WO2023006376A1

WO2023006376A1 - Air flow regulating device for a motor vehicle with means for detecting a fault

Info

Publication number: WO2023006376A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/068881
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sylvain Gerber; Laura MARION; Frederic Vacca; Karim Arab; Victor Manuel MINERO RAMALES
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2021-07-29
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Also published as: FR3125752A1; CN117730012A; FR3125752B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (400) for regulating an air flow (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device (400) comprising a support frame (361) defining at least one opening for the passage of an incoming air flow (F), the device (400) comprising at least one curtain (404, 405) extended by at least one belt element (411) which is part of a kinematic assembly (403) configured to set the at least one curtain (404, 405) in motion, the device (400) being characterised in that it comprises: a latch (420) which is arranged on an edge (414) of the curtain (404, 405) and is rotatable about a pivot axis (P) between a first position in which the belt element (411) bears on the latch (420) and a second position assumed when the belt element (411) relaxes; a resilient return member (422) configured to move the latch (420) from its first position to its second position when the pressure exerted by the belt element (411) on the latch (420) is below a predetermined threshold; and a detection means configured to detect the latch (420) when it is in its second position.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AIR FLOW REGULATING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH FAILURE DETECTION MEANS

[1] The invention relates to a device for regulating an air flow for a motor vehicle. The invention is in particular intended to equip a front face of said vehicle to facilitate or on the contrary to block the passage of an air flow inside a cooling module arranged within the motor vehicle. The air flow is more particularly intended to circulate within one or more heat exchangers arranged inside said cooling module.

[2] It is common to use such an airflow control device to reduce the drag coefficient and also to improve the cooling and air conditioning performance within a motor vehicle. Such a regulation device comprises at least one curtain mounted in a support frame. This curtain can be moved alternately between an open position and a closed position. By moving between these two positions, the at least one curtain allows the regulating device to pass or to obstruct the flow of air passing through the grille of the motor vehicle. The movement of the at least one curtain is carried out by means of a kinematic assembly which guides the movement of said at least one curtain in translation, as well as an actuator inducing a movement in the kinematic assembly.

[3] Such a control device is preferably installed at a grille of the motor vehicle. In the open position of the at least one curtain, a flow of air can circulate through the grille and participate in particular in cooling the engine of the motor vehicle. In the closed position of the at least one curtain, the air does not enter via the grille, which reduces drag and thus makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and the emission of carbon dioxide. The regulation device therefore makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and pollution when the motor does not need to be cooled by the outside air. [4] In the event of breakage or deterioration of the kinematic assembly which participates in the movement of at least one curtain, it may be that the latter is limited in its movement, perhaps even blocked. However, such a blockage, in particular in the closed position, can limit the circulation of the air flow and negatively impact the performance of the heat exchangers within the cooling module.

[5] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose an improved device making it possible to detect a failure at the level of the kinematic assembly.

[6] The present invention therefore relates to a device for regulating a flow of air intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a support frame defining at least one opening for passage of a flow of incoming air and comprising at least one curtain capable of moving in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing off the passage opening and an open position allowing the flow of air to pass through the opening of the passage, the curtain being arranged to roll up and unroll around a first winding shaft extending on the support frame along one of the sides of the passage opening, said device comprising a kinematic assembly configured to put in motion the at least one curtain in the direction of opening and closing, the at least one curtain being extended by at least one belt element forming part of the kinematic assembly, the belt element being arranged cé to wind up and unwind around a second winding shaft extending on the support frame along a side of the passage opening opposite to that carrying the first winding shaft, the regulating device being characterized in what it also includes:

- at least one latch arranged on an edge of the at least one curtain so as to be moved simultaneously with said curtain in translation along the opening and closing direction, said latch being rotatable about a pivot axis between a first position in which the belt element presses on the latch and a second position adopted by the latch in the event of a relaxation of the belt element, - an elastic return element configured to move the latch in rotation about the pivot axis from its first position to its second position when the pressure exerted by the belt element on the latch is less than a predetermined threshold;

- A detection means configured to detect the latch when the latter is in its second position.

[7] The pivoting of the latch from its first position to its second position reflects a failure at the level of the belt element which intervenes in the kinematic assembly allowing the curtain to be moved from its open position to its closed position and Conversely. Thus, when the tension in the belt element connected to the curtain decreases, for example following a break, the belt element is no longer able to exert pressure on the latch to maintain it in its first position. Under the action of the elastic return element, the latch then pivots into its second position.

The detection means is then able to detect the latch in its second position, which can make it possible to signal the failure in order to remedy it.

[8] The invention may further comprise one or more of the following aspects taken alone or in combination:

[9] - the detection means comprises a protrusion arranged on the support frame so as to be aligned with the latch in the direction of opening and closing of the at least one curtain;

[10] - the latch, when placed in its second position, is intended to abut against said protrusion when the at least one curtain is moved in its opening and closing direction;

[11] - the protrusion of the support frame is arranged on a side upright of said support frame;

[12] - the latch has a chamfered part;

[13] - the protrusion of the support frame has an inclined face such that when the latch is placed in its second position, its chamfered part is oriented vis-à-vis the inclined face of the protrusion;

[14] - the slope of the chamfered part of the latch is between 20% and 50%; [15] - the slope of the inclined face of the protuberance of the support frame is between 20% and 50%;

[16] - the pivot angle of the at least one latch around its pivot axis between its first position and its second position is between 60° and 120°, more particularly equal to 90°;

[17] - the elastic return element is a torsion spring arranged in such a way that its winding axis is aligned with the pivot axis of the latch;

[18] - the device comprises two latches per curtain, each latch being associated with an elastic return element of its own;

[19] - the device comprises two detection means, each detection means being configured to detect one of the two latches when the latter is in its second position;

[20] - the device comprises two separate curtains arranged on either side of the passage opening, each curtain being extended by at least one belt element which is specific to it and which is part of the kinematic assembly, of which a first curtain configured to wind and unwind around the first winding shaft while the belt element associated with said first curtain is configured to wind and unwind around the second winding shaft and a second curtain configured to wind and unwinding around the second winding shaft while the belt element associated with said second curtain is configured to wind and unwinding around the first winding shaft.

[21] It is understood that all the characteristics and configurations given 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 examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[22] Figure 1 [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in side view, the front face of a motor vehicle comprising a device for regulating an air flow according to the invention as well as a cooling module;

[23] Figure 2 [Fig. 2] is an exploded view of the regulating device;

[24] Figure 3a [Fig. 3a] is a front view of the regulation device of FIG. 2 in which the curtains are in the open position; [25] Figure 3b [Fig. 3b] is another front view of the regulation device of FIG. 2 in which the curtains are in the partially open position;

[26] Figure 3c [Fig. 3c] is a third front view of the regulation device of FIG. 2 in which the curtains are in the closed position;

[27] Figure 4 [Fig. 4] is a detail view of a portion of the kinematic assembly which equips the device for regulating an air flow of FIG. 2;

[28] Figure 5 [Fig. 5] is a detail view of a portion of the regulating device of FIG. 2 in which the latch is in its first position;

[29] Figure 6 [Fig. 6] is a view similar to that of Figure 5 in which the latch is in its second position;

[30] Figure 7 [Fig. 7] is a perspective view of the latch and the elastic return element that equip the device for regulating an air flow;

[31] Figure 8 [Fig. 8] is a second detail view of a portion of the kinematic assembly in which the latch is in its first position;

[32] Figure 9 [Fig. 9] is a third detail view of a portion of the kinematic assembly in which the latch is in its second position.

[33] Identical elements in the various figures bear the same references.

[34] The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[35] In the present description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as for example first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or even first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria that are close but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, parameter or criterion with respect to another and such denominations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexing nor does it imply an order in time, for example, to assess such and such criteria.

[36] Figure 1 illustrates, in a side sectional view, an air inlet shutter device 400 of an air flow F arranged at the front of a motor vehicle 1.

The air flow F flows substantially parallel to a direction X which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 1. The air inlet shutter device 400 is in particular arranged behind a grille 3 which equips the face front of the motor vehicle 1. A cooling module 5 which comprises at least one heat exchanger 7, 9 intended to be traversed by the flow of air F entering the interior of the motor vehicle 1 via the grille 3 is also placed behind the latter. The heat exchanger(s) 7, 9 extend in planes parallel to those generated by the directions Y and Z of the trihedron XYZ. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the cooling module 5 comprises more exactly two heat exchangers 7 and 9 which are arranged on either side of the shutter device 400 along the axis X.

[37] The cooling module 5 comprises for example an upstream heat exchanger 7 in the direction of circulation of the air flow F (illustrated by an arrow on the left in fig. 1) and a downstream heat exchanger 9 ( located on the right in Fig. 1) arranged in series along the longitudinal axis X of the motor vehicle 1. In this particular arrangement, it is the upstream heat exchanger 7 which is crossed first by the air flow F and the downstream heat exchanger 9 second.

[38] The upstream heat exchanger 7 is for example a cooling radiator, called low temperature, which is used to cool a coolant of a heat exchange loop, called low temperature, and which comprises, in particular, an air conditioning condenser and/or a charge air cooler. The downstream heat exchanger 9 is, for example, a high temperature cooling radiator intended to cool a coolant of a heat exchange loop comprising a vehicle engine. The air passing through this downstream exchanger 9 cools the engine coolant.

[39] According to one embodiment of the regulating device 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the regulating device 400 comprises a support frame 361 generally rectangular in shape. Referring to the XYZ triad in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the support frame 361 extends in the plane formed by the Y and Z axes.

[40] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the support frame 361 comprises for example a first shell 362 and a second shell 363 which are configured to be nested with each other so as to form a first crosspiece and a second crosspiece which are parallel to each other, as well as two side uprights which extend between the ends of the first crosspiece and of the second crosspiece so as to define at least one passage opening of the support frame 361 intended to be borrowed by the flow of air F passing through the grille 3 of the front face of the motor vehicle 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the first crosspiece and the second crosspiece of the support frame 361 are oriented in the Y direction and the two side uprights are oriented substantially vertically in the Z direction. The air flow is supposed to circulate through the regulating device 400 in the X direction.

[41] The two shells 362 and 363 of the support frame 361 of the regulating device 400 are in particular rigid, they are for example made of plastic material. The two shells 362 and 363 are in particular obtained by injection molding. In order to improve the overall rigidity of said support frame 361 formed by these two shells 362 and 363, these can be molded in one piece.

[42] Clipping lugs 364 (visible in Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6) or any other connecting means allowing the shells 362 and 363 to be assembled together can be fitted to the first and second crosspieces and/or the uprights sides of the support frame 361. These clipping tabs 364 make it possible to dismantle the support frame 361 to clean, maintain or possibly replace the components of the regulation device 400.

[43] The support frame 361 of the control device 400 is configured to serve as a support for various parts including two winding shafts 401, 402 arranged on either side of the passage opening of the support frame 361 and at least one curtain 404, 405 arranged to wind and unwind around said winding shafts 401, 402. [44] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the winding shafts 401, 402 are in particular arranged at the level of the first and second crosspieces of the support frame 361 so as to be sandwiched by the two shells 362 and 363 which form said support frame 361. Each winding shaft 401, 402 may comprise two longitudinal parts 430 and 431 assembled around which the at least one curtain 404, 405 is wound, this is particularly illustrated on Figure 2.

[45] The winding shafts 401, 402 each comprise for example at their longitudinal ends end pieces 409 cooperating with bearings 410 so as to be able to rotate around a winding axis A1, A2 specific to each winding shaft 401, 402. These winding axes A1, A2 (illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c) are preferably parallel to the first and second crosspieces of the support frame 361.

[46] The at least one curtain 404, 405 is mobile: it is configured to roll up and unroll around one of the winding shafts 401, 402. In this way, the at least one curtain 404, 405 moves in an opening and closing direction between a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 3c), thus closing the passage opening, and an open position (illustrated in FIG. 3a) which lets the air flow F pass through the passage opening. FIG. 3b illustrates an intermediate position in the movement of at least one curtain 404, 405 between its two end positions. In figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the direction of opening and closing is parallel to the direction Z. In the case of figure 1, the direction of opening and closing also corresponds to the vertical direction.

[47] The at least one curtain 404, 405 can in particular be obtained by cutting: it is for example made from a flexible material, such as a fabric based on glass fibers covered with a waterproof and water-repellent coating. .

[48] The at least one curtain 404, 405 is for example of generally rectangular shape and has a first border 412, two side borders 413 and a second border 414, as shown in Figure 2. The second border 414 is located at the opposite the first border 412, these first 412 and second 414 borders are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the at least one curtain 404. In addition, the first edge 412 and the second edge 414 extend parallel to the winding shafts 401, 402 while the side edges 413 are parallel to the opening and closing direction of the at least one curtain 404, 405.

[49] The first edge 412 of at least one curtain 404, 405 is integral with the winding shaft 401 or 402 to which said curtain 404 or 405 is associated. Thus, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is wound around the winding shaft 401 or 402 to which its first edge 412 is attached, this corresponds to its open position (FIG. 3a). Winding the at least one curtain 404, 405 around a winding shaft 401, 402 makes it possible to store said curtain simply and compactly when it is in its open position. When the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in its open position, the air flow F can then circulate through the unobstructed passage opening to reach the heat exchangers 7, 9 of the cooling module 5 arranged behind the grille. 3.

[50] Conversely, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is unrolled in the direction of closing and opening, it is stretched so that it obstructs the flow of air F and thus closes the passage opening through the support frame 361 of the device 400. This then corresponds to its closed position illustrated in Figure 3c.

[51] The second edge 414 of at least one curtain 404, 405 may be secured to a sealing member 416 which may take the form of a rod 417 assembled with a seal 418, as shown in the figure 2. The rod 417 can in particular stiffen said second edge 414. The ends of the rod 417 can also be arranged in rails arranged on the side uprights of the frame 361. The rod 417 thus makes it possible to carry the seal 418 but also to maintain the at least one curtain 404, 405 against the support frame 361 and to guide the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its movement between its open position and its closed position.

[52] In order to move the at least one curtain 404, 405 between its open position and its closed position, the regulation device 400 comprises an electric actuator 406 cooperating with one of the winding shafts 401 or 402. In the embodiment of the device 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the ac- electrical actuator 406 cooperates more particularly with the first roller shaft 401. In these same figures, the actuator 406 is housed in a housing 365 arranged on a side upright of the frame 361.

[53] The actuator 406 is configured to rotate the first winding shaft 401 via two toothed wheels 407 and 408 for example. These wheels 407 and 408 mesh together, this is particularly illustrated in Figure 4. In this same figure, the toothed wheel 407 is integral with the actuator 406, its electric motor in particular, and the integral with the shaft 401. Thus the first winding shaft 401 can be driven by the electric actuator 406 and the second winding shaft 402 is passive.

[54] The device 400 also includes a kinematic assembly 403 configured to move the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its opening and closing direction. The kinematic assembly 403 is more particularly arranged to transmit a movement of the first winding shaft 401 associated with the electric actuator 406 to the second winding shaft 402. The kinematic assembly 403 thus cooperates with the two winding shafts 401, 402 to associate their respective rotations. The second winding shaft 402 can be described as "passive" in the sense that it is not directly connected to the actuator 406 as is the case for the first winding shaft 401, but driven by the kinematic assembly 403 linking these two winding shafts 401 and 402.

[55] The at least one curtain 404, 405 is extended by at least one belt element 411 (visible in Figures 2 to 4 for example) which is part of the kinematic assembly 403. The at least one belt element 411 has in particular an elongated shape, it extends parallel to the side edges 413 of at least one curtain 404, 405 with which it is associated. In the embodiment of the device 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, two belt elements 41 1 parallel to each other extend the at least one curtain 404, 405 on two side edges 413 opposite one another. other. These two belt elements 411 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry SY which extends parallel to the direction of opening and closing. This axis of symmetry SY then passes through the middle of at least one curtain 404, 405, as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The belt elements 411 thus form strips of material which extend the at least one curtain 404, 405 such as ber.

[56] In this same embodiment, one of the belt elements 411 extends at least partially above a side edge 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 and the other belt element 411 extends at least partially below the other side edge 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405. In other words, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 and the belt elements 411 associated with it are laid flat, belt elements 411 deviate from the side edges 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405. Thus the belt elements 411 do not obstruct the passage opening through the support frame 361 when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in its open position. The belt elements 411 are located away from the location occupied by the at least one curtain 404, 405 in the closed position.

[57] The belt element(s) 411 can be made in one piece with the at least one curtain 404 or 405 with which they are associated. In other words, the belt element 411 and the at least one curtain 404 or 405 are for example cut from the same fabric during manufacture.

[58] In a variant, the belt element or elements 411 are assembled elements with the at least one curtain 404 or 405, that is to say that the belt element 411 is not formed in the same part as the curtain 404 or 405. The belt element 411 is for example made of a different material from the material of at least one curtain 404, 405. The belt element(s) can then be fixed to said curtain 404, 405 by a fixing, for example a seam, glue, welding or the like.

[59] According to a first embodiment of the regulating device 400, the latter comprises only a single curtain (this embodiment is not illustrated in the figures). In this specific embodiment, the single curtain 404 is secured to the first winding shaft 401 via its first edge 412. The single curtain 404 is then configured to roll up and unroll around this first winding shaft 401. The at least one belt element 411 forming part of the kinematic assembly 403 is then stretched parallel to the opening and closing direction of the curtain 404 between the second edge 414 of the single curtain 404 and the second winding shaft 402. The at least one belt element 411 is wound around the second winding shaft 402 when the single curtain 404 is unrolled. The belt element 411 thus makes it possible to guide the single curtain 404 during its movement between its extreme positions and can also prevent the single curtain 404 from swaying during said movement.

[60] In this embodiment, the single curtain 404 has reached the open position when it is fully wound around the first winding shaft 401. Conversely, the single curtain 404 has reached the closed position when it is is unrolled and that it extends between the first winding shaft 401 and the second winding shaft 402 so as to obstruct the passage opening through the support frame 361, thus preventing the flow of air F from circulating through said opening. In its closed position, the second edge 414 of the single curtain 404 is located in particular at the level of the second crosspiece of the support frame 361.

[61] In this embodiment, the rotation of the second winding shaft 402 is for example provided by a second actuator (not shown in the figures) coupled to the second winding shaft 402. In the specific case where the device 400 comprises an actuator by winding shaft 401 and 402, these two actuators are configured in such a way that they allow synchronized rotation of the two winding shafts 401 and 402. The belt element 411 as well as the kinematic assembly 403 more generally, can also cooperate with the two winding shafts 401 and 402 so as to contribute to the synchronized rotation between the two winding shafts 401 and 402 to move the single curtain 404 between its closed position and its open position.

[62] According to another embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the control device 400 comprises two separate curtains 404 and 405 which are arranged on either side of the passage opening delimited by the support frame 361. The device 400 more particularly comprises a first curtain 404 configured to wind up and unwind around the first winding shaft 401 and a second curtain 405 configured to wind up and unwind around the second winding shaft 402 .

[63] In this specific embodiment, when the two curtains 404 and 405 are in the open position (FIG. 3a) or partially open (FIG. 3b), the respective second edges 414 of the curtains 404 and 405 are at a distance one from the other. More specifically, the second edge 414 of the first curtain 404 is located near the first crosspiece of the support frame 361 of the device 400 for regulating the air flow F while the second edge 414 of the second curtain 405 is located near the second cross.

[64] Furthermore, the seals 418 associated with the two curtains 404 and 405 can come into contact with each other when the curtains 404 and 405 are in the closed position (FIG. 3c), so as to prevent the air flow F to pass through the passage opening of the support frame 361.

[65] In this specific embodiment, each curtain 404 and 405 is extended by at least one belt element 411 which is specific to it and which is part of the kinematic assembly 403. In other words, the belt elements 411 which extend the first curtain 404 on the one hand and the second curtain 405 on the other hand form a complete belt which binds the two winding shafts 401, 402 in motion.

[66] Thus, to move from the closed position to a more open position, the kinematic assembly 403, via the belt elements 411 and the two curtains 404 and 405 act together to rotate the winding shafts 401, 402 in a synchronized manner in order to simultaneously move the two curtains 404 and 405.

[67] In the event of a failure of the kinematic assembly 403, for example a total or partial tearing of a belt element 411, the winding of the curtain(s) 404, 405 may prove to be complicated, it Furthermore, the at least one curtain 404, 405 may remain blocked. If the at least one curtain 404, 405 remains blocked in the closed position, this can limit the circulation of the air flow F through the passage opening of the support frame 361 of the device 400, in particular at low rolling speed, this which can cause a drop in performance of the cooling module 5 fitted to the motor vehicle 1.

[68] In order to detect a possible failure of the kinematic assembly 403 and more particularly a relaxation of the tension at the level of the at least one belt element 411 which extends the at least one curtain 404, 405, the device 400 also comprises at least one latch 420 (visible in Figures 4 to 9), the latch 420 being rotatable about a pivot axis P (represented by a dotted line in Figures 4 and 7) between a first position in which it cooperates with the belt element 411 and a second position adopted by the latch 420 in the event of a relaxation of the belt element 41 1. The device 400 also comprises an elastic return element 422 configured to move the latch 420 in rotation about the pivot axis P between its two extreme positions as well as a detection means configured to detect the latch 420 when the latter is in its second position.

[69] The latch 420 is arranged on the second edge 414 of the at least one curtain 404, 405, as illustrated in particular in Figure 4 in which the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in the open position. In this way, the latch 420 can be moved simultaneously with said curtain 404, 405 in translation along the opening and closing direction. The latch 420 can in particular be located at the junction between the side edge 413 and the second edge 414 of the at least one curtain 404, 405.

[70] The latch 420 is for example a single piece and rigid. It can for example be made of plastic.

[71] As indicated above, the latch 420 is rotatable around a pivot axis P. According to a particular embodiment, the angle of pi vote of at least one latch 420 around its pivot axis P between its first position and its second position is between 60° and 120°. This pivoting angle is more particularly equal to 90°. In this particular case, the latch 420 then performs a quarter turn around its pivot axis P to pass from the first position to the second position.

[72] The end positions of the latch 420 are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6: Figure 5 shows the latch 420 in its first position while Figure 6 shows the latch 420 in its second position. The at least one belt element 411 is not shown in Figure 6.

[73] When the latch 420 is in its first position, the belt element 41 1 presses on part or all of the latch 420, this is particularly illustrated in Figure 8. Thus, if the belt element 411, which is part of the kinematic assembly 403, is functional, this belt element 411 is stretched over the latch 420 in the YZ plane in such a way that it forces the latch 420 to remain in its first position. [74] Conversely, if the belt element 411 is damaged, for example torn, or even absent (as in the case of Figure 6), then the tension exerted by the belt element 411 on the latch 420 is bound to decrease or even disappear. The latch 420 is then no longer forced to remain in its first position and can therefore pivot around its pivot axis P to reach its second position (FIG. 6).

[75] To ensure the pivoting of the latch 420 from its first position to its second position in the event of a release or breakage of the belt element 411, the device 400 also comprises an elastic return element 422 configured to move the latch 420 in rotation around the pivot axis P when the pressure exerted by the belt element 411 on the latch 420 is below a predetermined threshold.

[76] According to a particular embodiment of the elastic return element 422, it takes the form of a torsion spring. Such a spring is readily available on the market and therefore has an economic advantage. The torsion spring is for example arranged such that its winding axis is aligned with the pivot axis P of the latch 420. The winding axis of the turns of the torsion spring is more particularly coaxial with the pivot axis P of the latch 420, this is particularly illustrated in Figure 7. Arranging the elastic return element 422 in this way within the latch 420 allows a particularly compact arrangement of these parts within the device 400 .

[77] When the latch 420 is in its first position, the elastic return element 422 is stressed so that it stores energy. Thus, when the restoring force exerted by said elastic element 422 on latch 420 is greater than that exerted by belt element 411 on latch 420, said latch 420 is moved in pivoting under the effect of the release of the energy accumulated within the elastic return element 422. The movement of the latch 420 is then synonymous with a release of tension in the belt element 411, or even a rupture of the belt element 411. The predetermined threshold mentioned previously can thus correspond to the force exerted by the belt element 411 on a part of the latch 420. [78] In order to signal the failure of the kinematic assembly 403 and more precisely a release of the tension at the level of the at least one kingpin element 411, the detection means is configured to detect the latch 420 when the latter is in its second position. This detection means can take the form of a visual or mechanical sensor, for example. Thus, in the event that the kinematic assembly 403 fails, the latch 420 is configured to switch into its second position and is made to cooperate with the detection means in order to signal this failure.

[79] According to a particular embodiment, the detection means may take the form of a protrusion 425 arranged on the support frame 361 so as to be aligned with the latch 420 in the direction of opening and closing of the at least one curtain 404, 405. According to one embodiment of the positive device 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9, said protrusion 425 is arranged on a side upright of the support frame 361.

[80] The protrusion 425 may in particular be made in one piece with the support frame 361, in this case it is obtained during the same injection molding process as that used to form the shells 362 and 363 of the support frame 361.

This avoids the purchase and assembly of additional parts for the device 400 and therefore presents an economic gain.

[81] The specific alignment between the latch 420 and the protrusion 425 along the opening and closing direction of the at least one curtain 404, 405 allows the latch 420 secured to the second edge 414 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 to come into abutment against the protuberance 425 when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is moved in translation in the opening and closing direction. This abutment of the latch 420 against the protrusion 425 arranged on the support frame 361 takes place when the latch 420 is positioned in its second position. The actuator 406 can then detect the contact between the latch 420 and the protuberance 425 on the support frame 361 by detecting the increase in the resistance to rotation and in particular by an increase in the electrical resistance of the actuator 406 .

[82] The cooperation between the latch 420 integral with the at least one curtain 404, 405 and the protrusion 425 arranged on the support frame 361 can also make it possible to block the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its translation from its position open to its closed position. More precisely, the abutment of the latch 420 against the protrusion 425 prevents the at least one curtain 404, 405 from being unrolled and therefore from reaching its closed position. The air flow F can thus continue to circulate through the passage opening of the frame 361 of the regulation device 400 even in the case where the kinematic assembly 403 is potentially faulty. Keeping the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its open position is preferable to limit too great a drop in performance within the cooling module 5. The device 400 is therefore configured such that in the event of a failure, the at least one curtain 404, 405 can adopt its open position.

[83] With this in mind, the latch 420 may have a chamfered portion 421 (visible in Figures 5 to 9) intended to slide over the protuberance 425 in the event that the at least one curtain 404, 405 is moved from its closed position to its open position, even in the case where the latch 420 is already in its second position.

[84] According to the embodiment of the latch illustrated in Figure 7, the latch 420 has an "L" shape and its chamfered part 421 then corresponds to the small bar of the "L". The chamfered part 421 is then located at one end of the latch 420. Other locations are possible for the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420. in "T" and the chamfered part 421 then corresponds to an end portion of the vertical bar of the "T". According to another embodiment, not illustrated, of the latch 420, the latter has a generally parallelepipedic shape and the chamfered part 421 corresponds to a slightly inclined entire face of the parallelepiped.

[85] The inclination of the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420 is, for example, between 20% and 50%. The chamfered portion 421 of the latch 420 thus facilitates the sliding of the latch 420 over the protuberance 425 of the support frame 361 when the curtain 404, 405 moves from its closed position to its open position, regardless of whether the latch 420 is in its first position or in its second position. In other words, independently of the position adopted by the latch 420, it is possible to move the curtain 404, 405 from its closed position to its open position which is the most secure position. [86] Thus, in the case where the at least one curtain 404, 405 is totally or partially unrolled so that its second edge 414 on which the latch 420 is arranged is located somewhere between the position it occupies when the curtain 404, 405 is closed and the location of the protrusion 425, the inclined face of the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420 in the second position is then oriented towards the protrusion 425.

[87] Thus, when the latch 420, oriented in its second position, strikes during its movement the protrusion 425, in particular when winding the at least one curtain 404, 405 around the winding shaft 401 or 402 to which it is associated, the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420 makes it possible to lift the latter slightly to pass over the protrusion 425 without stopping the curtain 404, 405 in its movement. On the other hand, the geometry of the latch 420 in its second position does not allow the curtain 404, 405 to adopt its closed position from its open position, since the latch 420 in its second position is caused to come into abutment against the protrusion 425 on the support frame 361 or to be detected by the detection means in general.

[88] To increase the effectiveness of this solution, the protrusion 425 of the support frame 361 may also have an inclined face 427, as shown in Figure 9. The inclined face 427 of the protrusion 425 is inclined so that when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in its closed position and the latch 420 is placed in its second position, its chamfered part 421 is oriented opposite the inclined face 427 of the protrusion 425.

[89] Similar to the chamfered portion 421 of the latch 420, the slope of the inclined face 427 of the protrusion 425 can also be between 20% and 50%. Thus, when the at least one curtain 404 or 405 arrives at the level of the protrusion 425 in its movement from the closed position to the open position, the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420 then slides easily on the inclined face 427 of the protrusion 425, which fluidifies the movement of at least one curtain 404, 405 during its translation.

[90] The slope of the chamfered part 421 of the latch 420 on the one hand and that of the inclined face 427 of the protuberance 425 on the other hand are chosen so that the parts can easily slide on each other when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is moved from its closed position to its open position and in such a way that the protrusion 425 obstructs the latch 420 when the latter is placed in its second position and the at least one curtain 404, 405 is moved from its open position to its closed position. This last particular configuration of the latch 420 and of the protuberance 425 is illustrated in FIG. 9, it makes it possible to keep the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its open position.

[91] In the particular case where each curtain 404, 405 comprises two belt elements 411 extending said curtain, one can imagine a particular embodiment in which the device 400 comprises two latches 420 per curtain 404, 405. Each element belt 411 then exerts a force on one of the two latches 420 and each latch 420 is associated with an elastic return element 422 of its own. In this embodiment, the device 400 com also takes two detection means, each detection means being configured to detect one of the two latches 420 when the latter is in its second position. More precisely ; if one of the two belt elements 411 extending the at least one curtain 404, 405 is caused to tear, the latch 420 hitherto held in its first position by this belt element 41 1 pivots into its second position under the effect of the elastic return element pel 422 which is associated with it. The detection means is thus able to detect this specific latch 420 in a manner similar to that explained above.

[92] In the case where the regulating device 400 comprises two separate curtains 404 and 405 arranged on either side of the passage opening, each curtain 404, 405 may comprise one or more latches 420 associated with an element. elastic return ment 422 specific to each latch 420. The regulation device 400 can then comprise as many detection means as there are latches 420. More particularly, if the regulation device 400 comprises two curtains 404 and 405 and that each curtain 404, 405 comprises two latches 420 arranged for example in the corners formed by the side edges 413 with the second edge 414 of the curtain 404, 405, the regulation device 400 can then comprise four detection means, for example four rancid protuberances 425 arranged on the side uprights of the support frame 361. Each protuberance 425 is then aligned with a latch 420 in the direction of opening and closing of the curtain 404, 405. [93] Such a regulation device 400 therefore essentially comprises mechanical parts that are easy to design or easily accessible on the market. These parts make it possible to detect a possible failure of the cinematic assembly 403 and more specifically a loosening of at least one belt element. Mounting the latch 420 and the elastic return element 422 within the device 400 is relatively easy. In the case where the detection means is a protrusion 425 integral with the support frame 361 of the regulation device 400, its manufacture is inexpensive, since such a detection means makes it possible to dispense with the purchase and the installation of one or more specific sensors to detect a failure of the kinematic assembly 403.

[94] The assembly formed by the latch 420 and the protuberance 425 can also ensure a self-locking function of at least one curtain 404, 405 and prevent it from adopting its closed position. The at least one curtain 404, 405 is then forced to remain in its open position, thus freeing the passage opening through the support frame 361 of the device 400, which then allows the circulation of the air flow F within the cooling module 5 and in the heat exchanger(s) 7, 9 arranged inside this cooling module 5, thus preventing the engine of the motor vehicle from overheating.

Claims

[Claim 1] Device (400) for regulating a flow of air (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger (7, 9) for a motor vehicle, the device (400) comprising a support frame (361) defining at least one passage opening for an incoming air flow (F) and comprising at least one curtain (404, 405) able to move in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing off the opening passage and an open position letting the flow of air (F) pass through the passage opening, the curtain (404, 405) being arranged to roll up and unroll around a first winding shaft (401) extending on the support frame (361) along one of the sides of the passage opening, said device (400) comprising a kinematic assembly (403) configured to move the at least one curtain (404, 405 ) in the opening and closing direction, the at least one curtain (404, 405) being extended by at least one belt element ie (411) forming part of the kinematic assembly (403), the belt element (411) being arranged to wind and unwind around a second winding shaft (402) extending on the support frame ( 361) along a side of the passage opening opposite to that carrying the first winding shaft (401), the regulating device being characterized in that it further comprises:

- at least one latch (420) disposed on an edge (414) of the at least one curtain (404, 405) so as to be moved simultaneously with said curtain (404, 405) in translation in the opening and closing direction , said latch (420) being rotatable about a pivot axis (P) between a first position in which the belt element (411) presses on the latch (420) and a second position adopted by the latch ( 420) in the event of a relaxation of the belt element (411),

- an elastic return element (422) configured to move the latch (420) in rotation around the pivot axis (P) from its first position to its second position when the pressure exerted by the belt element (411) on the latch (420) is less than a predetermined threshold; - A detection means configured to detect the latch (420) when the latter is in its second position.

[Claim 2] Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection means comprises a protrusion (425) arranged on the support frame (361) so as to be aligned with the latch (420) in the direction of opening and closure of the at least one curtain (404, 405) and in that the latch (420), when it is placed in its second position, is intended to come into abutment against the said protuberance (425) when the at least one curtain ( 404, 405) is moved in its opening and closing direction.

[Claim 3] Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the protuberance (425) of the support frame (361) is arranged on a lateral upright of the said support frame (361).

[Claim 4] Device according to any one of Claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the latch (420) has a chamfered part (421) and in that the protrusion (425) of the support frame (361) has a inclined (427) so that when the latch (420) is placed in its second position, its chamfered part (421) is oriented vis-à-vis the inclined face (427) of the protuberance (425).

[Claim 5] Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the slope of the chamfered part (421) of the latch (420) is between 20% and 50%.

[Claim 6] Device according to any one of Claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the slope of the inclined face (427) of the protuberance (425) of the support frame (361) is between 20% and 50%.

[Claim 7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle of pivoting of the at least one latch (420) about its pivot axis (P) between its first position and its second position is between 60° and 120°, more particularly equal to 90°.

[Claim 8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic return element (422) is a torsion spring arranged such that its winding axis is aligned with the pivot axis (P) of the latch (420).

[Claim 9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two latches (420) per curtain (404, 405), each latch (420) being associated with an elastic return element (422) which is specific to it and in that the device (400) comprises two detection means, each detection means being configured to detect one of the two latches (420) when the latter is in its second position.

[Claim 10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two separate curtains (404 and 405) arranged on either side of the passage opening, each curtain (404, 405) being extended by at least one belt element (411) which is specific to it and which forms part of the kinematic assembly (403), including a first curtain (404) configured to wind up and unwind around the first winding shaft ( 401) while the belt element (411) associated with said first curtain (404) is configured to wind and unwind around the second winding shaft (402) and a second curtain (405) configured to wind and unwind unwind around the second winding shaft (402) while the belt element (411) associated with said second curtain (405) is configured to wind and unwind around the first winding shaft (401) and in that each curtain ( 404, 405) comprises a latch (420) associated with an elastic element d e recall (422) which is specific to it.