Manifold housing for cooling module of electric or hybrid motor vehicle with tangential flow turbine

Abstract

The invention relates to a manifold housing (41) for a cooling module (22) of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (10), through which manifold housing (41) an air flow (F) is intended, said manifold housing (41) having a tangential flow turbine (30) configured to generate the air flow (F), the manifold housing (41) further comprising:-at least one side wall (411, 412, 413), which side wall (411, 412, 413), which side wall (411, 412, 413) is provided with at least one cooling module (22); -a volute (44) configured to direct the air flow (F) towards the air outlet (22b), and-a tangential flow turbine (30) arranged inside the volute (44), the tangential flow turbine (30) being arranged between the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) and the air outlet (22b), the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) forming a duct in which the air flow (F) is intended to circulate, the volute (44) being configured to direct the air flow (F) towards the air outlet (22b). The invention relates to a manifold (1) comprising at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) comprising at least one opening (O2, O3, O4) and at least one closure baffle (470, 480, 490, 490 ') pivotally mounted between a position in which it opens said opening (O2, O3, O4) and a position in which it closes said opening, the manifold housing (41) comprising at least one air flow sleeve (70) provided on an outer face of said at least one side wall (411, 412, 413), the sleeve (70) comprises an air inlet (70a) disposed facing the at least one opening (O2, O3, O4) and at least one air outlet (70b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling module for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, having a tangential flow turbine, and more particularly, to a manifold housing of such a cooling module. Background Art

[0002] A cooling module (or heat exchange module) of a motor vehicle generally includes at least one heat exchanger and a ventilation device designed to generate an air flow in contact with at least one heat exchanger. The ventilation device is, for example, in the form of a tangential flow turbine positioned within a volute of a manifold housing of the cooling module. This tangential flow turbine makes it possible, in particular, to generate an air flow in contact with one or more heat exchangers, especially when the vehicle is stationary or when it is moving at low speed.

[0003] When the vehicle is in motion, the high speed of the vehicle may be sufficient to generate an air flow without the assistance of the tangential flow turbine. However, the shape of the volute may act as an obstacle to the air flow passing through the cooling module, especially the manifold housing, thus greatly increasing the pressure drop, which may impair the proper operation of the heat exchanger and potentially the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. To overcome this drawback, in addition to the air outlet of the tangential flow turbine, the cooling module may include at least one other opening located on a rear face of the cooling module, which rear face is juxtaposed with the air outlet of the tangential flow turbine. Thus, when the vehicle is in motion and has reached a sufficient speed, this or these openings allow the air flow to pass through and around the tangential flow turbine.

[0004] The cooling module may also include at least one shut-off device capable of closing one or more additional openings. The shut-off device may particularly have one or more flaps configured to pivot between a position called open and a position called closed, thereby making it possible to regulate the air flow discharged via the applicable one or more additional openings.

[0005] However, the available space within the motor vehicle for arranging the cooling module is relatively limited. Thus, devices located around the cooling module, such as an electric motor of an electric or hybrid vehicle, may act as potential obstacles to the air flow and / or the flaps of the shut-off device, especially in the case where one or more additional openings and one or more associated shut-off devices are arranged on the rear face of the manifold housing. Therefore, it is appropriate to optimize the position of this or these air flow discharge openings according to the expected arrangement of the potential obstacles and according to the available space around the manifold housing, while promoting a compact design of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose an improved manifold housing that allows the air flow to be discharged when the vehicle is in motion while optimizing the available space.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a manifold housing for a cooling module of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, the manifold housing being intended to be traversed by an air flow,

[0008] The manifold housing includes a tangential flow turbine configured to generate an air flow, and the manifold housing further includes:

[0009] - at least one side wall that forms a duct in which the air flow is intended to circulate,

[0010] - a volute configured to direct the air flow towards an air outlet, and the tangential flow turbine is positioned within the volute,

[0011] The at least one side wall includes at least one opening and at least one shut-off flap that is mounted to pivot between an open position and a closed position of the opening,

[0012] The manifold housing includes at least one air circulation duct positioned on an outer face of at least one side wall, the duct including an air inlet and at least one air outlet that are positioned opposite to at least one opening.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the duct includes at least one flexible portion.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the duct is sealed and fastened to at least one side wall.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, the duct is a tube having walls over the entire circumference of its cross-section.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the air inlet of the duct is fastened to at least one side wall by snap-fastening.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the manifold housing includes an upper side wall and a lower side wall facing each other and two lateral side walls connecting the upper side wall and the lower side wall,

[0018] The manifold housing includes at least one duct positioned on at least one of its lateral side walls, the air inlet of the duct being positioned opposite to at least one opening in the lateral side wall.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the manifold housing includes a duct that includes an air inlet and a common air outlet positioned opposite to at least one opening in each lateral side wall.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the manifold housing includes an upper side wall and a lower side wall facing each other and two lateral side walls connecting the upper side wall and the lower side wall,

[0021] The manifold housing including at least one conduit positioned on its lower sidewall is positioned opposite at least one opening, and its air inlet is positioned opposite at least one opening in the lower sidewall.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a cooling module for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, the cooling module being intended to be traversed by an air flow and comprising:

[0023] - A fairing that forms an internal duct in the longitudinal direction of the cooling module, and at least one heat exchanger intended to be traversed by an air flow is positioned within this internal duct, and

[0024] - The manifold housing as described above, the manifold housing being positioned downstream of the fairing in the longitudinal direction. Description of the Drawings

[0025] By reading the following description and referring to the drawings, further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent. The following description is given in a non - restrictive illustrative manner, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the front part of a motor vehicle,

[0027] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a partial cross - section of the front part of a motor vehicle and a cooling module according to a first embodiment,

[0028] Figure 3 Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the internal face of the manifold housing of the cooling module,

[0029] Figure 4 Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic perspective view of the rear face of the manifold housing in

[0030] Figure 5 Figure 5 is Figure 3 a schematic perspective view of the rear face of the manifold housing in

[0031] Figure 6 Figure 6 is Figure 4 a schematic cross - sectional view of the manifold housing in

[0032] Figure 7 Figure 7 is Figure 5 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Schematic cross-sectional view of the manifold housing, where the baffle is in the open position,

[0033] Figure 8 Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rear face of the manifold housing according to the second embodiment, where the baffle is in the closed position,

[0034] Figure 9 Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rear face of the manifold housing according to the second embodiment, where the baffle is in the open position,

[0035] Figure 10 Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the lower part of the rear face of the manifold housing, where the baffle is in the closed position,

[0036] Figure 11 Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the lower part of the rear face of the manifold housing, where the baffle is in the open position,

[0037] Figure 12 Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the inner face of the manifold housing of a cooling module having ducts on the lateral sidewalls,

[0038] Figure 13 Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rear face of the manifold housing having ducts on the lower sidewall.

[0039] In each figure, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Description

[0040] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features are applicable only to a single embodiment. The various features of different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0041] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element or a second element, and a first parameter and a second parameter or a first standard and a second standard, etc. In this case, the indexing is only used to distinguish and represent similar but different elements or parameters or standards. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, parameter, or standard over another element, parameter, or standard, and such naming can be easily interchanged without departing from the scope of this specification. This indexing also does not imply any chronological order, such as when evaluating any given standard.

[0042] ​​​​​​​​​​​​In the present specification, "upstream" is understood to mean that, with respect to the direction of flow of the air stream, one element is placed before another element. In contrast, "downstream" is understood to mean that, with respect to the direction of flow or the flow of a fluid, one element is placed after another element.

[0043] In Figures 1 to 9 a trihedron XYZ is shown to define the orientation of the various elements relative to one another. The first direction, denoted X, corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It also corresponds to the direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle travels forward. The second direction, denoted Y, is the lateral or transverse direction. Finally, the third direction, denoted Z, is vertical. The directions X, Y, Z are pairwise orthogonal.

[0044] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 it is shown the cooling module according to the invention in its functional position, that is to say when it is positioned inside a motor vehicle.

[0045] Figure 1 The front part of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle 10 is schematically shown, which may include an electric motor 12. The vehicle 10 particularly includes a body 14 and a bumper 16 supported by the chassis (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. The body 14 defines a cooling opening 18, that is to say an opening passing through the body 14. In this case, there is only one cooling opening 18. The cooling opening 18 is preferably in the lower part of the front face 14a of the body 14. In the example shown, the cooling opening 18 is located below the bumper 16. A grille 20 may be positioned in the cooling opening 18 to prevent projectiles from being able to pass through the cooling opening 18. The cooling module 22 is positioned facing the cooling opening 18. The grille 20 in particular makes it possible to protect the cooling module 22.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the cooling module 22 is intended to be crossed by an air stream F parallel to the direction X and flowing from the front to the rear of the vehicle 10. This direction X more specifically corresponds to the longitudinal direction X flowing from the front to the rear of the cooling module 22. The front corresponds to the front part of the motor vehicle 10 in the installed state, or to the face through which the air stream F of the cooling module 22 is intended to enter the cooling module 22. For its part, the rear corresponds to the rear part of the motor vehicle 10, or to the face through which the air stream F of the cooling module 22 is intended to leave the cooling module 22.

[0047] The cooling module 22 mainly includes a housing or fairing 40 that forms an internal channel between an upstream end 40a and a downstream end 40b that face each other. At least one heat exchanger 24, 26, 28 is positioned inside the fairing 40. The internal channel is preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction X such that the upstream end 40a is oriented towards the front of the vehicle 10, opposite the cooling opening 18, and such that the downstream end 40b is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle 10. In Figure 2 the example shown, the cooling module 22 includes three heat exchangers 24, 26, 28 that are grouped within a set of heat exchangers 23. However, it may include more or fewer depending on the desired configuration.

[0048] The first heat exchanger 24 may be configured, for example, to release thermal energy from the air flow F. The first heat exchanger 24 may more specifically be a condenser connected to a cooling circuit (not shown), for example in order to cool the battery of the vehicle 10. The cooling circuit may for example be an air conditioning circuit capable of cooling the battery as well as the internal air flow for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0049] The second heat exchanger 26 may also be configured to release thermal energy into the air flow F. The second heat exchanger 26 may more specifically be a radiator connected to a thermal management circuit (not shown) for electrical components such as the electric motor 12.

[0050] Since the first heat exchanger 24 is typically a condenser of the air conditioning circuit, in air conditioning mode the air conditioning circuit requires the air flow F to be as "cold" as possible. For this purpose, the second heat exchanger 26 is preferably positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger 24 in the longitudinal direction X of the cooling module 22. However, it is entirely conceivable that the second heat exchanger 26 is positioned upstream of the first heat exchanger 24.

[0051] The third heat exchanger 28 itself may also be configured to release thermal energy into the air flow. More specifically, the third heat exchanger 28 may be a radiator connected to a thermal management circuit (not shown) for electrical components such as power electronics, which thermal management circuit may be separate from the thermal management circuit connected to the second heat exchanger 26. It is also entirely conceivable that the second heat exchanger 26 and the third heat exchanger 28 are connected to a single thermal management circuit, for example connected in parallel with each other.

[0052] Again according to Figure 2 the example shown, the second heat exchanger 26 is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger 24, while the third heat exchanger 28 is positioned upstream of the first heat exchanger 24. However, other configurations may be envisaged, for example both the second heat exchanger 26 and the third heat exchanger 28 are positioned downstream or upstream of the first heat exchanger 24.

[0053] In Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, each of the heat exchangers 24, 26, 28 has a generally parallelepiped shape defined by a length, a thickness, and a height. The length extends in the Y direction, the thickness extends in the X direction, and the height extends in the Z direction. The heat exchangers 24, 26, 28 thus extend in a general plane parallel to the vertical direction Z and the transverse direction Y. This general plane is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the cooling module 22.

[0054] The cooling module 22 further includes a first manifold housing 41, which is positioned downstream of the set of heat exchangers 23 in the flow direction of the air flow. The first manifold housing 41 includes an outlet 22b for the air flow F. The first manifold housing 41 thus makes it possible to recover the air flow F passing through the set of heat exchangers 23 and to direct the air flow F towards the outlet 22b. The first manifold housing 41 may be integral with the fairing 40, or it may be an additional component fastened to the downstream end 40b of the fairing 40.

[0055] The manifold housing 41 includes one or more side walls 411, 412, and 413 that form ducts in which the air flow F is intended to flow and that extend the internal ducts of the fairing 40. In Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, the internal ducts of the fairing 40 have a generally parallelepiped shape, and the upstream portion of the manifold housing 41 that extends the internal ducts of the fairing 40 also has a generally parallelepiped shape.

[0056] More specifically, the manifold housing 41 includes an upper side wall 411 and a lower side wall 412, each of which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane formed by the X axis and the Y axis. The upper side wall 411 and the lower side wall 412 are positioned facing each other. The manifold housing 41 further includes two transverse side walls 413, each of which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane formed by the X axis and the Z axis. The two transverse side walls 413 connect the upper side wall 411 and the lower side wall 412, and the transverse side walls 413 are positioned facing each other.

[0057] "Upper" and "lower" herein denote the orientation in the Z direction. The "upper" element is closer to the roof of the vehicle 10, while the "lower" element is closer to the ground.

[0058] In the Z direction, the gap between the upper side wall 411 and the lower side wall 412 is in particular equal to or greater than the individual height of each of the heat exchangers 24, 26, 28. Similarly, in the Y direction, the gap between the transverse side walls 413 is, for example, equal to or greater than the individual length of the heat exchangers 24, 26, 28.

[0059] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the internal ducts and the manifold housing 41 of the fairing 40 may have a cross-sectional shape different from a quadrilateral. This cross-section may in particular be hexagonal (in which case the fairing 40 and the manifold housing 41 each include six side walls), octagonal (in which case the fairing 40 and the manifold housing 41 each include eight side walls) or circular (in which case the fairing 40 and the manifold housing 41 are cylindrical and each include a single side wall forming the shell wall of the cylinder). The cross-section mainly depends on the geometry of at least one of the heat exchangers 24, 26, 28 located in the internal ducts of the fairing 40.

[0060] The cooling module 22, and more specifically the manifold housing 41, also includes at least one tangential flow fan, also known as a tangential flow turbine 30, which is configured to generate an air flow F through the set of heat exchangers 23. The tangential flow turbine 30 is positioned in the manifold housing 41 such that the lateral side wall 413 of the manifold housing 41 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the turbine 32, as Figure 3 more specifically shown in. The lateral side wall 413 is more specifically located on each side of the end of the turbine 30.

[0061] The tangential flow turbine 30 includes a generally cylindrical rotor or turbine 32. The turbine 32 advantageously includes multiple stages of blades (or vanes), the blades being visible in Figures 3 to 9 . The turbine 32 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation A, for example parallel to the direction Y. The diameter of the turbine 32 is, for example, between 35 mm and 200 mm in order to limit its size. Thus, the tangential flow turbine 30 is compact.

[0062] The tangential flow turbine 30 may also include a motor 31 (visible in Figures 2 to 5 ) configured to rotate the turbine 32. The motor 31 is capable of rotating the turbine 32, for example, at a speed between 200 rpm and 14000 rpm. This in particular makes it possible to limit the noise generated by the tangential flow turbine 30.

[0063] In the example shown in Figures 2 to 9 , the tangential flow turbine 30 is in a high position, in particular in the upper third of the manifold housing 41, preferably in the upper quarter of the manifold housing 41. This in particular makes it possible to protect the tangential flow turbine 30 in the case of immersion, and / or to limit the space occupied by the cooling module 22 in its lower part. In this particular case, the air outlet 22b for the air flow F is preferably directed towards the lower part of the cooling module 22.

[0064] However, it is conceivable that the tangential flow turbine 30 is in a low position, in particular in the lower third of the manifold housing 41. This would make it possible to limit the space occupied by the cooling module 22 in its upper part. In this particular case, the air outlet 22b for the air flow would preferably be directed towards the upper part of the cooling module 22. Alternatively, the tangential flow turbine 30 can be in an intermediate position, in particular in the middle third of the height of the first manifold housing 41, for example for reasons of integrating the cooling module 22 around it. These alternatives are not illustrated.

[0065] The turbine 32 is particularly positioned at the center of the volute 44, which is configured to direct the air flow F towards the air outlet 22b. The volute 44 thus includes a curved outer wall 440 formed by the upper side wall 411 or the lower side wall 412, depending on the position of the tangential flow turbine 30 and the orientation of the air outlet 22b. Specifically, if the tangential flow turbine 30 is in a high position as Figures 2 to 9 shown, the curved outer wall 440 will be the upper side wall 411 of the manifold housing 41, and the air outlet 22b will be directed downwards, that is, towards the ground in the mounted state in the vehicle. Conversely, if the tangential flow turbine 30 is in a low position (not shown), the curved outer wall 440 will be the lower side wall 412 of the manifold housing 41, and the air outlet 22b will be directed upwards, that is, towards the roof of the vehicle in the mounted state in the vehicle.

[0066] To direct the air from the set of heat exchangers 23 towards the air outlet 22b, the manifold housing 41 includes a guide wall 46 positioned opposite the downstream end 40b of the fairing 40 for directing the air flow F towards the air outlet 22b. More specifically, the guide wall 46 includes an upstream edge 451 (visible in the Figures 6 to 9 cross-sectional view), which makes it possible to delimit the air outlet 22b for the air flow F in a complementary manner to the volute 44. Here, the "upstream edge 451" refers to the edge of the air outlet 22b closest to the downstream end 40b of the fairing 40.

[0067] The guide wall 46 can in particular be inclined with respect to a plane P1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the cooling module 22. More specifically, the guide wall 46 can form an acute angle α with this plane P1, in particular as Figure 8 and 9 shown. The acute angle α is, for example, between 10° and 23°. The inclination of the guide wall 46 allows the air flow F to circulate better within the manifold housing 41 and limits the pressure drop.

[0068] As Figures 3 to 7As shown, the guiding wall 46 may include at least one opening O1 and at least one pivoting baffle 460 for each opening. The at least one pivoting baffle 460 enables the at least one opening O1 to be opened or closed. More specifically, the at least one pivoting baffle 460 is mounted to be pivotable between a position where the opening O1 is open and a position where the opening O1 is closed. The at least one pivoting baffle 460 is mounted on the outer face of the guiding wall 46 so as to open towards the outside of the manifold housing 41.

[0069] The guiding wall 46 may include one or more openings O1. Accordingly, the cooling module 22 may include one or more baffles 460. In particular, the number of pivoting baffles 460 mounted on the outer face of the guiding wall 46 is the same as the number of openings O1. In Figures 3 to 5 the example, the number of openings O1 and pivoting baffles 460 on the guiding wall 46 is 16.

[0070] The at least one pivoting baffle 460 is mounted, for example, to be pivotable about a pivot axis which extends horizontally within the motor vehicle 10 and in the plane formed by the guiding wall 46 in the mounted state. The at least one pivoting baffle 460 may take the form of a flag baffle or a butterfly baffle.

[0071] The at least one pivoting baffle 460 may be "free" or "passive", i.e., the pivoting baffle 460 of the guiding wall 46 is brought to and held in its closed position only by gravity. In other words, the cooling module 22 does not include any mechanical components or any control devices configured to actively control the opening and / or closing of the pivoting baffle 460. The pivot axis of the pivoting baffle 460 is then positioned on the upper side of the opening O1 so as to passively fall back to the closed position, thereby closing the opening O1. Accordingly, the pivoting baffle 460 is always subject to gravity, but when the motor vehicle 10 is moving at a high enough speed, the air flow F passing through the cooling module 22 may exert a pressure on the pivoting baffle 460 such that the pivoting baffle 460 moves from its closed position to its open position. In this case, the air flow F passes through the opening O1 in the guiding wall 46. In Figure 5 only two lower pivoting baffles 460 in the open position are shown.

[0072] Like the guiding wall 46, the lateral side wall 413 may also include an opening O2 and at least one pivoting baffle 470 for each opening O2, as Figures 3 to 7 shown. The at least one pivoting baffle 470 enables the at least one opening O2 to be opened or closed. More specifically, the at least one pivoting baffle 470 is mounted to be pivotable between a position where the opening O2 is open and a position where the opening O1 is closed. The at least one baffle 470 is mounted on the outer face of the lateral side wall 413 so as to open towards the outside of the manifold housing 41.

[0073] Each lateral sidewall 413 may include one or more openings O2. Thus, the cooling module 22 may include one or more pivotable baffles 470. In particular, the number of pivotable baffles 470 mounted on the lateral sidewall 413 is the same as the number of openings O2. In Figure 3 and 5 's example, the number of pivotable baffles 470 is three.

[0074] At least one baffle 470 is mounted, for example, to be pivotable about a pivot axis that extends horizontally within the motor vehicle 10 and in the plane formed by the lateral sidewall 413 in the mounted state. At least one pivotable baffle 470 may take the form of a flag baffle or a butterfly baffle.

[0075] At least one pivotable baffle 470 may also be "free" or "passive", that is, the pivotable baffle 470 is only brought to and held in its closed position by gravity. In other words, the cooling module 22 does not include any mechanical components or any control devices configured to actively control the opening and / or closing of the pivotable baffle 470. The pivot axis of the pivotable baffle 470 is then positioned on the upper side of the opening O2 so as to passively fall back to the closed position. Thus, the pivotable baffle 470 is always subject to gravity, but when the motor vehicle 10 moves at a high enough speed, the air flow F passing through the cooling module 22 can exert pressure on the pivotable baffle 470 such that the pivotable baffle 470 moves from its closed position to its open position. In this case, the air flow F passes through the opening O2 in the lateral sidewall 413. When the tangential flow turbine 30 operates, a vacuum is generated upstream of the turbine 32, thereby holding the pivotable baffle 470 in the closed position.

[0076] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the upper sidewall 411 or the lower sidewall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44 may also include at least one opening O3 and at least one pivotable baffle 480 for each opening O3. The at least one pivotable baffle 480 enables the at least one opening O3 to be opened or closed. More specifically, the at least one pivotable baffle 480 is mounted to be pivotable between a position where the opening O3 is open and a position where the opening O1 is closed. At least one pivotable baffle 480 is mounted on the outer surface of the upper sidewall 411 or the lower sidewall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44 so as to open towards the outside of the manifold housing 41. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 the example shown, the opening O3 and the at least one pivotable baffle 480 are located on the lower sidewall 412 because the volute 44 and the tangential flow turbine 30 are in a high position, and the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44 is formed by the upper sidewall 411.

[0077] The upper side wall 411 or the lower side wall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44 may include one or more openings O3. Thus, the cooling module 22 may include one or more pivotable baffles 480. In particular, the number of pivotable baffles 480 mounted on the upper side wall 411 or the lower side wall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44 is the same as the number of openings O3.

[0078] At least one pivotable baffle 480 is mounted, for example, to be pivotable about a pivot axis that extends horizontally in the motor vehicle 10 in the mounted state and in the plane formed by the upper side wall 411 or the lower side wall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44. At least one pivotable baffle 480 may take the form of a flag baffle or a butterfly baffle.

[0079] At least one pivotable baffle 480 may also be "free" or "passive", that is, when the pivotable baffle 480 is on the upper side wall 411, the pivotable baffle 480 is brought to and held in its closed position only by gravity, while when it is on the lower side wall 412, it is brought to and held in its open position. In other words, the cooling module 22 does not include any mechanical components or any control devices configured to actively control the opening and / or closing of the pivotable baffle 480. Thus, the pivotable baffle 480 is always subject to gravity, but when the motor vehicle 10 is moving at a high enough speed, the air flow F passing through the cooling module 22 can exert a pressure on the pivotable baffle 480 such that the pivotable baffle 480 moves from its closed position to its open position. In this case, the air flow F passes through at least one opening O3 in the upper side wall 411 or the lower side wall 412 opposite to the curved outer wall 440 of the volute 44. When the tangential flow turbine 30 is operating, a vacuum is generated upstream of the turbine 32, and when the pivotable baffle 480 is positioned on the lower wall 412, the pivotable baffle 480 is passively closed.

[0080] As Figures 4 to 9 shown, the volute 44, in particular its curved outer wall 440, includes at least one opening O4 and at least one shut-off device 43 for closing the opening O4. In Figures 4 to 9 the example shown, since the volute 44 is in a high position, the curved outer wall 440 is formed by the upper side wall 411 of the manifold housing 41. The shut-off device 43 can move between an open position where the air flow F can pass through the opening O4 and a closed position where the shut-off device 43 closes the opening O4.

[0081] The presence of such an opening O4 and its shut-off device 43 facilitates the discharge of the air flow F by limiting the pressure drop and the aerodynamic drag when the vehicle 10 is in motion and the tangential flow turbine 30 is stopped.

[0082] According to Figures 4 to 7In the first embodiment shown, the shut-off device 43 includes a pivoting baffle 490 having a pivot axis positioned on one side of the opening O4 in the curved outer wall 440. The pivoting baffle 490 can thus be a flag-shaped baffle.

[0083] The pivot axis of the pivoting baffle 490 can be specifically positioned on the upper side of the open O4. Here, "upper" means positioned on the side at the top of the opening O4, that is, closest to the roof of the vehicle 10 in the mounted state. This positioning of the pivot axis of the pivoting baffle 490 allows the pivoting baffle 490 to be "free" or "passive", that is, the pivoting baffle 490 is only brought to and held in its closed position by gravity. In other words, the cooling module 22 does not include any mechanical components or any control devices configured to actively control the opening and / or closing of at least one pivoting baffle 490. Thus, the pivoting baffle 490 is always subject to gravity, but when the motor vehicle 10 is moving at a high enough speed, the air flow F through the cooling module 22 can exert pressure on the pivoting baffle 490 such that the pivoting baffle 490 moves from its closed position to its open position. In this case, the air flow F passes through the opening O4 in the curved outer wall 440.

[0084] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the example shown, the curved outer wall 440 includes three lines along the Y axis, each line including four openings O4. On these three lines, only the opening O4 closest to the motor 31 is shown to have a pivoting baffle 490.

[0085] The pivoting baffle 490 can in particular include an inner wall of curved shape so as to conform to the curvature of the curved outer wall 440 in the closed position. This in particular allows the inner surface of the volute 44 to be as smooth as possible to facilitate the circulation of the air flow F when the tangential flow turbine 30 is operating and when the pivoting baffle 490 is in the closed position, as Figure 6 shown.

[0086] According to Figure 8 and Figure 9 the second embodiment shown, the shut-off device 43 can include an extension 441 that projects from the curved outer wall 440 towards the outside of the manifold housing 41 and at least partially surrounds the opening O4. The extension 441 can in particular include an upper wall 441a that extends the upper side of the opening O4 and two side walls that extend the lateral sides of the opening O4. The extension 441 more specifically extends the opening O4 towards the air outlet. The air outlet can be in particular planar to cooperate with the shut-off device 43. The shut-off device 43 itself includes a pivoting baffle 490' that pivots about a pivot axis positioned on the extension 441 so as to close its air outlet in the closed position and open outwards in the open position.

[0087] The pivot axis of the pivot flap 490' can be specifically positioned on the upper wall 441a of the extension 441. Here, "upper" refers to the wall of the extension 441 located at its top, that is, the one closest to the roof of the vehicle 10 in the installed state. This positioning of the pivot axis of the pivot flap 490' enables the pivot flap 490' to be "free" or "passive", i.e., the pivot flap 490' is only brought to and held in its closed position by gravity. In other words, the cooling module 22 does not include any mechanical components or any control devices configured to actively control the opening and / or closing of the pivot flap 490'. Thus, the pivot flap 490' is always subject to gravity, but when the motor vehicle 10 moves at a high enough speed, the air flow F through the cooling module 22 can exert pressure on the pivot flap 490', thereby moving the pivot flap 490' from its closed position to its open position. In this case, the air flow F passes through the opening O4 in the curved outer wall 440.

[0088] Whether Figures 4 to 7 the first embodiment of Figure 8 and Figure 9 the second embodiment of, in the open position, the height of one or more shut-off devices 43 can be specifically lower than the maximum height of the curved outer wall. This makes it possible to limit the total space occupied by the cooling module 22 within the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the opening O4 and / or the shut-off device 43 can include a stop (not shown) that limits the travel of the shut-off device 43 in the open position.

[0089] In the closed position, the closing of the opening O4 can be particularly fluid-tight. For this purpose, the manifold housing 41 can include a sealing device between the opening O4 and the pivot flaps 490, 490' in the closed position. The sealing device can be, for example, a seal (not shown) positioned on the pivot flaps 490, 490'. According to Figures 4 to 7 the first embodiment of, the seal is positioned at the contact surface of the pivot flaps 490, 490' with the side of the opening O4, or according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 the second embodiment of, the seal is positioned at the contact surface of the pivot flaps 490, 490' with the extension 441. According to an alternative, the sealing device can be not positioned on the flaps 490, 490', but directly on the side of the opening O4 according to the first embodiment, or on the side of the air outlet of the extension 441 according to the second embodiment.

[0090] As Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the manifold housing 41 may further include at least one stop 60 configured to limit the opening angle of at least one shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' in the open position. Limiting the opening angle according to the face on which the baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' are located particularly makes it possible to limit the total space occupied by the manifold housing 41 and thus the cooling module 22.

[0091] Advantageously, as in the above example and Figures 3 to 11 As shown, the guiding wall 46 and / or at least one side wall 411, 412, 413 may include a plurality of shut-off baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'. The stop 60 is configured such that each shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' has an opening angle specific to each shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'. Thus, the opening angle of each shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' can be individually limited according to the structure of the housing in which the manifold housing 41 is to be positioned and the structure of the elements surrounding the cooling module 22.

[0092] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the lower side wall 412 of the manifold housing 41 includes at least one opening O3 and at least one shut-off baffle 480, the at least one stop 60 may be configured such that the opening angle of the shut-off baffle 480 is less than or equal to 7°, preferably 5°. This limitation of the opening angle of the shut-off baffle 480 positioned on the lower side wall 412 makes it possible to facilitate its switching to the closed position during the operation of the tangential flow turbine 30 and to create a vacuum within the manifold housing 41, thereby closing the shut-off baffle 480.

[0093] According to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the first embodiment shown, the at least one stop 60 may be positioned on at least one shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'. One or more stops 60 may be positioned on the same shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'. For example, the shut-off baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' may include two stops 60, more specifically, one stop 60 positioned at each end of its pivot axis. Other positions and other numbers of stops 60 can of course be envisaged.

[0094] According to a first alternative of this first embodiment, the at least one stop 60 may be integral with at least one shut-off baffle 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'.

[0095] According to a second alternative, at least one stop 60 is a component fastened to at least one of the shut-off baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490'. This particularly enables the opening angle of the shut-off baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' to be adjusted simply by changing the stop 60 as required.

[0096] According to a second embodiment (not shown), at least one stop 60 can be positioned on at least one side wall 411, 412, 413 and / or the guiding wall 46 of the manifold housing 41. One or more stops 60 can be positioned on the same side wall 411, 412, 413 and / or the guiding wall 46. For example, the same side wall 411, 412, 413 and / or the guiding wall 46 can include two stops 60, and more specifically, one stop 60 is positioned on each side of the openings O1, O2, O3, O4. Of course, other positions and other numbers of stops 60 can be envisioned.

[0097] According to a first alternative of this second embodiment, at least one stop 60 can be integral with at least one side wall 411, 412, 413 and / or the guiding wall 46 of the manifold housing 41.

[0098] According to a second alternative of this second embodiment, at least one stop 60 can be a component fastened to at least one side wall 411, 412, 413 and / or the guiding wall 46 of the manifold housing 41. This particularly enables the opening angle of the shut-off baffles 460, 470, 480, 490, 490' to be adjusted simply by changing the stop 60 as required.

[0099] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the manifold housing 41 includes at least one air circulation duct 70 positioned on the outer face of at least one side wall 411, 412, 413. The duct 70 includes an air inlet 70a and at least one air outlet 70b positioned opposite to at least one of the openings O2, O3, O4. When the vehicle 10 is in motion and the tangential flow turbine 30 is stopped, the duct 70 guides the air flow F emerging from the openings O2, O3, O4. This particularly guides the air flow towards the outside of the vehicle 10 or potentially towards the passenger compartment, depending on the positioning of the air outlet 70b. This also guides the air flow F such that it bypasses any obstacles or elements in the mounted state of the vehicle 10.

[0100] To facilitate installation within the vehicle 10 and to bypass possible obstacles, the conduit 70 may include at least one flexible portion. The conduit 70 may be fastened, in particular in a sealed manner, to at least one of the side walls 411, 412, 413. To this end, a gasket may be positioned at the junction between the air inlet 70a and the side walls 411, 412, 413 to which the conduit 70 is fastened. Alternatively, the connection may be simple and not fluid-tight, facilitating installation and limiting costs.

[0101] The conduit 70 may be a tube having walls over the entire circumference of its cross-section. This means that the conduit 70 is closed on its sides, and the only openings are the air inlet 70a and the air outlet 70b located at each of its ends. Alternatively, the conduit 70 may be in the form of a groove that is open on one of its faces, and the air flow F may be guided therein. Preferably, the open face is the face opposite the manifold housing 41.

[0102] The conduit 70, more precisely its air inlet 70a, may be fastened to at least one of the side walls 411, 412, 413, in particular by snap-fastening.

[0103] As Figure 12 shown, the manifold housing 41 may include at least one conduit 70 positioned on at least one of its lateral side walls 413. The air inlet 70a is positioned in particular opposite at least one opening O2, preferably opposite all the openings O2 of said lateral side wall 413.

[0104] The manifold housing 41 may particularly include conduits 70 on each of its lateral side walls 413. Advantageously, the manifold housing 41 may include conduits 70 whose air inlets 70a are positioned opposite at least one opening O2 and a common air outlet 70b in each lateral side wall 413. Thus, the conduit 70 may have a Y-shaped configuration, guiding the air flow F from the openings O2 in each lateral side wall 413 towards a single air outlet 70b.

[0105] As Figure 13 shown, the manifold housing 41 may also include at least one conduit 70 positioned on its lower side wall 412, whose air inlet 70a is positioned opposite at least one opening O3, preferably opposite all the openings O3 of said lower side wall 412.

[0106] Thus, it can clearly be seen that the presence of at least one conduit 70 makes it possible to direct the air flow F emerging from the openings O2, O3, O4 to a determined location, for example to bypass any obstacles within the housing where the cooling module 22 is intended to be installed.

Claims

1. A manifold housing (41) for a cooling module (22) of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (10), the manifold housing (41) being intended to be traversed by an air flow (F), The manifold housing (41) includes a tangential flow turbine (30) configured to generate the air flow (F), and the manifold housing (41) further includes: - At least one side wall (411, 412, 413), the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) forming a duct through which the air flow (F) is intended to circulate, - A volute (44), configured to direct the air flow (F) towards an air outlet (22b), and the tangential flow turbine (30) is positioned within the volute, The at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) includes at least one opening (O2, O3, O4) and at least one shut-off baffle (470, 480, 490, 490'), the shut-off baffle being mounted so as to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position of the opening (O2, O3, O4), Characterized in that the manifold housing (41) includes at least one air circulation duct (70) positioned on an outer face of the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413), the duct (70) including an air inlet (70a) positioned opposite at least one opening (O2, O3, O4) and at least one air outlet (70b).

2. The manifold housing (41) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duct (70) includes at least one flexible portion.

3. The manifold housing (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The duct (70) is sealingly fastened to the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413).

4. The manifold housing (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The duct (70) is a tube having a wall over the entire circumference of the cross-section of the duct (70).

5. The manifold housing (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air inlet (70a) of the duct (70) is fastened to the at least one side wall (411, 412, 413) by snap-fastening.

6. The manifold housing (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manifold housing (41) includes an upper side wall (411) and a lower side wall (412) facing each other and two lateral side walls (413) connecting the upper side wall (411) and the lower side wall (412), The manifold housing (41) includes at least one duct (70), the duct (70) being positioned on at least one of the lateral side walls (413) of the manifold housing (41), the air inlet (70a) of the duct (70) being positioned opposite at least one opening (O2) in the lateral side wall (413).

7. The manifold housing (41) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The manifold housing (41) includes a duct (70), the duct (70) including an air inlet (70a) positioned opposite at least one opening (O2) in each of the lateral side walls (413) and a common air outlet (70b).

8. The manifold housing (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manifold housing (41) includes an upper side wall (411) and a lower side wall (412) facing each other and two lateral side walls (413) connecting the upper side wall (411) and the lower side wall (412), The manifold housing (41) includes at least one duct (70), the duct (70) being positioned on the lower side wall (412) of the manifold housing (41), the air inlet (70a) of the duct (70) being positioned opposite at least one opening (O3) in the lower side wall (412).

9. A cooling module (22) for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (10), the cooling module (22) being intended to be traversed by an air flow (F) and including: - A fairing (40), the fairing (40) forms an internal duct in the longitudinal direction (X) of the cooling module (22), and at least one heat exchanger (24, 26, 28) intended to be traversed by the air flow (F) is positioned within the internal duct, and - A manifold housing (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the manifold housing (41) being positioned downstream of the fairing (40) in the longitudinal direction (X).

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