Cooling module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling module (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heat exchanger (3, 4) and at least one conduit (1) including an air inlet (10) of the cooling module (100), the conduit (1) being configured to deliver cooling air from the air inlet (10) toward the heat exchanger (3, 4), characterized in that the conduit (1) includes fixing elements (24, 24', 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) configured to fix the heat exchanger (3, 4) to the conduit (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooling modules for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Such a cooling module can be prominently positioned at the front of a motor vehicle, such as at the radiator grille, and typically includes a zone inlet duct, a set of heat exchangers, a support frame supporting these exchangers, and an electric fan. Its function is to direct cooling air (e.g., air collected directly from outside the vehicle through the front radiator grille) toward the heat exchangers of the cooling module. The heat exchangers are stacked such that they can be housed and secured within an internal volume defined by the support frame; in other words, this means that the frame surrounds the heat exchangers it supports. Furthermore, the support frame includes retaining devices for mechanically holding the air inlet duct and the electric fan facing the heat exchangers, so as to guide the air entering the cooling module through the heat exchangers, ensuring that maximum airflow is delivered toward the exchangers with minimal loss. In practice, to limit costs, the retaining devices are attached to the support frame. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem addressed by the solution proposed by this invention is the loss of cooling air, which is particularly likely to occur between the edge of the air inlet duct and the frame holding the duct, while simplifying the management of seals between the various components of the cooling module.

[0004] The present invention provides a cooling module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heat exchanger and at least one duct, the duct including an air inlet for the cooling module, the duct being configured to deliver cooling air from the air inlet toward the heat exchanger, characterized in that the duct includes a fixing element configured to secure the heat exchanger to the duct.

[0005] The configuration proposed by this invention reduces the number of components that need to be assembled to form the cooling module, thereby facilitating assembly and reducing production costs associated with such a cooling module. Limiting the number of components also improves the reliability of the cooling module by limiting vibration at component joints, and further reduces vehicle consumption by reducing the weight of the cooling module.

[0006] According to an optional feature of the invention, the cooling module may include two heat exchangers, and the conduit includes a first fixing element configured to secure the first heat exchanger to the conduit, and a second fixing element configured to secure the second heat exchanger to the conduit.

[0007] According to an optional feature of the invention, the conduit includes an air outlet extending in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the cooling module, and a cover wall adjacent to the air outlet and defined by a plurality of panels extending perpendicular to the extension plane.

[0008] According to various optional features of the invention, the air outlet may be configured such that cooling air reaches the inlet face of the heat exchanger, and / or the air outlet of the duct may be specified to face the inlet face of the heat exchanger, and / or alternatively, the duct may include a connecting wall that connects the air inlet of the cooling module to the air outlet of the duct.

[0009] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first fixing element is arranged to protrude from the inner surface of the conduit so as to house the first heat exchanger in a housing at least partially defined by the covering wall of the conduit.

[0010] Therefore, at least one heat exchanger (in this case, the first heat exchanger) is inserted into the volume defined by the conduit, thereby reducing air leakage at the joint between the two components, the heat exchanger and the conduit. Thus, the sealing management of this cooling module is simplified and improved.

[0011] According to an optional feature of the invention, the air outlet is defined by a contour, and the covering wall extends from the contour.

[0012] According to an optional feature of the invention, the cover wall includes at least two opposing side panels, each side panel being arranged on each side of the air outlet, and a first fixing element being distributed on the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, the cover wall is configured to longitudinally cover each edge of the first heat exchanger.

[0014] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second fixing element is arranged to protrude from the outer surface of the conduit in order to position the second heat exchanger facing the first heat exchanger outside the housing. Therefore, it should be understood that the conduit is configured to carry two heat exchangers, but only the first heat exchanger is covered by the conduit and its covering wall, while the other heat exchanger is at least partially arranged outside the volume defined by the conduit.

[0015] According to an optional feature of the invention, the fixing element disposed on the inner surface of the catheter may include a fixing device that is fastened by a clamp or operated by elastic deformation, while the fixing element disposed on the outer surface of the catheter may at least partially include a fixing device that requires a tool, such as a threaded connection.

[0016] According to an optional feature of the invention, one panel of the covering wall can extend through the edge covering the second heat exchanger.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second heat exchanger includes a fixing member configured to secure the cooling module to the motor vehicle.

[0018] According to an optional feature of the invention, the heat exchanger is a condenser and / or a radiator. More specifically, the first heat exchanger is a condenser and the second heat exchanger is a radiator. In the case of electric vehicles, the reverse is also possible.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the cooling module includes a ventilation member configured to force cooling air into the cooling module.

[0020] According to an optional feature of the invention, the ventilation member includes a covering lip configured to at least partially cover a portion of the covering wall.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the ventilation component is inseparable from the duct and / or at least one heat exchanger. The ventilation component may include locking and / or retaining components configured to allow it to be secured to the exchanger and / or duct.

[0022] According to an optional feature of the invention, the ventilation component is an electric motor fan.

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the heat exchanger and ventilation components are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the cooling module, which substantially corresponds to the main direction of the cooling airflow along the duct.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the fixation element is integrally formed with the catheter. Therefore, the catheter, the covering wall, and the fixation element form a one-piece assembly, meaning that the various parts of the assembly cannot be separated from each other without damaging the assembly.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the catheter comprises a polymer selected from polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the polyetherimide is an amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the catheter comprises at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, and mixtures thereof.

[0028] According to an optional feature of the invention, the aromatic polyamide fiber is poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), also commonly referred to as Kevlar.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the fibers are coated with a polymer.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle cooling module having one or more of the above-described features. The method includes the step of obtaining the cooling module by assembling a duct with a heat exchanger. The method may include the step of assembling a ventilation component with the duct and / or heat exchanger.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, when the heat exchanger is a condenser including a storage container, the assembly of the heat exchanger includes the step of inserting the storage container into a portion of a fixing element, and the subsequent step of locking the heat exchanger to a conduit.

[0032] According to various optional features of the invention, insertion of the memory can be performed at an angle greater than 15° relative to the extension plane of the cooling module. Furthermore, the locking step can be performed by pivoting about an axis formed by the fixing element into which the memory container is inserted. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent, on the one hand, from the following description, and on the other hand, from a number of non-limiting exemplary embodiments, which are given by way of reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the cooling module according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the ductwork of the cooling module shown.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the catheter from different angles.

[0037] Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the first heat exchanger of the cooling module shown.

[0038] Figure 5 It is observed from a first-person perspective, such as Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the second heat exchanger of the cooling module shown.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A detailed view, showing more specifically the locking element of the second heat exchanger,

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the second heat exchanger of the cooling module shown, from the perspective of... Figure 5 Observe from different perspectives

[0041] Figure 8yes Figure 7 A detailed view, showing more specifically the hooks used to secure the second heat exchanger,

[0042] Figure 9 Is it like this? Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the ventilation components of the cooling module shown.

[0043] Figure 10 It schematically shows, as Figure 1 The assembly of some components of the cooling module shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] First, it should be noted that although the invention is illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings to implement it, the drawings may be used to better define the invention if necessary. It should also be noted that in all the drawings, similar and / or elements performing the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0045] In the following description, the longitudinal, vertical, and lateral orientations used are employed in a non-limiting manner according to orientations conventionally used in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the terms "lower," "upper," "top," "bottom," "vertical," and "horizontal" should be interpreted as when the object is in its normal operating position on the vehicle. In the figures, the directions of the longitudinal axis X, the lateral axis Y, and the vertical axis Z are represented by a trihedron (X, Y, Z). The horizontal plane is defined as a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis, the longitudinal plane as a plane perpendicular to the lateral axis, and the lateral plane as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0046] The cooling module 100 according to the invention, for example intended to be placed on the front of a motor vehicle, includes a duct 1 in which at least one heat exchanger 3, 4 is housed. The cooling module 100 also includes a ventilation component 5, which serves as a sealing device for the cooling module 100.

[0047] According to the present invention, and as will be described in detail below, the conduit 1 includes a fixing element for securing at least one heat exchanger 3, 4, such that the conduit performs the functions of guiding air when air enters the cooling module and supporting the structural functions of the associated heat exchanger.

[0048] More specifically, the conduit may receive a first heat exchanger 3 and a second heat exchanger 4 arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction X, and the conduit includes a fixing element for fixing each of these exchangers.

[0049] In Figure 1 The trihedron (X, Y, Z) defined above can be found, whose directions respectively reflect the thickness, width and height of the cooling module 100 and its included conduit 1 according to the present invention.

[0050] In the cooling module 100, the duct 1 is configured to continuously deliver cooling air to the first heat exchanger 3 and then to the second heat exchanger 4. This cooling air is collected, for example, from the exterior of the motor vehicle equipped with the cooling module 100, such as at the front radiator grille of the vehicle. To optimize the flow of cooling air through the first heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchanger 4, particularly when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds or stationary, the ventilation component 5 has a cutout 510 that houses an electric fan 6. The electric fan 6 is powered by… Figure 1 An invisible drive motor rotates around the axis of rotation R.

[0051] In the cooling module 100 shown here, the rotation of the electric fan 6 is actuated to cause the cooling air to... Figure 1 The air is drawn in the direction indicated by the middle arrow F through heat exchangers 3 and 4. The suction generated by the electric fan 6 rotating around its axis of rotation R helps to both guide the cooling airflow through the cooling module 100 and increase the amount of air passing through it.

[0052] Figure 1 and 2 The catheter 1 is shown in more detail.

[0053] The conduit 1 includes a first longitudinal end 10 and a second longitudinal end 12. The first longitudinal end 10 leads to the outside of the cooling module, thereby forming a region inlet for the conduit and cooling device 1. The second longitudinal end 12 leads to one or more heat exchangers, thereby forming an air outlet for the conduit. In the following text, reference will be made to the front and rear portions of the cooling module and the conduit, relative to the direction in which cooling air flows from the region inlet at the front of the conduit to the air outlet at the rear of the conduit.

[0054] The outline of the air inlet defines the surface of the air inlet 10, and the outline of the air outlet 12 defines the surface of the air outlet 12. As shown in the figure, the duct here has a flared shape, and the surface area of ​​the air outlet 12 is larger than the area of ​​the air inlet 10.

[0055] When viewed in a transverse plane, the outlines of the air inlet 10 and the air outlet 12 each have a generally rectangular overall shape. More specifically, each outline has a long upper side and a long lower side extending along the transverse axis Y, and two short side sides extending along the vertical axis Z.

[0056] The duct 1 includes an upper wall 141, a lower wall 142, and two side walls 143 and 144. The four walls 141, 142, 143, and 144 extend from the outline of the air inlet 10 to the outline of the air outlet 12, and two adjacent walls intersect along a corner 145.

[0057] The two sidewalls 143 and 144 extend in the longitudinal plane, are planar, and are parallel to each other. The two sidewalls 143 and 144 respectively connect the short side of the profile of the air inlet 10 to the short side of the air outlet 12.

[0058] The upper wall 141 connects the long upper edge of the profile of the air inlet 10 to the long upper edge of the profile of the air outlet 12, and the lower wall 142 connects the long lower edge of the profile of the air inlet 10 to the long lower edge of the profile of the air outlet 12. The upper wall 141 and the lower wall 142 each have the form of curved plates that can be observed in the transverse plane, and the curvature of these plates separates the upper wall and the lower wall from each other in the direction toward the air outlet.

[0059] The conduit 1 can be made of a polymer selected from polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetherimide, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the polyetherimide is an amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide. The conduit may also contain at least one fiber selected from carbon fiber, glass fiber, aromatic polyamide fiber, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the aromatic polyamide fiber is poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), commonly also referred to as Kevlar. The fiber can be overmolded using the polymer described above.

[0060] The duct 1 also includes a cover wall 2 that extends longitudinally from the profile of the air outlet 12 away from the air inlet of the duct. As shown, the cover wall 2 extends along the entire profile of the air outlet 12.

[0061] The overlapping walls 2 are formed by four generally flat panels 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, which together define the shell 210 to at least partially accommodate Figure 2 At least one of heat exchangers 3 and 4 (not shown). More specifically, according to the example shown in the figure, panels 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d together form a cuboid whose main rectangular shape extends in the direction of a covering plane 200, which is substantially parallel to the main extending plane 150 of the cooling module 100, with or without manufacturing tolerances. Panels 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d have the same dimensions along the longitudinal axis X, i.e., in the thickness direction of the cooling module 100.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the long side of the rectangle formed by the upper panel 20a and the lower panel 20c parallel to the upper panel 20a extends mainly in the width direction of the cooling module 100, that is, in the direction of the horizontal axis Y. The short side of the rectangle formed by the side panels 20b and 20d (which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper and lower panels 20a and 20c) extends mainly in the height direction of the cooling module 100, that is, in the direction of the vertical axis Z.

[0063] like Figure 2As shown, the cover wall 2 includes two stop lips 22, each stop lip 22 being formed in the cover plane 200 as a protrusion from the side panel, extending along the vertical axis Z from the upper panel 20a to the lower panel 20b. When the first heat exchanger 3 is introduced, the stop lips 22 form end stops. The stop lips 22 also reduce the surface of the air outlet 12 to specifically guide cooling air to the exchange surfaces of the heat exchangers 3, 4, and ultimately prevent or at least block the passage of cooling air between the panels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the heat exchangers 3, 4.

[0064] As an alternative already shown, stop lips protruding from the upper and lower panels can be arranged to form an internal barrier around the entire perimeter of the air outlet profile, which helps to form an integral seal designed to prevent air loss between the sealing wall and the heat exchanger.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover wall 2 includes fixing elements for each of the two heat exchangers 3 and 4. Among these fixing elements, a first fixing element facing the inside of the cover wall for fixing the first heat exchanger 3 and a second fixing element facing the outside of the cover wall for fixing the second heat exchanger can be distinguished.

[0066] The first fixing elements specifically include a blocking element 26, a pivoting element 27, a blocking member 28, and a retaining member 29. The first fixing elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 extend from the inner surface 11 of the conduit, and more specifically, from the inner surface of the corresponding panel of the cover wall 2, i.e., from the surface facing the inside of the conduit. Each of these first fixing elements is configured such that the cover wall 2 and the second exchanger 4 are mechanically inseparable.

[0067] Pivoting elements 27 (there are three of them) are arranged on the first side panel 20b, and Figure 3 Clearly visible in the center. Each of them forms a protrusion on the inner surface of the side panel, extending toward the interior of the housing 210. The three pivot elements 27 are all in the form of curved blades, generally semi-circular, extending toward the interior of the housing to form a region for receiving the lateral elements of the first heat exchanger 3, configured to create a pivotal connection between the first heat exchanger 3 and the conduit. Each pivot element 27 has a resiliently deformable tongue 270, the purpose of which is to prevent the lateral elements of the first heat exchanger from shifting within the curved blades.

[0068] Similarly, three blocking elements 26 are arranged on the opposite side panels, namely the second side panel 20d. Each of these blocking elements 26 takes the form of an elastic blade 260 extending from the center of a hole 261 formed in the second side panel 20d. More specifically, the elastic blade has an original configuration in which it protrudes from the inner surface of the second side panel 20d along the inner direction of the housing 210. When the first heat exchanger is inserted into the housing 210, each elastic blade can retract into the hole 261. By pushing the first heat exchanger against the pivot element 27, the elastic recovery effect of the elastic blade helps to secure the first heat exchanger 3 in the conduit.

[0069] Similarly, three blocking elements 28 are arranged on the upper plate 20a. Each of these blocking elements 28 takes the form of an elastic blade 280, which extends as a protrusion from the inner surface of the upper plate 20a along the inner direction of the housing 210. When the first heat exchanger 3 is inserted into the housing 210, each elastic blade can press against the upper plate 20a. By pushing the heat exchanger against the lower plate 20b, the elastic recovery effect of the elastic blade helps to fix the first heat exchanger 3 in the conduit.

[0070] A retaining member 29 is arranged on the upper panel 20a. The retaining member 29 takes the form of a blade extending in the plane of the upper panel 20a, the free end of which includes a stud projecting from the inner surface of the upper panel toward the interior of the housing. When the first heat exchanger 3 is arranged in the housing 210, the retaining member 29 helps to retain the first heat exchanger 3.

[0071] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the conduit includes a plurality of first fixing elements arranged toward the interior of the housing for fixing the first heat exchanger, and the number and form of these first fixing elements can be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The second fixing elements 24, 24', and 25 extend from the outer surface 13 of the conduit, and more specifically, from the outer surface of the respective side panel, i.e., from the surface opposite to the opposite side panel. In other words, the second fixing elements extend toward the outside of the conduit 1. Each of these second fixing elements is configured to make the cover wall 2 and the second exchanger 4 mechanically inseparable.

[0073] Here, these second fixing elements include fixing members 24, 24' arranged on one side panel and retaining tabs 25 arranged on the opposite side panel.

[0074] In this configuration, fasteners 24 and 24' are attached to the outer surface of the first side panel 20b near the corner 20b1 of the cover wall of the first side panel 20b. Each fastener 24 and 24' includes a recess sized to accommodate a hook that is inseparable from the second heat exchanger, and each recess is open at least on its underside, facing the lower panel 20a of the cover wall 2.

[0075] according to Figure 2 In the example shown, a first fastener 24 is arranged near the top plate 20a along the height direction of the cooling module 100, indicated by the vertical axis Z, and a second fastener 24' is arranged near the bottom plate 20c along the same height direction of the cooling module. In this example, the second fastener 24' includes a window 241 for blocking the second heat exchanger 4 with the housing 210, the window being formed in the wall of the fastener 24' opposite to the air inlet. As will be described below, the window 241 allows the second heat exchanger to be blocked by cooperating with the clip fastening fingers formed on the hook described above.

[0076] Two retaining tabs 25 are arranged on the outer surface of the second side panel 20d of the cover wall 2, opposite to the aforementioned first side panel 20b. Each retaining tab 25 forms a protrusion from the side panel in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y, and includes a receiving hole, for example, for receiving... Figure 3 The hole for the retaining screw is not shown in the diagram.

[0077] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower panel 20c extends in the thickness direction of the cooling module 100 via edge 23, and thus extends rearward along the longitudinal axis X. Edge 23 extends the lower panel 20c in the horizontal plane and serves as a support and guide for mounting the heat exchanger 4. When the two heat exchangers are mounted on a duct, it also limits the leakage of cooling air to the outside of the cooling module 100 between the two heat exchangers.

[0078] According to an embodiment not shown, the edge extends longitudinally rearward a sufficient distance to also serve as a support and a guide for mounting the ventilation component 5.

[0079] The cover wall 2 is integrally formed with the conduit 1. In other words, the conduit 1 and the cover wall 2, together with all their included fixing elements, form a single component and are therefore made of the same one or more materials. This component can be obtained, for example, by molding or injection molding. Therefore, this component differs from components joined together by welding or bonding. Thus, it is noteworthy that the heat exchanger is directly fixed to the component that also guides air through the cooling module.

[0080] Figure 4 It schematically shows something similar to Figure 1The figure shows a perspective view of the first heat exchanger 3 of the cooling module 100. In this figure, the trihedron (X, Y, Z) defined above can be found, whose orientations respectively reflect the thickness, width, and height of the cooling module 100 and the first heat exchanger 3 according to the present invention.

[0081] Here, the first heat exchanger 3 has an overall cuboid shape, the largest rectangular shape of which extends substantially in the main extension plane 300 of the first heat exchanger 3, which is substantially parallel to the main extension plane 150 of the cooling module 100, giving or accepting manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0082] The first heat exchanger 3 includes a main body defined by four end faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to each other. More specifically, the first heat exchanger 3 includes an upper end face 30a and a lower end face 30c, which are substantially parallel to each other and form the long side of the main body of the first heat exchanger 3, and it includes two side end faces 30b and 30d, which are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper end face 30a and the lower end face 30c, and form the short side of the main body of the first heat exchanger 3.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the first heat exchanger 3 has a heat exchange surface, which is formed by a plurality of transverse tubes extending between two manifolds 32, which are formed on each side end face 30b, 30d over substantially the entire dimension of the first heat exchanger 3 along the vertical axis Z direction.

[0084] according to Figure 4 In a more specific example, the first heat exchanger 3 operates as a condenser: here, it includes a container 31 arranged near one of its lateral interfaces 30d for storing refrigerant fluid, which thus forms the aforementioned lateral element of the first heat exchanger and is capable of cooperating with the pivot element 27 of the covering wall. The storage container 31 extends primarily along the corresponding side end face along the vertical axis Z of the trihedron (X,Y,Z) over substantially the entire height of the first heat exchanger 3.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 Inside the cooling module 100, the first heat exchanger 3 can be engaged in the housing 210 defined by the conduit 1, each end face of which is covered by the cover wall 2 of the conduit 1. More specifically, in the assembly position where the first heat exchanger 3 is assembled within the volume defined by the conduit and its cover wall, the upper end face 30a of the first heat exchanger 3 faces the upper panel 20a, the lower end face 30c of the first heat exchanger 3 faces the lower panel 20c, and the side end faces 30b and 30d face the side panels 20b and 20d of the cover wall 2.

[0086] The first heat exchanger 3 is assembled into the conduit 1 and its housing 210, for example, by providing the heat exchanger 3 into the housing 210 at an inclined angle, such that the storage container 31 is provided to the first side panel 20b of the cover wall. For example, the main extension plane 150 of the heat exchanger 3 and the cooling module can thus form an angle of 45°. The storage container 31 is engaged in a pivot element 27 arranged on the first side panel 20b of the cover wall 2. The cooperation between the shape of the curved blades of the pivot element and the cylindrical shape of the storage container enables a pivotal connection whose pivot axis P corresponds to the vertical alignment of the pivot element and the storage container 3.

[0087] In the second stage, the first heat exchanger 3 pivots about the pivot axis, such that the manifold 32 opposite the storage container 31 faces the second side panel 20d of the cover wall 2, causing the elastic blades 260 forming the blocking member 26 to deform. The restoring force of these elastic blades tends to push the first heat exchanger toward the pivot element, pressing the storage container into these pivot elements 27, within which elastically deformable tongues 270 can block the position of the first heat exchanger 3. The blocking member 26, deformed and elastically returning to its position, significantly prevents any displacement of the first exchanger along the transverse axis Y. Simultaneously, the upper end face 30a of the heat exchanger becomes facing the upper panel 20a and moves next to the stud of the retaining member 29, whose elastic restoring force allows the stud to return to the position that blocks the first heat exchanger from being in the position facing the upper panel, thereby preventing any displacement of the heat exchanger 3 along the longitudinal axis X. Finally, once the first heat exchanger 3 faces the upper panel 20a, the elastic blades of the blocking member 28 tend to push the exchanger against the opposite lower panel, thus limiting the offset along the vertical axis Z. Figure 10 The position of the first radiator 3 within the housing 210 is shown in particular.

[0088] Figures 5 to 7 A schematic perspective view of the second exchanger 4 of the cooling module 100 is provided from two different angles. More specifically, Figure 5 It shows a similar Figure 1 The second heat exchanger 4, viewed from the side of the ventilation component 5 in the cooling module 100 shown. Figure 7 The second heat exchanger 4 is shown as viewed from the side of the air inlet 10 of this cooling module 100. In other words, referring to the longitudinal orientation described above, Figure 4 The rear of the second heat exchanger 4 is shown. Figure 6 The front of the second heat exchanger 4 is shown. In these figures, the trihedron (X, Y, Z) defined above can be found, whose axes represent the thickness, width, and height of the cooling module 100 and the second heat exchanger 4, respectively.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 and7 The second heat exchanger 4 is generally rectangular, with its largest rectangular section extending in the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4. In the cooling module 100 according to the invention, the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4 is substantially parallel to the main extension plane 150 of the cooling module 100, giving or accepting manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0090] The second heat exchanger 4 includes a main body defined by four edge members 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, respectively, the edge members being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to each other. More specifically, the second heat exchanger 4 includes an upper edge member 40a and a lower edge member 40c that are substantially parallel to each other and form the long side of the main body, and two side edge members 40b and 40d that are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the aforementioned upper edge member 40a and lower edge member 40c and form the short side of the main body.

[0091] Similarly, refer to Figure 1 In the cooling module 100, the upper edge 40a of the second heat exchanger 4 is engaged in the housing 210, which is defined by the cover wall 2 near its upper panel 20a. Next, the lower edge 40c of the second heat exchanger 4 is housed in the housing, and near the lower panel 20c, side edge members 40b and 40d are arranged near the side panels 20b and 20d of the cover wall 2.

[0092] As shown in the figure, the second heat exchanger 4 has a heat exchange surface, which in this case is formed by a plurality of transverse tubes extending between two manifold chambers 41, which are formed on each lateral edge member 40b, 40d over substantially the entire dimension of the second heat exchanger 4 along the vertical axis Z. The latter also includes two end members 410, fluidly connected to a corresponding manifold chamber, allowing cooling fluid to enter and exit the second heat exchanger 4. Here, the second heat exchanger 4 functions as a radiator, with cooling fluid flowing from one manifold chamber to the other, these chambers being laterally positioned relative to the body of the second heat exchanger and connected to the cooling fluid flow loop via the end members 41. Here, each end member extends substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4 and extends on the same side of the second heat exchanger 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. More specifically, and also referring to… Figure 1 The end component 41 extends along the direction of the ventilation component 5 in the cooling module 100.

[0093] The second heat exchanger 4 includes two locking elements, a first locking element 42 and a second locking element 42', which are configured to make the second heat exchanger 4 mechanically inseparable from the ventilation component 5 of the cooling module 100.

[0094] Reference Figure 5The locking elements 42, 42' are arranged starting from the first side edge 40b of the second heat exchanger 4, and more specifically, protrude rearward from the aforementioned side edge 40b so as to cooperate with the ventilation member 5. Figure 5 and 7 As shown, the first locking element 42 is arranged near the upper edge 40a of the second heat exchanger 4 along the vertical axis Z, and the second locking element 42' is arranged near the lower edge 40c of the second heat exchanger 4 along the vertical axis Z.

[0095] Each locking element 42, 42', together with its extending side edge 40b, defines a sheath 420 extending along the vertical axis Z. More specifically, the sheath of each locking element is open in the direction of the upper edge 40a of the second heat exchanger 4. The second locking element 42' includes a blocking window 421 disposed in the wall of the first locking element 42, the wall facing the rear of the cooling module 100, that is, facing the ventilation member 5, as shown in Figure 6 It is clearly visible in the details.

[0096] The shape and size of the sheaths 420 of the first locking element 42 and the second locking element 42' are defined to allow the complementary device carried by the ventilation member 5 to engage therein, in particular Figure 9 The visible pin 521. It should be understood that the shape and size of the pin 521, which is intended to engage in the sheath 420 of the second locking element 42', are defined such that once the engagement has been performed, a portion of the aforementioned pin 521 cooperates with the blocking window 421, for example by clamping, to block the ventilation component 5 and the second heat exchanger 4 together in the direction of the vertical axis Z.

[0097] Furthermore, the second heat exchanger 4 includes a retaining tab 43 arranged from the rear of a second side edge member 40d opposite to the first side edge member 40b. The retaining tab 43 forms a protrusion from the second side edge member toward the rear of the second heat exchanger 4. In this example, the retaining tab 43 includes a hole designed substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4 to receive means for mechanically securing the second heat exchanger 4 to the ventilation member 5, such as a coupling screw.

[0098] The second heat exchanger 4 also includes a support element 43' on the second side edge member 40d, which projects toward the rear of the second heat exchanger 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. In this embodiment, the support element 43' has a U-shaped opening at the top, that is, an opening facing the upper edge member 40a, thereby defining a receiving housing 430', which is closed by an end stop wall 431' forming the base of the U-shape and extending substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4. The support element is designed to receive tabs belonging to the ventilation members to ensure their position and to hold them in place relative to the second heat exchanger before securing them using the fixing tabs 43 and associated fastening devices.

[0099] Figure 7 The second heat exchanger 4 is shown as viewed from one side of the air inlet 10 of the cooling module 100 according to the invention, that is, as viewed from one side of the housing 210 partially housed in the housing 210 defined by the cover wall 2 of the cooling module 100.

[0100] Refer to this Figure 7 and Figure 5 The second heat exchanger 4 includes two fixed end stops 44 arranged starting from the second side member 40d. These fixed end stops 44 are respectively arranged near the upper edge member 40a and the lower edge member 40c of the second heat exchanger 4, and each extends from the second side edge member toward the front of the cooling module, i.e., toward the duct and the first heat exchanger 3. Referring also to Figure 1 In the cooling module 100 according to the invention, the aforementioned fixed end stop 44 is configured to cooperate with the retaining tab 25 arranged on the outside of the second side panel 20d of the cover wall 2, so as to help fix the second heat exchanger 4 to the conduit 1.

[0101] To supplement this, such as Figure 7 and 8As shown more specifically, the second heat exchanger 4 also includes two hooks 45, 45', which are arranged on the second side member 40b to form a lateral protrusion with the hook that opens toward the front of the cooling module 100. More specifically, the first hook 45 is arranged near the upper edge member 40a of the second heat exchanger 4 along the vertical axis Z, and the second hook 45' is arranged near the lower edge member 40c of the second heat exchanger 4 along the vertical axis Z. Each hook 45, 45' has a bottom wall 450 extending laterally to the second side member 40b, a return wall 451 extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall and perpendicular to the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4, and a fixed wall 452 extending at right angles toward the upper edge 40a of the second heat exchanger 4 and parallel to the main extension plane 400 of the second heat exchanger 4, thereby forming a groove between the bottom wall 450 and the fixed wall 452. The fixing wall 452 of the second hook 45' includes a resilient fixing finger 453 that can cooperate with the blocking window 241 of the second fixing member 24'.

[0102] According to the invention, hooks 45, 45' are configured to engage in the pockets of fasteners 24, 24', which are arranged on the cover wall 2 of the conduit 1 of the cooling module 100. More specifically, the aforementioned result is that, in the cooling module 100 according to the invention, this engagement is achieved in a direction substantially parallel to the main extension plane 150 of the module, and more specifically, in a direction parallel to the height of the module, as embodied by the direction of the vertical axis Z. Advantageously, the bottom wall is located in the blocking window 241 for positioning the hooks and the second heat exchanger 4 relative to the conduit 1. The shape and size of hooks 45, 45' are defined such that, once this engagement is achieved, a portion of the second hook 45', namely the finger 453, cooperates with the upper edge of the second fastener 24' to block the second heat exchanger 4 and the conduit 1 together by clamping in the aforementioned direction of the vertical axis Z.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 and 7 The second heat exchanger 4 includes fixing members 47. These allow the cooling module 100 to be positioned and secured in the vehicle. The fixing members 47 are arranged to project vertically from the body of the exchanger 4 from the end of its side edge toward the outside of the cooling module 100 in the direction of the vertical axis Z.

[0104] It is worth noting that, according to the invention, the conduit 1 is directly inseparable from each of the two heat exchangers, thereby forming a cooling module with a minimum number of components, and thus the second heat exchanger 4, in this case, is a radiator, which includes the heaviest component of the cooling module for securing the module to the vehicle.

[0105] like Figure 10As shown, after the first heat exchanger 3 has been installed in the housing 210 of the conduit 1, the second heat exchanger 4 is assembled with the conduit 1. Assembly is performed by engaging the hooks 45, 45' of the second heat exchanger 4 with the fasteners 24, 24' of the cover wall 2 in a direction parallel to the main extension plane 150 of the cooling module, and by securing this engagement in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane 150, for example using screws inserted into the retaining tabs 25 of the cover wall 2 and the fixing end stops 44 of the second heat exchanger 4. The edge 23 guides the second heat exchanger 4 during installation. Therefore, the aforementioned result is that, in the cooling module 100 according to the invention, the second heat exchanger 4 is fixed to the conduit 1, facing the first heat exchanger 3, so as to overlap with the first heat exchanger 3 along the longitudinal axis X. More specifically, the first heat exchanger 3 is positioned within the housing 210 by the covering wall 2, surrounding its periphery except for the area of ​​the connecting flange 33, while the second heat exchanger 4 is located outside the housing but is held by a second fixing element that is inseparable from the conduit 1 and is arranged on the outer surface of the covering wall.

[0106] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the ventilation component 5 of the cooling module 100 is shown. In this figure, the trihedron (X, Y, Z) and cutout 510 arranged in the ventilation component 5, as well as the electric fan 6 housed within the aforementioned cutout 510, can be seen. The figure provides a more visible description of the ring 501 protruding from the back face 502 of the ventilation component 5, which faces away from the duct 1. This ring 501 forms a housing for the electric fan 6 such that it does not contact the second heat exchanger 4 closest to the ventilation component 5.

[0107] More specifically, the ventilation component 5 includes a generally flat partition 50 extending in a main extending plane 500 of the ventilation component, the main extending plane 500 being generally parallel to... Figure 1 The main extending plane 150 of the cooling module 100, which is visible in the middle, gives or accepts manufacturing tolerances, and the ring 501 extends substantially at the center of the partition 50.

[0108] More specifically, the partition 50 of the ventilation component 5 has a rectangular overall shape, with its parallel long sides guided through the width of the cooling module 100, represented by the direction of the horizontal axis Y, and its parallel and perpendicular short sides guided along the aforementioned height of the cooling module 100, represented by the direction of the vertical axis Z.

[0109] like Figure 8As shown, the edges of the baffles 50, designated 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, are curved in the thickness direction of the cooling module 100, denoted by the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the edges 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d of the baffles 50 of the ventilation member 5 are curved in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5 and the main extension plane 150 of the cooling module 100. Each curved edge of the baffle extends towards the front of the cooling module, i.e., towards the duct 1, to form a bowl-shaped portion together with the central wall of the baffle. This bowl-shaped portion is capable of accommodating components of the cooling module, and in particular, can partially accommodate the second heat exchanger.

[0110] According to the invention, the ventilation member 5 includes a cover lip 51 extending from one of the curved edges of the partition 50, perpendicular to the latter. According to the example described and shown in more detail herein, the cover lip forms a continuation of the curved edge 50a of the partition 50 in the direction of axis X, i.e., in the thickness direction of the cooling module 100, hereinafter arbitrarily referred to as the curved upper edge 50a of the ventilation member 5, while the other three curved edges 50b, 50c, and 50d have substantially the same dimensions measured perpendicular to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5.

[0111] Referring to the direction and orientation defined above, the cover lip 51 extends over the entire width of the ventilation member 5. According to other examples not shown in the figure, the cover lip 51 may simultaneously extend the aforementioned curved upper edge 50a and at least partially extend one of the curved edges 50b, 50d adjacent to the upper edge, thereby forming a right angle with the cover lip 51.

[0112] According to the example shown more specifically in the figure, the cover lip 51 is formed by a first portion 51a and a second portion 51b, the first portion 51a being perpendicular to the curved upper edge 50a and substantially parallel to the main extension plane 500 of the partition 50 of the ventilation member 5, and the second portion 51b being substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned main extension plane 500. More specifically, according to Figure 8 In the example shown, the first portion 51a of the cover wall extends perpendicularly to the curved edge 50a on the direct continuation of the upper curved edge 50a, and the second portion 51b of the cover lip 51 extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5 from the opposite end of the main portion 51a to the main wall in the same direction as the curved edges 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, i.e., in the cooling module 100 and also referring to Figure 1 In the direction of the air inlet 10 of the cooling module 100.

[0113] This results in the raised position of the second part 51b of the covering wall 50, which means that, as Figure 1As shown, in the cooling module 100, the second portion 51b of the cover lip 51 abuts against the upper panel 20a of the cover wall 2, while the curved upper edge 50a is located at substantially the same height as the upper panel 20a. Advantageously, the dimension of the first portion 51a of the cover lip 51 in the height direction of the ventilation member 5 is defined to ensure that the second portion 51b of the cover wall occupies a position above the upper panel 20a of the cover wall 2 in the cooling module 100, while taking into account any dimensional differences between the cover wall 2 and the partition 50 of the ventilation member 5, particularly in the height direction of the cooling module 100.

[0114] In the example shown, the cover lip 51 is slightly inclined relative to the extended plane of the upper panel 20a of the cover wall 2, such that the free end of the second portion 51b of the cover lip 51, which is opposite to the first portion 51a of the cover lip 51, points towards the upper panel 20a. In this way, when the cooling module 100 is assembled, this ensures that the cover lip 51 will abut against the upper panel 20a.

[0115] It should be noted that, in this case, the size of the covering lip 51, the stepped function shape of the covering lip, and the fact that the free end of the second part 51b is positioned at a certain distance from the curved upper edge 50a mean that the covering lip can be given a certain degree of flexibility, which helps to keep the covering lip 51 against the upper panel 20a.

[0116] The ventilation component 5 includes two locking components 52, 52', each extending from the first curved side edge 50b, i.e., from the first short side of the partition 50. (As in...) Figure 9 More specifically, locking members 52, 52' are arranged from the associated curved edge 50b and protrude from this curved edge in a direction parallel to the width direction (represented by the transverse axis Y) of the ventilation member 5, i.e., away from the partition 50. When equipped with such... Figure 9 In the cooling module 100 of the ventilation component 5 shown, and as Figure 1 As shown, locking members 52, 52' extend outward in the width direction of the cooling module 100.

[0117] The first locking member 52 is arranged near the curved upper edge 50a of the partition 50 of the ventilation member 5, and the second locking member 52' ​​is arranged near the opposite edge of the curved upper edge, i.e., near the curved lower edge 50c of the partition 50.

[0118] according to Figure 9 In the example shown, locking components 52, 52' include a first element 520 and a latch 521 as previously described.

[0119] The first element 520 is generally U-shaped, with its base generally parallel to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5, and its generally parallel branches being generally perpendicular to the aforementioned main extension plane 500 by means of curved edges 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d respectively away from the partition 50.

[0120] The clasp 521 extends from the base of the U-shape formed by the first element 520 and together with the first element 520 forms a receiving groove 522, which is closed on the sides of the curved upper edge 50a and the covering lip 51 and open on the sides of the opposite curved lower edge 50c. The receiving groove 522 extends in a main direction that is substantially parallel to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5, giving or taking manufacturing tolerances.

[0121] The ventilation member 5 also includes two retaining members 53, 53', which extend outward from the curved edge corresponding to the second short side 50d opposite the first short side 50b in the continuation of the partition 50. The first retaining member 53 is arranged near the curved upper edge 50a of the partition 50 of the ventilation member 5, and the second retaining member 53' is arranged near the previously defined curved lower edge 50c of the partition 50.

[0122] according to Figure 1 In a more specific, non-limiting example, each retaining member 53, 53' takes the form of a tab substantially parallel to the main extension plane 500 of the ventilation member 5. The first retaining member 53 has a receiving hole to receive, for example, a fixing screw or rivet, such that the screw or rivet can pass through the retaining member 53 and engage with a corresponding hole in the fixing tab 43 on the second heat exchanger 4. The second retaining member 53' engages with the support element 43' by abutting the bottom of the receiving housing 430' of the support element 43'.

[0123] According to an embodiment not shown, the ventilation component 5 can be directly fixed to the duct 1.

[0124] Once the cooling module 100 is obtained by assembling the duct 1, the first heat exchanger 3, the second heat exchanger 4, and the ventilation component 5 together, the cooling module 100 is mounted in the front of the vehicle by the fixing component 47 carried by the second radiator 4.

[0125] The foregoing description clearly demonstrates that the present invention achieves its objectives by providing a cooling module comprising an air delivery duct configured to allow direct mounting of at least one heat exchanger. As described above, this configuration allows for limiting the number of components required to create the cooling module, particularly eliminating the need for a frame to mount the heat exchangers and the duct. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the duct includes mounting elements for securing each heat exchanger present in the cooling module.

[0126] However, the invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and shown, but also applies to all equivalent devices or configurations and any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A cooling module (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising two heat exchangers (3, 4) and at least one duct (1) including an air inlet (10) of the cooling module (100), the duct (1) being configured to deliver cooling air from the air inlet (10) toward the heat exchangers (3, 4), characterized in that, The conduit (1) includes first fixing elements (26, 27, 28, 29) configured to secure the first heat exchanger (3) to the conduit (1), and second fixing elements (24, 24', 25) configured to secure the second heat exchanger (4) to the conduit (1). The duct (1) includes an air outlet (12) extending in a plane parallel to the extension plane (150) of the cooling module, and a cover wall (2) adjacent to the air outlet (12) and defined by a plurality of panels (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) extending perpendicular to the extension plane (150) of the cooling module. The first fixing element (26, 27, 28, 29) is arranged to protrude from the inner surface (11) of the conduit (1) so as to accommodate the first heat exchanger (3) in a housing (210) at least partially defined by the covering wall (2) of the conduit (1).

2. The cooling module (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The cover wall (2) includes at least two opposing side panels (20b, 20d) arranged on each side of the air outlet (12), and first fixing elements (26, 27, 28, 29) are distributed on the first side panel (20b) and the second side panel (20d).

3. The cooling module (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The covering wall (2) is configured to longitudinally cover each edge (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) of the first heat exchanger (3, 4).

4. The cooling module (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second fixing element (24, 24', 25) is arranged to protrude from the outer surface (13) of the conduit (1) so as to position the second heat exchanger (4) facing the first heat exchanger (3) outside the housing (210).

5. The cooling module (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second heat exchanger (4) includes a fixing member (47) configured to fix the cooling module (100) to a motor vehicle.

6. The cooling module (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a ventilation member (5) configured to force cooling air into the cooling module, the ventilation member (5) being inseparable from the duct (1) and / or from at least one heat exchanger.

7. The cooling module (100) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fixing elements (24, 24', 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) are integrated with the conduit (1).

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