the engine compartment.

It is also to be taken into account in the case in particular of an electric powertrain, of the nominal power of the electric motor which must be sufficient to meet the propulsion requirements of the vehicle, which tends to increase its size.

For example again, it is necessary to take into account the securing of the vehicle in the event of an impact, in particular in the event of a frontal impact in the common case where the engine compartment is provided at the front of the vehicle.

An additional constraint concerns the search for a reduction in costs in the context of severe economic competition in the automobile field, which can make a potential solution prohibitive because of the costs incurred which are reflected in the selling price of the vehicle at which customers is sensitive in its act of purchase.

Presentation of the invention

In this context, the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle body providing an engine compartment inside which is installed a compressor, in particular an electric compressor, and an electric powertrain supplying at least part of the propulsion energy of the vehicle. As previously referred to, the compressor participates in a heat exchange circuit and the powertrain comprises in particular at least one electric motor.

The object of the invention is to propose methods of mounting the compressor inside the engine compartment within the framework of the constraints which have just been exposed, considered in isolation or in combination at least two by two.

To define the invention, reference is made to an orthonormal reference commonly used in the automotive field to define a vehicle or the body that it comprises, their components and/or equipment as well as their relative positions. The relative notions, such as for example front and rear are defined according to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle. The relative concepts such as upper and lower or other related concepts such as below and above or overhang and under, are defined according to the vertical extension of the vehicle in elevation from the ground. The relative notions as lateral and/or right and left are defined transversely with respect to the driver in the driving station of the vehicle.

A motor vehicle body according to the invention provides an engine compartment inside which are installed at least one electric motor which is mounted on a motor cradle fixed to the body inside the engine compartment, and a participating compressor a heat exchange fluid circuit fitted to the vehicle.

In this context, the invention is recognizable in that the compressor is mounted on a side extension longitudinally connecting the engine cradle to a front body element on which the extension is fixed.

The compressor is thus separated from the engine for its installation on the body, being placed on the extension and therefore at a transverse distance from the engine towards a lateral side of the body, such as preferably towards its right lateral side. The extension of the engine transversely on the body can be optimized to increase its nominal power and therefore the propulsion capacity of the vehicle by the engine. In addition, the compressor being transversely offset with respect to the engine towards a lateral side of the body, the compressor is protected from frontal shocks that the vehicle is likely to suffer.

According to one embodiment, the compressor is arranged transversely between the engine and a mud shield fitted to the body, being installed on top of the extension to which the compressor is fixed.

More particularly, the engine, the compressor and the mud shield are substantially transversely aligned on the body. This allows, despite the transverse offset of the compressor relative to the engine, to place the compressor at a transverse distance from the engine to facilitate the connection of the compressor to the fluidic circuit. Preferably, the compressor is placed as close as possible to the mudguard, in particular the front right mudguard. The transverse separation distance between the compressor and the fender is less than the separation distance between the compressor and the engine. This makes it possible to avoid cluttering the central space of the engine compartment with the compressor, the availability of which is useful for housing other components of the powertrain, and/or accessories and/or equipment of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the extension incorporates a wheelbase providing a support for mounting the compressor on the extension.

Such a wheelbase extends along a substantially horizontal plane in transverse overflow on either side of the extension. Along its horizontal plane of extension, the wheelbase preferably has a polygonal conformation delimited between a plurality of attachment points of the compressor on the extension, at least a part of said attachment points being transversely distributed on either side of lengthen it.

The polygonal conformation of the wheelbase is in particular a quadrilateral conformation making it possible to consolidate the robust mounting of the compressor on the extension via at least four fixing points, such as a trapezium conformation for example. The compressor is preferably mounted on the wheelbase by being arranged on top of the extension, in vertical interposition between the extension and a stretcher which extends longitudinally substantially overhanging the extension, via which stretcher the cradle- engine is also attached to the front body section.

According to one embodiment, said support comprises at least one set of lugs for fixing the compressor to the extension which extend transversely on either side of the side walls of the extension into which the lugs are integrated, such as by welding or by shaping the extension, for example.

The fixing lugs are for example integrated into the extension by delimiting the wheelbase at least partly between them. It is understood here that the wheelbase is likely to be delimited between said fixing lugs only, or between at least one set of fixing lugs extending transversely on either side of the side walls of the extension and at the at least one fixing point provided directly on a top wall of the extension or in other words excluding transverse overflow with respect to the transverse profile of the extension.

According to one embodiment, at least two tabs longitudinally spaced from each other and integral with the same side wall of the extension, are connected to each other by at least one stiffening rib integrated into lengthen it.

This makes it possible to reinforce the maintenance in conformation of the extension and/or of the supporting wheel base of the compressor. The rib or ribs reinforce the extension both vertically, or in other words according to gravity, and according to the general extension of the wheelbase along its horizontal plane of extension defined longitudinally and transversely.

According to one embodiment, the compressor is fixed to the extension via at least four fixing points which are at least two by two apart transversely and/or longitudinally.

Preferably, vibration dampers are interposed between the extension and the compressor, to decouple the compressor subjected to vibrations in operation with respect to the extension and therefore with respect to the engine cradle.

According to one embodiment, the compressor is fixed to the extension by screwing via vertical extension fixing members which can be maneuvered in rotation from below the extension by an operator.

The fixing of the compressor on the top of the extension makes it possible in particular to facilitate the installation and the fixing by screwing of the compressor on the wheelbase, from the underside of the body by an operator, via studs for example. Such access is in particular devoid of any obstacle, which makes it possible to quickly and easily fix the compressor previously installed on the support on the extension.

According to one embodiment, the shock absorbers are interposed at least in part between the fixing lugs and the compressor, being crossed by the fixing members.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a body according to the invention.

Presentation of figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, in relation to the following figures of the appended plates:

Figure 1 is a partial illustration in perspective and seen from above of an engine compartment formed by a body of a motor vehicle, the engine compartment being seen from the front of the body. The engine compartment houses an engine cradle on which is installed an electric motor for propelling the vehicle, and houses an electric compressor participating in a heat exchange fluid circuit fitted to the vehicle.

Figure 2 is a partial illustration in perspective and seen from above of an extension that comprises the engine cradle shown in Figure 1, the extension being provided with a support for receiving the compressor. The extension and the support with which it is provided are shown seen from the front of the engine compartment.

FIG. 3 is a partial illustration in perspective and seen from below, of the extension shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on which the extension is mounted the compressor via the support with which the extension is provided. The extension and the compressor are shown seen from the rear of the body.

Detailed description of the invention

The figures and their non-limiting detailed descriptions set out the invention according to specific terms which are not restrictive as to the scope of the invention as claimed. The figures and their detailed descriptions of an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be used to better define it, if necessary in relation to the general description which has just been given. The reference numbers assigned to the terms and/or concepts used to describe the invention and indicated in any one of the figures are potentially included in the description of any other figure without implying their presence in all the figures. .

In the figures, a body of a motor vehicle conventionally extends along the three directions of an orthonormal frame, comprising a longitudinal direction L1 extending between the front AV1 and the rear AR1 of the body, a vertical direction Extension V1 in elevation of the body relative to the ground, and a transverse direction T1 extending between the right and left sides D1 G1 of the body.

In FIG. 1, the body provides an engine compartment 1 at the front of the vehicle, which houses an engine cradle 2 on which is mounted an electric motor 3 supplying the propulsive energy of the vehicle. The engine cradle 2 is fixed via stretchers 4 and extensions 5 on a front body element not shown, such as commonly a front facade crosspiece. The stretchers 4 and the extensions 5 extend in longitudinal extension L1 of the engine cradle 2, a stretcher 4 overhanging an extension 5 being arranged on each of the lateral sides of the body, being fixed to the front body element via a plate 6.

The engine compartment 1 also houses a compressor 7 which conventionally participates in a heat exchange fluid circuit fitted to the vehicle and conveying a phase change fluid, for cooling various parts of the vehicle in operation and/or for conditioning the engine. the air in the vehicle cabin.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, the compressor 7 is arranged at a transverse distance T1 from the engine 3 on a lateral side of the body, in particular the right lateral side D1 according to the example illustrated. The compressor 7 is arranged in transverse interposition T1 between the engine 3 and a mud shield 8, being fixed on top of the extension 5 which extends longitudinally L1 to the right lateral side D1 of the body. The compressor 7 is placed in vertical interposition V1 between the stretcher 4 and the extension 5 closest to the mudguard 8, being oriented longitudinally L1 along its main axis of extension A1.

The extension 5 is provided with a support 9 for receiving the compressor 7 which is formed by a wheelbase 10 integrated into the extension 5 having four attachment points 11 of the compressor 7 vertically V1 on the extension 5. The attachment points 11 are distributed over the extension 5 by being arranged at least two by two at a longitudinal distance L1 and/or transverse T1 from each other, or in other words at a longitudinal distance L1 and transverse T1 considered alone or in combination. This gives the wheelbase 10 a polygonal configuration, such as a trapezium conformation according to the example illustrated. It is understood here that the configuration of the wheelbase 10 and/or the distribution of the fixing points 11 are in particular adapted according to the arrangement of the compressor 7.

According to the example illustrated, the support 9 comprises a set of fixing lugs 10a, 10b, 10c which extend transversely T1 on either side of the side walls 5a, 5b of the extension 5, and a support 10d of the compressor 7 directly on top of the extension 5. The fixing points 11 are respectively made at the end of the legs 10a-10c, three in number according to the example illustrated, and in the area of said support 10d of the compressor 7 directly on the above the extension 5.

Two tabs 10a, 10b longitudinally L1 spaced from each other and integral with the same side wall 5a of the extension 5 are connected to each other by a rib 12 for stiffening. The rib 12 is integrated into the extension 5, by welding or by shaping the extension 5 for example, extending longitudinally L1 between the legs 10a, 10b in order in particular to reinforce the resistance of the extension 5 and/or the tabs 10a, 10b against the weight of the compressor 7 which they carry.

The lugs 10a-10c and said support zone 10d each comprise through them passages which are oriented vertically V1 and which are traversed by fixing members 13, in particular studs, via which the compressor 7 is fixed on the extension 5. In Figure 3 the fasteners 13 are provided with a drive member 13a for their rotational operation, which is accessible from below the extension 5. If necessary, the mudguard 8 can include at least one window 13b for the passage of a fixing member 13 through it, in order to allow the positioning and maneuvering of the fixing member 13 from below the extension 5.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, vibration dampers 14 are interfaced between the compressor 7 and the extension 5 to dampen the vibrations to which the compressor 7 is subjected in operation. The dampers 14 are in particular made from an elastomer and are each arranged as a vertical extension cylinder V1. The bottom of each of the cylinders forming the dampers 14 comprises a passage via which the dampers 14 are respectively traversed by the fixing members 13. The recesses of the cylinders forming the dampers 14 are advantageously used for the respective receptions of pads 15 that the compressor 7, which allows an operator to position the compressor 7 on the extension 5 prior to its attachment to the extension 5 via the attachment members 13 that can be operated from below the extension 5.

Claims (10)

- Motor vehicle body providing an engine compartment (1) inside which are installed at least one electric propulsion motor (3) of the vehicle which is mounted on a motor cradle (2) fixed to the body inside the engine compartment (1), and a compressor (7) participating in a heat exchange fluid circuit fitted to the vehicle, characterized in that the compressor (7) is mounted on a lateral extension (5) longitudinally connecting (L1) the cradle -engine (2) to a front body element on which the extension (5) is fixed. 2 . - Body according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressor (7) is arranged transversely (T1) between the engine (3) and a mud shield (8) fitted to the body, being installed on top of the extension (5) to which the compressor (7) is attached. - Body according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the extension (5) incorporates a wheelbase (10) providing a support (9) for mounting the compressor (7) on the extension (5). 4 . - Case according to claim 3, characterized in that said support (9) comprises at least one set of lugs (10a-10c) for fixing the compressor (7) on the extension (5) which extend transversely (T1) on either side of the side walls (5a, 5b) of the extension (5) in which the tabs (10a-10c) are integrated. - Case according to claim 4, characterized in that at least two tabs (10a, 10b) longitudinally (L1) spaced from each other and integral with the same side wall (5a) of the extension (5 ), are connected to each other by at least one stiffening rib (12) integrated into the extension (5). 6 . - Body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the compressor (7) is fixed to the extension (5) via at least four fixing points (11) which are spaced at least two to two apart transversely (T1) and/or longitudinally (L1). 7 . - Body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that vibration dampers (14) are interposed between the extension (5) and the compressor (7). 8 . - Body according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the compressor (7) is fixed on the extension (5) by screwing via fixing members (13) of vertical extension (V1) which are rotatable from below the extension (5) by an operator. 9 . - Body according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the dampers (14) are interposed at least partly between the lugs (10a-10c) for fixing and the compressor (7), being crossed by the fixing members ( 13). 10.- Motor vehicle comprising a body, characterized in that said body is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9.