WO2022152894A1

WO2022152894A1 - Air flow regulating device of a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022152894A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/050817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sylvain Gerber; Enzo MITIDIERI
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2021-01-18
Filing date: 2022-01-16
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Also published as: FR3118907B1; FR3118907A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (400) for regulating an air flow intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising one or two curtains (11) that is/are able to move in an opening/closing direction between a closed position shutting off the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow (F) to pass through, the curtain or curtains being in particular flexible, wherein the curtain has a free edge (401) secured, with the aid of a fastening device (402), to one of a winding shaft (403) or a drive member (405), in particular a sliding drive member, wherein the device for fastening the curtain has two elements (410, 411) designed to trap a portion (412) of the curtain between these two elements.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DEVICE FOR REGULATING AN AIR FLOW OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

[1] The invention relates to a device for regulating a flow of air circulating within a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle and a cooling module equipped with such a device. It is intended in particular for equipping the front end of a motor vehicle.

[2] It is known to use flaps controlled by an actuator on the front of the vehicle in order to reduce the drag coefficient and also to improve cooling and air conditioning performance. Such a system is most often referred to by the acronym AGS from the English language expression “Active Grille Shutter”. LAGS is preferably installed at a grille of the motor vehicle. In the open position of the air intake, the air can circulate through the grille and participate in particular in the cooling of the engine of the motor vehicle. In the closed position of the air intake, the air does not enter via the grille which reduces drag and thus helps to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. LAGS therefore makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and pollution when the motor does not need to be cooled by the outside air.

[3] In some cases, it is not possible to position an AGS at the level of the grille, in front of the exchangers, due to an unsuitable environment, a customer request or other.

[4] Motor vehicle cooling modules comprising two heat exchangers are known. A first heat exchanger has the function of cooling an auxiliary circuit of the vehicle, such as an air conditioning device or a charge air cooling device. A second heat exchanger is required to cool the vehicle engine. The heat exchangers are arranged on the front of the vehicle, assembled and aligned in series to be successively crossed by the flow of air entering through the grille of the vehicle. They typically include a heat exchange bundle, comprising tubes in which the fluid to be cooled circulates and through which the air coming from the calender passes.

[5] In order to separate the cooling of the two heat exchangers and optimize the aerodynamic gain of each heat exchanger, the applicant recently proposed a device for regulating the flow of air intended to circulate in the heat exchangers in a request for applicant's unpublished patent. The regulating device comprises two curtains mounted in a frame and movable alternately in translation between two open and closed positions. By moving between these two positions, the curtains allow the control device to pass or alternately block the flow of air passing through the grille of the motor vehicle. The movement of the curtains is carried out by means of a transmission system which guides the movement of said curtains in translation, as well as an actuator inducing a movement in the transmission system.

[6] The subject of the invention is a device for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one curtain, in particular two curtains, capable of move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow to pass, this regulation device comprising a transmission system arranged to guide the movement of said drapes,

[7] in which the device comprises an electric actuator to actuate the transmission system, and a frame to house the curtain(s),

[8] and in which the frame comprises a front part and a rear part, the front part being placed upstream with respect to the rear part in the direction of the air flow, this frame comprising a box in association with the actuator , this box receiving in particular an electric motor of the actuator, this box comprising a part of the box formed in one piece with the front part of the frame and another part of the box formed with the rear part of the frame.

[9] The invention makes it possible to simplify assembly operations because the actuator housing is already formed with the front and rear parts of the frame.

[10] The invention also allows better rigidity, due to a reduced number of parts, of the assembly during operation of the device.

[11] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the two parts of the case are assembled in a sealed manner, in particular with the interposition of a seal between these parts of the case.

[12] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing parts form a housing for the electric motor and at least one of the housing parts comprises a cover closing this housing, this cover and the housing part being formed in one piece.

[13] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover of the box is flat.

[14] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame has a border and the actuator housing is placed on this border.

[15] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing parts are formed respectively with a bar of the front or rear part of the frame, these bars together forming the edge of the frame which is in contact with the housing of the actuator. [16] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing parts of the actuator are formed by molding with the respective front and rear parts of the frame.

[17] According to one aspect of the invention, the front and rear parts of the frame are assembled with click elements.

[18] According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one of the front and rear parts of the frame comprises a mesh, in particular in the form of a honeycomb, produced in particular by molding with this part of the frame.

[19] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing of the actuator comprises at least one orifice for the passage of an electrical connection element, in particular for the motor of the actuator.

[20] The present invention relates in particular, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a device for regulating an air flow intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one curtain, in particular two curtains, in particular one or more roll-up curtains, able to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow to pass, this regulation device comprising a frame providing an interior space in which the curtain(s) is placed, the frame comprising a front part and a rear part assembled together, the front part being upstream of the rear part in the direction of flow of the airflow.

[21] The invention relates in particular, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a rolling curtain system(s) in the device placed between exchangers of a cooling module at the front of the vehicle. The two frame parts are in a way half frames allowing the positioning, the maintenance and the guiding of the various elements of the kinematics of the curtains. By attaching to each other, the two front and rear parts of the frame also ensure the protection of these elements against external aggressions (dust, temperature, liquids, etc.), thus improving the reliability of the assembly. The frame thus assembled, household, within it, a large window allowing the air to pass through it to cool the exchanger placed downstream. It is this window which is closed off by the curtains during the closing phases. The rear part of the frame is generally provided with a lattice, in the window, which retains the curtain; thus avoiding any contact with the bundle of the exchanger placed behind it. The front part can also be equipped with this kind of grid, but here with a role of stone guard. [22] According to one aspect of the invention, the front and rear parts have air passages to allow the flow of air to pass when the curtain or curtains are in the open position.

[23] According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one of the front and rear parts of the frame comprises a grid zone, in particular of flat shape, which forms the air passage or passages.

[24] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the rear part of the frame comprises a grid zone and the curtain or curtains are arranged to be able to rest on this grid zone when the curtain or curtains are in position. closed.

[25] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the grid area, in particular substantially rectangular in shape, is formed by bars which intersect, in particular perpendicularly. The grid zone comprises for example a group of bars parallel to each other and another of bars parallel to each other and the bars of the two groups intersect at right angles.

[26] According to one aspect of the invention, the rear part has a peripheral border surrounding the grid area. This border comprises for example reinforcing ribs, for example on two parallel sides of this border.

[27] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the grid area is in one piece. In particular, this grate zone has no upright which passes within it, other than the bars forming the grate.

[28] According to one aspect of the invention, the edge of the rear part has walls perpendicular to the grid area.

[29] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the front part of the frame comprises a completely free opening, at least partially facing the grid zone of the rear part, in particular being substantially of the same area as this zone of gate.

[30] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the front part may include a protective grid, in particular an anti-projectile grid, placed in the air passage.

[31] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the front part of the frame comprises an edge surrounding the opening, this edge being arranged to cooperate with the edge of the rear part, these edges being in particular assembled by means of fasteners such as screws, snaps, or glue.

[32] According to one aspect of the invention, the front and rear parts of the frame are formed by molding a plastic material. [33] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the curtain or curtains, once rolled up on themselves, each occupy a cylindrical space which runs along one side of the border of the front and rear parts, while being at inside the space bounded by the frame.

[34] According to one of the aspects of the invention, an electric actuator is provided to actuate, namely to roll up or unroll the curtain or curtains.

[35] A further subject of the invention, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising two curtains capable to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow to pass, this regulating device comprising a transmission system arranged to guide the movement said curtains, as well as an actuator inducing a movement in the transmission system, this transmission system comprising two winding shafts each for winding and unwinding one of the curtains, this transmission system further comprising at least a belt operable in movement and arranged to rotate at least one of the winding shafts both in the direction of winding of the curtain and in the direction of unwinding of the ri water.

[36] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the actuator is arranged to rotate one of the winding shafts selectively in a rolling direction of the curtain or in a rolling direction of the curtain.

[37] According to one of the aspects of the invention, each winding shaft comprises a toothed pinion arranged to cooperate with the belt which is notched so that the movement of one of the winding shafts, in particular a movement caused by the actuator, or transmitted to the other winding shaft.

[38] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the regulating device comprises two belts each at one of the ends of the two winding shafts so that each belt is associated with two toothed pinions of the two shafts of winding, these two belts being arranged to be in synchronized movement with respect to each other.

[39] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the device comprises at least one drive member secured to a free edge of the curtain and arranged to move at the same time as the belt to accompany the curtain during its winding or unwinding so as to keep the curtain flat. [40] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the drive member comprises carriages arranged to be fixed to the belts, or at least to one of them, so that the drive member is attached to the two belts.

[41] According to one of the aspects of the invention, each carriage is pinched on the associated belt, in particular pinched on a strip forming the belt.

[42] According to one of the aspects of the invention, for each belt, the carriage associated with one of the curtains is fixed on a first strand of the belt between the two winding shafts and the other carriage associated with the other of the curtains is attached to a second strand of the belt which opposes the first strand so that the two carriages can be moved in opposite directions, either away from each other or toward each other each other.

[43] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive member comprises a rod with at each end of the rod one of the carriages, and the rod being placed along a free edge of the curtain associated. In particular when the two curtains are in the closed position, the two rods come to bear against each other. The carriages are in particular fixed to the belt without the possibility of relative movement with respect to this belt.

[44] According to one aspect of the invention, each trolley is made of plastic.

[45] According to one aspect of the invention, the direction for winding the curtain around the winding shaft is the same on both shafts. This is enabled by the fact that the curtains wrap oppositely on the two shafts

[46] Thus the belt allows the rotation of one of the winding shafts simultaneously with the setting in motion in translation of the drive member of the curtain via the carriages.

[47] A further subject of the invention, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one curtain, in particular two curtains, capable of moving in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position letting the air flow (F) pass, this regulation device comprising a transmission system arranged to guide the movement of said curtains, in which the device comprises an electric actuator for actuating the transmission system, and a frame for housing the curtain or curtains, and in which the frame comprises a front part and a rear part, the front part being placed upstream with respect to the rear part in the direction of the air flow, and in which the front and rear parts of the frame are assembled with click elements floor. [48] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the two housing parts are assembled in a sealed manner, with in particular the interposition of a seal between these housing parts.

[49] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing parts form a housing for the electric motor and at least one of the housing parts comprises a cover closing this housing, this cover and the housing part being formed in one piece.

[50] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the latching element comprises a deformable latching tab arranged to cooperate with the other latching element.

[51] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the latching tab has an opening to cooperate with the other latching element which has a boss.

[52] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the frame comprises a plurality of pairs of latching elements distributed in particular on the four sides of the perimeter of this frame.

[53] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame has a border and the actuator housing is placed on this border.

[54] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the snap elements have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the border so that the snap elements remain within a width of this border.

[55] According to one aspect of the invention, the snap elements are formed integrally with the respective frame parts.

[56] According to one aspect of the invention, the front and rear parts of the frame are assembled without the aid of screws or bolts.

[57] The invention thus allows a simplified assembly of the frame.

[58] A further subject of the invention, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising one or two curtains, able(s) to move in an opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow to pass (F), the curtain or curtains ( x) being in particular flexible(s), in which the curtain comprises a free edge secured, using a fixing device, to one of a winding shaft or a drive member, in particular a sliding drive member, in which the device for fixing the curtain comprises two elements arranged to wedge a portion of the curtain between these two elements.

[59] Thanks to the invention, fixing the curtain on the winding shaft and/or the drive member is simplified. In particular, it is not necessary to have an element additional, for example a ring, separate from the winding shaft or the drive member. The curtain can be taken on the winding shaft or the drive member at the same time as this shaft or this member are assembled.

[60] According to one aspect of the invention, the two elements of the fixing device are part of the winding shaft or the drive member on which the free edge of the curtain is fixed.

[61] According to one aspect of the invention, the free edge of the curtain which is fixed to the fixing device is straight and the elements between which the curtain portion is wedged extend parallel to this straight free edge.

[62] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the fixing elements have wedging faces between which the curtain portion is wedged.

[63] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the wedging faces have complementary shapes between which the portion of curtain to be wedged is placed.

[64] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the wedging faces have substantially rounded shapes so that the stuck portion of the curtain wraps around one of these winding faces, over a complete turn. or on an angular sector only of the lathe.

[65] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the two elements define between them an entrance slot for the curtain portion, and the curtain is in particular wedged between the two elements from the entrance slot to the free edge of the curtain, forming the wedged portion of the curtain.

[66] According to one aspect of the invention, the elements of the fastening device are assembled together by snap-fastening.

[67] In particular, one of the elements has a constriction which is crossed by the other element at the time of assembly, and this constriction is put back in place and traps the complementary element.

[68] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the elements of the fixing device comprises a hollow tube on which is formed one of the wedging faces.

[69] This hollow tube is in particular housed in a cylindrical housing of the other element of the fixing device, this housing having in particular a constriction to imprison the hollow tube.

[70] In this case, the hollow tube is arranged to cross the constriction of the cylinder thanks to a deformation of the corresponding element, in particular by separating two lips which form the two edges of this constriction. Then once the hollow tube has crossed the tightening, the two lips come together by elastic deformation to trap the hollow tube. This is a snap fit assembly.

[71] Alternatively, the hollow tube is inserted into this housing through a side opening and is then slid into this housing by a translational movement along the axis of this cylinder.

[72] In this example, the curtain portion does not cover an outer face of the elements of the fastening device.

[73] In this example, the curtain does not wrap around the elements of the fixing device, which is in particular sliding in translation, and not rotating. This fixing device is in particular part of the drive member of the curtain.

[74] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the fixing elements each have an outer face on which the curtain rests, to allow the curtain to wrap around these two outer faces.

[75] In this example, the curtain attachment device is part of the winding shaft.

[76] One of the elements of the fixation device comprises a hollow tube and, on either side of this hollow tube, two extensions, and the wedging face is formed on this hollow tube and the extensions.

[77] These extensions are notably hollow.

[78] The stuck portion of the curtain extends in particular over the hollow tube and the extensions.

[79] According to one of the aspects of the invention, instead of the hollow tube or tubes mentioned above, it is possible to have a solid tube.

[80] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the elements of the fixing device are made of plastic, in particular by molding or extrusion.

[81] According to one of the aspects of the invention, these elements have in particular a profile shape.

[82] It is understood that all the features and configurations above are in no way limiting. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several embodiments given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which: [83] Figure 1 [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in side view, the front face of a vehicle comprising a cooling module equipped with a regulation device according to the invention;

[84] Figure 2 [Fig. 2] illustrates, in schematic front view, a regulation device according to the invention, the curtains are in the open position,

[85] Figure 3 [Fig. 3] illustrates, in schematic front view, a regulation device according to the invention, the curtains are in the closed position,

[86] Figure 4 [Fig. 4] is a schematic representation of another regulating device of the invention,

[87] Figure 5 [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of the elements of the device of figure 4,

[88] Figure 6 [Fig. 6] is a schematic representation of a device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the closed position,

[89] Figure 7 [Fig. 7] is a schematic representation of a device according to the previous figure, in the open position,

[90] Figure 8 [Fig. 8] is a schematic representation of the device according to FIG. 6, in magnified view, in the closed position,

[91] Figure 9 [Fig. 9] is a view of another embodiment of the invention,

[92] Figure 10 [Fig. 10] is a view of a detail of the embodiment of figure 9,

[93] Figure 11 [Fig. 11] is a view of another detail of the embodiment of figure 9.

[94] Figure 12 [Fig. 12] is a view of another embodiment of the invention,

[95] Figure 13 [Fig. 13] is a view of another embodiment of the invention.

[96]. Figure 1 illustrates a device 10 for regulating an air flow F as well as a cooling module 1 in accordance with the invention, in a side view. The cooling module 1 extends in depth along a direction X intended to correspond to the longitudinal axis of the equipped vehicle. The air flow F flows substantially parallel to the direction X. The module is configured to be fixed on a support, such as a vehicle chassis.

[97] The cooling module 1 comprises an upstream heat exchanger 2 (located on the left in fig. 1) and a downstream heat exchanger 3 (located on the right in fig. 1) arranged in series according to the direction of flow of the air flow F passing through them. In other words, the modulus of cooler 1 is configured to be arranged on its support, so that the upstream heat exchanger 2 is crossed by the air flow F first and the downstream heat exchanger 3 second.

[98] The upstream heat exchanger 2 is a so-called low temperature cooling radiator, used to cool a coolant of a so-called low temperature heat exchange loop, comprising, in particular, an air conditioning condenser and /or a charge air cooler. The downstream heat exchanger 3 is, for example, a high temperature cooling radiator intended to cool a coolant of a heat exchange loop comprising an engine of the vehicle. The air passing through this downstream exchanger 3 cools the engine coolant.

[99] Each exchanger 2, 3 comprises, for example, a heat exchange beam and collection chambers arranged laterally on either side of the beam (not shown). The bundle is crossed by the air flow F. It includes a set of tubes parallel to each other, opening into the collection chambers, for the circulation of the coolant (not shown).

[100] The cooling module 1 is advantageously configured to allow a flow of air in a substantially sealed manner between said heat exchangers 2, 3, that is to say that the upstream heat exchanger 2 and the heat exchanger downstream heat exchanger 3 are assembled together so that the downstream heat exchanger 3 is not directly traversed by air coming from outside the module. In other words, the air flow F passing through the downstream heat exchanger 3 comes from the air flow passing through the upstream heat exchanger 2. For this, the cooling module 1 can, for example, comprise means of tightness to guide the entire flow of air having passed through the upstream heat exchanger 2 to the downstream heat exchanger 3 without loss of air flow. These sealing means, not shown, can for example comprise a sheath arranged between the two heat exchangers 2,3.

[101] To facilitate the passage of the air flow in the cooling module 1, in particular when the vehicle is stationary, the module advantageously comprises a motor-fan unit 10 able to circulate the air in the cooling module. cooling 1. As illustrated in Figure 1, the motor-fan unit 4 is here arranged downstream of the downstream heat exchanger 3, the motor-fan unit 4 being configured to suck air from an air inlet of the vehicle, which is preferably defined by its grille.

[102] The cooling module 1 according to the invention further comprises a device 10 for regulating the flow of air preferably arranged between the upstream heat exchanger 2 and the downstream heat exchanger 3. The regulating device 10 has a low thickness in the depth of the cooling module. The regulating device 10 controls the passage of the air flow F from the upstream heat exchanger 2 to the downstream heat exchanger 3 by means of blinds or curtains 11 that can be rolled up/unrolled.

[103] As a variant, the cooling module 1 according to the invention may comprise a single heat exchanger, for example a cooling radiator, said regulating device 10 then being arranged upstream or downstream of said heat exchanger. In such a configuration, the air flow F passing through the heat exchanger comes from the air flow F passing through the regulating device or leads to said regulating device.

[104] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the control device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in schematic front view. The device comprises two curtains 11 of generally rectangular shape. Each curtain 11 is delimited by a proximal border 11a, two lateral borders 11b, and a distal border 11c. Said lateral borders 11b are opposite and substantially parallel to a Z direction, orthogonal to the X direction, while said proximal border 11a and said distal border 11c are opposite and substantially parallel to a Y direction, orthogonal to the X and Z directions, the direction Z here representing the vertical.

[105] In Figure 2, the control device 10 is in the open position PO, that is to say that the curtains 11 allow the flow of air F to pass. In this configuration, the proximal edges 11a of said curtains 11 are distant from each other. More specifically, a first proximal edge 11a is located near an upper upright of a frame 50 of the regulation device, in particular at a first open position PO1, while a second proximal edge 11a is located near of a lower upright of the frame 50, in particular at the level of a second open position PO2, opposite to PO1 with respect to an axis passing through a dotted line PF - PF.

[106] The regulating device 10 further comprises shafts 53 for winding/unwinding the curtains, connected to the frame 50 by hinge bearings 52.

[107] Preferably, each curtain 11 is held taut by tensioning means 54 connected to its distal edge 11c. The tensioning means 54 exert a force on the curtains 11, so that said curtains are continuously kept taut. For example, the tensioning means 54 can be springs, in particular spiral springs, or any other means making it possible to keep said curtains 11 taut. Preferably, each tensioning means 54 is linked on the one hand to the frame 50 and on the other hand to the winding/unwinding shaft 53. [108] In Figure 3, the control device 10 is in the closed position PF. The curtains 11 extend in a plane, called the curtain extension plane in the closed position. Said extension plane of the curtains in the closed position is oriented in the Z direction, corresponding to the opening/closing direction of the curtains, and in the Y direction. In other words, said extension plane of the curtains in the closed position is extends transversely to the airflow F. In this configuration, the respective proximal edges 11a of the curtains 11 are in contact with each other at the dotted line PF - PF. The curtains 11 therefore block the passage of the air flow F which circulates perpendicular to the plane of extension of the curtains in the closed position.

[109] The regulating device 10 is configured so that said curtains 11 are capable of moving in the opening/closing direction Z, in said curtain extension plane in the closed position. In other words, the device can alternatively adopt the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. To this end, the regulation device 10 comprises a transmission system 20 and at least two drive members 30 connected to said transmission system 20.

[110] The characteristics and principle of operation of the transmission system 20 are described below.

[111] The transmission system 20 comprises sprockets 21. As can best be seen in Figure 1, said sprockets 21 comprise a peripheral edge 21a and a toothing 21b located on said peripheral edge 21a. The pinions 21 are capable of pivoting, clockwise or, conversely, counter-clockwise, around an axis of rotation oriented in the direction Y.

[112] To this end, the control device 10 preferably comprises at least one actuator 40 configured to drive said transmission system 20. The actuator comprises a motor shaft 41, rotatable around the axis of rotation of said pinions 21. The actuator 40 further comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or more generally any motor member making it possible to induce a rotational movement of the motor shaft 41. The motor shaft 41 is in connection with the pinions 21. Preferably, the motor member of the actuator 40 is located outside the frame 50.

[113] Preferably, said motor shaft 41 is a cylindrical rod extending between two side uprights of the frame 50, and along the dotted line PF - PF. Preferably, an inner edge of the pinions 21 conforms with the motor shaft 41, that is to say that said inner edge matches the contour of the motor shaft 41, so that said pinions 21 can be guided in rotation. by the motor shaft 41. The motor shaft 41 is articulated on bearings 44, linked to the frame 50. [114] The transmission system 20 further comprises toothed rods 22 substantially parallel to the Z direction. As can best be seen in Figure 1, each toothed rod 22 has a toothing 22a and a flat edge 22b. Said toothed rods 22 are meshed two by two on said pinions 21 via their respective teeth 22a. In other words, the toothing 22a of the toothed rods 22 conforms precisely to the toothing 21b of the pinions 21. The toothed rods 22 are located on either side of the pinions 21 in the direction X. Thus, in FIG. 2, first toothed rods 22, whose toothing 22a appears at a position Pt2, are connected to a first curtain 11 located below the dotted line PF - PF, while second toothed rods 22, whose flat edge 22b appears at a position Pt1, are connected to a second curtain 11 located above the dotted line PF - PF.

[115] When the sprockets 21 rotate, the toothed rods 22 whose teeth 22a appear at the Pt2 position slide towards the upper upright of the frame 50, that is to say towards the Pt1 position, while simultaneously the toothed rods 22 whose planar edges 22b appear at position Pt 1 slide in the direction of the lower upright of frame 50, that is to say position Pt2. The toothed rods 22 associated with the same pinion are therefore able to perform symmetrically opposed translational movements in the Z direction.

[116] Advantageously, the pinions 21 and a pair of corresponding toothed rods 22 are located symmetrically on each side of said curtains 11. In this configuration, when the actuator 40 is in operation, the transmission system 20 is capable of driving the drive members 30, to which it is connected, maintaining the horizontality of said drive members with respect to the Y direction.

[117] As mentioned previously, the regulating device 10 further comprises at least two drive members 30. Their characteristics and their operation are described below.

[118] In general, said drive members 30 are connected to the transmission system 20. More specifically, here, each drive member 30 is connected to one of said toothed rods 22, so that any sliding of said rods toothed 22 in the direction Z causes a translational movement of said drive members 30 in the same direction.

[119] In such a configuration, the transmission system 20 being "toothed", via the pinion and the corresponding toothed rods, it makes it possible to limit slippage when the actuator 40 is in operation. The transmission system 20 therefore makes it possible to maintain constant the speed with which the components are driven. training. This also makes it possible to effectively transmit the forces. For example, a toothed rod 22 whose toothing 22a moves from the position PT 1 to the position PT2 induces an equivalent movement of the drive member 30 to which it is connected from a distal position, close to the drive shaft. winding/unwinding 53, towards a proximal position, close to the motor shaft 41.

[120] Preferably, the drive members 30 are rigid drive bars. Said drive bars 30 connect together, two by two, said toothed rods 22 and are able to be guided in translation by said toothed rods 22. Said drive bars 30 are linked directly to said curtains 11, so that any movement translation of said drive bar in direction Z induces a translational movement of said curtain 11 in the same direction. Said drive bars 30 can be linked rigidly to the curtains 11. Alternatively, said drive bars 30 can be linked flexibly to the curtains 11. In addition, the drive members 30 being kept horizontal by the presence of a gable 21 and corresponding rods 22 on each side of the curtains 11, the edges 11a are therefore kept horizontal. This also makes it possible to distribute the forces symmetrically at the level of the drive members 30.

[121] As can be better seen in the example illustrated in Figure 1, the toothed rod 22 located in the upper part (on the left in the drawing) is straight and the associated drive bar 30 is hooked at one end top of said toothed rod 22. The toothed rod 22 located in the lower part (on the right in the drawing) has an L configuration, the large branch of the L having the teeth and the small branch ending in the extension of the other toothed rod 22. The drive bar 30 associated with the L-shaped toothed rod 22 is located at the free end of said small branch of the L, so that the two curtains 11 are substantially in the same plane.

[122] As a variant, said drive members 30 may be pegs fixedly connected on the one hand to the transmission system 20 and on the other hand to the curtains 11. The pegs are provided on either side of each curtains 11, each proximal corner of the curtains then being fixed to said pins.

[123] The principle of closing the curtains 11 is as follows.

[124] When the actuator 40 is activated, the pinions 21 perform a rotational movement around its axis of rotation. This rotational movement of the pinions 21 induces a translational movement of the toothed rods 22 which are respectively associated with them in the direction Z. As illustrated in FIG. 3, said toothed rods 22 whose teeth 22a are initially located at a position Pt2 from position Pt2 to position Pt1 , and, conversely the toothed rods 22 whose planar edges 22b are initially located at position Pt1 move from said position Pt1 to position Pt2.

[125] Incidentally, the drive members 30 connected to said toothed rods 22 are simultaneously guided in translation in opposite directions and drive the curtains 11 in their movement. As they move, drive members 30 guide said curtains 11 so that their proximal edges 11a, initially located at positions PO1 and PO2, reach the closed position PF and are in contact with one another.

[126] The two pinions 21 being simultaneously driven by the motor shaft 41, the curtains 11 are guided symmetrically relative to each other during their movement. The distance separating the two curtains 11, in particular their proximal edges 11a, remains equal on either side of the dotted line PF - PF throughout their displacement. When the curtains 11 are in contact, they do not allow the flow of air F to pass, circulating perpendicular to the plane of extension of the curtains in the closed position.

[127] Conversely, the curtains 11 are capable of resuming their original position (as illustrated in FIG. 2) by moving in the opening/closing direction Z, for example when the actuator 40 is no longer in functioning. Indeed, the tensioning members 54 of the curtains continuously exerting a force on the curtains 11, said curtains 11 wind up again around their respective winding/unwinding shaft 53 and the elements of said transmission system 20 as well as the drive members 30 return to their original position.

[128] The curtain device 10 described above can be placed in a frame 100 as described in Figures 4 and 5.

[129] This frame 100 provides an interior space 101 in which the curtains 11 are placed, the frame 100 comprising a front part 110 and a rear part 120 assembled together, the front part 110 being upstream of the rear part 120 in the air flow direction.

[130] The front 110 and rear 120 parts have air passages 111 and 121 to allow the flow of air to pass when the two curtains 11 are in the open position.

[131] The rear part 120 comprises a grid zone 122, of flat shape, which forms the air passage 121.

[132] The rear part 120 of the frame includes the grid area 122 and the curtains 11 are arranged to be able to rest on this grid area 122 when the curtains 11 are in the closed position. [133] The grid area 122, substantially rectangular in shape, is formed by bars 125 which intersect perpendicularly. The grid zone 122 comprises for example a group of bars parallel to each other and another of bars parallel to each other and the bars of the two groups intersect at right angles.

[134] The rear part 120 comprises a peripheral border 127 surrounding the gate zone 122. This border 127 comprises reinforcing ribs 128, for example on two parallel sides 129 of this border 127.

[135] The grating area 122 is in one piece and has no amount that passes through it, other than the bars forming the grate.

[136] The border 127 of the rear part has walls 135 perpendicular to the grid zone 122.

[137] The front part 110 of the frame has a totally free opening 111, opposite the grid zone 122 of the rear part, in particular being substantially of the same area as this grid zone.

[138] The front part 110 may include a protective grid, in particular an anti-projectile grid, placed in the air passage.

[139] The front part 110 of the frame comprises a border 117 surrounding the opening 111, this border 117 being arranged to cooperate with the bord127 of the rear part 120, these borders being assembled by fixing elements such as screws, snap-fasteners, or glue.

[140] The front 110 and rear 120 parts of the frame are formed by molding a plastic material.

[141] The curtains 11, once rolled up on themselves, each occupy a cylindrical space which runs along one side 150 of the border of the front and rear parts, while being inside the space delimited by the frame .

[142] An electric actuator 40 is provided to actuate, namely winding or unwinding the curtain or curtains 11 . This actuator 40 is here placed outside the frame 100.

[143] Of course, frame 100 can be adapted for other types of curtains and/or curtain operating mechanism.

[144] Here the curtains 11 are each in the form of a fabric that can be rolled up around an axis. [145] Of course, the regulating device can have two curtains which can be activated in a synchronized manner, or alternatively have only one curtain which occupies the entire opening in the closed position.

[146] There is shown in Figures 5 to 8 a device for regulating an air flow 300 according to another embodiment of the invention, the device 300 comprising two curtains 11 capable of moving in a direction of opening/closing, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position allowing the air flow to pass, this regulating device comprising a transmission system 301 arranged to guide the movement of said curtains 11, as well as an actuator 40 inducing movement in the transmission system, this transmission system 301 comprising two winding shafts 302 and 303 each for winding and unwinding one of the curtains 11, this transmission system 301 further comprising at least one belt 305 operable in movement and arranged to rotate at least one of the winding shafts both in the direction of winding of the curtain and in the direction of unwinding of the curtain 11.

[147] The actuator 40 is arranged to rotate one of the winding shafts, that 303 in the figures, selectively in a winding direction of the curtain or in an unwinding direction of the curtain 11.

[148] Each winding shaft 302 and 303 comprises a toothed pinion 310 arranged to cooperate with the belt 305 which is notched so that the movement of the winding shaft 303, a movement caused by the actuator 40, is transmitted to the other winding shaft 302.

[149] The regulating device 300 comprises two belts 305 each at one of the ends of the two winding shafts 302 and 303 so that each belt 305 is associated with two toothed sprockets 310 of the two winding shafts, these two belts 305 being arranged to be in synchronized movement relative to each other.

[150] The device 300 comprises a drive member 320 secured to a free edge 321 of the curtain 11 and arranged to move at the same time as the two belts 305 to accompany the curtain 11 during its winding or unwinding of so as to maintain the curtain 11 flat.

[151] Each drive member 320 comprises two carriages 322 arranged to be attached to the two belts 305 so that the drive member 320 is integral with the two belts 305.

[152] Each carriage 322 is pinched on the associated belt 305, precisely pinched on a band 324 forming the belt. [153] For each belt, the carriage 322 associated with one of the curtains is fixed on a first strand 328 of the belt between the two winding shafts 302 and 303 and the other carriage associated with the other of the curtains is fixed to a second strand 329 of the belt which is opposite the first strand so that the two carriages 322 can be moved in opposite directions, either away from each other or towards one another. 'other.

[154] Each drive member 320 comprises a rod 331 with at each end of the rod 331 one of the carriages 322, and the rod 331 being placed along a free edge 321 of the associated curtain 11. In particular when the two curtains 11 are in the closed position, the two rods 331 bear against each other. The carriages 322 are in particular fixed to the belt without the possibility of relative movement with respect to this belt.

[155] The carriages 322 are made of plastic.

[156] Thus to open or close the curtain, this curtain 11 is driven both by the winding shaft and by the drive member, at both ends. Simultaneous action at both ends of the curtain keeps the curtain taut as desired, thus avoiding gathers or folds and possible jamming of the curtain.

[157] According to one aspect of the invention, the direction for winding the curtain 11 around the winding shaft is the same on both shafts. This is enabled by the fact that the curtains wrap oppositely on the two shafts

[158] Thus the belts 305 allow the rotation of one of the winding shafts simultaneously with the setting in motion in translation of the drive member 320 of the curtain via the carriages 322.

[159] The shaft 303 cooperates with the actuator 40 via a cooperation leg 340.

[160] There is shown in Figure 9 an example of an electric actuator 40, like the one described with reference to Figure 6.

[161] The regulating device 300 comprises a frame 361 to house the curtains 11.

[162] This frame 361 comprises a front part 362 and a rear part 363, the front part

362 being placed upstream with respect to the rear part 363 following the direction of the air flow, this frame 361 comprising a box 365 in association with the actuator 40.

[163] This box 365 receives in particular an electric motor, not visible in the figures, of the actuator 40, this box 365 comprising a part of the box 366 formed in one piece with the front part 362 of the frame and another part of case 367 formed with the rear part

363 of the frame. [164] The two housing parts 366 and 367 are assembled in a sealed manner, with the interposition of a seal between these housing parts.

[165] The housing parts 366 and 367 form a housing 368 for the electric motor and at least one of the housing parts 366 or 367 includes a cover 369 closing this housing 368, this cover 369 and the associated housing part being formed in one piece.

[166] The cover 369 of the box is flat.

[167] The frame 361 has a border 370 and the housing 365 of the actuator is placed on this border 370.

[168] The housing parts 366 and 367 are formed respectively with a bar 371 of the front or rear part of the frame, these bars together forming the edge 370 of the frame which is in contact with the housing 365 of the actuator.

[169] The box 365 extends over less than half the length of the bars 371, in particular less than a third, or even a quarter, of this length.

[170] A hole 372 is provided in the bottom of the box 365 for the passage of a gear element, for example, towards the curtains.

[171] The housing parts 366 and 367 of the actuator are formed by molding or co-molding with the respective front and rear parts 362 and 363 of the frame, as best seen in Figures 10 and 11.

[172] The front and rear parts 362 and 363 of the frame are assembled with snap elements 377.

[173] At least one of the front and rear parts 362 and 363 of the frame comprises a mesh 378, in particular in the form of a honeycomb, produced in particular by molding with this part of the frame.

[174] The housing 365 of the actuator has at least one hole 379 for the passage of an electrical connection element, in particular for the motor of the actuator.

[175] The front and rear parts of the frame are assembled with snap elements 391 and 392 which form a pair 377 of snap elements.

[176] The two housing parts 366 and 367 are assembled in a sealed manner, in particular with the interposition of a seal between these housing parts.

[177] The latching element 391 comprises a deformable latching tab arranged to cooperate with the other latching element 392. [178] The latching tab 391 has an opening to cooperate with the other latching element 392 which has a boss.

[179] The frame comprises a plurality of pairs of latching elements 391 and 392 distributed on the four sides of the circumference of this frame.

[180] The frame has a border 370 and the actuator box is placed on this border.

[181] The snap elements have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the border 370 so that the snap elements remain within a width of this border.

[182] The snap elements are formed integrally with the respective frame parts.

[183] Thus the front and rear parts of the frame are assembled without the aid of screws or bolts.

[184] There is shown in Figure 12 a device for regulating an air flow 400 comprising at least one flexible curtain 11 able to move in an opening / closing direction, between a closed position closing the passage of the flow of air and an open position allowing the flow of air F to pass, as in the examples described above.

[185] The curtain 11 has a free edge 401 secured, using a fixing device 402, to one of a winding shaft 403, having the same function as the shaft 53 described above. above, or a sliding drive member 405 having the same function as the drive member 320 described above.

[186] Figure 12 describes the case of drive member 405.

[187] The fixing device 402 of the curtain comprises two elements 410 and 411 arranged to wedge a portion of the curtain 412 between these two elements.

[188] The two elements 410 and 411 of the fixing device 402 are part of the drive member 405 on which is fixed the free edge 401 of the curtain 11.

[189] The free edge 401 of the curtain which is fixed to the fixing device 402 is straight and the elements 410 and 411 between which the curtain portion is wedged extend parallel to this straight free edge 401.

[190] The fixing elements 410 and 411 have wedging faces respectively 413 and 414 between which the portion 412 of the curtain is wedged. [191] The wedging faces 413 and 414 have complementary shapes between which is placed the portion 412 of the curtain to be wedged.

[192] The wedging faces 413 and 414 have substantially rounded shapes so that the wedged portion 412 of the curtain wraps around the winding face 413, over an angular sector only.

[193] The two elements 410 and 411 define between them an entry slot 415 for the curtain portion 412, and the curtain is wedged between the two elements 410 and 411 from the entry slot 415 to the free edge 401 of the curtain, forming the wedged portion 412 of the curtain.

[194] The elements 410 and 411 of the fastening device are assembled together by snap-fastening.

[195] In particular, element 411 has a constriction 417 which is crossed by the other element 410 at the time of assembly, and this constriction 417 goes back into place and traps the complementary element 410.

[196] The element 410 of the fixing device comprises a hollow tube 418 on which the wedging face 413 is formed.

[197] This hollow tube 418 is housed in a cylindrical housing 419 of the other element 411 of the fixing device, this housing 419 having the tightening 417 to trap the hollow tube.

[198] In this case, the hollow tube 418 is arranged to cross the constriction 417 of the cylinder thanks to a deformation of the corresponding element 411, by separating two lips 420 which form the two edges or lips 420 of this constriction 417. Then once the hollow tube 418 has crossed the constriction 417, the two lips 420 come together by elastic deformation to trap the hollow tube 418. This is a snap-fit assembly.

[199] In this example, the curtain portion 412 does not cover an outer face of the elements 410 and 411 of the fastening device.

[200] In this example, the curtain does not wrap around the elements 410 and 411 of the fixing device, which is sliding in translation, and not rotatable. This fixing device 402 is part of the drive member of the curtain.

[201] In the example illustrated in Figure 13, the fixing elements 430 and 431 of the fixing device 425 each have an outer face respectively 432 and 433 on which the curtain 11 rests, to allow the curtain 11 to s wrap around these two outer faces 432 and 433 which define a cylindrical surface. [202] In this example, the fixing device 425 of the curtain is part of the winding shaft 403.

[203] The element 430 of the fixing device 425 comprises a hollow tube 436 and, on either side of this hollow tube, two extensions 437, and the wedging face 438 is formed on this hollow tube 436 and the extensions 437. The other wedging face 439 is formed on element 431.

[204] These extensions 437 are hollow.

[205] The wedged curtain portion 429 extends over the hollow tube 437 and the extensions 437.

[206] Instead of the hollow tube(s) mentioned above, it is possible to have a solid tube.

[207] The elements 430 and 431 of the fixing device are made of plastic, in particular by molding or extrusion.

[208] These elements have in particular a profile shape.

Claims

24 CLAIMS

[Claim 1] Device (400) for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising one or two curtains (11), able(s) to move according to a opening/closing direction, between a closed position blocking the passage of the air flow and an open position letting the air flow pass (F), the curtain(s) being in particular flexible, in which the curtain has a free edge (401) secured, using a fixing device (402; 425), to one of a winding shaft (403) or to a drive member ( 405), in particular a sliding drive member, in which the device for fixing the curtain comprises two elements (410, 411; 430, 431) arranged to wedge a portion (412; 429) of the curtain between these two elements.

[Claim 2] Device according to the preceding claim, in which the two elements (410, 411; 430, 431) of the fixing device form part of the winding shaft or of the drive member on which the free edge of the curtain.

[Claim 3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the free edge (401) of the curtain which is fixed to the fixing device is straight and the elements (410, 411; 430, 431) between which the curtain portion extend parallel to this straight free edge.

[Claim 4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing elements (410, 411; 430, 431) have wedging faces (413, 414; 438, 439) between which the curtain portion is wedged .

[Claim 5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wedging faces (413, 414; 438, 439) have complementary shapes between which the curtain portion to be wedged is placed.

[Claim 6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elements (410, 411; 430, 431) of the fixing device are assembled together by snap-fastening.

[Claim 7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the elements of the fixing device comprises a hollow tube (418) on which one of the wedging faces is formed.

[Claim 8] Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the fixing elements (430, 431) each comprise an outer face (422, 433) on which leans the curtain, to allow the curtain to wrap around these two outer faces.

[Claim 9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elements (410, 411; 430, 431) of the fixing device are made of plastic material, in particular by molding or extrusion.

[Claim 10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which these elements (410, 411; 430, 431) have in particular the shape of a profile.