Air intake shut-off device for a motor vehicle
The air inlet shutter device for motor vehicles uses a support frame with winding trees and a tensioning mechanism to guide the curtain smoothly between open and closed positions, addressing the issue of folds and obstruction, thus improving airflow and fuel efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021005619
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-28
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Air intake sealing device for a motor vehicle
[0001] The invention relates to an air inlet closure device for a motor vehicle. The invention is in particular intended to equip a front face of said vehicle to facilitate or on the contrary to close the passage of an air flow inside a cooling module arranged within the motor vehicle. The air flow is more particularly intended to circulate within one or more heat exchangers arranged inside said cooling module.
[0002] It is common to use such an air inlet closing device to reduce the drag coefficient and also to improve the cooling and air conditioning performance within a motor vehicle. Such a closing device may in particular comprise at least one curtain capable of moving between a closed position in which it closes an air flow passage opening and an open position in which the air flow is able to circulate through this same passage opening. Such a device is most often designated by the acronym ACS coming from the English expression "Active Curtain Shutter".
[0003] The ACS is preferably installed at a grille of the motor vehicle. In the open position of the curtain, air can circulate through the grille and participate in particular in cooling the engine of the motor vehicle. In the closed position of the curtain, air does not enter via the grille, which reduces drag and thus reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The ACS therefore makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and pollution when the engine does not need to be cooled by outside air.
[0004] The curtain of an ACS is generally flexible, which allows it to be stored compactly by rolling it up on itself when it adopts its open position. The risk of the curtain of the ACS wobbling and getting stuck during its unwinding is not negligible, but such a blocking of the curtain can generate folds in the material thereof and limit its effectiveness in obstructing the flow of air passing through the passage opening at the front of the motor vehicle.
[0005] The aim of the present invention is therefore to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose an improved ACS which makes it possible to effectively guide the curtain in its movements between the open position and the closed position.
[0006] The present invention therefore relates to an air inlet closure device for a motor vehicle, this device comprising a support frame comprising a first and second crosspieces parallel to each other and connected by lateral uprights so as to define at least one opening for the passage of an incoming air flow, said device comprising at least one curtain movable between a closed position in which the curtain at least partially covers the passage opening and an open position in which said curtain allows the incoming air flow to pass through the passage opening, said curtain comprising a first border, fixed to a first winding shaft extending on the support frame along one of the sides of the passage opening, the first winding shaft being connected to a drive device so as to wind the curtain around said first winding shaft to bring it into the open position and so as to unwind the curtain to bring it into the closed position, the device being characterized in that it comprises: - a second winding shaft extending on the support frame along one side of the passage opening opposite that carrying the first winding shaft, - a means for transferring rotation from the first winding shaft to the second winding shaft, - at least one connecting device comprising on the one hand a first end fixed to a second edge of the curtain, opposite the first edge fixed to the first winding shaft, and on the other hand a second end, opposite the first end and fixed to the second winding shaft, the connecting device being stretched between the second winding shaft and the second edge of the curtain and being configured to be wound and unwound around said second winding shaft when the curtain passes from one position to another.
[0007] Thanks to such an arrangement of the winding shafts and the rotation transfer means between these winding shafts within the closing device and thanks to the tension generated by the connecting device on the curtain, the risk of swaying or twisting said curtain during its movement between the open position and the closed position is greatly reduced. Tensioning the curtain in this way makes it possible to guide it in its translation while limiting the risk of forming gathers or folds. The connecting device then makes it possible to avoid possible jamming of the curtain which can potentially damage the air inlet closing device. The tension exerted by the connecting device on the curtain also makes it possible to obtain optimal coverage of the passage opening when said curtain reaches its closed position.
[0008] The invention may further comprise one or more of the following aspects taken alone or in combination:
[0009] - the device comprises at least one movable stopper moving simultaneously with the curtain,
[0010] - the device comprises at least one first fixed stopper arranged on the frame support so that in the closed position of the curtain, the movable stopper comes into contact with said first fixed stopper,
[0011] - the device comprises at least one second fixed stopper arranged on the frame support so that in the open position of the curtain, the movable stopper comes into contact with said second fixed stopper,
[0012] - the movable stopper is arranged on the first end of the connecting device or on the second border of the curtain,
[0013] - the first fixed stopper is arranged on the support frame between the second shaft winding and passage opening,
[0014] - the second fixed stopper is arranged on the support frame between the first shaft winding and passage opening,
[0015] - the movable stopper, the first fixed stopper and the second fixed stopper are arranged in the same alignment, parallel to the side uprights of the support frame,
[0016] - the device comprises a first movable stopper arranged on the first end of the connecting device,
[0017] - the device comprises a second movable stopper arranged on the transfer means from the rotation of the first winding shaft to the second winding shaft,
[0018] - the first fixed stopper is arranged on the support frame between the second shaft winding and the passage opening, in alignment with the connecting device,
[0019] - the second fixed stopper is arranged on the frame between the first shaft winding and the passage opening, in alignment with said transfer means,
[0020] - the first end of the connecting device is fixed to the center of the second curtain border,
[0021] - the second end of the connecting device is fixed to a central section of the second winding shaft,
[0022] - the device comprises two connecting devices,
[0023] - these connecting devices are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis middle of the curtain,
[0024] - the median axis extends perpendicular to the first and second crosspieces of the support frame so as to pass through the center of said crosspieces,
[0025] - the means for transferring rotation from the first winding shaft to the second winding shaft comprises a toothed belt connecting said first and second winding shafts,
[0026] - the means for transferring rotation from the first winding shaft to the second winding shaft comprises a pinion disposed on each of the first and second winding shafts, said pinions being connected by a transmission chain.
[0027] The present invention also relates to a set of shutter devices comprising a first and a second shutter device arranged side by side, the first winding shaft of the first shutter device being connected to a drive device and the first winding shafts of the first and second shutter devices being connected to each other by a universal joint.
[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the movable stops of the closing devices of the assembly are respectively arranged on the first ends of the connecting devices or on the second edges of the curtains and the first fixed stop is arranged on the support frame of the first closing device and the second fixed stop is arranged on the support frame of the second closing device.
[0029] It is understood that all of the characteristics and configurations previously given are in no way limiting. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:
[0030] [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in side view, the front face of a motor vehicle comprising an air inlet closing device according to the invention as well as a cooling module;
[0031] [Fig.2a][Fig.2a] illustrates, in a schematic front view, an air inlet closing device according to a first embodiment where the curtain is in the open position;
[0032] [Fig.2b][Fig.2b] illustrates, in a schematic sectional view along plane AA, the device of [Fig.2a];
[0033] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3a] is a figure similar to [Fig.2a] where the curtain is in the closed position;
[0034] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] illustrates this same device in schematic view along the section plane AA of [Fig.3a];
[0035] [Fig.4][Fig.4] illustrates this same device in schematic view along the section plane BB of [Fig.3a];
[0036] [Fig.5][Fig.5] illustrates in a schematic front view, an air inlet closing device according to a second embodiment where the curtain is in the open position;
[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a figure similar to [Fig.5] where the curtain is in the closed position;
[0038] [Fig.7][Fig.7] illustrates, in a schematic front view, a set of air inlet closing devices comprising a first closing device and a second closing device where the curtains are in the open position;
[0039] [Fig.8][Fig.8] is a detailed view of the first shutter device of the assembly of [Fig.7] in which the curtain is in the open position;
[0040] [Fig.9][Fig.9] is a detailed view of the second shutter device of the assembly of [Fig.7] in which the curtain is in the open position;
[0041] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a figure similar to [Fig.7] where the curtains are in the closed position;
[0042] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a figure similar to [Fig.8] in which the curtain of the first shutter device is in the closed position;
[0043] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a figure similar to [Fig.9] in which the curtain of the second shutter device is in the closed position.
[0044] Identical elements in different figures bear the same references.
[0045] 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 characteristics apply only to a single embodiment. Single characteristics of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.
[0046] 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 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 such and such criteria.
[0047] [Fig.l] illustrates, in a side sectional view, an air inlet closure device 10 for an air flow F arranged at the front of a motor vehicle 1. The air flow F flows substantially parallel to a direction X which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 1. The air inlet closure device 10 is in particular arranged behind a grille 3 which equips the front face of the motor vehicle 1. A cooling module 5 which comprises at least one heat exchanger 7, 9 intended to be crossed by the air flow F entering the interior of the motor vehicle 1 via the grille 3 is also placed behind the latter. The heat exchanger(s) 7, 9 extend in planes parallel to those generated by the directions Y and Z of the XYZ trihedron. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the cooling module 5 comprises more precisely two heat exchangers 7 and 9 which are arranged on either side of the closing device 10 along the axis X.
[0048] The cooling module 5 comprises for example an upstream heat exchanger 7 in the direction of circulation of the air flow F (located on the left in [Fig.l]) and a downstream heat exchanger 9 (located on the right in [Fig.l]) arranged in series along the longitudinal axis X of the motor vehicle 1. In this particular arrangement, it is the upstream heat exchanger 7 which is crossed first by the air flow F and the downstream heat exchanger 9 second.
[0049] The upstream heat exchanger 7 is, for example, a cooling radiator, called low temperature, which is used to cool a coolant of a heat exchange loop, called low temperature, and which comprises, in particular, an air conditioning condenser and / or a charge air cooler. The downstream heat exchanger 9 is, for example, a high temperature cooling radiator intended to cool a coolant of a heat exchange loop comprising a vehicle engine. The air which passes through this downstream exchanger 9 cools the engine coolant.
[0050] As shown for example in [Fig.2a], the air inlet closing device 10 comprises a support frame 13 configured to serve as a support for a curtain 15. The support frame 13 more precisely comprises a first crosspiece 17 and a second crosspiece 19 opposite the first crosspiece 17. In the mounted state, the first crosspiece 17 and the second crosspiece 19 are parallel to each other and oriented substantially horizontally along the width of the vehicle. In Figures 2a and 3a, the first crosspiece 17 and the second crosspiece 19 are oriented along the Y direction.
[0051] The support frame 13 also comprises two lateral uprights 21, 22 which extend between the ends of the first crosspiece 17 and the second crosspiece 19 of the support frame 13 so as to define at least one passage opening intended to be used by the air flow F passing through the grille 3 of the front face of the motor vehicle 1. The two lateral uprights 21, 22 are oriented substantially vertically in the direction Z.
[0052] The support frame 13 of the air inlet closure device 10 is in particular rigid, it is for example made of plastic. The first and second crosspieces 17 and 19 as well as the lateral uprights 21 and 22 are in particular obtained by injection molding. In order to improve the rigidity of said support frame 13, the latter can be molded in a single piece.
[0053] The support frame 13 serves as a support for a curtain 15 movable between a closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b) in which the curtain 15 at least partially covers the passage opening defined by the extent of the support frame 13 and an open position (illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b) in which said curtain 15 allows the incoming air flow F to pass through the passage opening.
[0054] The curtain 15 comprises a first edge 31 fixed to a first winding shaft 23 extending on the support frame 13 along one of the sides of the passage opening. The curtain 15 also comprises a second edge 32 opposite its first edge 31. The second edge 32 of the curtain 15 can be secured to a rod 34 which can in particular stiffen said second edge 32. The ends of the rod 34 can also be arranged in rails arranged on the lateral uprights 21 and 22 of the frame 13. The rod 34 thus makes it possible to hold the curtain 15 against the support frame 13 and to guide the curtain 15 in its movement between its open position and its closed position.
[0055] The curtain 15 can in particular be obtained by cutting. It is for example made from a flexible material, such as a glass fiber-based canvas covered with a waterproof and water-repellent coating.
[0056] The curtain 15 may in particular be in the form of a rectangular or trapezoidal canvas. The dimensions of the curtain 15 correspond generally to those of the support frame 13. In all of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 11, the lengths of the first 31 and second 32 edges of the curtain 15 correspond approximately and respectively to the length of the first crosspiece 17 and that of the second crosspiece 19. The spacing between the first 31 and the second 32 edges of the curtain 15 is in particular greater than or equal to the distance separating the first 17 and the second crosspiece 19 in the direction of closing and opening of the curtain 15.
[0057] In the case of figures 2a to 6, the first winding shaft 23 is arranged at the level of the first crosspiece 17 of the support frame 13. The first winding shaft 23 also extends parallel to the first crosspiece 17.
[0058] The closure device 10 also comprises a second winding shaft 25 extending on the support frame 13, along one side of the passage opening opposite that carrying the first winding shaft 23. In the case of FIGS. 2a to 6, the second winding shaft 25 is arranged at the level of the second crosspiece 19 of the support frame 13. The second winding shaft 25 also extends parallel to the second crosspiece 19 of the support frame 13.
[0059] The first 23 and the second 25 winding shafts are therefore parallel to each other. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 6, the first winding shaft 23 is arranged above the second winding shaft 25. In other words, the first winding shaft 23 is closer to the roof of the motor vehicle 1 while the second winding shaft 25 is closer to the underbody of the motor vehicle 1.
[0060] The first 23 and the second 25 winding shafts are each connected to the support frame 13 by bearings 27 so as to be able to rotate around a winding axis A1, A2 specific to each winding shaft 23 or 25. These winding axes A1, A2 are preferably parallel to the first 17 and second 19 crosspieces of the support frame 13.
[0061] The first winding shaft 23 to which the first edge 31 of the curtain is fixed 15 is connected to a drive device 38 (visible in [Fig.2a]) so as to wind the curtain 15 around said first winding shaft 23 to bring it into the open position and so as to unwind the curtain 15 to bring it into the closed position. This drive device 38 cooperates for example with an electric actuator 39 fixed to the support frame 13 and connected to the first winding shaft 23 by a gear system (visible in [Fig.4]).
[0062] The closure device 10 also comprises a means 40 for transferring the rotation of the first winding shaft 23 to the second winding shaft 25. According to a first embodiment of the transfer means 40 illustrated more particularly in [Fig. 4], the latter may comprise a toothed belt connecting the first winding shaft 23 and the second winding shaft 25 via tension pulleys 36 arranged on the support frame 13. Thus, when the first winding shaft 23 is rotated by the drive device 38 under the effect of the actuator 39, the toothed belt of the transfer means 40 rotates the second winding shaft 25. The notches of this type of belt limit the risks of the latter slipping on the winding shafts 23 and / or 25 or on the tension pulleys 36 when these parts are rotating.Such a belt equipping the transfer means 40 is energy efficient and efficiently transmits the movement without generating excessive noise.
[0063] According to a second embodiment (not shown) of the transfer means 40, the latter may comprise at least one pinion arranged on each of the first and second winding shafts 23 and 25. Said pinions are connected by a transmission chain so that when the first winding shaft 23 is driven in rotation by the drive device 38, the assembly formed by the pinions and the chain drives the second winding shaft 25 in rotation. This embodiment is advantageously distinguished from the previous embodiment by its long service life.
[0064] Thus, when the curtain 15 is wound around the first winding shaft 23, this corresponds to its open position and the air flow F can circulate through the passage opening to reach the heat exchangers 7, 9 of the cooling module 5 arranged behind the grille 3. Winding the curtain 15 around the first winding shaft 23 with which it is associated allows it to be stored in a simple and compact manner when it is in its open position.
[0065] When the curtain 15 is unrolled (figures 3a and 3b), it extends between the first 17 and the second crosspiece 19 of the support frame 13 in the direction of closing and opening of the curtain 15, thus obstructing the air flow F and thus closing the passage opening. This then corresponds to its closed position.
[0066] The closure device 10 further comprises at least one connecting device 33. This connecting device 33 comprises a first end 35 fixed to the second edge 32 of the curtain 15 and a second end 37, opposite the first end 35, said second end 37 being fixed to the second winding shaft 25.
[0067] The connecting device 33 has, for example, an elongated shape, its thickness and its width are much less than its length. The length of the connecting device 33 is substantially equal to the length of the curtain 15 measured in the direction of closing and opening of the curtain 15. The connecting device 33 may be in the form of a strap, a thong, a rope or even a cable.
[0068] According to one embodiment of the connecting device 33, the latter can be fixed to the curtain 15 by a fixing, for example a seam, glue, welding, or any other means of attachment.
[0069] The connecting device 33 is in particular configured to be wound and unwound around the second winding shaft 25 when the curtain 15 passes from one position to another. Winding the connecting device 33 around the second winding shaft 25 when the curtain 15 is in the closed position makes it possible to store the connecting device 33 in a compact manner while limiting the risks of twisting and / or damaging it.
[0070] The connecting device 33 is more particularly mounted taut between the curtain 15 and the second winding shaft 25 so as to exert tension on the curtain 15, thus preventing the latter from swaying during its movement from one position to another. Tensioning the curtain 15 in this way makes it possible to guide it in its translation while limiting the risk of forming gathers or folds. This also makes it possible to avoid possible jamming of the curtain 15 which can potentially damage it and also block the air flow F and consequently cause a cooling defect at the level of the heat exchanger(s) 9, 7 arranged within the cooling module 5.
[0071] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 2a to 6, the closing device 10 comprises a single connecting device 33 whose first end 35 is fixed to the center of the second edge 32 of the curtain 15. Similarly, the second end 37 of the connecting device 33 is configured to be wound and unwound around a central section of the second winding shaft 25. The connecting device 33 thus extends perpendicular to the first 17 and second 19 crosspieces of the support frame 13. In this position, the connecting device 33 divides the passage opening delimited by the crosspieces 17, 19 and the lateral uprights 21, 22 of the support frame 13 into two halves. Positioning the connecting device 33 in this way balances the tension exerted on the curtain 15 and maximizes its effect to counter any possible swaying.
[0072] It is possible to imagine another embodiment (not shown) in which the The shutter device 10 comprises several connecting devices 33 which are arranged such that the tension they exert on the curtain 15 is balanced. In particular, an embodiment can be imagined in which the shutter device 10 comprises two connecting devices 33 which are distinct and parallel to each other. These two connecting devices 33 are thus arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis of the curtain 15, this median axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second crosspieces 17, 19 of the support frame 13 so as to pass through the center of said crosspieces 17, 19. The median axis can in particular be included in the section plane AA indicated in [Fig.2a].
[0073] In the event of a failure of the opening system grouping together, among other things, the drive device 39, the actuator 39 and the transfer means 40 connecting the first 23 and the second winding shaft 25, the movement of the curtain 15 may be disturbed and thus impair the proper control of the degree of opening / closing of the passage opening, which may limit the circulation of the air flow F and negatively impact the performance of the heat exchangers 7, 9 juxtaposed with the closure device 10.
[0074] In order to determine whether the curtain 15 has reached the desired position at the end of its movement, it is appropriate to have a detection system making it possible to identify the open and closed positions of the curtain 15.
[0075] In this regard, the closure device 10 further comprises several fixed stops 41, 42 and at least one movable stop 43, 44. It more particularly comprises at least one movable stop 43, 44 moving simultaneously with the curtain 15, at least one first fixed stop 41 arranged on the support frame 13 so that in the closed position of the curtain 15, the movable stop 43 comes into contact with said first fixed stop 41 and at least one second fixed stop 42 arranged on the support frame 13 so that in the open position of the curtain 15, the movable stop 43, 44 comes into contact with said second fixed stop 42.
[0076] The fixed 41, 42 and mobile 43, 44 stops are for example plastic parts obtained by injection. The mobile stops 43, 44 can in particular come in one piece with the support frame 13. The fixed 41, 42 and mobile 43, 44 stops form protuberances which extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the curtain 15, 15a, 15b. In the example of figures 2b and 3b, the fixed 41, 42 and mobile 43 stops extend in particular in the direction X. Several locations can be envisaged for the fixed 41, 42 and mobile 43, 44 stops, these locations will be detailed in the description of the various embodiments of the closure device 10 presented in the rest of the text.
[0077] A first embodiment of the shutter device 10 is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the open position of the curtain 15, the latter is then wound around the first winding shaft 23. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the closed position of the curtain 15, the latter is then unrolled so as to be stretched between the first winding shaft 23 and the second winding shaft.
[0078] According to this first embodiment of the closure device 10, the at least one movable stopper 43 is arranged on the first end 35 of the connecting device 33 so as to be moved simultaneously therewith. Alternatively, the at least one movable stopper 43 may also be arranged on the second edge 32 of the curtain 15. Thus, when the connecting device 33 or the curtain 15 is wound / unwound, it drives the movable stopper 43 in a translational movement along the direction Z which corresponds to the winding and unwinding direction of the curtain 15.
[0079] The first fixed stopper 41 is arranged on the support frame 13 between the second winding shaft 25 and the passage opening, for example in the center of the second crosspiece 19, close to the attachment point between the second end 37 of the connecting device 33 and the second winding shaft 25, so that in the closed position of the curtain 15 (Figures 3a and 3b), the movable stopper 43 comes into contact with said first fixed stopper 41. The contact between the movable stopper 43 and the first fixed stopper 41 marks both the closed position of the curtain 15 and the end of its translational movement. In other words, when the movable stopper 43 comes into contact with the first fixed stopper 41, the curtain 15 has reached its closed position and the drive device 38 stops rotating the winding shaft 23 to which it is attached.The drive device 38 and more particularly the actuator 39 detects the contact between the movable stopper 43 and the first fixed stopper 41, for example, by detecting the increase in the resistance to rotation, in particular by an increase in the electrical resistance of the actuator 39.
[0080] Similarly, the second fixed stopper 42 is arranged on the support frame 13 between the first winding shaft 23 and the passage opening, for example in the center of the first crosspiece 17, so that in the open position of the curtain 15 (Figures 2a and 2b), the movable stopper 43 comes into contact with the second fixed stopper 42. The curtain 15 is then wound around the first winding shaft 23, the connecting device 33 is stretched between the second edge 32 of the curtain 15 and the second winding shaft 25 and the movable stopper 43 is in contact with the second fixed stopper 42.
[0081] The contact between the movable stopper 43 and the second fixed stopper 42 marks both the open position of the curtain 15 and the end of its translational movement. In other words, when the movable stopper 43 comes into contact with the second fixed stopper 42, the drive device 38 stops rotating the winding shaft 23 to which it is attached. As previously, the drive device 38 and more particularly the actuator 39 detects the contact between the movable stopper 43 and the second fixed stopper 42, for example, by detecting the increase in the resistance to rotation, in particular by an increase in the electrical resistance of the actuator 39. In this open position of the curtain 15, the air flow F can circulate through the clear passage opening.
[0082] In this first embodiment of the closure device 10, the movable stopper 43, the first fixed stopper 41 and the second fixed stopper 42 are arranged in the same alignment, parallel to the lateral uprights 21 and 22 of the support frame 13.
[0083] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the closing device 10 comprises two movable stops 43 and 44. In this second embodiment, the first movable stop 43 is arranged on the first end 35 of the connecting device 33 or on the second edge 32 of the curtain 15. When the curtain 15 is wound around the first winding shaft 23 so as to reach its open position ([Fig. 5]), the first movable stop 43 is closer to the first winding shaft 23 than to the second winding shaft 25. Conversely, when the curtain 15 is unwound so as to reach its closed position ([Fig. 6]), the first movable stop 43 is closer to the second winding shaft 25 than to the first winding shaft 23.
[0084] In order to allow contact between the first movable stopper 43 and the first fixed stopper 41 when the curtain 15 reaches its closed position ([Fig.6]), the first fixed stopper 41 is arranged on the support frame 13 between the second winding shaft 25 and the passage opening and in particular close to the attachment point between the second end 37 of the connecting device 33 and the second winding shaft 25.
[0085] Thus, the closed position of the curtain 15 ([Fig.6]) is detected when the first movable stopper 43 arranged on the first end 35 of the connecting device 33 or on the second edge 32 of the curtain 15 comes into contact with the first fixed stopper 41 arranged on the second crosspiece 19 of the support frame 13.
[0086] The second movable stopper 44 is arranged on the transfer means 40 of the rotation of the first winding shaft 23 to the second winding shaft 25. The second movable stopper 44 is then caused to be moved simultaneously with the transfer means 40. Thus, when the transfer means 40 is in motion, it drives the second movable stopper 44 in a translational movement along the direction Z which corresponds to the direction of winding and unwinding of the curtain 15. In other words, when the curtain 15 is unwound in its closed position ([Fig. 6]), the second movable stopper 44 is closer to the second winding shaft 25 than to the first winding shaft 23. Conversely, when the curtain 15 is wound so as to reach its open position ([Fig. 5]), the second movable stopper 44 is closer to the first winding shaft 23 than to the second winding shaft 25.
[0087] The second fixed stopper 42 is arranged on the support frame 13 between the first winding shaft 23 and the passage opening, in alignment with said transfer means 40. The second fixed stopper 42 is for example arranged on the lateral upright 22 of the support frame 13 located on the side of the drive device 39 connected to the first winding shaft 23. The second fixed stopper 42 is therefore no longer arranged in alignment with the connecting device 33 and is therefore no longer located above the first fixed stopper 41 in the direction of closing and opening of the curtain 15, but below the drive device 39, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. This allows the second movable stopper 44 to come into contact with the second fixed stopper 42 when the curtain 15 reaches its open position ([Fig.5]).
[0088] In this second embodiment, the open position of the curtain 15 ([Fig.5]) is detected when the second movable stopper 44 arranged on the transfer means 40 comes into contact with the second fixed stopper 42 arranged on the lateral crosspiece 22 near which said transfer means 40 extends.
[0089] Thus, the detection of the open position is achieved by the second movable stopper 44 coming into contact with the second fixed stopper 42, these two stops 42 and 44 being located in a zone contiguous to the transfer means 40 while the detection of the closed position is achieved by the cooperation between the first fixed stopper 41 and the first movable stopper 43 which are both located in alignment with the connecting device 33. Distributing the fixed stops 41, 42 and movable stops 43, 44 in this way in two distinct zones of the closing device 10 makes it possible to have at least one detection means for one of the two extreme positions of the curtain 15 in the case where the connecting device 33 breaks.
[0090] In Figures 7 to 12 is illustrated an assembly which comprises a first shutter device 10, similar to that described previously, and a second shutter device 10'. In the case of Figures 7 and 10, the first shutter device 10 is the one on the left and the second shutter device 10' is the one on the right. The first shutter device 10 is shown in detail in Figures 8 (with the curtain 15 in the open position) and in [Fig. 11] (with the curtain 15 in the closed position). The second shutter device 10' is shown in detail in Figures 9 (with the curtain 15' in the open position) and in [Fig. 12] (with the curtain 15' in the closed position).
[0091] The second shutter device 10' is similar to the first shutter device 10 except that the drive device of the second shutter device is not an actuator but a gimbal 45 connecting one end of the first winding shaft 23 of the first device 10 to one end of the first winding shaft 23' of the second device 10', as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10. This gimbal 45 is configured to allow simultaneous movement of the curtains 15 and 15' at the same speed. More precisely, the gimbal 45 allows the first winding shafts 23 and 23' to be rotated in a synchronized manner and the curtains 15 and 15' to be moved simultaneously from their closed position to their open position or vice versa.
[0092] Within the assembly with two closing devices 10, 10', each connecting device 33, 33' may also comprise a movable stopper 43, 43' arranged on its first end 35 or 35' or on the second edge 32 or 32' of the curtain 15 or 15' so as to be moved simultaneously with the latter. In the assembly illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, the first closure device 10 comprises a first fixed stopper 41 and a first movable stopper 43. The first movable stopper 43 of the first closure device 10 is arranged on the first end 35 of the connecting device 33 or on the second edge 32 of its curtain 15 while the first fixed stopper 41 of the first closure device 10 is arranged on its support frame 13 so that in the closed position of the curtains 15 and 15' (Figures 10 to 12), the first movable stopper 43 comes into contact with said first fixed stopper 41.
[0093] Similarly, the second closure device 10' comprises a second fixed stopper 42 and a second movable stopper 43'. The second movable stopper 43' of the second closure device 10' is arranged on the first end 35' of the connecting device 33' or on the second edge 32' of its curtain 15' while the second fixed stopper 42' of the second closure device 10' is arranged on its support frame 13' so that in the open position of the curtains 15 and 15' (Figures 7 to 9), the second movable stopper 43' comes into contact with the second fixed stopper 42'.
[0094] Thus, the detection of the open position (figures 7 to 9) is carried out at the second closure device 10' when the second movable stopper 43' comes into contact with the second fixed stopper 42' while the detection of the closed position (figures 10 to 12) is carried out at the first closure device 10 when the first movable stopper 43 comes into contact with the first fixed stopper 4L. Distributing the fixed stops 41, 42 and movable stops 43, 43' in this way on the two closure devices 10 and 10' makes it possible to have at least one detection means for one of the two extreme positions of the curtains 15, 15' in the case where one of the connecting devices 33 or 33' breaks.
[0095] It is obviously possible to interchange the pairs of fixed and movable stops 41, 43 and 42, 43' so that the detection of the open position carried out using the pair of fixed and movable stops 41, 43 is carried out at the first closure device 10 and the detection of the closed position carried out using the pair of fixed and movable stops 42, 43' is carried out at the second closure device 10'.
[0096] Generally speaking, bringing the movable stopper(s) 43, 43' into contact with the first and second fixed stops 41, 42 makes it possible to assess whether the translation of the curtain(s) 15, 15' during opening and closing is carried out properly or not. The fixed stops 41, 42 and movable stops 43, 43' thus make it possible to detect a possible failure in the system for opening the curtains 15, 15' and to raise the uncertainty about its operability, which can subsequently optimize the entry of the air flow F intended to pass through the heat exchanger(s) 7, 9 of the cooling module.
Claims
Claims
1. Device (10, 10') for closing an air inlet for a motor vehicle (1), this device comprising a support frame (13, 13') comprising a first (17, 17') and a second crosspiece (19, 19') parallel to each other and connected by lateral uprights (21, 22, 21', 22') so as to define at least one opening for the passage of an incoming air flow (F), said device (10, 10') comprising at least one curtain (15, 15') movable between a closed position in which the curtain (15, 15') at least partially covers the passage opening and an open position in which said curtain (15, 15') allows the incoming air flow (F) to pass through the passage opening, said curtain (15, 15') comprising a first edge (31, 31'), fixed to a first winding shaft (23, 23') extending on the support frame (13, 13') along one of the sides of the passage opening, the first winding shaft (23,23') being connected to a drive device (39) so as to wind the curtain (15, 15') around said first winding shaft (23, 23') to bring it into the open position and so as to unwind the curtain (15, 15') to bring it into the closed position, the device comprising:, - a second winding shaft (25, 25') extending on the support frame (13, 13') along one side of the passage opening opposite to that carrying the first winding shaft (23, 23'), - a means (40) for transferring the rotation of the first winding shaft (23, 23') to the second winding shaft (25, 25'), - at least one connecting device (40) comprising on the one hand a first end (35, 35') fixed to a second edge (32, 32') of the curtain (15, 15'), opposite to the first edge (31, 31') fixed to the first winding shaft (23, 23'), and on the other hand a second end (37, 37'), opposite to the first end (35, 35') and fixed to the second winding shaft (25, 25'), the connecting device (40) being stretched between the second winding shaft (25, 25') and the second edge (32, 32') of the curtain (15, 15') and being configured to be wound and unwound around said second winding shaft (25, 25') when the curtain (15,15') from one position to another, the device comprising:, - at least one movable stopper (43, 43') moving simultaneously with the curtain (15, 15'), - at least one first fixed stopper (41) arranged on the support frame (13, 13') so that in the closed position of the curtain (15, 15'), the movable stopper (43, 43') comes into contact with said first fixed stopper (41), - at least one second fixed stopper (42) arranged on the support frame (13, 13') so that in the open position of the curtain (15, 15'), the movable stopper (43, 43') comes into contact with said second fixed stopper (42), characterized in that the movable stopper (43) is arranged on the first end (35) of the connecting device (33) or on the second edge (32) of the curtain (15) and in that the first fixed stopper (41) is arranged on the support frame (13) between the second winding shaft (25) and the passage opening and in that the second fixed stopper (42) is arranged on the support frame (13) between the first winding shaft (23) and the passage opening and in that the movable stopper (43),the first fixed stop (41) and the second fixed stop (42) are arranged in the same alignment, parallel to the lateral uprights (21, 22) of the support frame (13).,
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - a first movable stopper (43) arranged on the first end (35) of the connecting device (33); - a second movable stopper (44) arranged on the transfer means (40) of the rotation of the first winding shaft (23) to the second winding shaft (25); and in that the first fixed stopper (41) is arranged on the support frame (13) between the second winding shaft (23) and the passage opening, in alignment with the connecting device (33) and in that the second fixed stopper (42) is arranged on the frame (13) between the first winding shaft (25) and the passage opening, in alignment with said transfer means (40).
3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first end (35) of the connecting device (39) is fixed to the center of the second edge (32) of the curtain (15) and in that the second end (37) of the connecting device (33) is fixed to a central section of the second winding shaft (25).
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises two connecting devices (33, 33') and in that these connecting devices (33, 33') are arranged symmetrically. relative to a median axis of the curtain (15, 15'), this median axis extending perpendicularly to the first and second crosspieces (17, 19; 17', 19') of the support frame (13, 13') so as to pass through the center of said crosspieces (17, 19; 17', 19').
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (40) for transferring the rotation of the first winding shaft (23, 23') to the second winding shaft (25, 25') comprises a toothed belt connecting said first (23, 23') and second winding shaft (25, 25').
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (40) for transferring the rotation of the first winding shaft (23, 23) to the second winding shaft (25, 25') comprises a pinion arranged on each of the first (23, 23') and second winding shafts (25, 25'), said pinions being connected by a transmission chain.
7. Set of closure devices comprising a first (10) and a second closure device (10') according to any one of the preceding claims arranged side by side, characterized in that the first winding shaft (23) of the first closure device (10) is connected to a drive device (39) and in that the first winding shafts (23, 23') of the first (10) and second closure devices (10') are connected to each other by a universal joint (45).
8. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable stops (43, 43') of the closing devices (10, 10') are respectively arranged on the first ends (35, 35') of the connecting devices (33, 33') or on the second edges (32, 32') of the curtains (15, 15') and in that the first fixed stop (41) is arranged on the support frame (13) of the first closing device (10) and in that the second fixed stop (42) is arranged on the support frame (13') of the second closing device (10').