FR3120093A1 - ELECTRICAL BLOCK SUPPORT INCLUDING A HANGER FOR AN EXHAUST LINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a support (2) for an electric block (3) of a motor vehicle, comprising a bottom plate (2a) intended to receive the electric block (3) and a fixing system (2b) for the support (2 ) to the chassis (1) of the motor vehicle comprising several fixing lugs (4). The support (2) of the electric block (3) comprises a hanger (5) for an exhaust line (6) of the motor vehicle, the hanger (5) being integral with the support (2) of the electric block (3). Figure 1

Description

ELECTRICAL BLOCK SUPPORT INCLUDING A HANGER FOR AN EXHAUST LINE

The technical context of the present invention is that of motor vehicles, and more particularly that of exhaust line fixings. More particularly, the invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical unit support, in particular of the hybrid type, in which a hanger for an exhaust line is provided.

In known manner, an exhaust line comprises a manifold, a catalyst, an expansion pot, a silencer and ducts connecting these elements one after the other, and one end of which is connected to the engine block and another end forms the exhaust gas outlet. In the state of the art, exhaust lines fixed to the chassis of hybrid motor vehicles are known. For this, the exhaust line is fixed at several points on the chassis, these points being distributed over the chassis so that the exhaust line is balanced and maintained from end to end. For this, the exhaust line is generally fixed to the frame using hangers provided in the frame. These lines cooperate with a fixing element integral with the exhaust line.

Due to the presence of a large number of elements fixed under the chassis, including in particular the electrical block of hybrid and electric motor vehicles, the silencer of the exhaust line is arranged at the rear of the chassis and occupies a large part of the width of the chassis. Due to its mass, the silencer needs to be fixed to the motor vehicle by at least three lines. The constraints of size, distribution of the masses, of thermal expansion and the acoustic and vibratory constraints require that one of the lines, called the main line, be mounted close to the longitudinal axis of the hybrid motor vehicle, in the immediate vicinity of the block electric. The other two lines are distributed laterally around the silencer.

However, during an impact at the rear of the hybrid motor vehicle, the muffler of the exhaust line tends to move towards the front of the motor vehicle, in the direction of an electrical unit also fixed under the chassis of the motor vehicle, thus causing the main hanger to strike, deform, or even perforate the support of the electrical block, creating an electrical risk, potentially a short circuit and a risk of fire for the hybrid motor vehicle.

The object of the present invention is to propose a new system for fixing the exhaust line in order to respond at least in large part to the preceding problems and also to lead to other advantages.

Another object of the invention is to propose a system for fixing the motor vehicle exhaust line which is more satisfactory in terms of reducing electrical risks.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing the motor vehicle exhaust line which is universal and configured to adapt to different motor vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing the motor vehicle exhaust line, simple, both from the point of view of its implementation and from the point of view of its manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing the exhaust line of a motor vehicle which is inexpensive, so as to limit the cost of such a system for fixing the exhaust line of a motor vehicle compared to the systems for fixing the exhaust line of existing motor vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing the motor vehicle exhaust line that takes up little space, guaranteeing the compactness and lightness of the motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an electrical unit support of a motor vehicle, the support comprising (i) a bottom plate intended to receive the electrical unit, (ii ) a system for fixing the electrical block support to a frame of the motor vehicle, the fixing system comprising several fixing lugs each comprising a member for fixing to the frame of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the electrical block support comprises a hanger for an exhaust line of the motor vehicle, called an exhaust hanger, the exhaust hanger being integral with the electrical block support.

Such an electrical unit support, providing a hanger for the exhaust line, ensures that no part of the chassis can come and push the electrical unit, in particular in the event of a rear impact. Thus, this solution makes it possible to reduce electrical risks, while being simple to implement, without having to modify the exhaust line.

Such an electrical block support, providing a hanger for the exhaust line, has the advantage of overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above, without having to make significant and costly modifications to the chassis of the motor vehicle. In addition, such an electric block support does not modify the weight of the motor vehicle.

The integral link between the hanger and the electric block support is such that the hanger is fixed to the electric block support or that it is made in one piece with the electric block support. When the hanger is fixed to the support of the electric block, this fixing results from welding, clipping, screwing or the fact that the hanger is engaged by force in the support of the electric block.

The electric unit is for example a high voltage charger for an electric battery, the battery being on board the motor vehicle or a current converter or the on-board battery itself.

Such a support is suitable for supporting and maintaining an electrical block, which implicitly implies that it must be dimensioned and made of a material allowing its interaction with the electrical block.

The electrical block support according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

- the hanger is attached to one of the fixing lugs, called the exhaust hanger connecting lug. The connecting lug has two side flaps located on either side of said connecting lug and which extend in an inclined manner with respect to a front wall of the connecting lug. In other words, the connecting tab comprises a front wall from which two side flaps extend forming an angle with the latter. The angle between each side flap and the front wall is a 90 degree angle. In other words, the connecting lug has two side flaps located on either side of said connecting lug and which extend perpendicularly relative to the front wall of the connecting lug. The connecting tab has an upper flap extending at an angle to the front wall and on the same side as the side flaps. The upper flap is intended to cooperate with the chassis of the motor vehicle in order to fix the electrical unit support to the chassis;

- an upper flap and two side flaps of the connecting bracket together form a housing in which the exhaust hanger is housed. In other words, the connecting tab includes a front wall from which side flaps and a top flap extend to form a housing. Together, the flaps define a peripheral frame of the hanger for the exhaust line;

- the hanger comprises a shock absorber housed in a peripheral frame, the shock absorber being intended to receive an exhaust line fixing rod. The hanger comprises a peripheral frame in which a shock absorber is intended to be fixed. The shock absorber is such that the exhaust line fixing rod is intended to be force-fitted into it;

- the peripheral frame of the hanger is formed by the connection bracket. In other words, the peripheral frame of the hanger is made from one material with the connection bracket. In other words again, the peripheral frame is formed by the side flaps and the upper flap of the connecting tab. In other words again, the shock absorber is firmly fixed to the side flaps and to the upper flap of the connecting bracket, the shock absorber extending in the peripheral frame formed by them;

- the connecting bracket is obtained by bending a sheet forming the bottom plate. In general, the fixing lugs are formed by bending a sheet that also forms the bottom plate of the support. The top flap, side flaps and front wall of the connecting bracket are all formed by bending a single sheet. The electric block support is made of a metallic material, such as for example steel or an aluminum alloy. The exhaust hanger shock absorber is made of an elastic material, such as rubber for example.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is proposed an electrical assembly comprising a support in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or according to any one of its improvements and an electrical block mounted in the support, the electrical block being of the type of a battery charger for a motor vehicle.

According to a first variant embodiment, the electrical block is fixed integrally – in a detachable manner or in a non-removable manner – to the support. According to a second variant embodiment, the electric block is placed on the support and rests on said support by the simple effect of gravity.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is proposed a motor vehicle comprising a chassis, an exhaust line and an electrical assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the exhaust line being fixed to the support of the assembly electric via the hanger of the support. Such a motor vehicle presents a reduction in the risks of damage to the electrical unit due to the presence of the electrical unit support according to the invention, providing a hanger for at least one element of the exhaust line. In addition, in the event of an accident, the risks of fire or electrocution following the accident and the damage to the motor vehicle in accordance with the second aspect of the invention are reduced.

In the motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, the electrical unit support comprises four fixing lugs distributed two by two on either side of a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. Such a distribution of the fixing lugs ensures satisfactory maintenance of the electrical block to the chassis.

In the motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, the fixing lugs of the electrical unit support are distributed two by two asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis

In the motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, the connecting lug of the electrical unit support is one of the fixing lugs proximal to the longitudinal axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to ensure good balancing and maintenance of the exhaust line and in particular of the element, such as the silencer, supported by the electrical block support according to the invention.

The motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention is preferably of the electric or hybrid type.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the various optional characteristics set out here.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent through the description which follows on the one hand, and several embodiments given by way of indication and not limiting with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings on the other hand, on which :

illustrates a partial bottom view of a motor vehicle chassis according to the invention;

illustrates a perspective view of a motor vehicle electrical unit support with an exhaust silencer, the support being in accordance with the invention;

illustrates a perspective view of a hanger for a motor vehicle exhaust line provided in the electrical unit support according to the invention and equipped with a shock absorber.

Of course, the characteristics, the variants and the different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, according to various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from to the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

There shows a rear part of a motor vehicle chassis 1 according to the invention, seen from below. In the remainder of the description, a frame of reference is defined in which a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z are defined. The longitudinal axis x corresponds to the trajectory of the motor vehicle when it is in forward gear, in a straight line and on a flat road. The longitudinal axis corresponds to a direction running from the front to the rear of the motor vehicle, and it is oriented from the front to the rear of the motor vehicle. A longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis x is also defined, the adjectives front, rear or frontal refer to this reference direction, the term length also. The transverse axis y corresponds to the axis about which the wheels of the motor vehicle rotate, and the direction of the axis y is oriented from the passenger side to the driver's side, in the non-Anglo-Saxon standard. We also define a transverse direction parallel to the transverse axis y, and the adjectives lateral or transverse refer to this reference direction, the term width also. The vertical axis z is an axis perpendicular simultaneously to the x and y axes and which is oriented from the floor of the motor vehicle towards its roof, the upper and lower adjectives refer to this reference direction, the term height also.

There shows a support 2 for an electric block 3 of a motor vehicle, the support 2 comprising a bottom plate 2a covering at least part of the electric block 3 and a system 2b for fixing the support 2 to the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle. The bottom plate 2a is perforated here, but could be provided full, that is to say completely covering the electrical block 3, as shown in the .

In accordance with its second aspect, the invention addresses an electrical assembly 12 comprising the support 2 and the electrical unit 3 mounted in the support 2, the electrical unit being of the type of a battery charger for a motor vehicle. The electrical assembly 12 is shown in dotted lines on the .

On the , the fixing system 2b comprises several fixing lugs 4 each comprising a fixing member 4a to the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle. More precisely, the fixing system 2b of the support 2 of the electrical block 3 comprises four fixing lugs 4 distributed two by two on either side of a longitudinal axis L of the support 2. When the support 2 is mounted on the chassis 1, the four fixing lugs 4 are distributed two by two on either side of a median longitudinal axis M of the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle. The median longitudinal axis M divides the chassis 1, and therefore the motor vehicle, along its length along the x axis, into two parts, and passes through a center of the chassis 1. It should be noted that the fixing lugs 4 are distributed two by two asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L or the median longitudinal axis M.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the fixing member 4a is a through hole, made in an upper part of the tab 4 coming into contact with the frame 1. Any other member for fixing the tab 4 to the frame could be suitable, we can for example cite a weld or a hook.

According to the present invention, the support 2 of the electric unit 3 comprises a hanger 5 for an exhaust line 6 of the motor vehicle, the hanger 5 being integral with the support 2 of the electric block 3. Such a support 2 of the electric block 3, sparing a hanger 5 for the exhaust line 6 ensures that no element of the chassis comes to drive the support 2 of the electric unit 3, in particular in the event of a rear impact. Thus, this solution makes it possible to reduce the electrical risks, while being simple to implement, without having to modify the exhaust line 6 or the chassis 1.

The electrical unit 3 makes it possible to supply electrical energy contributing to the mobility of the motor vehicle. This electrical energy is used to replace or support the thermal part of the motor vehicle, which is why the motor vehicle is called hybrid. Indeed, in the sense that the motor vehicle is mobile using two types of energy, electric and thermal, it is said to be hybrid. The electric block 3 is for example a high voltage charger for an electric battery on board the motor vehicle. According to other examples, the electric block 3 is a current converter or an on-board battery.

The exhaust line 6 of the motor vehicle comprises at least one manifold, one catalyst, one expansion pot, one silencer 6a and ducts 6b connecting these elements one after the other, with one end connected to the engine block and one other end being the exit 6c of the exhaust gases. The silencer 6a is held to the frame 1 by at least three lines 5, only one of which is integral with the support 2 and visible on the . Of course, the various embodiments illustrated in the figures relate to the fixing of the silencer 6a to the support 2 of the electrical block 3, but it is quite possible that the support 2 according to the invention maintains another element of the line of exhaust 6 of the motor vehicle.

The electrical unit 3 and its support 2 are located on the rear half of the motor vehicle, that is to say between the central crosspiece 1a of the chassis 1 and the rear bumper 7. According to the example illustrated, the electrical unit 3 and its support 2 are arranged so that the longest side of the electrical unit 3 extends along the transverse direction y of the motor vehicle. The silencer 6a is for its part located between the support 2 of the electrical unit 3 and the rear bumper 7 of the motor vehicle. The silencer 6a is here arranged over the entire width of the motor vehicle, along the transverse axis y. Due to its position on the chassis 1, the support 2 has an architecture allowing it not to impact the endurance and vibration constraints of the motor vehicle.

The fixed link between the hanger 5 and the support 2 of the electric block 3 means that the hanger 5 is fixed to the support 2 of the electric block 3 or that it is made in one piece with the support 2 of the electric block 3. When the hanger 5 is fixed to the support 2 of the electric block 3, this fixing results from welding, from clipping or else from the fact that the hanger 5 is engaged by force in the support 2 of the electric block 3. More particularly, the hanger 5 is solidly fixed to one of the fixing lugs 4 of the support 2 to the frame 1. This lug 4 is then called the connecting lug 4b of the hanger 5.

It should be noted that the connecting lug 4b chosen is the lug 4 of the support 2 located closest to the median longitudinal axis M of the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle. In other words, the connecting lug 4b of the support 2 of the electrical block 3 is one of the fixing lugs 4, as close as possible, that is to say proximal to the median longitudinal axis M. This in particular makes it possible to ensure the balancing and the correct distribution of the masses of the exhaust line 6, in particular of the silencer 6a. Furthermore, the connecting lug 4b is the fixing lug 4 located at one end of the electric block 3, which allows in the event of a rear impact that the fixing rod 8 does not impact a central zone of the electric block 3.

According to an exemplary embodiment, detailed below, the connecting lug 4b is dimensioned and reinforced so as not to break in the event of a rear impact, while making it possible to block the advance of the fixing rod 8 in order to prevent it does not impact the electric block 3.

There shows in perspective the support 2, in which the bottom plate 2a is solid, as well as the silencer 6a. To facilitate understanding of the invention, the electrical unit 3 has not been shown.

It can be seen that the connecting tab 4b has two side flaps 4c located on either side of the connecting tab 4b and each side flap 4c extends in an inclined manner relative to the front wall 4e of the connecting tab 4b. In other words, the connecting tab 4b comprises a front wall 4e, at least one side flap 4c, preferably two side flaps 4c, and the side flaps 4c extend from the front wall 4e forming an angle with the latter . According to the example illustrated, the angle between each side flap 4c and the front wall 4e is an angle of substantially 90 degrees. In other words, the connecting tab 4b comprises two side flaps 4c located on either side of the front wall 4th and which extend perpendicularly with respect to this front wall 4th. Of course, the angle is adjustable, depending on the model or the desired accessibility.

The connection lug 4b comprises an upper flap 4d, extending in an inclined manner with respect to the front wall 4 ^e , and extending in the same direction (x) as the side flaps 4c. According to the example illustrated, the angle between the upper flap 4d and the front wall 4e is an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The upper flap 4d is intended to cooperate with the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle in order to fix the support 2 of the electrical block 3 to the chassis 1. According to the example illustrated, the upper flap 4d comprises a fixing member 4a in the form of a through hole .

The upper flap 4d and the side flaps 4c of the connecting tab 4b together form a housing 9 in which the hanger 5 of the exhaust is housed. In other words, the connecting tab 4b comprises a front wall 4e from which side flaps 4c and an upper flap 4d extend so as to form a housing 9a.

More particularly, the connecting lug 4b is obtained by bending a sheet forming the bottom plate 2a. In general, all the fixing lugs 4 are formed by bending a sheet forming, moreover, the bottom plate 2a of the support 2. Preferably, the upper flap 4d, the side flaps 4c and the front wall 4th of the connecting tab 4b are all formed by bending a single sheet. It should be noted that the support 2 of the electric block 3 is formed of a metallic material, such as for example steel or an aluminum alloy.

In the case where it is desired to reinforce the connecting lug 4b, the front wall 4e is made of a plate that is thicker and/or more resistant to shocks than the side flaps 4c and the upper flap 4d. The possible reinforcement of the connecting lug 4b of the support 2 is compensated, in terms of weight, by the elimination of a fixing element to the frame 1. Thus, such a support 2 of the electrical block 3 does not modify the weight of the motor vehicle.

On the , the hanger 5 is shown schematically. In order to fix the silencer 6a to the hanger 5, a fixing rod 8 of the exhaust line 6 is fixed by its first end 8a to the silencer 6a and engages in the hanger 5 by its second end 8b, opposite to the first end 8a.

This fixing rod 8 is most of the time welded to the silencer 6a, but there are variant embodiments in which the fixing rod 8 consists of a collar 8a surrounding a part of the exhaust line 6, for example the silencer 6a , and one free end 8b of which engages in the hanger 5. There is also a variant embodiment, in which the fixing rod 8 comprises a first end 8a clipping onto a part of the exhaust line 6, for example the silencer 6a, and a second end 8b engaging in the hanger 5. In all cases, this fixing rod 8 comprises a first end 8a cooperating with a part of the exhaust line 6, such as the silencer 6a, and a second end 8b engaging, generally by force, in the hanger 5.

As illustrated in , the hanger 5 comprises a peripheral frame 10 in which a shock absorber 11 is intended to be fixed. In other words, the shock absorber 11 extends into the housing 9 formed by the flaps 4c, 4d of the connecting lug 4b. The shock absorber is connected, or fixed integrally, to the side flaps 4c and to the upper flap 4d of the connecting tab 4b, indirectly.

The shock absorber 11 is such that the fixing rod 8 of the exhaust line 6 is forcefully engaged therein. The shock absorber 11 constitutes a piece of equipment for the hanger 5. The shock absorber 11 makes it possible to damp the vibrations of the exhaust line 6, in particular of the silencer 6a, and not to transmit them to the chassis 1. This participates in the reduction of vibration and acoustic transmissions to the chassis 1 and therefore to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The shock absorber 11 of the exhaust hanger 5 is made of an elastic material, such as for example a rubber. This elastic material is such that it supports thermal expansion without losing its vibration reduction and sound reduction performance.

As seen on the , the side 4c and upper 4d flaps make it possible to support the peripheral frame 10 of the hanger 5 for the exhaust line 6, in particular using spacers 10a. The spacers 10a are made in one piece with the flaps 4c, 4d and the peripheral frame 10 or are fixed to the flaps 4c, 4d and/or to the peripheral frame 10. When the spacers 10a are fixed to the flaps 4c, 4d of the connecting tab 4b, this attachment results from welding, clipping, screwing or else from the fact that the peripheral frame 10 and the spacers 10a are engaged by force in the housing 9. According to the example illustrated, the peripheral frame 10 is held in the housing 9 by means of four spacers 10a distributed angularly in a uniform manner.

According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral frame 10 of the hanger 5 is formed by the connecting tab 4b. In other words, the peripheral frame 10 of the hanger 5 is made in one piece with the connection lug 4b. In other words again, the peripheral frame 10 is formed by the side flaps 4c and the upper flap 4d of the connecting tab 4b. In other words again, the spacers 10a and the peripheral frame 10 are made in one piece with the connecting lug 4b and more particularly with the side flaps 4c and the upper flap 4d of the connecting lug 4b, but not with the front wall 4e.

The peripheral frame 10 is located at a distance from the front wall 4e of the connecting lug 4b. In other words, the peripheral frame 10 of the hanger 5 is not in contact with or attached to the front wall 4e of the connection lug 4b. This distance makes it possible to ensure that in normal operation, the fixing rod 8 does not impact the support 2 of the electric unit 3, in particular in the event of violent braking of the motor vehicle which would possibly cause a displacement of the silencer 6a towards the front of the motor vehicle.

In summary, the invention relates to a support 2 for an electrical unit 3 of a motor vehicle, comprising a bottom plate 2a intended to receive the electrical unit 3 and a system 2b for fixing the support 2 to the chassis 1 of the motor vehicle comprising several mounting brackets. The support 2 of the electrical block 3 comprises a hanger 5 for an exhaust line 6 of the motor vehicle, the hanger 5 being integral with the support 2 of the electric block 3.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims (10)

Support (2) for an electrical block (3) of a motor vehicle, the support (2) comprising:
- a bottom plate (2a) intended to receive the electrical block (3);
- a fixing system (2b) of the support (2) of the electrical block (3) to a chassis (1) of the motor vehicle, the fixing system (2b) comprising several fixing lugs (4) each comprising a fixing member (4a) to the chassis (1) of the motor vehicle;
characterized in that the support (2) of the electrical block (3) comprises a hanger (5) for an exhaust line (6) of the motor vehicle, called the exhaust hanger (5), the hanger (5) of exhaust being integral with the support (2) of the electrical block (3). Support (2) for an electrical unit (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the hanger (5) is fixed integrally to one of the fixing lugs (4), called the connecting lug (4b) of the hanger (5) exhaust. Support (2) for the electrical unit (3) according to the preceding claim, in which an upper flap (4d) and two side flaps (4c) of the connection lug (4b) together form a housing (9) in which the exhaust hanger (5). Support (2) for an electrical unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hanger (5) comprises a shock absorber (11) housed in a peripheral frame (10), the shock absorber (11 ) being intended to receive a fixing rod (8) of the exhaust line (6). Support (2) for the electrical block (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the peripheral frame (10) of the hanger (5) is formed by the connection lug (4b). Support (2) for an electrical unit (3) according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, in which the connecting lug (4b) is obtained by bending a sheet forming the bottom plate (2a). Electrical assembly (12) comprising a support (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and an electrical unit (3) mounted in the support (2), the electrical unit being of the type of a battery charger for a motor vehicle. Motor vehicle comprising a chassis (1), an exhaust line (6) and an electrical assembly (12) according to the preceding claim, the exhaust line (6) being fixed to the support (2) of the electrical assembly ( 12) via the hanger (5) of the support (2). Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, in which the support (2) of the electrical block (3) comprises four fixing lugs (4) distributed two by two on either side of a longitudinal axis (L, M) of the vehicle automobile, the lugs (4) for fixing the support (2) of the electrical block (3) being distributed in pairs asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (L, M). Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, taken in combination with the support (2) according to claim 2, in which the connection lug (4b) of the support (2) of the electrical unit (3) is one of the fixing lugs (4) proximal to the longitudinal axis (L, M).