FR3162677A1 - Waterproof acoustic insulation for automotive air conditioning - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment; a front compartment (28); a cowl collector (26); and a treatment system with electrical equipment (22) extending forward of the cowl collector (26). The motor vehicle further comprises a sealing panel (38) above the electrical equipment; the sealing panel comprising at least one water recovery channel (40) with a horizontal outlet (42) located away from the electrical equipment (22) to divert water away from said electrical equipment. The electrical equipment (22) is an air conditioning system compressor. The sealing panel (38) also provides sound insulation. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Waterproof acoustic insulation for automotive air conditioning

The invention relates to the sound insulation of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to water drainage in the front compartment of a motor vehicle. The invention concerns a motor vehicle with an air treatment system in the front compartment.

To improve occupant comfort, a motor vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning system. This system typically includes a fan that draws in ambient air and a heat pump that warms this air before it is injected into the passenger compartment through various vents. This configuration allows for temperature control while minimizing primary energy consumption. In addition to heating the air, the air conditioning system may also be capable of dehumidifying the incoming air. The air conditioning system is generally referred to by the acronym "HVAC," which stands for "heating, ventilation, and air conditioning."

When the vehicle is traveling at low speed in heavy rain, the water falling on the windshield flows primarily forward. The water passes through the windshield pillar and then through the cowl grille. Some of this water is directed outwards by seals designed to direct the flow towards the wheel well, while the rest is channeled to the cowl collector. In heavy rain, the water can overflow forward and spill into the front compartment, potentially onto the treatment system equipment. This equipment is more vulnerable in compact vehicles.

Because air conditioning systems contain electrical connections and sensors, these components are susceptible to damage from humidity. This can lead to malfunctions requiring repair. In addition to the immediate inconvenience, this negatively impacts the vehicle's perceived quality.

Furthermore, the processing system emits a loud noise when operating. Again, in the case of a compact car, the processing system is located close to the passenger compartment, making it even more audible to passengers. This phenomenon contributes to a negative perception of quality.

Document CN116278618A describes a sealing device for an automotive air conditioning unit and a firewall. The sealing device comprises a first clamping body, a second clamping body positioned opposite the first, and a connecting body located between the first and second clamping bodies. The connecting body is used to be placed in a communication hole in the firewall, while the first and second clamping bodies are positioned on either side of the firewall. However, the sealing materials deteriorate over time. Therefore, there is a need to increase the durability of the moisture protection for an air conditioning system.

US20220314750A1 describes a vehicle air conditioner that provides cooling and heating by supplying cool and warm air to the vehicle's interior. The vehicle air conditioner includes an intake unit installed in an engine room and configured to draw in and supply external and internal air. A heat exchanger unit is configured to cool or heat and supply air supplied from the intake unit. A housing cover is installed on an external surface of the intake unit to enclose it. A housing soundproofing element is installed between the intake unit's housing and the housing cover and is configured to block noise transmitted to the intake unit from outside the housing cover.

The air intake is open at the top, meaning rainwater can still enter. This water could reach the filter, the fan, and its motor. In heavy rain, water can run off and reach electrical connections. This runoff can damage the electrical connections and eventually cause malfunctions, requiring repairs.

The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to simplify the assembly of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the assembly and safety of a motor vehicle.

According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment; a front compartment; a cowl manifold; an air treatment system with electrical equipment extending in front of the cowl manifold; remarkable in that The motor vehicle includes a sealing panel above the electrical equipment; the sealing panel includes at least one water recovery channel with a horizontal outlet away from the electrical equipment, in order to divert water away from said electrical equipment.

The relative position of the drain in relation to the electrical equipment allows any runoff from the awning collector to be diverted away from that equipment. This helps keep it dry in the event of an overflow from the awning collector.

Document FR2983803B1 describes a device for limiting the propagation of acoustic waves emitted by a noise source, such as the acoustic waves emitted by the engine of a running motor vehicle. These waves are emitted towards an internal cavity separated from the noise source by a partition. The device includes acoustic absorption means attached to the partition wall on the cavity side. The device for limiting the propagation of acoustic waves also includes at least one screen housed within the internal cavity, designed to focus acoustic waves that would otherwise pass through the acoustic absorption means back onto those same acoustic absorption means. However, this document does not provide a specific solution for protecting a processing system in the front compartment.

Preferably, at least one recovery channel includes at least one groove and/or at least one rib projecting upwards.

Preferably, the drainage system includes an opening through the sealing panel and/or a pipe connected to a wheel arch of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the sealing panel comprises a front half and a rear half, with the opening in the front half.

Preferably, the electrical equipment is a compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant gas.

Preferably, the evacuation is longitudinal and at a distance from the electrical equipment.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes a lower face vertically opposite the treatment system, said lower face comprising a layer of acoustic insulation.

Preferably the acoustic insulation layer is a compressed layer.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes a top surface with a forward slope, with at least one recovery channel extending longitudinally along the top surface.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes initial means of fixing attached to the canopy collector.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes a rear sealing lip against the canopy collector.

Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a side wing with a reinforcing lining, the sealing panel including second means of attachment fixed to said reinforcing lining.

Preferably, the motor vehicle includes a front lighting device, the sealing panel including third means of attachment fixed to the front lighting device.

Preferably, the evacuation is longitudinal between the front lighting device and the electrical equipment.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes a main part above the module, with the evacuation being in the main part.

Preferably, the sealing panel includes a front extension extending in front of the main part and/or a side extension extending transversely from the main part.

Preferably, the electrical equipment includes a box with electrical connectors plugged into the box, the box being vertically opposite the sealing panel.

Preferably, the electrical equipment has a median plane extending horizontally, and the evacuation is at a distance from the electrical equipment along the median plane.

Preferably, the electrical equipment includes an electrical connector, and the evacuation is longitudinal and/or transverse at a distance from the electrical connector.

Preferably, the sealing panel is vertical at the level of the canopy collector.

Preferably, the drain includes a vertical opening.

Preferably, the evacuation is transverse to the level of the electrical equipment.

Preferably, along a horizontal plane such as the median plane, the evacuation is at a distance from the electrical equipment.

Preferably, the hose is connected to a mudguard mounted in the wheel arch.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment; a front compartment; a cowl manifold; an air treatment system with electrical equipment in front of the cowl manifold; remarkable in that The motor vehicle includes a sealing panel extending longitudinally from the canopy collector above the electrical equipment; the sealing panel includes a horizontal drain away from the electrical equipment in order to divert water away from said electrical equipment.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes the use of a sealing panel above an electrical air handling system equipment to connect together a canopy collector, a side wing reinforcement lining, and a front lighting device.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes the use of an acoustic insulation panel above an electrical air handling system equipment to connect together a canopy collector, a side wing reinforcement lining, and a front lighting device.

Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one aspect of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

There FIG. 1 is a profile view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There FIG. 2 is a top view of a front compartment of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

There FIG. 3 represents a sealing panel intended to cover electrical equipment of an automotive vehicle air treatment system according to the invention.

In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not restrictive in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" will refer, respectively, to what is directed outward and inward toward the vehicle.

In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used in relation to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a right-handed trihedron whose orientation is preserved across the figures.

In this description, the ranges of values include the bounds that delimit them.

In this description, equality between values is not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality allows a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict meaning of these terms.

In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the sealing panel, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

There FIG. 1 represents a motor vehicle 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12 and several glazed surfaces, including a windshield 14. The windshield 14 defines the front of a passenger compartment 16 of the motor vehicle 10. The passenger compartment 16 is intended to accommodate the occupants (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. The structure 12 supports various openings providing access to the passenger compartment 16 or to other compartments. The openings include a front hood 18, commonly referred to as the engine hood. The front hood 18 is movable between an open position and a closed position flush with the body.

To ensure occupant comfort, the motor vehicle 10 includes an air treatment system 20. This system provides thermal and/or humid air treatment. The air treatment system 20 is capable of drawing air from outside the motor vehicle and, after treatment, directing it into the passenger compartment 16. The air treatment system 20 is also capable of cooling and, optionally, dehumidifying the air. It may include a desiccant cylinder. The air treatment system 20 may be an air conditioning system. The air treatment system 20 may include a heater.

The treatment system 20 includes at least one electrical device 22. The electrical device 22 is a compressor or a pump. The electrical device 22 is controlled by a controller. The controller can be a computer, such as the on-board computer of a motor vehicle, or a programmable electronic board. The treatment system 20 uses a heat transfer fluid, such as a refrigerant gas, which is compressed in a circuit with heat exchangers. The treatment system 20 is optionally configured to induce a phase change of the heat transfer fluid.

The motor vehicle 10 includes a cowl collector 26. The cowl collector 26 is, for example, attached to the structure 12. The cowl collector 26 is covered by the front hood 18. The cowl collector 26 collects water running down from the windshield 14 in case of rain or washing. It collects the water to prevent it from entering a front compartment 28, generally called the engine compartment. The front compartment 28 is in front of the passenger compartment 16. They are separated by a front bulkhead 30. The front bulkhead 30 forms a vertical partition.

The canopy collector 26 is above the treatment system 20. The canopy collector 26 is directly above the electrical equipment 22. The electrical equipment 22 is in the front compartment 28. It is therefore exposed to water overflows from the canopy collector 26. Its electrical connections are potentially exposed to stray flows.

The motor vehicle 10 also includes a front lighting device 32. The front lighting device 32 is arranged on the front of the motor vehicle 10. The front lighting device 32 is a regulatory device. It illuminates the surroundings for driving safety at night. It is adjacent to a side fender 34 of the motor vehicle 10.

The side wing 34 forms the body of the motor vehicle 10. It extends along the front compartment 28. The side wing 34 includes an outer panel. A reinforcing lining (not shown) stiffens the side wing 34, particularly its outer panel. The reinforcing lining is part of the structure 12.

The motor vehicle 10 includes a wheel arch 36. The wheel arch 36 forms a housing. It is dimensioned to allow movement of the associated wheel. The wheel arch 36 includes a mudguard (not shown) partially enveloping the associated wheel. The side fender 34 delimits the wheel arch 36.

The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

There FIG. 2 is an aerial view of a portion of the front compartment 28 of a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to the FIG. 1 The present part of the front compartment 28 is shown in plan view. The cowl collector 26 is shown in dashed lines.

The electrical equipment 22 extends forward of the cowl manifold 26. The cowl manifold 26 extends transversely along the electrical equipment 22. The motor vehicle includes a sealing panel 38 above the electrical equipment 22. The sealing panel 38 is a protective panel. It forms a tile covering the electrical equipment 22. It protects against water spills and the associated corrosion. The sealing panel 38 is vertical at the level of the cowl manifold 26. It is intended to be located under the front hood (not shown).

The sealing panel 38 includes at least one water recovery channel 40 with a horizontal outlet 42 located away from the electrical equipment 22, in order to divert any water runoff away from said electrical equipment. Water potentially escaping from the canopy collector 26 bypasses the electrical equipment 22. Thus, the collected water is diverted away from the electrical equipment 22. The latter remains dry, which limits the risk of failure over time.

Preferably, the evacuation 42 is longitudinally away from the electrical equipment 22. This aspect facilitates bypassing the electrical equipment 22, while adapting to constraints of compactness, and the presence of other components, also sensitive to humidity.

The drain 42 is transverse to the electrical equipment 22. The drain 42 includes a vertical opening. The electrical equipment 22 has a horizontally extending median plane 44. The median plane 44 is a geometric plane. The median plane 44 extends both longitudinally and transversely. The median plane 44 may be located at mid-height of the electrical equipment 22. The drain 42 is positioned at a distance from the electrical equipment 22 along the median plane 44. This allows for gravitational drainage of the water away from the electrical equipment 22.

The electrical equipment 22 includes a housing 46 with electrical connectors 48 connected to a power supply and the control unit. The electrical connectors 48 include 12 V connectors. The housing 46 is positioned vertically opposite the sealing panel 38. The electrical equipment 22 also includes connection ports 50 for piping connected to heat exchangers, optionally via an expansion valve. The electrical equipment 22 is preferably a compressor suitable for compressing a refrigerant gas. The compressor is capable of increasing the pressure of the refrigerant gas and ensuring its circulation in the heat exchange circuit of the treatment system. The refrigerant gas is generally a heat transfer fluid.

In general, the electrical equipment 22 includes an electrical connector 48, the evacuation 42 is longitudinally and transversely at a distance from the or each electrical connector 48 of the electrical equipment 22.

The sealing panel 38 includes a rear sealing lip 52 against the canopy collector 26. The rear sealing lip 52 extends transversely. It is horizontal. The rear sealing lip 52 extends transversely along the electrical equipment 22 and/or the drain outlet 42. It forms a watertight barrier between the sealing panel 38 and the canopy collector 26, above the electrical equipment 22 to protect it. It helps control overflows from the canopy collector 26.

Generally, the sealed panel forms a longitudinal extension of the canopy collector directly above the air conditioning system, preferably above the electrical equipment. It creates a visor.

Furthermore, the sealing panel 38 serves as a finishing element. It conceals the electrical equipment 22 and its connections. The sealing panel 38 is thus a stylistic element. This contributes to the perceived quality of the motor vehicle. In addition, the sealing panel 38 limits the accumulation of dirt on the electrical equipment 22, which further contributes to the perceived quality.

There FIG. 3 presents a sealing panel 38 for a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

The sealing panel 38 is essentially identical to the one shown in FIG. 2 It differs significantly in its contour. This explains why the 38 sealing panel is adapted, particularly in its extended form, to accommodate sensitive connection areas. Furthermore, the same extended-shaped sealing panel model is compatible with various air conditioning systems, and specifically with different electrical equipment (not shown).

The at least one recovery channel 40 comprises at least one groove 54, or in this case, several grooves 54. The grooves 54 are interconnected. They form a network linked to the drain 42. Each groove 54 is formed within the thickness of the sealing panel 38, which improves compactness. This facilitates manufacturing, for example, by molding.

According to an alternative or option of the invention, the at least one recovery channel 40 comprises at least one upward-projecting rib (not shown). Each rib stiffens the sealing panel. According to one option, at least one rib runs along a groove to increase its capacity to channel water flow, since this deepens it.

The drain 42 includes an opening 58 through the sealing panel 38. The drain 42 is vertical. The opening 58 is vertical. The opening 58 is vertically through. According to an alternative or option of the invention, the drain 42 includes a pipe 56. The pipe 56 is connected to a wheel well of the motor vehicle. The pipe 56 hydraulically connects the sealing panel 38 to the mudguard fixed in the adjacent wheel well. The pipe 56 is connected to the opening 58.

According to an alternative of the invention, the evacuation is formed by a front edge of the sealing panel.

The sealing panel 38 generally forms a plate. The sealing panel 38 comprises a front half 60 and a rear half 62. The front half 60 is longitudinally opposite the rear half 62. The drain 42, in particular the orifice 58, is located in the front half 60. The orifice 58 passes through the front half 60 along its thickness. The drain 42 forms the lowest point of at least one recovery channel 40.

The sealing panel 38 includes a lower face 64 oriented vertically opposite the treatment system, and in particular the electrical equipment (not shown). The lower face 64 includes a sound insulation layer (not shown). Preferably, the sound insulation layer is a compressed layer. It may consist of foam or felt. Thus, the sealing panel 38 performs a dual function, protecting against water and any noise generated by the electrical equipment.

The sealing panel 38 comprises a top surface 66 with a forward slope. The recovery channel(s) 40 extend longitudinally along the top surface 66. This design allows for the collection of upstream water flow and the control of its path. At least one of the recovery channels 40 extends longitudinally over at least half of the top surface 66.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper surface 66 is curved and inclined forwards. The upper surface 66 has a concave transverse profile. Thus, it forms a channel that directs the water forwards, towards the outlet 42. The channel forms a recovery channel.

The sealing panel 38 is attached to several adjoining entities. It includes initial fastening means 68 fixed to the canopy collector (not shown). These initial fastening means 68 include, for example, a hook. They are fixed vertically and/or longitudinally. Preferably, the initial fastening means 68 are located below the rear sealing lip (not shown).

The sealing panel 38 includes secondary fastening means 70 attached to the reinforcing lining 72 of the side wing. This configuration takes advantage of the proximity and rigidity of the reinforcing lining 72. This solution is particularly relevant in the context of a compact motor vehicle, for example, with a length of 4.00 m or less.

The sealing panel 38 includes third fastening means 74 attached to the front lighting device 32 (partially shown) of the motor vehicle. The third fastening means 74 allow the sealing panel 38 to be cantilevered and extended forward. The front lighting device 32 is longitudinally separated from the electrical equipment. In the event of a low-speed frontal impact, for example during a parking maneuver, the front lighting device 32 remains free to move backward without being damaged against the electrical equipment. Their longitudinal separation is between 20 mm and 50 mm; for example, approximately 30 mm.

Drain 42 runs longitudinally between the front lighting unit and the electrical equipment. This design takes advantage of their spacing, and therefore the clearance between them, to drain water. Neither component is exposed to runoff and the risk of malfunction.

Furthermore, it is understood that the sealing panel 38 forms a connecting node since it links the canopy collector, the reinforcing lining, and the front lighting unit. This design optimizes compactness and rigidity of support. It optimizes costs.

The sealing panel 38 comprises a main portion 76 above the module. The main portion is generally rectangular. The drain 42 is located in the main portion 76. Preferably, the sealing panel 38 comprises a front extension 78 extending forward from the main portion 76 and/or a lateral extension 80 extending transversely from the main portion 76. The front extension 78 and the lateral extension 80 project from the main portion 76.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing panel is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic or a thermosetting material. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

The sealing panel comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled plastic material based on the total weight of the plastic material; preferably 10 to 80% by weight; more preferably 20 to 60% by weight or 30 to 40% by weight. The use of recycled plastic material reduces the vehicle's environmental footprint.

The invention comprises a combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

Figures 2 and 3 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle (10) comprising: a passenger compartment (16); a front compartment (28); a cowl collector (26); an air treatment system (20) with electrical equipment (22) extending forward of the cowl collector (26); characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) includes a sealing panel (38) above the electrical equipment (22); the sealing panel (38) includes at least one water recovery channel (40) with a horizontal outlet (42) away from the electrical equipment (22), in order to divert water away from said electrical equipment (22). Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one recovery channel (40) comprises at least one groove (54) and/or at least one rib projecting upwards. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the evacuation (42) comprises an orifice (58) through the sealing panel (38) and/or a pipe (56) connected to a wheel arch (36) of the motor vehicle (10); preferably, the sealing panel (38) comprises a front half (60) and a rear half (62), the orifice (58) being in the front half (60). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical equipment (22) is a compressor adapted to compress a refrigerant gas; preferably, the outlet (42) is longitudinally away from the electrical equipment (22). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing panel (38) comprises a lower face (64) vertically opposite the treatment system (20), said lower face (64) comprising a sound insulation layer. Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sealing panel (38) comprises an upper surface (66) with a forward slope, the at least one recovery channel (40) extending longitudinally along the upper surface (66). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing panel (38) comprises first fastening means (68) fixed to the canopy collector (26); preferably, the sealing panel (38) comprises a rear sealing lip (52) against the canopy collector (26). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a side wing (34) with a reinforcing lining (72), the sealing panel (38) comprising second fastening means (70) attached to said reinforcing lining (72). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a front light device (32), the sealing panel (38) comprising third fastening means (74) fixed to the front light device (32); preferably, the evacuation (42) is longitudinally between the front light device (32) and the electrical equipment (22). Motor vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sealing panel (38) comprises a main part (76) above the module, the evacuation (42) being in the main part (76); preferably, the sealing panel (38) comprises a front extension (78) extending forward of the main part (76) and/or a side extension (80) extending transversely from the main part (76).