Device for regulating the air flow of an air inlet of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for regulating the flow of air for an air intake of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) which defines a flow duct (4) in which the flow of air flows, a cooling unit (6) comprising at least one heat exchanger (8, 10) and an electric fan unit (12) being arranged at least partially in said housing. According to the invention, the housing (2) comprises sealing means (64, 64a, 64b, 64c) for preventing any air leakage outside the flow duct (4). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a regulating device (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for regulating the air flow of an air intake of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a motor vehicle, and in particular to an electric vehicle comprising such an air intake regulating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a motor vehicle comprises an air intake in the form of an opening located on the front face of said motor vehicle. The incoming air is used to exchange heat with the cooling system of the motor vehicle, which is located in the vicinity of the front face of said vehicle. More particularly, the air entering the engine compartment of the motor vehicle is directed to the cooling system of said motor vehicle so as to enable heat exchange between the incoming air and the heat exchanger of the cooling system. It is important to minimize the loss of air flow between the air intake and the heat exchanger. In particular, any air flow that enters the interior of the vehicle and escapes to the engine compartment before contributing to the heat exchange of the interior of the motor vehicle has a negative impact on the air drag coefficient of said motor vehicle.

[0003] It is known practice to use an air guide in the form of a casing generally made of plastic or another flexible material that connects the air intake to the cooling system.

[0004] In the case of an electric vehicle, the air intake regulating device can comprise an air duct arranged downstream of the cooling system and designed to direct the air flow to the outside of the vehicle. Such a duct can be advantageous for creating a Venturi effect downstream of the cooling unit, so that a greater air flow can pass through the cooling system, thereby improving the thermal efficiency.

[0005] However, such a duct does have certain drawbacks. In particular, the ducts known from the prior art have a relatively poor air tightness, so that air leaks, resulting in a reduction in the incoming air flow, which can quickly degrade the thermal performance of the cooling system. In addition, when the electric vehicle is stationary and connected to a station or electric terminal to charge the battery, the motor-fan unit of the cooling system is activated to cool the battery and prevent it from overheating. However, such an operation causes a noise nuisance for the user. SUMMARY

[0006] SUMMARY The present invention aims to overcome this drawback and proposes a device for regulating the air flow of an air intake of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing defining a flow duct in which the air flow circulates, a cooling unit comprising at least one heat exchanger and a motor fan unit being arranged at least partially in the housing. According to the invention, the housing comprises sealing means to prevent any air from leaking out of the flow duct. In other words, the regulating device comprises several elements and at least one sealing means is arranged between at least two elements.

[0007] The baffle makes it possible to close the flow duct, in particular the duct that transports the air flow to the outside of the vehicle. The noise nuisance thus generated during the charging of the battery is contained inside the vehicle and is no longer perceived outside the vehicle.

[0008] Other embodiments of the air intake regulating device taken separately or in combination propose:

[0009] - the sealing means correspond to a seal or a strip made of foam, or a foam strip;

[0010] - the sealing means are airtight and watertight;

[0011] - the regulating device comprises a baffle arranged inside the flow duct downstream of the cooling unit relative to the flow of the air flow;

[0012] - the flow duct comprises an inlet and an outlet, said outlet consisting of at least two separate ducts, said device comprising at least one baffle capable of closing each of said ducts;

[0013] - upstream of the cooling unit relative to the flow of the air flow, a cutoff device is arranged in the flow duct, the cutoff device comprising a set of cutoff baffles capable of being pivotable to make them change the flow rate of the air flow;

[0014] - the cooling unit is inclined relative to the cutoff device;

[0015] - said cooling unit comprises a support frame, said at least one heat exchanger and said electric fan unit being arranged in said support frame, said housing being fixed to the support frame so that the support frame corresponds to a portion of the flow duct, the sealing means being provided between the support frame and the housing;

[0016] - the housing comprises a first portion arranged upstream of the support frame and a second portion arranged downstream of the support frame, the sealing means being arranged between the support frame and each portion;

[0017] - the housing or each portion of the housing consists of two half-housings, the two half-housings together forming said flow duct, a sealing means being arranged between each half-housing;

[0018] - The baffle is either drum-shaped or sliding;

[0019] - The flow channel includes an inlet and an outlet, the outlet consisting of at least two separate channels, each of which is capable of being shut off by a baffle.

[0020] - A shut-off device is arranged in the flow duct upstream of the cooling unit relative to the airflow. The shut-off device includes a set of shut-off baffles that can be rotatably pivoted to change the flow rate of the airflow.

[0021] - The cooling unit is tilted relative to the shut-off device;

[0022] - Fins are provided upstream and / or downstream of the cooling unit relative to the airflow.

[0023] - The fins extend from the shut-off device to the cooling unit;

[0024] - The flow cross-section of the flow channel widens from the inlet to the cooling unit and narrows from the cooling unit to the outlet.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a vehicle that includes a device according to the invention for regulating airflow at an air inlet.

[0026] Other embodiments of the vehicle, used alone or in combination, are proposed:

[0027] - The vehicle includes an air inlet, optionally equipped with a grille, and an outlet for the flow duct includes an exhaust duct arranged to deliver an airflow to the outside of the vehicle and a cooling duct arranged to deliver an airflow to the engine compartment of the vehicle.

[0028] The vehicle also includes an additional air inlet and an additional pipe connecting the additional air inlet to the exhaust pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be consulted with the appendix. Figure One Please read on, as shown in the attached image:

[0030] Figure 1 A outline diagram of a device for regulating airflow according to the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional profile of the device used to regulate airflow;

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of a device used to regulate airflow is shown;

[0033] Figure 4A perspective view of the adjusting device according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figures 5A-5E Various embodiments of the sealing device are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 A device 1 according to the invention for regulating airflow at the air inlet of a motor vehicle is shown. The regulating device 1 extends, for example, in the longitudinal (X), lateral (Y), and vertical (Z) directions relative to the vehicle's axis, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown by the axis in the diagram.

[0036] According to the present invention, the terms "downstream", "upstream", "in series" and "parallel" define the position of one component relative to another component in the direction of airflow through the airflow regulating device 1 according to the present invention.

[0037] The device 1 for regulating airflow according to the invention includes a housing 2, which corresponds to an outer shell or sleeve, and thus defines a flow channel 4 having an air inlet 20 and an air outlet 22 through its walls, in which airflow flows. The housing 2 is made of a flexible material to absorb vibrations during vehicle travel and of a material strong enough to hold elements such as heat exchangers; certain plastics (e.g., polypropylene or polyamide 6) can be used for such applications.

[0038] The device 1 for regulating airflow according to the invention further includes a cooling unit 6. The cooling unit 6 includes at least one heat exchanger adapted to allow heat exchange between the airflow and a fluid flowing within the heat exchanger. Figure 2 As shown, the cooling unit 6 includes first and second heat exchangers 8 and 10. The first heat exchanger 8 corresponds, for example, to a condenser, while the second heat exchanger 10 corresponds, for example, to a radiator. The cooling unit 6 also includes an electric fan unit 12 corresponding to a fan with blades and an associated motor, such that it can draw in and exhaust airflow via the regulating device 1 even when the vehicle is stationary. The cooling unit 6 also includes... Figure 4 The visible support frame 62 corresponds to a rigid structure, and more specifically, to a rigid plastic frame with four members that define the surface in which the heat exchangers 8, 10 and the electric fan unit 12 are internally arranged. To ensure the continuity of the flow conduit 4, the housing 2 is attached to the support frame 62 in a sealed manner. In other words, the support frame 62 ensures the continuity of the flow conduit 4, or in other words, the support frame 62 corresponds to a portion of the flow conduit 4.

[0039] The device 1 for regulating airflow according to the invention further includes a shut-off device 14 comprising a set of shut-off baffles 18 rotatably pivotable to alter the flow rate of the airflow. The shut-off device 14 is arranged relative to the flow of the airflow in a flow duct 4 upstream of the cooling unit 6. The shut-off device 14 further includes a support frame 16 with bearings to hold the shut-off baffles 18.

[0040] Each stop baffle 18 includes a rotation axis embodied by a journal that inserts into a bearing in the support frame 16. The rotation axis allows the stop baffle 18 to be switched from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The open configuration, or in other words, opening the stop baffle 18, involves positioning (by rotation) the stop baffles 18 such that they provide the least possible resistance to the passage of air while properly directing the airflow. Figure 2 As shown, in the open configuration, the baffles 18 are arranged in a horizontal position; in other words, they extend in the longitudinal (X) and lateral (Y) directions to ensure maximum airflow and that the air inlet 20 is clean. The closed configuration, or in other words, closing the baffles 18, involves placing the baffles 18 such that they, along with other baffles 18, provide as much resistance as possible to the flow of airflow F through their front surfaces. In this configuration, the baffles 18 are arranged in a vertical position; in other words, they extend in the lateral (Y) and vertical (Z) directions to ensure minimum or even zero airflow and that the air inlet 20 is closed. Of course, the baffles 18 can take any intermediate position between these two configurations.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 2 according to the invention is made of two parts: a first part 2a connects the inlet of the housing 2, and thus the air inlet 20 of the flow channel 4, to the cooling unit 6, and in particular the support frame 62, with the shut-off device 14 arranged in the flow channel 4; and a second part 2b connects the cooling unit 6, and more specifically the support frame 62, to the outlet of the housing 2 and thus to the air outlet 22 of the flow channel 4. The housing parts 2a and 2b include fastening devices 70, such as clips, hooks, screws with threaded shanks / nuts with threaded holes, bolts, etc., whose shape is complementary to the fastening devices 70 arranged on the support frame 62. Therefore, it should be understood that the support frame 62 provides continuity of the flow channel 4 between the two parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2.

[0042] According to other embodiments, portions 2a and 2b may also include fastening devices with complementary shapes, such that each portion 2a and 2b can be fastened to each other. It is also conceivable that the housing 2 is composed of a single, integral component that creates material continuity between the air inlet 20 and air outlet 22 of the flow channel 4.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 2 according to the invention, and more specifically, each part 2a, 2b according to the invention, may comprise two half-housings 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2. Each pair of half-housings 2a1, 2a2 or 2b1, 2b2 together form part of the flow channel 4. In other words, as Figure 4 The first pair of half-shells 2a1 and 2a2 shown constitute part 2a of shell 2, that is, the part of the flow pipe 4 that connects the inlet of shell 2, in particular the air inlet 20 of flow pipe 4, to the cooling unit 6, in particular the support frame 62, and the shut-off device 14 is arranged in flow pipe 4. Figure 3 As shown, the second pair of half-shells 2b1, 2b2 constitute the second part 2b, which is the portion of the flow channel 4 that connects the cooling unit 6, more specifically the support frame 62, to the outlet of the shell 2 and thus to the air outlet 22 of the flow channel 4. Each pair of half-shells 2a1, 2a2 or 2b1, 2b2 includes fastening devices 72 with complementary shapes, such as clips, wherein a concave portion is arranged on one half-shell 2a1 and a convex portion is arranged on the corresponding other half-shell 2a2, and vice versa. These fastening devices 72 may be reversible, thereby allowing the half-shells 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2 to be detachably fastened to each other, or in other words, allowing the half-shells 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2 to be reversibly connected and separated.

[0044] In other words, according to one embodiment, the housing 2 includes a first part 2a that connects the air inlet 20 of the flow duct 4 to the cooling unit 6. The first part 2a consists of two half-housings 2a1 and 2a2, which together form the flow duct 4. Sealing devices 64, 64a, 64b, and 64c are arranged between each half-housing 2a1 and 2a2.

[0045] The housing 2 is independent of the first part 2a and includes a second part 2b. The second part 2b connects the cooling unit 6 to the air outlet 22 of the flow pipe 4. The second part 2b consists of two half-housings 2b1 and 2b2, which form the flow pipe 4. Sealing devices 64, 64a, 64b, and 64c are arranged between each half-housing 2b1 and 2b2.

[0046] In summary, the housing 2 includes a first portion 2a arranged upstream of the cooling unit 6 and a second portion 2b arranged downstream of the cooling unit 6. To provide a more modular design, the first portion 2a consists of two half-housings 2a1 and 2a2, which together form the flow channel 4, with sealing devices 64, 64a, 64b, and 64c arranged between each half-housing 2a1 and 2a2.

[0047] The housing 2 of the airflow regulating device 1 according to the invention includes at least one sealing device 64 to prevent air leakage from the flow duct 4. In other words, one or more sealing devices 64 ensure that all airflow through the air inlet 20 of the flow duct 4 re-emerges from the flow duct 4 via the air outlet 22. The one or more sealing devices 64 may be arranged at different points on the regulating device 1. Specifically, each sealing device 64 is arranged at the interface between two separate elements of the regulating device 1, that is, at the interface between them, or in other words, between elements that can be separated or do not have material continuity. More specifically, to provide optimal sealing, the sealing device 64 is arranged on the outer periphery of each separate element forming part of the flow duct 4. In other words, between two elements forming part of the flow duct 4, a sealing device 64 is arranged on the outer connecting surface at the outer periphery edge of each of these elements.

[0048] Therefore, the sealing device 64 can be arranged between each half-shell 2a1, 2a2 and 2b1, 2b2, and / or between a portion 2a or 2b of the shell 2 and the support frame 62, and / or between each half-shell 2a1, 2a2 and 2b1, 2b2 and the support frame 62. It is also possible to position the sealing device 64 between the shell 2 and the support frame 16 of the shut-off device 14 in the region of the air inlet 20.

[0049] Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the actual arrangement of the sealing device 64, and the various arrangements described above can be combined.

[0050] like Figures 5A to 5E As shown, the sealing device 64 can correspond, for example, to a seal, and more specifically, to an O-ring 64c. Figure 5C and Figure 5E ), corresponding to foam strip 64a ( Figure 5A and Figure 5D ) or overmolded elastomeric lip seal 64b Figure 5B ).

[0051] The sealing device 64 can be airtight or both airtight and watertight.

[0052] To better describe sealing devices, the following section will discuss... Figures 5A to 5EThe description incorporates the concept of the components of the regulating device 1. For the following purposes, it must be understood that these components correspond to two separate, removable, separable elements of the regulating device 1, or to two elements assembled together using a reversible connection. These components include the housing 2, each portion 2a, 2b of the housing 2, each half-housing 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, and the support frame 16 or support frame 62 for the stop device 14, without distinction or special limitation.

[0053] like Figure 5A As shown, the sealing device 64 can correspond to a foam strip 64a disposed at the interface between the two elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62 of the regulating device. For this purpose, one of these elements, arguably the first element, can include a groove 66 in which the foam strip 64b is disposed, while the other element, arguably the second element, can include a protrusion 68 extending into the groove 66, i.e., toward the bottom wall of the groove 66, and thereby supporting the foam strip 64a, which is modified to remain in contact with the protrusion 68, so that airflow no longer passes through the cooperating structure. The foam strip 64a, which can be polyurethane foam, is particularly well-suited for sealing only air.

[0054] exist Figure 5D In the variant shown, the foam strip 64a is arranged in a first groove 66 on the first element at the interface between the two elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62 of the adjusting device 1, and the second element directly supports and abuts against the foam strip 64a without protrusion. The foam strip 64a is deformed in a way that maintains contact with the second elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62, and airflow can no longer pass through this cooperative structure.

[0055] like Figure 5C As shown, the sealing device 64 can correspond to an O-ring 64c arranged at the interface between the two elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62 of the adjusting device 1. For this purpose, one of these elements, arguably the first element, can include a groove 66 in which the O-ring 64c is arranged, and the other element, arguably the second element, can directly support and abut against the O-ring 64c. The O-ring 64c deforms to maintain contact with the second elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62, and airflow is no longer possible through this cooperating structure. The O-ring 64c, which can be made of rubber or any other elastomer, is particularly suitable for sealing against air and water. Of course, the second element can also include a protrusion 68 that extends into the groove 66 and supports and abuts against the O-ring 64c, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5E As shown.

[0056] like Figure 5B As shown, the sealing device 64 can correspond to an overmolded lip seal 64b, which is arranged at the interface between the two elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62 of the regulating device. For this purpose, one of these elements, arguably the first element, can include a groove 66, and the overmolded lip seal 64b can be overmolded onto the other element, arguably the second element, and directly supported against the bottom wall of the groove 66, i.e., against the first element. The overmolded lip seal 64b deforms to maintain contact with the first elements 2, 2a, 2b, 2a1, 2a2, 2b1, 2b2, 16, 62, and airflow is no longer possible through this cooperating structure. The overmolded lip seal 64b can be made of rubber or any other elastomer (e.g., SEBS or polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butene)-b-polystyrene), and is particularly suitable for sealing air and water.

[0057] The flow duct 4 includes an air inlet 20 and an air outlet 22, the air outlet 22 consisting of at least two separate ducts, each of which is closed by a baffle (described below). The air outlet 22 of the flow duct 4 includes an exhaust duct 24 arranged to direct airflow to the outside of the vehicle and a cooling duct 26 arranged to direct airflow to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Figure 3 As shown, cooling duct 26 corresponds to a duct in which an opening 28 with a grille 30 is formed in the wall of housing 2, thereby allowing airflow from flow duct 4 to the engine compartment. Exhaust duct 24 corresponds to a duct in which an opening 32 is formed in the wall of housing 2, thereby allowing airflow from flow duct 4 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0058] The device 1 for regulating airflow according to the invention further includes a baffle 34, which is arranged in the flow duct 4 downstream of the cooling unit 6 relative to the airflow. The baffle 34 is as follows: Figure 2 The drum-shaped baffle shown is more suitable for such applications because this adjustment device extends over most of the vehicle width (Y-axis) and thus can reach more than one meter. Its improved mechanical strength makes it ideal for this purpose. According to the embodiment not shown, other baffles, such as sliding baffles (also called sliding doors), are conceivable. These include a sliding door with at least one rack and a gear complementary to the rack arranged thereon, which is rotated about an axis by an actuator to move the baffle, particularly by translational movement.

[0059] The drum-shaped baffle 34 includes a rotating shaft 36 in the form of an axis, which allows the drum-shaped baffle 34 to pivot. The drum-shaped baffle 34 also includes three solid walls. Two side walls 38 are arranged at two opposite ends of the rotating shaft 36, these two side walls 38 are parallel and inscribed in a plane defined by an axis XZ perpendicular to the rotating shaft 36, and a transverse wall 40 connects the side walls together. The transverse wall 40 is inscribed in a plane with a curved shape defined by the axis XZ, and, depending on its position, allows airflow to flow or stop at the air outlet 22 of the flow channel 4, in the pipes 24, 26. The space between the side walls 38, the transverse wall 40, and the rotating shaft 36 is unoccupied, allowing airflow to pass between these elements, such as... Figure 2 As shown by arrow F2 in the image.

[0060] The transverse wall 40 of the drum-shaped baffle 34 can close the discharge pipe 24, such as Figure 2 As shown. According to an embodiment not shown, the transverse wall 40 of the drum-shaped baffle 34 can also close the cooling pipe 26.

[0061] The different walls of the baffle 34 follow the shape of the walls of the housing 2 to provide a proper seal, and the baffle 34 may also include an elastomeric lip 42 overmolded onto the ends of the walls. Thus, the walls of the housing 2, in which the cooling conduit 26 is arranged, are substantially circular, such that the curved transverse walls 40 of the baffle 34 can completely close the outlet conduit.

[0062] When the vehicle is in motion, the baffle 34 is arranged to close the cooling duct 26, thus allowing airflow through the exhaust duct 24. When the vehicle is stationary (while the battery is charging), the baffle 34 is arranged to close the exhaust duct 24, thus allowing airflow through the exhaust duct 24. Figure 2 As shown, cooling pipe 26 is used. Baffle 34 can be positioned at any intermediate location.

[0063] Still according to the invention, the cooling unit 6 is inclined relative to the shut-off device 14. In other words, the mid-plane of the cooling unit 6 and the shut-off device 14 forms an angle other than 0° (non-zero), particularly an angle in the interval of 10° to 80°, and more specifically an angle in the interval of 30° to 60°. Such an arrangement allows for a reduction in the space occupied by the adjusting device 1.

[0064] Still according to the invention, it is advantageous to arrange the fins 44 upstream and / or downstream of the cooling unit 6 relative to the airflow. The fins 44 correspond to air guides in the form of circular walls, which define passageways for airflow so as to direct the airflow F1 ( Figure 2 The heat is distributed across the entire surface of the heat exchangers 8 and 10 of the cooling unit 6, thereby improving thermal efficiency.

[0065] To improve thermal efficiency, it is advantageous for the fins 44 to extend from the shut-off device 14 to the cooling unit 6. When the shut-off baffle 18 of the shut-off device 14 is in the open configuration, the fins 44 can, for example, extend the continuity of the shut-off baffle 18. The fins 44 can also be generally S-shaped, having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an inclined section or ramp. The leading edge corresponds to one end of the fin and extends in a horizontal plane defined by the X and Y axes, the trailing edge is substantially parallel to the leading edge but at a different height (Z), and the inclined section or ramp connects the leading and trailing edges and extends primarily along the setting axis (Z). The invention is not limited to the shape of the fins 44, as long as they function as guides for airflow; the fins 44 can, for example, be in the shape of a quarter circle.

[0066] The first flat end of fin 44, adapted to be traversed by airflow F1, corresponds to the leading edge and is flat. The second and final flat ends, adapted to be traversed by airflow F1, correspond to the trailing edge and are also flat. The inclined section is not part of the leading and trailing edges.

[0067] The fins 44 extend between the shut-off device 14 and the cooling unit 6, but do not contact these components. To better guide the air, the leading and trailing edges of the fins 44 are arranged close to the shut-off device 14 and the cooling unit 6, respectively, but not adjacent to these components.

[0068] Still according to the invention, the flow section of the flow duct 4 widens from the air inlet 20 of the flow channel 4 to the cooling unit 6 in the airflow direction, and narrows from the cooling unit 6 to the air outlet 22 of the flow duct 4. In other words, the flow section of the flow duct 4 has at least one dimension (width and / or height) that gradually increases along its length in the airflow direction, or gradually increases as it approaches the cooling unit 6 from the air inlet 20. Similarly, the flow section of the flow duct 4 has at least one dimension (width and / or height) that gradually decreases along its length in the airflow direction, or gradually decreases as it moves away from the cooling unit 6 toward the air outlet 22.

[0069] Still according to the invention, the sound-absorbing component can be arranged within the housing 2, thereby lining the flow channel 4 with sound insulation and eliminating or limiting the propagation of noise to the outside. The sound-absorbing component can, for example, correspond to a layer of open-cell or closed-cell polyurethane foam, preferably impregnated with a vinylene copolymer, or it can correspond to a cavity that functions like a Helmholtz resonator.

[0070] According to one embodiment (not shown), the motor vehicle includes a bumper beam with a grille or fence located below it. The grille is fixed and held in an open position to allow incoming airflow. The vehicle according to the invention includes an air inlet regulating device 1 as described above.

[0071] Therefore, the motor vehicle according to the invention includes an air inlet with a grille and a device 1 for regulating the air inlet. The air outlet 22 of the flow duct 4 includes an exhaust duct 24 arranged to deliver airflow toward the outside of the vehicle and a cooling duct 26 arranged to deliver airflow toward the engine compartment of the vehicle.

[0072] The vehicle according to the invention may further include an additional inlet and an additional duct connecting said additional inlet to an exhaust duct that delivers airflow to the outside of the vehicle. This allows for an enhanced Venturi effect in the exhaust duct, thereby increasing the airflow and thus improving thermal efficiency. The additional inlet may also be provided with a grille to prevent any foreign objects (branches, leaves, etc.) from entering the additional duct.

[0073] However, it must be understood that these embodiments are given by way of example to illustrate the subject matter of the invention. The invention is not limited to these embodiments and is provided by way of example only. It covers various modifications, alternatives and other variations that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention, particularly any combination of the different embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A regulating device for regulating airflow at an air inlet of a motor vehicle, comprising: A housing defining a flow channel including an air inlet and an air outlet. in, Air flows in the flow channel. The cooling unit, including at least one heat exchanger, and the electric fan unit are at least partially arranged within the housing. The housing includes at least one sealing device to prevent any air leakage from the flow channel. The air outlet includes at least two separate outlet ducts; and a drum-shaped baffle for individually closing each of the at least two separate outlet ducts of the air outlet; the outlet ducts include an exhaust duct arranged to direct airflow to the outside of the vehicle and a cooling duct arranged to direct airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

2. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sealing device is an O-ring, an overmolded lip, or a foam strip.

3. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sealing device is both airtight and watertight.

4. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, A shut-off device is arranged in the flow duct upstream of the cooling unit relative to the airflow. The shut-off device includes a set of shut-off baffles that can be rotatably pivoted to change the flow rate of the airflow.

5. The adjusting device according to claim 4, wherein, The cooling unit is tilted relative to the shut-off device.

6. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a first portion disposed upstream of the support frame and a second portion disposed downstream of the support frame, and the at least one sealing device is disposed between the support frame and each of the first and second portions.

7. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing or each of the first and second portions of the housing consists of two half-housings, the two half-housings together forming the flow channel, and the at least one sealing device is arranged between each half-housing.

8. The adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one sealing device is arranged between the shut-off device and the housing.

9. A motor vehicle, comprising an air inlet and a regulating device for said air inlet according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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