FR2772677A1 - DEVICE FOR CONNECTING TWO MOVABLE ELEMENTS FOLLOWING A TRANSLATION MOVEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

This connecting device comprises two male (82) and female (80L) connecting members integral with the two elements (68, 80) respectively. The male member (82) has two substantially parallel branches (84, 86) intended to be fitted into two complementary holes (88, 90) of the female member (80L) so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the translational movement (T). A first branch (84) cooperates with a first hole (88) to transmit between the two elements (68, 80) forces substantially parallel to the translational movement. The second branch (86) comprises latching means (92) cooperating with the second hole (90) to lock between them the male (82) and female (80L) organs. Application to a device for controlling a flow of air arranged in a front block of a motor vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for connecting two elements

  displaceable in a translational movement, of the type comprising two male connecting members

  and female in solidarity with these two elements respectively.

  It applies in particular to a device for

  control of an air flow, as described in particular in DE-

  A-38 36 374 and EP-A-0 421 098, arranged in a block before

motor vehicle.

  Such a piloting device usually comprises a frame delimiting a passage for the air flow and shutters rotatably mounted on crosspieces of this frame between open and closed positions for the passage of the air flow. The shutters are controlled by an actuator. The control device is placed on the path of an air flow passing through a heat exchanger of the

front block.

  The object of the invention is in particular to connect the actuator of a device for controlling an air flow to a control member for the flaps of this device using

  simple, space-saving and light means.

  To this end, the invention relates to a device for connecting two elements displaceable in a translational movement, of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the male member comprises two substantially parallel branches, intended to be fitted into two complementary holes of the female member, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the translational movement, a first branch cooperating with a first hole to transmit between the two elements forces substantially parallel to the translational movement, and the second branch carrying means d snap cooperating with the second hole to lock the members together

male and female.

  According to other characteristics of this connecting device: - the latching means are released by elastic deformation substantially parallel to the translational movement; - The female member comprises a spindle substantially transverse to the translational movement, separating the two holes and cooperating with a complementary portion of the male member forming a junction of two branches; - the female member is secured to an actuator rod and the male member is secured to an element

controlled by the actuator.

  The invention also relates to an arrangement of a connection device as defined above in a device for controlling an air flow, this control device comprising a frame delimiting a passage for the air flow and at least one shutter rotatably mounted on cross members of the frame, between the positions of opening and closing the passage of the air flow, characterized in that the actuator is carried by a cross member, and in that the element controlled is a rod for the shutter sliding mounted in

  translation in the crosspiece carrying the actuator.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the

  description which follows given only as an example

  and made with reference to the drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a device for controlling an air flow arranged in a front unit of a motor vehicle; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the control device; - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the front of the control device; - Figure 4 is an elevational view of a component of the control device; Figure 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, along line 5-5 of Figure 4; - Figures 6 to 10 are top views of the shutter shown in Figure 4 showing successive steps of mounting this shutter on the frame of the control device; - Figure 11 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of the encircled part 11 of Figure 4; Figure 12 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 12-12 of Figure 2; - Figure 13 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, along line 13-13 of Figure 2; - Figures 14 and 15 are sectional views, on a reduced scale, along line 14-14 of Figure 12 respectively showing the open and closed positions of the flaps of the control device; - Figure 16 is a view similar to Figures 14 and further showing the shutter control actuator; - Figure 17 is a view along arrow 17 of Figure 16; - Figure 18 is a sectional view, to scale

  enlarged, along line 18-18 of Figure 2.

  There is shown schematically in FIG. 1 a front unit 20 of a motor vehicle comprising, from back to front by considering the usual orientation of a vehicle, a device 22 for controlling an air flow, a heat exchanger 24 (radiator and condenser) and a group

fan 26.

  As a variant, the control device 22 could be placed at another location in the front unit 20, for example between the heat exchanger 24 and the group

fan 26.

  Conventionally, the heat exchanger 24 is provided with a body 28 connecting two collectors (upper and lower) of the liquid circulating in the exchanger. Each collector assembly comprises a collector plate 30

  connected to a manifold 32.

  The control device 22 and the heat exchanger 24 are intended to be traversed by an air flow, the

  general direction is indicated by the arrows F in Figure 1.

  It will be noted that the collector plates 30 are delimited by an edge 30A projecting in the direction

  of the air flow relative to the body 28 of the exchanger.

  Also shown schematically in Figure 1 an engine M of the vehicle disposed at the rear of the

steering device 22.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the control device 22 includes a frame 34 delimiting a passage for the air flow. This frame 34 comprises two end crosspieces 36 and an intermediate crosspiece 38. These crosspieces 36, 38 are connected together by uprights.

side 40.

  The intermediate cross member 38 is disposed between the two end cross members 36, preferably so

  substantially equidistant from these two crosspieces 36.

  Flaps 42, only a few of which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, are mounted to rotate about parallel geometric axes Z on the crosspieces 36, 38, between the positions of opening and closing the passage of the flow of air shown in particular in Figures 14 and 15. The flaps 42 have general shapes of profiled wings. Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that, for the purpose of reducing overall dimensions, the frame 34 of the control device 22 is pressed against the heat exchanger 24, between the manifold plates 30 of the latter, of so that the projecting edges 30A of these plates

  encroach on the end crosspieces 36 of the frame.

  The frame 34 is fixed to the exchanger 24 using conventional means comprising in particular lugs 44

in solidarity with this framework 34.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that each flap 42 has two end journals 46, two intermediate journals 48 connected together by a crank 50 for controlling the flap, and two profiled half-wings 42A extending between end pins 46

and intermediaries 48.

  With particular reference to Figures 3.12 and 13, we

  sees that the intermediate crosspiece 38 forms a hollow box.

  This cross member 38 comprises two half-boxes 38A, 38B, in the general shape of gutters, hooked together for example by means of latching means 52. The half-boxes 38A, 38B respectively form a leading edge and a trailing edge of internal cross member 38 with reference to the direction

flow of air flow.

  The intermediate pins 48 of the flaps 42 are housed in intermediate bearings 54 formed in the intermediate crosspiece 38 (see in particular Figure 12). Each intermediate bearing 54 is delimited by two notches forming half-bearings 54A, 54B formed respectively on the junction edges of the two half-housings 38A, 38B (see

notably Figures 3 and 12).

  The end journals 46 of the flaps are housed in end bearings 56 formed in the sleepers

  end 36 (see in particular Figures 2 and 3).

  Trunnions 46.48 and bearings 54.56

  materialize the geometric axis Z of rotation of the shutter.

  The end crosspieces 36 comprise means for introducing the end journals 46 into the corresponding bearings 56 by displacement of the flaps perpendicular to their axis of rotation Z. These introduction means comprise grooves 58 for access to the bearings d end 56 formed in the end crosspieces 36 so as to extend substantially

  transversely to the end bearings 56.

  Each end pin 46 has two substantially parallel flats intended to cooperate with two faces 62 complementary to the corresponding access groove 58. It will be noted that these two faces 62 define a constriction of the

throat 58.

  The flats 60 and the complementary faces 62 make it possible, during the introduction of the end journals 46 of a flap into the corresponding end bearings 56, to force the orientation of this flap 42 into a predetermined angular position such that shown in Figures 6 to 8. In these three figures, there is shown the successive stages of introduction of an end pin 46 in a bearing 56 corresponding during which this pin 46 is slid into the access groove 58 transversely to

  the axis of rotation Z of the corresponding flap.

  In FIG. 9, the shutter 42 is shown in the open position (the half-wings 42A are substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the air flow) and in FIG. 10, this shutter 42 is shown in the d position. 'obturation (the half-wings 42A are substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the air flow). The flap 42 is moved from its open position to its closed position by rotation of about a quarter of a turn clockwise in

considering Figures 9 and 10.

  Note that the predetermined angular position of the flap 42, shown in Figures 6 to 8, is never taken by this flap 42 between its open and closed positions shown in Figures 9 and 10. Indeed, the flats 60 of the end pins 46 of the flap are never parallel to the faces 62 of the corresponding access grooves 58 when this flap rotates from its position

  opening to its closed position.

  As a variant, each end pin 46 may have only one forced orientation flat intended to

  cooperate with a complementary face of the access groove 58.

  The end pins 46 and bearings 56 include complementary axial bearing surfaces 64,66 (see in particular Figures 6 and 11). In order to limit the friction between the end journals 46 and the corresponding bearings 56, the axial bearing surface 64 of each journal 46 is delimited by a substantially conical surface 64C converging towards a face 64R of reduced contact with the surface of axial support 66 of the corresponding end bearing 56. The bearing surface 66 is flat like the face

reduced contact 64R.

  The flaps 42 are controlled by means of a rod 68 slidably mounted longitudinally in the intermediate crosspiece 38. This control rod 68, shown in particular in Figures 3 and 12 to 15, is provided with notches 70 in engagement with the cranks 50 flaps 42, these cranks 50 also being housed in the cross member

intermediate 38.

  In order to reduce friction between the intermediate cross member 38 and the control rod 68, the latter is provided with projections 72, 74 of reduced contact with the surface.

  internal of the crosspiece 38 (see in particular Figure 13).

  The rod 68 is controlled by a conventional actuator 76 carried by a support 78 integral with the trailing edge of the intermediate cross member 38 (see in particular figures

2 and 16).

  The actuator 76 makes it possible to move the control rod 68 in translation inside the intermediate rod 38. This translational movement is transformed into a rotation movement of the flaps 42 by cooperation of the cranks 50 of these flaps and the notches 70 of the rod, this cooperation producing a relative movement of the cranks 50 and the notches 70 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation Z of the flaps (see in particular Figures 14 and 15 in which the flaps 42 are shown respectively in the open position and shutter). The actuator 76 is provided with a rod 80, displaceable in translation, connected to the rod 68 by means of two male and female members described below with reference

especially in Figures 16 and 17.

  The male member is a tab 82, integral with the control rod 68, extending through a guide groove 84 formed in the trailing edge of the intermediate cross member 38. The female member is the free end 80L

rod 80.

  The tab 82 has a free end provided with two substantially parallel branches 84,86, fitted into two complementary holes 88,90 made in the end 80L of the

rod 80.

  It will be noted that the branches 84,86 extend substantially perpendicular to the translational movement of the rod 80 which is represented by a double arrow T on

Figure 16.

  The first branch 84 cooperates with the first hole 88 to transmit from the rod 80 to the control rod 68 the drive forces substantially parallel to the translational movement T. The second branch 86 carries latching means 92 cooperating with the second hole 90 for locking the rod 80 and the tab 82 between them. These snap-fastening means 92 can be released by elastic deformation substantially parallel to the translational movement T. Preferably, the free end 80L of the rod 80 comprises a pin 94 substantially transverse to the translational movement T, separating the two holes 88, 90 and cooperating with a complementary portion 96 of the tab 82 forming a

junction of the two branches 84.86.

  It will be noted that the first branch 84 of force transmission prevents any untimely elastic deformation of the latching means 92 which can lead to separation.

  accidental rod 80 and leg 82.

  As a variant, the male member could be carried by the rod 80 and the female member could be carried by the rod 68. The mounting of the flaps 42 and of the control means

these shutters is very simple.

  Initially, the half-casing 38A forming the edge

  of the intermediate cross member 38 is separated from the half

  complementary box 38B forming the trailing edge of this intermediate cross member as shown in FIG. 3. The flaps 42 are placed on the frame 34 by engaging, on the one hand, their end journals 46 in the access grooves 58 then in the end bearings 56, as explained above, and on the other hand, their intermediate journals 48 in the intermediate half-bearings 54B

  formed on the half-box 38B of the intermediate cross member.

  The rod 68 is then placed in this half-casing 38B so that the notches 70 of this rod are

  in engagement with the cranks 50 of the flaps.

  Then, the intermediate cross member 38 is closed by snapping the half-housing 38A onto the half-housing 38B, the cranks 50 and the control rod 68 being thus housed.

  inside the intermediate cross member 38.

  Finally, on the one hand, the actuator 76 is hung on its support 78, using conventional means, in particular by snap-fastening, and on the other hand, the rod 80 of the actuator on

  the tab 82 by fitting the male and female organs.

  Preferably, in particular in order to limit the weight of the control device 22, at least the frame 34 and the flaps

42 are plastic.

  To prevent accidental disengagement of the end journals 46 from their bearings 56, by elastic deformation of the frame 34, the control device 22 is provided with means

  anti-spreading of the end crosspieces 36.

  These anti-separation means comprise, for example as shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 18, at least one pair of hooks 98 carried by the end crosspieces 36. These hooks 98 are intended to cooperate with annular stops 100 integral ends of the same flap 42, so as to limit the axial displacement of the end journals 46 of this flap relative to the bearings

56 correspondents.

  In order to reduce the pressure losses of the air flow passing through the control device 22, the end 36 and intermediate 38 sleepers each have a leading edge of profiled and rounded cross section, preferably delimited by a substantially elliptical contour. , as shown in particular in FIGS. 12, 13 and 18. These leading edges are of course directed towards the body 28 of the heat exchanger (see

in particular figure 1).

  Preferably, the leading edges of the uprights 40 of the

  frame are profiled similarly to the crosspieces 36,38.

Claims (6)

  1. Device for connecting two elements (68,80) movable in a translational movement (T), of the type comprising two male (82) and female (80L) connecting members integral with these two elements (68,80) respectively , characterized in that the male member (82) comprises two substantially parallel branches (84,86), intended to be fitted into two complementary holes (88,90) of the female member (80L), so as to be extend substantially perpendicular to the translational movement, a first branch (84) cooperating with a first hole (88) to transmit between the two elements (68,80) forces substantially parallel to the translational movement, and the second branch (86) carrying latching means (92) cooperating with the second hole (90) to lock the male (82) and female members therebetween (80L).   2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching means (92) are releasable by elastic deformation substantially   parallel to the translational movement.   3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the female member (80L) comprises a pin (94) substantially transverse to the translational movement, separating the two holes (88, 90) and cooperating with a portion complementary (96) to the male organ (82)   forming a junction of two branches (84,86).   4. Connection device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the member   female (80L) is secured to an actuator rod (80) and the male member (82) is secured to a controlled element (68) by the actuator.   5. Arrangement of a connection device according to claim 4 in a device for controlling (22) an air flow, this control device comprising a frame (34) delimiting a passage for the air flow and at least a flap (42) rotatably mounted on crosspieces (36, 38) of the frame, between open and closed positions for the passage of the air flow, characterized in that the actuator (76) is carried by a cross member (38), and in that the controlled element (68) is a control rod for the flap (42) slidably mounted in translation in the carrying cross member the actuator (76).   6. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device (22) is arranged in a motor vehicle front unit.