Motor vehicle front airflow shutoff device

Abstract

A closure device (1) for a front air intake of a motor vehicle comprising:- at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) having two lateral uprights (3a, 3a', 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a') connecting two end crosspieces (3b, 4b, 3b', 4b', 5b; 5b'), said support frame (3, 4, 5) delimiting an opening,- at least one flap (6) arranged within the opening of the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) and pivoting about a pivot axis between a first open end position and a second closed end position, said at least one flap (6) being rotated by at least one drive device (7) comprising an electric actuator (7a),said closure device (1) comprising a control module (8) fixed to the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5), said control module (8) being electrically connected on the one hand to the at least one electric actuator (7a) and on the other hand to an electrical source. Abstract figure: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for closing the air flow on the front of a motor vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for closing the air flow on the front of a motor vehicle, and more precisely to a system for fixing the flaps.

[0002] The front faces of motor vehicles generally have one or more main air inlets through which an air flow enters towards the front compartment of the motor vehicle. Behind these air inlets, heat exchangers of the motor vehicle are generally placed, such as for example the one used for air conditioning the passenger compartment and / or the one used for cooling the engine.

[0003] It is also known to have, in the air path passing through the main air inlets, a support frame comprising one or more pivotally mounted shutters capable of assuming a multiplicity of different angular positions, between an open position and a closed position and thus forming a shutter device similar to a louver. This shutter device is sometimes called an active grille shutter, or even a controlled air inlet module. Such a shutter device may also be designated by the acronym AGS (for "Active Grille Shutter" in English).

[0004] The shutter device makes it possible to adjust the air flow passing through the air inlets and arriving at the heat exchangers. It is thus possible to optimize the efficiency of these heat exchangers according to needs by varying the quantity of air they receive. In addition, at high speed, the shutters in the shutter position make it possible to reduce the drag coefficient of the motor vehicle and thus improve the aerodynamics of said motor vehicle. The shutter device therefore makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and pollution when the engine does not need to be cooled by outside air.

[0005] The shutters are generally rotated by one or more electric actuators. These electric actuators must be connected to other elements, particularly electrical ones, in order to control their rotation and to be supplied with electricity. However, the connection with such elements can be complex, particularly when mounting the shutter device in the vehicle. In addition, it is necessary to provide dedicated locations for these elements within the vehicle.

[0006] One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose a closure device with improved connection and mounting.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to a device for closing off the air intake on the front of a motor vehicle comprising: - at least one support frame having two lateral uprights connecting two end crosspieces, said support frame delimiting an opening, - at least one shutter arranged within the opening of the at least one support frame and pivoting about a pivot axis between a first open end position and a second closed end position, said at least one shutter being rotated by at least one drive device comprising an electric actuator, said closing device comprising a control module fixed to the at least one support frame, said control module being electrically connected on the one hand to the at least one electric actuator and on the other hand to an electrical source.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one electric actuator and the control module are fixed on the same side of the at least one support frame.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one electric actuator and the control module are fixed to a side upright.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the closure device comprises a first and a second support frame, said first and said second support frame each comprising a specific electric actuator, and said closure device comprising a single control module electrically connected on the one hand to each electric actuator and on the other hand to an electrical source.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one support frame comprises walls projecting from said at least one support frame and delimiting a housing for receiving the control module.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the walls comprise notches for passing electrical cables.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the walls comprise bulges overlapping the control module so as to maintain said control module within the receiving housing.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the control module is screwed onto the at least one support frame.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one support frame comprises guides for passing and holding electric cables.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the control module is a power converter, or an inverter or even a control unit.

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and the appended drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a schematic perspective representation of the face front of a closure device according to a first embodiment,

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a schematic perspective representation of the face rear of a shutter device according to the first embodiment,

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a schematic perspective representation of the face front of a closure device according to a second embodiment,

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a schematic representation of a receiving housing empty of a support frame,

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a schematic representation of the receiving housing of [Fig.4] with a receiving module,

[0023] In these figures, identical elements bear the same numerical references.

[0024] 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 apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0025] In the present description, certain elements or parameters may be indexed, such as for example first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or even first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria that are close, but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, parameter or criterion over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexing also does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.

[0026] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" mean the arrangement of the elements on the front air inlet closure device in the mounted state of the closure device on the motor vehicle.

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 respectively show the front face and the rear face of a closing device 1 for a front air inlet of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment. By front face, here is meant the face of the closing device 1 intended to be oriented towards the front of the motor vehicle. By rear face, here is meant the face of the closing device 1 opposite the front face and intended to be oriented towards the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0028] In this first embodiment, the closure device 1 comprises a support frame 3 comprising two lateral uprights 3a, 3a' and two end crosspieces 3b, 3b' connecting the two lateral uprights 3a, 3a' together, thus defining an opening in the support frame 3. The support frame 3 then has a generally rectangular shape. More particularly, the support frame 3 has an upper end crosspiece 3b and a lower end crosspiece 3b', these orientations arbitrarily corresponding to the arrangement of the closure device 1 in the state mounted in the motor vehicle. The upper end crosspiece 3b will then be arranged facing the top of the motor vehicle and the lower end crosspiece 3b' will, for its part, be arranged facing the bottom of the motor vehicle.

[0029] The support frame 3 may also comprise at least one intermediate upright 3c parallel to the lateral uprights 3a, 3a' and connecting the end crosspieces 3b, 3b'. This intermediate upright 3c more particularly connects the upper end crosspiece 3b to the lower end crosspiece 3b' within the opening of the support frame 3. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the opening of the support frame 3 is divided into three by two intermediate uprights 3c.

[0030] The support frame 3 has at least one flap 6 arranged inside its opening. The flap(s) 6 are mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between a first open end position (not shown) and a second closed end position (visible in Figures 1 and 2). When the flap(s) 6 occupy their first open end position, the air flow can pass through the opening of the support frame 3. When the flap(s) 6 occupy their second closed end position, the flap(s) 6 obstruct the opening of the support frame 3 and oppose the passage of the air flow.

[0031] Still in the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the support frame 3 comprises a plurality of flaps 6 forming at least one set of flaps 6 arranged parallel to each other on the same plane and which are adjacent. In the present case, the support frame 3 comprises a single set of flaps 6 arranged in the opening of the support frame 3. The flaps 6 are in particular arranged horizontally and one above the other, parallel to the end crosspieces 3b, 3b'. The flaps 6 then form a pivot connection with the lateral uprights 3a, 3a'. The intermediate uprights 3c here have a supporting role so that the flaps 6 remain straight and do not bend under their own weight. The flaps 6 thus also form a pivot connection with these intermediate uprights 3c.

[0032] In addition, the support frame 3 has at least one drive device 7 configured to control the positioning, and therefore the pivoting, of the shutter(s) 6 between their first open extreme position and their second closed extreme position.

[0033] The drive device 7 comprises in particular an electric actuator 7a, for example an electric motor, and a control member 7b (visible in [Fig. 2]). In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the electric actuator 7a is directly connected to the control member 7b, for example a connecting rod, by a lever (not visible). The control member 7b is connected to each flap 6. A rotation of the electric actuator 7a then causes the control member 7b to translate in order to simultaneously pivot the flap(s) 6. Other methods of transmitting the rotational movements of the electric actuator 7a to the set of flaps 6 can be imagined.

[0034] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the drive device 7 is arranged on one of the lateral uprights 3a, 3a' of the support frame 3 in order to be able to pivot the shutter(s) 6 simultaneously.

[0035] According to a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the closure device 1 may comprise a first 4 and a second 5 support frame. These first 4 and second 5 support frames are identical to the support frame 3 of the first embodiment and comprise two lateral uprights 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a' and two end crosspieces 4b, 4b', 5b, 5b' connecting the two lateral uprights 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a' together, thus defining an opening for each of the first 4 and second 5 support frames.

[0036] Still like the support frame 3 of the first embodiment, the first 4 and second 5 support frames of the second embodiment may also comprise at least one intermediate upright 4c, 5c parallel to their lateral uprights 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a' and connecting their end crosspieces 4b, 4b', 5b, 5b'.

[0037] The first 4 and second 5 support frames each have at least one flap 6 arranged inside their opening. The flap(s) 6 are mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between a first open end position (not shown) and a second closed end position (visible in [Fig. 3]). When the flap(s) 6 occupy their first open end position, the air flow can pass through the opening of the first support frame 4 and the second support frame 5. When the flap(s) 6 occupy their second closed end position, the flap(s) 6 obstruct the opening of the first support frame 4 and the second support frame 5 and oppose the passage of the air flow.

[0038] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the first 4 and second 5 support frames each comprise a plurality of flaps 6 forming at least one set of flaps 6 arranged parallel to each other on the same plane and which are adjacent. In the present case, each of the first 4 and second 5 support frames comprises a single set of flaps 6 arranged in the opening of the first support frame 3. The flaps 6 are in particular arranged horizontally and one above the other, parallel to the end crosspieces 4b, 4b', 5b, 5b'. The flaps 6 then form a pivot connection with the side uprights 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a'. The intermediate uprights 4c, 5c have a supporting role here so that the flaps 6 remain straight and do not bend under their own weight. The flaps 6 thus also form a pivot connection with these intermediate uprights 4c, 5c.

[0039] The first 4 and the second 5 support frames each comprise at least one drive device 7 dedicated to setting in motion the shutter(s) 6 that each of said first 4 and second 5 support frames comprise. These drive devices 7 (visible in [Fig. 3]) are identical to the drive device 7 of the support frame 3 of the first embodiment. These drive devices 7 are thus configured to control the positioning, and the pivoting, of the shutter(s) 6 between their first open extreme position and their second closed extreme position.

[0040] As shown in [Fig. 3], the first 4 and the second 5 support frames are fixed directly to each other at one of their sides. This direct fixing of the first 4 and second 5 support frames to each other allows simplified installation of the closure device 1 within the motor vehicle. The use of two support frames 4 and 5 fixed directly to each other is also particularly advantageous for large closure devices 1, for example for vehicles such as trucks. Indeed, such a conformation makes it possible to limit the risks of deformation or breakage of the shutters 6 due to the large size of the closure device 1 and the air pressure. In addition, the fact that each support frame 4, 5 comprises a dedicated drive device 7 makes it possible to simplify the connections and hookups during this installation.

[0041] The first 4 and the second 5 support frames are preferably fixed one above the other. This means that the lower end cross member 5b' of the second support frame 5 is fixed directly to the upper end cross member 4b of the first support frame 4. This makes it possible in particular to place each support frame 4 and 5 respectively opposite a lower air inlet and an upper air inlet of the front face of the motor vehicle.

[0042] More particularly, the sides by which the first 4 and second 5 support frames are fixed to each other may have a complementary shape. More precisely here, the lower end crosspiece 5b' of the second support frame 5 and the upper end crosspiece 4b of the first support frame 4 are fitted into each other. This complementary shape allows in particular that the first 4 and second 5 support frames are well adjusted relative to each other and also allows easy installation.

[0043] According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the drive device 7 is arranged on one of the lateral uprights 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a' of the first 4 and second 5 support frames in order to be able to pivot the shutter(s) 6 simultaneously. More precisely, the drive devices 7 are arranged on the same side of the first 4 and second 5 support frames.

[0044] Using dedicated drive devices 7 for the first 4 and second 5 support frames makes it possible to individually control the flap(s) 6 of each support frame 4 and 5. This can be particularly advantageous in order to limit the air flow passing through the closure device 1, for example, when the vehicle is moving. This thus potentially makes it possible to improve the aerodynamic coefficient and therefore the consumption of the vehicle while allowing an air flow to pass through one of the support frames 3 or 4 to reach the heat exchangers arranged downstream of the closure device 1.

[0045] The closure device 1 further comprises a control module 8 fixed to the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5. The control module 8 can for example be screwed onto the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5.

[0046] This control module 8 is electrically connected on the one hand to the at least one electric actuator 7a and on the other hand to an electrical source. The fact that this control module 8 is directly fixed on the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5 allows easier mounting of the closure device 1 as well as easier connection of the electric actuators 7a. Indeed, the electric actuators 7a are thus already connected to the control module 8 and only the latter remains to be connected when mounting the closure device 1 in the motor vehicle. In addition, the incorporation of the control module 8 directly on the closure device 1 allows easier integration of said control module 8 within the vehicle. Everything is grouped within the closure device 1.

[0047] The control module 8 may be, for example, a power converter in order to convert the electrical supply voltage from the vehicle's electrical circuit to a voltage suitable for the electric actuator(s) 7a. Such a power converter may, for example, make it possible to switch from a voltage of 24V to a voltage of 12V. The control module 8 may also be an inverter allowing, for example, the switch from a direct current to an alternating current suitable for the electric actuator(s) 7a. The control module 8 may furthermore be a control unit, for example, to control the rotation of the electric actuator(s) 7a and thus control the opening and position of the flaps 6.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.l] to 3, the at least one electric actuator 7a and the control module 8 can in particular be fixed on the same side of the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5. More precisely, the at least one electric actuator 7a and the control module 8 are fixed on a lateral upright 3a, 3a', 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a'. This particular arrangement allows in particular that the control module 8 is close to the electric actuator(s) 7a in order to limit the length of the electric cables 8b, 8c connecting the control module 8 and the electric actuator(s) 7a.

[0049] According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the closure device comprises only a single support frame 3 and a single electric actuator 7a. The control module 8 is then connected by an electric cable 8b to said electric actuator 7a. The control module 8 comprises another electric cable 8a allowing the connection of the control module 8 to an electrical source, for example to the electrical circuit of the motor vehicle for its power supply.

[0050] According to the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the closure device 1 comprises a first 4 and a second 5 support frame each with its own electric actuator 7a. The closure device 1 here comprises a single control module 8 being electrically connected on the one hand to each electric actuator 7a and on the other hand to an electrical source. When the electric actuators 7a of the first 4 and of the second 5 support frames are arranged on the same side of the first 4 and second 5 support frames, advantageously the control module 8 is arranged between said electric actuators 7a. The control module 8 is then connected by an electric cable 8b to the electric actuator 7a of the first support frame 4 and by another electric cable 8c to the electric actuator 7a of the second support frame 5.The control module 8 also includes an additional electrical cable 8a allowing the control module 8 to be connected to an electrical source, for example to the electrical circuit of the motor vehicle for its power supply.

[0051] The closure device 1 and more particularly the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5 may in particular comprise guides 85 for passing and holding electric cables 80a, 80b, 80c. These guides 85 may have a hook shape and allow optimized passage and good holding of the electric cables 80a, 80b, 80c along the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5. These guides 85 may for example come from the same material as the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5 or be added elements.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the at least one support frame 3, 4, 5, here a lateral upright 3a', may comprise walls 80 projecting from said at least one support frame 3, 4, 5. These walls 80 delimit a housing for receiving the control module 8 in which said control module 8 is inserted. The walls 80 may in particular comprise notches 81 for passing electrical cables 80a, 80b, 80c. In addition, the walls 80 may comprise bulges 82 overlapping the control module 8 so as to hold the latter within the receiving housing.

[0053] Thus, it is clear that the closure device 1, due to the presence of the control module fixed directly on the latter, allows easier mounting within the motor vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. A closing device (1) for a front air intake of a motor vehicle comprising: - at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) having two lateral uprights (3a, 3a', 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a') connecting two end crosspieces (3b, 4b, 3b', 4b', 5b; 5b'), said support frame (3, 4, 5) delimiting an opening, - at least one flap (6) arranged within the opening of the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) and pivoting about a pivot axis between a first open end position and a second closed end position, said at least one flap (6) being rotated by at least one drive device (7) comprising an electric actuator (7a), characterized in that it comprises a control module (8) fixed to the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5),said control module (8) being electrically connected on the one hand to the at least one electric actuator (7a) and on the other hand to an electrical source and in that it comprises a first (4) and a second (5) support frame, said first (4) and said second (5) support frame each comprising its own electric actuator (7a), and in that said closure device (1) comprises a single control module (8) electrically connected on the one hand to each electric actuator (7a) and on the other hand to an electrical source.,

2. Closing device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one electric actuator (7a) and the control module (8) are fixed on the same side of the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5).

3. Shuttering device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one electric actuator (7a) and the control module (8) are fixed on a lateral upright (3a, 3a', 4a, 4a', 5a, 5a').

4. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) comprises walls (80) projecting from said at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) and delimiting a housing for receiving the control module (8).

5. Closure device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the walls (80) comprise notches (81) for the passage of electric cables (80a, 80b, 80c).

6. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the walls (80) comprise bulges (82) overlapping the control module (8) so as to maintain said control module (8) within the receiving housing.

7. A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (8) is screwed onto the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5).

8. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support frame (3, 4, 5) comprises guides (85) for passing and holding electric cables (80a, 80b, 80c).

9. A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (8) is a power converter, or an inverter or a control unit.

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