FR3135752A1 - Device for regulating an air flow of a motor vehicle and thermal regulation module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for regulating a flow of air (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger (30) for a vehicle (2), said regulating device (1) comprising: least one curtain (10) configured to move in an opening/closing direction (Y), between a closed position (PF) blocking the passage of said air flow (F) and an open position (PO) allowing said passage air flow (F), and- a frame (11) configured to house said at least one curtain (10), said frame (11) comprising:- at least four separate panels (110), and- at least four elements junction (112) configured to assemble a panel (110) with another panel (110), characterized in that two panels (110) are configured to be fixed directly with said heat exchanger. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Device for regulating an air flow of a motor vehicle and thermal regulation module

The present invention relates to a device for regulating a flow of air circulating within a heat exchanger for a vehicle. It also relates to a thermal regulation module comprising said regulation device. It finds a particular but non-limiting application in motor vehicles.

In the field of motor vehicles, a device for regulating a flow of air circulating within a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, well known to those skilled in the art, comprises:
- at least one curtain configured to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of said air flow and an open position allowing said air flow to pass,
- a frame configured to accommodate said at least one curtain.

Such a regulation device, known to those skilled in the art, is most often designated by the acronym ACS coming from the English expression “Active Curtain Shutter”. The ACS is installed on the front of the motor vehicle, at the level of a grille of the motor vehicle, in particular at the level of the engine compartment. Said at least one curtain is controlled by an actuator in order to reduce the drag coefficient and also to improve the cooling and air conditioning performance of the engine. In the open position of said at least one curtain, the air flow can circulate through the grille and contribute in particular to cooling the engine of the motor vehicle. In the closed position of said at least one curtain, the air flow does not penetrate via the grille, which reduces drag and thus makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from the engine. ACS therefore makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and pollution when the engine does not need to be cooled by outside air.

The regulation device is part of a thermal regulation module which also includes a heat exchanger and a motor-fan unit. The motor-fan unit facilitates the passage of the air flow into the thermal regulation module, particularly when the vehicle is stationary. Generally speaking, the regulation device is placed between the heat exchanger and the motor-fan unit.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the heat exchanger is fixed to the motor-fan unit via snap-fit elements, which results in a significant bulkiness of the heat exchanger assembly - regulating device - motor unit. fan in the engine compartment.

In this context, the present invention aims to propose a device for regulating a flow of air circulating within a heat exchanger for a vehicle which makes it possible to resolve the mentioned drawback.

To this end, the invention proposes a device for regulating an air flow intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a vehicle, said regulation device comprising:
- at least one curtain configured to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of said air flow and an open position allowing said air flow to pass, and
- a frame configured to accommodate said at least one curtain, said frame comprising:
- at least four separate sides, and
- at least four junction elements configured to assemble one side with another side,
characterized in that two sides are configured to be fixed directly with a heat exchanger.

We therefore understand that the device for regulating an air flow can be fixed directly on a heat exchanger by means of the panels which are configured to be fixed directly on the heat exchanger. This arrangement makes it possible to offer an assembly comprising both a heat exchanger and an air flow regulation device, with a reduced space between these two components. The whole thing is therefore more compact.

Furthermore, the fact of connecting the device for regulating an air flow directly to a heat exchanger avoids using intermediate parts for fixing, which improves the stability of the device for regulating an air flow. air, particularly in the event of vehicle vibration or shock.

According to non-limiting embodiments, said regulation device may also include one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said junction elements are composed of two parts comprising complementary snap-fastening elements. This is a quick way to encapsulate the ends of sections to assemble the frame as a whole.

A thermal regulation module is also proposed comprising:
- a heat exchanger capable of expanding,
- a regulating device according to any one of the preceding characteristics, in which said at least one curtain is arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft.

According to non-limiting embodiments, said thermal regulation module may also include one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said heat exchanger comprises fixing elements configured to cooperate with ends of said two sides which are fixed directly with said heat exchanger.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said fixing elements are snap-fastening elements. This allows the two sides to be quickly and easily attached to the heat exchanger.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said heat exchanger comprises elements for cleaning said at least one curtain. This helps clean messy particles on a curtain. Directly fixing the air flow regulation device on the exchanger allows the cleaning function, which is initially on the regulation device, to be partially transferred to the exchanger.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said cleaning elements are composed of a material different from that of said heat exchanger. This allows for a flexible material as opposed to the rigid material of the heat exchanger, which deforms to sweep dirty particles onto a curtain.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said cleaning elements are bi-injected. This allows you to have a flexible part and a rigid part, the flexible part allowing you to clean dirty particles, such as dust particles, sand, etc. in non-limiting examples.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said thermal regulation module further comprises connection elements between said winding shaft of said at least one curtain and said junction elements including at least two connection elements configured to establish a movement connection relative between said winding shaft and two junction elements, said connection elements being configured to be integrated into said junction elements. This allows movement of the two joining elements without causing the winding shaft to move as the heat exchanger expands.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least two connecting elements each comprise an elastic return element integrated into said corresponding junction element and configured to:
- move from a primary compressed state to a higher secondary compressed state when said heat exchanger moves from a rest position to an expanded position,
- move from said secondary compressed state to said primary compressed state when said heat exchanger moves from its expanded position to its rest position.

The elastic return element makes it possible to absorb the movement of the junction elements due to the expansion of the heat exchanger. The primary compressed state allows the curtain(s) to be stretched when the heat exchanger is not expanded. The secondary compressed state makes it possible to maintain a winding shaft in its initial position when said heat exchanger expands.

The rest position of the heat exchanger corresponds to the geometry of the heat exchanger at an ambient temperature, for example 20°C.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said junction elements are injected parts. It’s a simple technique to implement.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said elastic return element is configured to come to bear against a stop of said junction element in which it is integrated. This allows the stop to put greater compression on the elastic return element when the heat exchanger expands.

It is also proposed a linking element between:
- a winding shaft of a curtain of a device for regulating an air flow for a vehicle, and
- a junction element configured to assemble one section of a frame of said regulating device with another section, said frame being configured to house said curtain and comprising at least four separate sections and at least four junction elements,
said connecting element comprising an elastic return element integrated into said junction element and configured to:
- move from a primary compressed state to a higher secondary compressed state when said at least one heat exchanger moves from a rest position to an expanded position,
- move from said secondary compressed state to said primary compressed state when said at least one heat exchanger moves from its expanded position to its rest position.

• au moins un échangeur de chaleur susceptible de se dilater lors de l’élévation de sa température,
• un dispositif de régulation d’un flux d’air comprenant au moins un rideau configuré pour se déplacer selon une direction d’ouverture/fermeture, entre une position fermée obturant le passage dudit flux d’air et une position ouverte laissant passer ledit flux d’air, le rideau étant agencé pour s’enrouler et se dérouler autour d’un arbre d’enroulement,
• un cadre configuré pour recevoir ledit au moins rideau et ledit au moins un arbre d’enroulement,
  - des éléments de liaison entre ledit au moins un arbre d’enroulement et ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur, ces éléments de liaison étant agencés pour établir une liaison de mouvement relatif entre ledit arbre d’enroulement et ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur, en cas de dilatation dudit échangeur de chaleur.

A thermal regulation module is also proposed comprising:

• at least one heat exchanger capable of expanding when its temperature rises,
• a device for regulating an air flow comprising at least one curtain configured to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of said air flow and an open position allowing said flow to pass air, the curtain being arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft,
• a frame configured to receive said at least one curtain and said at least one winding shaft,
  - connecting elements between said at least one winding shaft and said at least one heat exchanger, these connecting elements being arranged to establish a relative movement connection between said winding shaft and said at least one heat exchanger , in the event of expansion of said heat exchanger.

We understand that in the event of expansion of the heat exchanger, the deformation or displacement of part of the heat exchanger does not modify, or very little, the position of the winding shaft.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least two connecting elements each comprise an elastic return element configured to:
- move from a primary compressed state to a higher secondary compressed state when said at least one heat exchanger moves from a rest position to an expanded position,
- move from said secondary compressed state to said primary compressed state when said at least one heat exchanger moves from its expanded position to its rest position.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, a connecting element comprises:
- a first connection element configured to connect said connection elements with said winding shaft of said at least one curtain,
- a second connection element configured to connect said connection element with said junction element.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the connecting elements are connected to the junction elements by a slide connection. This allows the junction elements to move easily without causing the movement of the sections which are not fixed to the heat exchanger, and consequently without causing the movement of the winding shaft of said at least one curtain.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

is a view of a device for regulating an air flow intended to circulate through a heat exchanger of a vehicle, said regulating device being integrated into a front face of said vehicle and comprising at least one curtain and a frame composed of at least four sides and at least four connecting elements, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

is an assembled perspective view of the regulation device of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is an assembled perspective view of a thermal regulation module comprising said regulation device of the preceding figure and the collector boxes of a heat exchanger, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

is a schematic front view of the thermal regulation module of the previous figure, with two curtains and a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange bundle and collector boxes, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a schematic front view of the thermal regulation module of the preceding figure in which said frame is not shown, said thermal regulation module further comprising connecting elements, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a schematic front view of the frame of the regulation device of the comprising four sides and four joining elements in two parts according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a schematic front view of said frame of the preceding figure in which one of the parts of the junction elements is not visible, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is an assembled perspective view of the regulation device of the , without the junction elements, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a top view of said heat exchanger of said thermal regulation module of the assembled with one of the four sides of the frame of said regulation device of said thermal regulation module, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is an exploded top view of said heat exchanger and said panel of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a top view of the heat exchanger – pan assembly of the previous figure, in which a curtain winding shaft is also illustrated, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly – pan of the previous figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is an assembled perspective view of a junction element of said frame of the regulation device of the or the , according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is an exploded perspective view of said junction element of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a view of the interior of one of the two parts of said junction element of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a side view of the interior of a p of the two parts of said junction element of the preceding figure, in which is integrated a connecting element between a winding shaft of a curtain and said junction element, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a perspective view of said connecting element of the preceding figure cooperating with a winding shaft and said part of said junction element of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a perspective view of said connecting element of the or the , said connecting element comprising an elastic return element, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a side view of said connecting element of the preceding figure, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a diagram illustrating a primary compressed state and a secondary compressed state of said elastic connecting element of one of Figures 16 to 19, according to a non-limiting embodiment.

Identical elements, by structure or function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

The device 1 for regulating an air flow F intended to circulate through a heat exchanger 30 for vehicle 2, according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 20. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle we mean any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, vehicle 2 is thus otherwise called motor vehicle 2.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the regulation device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is part of a thermal regulation module 3 of said motor vehicle 2, otherwise called cooling module 3.

As illustrated on the , the thermal regulation module 3 comprises at least one heat exchanger 30 which is a component capable of expanding. In a non-limiting embodiment, the expansion takes place along a horizontal axis Y, called the Y axis which is perpendicular to the vehicle axis OX illustrated on the . The expansion takes place when the motor vehicle 2 is in particular movement. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 comprises two collector boxes 300 illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, otherwise called collection chambers. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 is made of a material which is PLA. PLA is a rigid thermoplastic polymer.

In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the , the thermal regulation module 3 comprises two heat exchangers 30, 31: an upstream heat exchanger 30 and a downstream heat exchanger 31 arranged in series according to the direction of flow of the air flow F passing through them. In other words, the thermal regulation module 3 is configured to be arranged so that the upstream heat exchanger 30 is crossed by the air flow F first and the downstream heat exchanger 31 second.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream heat exchanger 30 is a cooling radiator, called low temperature, used to cool a cooling liquid of a heat exchange loop, called low temperature, comprising, in particular, an air conditioning condenser and/or charge air cooler. In a non-limiting embodiment, the downstream heat exchanger 31 is a cooling radiator, called high temperature, used to cool a cooling liquid of a heat exchange loop comprising an engine of the motor vehicle 2. The air which passes through this downstream exchanger 31 cools the engine coolant. The heat exchangers 30, 31 are otherwise called radiators in the remainder of the description.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, each heat exchanger 30, 31 comprises, for example, a heat exchange bundle 301 and the collector boxes 300 are arranged laterally on either side of the exchange bundle of heat 301. The heat exchange bundle 301 is crossed by the air flow F. It comprises a set of tubes parallel to each other, opening into the collector boxes 300, for the circulation of the cooling liquid (not illustrated). In a non-limiting example, the tubes are arranged in a horizontal direction. The tubes thus communicate with the collector boxes 300. In a non-limiting embodiment, the collector boxes 300 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the tubes of the heat exchange bundle 301, i.e. in the non-limiting example illustrated vertically .

To facilitate the passage of the air flow F in the thermal regulation module 3, in particular when the motor vehicle 2 is stationary, the cooling module 3 comprises a motor-fan group 32 illustrated in the configured to circulate air in the cooling module 3. In a non-limiting embodiment, the motor-fan group 32 is here arranged downstream of the downstream heat exchanger 31, the motor-fan group 32 being configured to suck air from an air inlet of the motor vehicle 2, which is preferably defined by its grille.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the thermal regulation module 3 comprises a single heat exchanger 30, for example a cooling radiator, said regulation device 1 then being arranged upstream or downstream of said heat exchanger 30. In one such configuration, the air flow F passing through the heat exchanger 30 comes from the air flow F passing through the regulating device 1 or opens onto said regulating device 1.

The regulation device 1 is configured to control the passage of the air flow F from the upstream heat exchanger 30 to the downstream heat exchanger 31 or through the single heat exchanger 30 via at least one rollable/unrollable curtain 10 (otherwise called blind). In the remainder of the description, the non-limiting embodiment with a single heat exchanger 30 is taken as a non-limiting example.

Thus, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 or 5, the regulation device 1 comprises:
- at least one curtain 10 configured to move in an opening/closing direction Y, between a closed position PF blocking the passage of said air flow F and an open position PO allowing said air flow F to pass, and
- a frame 11 configured to accommodate said at least one curtain 10.

Said at least one curtain 10 is described below.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the opening/closing direction Y of said at least one curtain 10 is horizontal. Said at least one curtain 10 is configured to wind and unwind around a winding shaft 35 (illustrated in the ). Said at least one curtain 10 comprises a front part 10.a and a rear part 10.b illustrated on the . The front part 10.a faces the outside of the motor vehicle 2 and the rear part 10.b faces the inside of the engine compartment.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in a non-limiting embodiment, the regulating device 1 comprises two curtains 10, each curtain 10 being configured to wind and unwind each around a winding shaft 35. In Figures 4 and 5, the curtains 10 are in the partially open position. This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description.

In order to move said at least one curtain 10 in the open position PO or in the closed position PF, the regulation device 1 further comprises a kinematics formed in particular according to a non-limiting embodiment of a transmission device (not shown here), two winding shafts 35 connected respectively to the curtains 10 and said transmission device, and an actuator 113 whose housing is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 configured to drive said transmission device. Actuator 113 includes a motor shaft. The actuator 113 further comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or more generally any motor member making it possible to induce a rotational movement on the motor shaft. The motor shaft is articulated on bearings, linked to the frame 11. In this embodiment, the actuator 113 is located on the frame 11, more particularly on a side panel 110 of the frame 11. This kinematics being known from the skilled in the art, it is not described in detail here.

Frame 11 is described below.

As illustrated on the , the frame 11 provides an interior space 118 in which the curtains 10 are placed. As illustrated in the , Frame 11 includes:
- at least four separate sections 110, and
- at least four junction elements 112 configured to assemble a section 110 with another section 110.

As illustrated on the , the frame 11 comprises four sides 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, and 11.4 defined by the four sides 110 including two vertical sides 11.1, 11.3 and two horizontal sides 11.2 and 11.4. The frame thus comprises two vertical sections 110 and two horizontal sections 110 when the regulating device 11 is installed on the motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sections 110 are thus parallel in pairs.

In non-limiting embodiments, the frame 11 is made of aluminum or plastic. It includes a thickness e1 (shown on the ) defined so as to be able to integrate the kinematics (transmission device, drive members, actuator etc.) seen previously.

The sections 110 of the frame 11 are now described in detail below.

The sides 110 of the frame 11 have an extruded profile. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, the profile of the vertical sections 110 is an open U-shaped profile. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the , the profile of the horizontal sides 110 is a more closed U-shaped profile. In a non-limiting embodiment, each horizontal panel 110 comprises at least one hinge so that said plane 110 can be folded. This makes it possible to set in motion at least two parts of a horizontal panel 110 so as to open said panel 110.

Each panel 110 defines an internal cavity 111 illustrated in Figures 8 to 10. As illustrated in the , the internal cavity 111 of the horizontal panels 110 is configured to accommodate a connecting structure 101 of the curtains 10 which extends horizontally between the two curtains 10 and connects them together. As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the internal cavity 111 of the vertical sections 110 makes it possible to accommodate the winding shafts 35 of the curtains 10.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, two sides 110 are configured to be fixed directly on the heat exchanger 30. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, these are the two vertical sides 110.

As illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, the two sides 110 comprise first ends 1100 configured to cooperate with fixing elements 3020 of the heat exchanger 30. The first ends 110 including longitudinal ends which extend all the way or part along the sides 110 as illustrated on the . In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the first ends 1100 form a male part such as a chute in which fixing elements 3020 of the heat exchanger 30 can snap into place. Thus, the first ends 1100 cooperate with the fixing elements 3020 of the heat exchanger 30 by snap-fastening. The two sides 110 are thus fixed on the heat exchanger 30 by snap-fastening. When the heat exchanger 30 expands, these two sides 110 which are fixed with the heat exchanger 30 will move with it while the winding shafts 35 remain in their nominal position, otherwise called initial position. The nominal position corresponds to the position in which the winding shafts 35 are when the heat exchanger 30 is not expanded, namely when it is in the rest position. In a non-limiting example, the heat exchanger 30 is not expanded when the ambient temperature is substantially equal to 20°.

Thus, as illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, the heat exchanger 30 comprises fixing elements 3020 configured to cooperate with the first ends 1100 of the two sides 110, here vertical, of said frame 11. In one embodiment non-limiting, the fixing elements 3020 are snap-fastening elements. In a non-limiting embodiment, the fixing elements 3020 are a male part which is inserted into the female part 1100 of a vertical panel 110. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the fixing elements 3020 are a groove which clips into the chute 1100. In a non-limiting embodiment, they extend longitudinally along a fixing support 302 of the heat exchanger 30 and form a first end of said fixing support 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the fixing support 302 has a U-shaped profile. the fixing elements 3020 form a first longitudinal end of the U-shaped profile of the fixing support 320. In a non-limiting embodiment, this fixing support 302 is part of a collector box 300.

As illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, in a non-limiting embodiment, the two sides 110 which are fixed directly with the heat exchanger 30 further comprise cleaning elements 1101 of the curtains 10, otherwise called cleaning elements. primary cleaning elements 1101 or primary brushes 1101. These cleaning elements 1101 form a baffle with cleaning elements 3021 of the heat exchanger 30, otherwise called secondary cleaning elements 3021 or secondary brushes 1101. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary cleaning elements 1110 extend all or part along the sides 110 parallel to the axis of the winding shaft 35 of the curtains 10, therefore here in the non-limiting example, in the vertical direction Z. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the primary cleaning elements 1101 form a second longitudinal end of the U-shaped profile of a section 110 and are opposite the first end 1100 seen previously.

When a curtain 10 is in movement (rolls up or unrolls), its front part 10.a (illustrated on the ) rubs on primary cleaning elements 1101 so that these primary cleaning elements 1101 sweep away dirty particles such as particles of dust, sand, etc. in non-limiting examples, and removes them from the front part 10.a of said curtain 10. The curtain 10 is thus cleaned. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary cleaning elements 1101 are made of the same material as that of the panel 10 to which it belongs. Indeed, in the non-limiting example of aluminum, this material is sufficiently flexible so that the primary cleaning elements 1101 can be slightly deformed during the movement of the curtain 10 and its friction against said curtain 10.

As illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, in a non-limiting embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 thus comprises secondary cleaning elements 3021 of the curtains 10. These secondary cleaning elements 3021 form a chicane with the elements of primary cleaning 1101 of each vertical pan 110. In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary cleaning elements 3021 extend all or part along the collector boxes 300 parallel to the axis of the winding shaft 35 of the curtains 10, therefore here in the example no limiting, in the vertical direction Z. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the secondary cleaning elements 3021 form part of the fixing support 302 of the heat exchanger 30. In a non-limiting embodiment, they form a second longitudinal end of the U-shaped profile of the fixing support 302 and are opposite the fixing elements 3020 seen previously.

When a curtain 10 is in movement (rolling up or unrolling), its rear part 10.b (illustrated on the ) rubs on the secondary cleaning elements 3021 so that these secondary cleaning elements 3021 sweep dirty particles and remove them from the rear part 10.b of the curtain 10. The curtain 10 is thus cleaned.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary cleaning elements 3021 are composed of a material different from that of said heat exchanger 30. This different material is a flexible material, namely less rigid than that of the heat exchanger 30. Indeed, in the non-limiting example of PLA used for the heat exchanger 30, this material is rigid. It is therefore not flexible enough for secondary cleaning elements 3021 to be able to deform slightly during the movement of the curtain 10 and its friction against said curtain 10. To integrate the secondary cleaning elements 3021 into the heat exchanger 30, in a non-limiting embodiment, the fixing support 302 includes a slot for inserting them.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the secondary cleaning elements 3021 are bi-injected. Bi-injection is done with a rigid material (PLA in a non-limiting example) and a flexible material. The secondary cleaning elements 3021 are in this way integrated into the heat exchanger 30.

The connecting elements 112 of the frame 11 are now described in detail below.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the sections 110 are assembled in pairs by the junction elements 112. Thus, each junction element 112 is configured to assemble two sections 110 together. In a non-limiting embodiment, the junction elements 112 are injected parts which makes it possible to have a single tool to manufacture all the junction elements 112. In a non-limiting embodiment, each junction element 112 has a angled shape. The elbow shape has approximately the shape of a square as illustrated on the having a first branch 112c and a second branch 112d forming a substantially perpendicular angle. The first branch 112c of the junction element 112 is configured to maintain a first section 110 of the frame 11, and the second branch 112d of the junction element 112 is configured to maintain a second section 110 of the frame 11, the two sections 11 thus being maintained substantially perpendicular to each other.

As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, in a non-limiting embodiment, said junction elements 112 are composed of two parts 112a, 112b comprising complementary snap-fastening elements 1120. The latching elements 1120 thus form a clip. In a non-limiting embodiment, the latching is done in the direction X. In the non-limiting example illustrated, there are three complementary latching elements 1120. They are distributed over the two parts 112a, 112b so as to reinforce the assembly of the two parts 112a, 112b between them.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the first 112a and the second 112b part are configured to encapsulate at least one section 110 of the frame 11 when they are assembled together. Thus, in this non-limiting embodiment, a distal section 110.1 (illustrated in the ) of a panel 110 is trapped inside a junction element 112. This prevents a panel 110 from becoming detached from the junction element 112. In addition, this prevents a panel 110, s it is composed of two parts connected by a hinge which does not open due to vibrations generated by the movement of the motor vehicle 2. The distal section 110.1 of a panel 110 is further dimensioned so that when a junction element 112 moves due to the expansion of the heat exchanger 30, it supports this movement so that the panel 110 concerned does not become detached from said junction element 112. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, when the exchanger heat 30 is not expanded, the distal section of the pan 110 which is located inside the junction element 112 is approximately 20 mm (millimeters). There is thus an overlap of approximately 20mm between the panel 110 and the junction element 112. This also allows the panel 110 to be well trapped in the junction element 112 and that there is no risk that it detaches from the junction element 112 in the event of vibrations due to the movement of the motor vehicle 2.

There illustrates the parts 112b of each of the four junction elements 112 which make it possible to assemble the four sides 110 of the frame 11 two by two. illustrates the parts 112a of each of the four junction elements 112 which make it possible to assemble the four sections 110 of the frame 11 two by two.

At least two of the junction elements 112 are configured so as to slide with the two sides 110, here horizontal, which are not fixed with the heat exchanger 30. In this way, when the heat exchanger 30 expands, the junction elements 112 which are fixed to the heat exchanger 30 follow the movement generated by the expansion by sliding with these two sides 110, but the two sides 110 do not move and remain in position.

For this purpose, in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated on the , at least two of the junction elements 112 comprise a stop 112.3 on which bears an elastic return element 363 of a connecting element 36 described below. The stop 112.3 is configured to compress said elastic return element 363. When the heat exchanger 30 is in the rest position, the stop 112.3 compresses the elastic return element 363. When the heat exchanger 30 expands and is in the expansion position, the junction element 112 moves and the stop 112.3 compresses the elastic return element 363 more strongly.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the thermal regulation module 3 thus further comprises connecting elements 36 between a winding shaft 35 and the junction elements 112, the connecting elements 36 being configured to be integrated into the elements junction 112 as illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. We thus have a connecting element 36 integrated into each junction element 112.

In a non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in the , we thus have four connecting elements 36 including:
- two arranged next to the first side 11.1 (here, vertical in the non-limiting example taken) of the frame 11 which hold one of the winding shafts 35 with two junction elements 112, and
- two others arranged next to the second side 11.3 (here, vertical in the non-limiting example taken) opposite the first side 11.1 of the frame 11 which maintain the other of the winding shafts 35 with the two other junction elements 112. The first side 11.1 and the second side 11.3 which faces each other are the sides along which the winding shafts 35 of the two curtains 10 extend.

At least two of the connecting elements 36 are configured to establish a relative movement connection between one of the winding shafts 35 and the junction elements 112, which makes it possible to ensure relative movement of the heat exchanger 30 by relative to this winding shaft 35 so that in the event of expansion of the heat exchanger 30, said winding shaft 35 remains in its nominal position and does not move. The relative movement thus makes it possible to resist the expansion of the heat exchanger 30.

In a first non-limiting embodiment, two connecting elements 36 are configured to establish a relative movement connection between one of the winding shafts 35 which could be driven by the expansion of the heat exchanger and the two elements junction 112 which they connect with said winding shaft 35. The two other connecting elements 36 are configured to establish a fixed connection between the other of the winding shafts 35 and the two junction elements 112 which they connect with said winding shaft 35.

In a second non-limiting embodiment, four connecting elements 36 are configured to establish a relative movement connection between the two winding shafts 35 which could be driven by the expansion of the heat exchanger and the four connecting elements 112 which they connect with the winding shafts 35.

As illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, in a non-limiting embodiment, each connecting element 36 comprises a body 360 with:
- a first connection element 361,
- a second connection element 362.

The first connection element 361 is configured to connect the connection element 36 with a winding shaft 35 of a curtain 10. As illustrated in the , in a non-limiting embodiment, the connection element 361 is a female part (in the non-limiting example illustrated an orifice) which allows the connecting element 36 to be fitted onto a complementary connection element 351 (illustrated on the and the ) of the winding shaft 35 which is a male part. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment, we can have the opposite, namely the connection element 361 is a male part and the complementary connection element 351 is a female part.

The second connection element 362 is configured to connect the connecting element 36 with a junction element 112 and therefore with the frame 11. As illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, in a non-limiting embodiment, the The connection element 362 is a female part (in the non-limiting example illustrated a groove) which allows the connection element 36 to be fitted onto a complementary connection element 112.2 of the junction element 112 which is a male part (in the non-limiting example illustrated a rib) as illustrated on the . Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, a slide connection is established between the connecting element 36 and the junction element 112. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment, we can have the opposite, to namely the connection element 362 is a male part and the complementary connection element 112.2 is a female part.

In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 16 to 20, the connecting elements 36 which are configured to establish a relative movement connection further comprise an elastic return element 363. The elastic return element 363 is thus integrated in a junction element 112 as illustrated in the .

In a non-limiting embodiment, the two connecting elements 36 arranged next to the first side 11.1 (vertical) of the frame 11 comprise this elastic return element 363. As will be seen below, the elastic return element 363 will make it possible to absorb the movement of the junction elements 112 due to the expansion of the heat exchanger 30. In a non-limiting example, the heat exchanger 30 can expand between 3 and 4 mm (millimeters). The elastic return element 363 is dimensioned to be able to absorb this expansion of the heat exchanger 30.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the elastic return element 363 is a spring. This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description.

As illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, In a non-limiting embodiment, the spring 363 is configured to come to bear against the stop 112.3 of the junction element 112 in which it is integrated. It is compressed by said stop 112.3.

Spring 363 is configured to:
- move from a primary compressed state s1 to a higher secondary compressed state s2 when the heat exchanger 30 moves from a rest position to an expanded position; therefore when the heat exchanger 30 is in a final expansion position,
- pass from said secondary compressed state s2 to said primary compressed state s1 when the heat exchanger 30 passes from its expanded position to its rest position; therefore when the heat exchanger 30 has released.

It will be noted that when the heat exchanger 30 is expanding, the spring 363 passes through several intermediate states of compression between the primary compressed state s1 and the secondary compressed state s2.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate spring 363 which is:
- in the primary compressed state s1 when the heat exchanger 30 is in its rest position,
- in the secondary compressed state s1 when the heat exchanger 30 is in its expanded position.

In a non-limiting embodiment, spring 363 is:
- is compressed by 2 mm in the primary compressed state s1, and
- is compressed between 5mm and 6mm in the secondary compressed state s2.

Thus, the spring 364 can absorb an expansion of between 3 and 4 mm of the heat exchanger 30.

The primary compressed state s1 makes it possible to tighten the curtains 10 when the heat exchanger 30 is not expanded, namely when it is in the rest position. Indeed, if the spring 363 were released, the winding shaft 35 of the curtain 10 which is connected with the junction element 112 by a relative movement connection would be in a free state, and there would be a risk that it is not sufficiently spaced from the other winding shaft 35 of the other curtain 10. In this case, there would be no tension effect between them on either side and in the event of pressure exerted by a flow of air on the curtains 10, the latter would be relaxed. The compression of spring 363 in its primary compression state s1 makes it possible to hold this winding shaft 35 in place and thus to tension the curtains 10 between them. The axis of the winding shafts 35 of the curtains 10 is thus not modified.

The secondary compressed state s2 makes it possible to maintain a winding shaft 35 in its initial position when said heat exchanger 30 expands. This winding shaft 35 is the one which is connected with the junction element 112 by a relative movement connection.

When the heat exchanger 30 expands, here horizontally in the non-limiting example taken, the two sides 110 (here vertical in the non-limiting example taken) which are fixed to the heat exchanger 30 move apart one of the other. More particularly, when the heat exchanger 30 expands the collector boxes 300 of the heat exchanger 30 move away from each other. In a non-limiting example, they differ by approximately 4mm. The two junction elements 112 which are connected to at least one of these two vertical sections 110 which move and will thus follow the movement of said at least one of these two sections 110. They thus translate horizontally in the non-limiting example taken. Due to their sliding connection with the two other sections 110, here horizontal, which are not fixed to the heat exchanger 30, the two junction elements 112 can translate horizontally without dragging the two other horizontal sections 11 in their movement , the latter thus remaining immobile. There is thus a relative movement between the two junction elements 112 (which connect the same vertical section 110) and the horizontal sections 110 to which they are not fixed by a fixed connection but only assembled by a sliding connection. In a non-limiting embodiment, to facilitate this horizontal translation of the junction elements 112 without the horizontal sections 110 moving, there is a clearance (not illustrated) between the horizontal sections 110 and each junction element 112 to which they are assembled. .

When a junction element 112 moves, its stop 112.3 on which the spring 363 is supported moves and thus follows the same movement of movement as said at least one vertical section 110 which moves and drives the junction element 112 , the vertical pan 110 being fixed to the heat exchanger 30 which expands. By moving during expansion, the stop 112.3 exerts greater compression on the spring 363 than when the heat exchanger 30 is in its rest position, namely not expanded. At the end of its stroke, when the heat exchanger 30 is completely expanded, namely in its expanded position, the stop 112.3 puts the spring 363 in its secondary compressed state s2. Spring 363 is thus further compressed. Thus, when a junction element 112 moves due to the expansion of the heat exchanger 30, the corresponding spring 363 is more compressed. Thus, the secondary compressed state s2 of spring 363 is greater than its primary compressed state s1.

It will be noted that the stop 112.3 is dimensioned so that it does not come into contact with a winding shaft 35 when it moves during the expansion of the heat exchanger 30. This thus prevents the winding shaft from 35 does not deviate from the winding axis of the corresponding curtain 10, which would result in a risk of tearing of said curtain 10.

Thus, thanks to the connecting elements 36 and in particular to their spring 363, and to the slide connection between the connecting elements 112 and the horizontal sections 110, the winding shafts 35 are maintained in their initial position and are not driven by the translation movement of the two vertical sides 110 and therefore by the expansion of the heat exchanger 30.

In a first non-limiting embodiment, when the heat exchanger 30 expands. The two junction elements 112 which assemble the vertical panel 110 which moves move with said vertical panel 110. Thus, the two junction elements 112 move horizontally to the left with the vertical panel 110 which moves to the left. The connecting elements 36 integrated into these two joining elements 112 include a spring 363 to absorb the expansion of the heat exchanger 30, while the connecting elements 36 integrated into the two other joining elements 112 are devoid of spring 363 since they do not absorb the expansion of the heat exchanger 30.

In a second non-limiting embodiment, the two vertical sides 110 move apart; they move away from each other. The four junction elements 112 which assemble two by two the two vertical sections 110 move with said vertical sections 110 which move. Thus, two junction elements 112 move horizontally to the left with the vertical panel 110 on the first side 11.1 of the frame 11 in a non-limiting example which moves to the left, and the two other junction elements 112 move horizontally on the right with the vertical panel 110 on the second side 11.3 of the frame 11 in a non-limiting example, which moves to the right. By virtue of their sliding connection with the two other horizontal sections 110, which are not fixed to the heat exchanger 30, the four junction elements 112 can translate horizontally without dragging the two horizontal sections 11 in their movement, the latter thus remaining immobile. There is thus a relative movement between the junction elements 112 and the horizontal sections 110 to which they are not fixed but only assembled. The connecting elements 36 integrated into the four connecting elements 112 include a spring 363 to absorb the expansion of the heat exchanger 30

Of course the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the direction of opening/closing of the curtains 10 can be perpendicular to the direction Y, and consequently in the vertical direction Z. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the direction of the tubes of the heat exchange bundle 301 of the heat exchanger 30 is vertical. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the regulating device 1 comprises more than four sections 110 and more than four junction elements 112. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, instead of a distal section 110.1 d 'a panel 110 is encapsulated in a junction element 112 and is thus located inside the junction element 112, it can be fitted onto the junction element 112 and be located outside the element junction 112. It is held in place on the junction element 112 then by friction. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the junction elements 112 are fixed to the heat exchanger 30, more particularly to the collector boxes 300 by screwing or snap-fastening in a fixed manner. In addition to the two-piece fixing of the sections 110 with the heat exchanger 30, the regulating device 1 can thus also be fixed to the heat exchanger 30 via the junction elements 112. It will be noted that this embodiment non-limiting can be used in addition to fixing the two sides 110 directly with the heat exchanger 30 or as a replacement.

Thus, the invention described has in particular the following advantages:
- by directly fixing two sides 110 of the regulating device 1 on the heat exchanger 30, it thus makes it possible to integrate part of the device for regulating an air flow 1 into the heat exchanger 30,
- it thus makes it possible to obtain a more compact thermal regulation module 3 and therefore to adapt to the space constraints at the front of a vehicle 2, in particular the engine compartment,
- it makes it possible to reduce the cost of the regulation device 1 because there is no longer any need to use intermediate parts dedicated to fixing the regulation device on the heat exchanger.

Claims (10)

Device for regulating (1) a flow of air (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger (30) for a vehicle (2), said regulating device (1) comprising:
- at least one curtain (10) configured to move in an opening/closing direction (Y), between a closed position (PF) blocking the passage of said air flow (F) and an open position (PO) leaving pass said air flow (F), and
- a frame (11) configured to accommodate said at least one curtain (10), said frame (11) comprising:
- at least four separate sections (110), and
- at least four junction elements (112) configured to assemble one side (110) with another side (110),
characterized in that two sides (110) are configured to be fixed directly with said heat exchanger (30). Regulating device (1) according to claim 1, according to which said junction elements (112) are composed of two parts (112a, 112b) comprising complementary latching elements (1120). Thermal regulation module (3) comprising:
- a heat exchanger (30) capable of expanding,
- a regulating device (1) according to any one of the preceding characteristics, in which said at least one curtain (10) is arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft (35). Thermal regulation module (2) according to the preceding claim, according to which said heat exchanger (30) comprises fixing elements (3000) configured to cooperate with ends (1100) of said two sides (110) which are fixed directly with said heat exchanger (30). Thermal regulation module (3) according to the preceding claim, according to which said fixing elements (3000) are snap-fastening elements. Thermal regulation module (3) according to any one of preceding claims 3 to 5, according to which said heat exchanger (30) comprises cleaning elements (3021) of said at least one curtain (10). Thermal regulation module (3) according to the preceding claim, according to which said cleaning elements (3021) are composed of a material different from that of said at least one heat exchanger (30). Thermal regulation module (3) according to claim 6, wherein said secondary cleaning elements (3021) are bi-injected. Thermal regulation module (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 8, according to which said thermal regulation module (3) further comprises connecting elements (36) between said winding shaft (35) of said at least one curtain and said junction elements (112) including at least two connecting elements (36) configured to establish a relative movement connection between said winding shaft (35) and two junction elements (112), said elements of connection (36) being configured to be integrated into said junction elements (112). Thermal regulation module (3) according to the preceding claim, according to which said at least two connecting elements (36) each comprise an elastic return element (363) integrated into said corresponding junction element and configured to:
- move from a primary compressed state (s1) to a higher secondary compressed state (s2) when said at least one heat exchanger (30) moves from a rest position to an expanded position,
- move from said secondary compressed state (s2) to said primary compressed state (s1) when said at least one heat exchanger (30) moves from its expanded position to its rest position.