Damper device for a front end air intake of a motor vehicle comprising a damper disconnection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a shutter device (1) for a motor vehicle front end intake comprising: - a support frame (3), - at least two shutters (5) comprising a shutter body (5a) and a first end (5b) connected to the support frame (3). According to the invention, the first end (5b) of the first shutter (5) comprises a device (60) for disconnecting the first shutter (5), the first end (5b) of the second shutter comprises a device (60) for disconnecting the second shutter (5), each disconnecting device (60) comprising: - a first part (61) connected to the shutter body (5a), and - a second part (62) arranged opposite the first part (61), each shutter device (1) comprising at least one stop (9), the first part (61) and / or the shutter body (5a) being configured to come into contact with the stop (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for blocking the air flow at the front end of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a blocking device comprising a flap release device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The front end of a motor vehicle generally comprises one or more main air inlets through which the air flow enters in the direction of the motor vehicle's front compartment. Heat exchangers of the motor vehicle, for example for passenger compartment air conditioning and / or for cooling the engine, are generally placed behind these air inlets.

[0003] It is also known to provide, in the air path through the main air inlets, a support frame with one or more pivotally mounted flaps, the flaps being able to adopt a plurality of angular positions between an open position and a closed position, thus forming a damper-like blocking device. This blocking device is sometimes referred to as an active grille shutter blocking device, or controlled air intake module. This blocking device is also known as AGS (Active Grille Shutter).

[0004] The blocking device allows to regulate the air flow through the air inlets and to the heat exchangers. Thus, by varying the amount of air received by these heat exchangers, it is possible to optimize their efficiency as needed. In addition, at high speed, in the closed position, the flaps allow the drag coefficient of the motor vehicle to be reduced, thus improving the aerodynamics of said motor vehicle. Thus, when the engine does not need to be cooled by external air, the blocking device can reduce energy consumption and pollution.

[0005] However, due to impacts, the flaps can break and no longer be able to perform their task of controlling the air inflow. The broken flap generally remains attached to the support frame and is difficult to discover without direct visual inspection. The broken flap is generally removed manually and can be replaced during this visual inspection. However, the time between the breaking and the removal of the broken flap can be long, which can have a negative impact on the performance of the blocking device, in particular if the broken flap remains in the closed position. SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose a blocking device in which the plurality of broken flaps does not remain in place in the support frame.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to a blocking device for a front end air inlet of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0008] a.- a support frame having two lateral uprights and two end beams connecting the two lateral uprights,

[0009] b. - at least two flaps arranged inside the support frame and pivoting about a pivot axis between a first open end position and a second closed end position, each flap comprising a flap body and a first end, the first end being connected to the support frame by a first pivot connection,

[0010] c. According to the invention, the first end of the first flap comprises a release device of said first flap, and

[0011] d. the first end of the second flap also comprises a release device of said second flap,

[0012] e. each release device comprises:

[0013] i. - a first portion connected to the flap body, and

[0014] ii. - a second portion arranged opposite the first portion and comprising a first pivot connection with the support frame,

[0015] f. each blocking device comprises at least one stop, the first portion of the release device and / or the flap body being configured to come into contact with said at least one stop, such that when the first portion of the release device and / or the flap body comes into contact with said stop, the first portion and the second portion are moved apart from each other by rotation of the second portion.

[0016] The term "release" means the detachment of the flap from the support frame, or the detachment of the two portions of the release device, or the detachment of the flap, in particular the detachment of the flap body from the support frame.

[0017] According to an aspect of the invention, the first portion and the second portion of the release device are connected by a male / female device comprising at least one first contact area in order to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device to the flap body towards the first open end position, and at least one second contact area in order to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device to the flap body towards the second closed end position, at least one of the first contact area or the second contact area of the male / female device forming an angle with a parallel line of the pivot axis.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, only the first contact area between the first portion and the second portion of the release device forms an angle with a parallel line of the pivot axis.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, both the first contact area of the male / female device and the second contact area of the male / female device form an angle with a parallel line of the pivot axis.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the male / female device further comprises:

[0021] a. - a first base arranged on the first portion of the release device,

[0022] b. - a second base, arranged on the second part of the release device opposite the first base,

[0023] c. - at least one male member, arranged on one or the other of the first base or the second base, said male member protruding parallel to the pivoting axis, and

[0024] d. - at least one female member, complementary to the at least one male member, and arranged on the base opposite the base carrying the at least one male member.

[0025] According to another aspect of the application, the at least one male member or female member is arranged on a first ring concentric to the pivoting axis and protruding parallel to said pivoting axis, and the at least one complementary male member or female member is arranged on a second ring also concentric to the pivoting axis and protruding parallel to said pivoting axis,

[0026] a. the first ring is for insertion inside the second ring,

[0027] b. the outer wall of the first ring and the inner wall of the second ring comprise a male / female pair of flanges perpendicular to the pivoting axis, which mutually engage to clamp the first part to the second part.

[0028] According to another aspect of the application, the first part of the release device and the flap body are made in a single piece.

[0029] According to another aspect of the application, the flap body is extruded and the first part of the release device is a separate piece fixed to an end of said flap body.

[0030] According to another aspect of the application, the first part of the release device comprises a stud protruding perpendicular to the pivoting axis and intended to come into contact with the stop.

[0031] According to another aspect of the application, the drive device is configured to continue the rotational movement of the flap when the latter comes into contact with the at least one stop, and to detect the rotational resistance of the at least one flap, and to stop the rotation of the drive device when a given resistance value is reached,

[0032] said drive device is also configured to stop the rotation of the drive device when it reaches a predetermined stroke beyond that required to reach the stop, without encountering the rotational resistance of the at least one flap, and to send an error signal to the electronic management system.

[0033] According to another aspect of the application, the stops are arranged on each end beam so that, when the first flap is in an end position, each corresponding stop is opposite the pivoting of the first flap, and when the second flap is in the opposite end position, each corresponding stop is opposite the pivoting of the second flap.

[0034] Of course, the invention also relates to a petal for a barrier as described above.

[0035] The petal according to the invention comprises a petal body and a first end portion connectable to a support frame by a first pivotal connection, wherein said first end portion is connectable to a drive device, wherein the petal further comprises in particular a second end portion opposite the first end portion and connectable to the support frame by a second pivotal connection,

[0036] a. characterized in that the first end portion of at least one petal comprises a release device of said petal,

[0037] b. said release device comprising:

[0038] i. - a first portion connected to the petal body, and

[0039] ii. - a second portion arranged opposite the first portion, comprising in particular a first pivotal connection with the support frame and possibly a connection with the drive device,

[0040] The first portion of the release device and / or the petal body are configured such that, when the first portion of the release device and / or the petal body is in contact with the stop, the first and second portions are moved apart from each other by rotation of the second portion.

[0041] The term "release" means here the disengagement or separation of the two portions of the release device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the description provided below, in a non-limiting manner, and on examining the attached drawings in which:

[0043] a. Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of the rear surface of the barrier when the petal is in the closed end position is shown,

[0044] b. Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the rear surface of the barrier when the petal is in the open end position is shown,

[0045] c. Figure 3 a schematic perspective view of the inside of the drive device in the closed end position is shown,

[0046] d. Figure 4 a schematic perspective view of the inside of the drive device in the open end position is shown,

[0047] e. Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of the petal 5 is shown,

[0048] f. Figure 6 a schematic exploded perspective view of the petal 5 is shown,

[0049] g. Figure 7 a schematic perspective view of the first pivotal connection is shown,

[0050] h. Figure 8 a schematic perspective view of the exterior of the drive device is shown,

[0051] i. Figure 9 a schematic perspective view of the second pivotal connection is shown,

[0052] j. Figure 10 a schematic perspective view of the release device is shown,

[0053] k. Figure 11 a schematic exploded perspective view of the release device is shown,

[0054] l. Figure 12 a schematic perspective view of the release device with the first and second parts separated is shown,

[0055] m. Figure 13 a schematic perspective view of the first part of the release device is shown,

[0056] n. Figure 14 a schematic perspective view of the second part of the release device is shown,

[0057] o. Figure 15 a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the release device is shown,

[0058] p. Figure 16 a barrier device according to the invention is shown schematically.

[0059] In these figures, identical elements are provided with the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The following examples are illustrative. Although described with reference to particular embodiments, this description is not meant to imply that the examples described are the only valid implementations. The various embodiments can be combined or interchanged, for example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] In this specification, some elements or parameters can be indexed, for example, a first element or a second element, and a first parameter and a second parameter or even a first criterion and a second criterion, etc. In this case, this is a simple index for distinguishing and denoting similar but not identical elements or parameters or criteria. This index does not imply any priority of one element, parameter or criterion over another element, parameter or criterion, and this naming can be easily interchanged without departing from the scope of this specification. Furthermore, this index does not imply any chronological order, for example, in evaluating any given criterion.

[0062] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the arrangement of the elements on the blocking device for a front air intake in the state in which the blocking device is mounted on a motor vehicle.

[0063] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A blocking device 1 for a front air intake of a motor vehicle is shown, respectively depicting its front face and its rear face. The front face here refers to the face of the blocking device 1 oriented towards the front of the motor vehicle. The rear face here refers to the face of the blocking device 1 opposite the front face and oriented towards the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0064] The blocking device 1 comprises a support frame 3 having two lateral uprights 3a and two end crosspieces 3b, 3b' connecting the two lateral uprights 3a together, thus defining an opening of the support frame 3. More particularly, the support frame 3 has an upper crosspiece 3b and a lower crosspiece 3b', these orientations arbitrarily corresponding to the arrangement of the blocking device 1 in the mounted state in the motor vehicle. In the example shown, the opening of the support frame 3 is divided into two parts by a central upright 3c of the upper crosspiece 3b and of the lower crosspiece 3b'. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the opening of the support frame 3 is divided into two parts by a central upright 3c of the upper crosspiece 3b and of the lower crosspiece 3b'.

[0065] The support frame 3 has at least one flap 5 arranged inside the opening. This at least one flap 5 is mounted so as to pivot about a pivot axis P (as shown in Figure 3 and 4 between a first open end position (as shown in Figure 2 and 4 and a second closed end position (as shown in Figure 1 and 3 When the at least one flap 5 occupies its first open end position, the air flow can pass through the opening of the support frame 3. When the at least one flap 5 occupies its second closed end position, said at least one flap 5 blocks the opening of the support frame 3 and prevents the passage of the air flow. Of course, the flap 5 can take any intermediate position.

[0066] Still in the example shown in Figure 1 and 2 The support frame 3 comprises a plurality of flaps 5, forming at least one group of flaps 5 arranged parallel to each other and next to each other on the same plane. In this case, the support frame 3 comprises two groups of flaps 5, each arranged in an opening. These openings are separated by the central upright 3c. The flaps 5 are arranged horizontally one above the other.

[0067] In other words, when the flaps 5 are in Figure 4The openings or air inlets are clear and the air flow can pass through the passage or opening defined by the support frame 3 when the set of flaps 5 is in the open end position, i.e. they extend in longitudinal and transverse direction with respect to the support frame 3. When the set of flaps 5 is in the closed end position, i.e. they extend in transverse and vertical direction with respect to the support frame 3, or for example with respect to the axis of the vehicle when the blocking device is installed in a vehicle, the air passage or opening defined by the support frame 3, i.e. the air inlet, is blocked and air cannot pass through the support frame 3. As Figure 1 shown, in this closed position, the set of flaps 5 constitutes an obstacle which hinders the passage of the air flow by its front surface, so that the opening of the support frame 3 is completely blocked. In other words, the blocking device 1 is configured to move from a closed position, in which the flaps 5 completely close the opening of the support frame 3 and thus block the passage of the air flow F, to an open configuration, in which the flaps 5 are positioned to allow the passage of the air flow F with maximum flow rate.

[0068] Furthermore, the support frame 3 has at least one drive device 7 (visible in Figure 2 ) configured to control the positioning and thus the pivoting of the flaps 5 between their first open end position and their second closed end position.

[0069] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the drive device 7 comprises in particular an actuator 7a and a control member 7b. In Figure 2 , the actuator 7a and the control member 7b are covered by a protective cover 7c. In Figure 3 and 4 the example shown, the actuator 7a is connected to a flap 5, which is called the motor flap 51a of the set of flaps 5, so that the actuator 7a drives the pivoting of this motor flap 51a. The other flaps 51b of the set of flaps 5 are connected to the motor flap 51a by a control member 7b, for example a rod, which transmits the pivoting movement of the motor flap 51a to the other flaps 51b.

[0070] Other methods for transmitting the rotational movement of the actuator 7a to the other flaps 5 of the set are entirely conceivable. For example, the actuator 7a can be connected to the control member 7b by a lever, where the actuator 7a then translates said control member 7b in order to simultaneously pivot the flaps. In the same way, the actuator can be connected at one end 5b to the motor flap 51a and the control member 7b to the opposite end 5c of the motor flap 51a and to the other flaps 51b.

[0071] Still in Figure 1 , 2In the example shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the drive device 7 is arranged on the central upright 3c of the support frame 3 so that both sets of flaps 5 can be pivoted simultaneously. According to a variant not shown here, the drive device 7 can be arranged on a lateral upright 3a of the support frame 3 in order to pivot a single set of flaps 5. Furthermore, the drive device 7 is arranged here on the rear surface of the barrier device 1.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrier device 1 comprises at least one flap 5. The flap 5 is arranged on the support frame 3 so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis P. Figure 5 As shown in Fig. 1, the barrier device 1 comprises at least one flap 5. The flap 5 is arranged on the support frame 3 so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis P. Figure 6 As shown in Fig. 1, the barrier device 1 comprises at least one flap 5. The flap 5 is arranged on the support frame 3 so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis P.

[0073] The first end 5b of the flap 5 is connected to the support frame 3 by a first pivot connection, as shown in Fig. 2, and to the drive device 7. In order to facilitate understanding, the control member 7b and the flap 5 have been omitted in Fig. 2. In the case of a motor flap 51a, the first end 5b can be connected directly to the actuator 7a. The first end 5b can also be connected to the control member 7b via a connecting arm 55 which extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis P. Figure 7 Figure 7 The first pivot connection can be formed, for example, by the coupling of a first notch 71 in a wall 32 of the drive device 7 which is perpendicular to the pivot axis P. The first end 5b of the flap 5 then comprises a circular second notch 53 which is complementary to the first notch 71, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0074] The first pivot connection can be formed, for example, by the coupling of a first notch 71 in a wall 32 of the drive device 7 which is perpendicular to the pivot axis P. The first end 5b of the flap 5 then comprises a circular second notch 53 which is complementary to the first notch 71, as shown in Fig. 3. Figure 6 The first end 5b of the flap 5 is inserted into the first notch 71 so that the wall 32 enters the second notch 53.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 4, the first end 5b of the flap 5 is held in the first notch 71 by a protective cover 7c which covers the first notch 71 and closes it, thereby forming a hole in which the first end 5b of the flap 5 can pivot. Figure 8 As shown in Fig. 1, the barrier device 1 comprises at least one flap 5. The flap 5 is arranged on the support frame 3 so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis P.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrier device 1 comprises at least one flap 5. The flap 5 is arranged on the support frame 3 so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis P. Figure 8 The barrier device 1 comprises at least one stop 9. This stop 9 is used in particular to come into contact with the flap 5 when the latter occupies its first open end position or its second closed end position. The stop 9 prevents the pivoting of the flap 5 when the latter reaches one of its end positions. The stop 9 can be arranged in particular on the support frame 3 on a lateral upright 3a or on a central upright 3c, in particular at the level of the drive device 7.​Figure 8 In the example shown, the stop 9 is arranged on the protective cover 7c. The stop 9 can also be arranged directly on the support frame 3.

[0077] As Figure 9 shown, the second end 5c is itself connected to the support frame 3 by a second pivotal connection. Thus, the second end 5c can comprise a stud 54 projecting in the pivotal axis P. This stud 54 is located in a hole made in a wall 33 of the support frame 3 extending perpendicularly to the pivotal axis P. Here, this wall 33 is arranged on the lateral upright 3a.

[0078] As Figure 10 and 11 shown in more detail, the second end 5b of at least one petal 5 comprises a release device 60 of said petal 5. This release device 60 allows the petal 5, more particularly the petal body 5a, to be separated from the support frame 3 and thus to fall, in order to prevent said petal 5 from remaining in the closed end position in the event of breakage and to cause a loss of performance of the heat exchanger arranged behind the barrier device 1.

[0079] The release device 60 can in particular be arranged on one or more petals 5 of a set of petals 5. In the case of a barrier device 1 comprising a plurality of petals 5 forming at least one set of petals 5 arranged horizontally above one another, as Figure 1 and 2 shown, it can be advantageous for only the upper petals 5 of said set of petals 5 to comprise a release device 60. Indeed, according to various feedback reports and experiments, it is the upper petals 5 that are most likely to break and thus to obstruct the passage of the air flow in the opening of the support frame 3. However, it is still more advantageous to arrange a plurality of release devices 60 on a corresponding plurality of petals 5 in order to improve the passage of the air flow in the event of breakage.

[0080] By way of explanation, the release device 60 will be explained hereafter with respect to a corresponding petal. The barrier device according to the application comprises at least two release devices 60. Of course, each release device 60 uses the same principle and the same structural elements, as described hereafter.

[0081] The release device 60 in particular comprises:

[0082] - a first portion 61 connected to the petal body 5a, and

[0083] - a second portion 62 arranged opposite the first portion 61.

[0084] The second portion 62 of the release device 60 in particular comprises a connection with the first pivotal connection of the support frame 3, more precisely with the second notch 53. The second portion 62 also comprises a connection with the drive device 7. More precisely, the second portion 62 can comprise the connecting arm 55.

[0085] The first portion 61 of the release device 60 and / or the flap body 5a is in particular configured to come into contact with the at least one stop 9 when the flap 5 occupies its first open end position or its second closed end position. To this end, the first portion 61 of the release device 60 can comprise a stud 610 projecting perpendicularly to the pivot axis P and intended to come into contact with the stop 9.

[0086] The first portion 61 and the second portion 62 can in particular be connected by a male / female device 63. This male / female device 63 in particular comprises at least one first contact area 65a in order to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device 7 towards its first open end position to the flap body 5a and at least one second contact area 65b in order to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device 7 towards the second closed end position to the flap body 5a. At least one of the first contact area 65a or the second contact area 65b forms an angle with the parallel of the pivot axis P. Thus, when the first portion 61 of the release device 60 and / or the flap body 5a comes into contact with the stop 9, the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the release device 60 tend to move apart from each other by a sliding movement at said contact areas 65a, 65b through a rotation of the second portion 62.

[0087] Thus, when the flap body 5a or the first portion 61 comes into contact with the stop 9, the latter is blocked and can no longer pivot. If the contact areas 65a, 65b of the male / female device 63 form an angle with the parallel of the pivot axis P, the pivoting force exerted by the drive device 7 on the second portion 62 is converted into a translational force. In normal circumstances, this translational force is compensated by an opposite force exerted by the second end 5c of the flap 5 attached to the support frame 3 at the second pivot connection.

[0088] However, in the event of breakage of the flap 5, in particular at its flap body 5a, this opposite force is not present and the translational force causes the first portion 61 and the portion of the flap body 5c attached thereto to slide along the contact areas 65a, 65b of the male / female device 63 which form an angle with the parallel of the pivot axis P, as shown in Figure 1 and 2 In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the rotational and translational forces are represented by arrows. This translation is carried out until the first portion 61 is completely separated from the second portion 62 and said first portion 61 and the portion of the flap body 5c attached thereto fall under the effect of gravity.

[0089] This is particularly useful to ensure that a broken flap 5 does not get stuck in the opening of the support frame in a position which can reduce the performance of the motor vehicle.

[0090] The drive device 7 can in particular be configured to continue the rotational movement of the petal 5 when the petal 5 comes into contact with the at least one stop 9. When the petal 5 comes into contact with the stop 9, the drive device 7, more precisely its actuator 7a, can detect the rotational resistance of the petal 5, for example by measuring the current at the actuator 7a. If the rotational resistance increases, the drive device can in particular stop its rotation once a given resistance value is reached.

[0091] If the rotational resistance does not increase, for example because the petal 5 is broken, the drive device 7 can also be configured to stop its rotation when it reaches a predetermined stroke beyond that required to reach the stop 9. The drive device 7 can then send an error signal to the electronic management system in order to, for example, light up an indicator on the dashboard, thus alerting the user that there is a problem with the blocking device 1.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 10 , 11 and 12, only the first contact area 65a between the first and second parts 61, 62 of the release device 60 forms an angle with the parallel to the pivot axis P. This first contact area 65a is in particular used when the petal 5 comes into contact with the stop 9 in its first open end position, as shown in Figure 8 . However, it is likely that this first contact area 65a is in particular used when the petal 5 comes into contact with the stop 9 in its closed end position. In this example, the second contact area 65b is itself parallel to the pivot axis P and does not allow the first and second parts 61, 62 of the release device 60 to move apart.

[0093] According to an embodiment not shown, the first and second contact areas 65a, 65b of the convex / concave device 63 can both form an angle with the parallel to the pivot axis P. In this embodiment, the first and second parts 61, 62 of the release device 60 can thus move apart in both the first open end position and the second closed end position.

[0094] Figure 13 An isolated perspective view of the first part 61 of the release device 60 is shown. Figure 14 An isolated perspective view of the second part 62 of the release device 60 is shown. Figure 15 Finally, a cross-sectional view of the release device 60 is shown. As shown in Figure 13 , 14 and 15, the convex / concave device 63 can comprise:

[0095] - a first base 66a arranged on the first part 61 of the release device 60,

[0096] - a second base 66b arranged on the second part 62 of the release device 60 opposite the first base 66a,

[0097] - at least one male member 67a arranged on one or the other of the first base 66a or the second base 66b, said male member 67a protruding parallel to the pivoting axis P, and

[0098] - at least one female member 67b complementary to the at least one male member 67a and arranged on the base 66a, 66b opposite the base 66a, 66b carrying the at least one male member 67b.

[0099] In the example illustrated in Figure 13 , 14 and 15, the first base 66a and the second base 66b each comprise four male members 67a and four female members 67b. Here, the first part 61 also comprises an extension 612 starting from the first base 66a and extending parallel to the pivoting axis P and intended to form a connection with the extruded flap body 5a. In the case where the flap 5 is made in a single piece, there is no such extension and the first base 66a is made of the same material as the flap body 5a.

[0100] The at least one male member 67a or female member 67b can be arranged in particular on a first ring 68a concentric with the pivoting axis P and protruding parallel to said pivoting axis P. The at least one complementary male member 67a or female member 67b can be arranged on a second ring 68b also concentric with the pivoting axis P and protruding parallel to said pivoting axis P. The first ring 68a is intended to be inserted inside the second ring 68b in the mounted state, as Figure 15 illustrated. The outer wall of the first ring 68a and the inner wall of the second ring 68b comprise a male / female flange 69a / groove 69b pair perpendicular to the pivoting axis P, which mutually engage to clip the first part 61 to the second part 62.

[0101] In the example illustrated in Figure 13 , 14 and 15, the first ring 68a is carried by the first part 61 and the second ring 68b is carried by the second part 62. It is of course quite possible to envisage the opposite case. Furthermore, the groove 69b is here produced on the inner surface of the second ring 68b, while the flange 69a is produced on the outer surface of the first ring 68a. The opposite case can also be envisaged, i.e. the groove 69b is produced on the outer surface of the first ring 69a, while the flange 69a is produced on the inner surface of the second ring 68b.

[0102] The presence of such a resilient snap fixing between the first part 61 and the second part 62 allows the application of an ejection force on the first part 61 during the separation when the two elements are separated. The first part 61 and the broken flap body 5a attached thereto are then more easily ejected. This reduces the risk of the first part 61 remaining stuck in the second part 62.

[0103] The male / female device 63 can also comprise an anti-error device 630 which allows good positioning of the second part 62 on the first part 61 of the separation device 60. This allows proper positioning of elements such as the connecting arm 55 relative to the flap body 5a. This anti-error device 630 can in particular be formed by a male member 67a and its complementary female member 67b, which have a shape different from the other male members 67a and female members 67b.

[0104] It is thus clear that, because it comprises at least one flap 5 with a separation or release device 60, the barrier device 1 not only allows automatic ejection of a broken flap 5 without the need for visual inspection and manual intervention. In addition, the release device 60 can allow detection and signalling of a broken flap 5, so that the user of the motor vehicle can plan the repair.

[0105] Figure 16 A barrier device 1 according to the application is schematically shown. In practice, the barrier device comprises two flaps 5, each comprising a release device 60 at an end 5b. Here, an actuator 7a is connected via a lever to a first release device 60, which itself is connected at an end 5b to a motor flap 51a. A second end 5c of the motor flap 51a is engaged with a control member 7b. The control member 7b is also connected to a second release device 60 engaged with an end 5b of a second flap 51b. Thus, when the actuator 7a causes the motor flap 51a to pivot, the motor flap 51a causes a translational movement of the control member 7b and at the same time causes the second flap 5 to pivot. This embodiment makes it possible to release a plurality of flaps 5 with the mechanism described above. When the flaps 5 occupy their first open end position or their second closed end position, a corresponding stop 9 will be in contact with each flap 5. This stop 9 prevents the pivoting of each flap 5 when the flap 5 reaches one of its end positions. The stop 9 can in particular be arranged on the support frame 3 on the lateral uprights 3a, 3b or on the central upright 3c. The stop 9 can for example be arranged on the lower end crosspiece 3b' and on the upper end crosspiece 3b, or in other words on opposite end crosspieces. In this case, when the motor flap 51a is in one end position, for example in the open position, and when the second flap 51b is in the opposite end position, that is to say in the barrier position in the same example (and vice versa), the stop prevents the pivoting of each flap.

[0106] According to an embodiment not shown, a third flap can also be arranged which also comprises a release device. A control member connects the three flaps. It is also possible to arrange release devices on the first and last flap and no release device on the flaps between these two flaps. Because a stop element is necessary in the release device, it is advantageous to arrange a stop on the lateral uprights and / or on the central upright of the frame close to each corresponding release device.

Claims

1. A blocking device (1) for the front air intake of a motor vehicle, comprising: a. - Support frame (3) having two lateral columns (3a) and two end beams (3b, 3b') connecting the two lateral columns (3a). b. - A first and a second petal are arranged inside the support frame (3) and pivot about a pivot axis (P) between a first open end position and a second closed end position. Each petal includes a petal body (5a) and a first end (5b), which is connected to the support frame (3) via a first pivot connection. c. Characterized by, The first end (5b) of the first petal includes a release device (60) for the first petal, and d. The first end (5b) of the second lobe also includes a release device (60) for the second lobe. e. Each release device (60) includes: i. - The first part (61) connected to the body of the petal (5a), and ii. - Second part (62), the second part (62) is arranged opposite to the first part (61) and includes a first pivotal connection with the support frame (3), f. Each blocking device (1) includes at least one stop (9), the first portion (61) of the release device (60) and / or the flap body (5a) being configured to contact the at least one stop (9) such that when the first portion (61) of the release device (60) and / or the flap body (5a) contact the stop (9), the first portion (61) and the second portion (62) are moved apart from each other by rotation of the second portion (62). The first part (61) and the second part (62) of the release device (60) are connected by a convex / concave device (63), which includes at least one first contact area (65a) to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device (7) toward the first open end position to the flap body (5a), and at least one second contact area (65b) to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device (7) toward the second closed end position to the flap body (5a). At least one of the first contact area (65a) or the second contact area (65b) of the convex / concave device (63) forms an angle with the parallel line of the pivot axis (P). The stop (9) is arranged on each end beam (3b, 3b') such that when the first petal is in an end position, each corresponding stop (9) is opposite to the pivot of the first petal, and when the second petal is in an opposite end position, each corresponding stop (9) is opposite to the pivot of the second petal.

2. The blocking device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact area (65a) between the first part (61) and the second part (62) of the release device (60) forms an angle with the parallel line of the pivot axis (P).

3. The blocking device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact area (65a) and the second contact area (65b) of the convex / concave device (63) are both at an angle to the line parallel to the pivot axis (P).

4. The blocking device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The convex / concave device (63) includes: a. - A first base (66a) is disposed on the first part (61) of the release device (60), b. - A second base (66b) is disposed on the second part (62) of the release device (60) opposite to the first base (66a). c. - At least one convex member (67a) is disposed on one or the other of the first base (66a) or the second base (66b), the convex member (67a) projecting parallel to the pivot axis (P), and d. - At least one concave member (67b), complementary to the at least one convex member (67a), and arranged on a base (66a, 66b) opposite to the base (66a, 66b) carrying the at least one convex member (67a).

5. The blocking device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive device (7) is configured to continue the rotational movement of the flap when the flap contacts the at least one stop (9), detect the rotational resistance of the flap, and stop the rotation of the drive device (7) when a given resistance value is reached. a. The drive unit (7) is also configured to stop rotating when it reaches a predetermined stroke required to reach the stop (9) without encountering rotational resistance of the flap and sending an error signal to the electronic management system.

6. A flap for a blocking device (1), disposed inside a support frame (3) and pivoting about a pivot axis (P) between a first open end position and a second closed end position, the flap comprising a flap body (5a) and a first end (5b) capable of being connected to the support frame (3) via a first pivot connection. a. Characterized by the fact that at least one lobe's first end (5b) includes a lobe release device (60). b. The release device (60) includes: i. - The first part (61) connected to the main body (5a) of the petal, and ii. - The second part (62) arranged opposite to the first part (61). c. The first portion (61) of the release device (60) and / or the petal body (5a) are configured such that when the first portion (61) of the release device (60) and / or the petal body (5a) contact the stop (9), the first portion (61) and the second portion (62) move apart from each other by rotation of the second portion (62). The first part (61) and the second part (62) of the release device (60) are connected by a convex / concave device (63), which includes at least one first contact area (65a) to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device (7) toward the first open end position to the flap body (5a), and at least one second contact area (65b) to transmit the rotational movement of the drive device (7) toward the second closed end position to the flap body (5a). At least one of the first contact area (65a) or the second contact area (65b) of the convex / concave device (63) forms an angle with the parallel line of the pivot axis (P). The stop (9) is arranged on each end beam (3b, 3b') of the support frame of the blocking device, such that when the petal is in an end position, each corresponding stop (9) is opposite to the pivot of the petal.

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