WO2024079088A1

WO2024079088A1 - Arrangement for fixing a breather in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2024079088A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/077987
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armand GHIRARDINI; Christophe SMONDACK
Original assignee: Renault S.A.S.
Priority date: 2022-10-10
Filing date: 2023-10-10
Publication date: 2024-04-18
Also published as: FR3140659A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for fixing a breather (2) of a gearbox (3) of a vehicle (100) comprising at least an engine (4), a gearbox (3), a breather (2) connected to said gearbox (3), and a first element (5) and a second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100), which are separate from each other, the arrangement (1) further comprising at least three points for fixing the breather (2), these being formed successively on the engine (4), the first element (5) of the front structure and the second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100), at least one fixing point being configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations and/or stresses from the engine (4) along the breather (2).

Description

TITLE: Arrangement for fixing a breather in a vehicle

The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a gearbox breather in a vehicle, particularly in the front structure of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an arrangement. The invention finally relates to a method of mounting an arrangement according to the invention.

In the automotive environment, the front structure of vehicles, and more particularly the engine compartment, is subject to numerous spatial constraints so that the space available for the installation of new components or the rearrangement of classic components is reduced. Such a problem is particularly present with the evolution of vehicles from traditional engines, with thermal engines, to electric or hybrid engines.

Conventionally, in order to balance the pressure inside a gearbox housing it is necessary to integrate a vent, also called a “breather”. A breather includes in particular a valve systematically causing an entry of air into an environment where a depression occurs. In order to ensure proper operation of such a breather, it must be implemented under specific conditions. In particular, in order to prevent the entry of foreign bodies into the housing, or casing, of the gearbox, such as dust and/or insects, it is known to equip the breather with a protective cap. Also, to avoid water intrusion, particularly in countries subject to the risk of monsoon, the breather outlet must conventionally be installed at a height, that is to say at a vertical position relative to the ground, predefined and suitable. In the case of thermal vehicles, the thermal engines have a vertical footprint allowing vertical installation at more or less suitable heights, the gearbox breather can then simply be fixed on the housing of the thermal engine. Such a principle cannot nevertheless be transposed to electric vehicles, on the one hand due to the smaller vertical dimensions of electric motors and on the other hand due to the different dimensions of the front structure of the vehicle, for example the presence of a crosspiece or beam extending across the engine compartment, making it impossible to raise a breather from the electric motor housing, that is to say vertically to the electric motor.

The present invention fits into this context and aims to propose an arrangement allowing installation of the breather at a suitable height as well as making it possible to meet predefined sealing constraints. The present invention also aims to propose an arrangement that can be implemented at lower cost and which is simple to install within the vehicle.

The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a gearbox breather of a vehicle, the arrangement comprising at least one engine, a gearbox, a breather connected to said gearbox and comprising a tube including a free end forms an air inlet, a first element and a second element of the front structure of the vehicle, distinct from each other, the arrangement further comprising at least:

- a first point of attachment of the tubing, made on a motor housing

- a second point of attachment of the tubing made on the first element of the front structure, fixed relative to said first element, and a third point of attachment of the tubing made on a tongue included in a rectilinear portion of the second element of the front structure , At minus the second fixing point being configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations and/or stresses from the engine to the free end of the tubing and the second fixing point being interposed between the first fixing point and the third fixing point fixation.

The first fixing point can be made at the level of a removable multifunction fixing bracket, attached to the motor housing, configured to hold at least one cable or pipe, in particular an electrical power cable of the vehicle.

In particular, the tongue and the second element of the front structure of the vehicle can form a one-piece assembly. Optionally, the tongue may comprise at least one reinforcement and/or an oblong orifice capable of receiving a body for fixing the breather, such as a clip or a staple.

The breather may also include a cover equipped with a filter placed on the free end of the tubing, the third fixing point being able to be made at said cover.

In particular, the second element of the front structure of the vehicle can be an element of the frame of the technical front of the vehicle or a supply chute of a window washer tank.

The first element of the front structure of the vehicle can be a nozzle of a fan placed on the front of the vehicle or a fixed element of the body structure, such as a spar.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a vehicle with an electric motor, comprising an arrangement according to the invention. In particular, within said vehicle, the free end of the breather tube can be arranged at a height, defined along the vertical direction, greater than or equal to 650mm, or even 670mm relative to a ground on which the vehicle rests (100 ).

The invention finally relates to a method of assembling an arrangement according to the invention, comprising successively:

- fitting the breather tube onto the gearbox;

- fixing the first attachment point of the tubing on the motor housing;

- fixing the second attachment point of the tubing on the first element of the front structure of the vehicle;

- fixing the third attachment point of the tubing to the second element of the front structure of the vehicle.

Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for information only and not limitation, in relation to the different examples of embodiment illustrated in the following figure:

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for fixing a gearbox breather produced according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective representation of a breather attachment point installed on a window washer chute.

Figure 4 is a perspective representation of the fixing point of the breather implemented on the window washer chute.

Figure 5 is a simplified schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the gearbox breather fixing arrangement produced according to a second embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic top view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement 1 for fixing a breather 2 of a gearbox 3 within a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle, such an arrangement 1 being arranged at the level of the structure front of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 considered is particularly a motor vehicle with an electric motor. Alternatively, arrangement 1 according to the invention can be applied mutatis mutandis to vehicles 100 with a thermal engine comprising a thermal engine or to vehicles 100 with a hybrid engine comprising a thermal engine and at least one propulsion battery, also referred to as motor skills battery. The vehicle 100 considered may, for example, be a private vehicle or a utility vehicle.

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate different examples and embodiments of arrangement 1 according to the invention. By convention in the description below, the direction in which the automobile vehicle 100 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions The terms “high” and “low” or “upper” and “lower” are understood in their general sense, the terms “low” and “lower” designating greater proximity to the ground. Also, the terms “first”, “second” are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements. In general, the arrangement 1 according to the invention comprises at least one motor 4, for example an electric motor 4, a gearbox 3, a breather 2 connected to said gearbox 3, a first element 5 and a second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100, distinct from each other.

The breather 2 is a valve system configured to allow air to enter into an environment where a depression occurs, in this case in the gearbox 3. The breather 2 comprises a tube 21, which is connected to the box speeds 3 at a first end. A second, free end of said tubing 21 comprises an air inlet.

The arrangement 1 according to the invention particularly comprises at least three distinct fixing points arranged along the tubing 21. By “fixing point” is meant a fixing interface between the breather 2, in particular the tubing 21, a member of fixing 7 as further explained below and a component serving as a support for said fixing member 7. At least one of said points is particularly configured in order to prevent the transmission of vibrations and/or stresses coming from the motor 4 up to the free end of the tubing 21. In particular, at least two fixing points are configured in order to prevent the transmission of such vibrations and/or stresses. Indeed, during the operation of the vehicle 100, for example in the driving phase, the accelerations and decelerations of the motor 4 result in movements and vibrations thereof. As illustrated in Figure 1 with the representations in dotted lines, the tube 21 of the breather 2 is then stressed by the movements of the motor 4 and the vibrations are transmitted to it. The fixing points described below are particularly intended to prevent such a phenomenon.

The tubing 21 has a structure that is at least partly curved, in particular at least partly “S-shaped”. The tubing 21 includes, in in addition, at least one rectilinear part at which one of the fixing points is implemented. Particularly, the tubing 21 comprises at least as many rectilinear parts as the arrangement 1 comprises fixing points, each fixing point being implemented at one of said rectilinear parts. In this case, in the example illustrated, the arrangement 1 comprises three fixing points and the tube 21 comprises three rectilinear parts.

The arrangement 1 comprises a first point 81 for fixing the tubing 21, made on a housing of the motor 4. In particular the first point 81 for fixing is made at the level of a removable fixing tab 8, attached to the motor housing 4. In particular, the tab 8, and by extension the first fixing point 81, is fixed relative to the motor 4. Preferably, the fixing tab 8 is made of a metallic material. The tubing 21 is connected to the fixing tab 8 via a fixing member 7. The fixing member 7 can in particular be a staple or a clip. Conventionally, the fixing member 7 can, for example, have two curved and articulated arms, said arms being able to close around the tubing 21 of the breather 2. Alternatively, the fixing member 7 can comprise a ring .

Advantageously, preferably, the fixing tab 8 can be a multifunction fixing tab 8 configured to hold at least one cable or pipe. For example, the fixing tab 8 can be configured to hold an electrical power cable of the vehicle 100, in particular a 12V electrical cable supplying a utility battery. The fixing tab 8 being mounted on the housing of the motor 4, it is subject to vibrations and movements.

At least a second point 82 for fixing the tube 21 is made on the first element 5 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 and a third point 83 for fixing the tube 21 is made on the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100.

In particular, the second fixing point 82 is a fixed point relative to the front structure of the vehicle 100. By "a fixed point" is meant a point which is not moved, in particular which is not moved with the engine 4 when it is in operation as explained above. In particular, such a fixed point aims to limit the transmission of vibrations and stresses along at least part of the tubing 21. In this sense, the second fixing point 82 is made at a part of the front structure sufficiently solid not to be moved or torn off in the event of extreme stress on the engine 4.

The second fixing point 82 is arranged so as to be interposed between the first fixing point 81 and the free end of the tube 21. The second fixing point 82 is produced via a fixing member 7 such as explained previously, directly mounted on the first element 5 of the front structure. By “directly” we mean that the fixing member 7 is directly mounted on the first element 5, without any other intermediary. For example, the fixing member 7 can be clipped or screwed at a threaded hole included in the first front structural element 5.

The first point 81 and second fixing point 82 thus virtually delimit three distinct segments of the tubing 21 of the breather 2. Here, the term “segment” means a portion of a whole, in this case a portion of the tubing 21. first segment 210 of the tubing 21 is fitted without a fixing collar onto a connection 11 of the gearbox housing 3 and held at the level of the first fixing point 81. This first segment 210 is fixed, or substantially fixed, with the gearbox 3, that is to say relative to the gearbox 3. In other words, in the rolling phase, the first segment 210 can be caused to be moved concomitantly with the gearbox 3 depending on the accelerations and decelerations of the engine 4. It is thus not moved relative to the engine 4 but can be moved relative to at least part of the front structure of the vehicle, in particular relative to the first element 5 and/or to the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100. The first fixing point 81 thus has the function of intermediate fixing of the tube 21 intended to limit or prevent vibrations or stresses of the first segment 210 so as to prevent any tearing of the tubing 21 from the connection 11.

The first point 81 and the second fixing point 82 delimit a second segment 211 of the tubing 21. The second segment 211 can, as explained previously, be subjected to vibrations and stresses. Examples of movements of the second segment 211 are illustrated in particular in dotted lines in Figure 1. The second segment 211 extends only over part of the length of the tubing 21, the movement observed, that is to say the The amplitude of the movements of said segment due to the vibrations and stresses of the motor 4 is limited.

A third segment 212 is delimited by the second fixing point 82 on the one hand and the free end of the tubing 21 on the other hand. The third segment 212 notably comprises the third fixing point 83. The third segment 212 is fixed or substantially fixed relative to the front structure of the vehicle, in particular relative to the first element 5 and/or the second element 6 of the front structure, that is to say it is little or even not , subject to vibrations and stresses of the motor 4, in particular due to the installation of the second fixing point 82.

The second segment 211 of the tube 21 thus extends within the front structure in order to reach the fixed point formed by the first element 5 of the front structure. The second segment 211 can extend in particular along the longitudinal direction X and/or along the transverse direction Y. The second segment 211 can also rise in height, along the vertical direction Z.

Conversely, the third segment 212 of the tubing 21 extends essentially, that is to say mostly or mainly, along the vertical direction Z until the free end of the tubing 21 reaches a suitable, predefined height. The third segment 212 can also extend at least partly along the longitudinal direction X and/or along the transverse direction Y.

The arrangement according to the invention advantageously allows positioning of the free end of the tube 21 at any type of height required and in particular at high heights greater than 600mm, relative to the ground when the arrangement 1 is equipped within the vehicle , thanks to the solid and resistant fixing implemented.

According to a first embodiment of the second fixing point 82, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first element 5 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 can thus be a nozzle of a fan 51 placed on the front face of the vehicle 100.

According to a second embodiment of the second fixing point 82, not shown, the first element 5 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 can be a fixed element of the body structure, such as a spar or a crossmember.

Note that, according to exemplary embodiments not shown, the arrangement 1 according to the invention may comprise a plurality of second fixing points 82, fixed, as explained previously, arranged between the first fixing point 81 and the third fixing point 83. The plurality of second fixing points 82 can advantageously be produced according to the first embodiment and/or according to the second embodiment.

The third fixing point 83, arranged on the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100, is produced via a tongue 9 included in a rectilinear portion 61 of the second element 6 of the front structure. In other words, at least one implantation zone of the tongue 9, corresponding to a connection zone between the second front structural element 6 and the tongue 9, is rectilinear.

Similar to the second fixing point 82, the third fixing point 83 can optionally be configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations and/or stresses from the motor 4 to the free end of the tubing 21. In particular, the third point 83 fixing can be fixed relative to the second element 6 of the front structure. The third fixing point 83 is arranged so that the second fixing point 82 is interposed between the first fixing point 81 and the third fixing point 83 along the tubing 21.

Advantageously, within arrangement 1 according to the invention, the tongue 9 and the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 can form a single-piece assembly. By "one-piece assembly" is meant that the tongue 9 and at least part of the second element 6 of the front structure are made in one piece so that they cannot be separated from each other without resulting in the degradation, even destruction, of one or the other.

The tubing 21 is fixed on the tongue 9 at the third fixing point 83 by means of a fixing member 7 similar to what has been explained previously, such as a staple or a clip. According to a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, which can be implemented with the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the second fixing point 82 explained previously, the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 is an element of the frame of the technical front face of the vehicle 100. By element of the frame of the technical front face is meant a part of a chassis frame defining the technical front face of the vehicle 100. Such a frame is, in classic, made from a combination of plastic materials and metal materials. In this case, preferably, the tongue 9 and a portion of the frame made of a plastic material form a single piece assembly.

The tongue 9 extends here horizontally, or substantially horizontally. For example, the tongue 9 can come from a longitudinal member of the vehicle 100 and extend towards the engine compartment 4. The tongue 9 can in particular comprise a flat portion comprising an orifice 91 capable of receiving the fixing member 7. By example, the orifice 91 can be an oblong orifice 91. The tongue 9 may also include a reinforcement 92 extending transversely to the flat portion of the tongue 9 and configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the tongue 9 and, by extension, the good holding of the tubing 21.

According to a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, which can be implemented with the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the second fixing point 82 explained previously, the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 is a feed chute 62 for a window washer tank. Conventionally, such a chute 62 extends at least partly along the vertical direction. As explained above, the chute 62 comprises at least one rectilinear portion 61 at which the tongue 9 is arranged. The chute 62 can advantageously be made from a plastic material by molding or injection. In this way, the tongue 9 can be overmolded on any type of chute 62 at the rectilinear portion 61 of said chute 62, without it being necessary to adapt said chute.

In such an embodiment, the tongue 9 extends vertically, or substantially vertically. Preferably, when the arrangement 1 according to the invention is arranged within the vehicle 100, the tongue 9 can be arranged in front of the chute 62. In other words, the chute 62 can be interposed between the chute 62 and the face technical front, or even the first element 5 of the front structure, along the longitudinal direction Optionally, said orifice 91 can be oblong. The tongue 9 may also include a reinforcement 92 extending transversely to the flat portion.

Optionally but preferentially, the breather 2 further comprises a cover 10 disposed on the free end of the tube 21. In particular, said cover 10 is attached and mounted on the free end of the tube 21. Particularly, the cover 10 includes a filter aimed at preventing the entry of particles and dust into the tubing 21.

When the breather 2 comprises such a cover 10, the third fixing point 83 is made at said cover 10. The fixing member 7 implemented at the third fixing point 83 then cooperates with the cover 10, which surrounds the tubing 21. The cover 10 as illustrated has an upper end part 101, free, and a lower end part 102. The configuration member cooperates with an intermediate portion of the cover 10, included between the upper end part 101 and the lower extreme part 102. The free end of the tubing 21, not visible, then extends in a space delimited by the cover 10, between the upper end part 101 and the lower end part 102.

In particular, the cover 10 may comprise a rib 103 extending over all or part of the periphery of the intermediate part of the cover 10 and configured to form a stop for the fixing member 7 along at least one direction, especially along the vertical direction Z.

When the breather 2 comprises such a cover 10, at least the free end of the tube 21 is arranged at the desired, predefined height, all or part of the cover 10 then being able to have a vertical positioning greater than such a height.

The arrangement 1 according to the invention thus advantageously makes it possible to integrate the resistant fixing tab 9 into existing references fitted to the vehicle 100 at a lower cost. The fixing carried out, in a plurality of fixing points, is adapted to significant stresses and vibrations of the motor 4. The arrangement 1 also makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the breather 2, as explained below with reference to the method assembly according to the invention, eliminating the need to integrate multiple support or fixing parts attached.

When integrated within the vehicle 100, the arrangement 1 according to the invention advantageously allows the free end of the tube 21 of the breather 2 to be arranged at a height, defined along the vertical direction, predefined and adapted. Particularly, in order to ensure optimal sealing of the tubing 21, particularly when used in tropical countries, the free end of the tubing 21 is arranged at a height, relative to a ground on which the vehicle 100 rests, greater than or equal to 650mm, or even greater than or equal to 670mm. When the tube 21 is equipped with a cover 10 as explained above, the vertical positioning of the tube 21 can be achieved as a function of the free end of the tube 21 and/or as a function of the position of the cover 10 For example, the lower end part 102 of the cover 10 can have a positioning, along the vertical direction Z, at a predefined desired height, for example a height greater than or equal to 650mm, or even greater than or equal to 670mm. The third fixing point 83, corresponding to the zone of cooperation between the breather 2 and the fixing member 7, thus has a vertical position strictly greater than the targeted, predefined height. In this case, the third fixing point 83, in particular the fixing member 7, extends to a height strictly greater than 650mm, or even strictly greater than 670mm relative to the ground, for example of the order of 690mm.

The present invention also relates to a method of mounting an arrangement 1 as explained previously. Said method initially comprises fitting the tubing 21, particularly the first end of the tubing 21, of the breather 2 onto the housing of the gearbox 3. The first point 81 for fixing the tubing 21 is then fixed to the motor housing 4 via the attached removable tab 8. For example, breather 2 can be clipped onto tab 8.

In particular, the electrical wiring of at least one electrical power cable can be maintained on this same tab 8. The breather 2 is then placed in a waiting position on the motor 4. Then, the fixing of the second point 82 of fixing of the tube 21 is implemented on the first element 5 of the front structure of the vehicle 100. Finally, the fixing of the third point 83 for fixing the tube 21 is carried out on the second element 6 of the front structure of the vehicle 100 Preferably, the various fixings can be made by clipping. The present invention thus proposes an arrangement for fixing a gearbox breather making it possible to limit, or even prevent, the propagation of vibrations and stresses coming from the engine over the entire breather tube. The arrangement ensures solid and resistant fixing at varying heights on elements conventionally fitted to vehicles. Also, the invention is suitable for use in electric vehicles, which are conventionally unsuitable for positioning the breathers at a high height. The invention also advantageously allows a limitation of references and a reduction of costs by the use of existing elements in the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention allows simplified assembly and handling by limiting the number of references involved in the front structure of the vehicle.

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

Claims

1. Arrangement (1) for attaching a breather

(2) gearbox

(3) of a vehicle (100), the arrangement (1) comprising at least one engine (4), a gearbox (3), a breather (2) connected to said gearbox (3) and comprising a tube (21) of which a free end forms an air inlet, a first element (5) and a second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100), distinct from each other, the arrangement (1) comprising, in addition, at least:

- a first point (81) for fixing the tubing (21), made on a motor housing (4);

- a second point (82) for fixing the tubing (21) made on the first element (5) of the front structure, fixed relative to said first element (5), and a third point (83) for fixing the tubing ( 21) made on a tongue (9) included in a rectilinear portion (61) of the second element (6) of the front structure, at least the second fixing point (82) being configured to prevent the transmission of vibrations and/or stresses coming from the engine (4) to the free end of the tubing (21) and the second fixing point (82) being interposed between the first fixing point (81) and the third fixing point (83).

2. Arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first fixing point (81) is made at the level of a removable multifunction fixing tab (8), attached to the motor housing

(4), configured to hold at least one cable or pipe, in particular an electrical power cable of the vehicle (100).

3. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (9) and the second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100) forming a single piece assembly. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tongue (9) comprises at least one reinforcement (92) and/or an oblong orifice (91) capable of receiving a fixing member (7) of the breather (2 ), such as a clip or staple. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the breather (2) further comprises a cover (10) equipped with a filter arranged on the free end of the tube (21), the third point (83) for fixing being made at the level of said cover (10). Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100) is an element of the frame of the technical front face of the vehicle (100) or a chute (62) supply to a window washer tank. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first element (5) of the front structure of the vehicle (100) is a nozzle of a fan (51) arranged on the front face of the vehicle (100) or a fixed element of the body structure, such as a spar. Motor vehicle (100), in particular vehicle (100) with electric motor, comprising an arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the free end of the tube (21) of the breather (2) is arranged at a height, defined along the vertical direction, greater than or equal to 650mm, or even 670mm relatively to a ground on which the vehicle (100) rests. Method of assembling an arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising successively:

- fitting the tube (21) of the breather (2) onto the gearbox (3);

- fixing the first point (81) for fixing the tubing (21) on the motor housing (4);

- fixing the second point (82) for fixing the tubing (21) on the first element (5) of the front structure of the vehicle (100); - fixing the third point (83) for fixing the tubing (21) on the second element (6) of the front structure of the vehicle (100).