Air duct made of two half-shells

Abstract

Air Duct Constructed in Two Half-Shells The present invention relates to an air duct (1) comprising a first half-shell (5) including at least one first interface region (15) and a second half-shell (10) including at least one second interface region (20), the first interface region(s) (15) extending opposite the second interface region(s) (20) along a contact direction (C). The first interface region(s) (15) is formed by a flat contact surface, the second half-shell (10) including at least one protrusion (30) projecting from the second interface region(s) (20), said protrusion (30) being applied to a portion of the flat contact surface to ensure the sealing of the duct (1) by contact between the protrusion (30) and the flat contact surface. Figure for the abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Air duct made of two half-shells

[0001] The present invention relates to an air duct of the type comprising a first half-shell and a second half-shell forming together a closed-section duct suitable for the circulation of a fluid, said duct extending along a principal axis, the first half-shell comprising at least one first interface region and the second half-shell comprising at least one second interface region, the first and second interface regions projecting outwards in a radial direction, substantially perpendicular to the principal axis, towards the outside of the duct, the first interface region(s) extending opposite the second interface region(s) in a contact direction. In the automotive field, air ducts are arranged inside a vehicle to form part of, for example, a temperature control system inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0002] These conduits are generally tubular and, due to their manufacturing process, are generally heavy.

[0003] Now, the heavier a vehicle is, the more energy it tends to consume.

[0004] In order to reduce the weight of vehicles, and in particular of conduits, a first solution is to reduce the thickness of the conduit walls.

[0005] For this purpose, it is known to assemble two half-shells forming a sealed conduit. The half-shells are, for example, formed by injection molding, as opposed to blow molding, which is usually used to manufacture hollow bodies.

[0006] This manufacturing process makes it possible on the one hand to reduce the thickness of the walls of the half-shells and thus to reduce the weight of the conduit, and on the other hand to form conduits of complex shape.

[0007] In order to form a sealed conduit, each half-shell has at least one interface region intended to be assembled with an interface region of the other half-shell.

[0008] The known interface regions have, for example, complementary shapes designed to fit together in order to keep the two half-shells assembled together and ensure the sealing of the conduit.

[0009] However, the interface regions of the current half-shells are not robust enough to meet the mechanical requirements of the conduits.

[0010] Moreover, the interface regions as they exist do not facilitate the assembly of the two half-shells to form the conduit.

[0011] Indeed, existing solutions lack, for example, means of guidance facilitating the assembly of the two half-shells intended to form a sealed conduit, particularly when the conduit has a complex shape.

[0012] Consequently, if the assembly is poorly executed and / or if the interface regions are not robust enough, air leaks from the duct may occur.

[0013] One of the aims of the invention is to provide an air duct, for example manufactured by an injection process instead of a blowing process, making it possible in particular to reduce the weight of the duct, while ensuring the sealing of the duct and facilitating its assembly.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to an air duct of the aforementioned type, in which the first or each first interface region is formed by a flat contact surface, the second half-shell comprising at least one protrusion projecting from the second or each second interface region, said protrusion being applied to a part of the flat contact surface in order to ensure the sealing of the duct by contact between the protrusion and the flat contact surface.

[0015] The sealing of the conduit being ensured by the contact between the protruding protuberance of the or each second interface region with the flat contact surface, there is no need to fit the first half-shell with the second half-shell by cooperation of complementary shapes.

[0016] The user therefore does not have to search for the interface regions of each half-shell and align them in order to correctly fit the half-shells together and ensure the duct is sealed. Thus, even when the duct has a complex shape, particularly when it extends along a non-straight axis, assembling the duct remains simple.

[0017] By simple contact between the contact surface and the protrusion, the passage of air out of the duct is prevented.

[0018] The assembly of the half-shells is then facilitated.

[0019] Furthermore, when the conduit is produced by an injection molding process, it is possible to integrate other features into the conduit (such as an electronic component interface, the addition of acoustic foam, etc.). Integrating such features into the conduit would be difficult to achieve with a blow molding process.

[0020] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the air duct comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0021] - the second half-shell comprises two protrusions projecting from the or each second interface region, said protuberances being applied to a part of the flat contact surface of the first half-shell, in order to ensure the sealing of the conduit by contact between the protuberances and the flat contact surface, the protuberances being spaced from each other in the radial direction;

[0022] - the first and second half-shells have a thickness, apart from the first and second interface regions, taken parallel to the radial direction, greater than 0.5 mm and / or the first and second half-shells have a thickness, at the level of the first and / or second interface regions, taken parallel to the radial direction, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm;

[0023] - the first and second half-hulls each comprise two regions interface extending outwards in the radial direction outwards from the conduit, said interface regions extending on both sides of the conduit;

[0024] - at least the second interface region comprises at least one fixing zone including a fixing tab extending outward from the second interface region along the contact direction, the fixing tab extending between a first end connected to the fixing area and a free end, opposite the first end along a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, the fixing tab being fixed to the first interface region;

[0025] - an opening for the passage of the fixing tab is provided in the or each part of the first interface region opposite the or each fixing area of ​​the second half-shell, the fixing tab passing through said opening to be fixed to the first interface region;

[0026] - the or each part of the first interface region opposite the or each area the fixing of the second half-shell includes a protruding element cooperating with the fixing tab in order to reversibly fix the first half-shell onto the second half-shell;

[0027] - the or each fixing zone includes a window extending at least opposite from the free end of the fixing tab;

[0028] - the or each part of the first interface region opposite the or each area the fixing of the second half-shell has a U or L shaped section, in a plane perpendicular to the main axis;

[0029] - the first half-hull comprises at least one reinforcing rib extending between the duct wall and the first interface region and / or the second half-shell includes at least one reinforcing rib extending between the duct wall and the second interface region.

[0030] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation, in cross-section along a plane transverse perpendicular to a main axis of the conduit, of a conduit according to the invention formed of two half-shells assembled along a contact direction;

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation along a transverse plane of an interface region of the duct of [Fig.1];

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a duct attachment region of the [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a mounting area of ​​a half-shell of the conduit of the [Fig.l];

[0035] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of part of the interface region of the other half-shell of the conduit of the [Fig.l];

[0036] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along a transverse plane of the region of fixing of the [Fig.3]; and

[0037] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the direction of contact of the fixation region of [Fig.3].

[0038] With reference to [Fig.1], a conduit 1 is described for the circulation of a fluid, more particularly for the circulation of air.

[0039] For example, the conduit 1 can be used in a passenger transport vehicle, for example to form part of a temperature control system inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0040] It is understood that such a conduit may be intended for the circulation of any fluid other than air.

[0041] The conduit 1 generally has a cylindrical shape with a closed contour, for example the conduit 1 has a circular, ovoid, polygonal or other cross-section.

[0042] The conduit 1 extends along a main axis, denoted P, shown in figures 3, 4, 5 and 7.

[0043] More specifically, the conduit 1 extends along the main axis P, between an inlet, through which the fluid enters the conduit 1 and at least one outlet, through which the fluid exits the conduit 1.

[0044] In the example shown, the conduit 1 extends along a principal axis P that is substantially straight.

[0045] Alternatively, the main axis P of the conduit is curved.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the main axis P includes changes of direction so as to include components in three dimensions.

[0047] For example, conduit 1 is an angled conduit, having a cross-section, in a plane containing the principal axis P, in the shape of an L, a U, an S or a Z.

[0048] In all that follows, the terms "transverse" and "transverse" denote an axis, or plane, perpendicular to the principal axis P, and the term "radial" denotes an axis perpendicular to the principal axis P and intersecting a central principal axis, denoted O in [Fig. 1].

[0049] With reference to [Fig.1], the conduit 1 is formed by the assembly of a first half-shell 5 and a second half-shell 10. The first half-shell 5 and the second half-shell 10 have, when assembled, a closed section around the main axis P.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7 represent the first and second half-shells 5, 10 in an assembled position, forming the conduit 1.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 represent the half-shells 5, 10 individually, in a disassembled position.

[0052] The first and second half-shells 5, 10 each extend along the main axis P.

[0053] When the conduit 1 has a rounded contour, the first and second half-shells 5, 10 each have a wall 6, 7 extending, respectively, between a first peripheral edge 5A, 10A and a second peripheral edge 5B, 10B, as shown in [Fig.1].

[0054] The wall 6 of the first half-shell 5 extends from the peripheral edge 5A to the peripheral edge 5B, between an inner face 6A and an outer face 6B, opposite the inner face 6A in a radial direction.

[0055] The wall 7 of the second half-shell 10 extends from the peripheral edge 10A to the peripheral edge 10B, between an inner face 7A and an outer face 7B, opposite the inner face 7A in a radial direction.

[0056] The internal walls 6A, 7A together form an internal wall of the conduit 1, intended to come into contact with a fluid circulating in the conduit 1.

[0057] The external walls 6B, 7B together form an external wall of the conduit 1.

[0058] For example, walls 6, 7 have a semi-circular, semi-polygonal cross-section or even semi-ovoid.

[0059] It is understood that the first half-shell 5 has a geometry compatible with the second half-shell 10 in order to form the closed section conduit 1.

[0060] By "compatible geometry", it is understood that the walls of the half-shells 5, 10 define between them a closed volume outside the inlets and outlets of the conduit 1.

[0061] In particular, the shape and dimensions of the first half-shell 5 are adapted to those of the second half-shell 10 to form the closed section conduit 1.

[0062] The first and second half-shells 5, 10 are for example manufactured by injection molding.

[0063] The first and second half-shells 5, 10 are for example made of a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene or polyamide.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first half-shell 5 and the second half-shell 10 are made of the same material. Alternatively, the first and second half-shells may be made of two different materials.

[0065] The first half-shell 5 comprises at least one first interface region 15.

[0066] Similarly, the second half-shell 10 comprises at least a second interface region 20.

[0067] The first and second interface regions 15, 20 extend, for example, in a projecting manner along a radial direction R, outwards from conduit 1.

[0068] Each interface region 15, 20 extends along the entire length of a peripheral edge 5A, 5B, 10A, 10B of the first and second half-shells 5, 10, taken along the main axis P.

[0069] Each interface region 15, 20 extends in an interface plane defined by the radial direction R and by the direction of the principal axis P.

[0070] In addition, each first interface region 15 is intended to come into contact, according to a contact direction, denoted C, and represented for example in figures 1 to 3, with a second interface region 20.

[0071] The contact direction C is in particular perpendicular to the interface plane.

[0072] The first and second interface regions 15, 20 extend for example in projection along the radial direction R, over a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0073] The first interface region or each first interface region 15 extends opposite the second interface region or each second interface region 20 along the contact direction C.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first and second half-shells 5, 10 have a thickness, outside the first and second interface regions 15, 20, measured along a radial direction R, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0075] In this same embodiment, the first and second half-shells 5, 10 have a thickness, at the level of the first and / or second interface regions 15, 20, measured along the radial direction R passing through these interface regions, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the first and second half-shells 5, 10 each comprise two interface regions 15, 20 extending in projection along the radial direction R outwards from the conduit 1.

[0077] In the example, the first and second interface regions 15, 20 extend on either side of the conduit 1.

[0078] In the example of [Fig.1], the first interface regions 15 are distributed over the circumference of the first half-shell 5, for example diametrically opposite each other, with respect to the central axis O of the conduit 1, one of the first interface regions 15 extending along the peripheral edge 5A, the other of the first interface regions 15 extending along the peripheral edge 5B.

[0079] Similarly, the second interface regions 20 are distributed over the circumference of the second half-shell 10, for example diametrically opposite each other, with respect to the central axis O of the conduit 1, one of the second interface regions 20 extending along the peripheral edge 10A, the other of the second interface regions 20 extending along the peripheral edge 10B.

[0080] With reference to [Fig.2], interface regions 15, 20 will now be described in more detail.

[0081] Each first interface region 15 is formed by a planar contact surface 25.

[0082] The contact surface 25 extends over a plane containing the principal axis P and the radial direction R of extension of the interface regions 15, 20.

[0083] By "plane contact surface", it is understood that when the second interface region 20 is in contact with the first interface region 15, that is to say when the first half-shell 5 is assembled with the second half-shell 10 in order to form the conduit 1, the surface 25 forming the contact between the first and second interface regions 15, 20 is planar.

[0084] In other words, the first interface regions 15 do not have any particular geometry configured so that when the first half-shell 5 is assembled with the second half-shell 10 to form the conduit 1, the second interface region 20 is fitted into the first interface region 15.

[0085] Each second interface region 20 is formed by a planar portion 28, as can be seen for example in figures 2 to 4.

[0086] The or each planar portion 28 extends on a plane containing the principal axis P and the radial direction R of extension of the interface regions 15, 20.

[0087] For example, the or each flat portion 28 extends parallel to the or each opposite flat contact surface 25, along the contact direction C.

[0088] As seen in [Fig.2], the second half-shell 10 includes at least one protrusion 30 extending outward from the or each second interface region 20 toward the first interface region 15. More particularly, the protrusion 30 extends outward from the flat portion 28.

[0089] For example, the protrusion 30 extends outward from the or each second interface region 20 along the contact direction C, and has, for example, but not limited to, the shape of a bump having a semi-circular section.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the protrusion 30 extends outward from the or each flat portion 28, along the contact direction C, by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0091] Each protrusion 30 is applied to a part of the flat contact surface 25 in order to ensure the sealing of the conduit 1 by contact between the protrusion 30 and the flat contact surface 25.

[0092] Thus, the protuberances 30 keep the or each flat portion 28 away from the or each flat contact surface 25 opposite, according to the contact direction C.

[0093] For this purpose, each protuberance 30 extends outward from the flat portion 28 of the or each second interface region 20, over the entire length, taken along the principal axis P, of the second half-shell 10.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the second half-shell 10 includes two protrusions 30 projecting from the flat portion 28 of the or each second interface region 20.

[0095] The protrusions 30 are then applied to a part of the flat contact surface 25 of the first half-shell 5, in order to ensure the sealing of the conduit 1 by contact between the protrusions 30 and the flat contact surface 25.

[0096] In this embodiment, the two protuberances 30 are spaced apart from each other along the radial direction R, and extend, for example, on either side of the flat portion 28 along the radial direction R.

[0097] More specifically, in the example shown, the second half-shell 10 includes a first protrusion 30 extending at the end 10A projecting from the flat portion 28 towards the first interface region 15, and a second protrusion 30 extending at the end of the second interface region 20 along the radial direction R, projecting from the flat portion 28 towards the first interface region 15.

[0098] In an alternative, not shown, the second half-shell 10 includes more than two protrusions 30 projecting from the flat portion 28, each protrusion 30 being applied to a part of the flat contact surface 25 of the first half-shell 5, in order to ensure the sealing of the conduit 1 by contact between the protrusions 30 and the flat contact surface 25.

[0099] According to one embodiment, at least the second interface region 20 includes at least one fixing area 35 comprising a fixing tab 40 extending outward from the second interface region 20 in the contact direction C.

[0100] In the example shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, only the second interface region 20 includes at least one fixing zone 35.

[0101] For example, the second interface region 20 comprises a plurality of fixation zones 35 spaced apart from each other along the main axis P, by a distance of between 1 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 8 cm.

[0102] Between each fixation zone 35 the second interface region 20 is then as described above, with reference to [Fig.2].

[0103] The or each fixing zone 35 has a length, taken along the main axis P, for example greater than or equal to 10 mm.

[0104] Each fixing zone 35 is located opposite a part of the first interface region 15, according to the contact direction C.

[0105] The fixing tab 40 extends between a first end 40A linked to the fixing area 35 and a free end 40B, opposite the first end 40A in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction R.

[0106] More specifically, the first end 40A is linked to the planar portion 28 of the second interface region 20.

[0107] For example, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7, the longitudinal direction coincides with the main axis P.

[0108] Alternatively, the longitudinal direction forms a non-zero angle with the principal axis P, in a plane perpendicular to the radial direction R.

[0109] This angle is advantageously chosen according to the main axis P, that is to say according to the geometry of the conduit 1, straight or curved.

[0110] For example, when the conduit 1 is of angled shape, having a curved principal axis P, more precisely making an angle of about 90°, the longitudinal direction can be chosen so as to form an angle substantially equal to 45° with each straight portion of the principal axis P, in a plane containing each straight portion of the principal axis P, so as to accommodate the different directions of extension of the conduit 1 and to simplify the injection molding of the half-shells 5, 10.

[0111] In general, the longitudinal direction can be chosen in an optimized manner for each type of conduit, straight, curved, winding, etc...

[0112] The free end 40B of the fixing tab 40 extends away from the fixing area 35 along the contact direction C.

[0113] When the first half-shell 5 is assembled with the second half-shell 10, the fixing tab 40 is fixed to the first interface region 15.

[0114] The or each fixing tab 40 is advantageously made of material with the second half-shell 10.

[0115] The or each fixing tab 40 comprises an inner face 41 and an outer face 42 opposite the inner face 41 along the contact direction C.

[0116] The inner face 41 extends substantially parallel to the second interface region 20.

[0117] The inner face 41 extends between the second interface region 20 and the outer face 42.

[0118] The outer face 42 extends substantially parallel to the inner face 4L

[0119] The free end 40B extends the internal face 41 and external face 42 in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and with respect to the contact direction C, in a plane containing the longitudinal direction and the contact direction C.

[0120] The or each fixing zone 35 includes a window 44, visible in figures 4 and 7, extending at least opposite the free end 40B of the fixing tab 40.

[0121] The or each window 44 is for example a rectangular through window extending into the second interface region 15.

[0122] The term "through" means that the window 44 starts from the flat portion 28 and emerges on the other side of the fixing zone 35 by passing through the thickness, taken along the contact direction C, of ​​the fixing zone 35.

[0123] The window or each window 44 has a length, taken along the main axis P, for example greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0124] In the embodiment shown, the window 44 extends at least in relation to the inner face 41 and the free end 40B.

[0125] In other words, the window 44 extends in relation to the fixing tab 40, except where the fixing tab 40 is linked to the fixing area 35, i.e. at its end 40A.

[0126] Thus, the window 44 present on the second interface region 20 simplifies the manufacture, in particular the demolding, of the second half-shell 10 and thus makes it possible to minimize production costs.

[0127] More particularly, the presence of such a window 44 makes it possible to produce the second half-shell 10 by injection molding without using a movable drawer in order to demold the fixing tab 40.

[0128] A passage opening 45, visible in figures 5 and 7, of the fixing tab 40 is provided in the or each part of the first interface region 15 opposite the or each fixing area 35 of the second half-shell 10.

[0129] The or each passage opening 45 is for example a rectangular through window extending into the first interface region 15.

[0130] By "through" means that the passage opening 45 starts from the flat contact surface 25 and opens on the other side of the first interface region 15 by passing through the thickness, according to the contact direction C. When the first half-shell 5 is assembled with the second half-shell 10, the fixing tab 40 passes through the passage opening 45 and is fixed to the first interface region 15, through the passage opening 45.

[0131] In one embodiment, the or each part of the first interface region 15 opposite the or each attachment zone 35 of the second half-shell 10 has a U or L shaped section, in a plane perpendicular to the main axis P.

[0132] In other words, and with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the or each part of the first interface region 15 opposite the or each fixing area 35 has a first branch 47 extending in projection along the radial direction R, substantially perpendicular to the main axis P, outwards from the conduit 1, and a second branch 48 extending the first branch 47 in projection along the contact direction C.

[0133] In one embodiment, and in order to robustly maintain the first half-shell 5 assembled with the second half-shell 10, the or each part of the first interface region 15 opposite the or each fixing area 35 of the second half-shell 10 comprises a protruding element 50, visible on the [Fig.7], cooperating with the fixing tab 40.

[0134] For this purpose, the free end 40B of the fixing tab 40 includes a boss 55 projecting from the inner face 41 towards the second interface region 20.

[0135] Advantageously, the or each fixing tab 40 is elastically deformable between a first position, in which the free end 40B is located at a first distance from the second interface region 20 along the contact direction C, and a second position in which the free end 40B is located at a second distance from the second interface region 20 along the contact direction C, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0136] This feature allows the boss 55, when a user translates one of the first or second half-shells 5, 10 along the main axis P, to be engaged against the protruding element 50.

[0137] Moreover, as shown in [Fig.7], a part of the fixing lug 40 then comes to rest against one end of the passage opening 45.

[0138] Thus, the cooperation of the boss 55 with the protruding element 50, and of the fixing tab 40 with the passage opening 45, blocks any translational movement along the main axis P of the fixing tab 40, and more generally of the second half-shell 10 respectively to the first half-shell 5.

[0139] In addition, the elasticity of the fixing tab 40 allows it to return to its initial position when the two half-shells 5, 10 are disassembled from each other.

[0140] Thus, this feature facilitates on the one hand the assembly, but also the disassembly and allows to carry out cycles of assembly and disassembly without generating a residual deformation which would alter the fixing system of the half-shells 5, 10.

[0141] In addition, the engagement of the fixing tab 40 in the passage opening 45 reinforces the assembly along the radial direction R of the first and second half-shells 5, 10.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first half-shell 5 includes at least one reinforcing rib 60 extending between the outer wall of the conduit 1 and the first interface region 15 and / or the second half-shell 10 includes at least one reinforcing rib 65 extending between the outer wall of the conduit 1 and the second interface region 20.

[0143] More specifically, the first half-shell 5 comprises at least one reinforcing rib 60 extending between the outer face 6B of the wall 6 and the first interface region 15, and the second half-shell 10 comprises at least one reinforcing rib 65 extending between the outer face 7B of the wall 7 and the second interface region 20

[0144] These reinforcing ribs 60, 65 support the geometry of the interface regions 15, 20 in order to reinforce the structure and prevent any permanent deformation of each interface region 15, 20.

[0145] Ribs 60, 65 are of even greater interest when the or each part of the first interface region 15 opposite the or each attachment zone 35 of the second half-shell 10 has a U or L shaped section as described above.

[0146] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the interface regions 15, 20, outside the fixing areas 35 and parts of the first interface region 15 opposite the fixing areas 35, do not necessarily have reinforcing ribs 60, 65.

[0147] Alternatively, the reinforcing ribs 60, 65 extend regularly along the entire length of the interface regions 15, 20, taken along the main axis P.

[0148] By "regularly", it is meant that the reinforcing ribs 60, 65 are arranged along the interface regions 15, 20 in a spaced manner so as to frame, along the main axis P, the fixing areas 35.

[0149] For example, the reinforcing ribs 60, 65 can be spaced apart from each other along the main axis P, by a distance greater than or equal to the spacing along the main axis P of the fixing zones 35 between each other.

[0150] Ribs 60, 65 for example have a thickness, taken along the main axis P, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0151] A method for assembling such a conduit 1 will now be described.

[0152] A user initially has the first half-shell 5 and the second half-shell 10. The user brings the first half-shell 5 into contact with the second half-shell 10 by bringing them close together so that the edges 5A, 5B of the first half-shell 5 come into contact with the edges 10A, 10B of the second half-shell 10.

[0153] Thus, the first interface region or each first interface region 15 is located opposite the second interface region or each second interface region 20, according to the contact direction C.

[0154] In order to form the sealed conduit 1, the user places the passage opening or each opening 45 opposite the fixing area or each fixing area 35.

[0155] By a movement along the contact direction C, the user passes the fixing tab 40 into the passage opening 45 provided for this purpose.

[0156] The protuberance or each protuberance 30 of the second interface region 20 is then in contact with the flat contact surface 25 of the first half-shell 5.

[0157] The conduit 1 thus formed is then a conduit with a closed section, the sealing of which is ensured by the contact between the or each protrusion 30 and the or each flat contact surface 25.

[0158] In order to robustly maintain the first half-shell 5 fixed to the second half-shell 10, the user translates one of the half-shells 5, 10 along the principal axis P of way of engaging the boss 55 of the fixing lug 40 against the element 50.

[0159] By elastic deformation of the fixing tab 40, it passes from the first position in which the free end 40B is located at a first distance from the second interface region 20 along the contact direction C, to the second position in which the free end 40B is located at a second distance from the second interface region 20 along the contact direction C, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0160] Once the boss 55 is engaged against the protruding element 50, the movement of the half-shells 5, 10 along the main axis P is blocked.

[0161] The conduit 1 is then robustly assembled and sealed.

[0162] In order to disassemble the conduit 1, the user performs the previous steps in reverse order.

[0163] It first disengages the fixing tab 40 from the first interface region 15 by deforming the fixing tab 40 to disengage the boss 55 from the protruding element 50.

[0164] Next, the user translates one of the half-shells 5, 10 along the main axis P and, in a movement parallel to the contact direction C, disengages the fixing tab 40 from the passage opening 45.

[0165] Finally, the user can simply move one half-shell 5, 10 away from the other half-shell 5, 10 in a direction parallel to the contact direction C.

[0166] In an alternative, not shown, the conduit 1 is as described above with a layer of foam inserted between the two half-shells 5, 10, between the first and second interface regions 15, 20.

[0167] Advantageously, this foam layer allows the absorption of mechanical play and / or shocks that could damage the conduit 1.

[0168] The air duct 1 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0169] The sealing of the conduit 1 is ensured by the contact between the or each protrusion 30 projecting from the or each second interface region 20 with the or each flat contact surface 25.

[0170] The assembly of the conduit 1 is simplified in that there is no need to fit the first half-shell 5 with the second half-shell 10 by cooperation of complementary shapes.

[0171] The user therefore does not have to search for the interface regions 15, 20 of each half-shell 5, 10 and make them coincide in order to fit the half-shells 5, 10 together correctly and ensure the sealing of the conduit 1. Thus, even when the conduit has a complex shape, in particular when it extends along a non-rectilinear axis, the assembly of the conduit remains simple.

[0172] The user only has to translate one of the half-shells 5, 10 onto the other half-shell 5, 10 in order to engage the fixing tab or each fixing tab 40 in the passage opening or openings 45 and to fix the first half-shell 5 onto the second half-shell 10.

[0173] This step is intuitive and does not require great visual precision on the part of the user who is guided by the cooperative shape of the interface regions, which is all the more advantageous when the conduit is of complex shape.

[0174] In addition, the conduit 1 as described facilitates the disassembly of the conduit 1 in the same way that it facilitates the assembly.

[0175] This assembly technique allows the manufacture and use of thin half-shells which are therefore lighter and minimize the total weight of the vehicle in which they are placed.

[0176] The conduit thus formed is robust and watertight, its geometry is ensured in particular by the reinforcing ribs which minimize the deformations of the interface regions.

[0177] The conduit is then resistant, even under a radial pressure stress due to the circulation of a fluid inside the conduit.

[0178] Moreover, when such a conduit is produced by an injection process, this allows the integration of other characteristics and functionalities into the conduit (such as an electronic component interface, or a layer of foam absorbing mechanical play and / or sound waves), which would be difficult to envisage with a blow molding manufacturing process.

Claims

Claims

1. Air duct (1) comprising a first half-shell (5) and a second half-shell (10) together forming a duct (1) with a closed section suitable for the circulation of a fluid, said duct (1) extending along a main axis (P), the first half-shell (5) comprising at least one first interface region (15) and the second half-shell (10) comprising at least one second interface region (20), the first and second interface regions (15, 20) extending projecting in a radial direction (R), substantially perpendicular to the main axis (P), towards the outside of the duct (1), the or each first interface region (15) extending opposite the or each second interface region (20) in a contact direction (C), characterized in that the or each first interface region (15) is formed by a flat contact surface (25),the second half-shell (10) comprising at least one protuberance (30) projecting from the or each second interface region (20), said protuberance (30) being applied to a part of the flat contact surface (25) in order to ensure the sealing of the conduit (1) by contact between the protuberance (30) and the flat contact surface (25).,

2. Air duct (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second half-shell (10) comprises two protrusions (30) projecting from the or each second interface region (20), said protrusions (30) being applied to a part of the flat contact surface (25) of the first half-shell (5), in order to ensure the sealing of the duct (1) by contact between the protrusions (30) and the flat contact surface (25), the protrusions (30) being spaced from each other in the radial direction (R).

3. Air duct (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second half-shells (5, 10) have a thickness, outside the first and second interface regions (15, 20), taken parallel to the radial direction (R), greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and / or the first and second half-shells (5, 10) have a thickness, at the first and / or second interface regions (15, 20), taken parallel to the radial direction, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

4. An air duct (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second half-shells (5, 10) each comprise two interface regions (15, 20) extending in projection in the radial direction (R) towards the outside of the conduit (1), said interface regions (15, 20) extending on either side of the conduit (1).

5. Air duct (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second interface region (20) comprises at least one fixing zone (35) comprising a fixing lug (40) extending projecting from the second interface region (20) in the contact direction (C), the fixing lug (40) extending between a first end (40A) linked to the fixing zone (35) and a free end (40B), opposite the first end (40A) in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction (R), the fixing lug (40) being fixed to the first interface region (15).

6. Air duct (1) according to claim 5, in which a passage opening (45) for the fixing lug (40) is provided in the or each part of the first interface region (15) opposite the or each fixing zone (35) of the second half-shell (10), the fixing lug (40) passing through said opening (45) to be fixed to the first interface region (15).

7. Air duct (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the or each part of the first interface region (15) opposite the or each fixing zone (35) of the second half-shell (10) comprises a projecting element (50) cooperating with the fixing lug (40) in order to reversibly fix the first half-shell (5) on the second half-shell (10).

8. Air duct (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which the or each fixing zone (35) comprises a window (44) extending at least opposite the free end (40B) of the fixing lug (40).

9. Air duct (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, in which the or each part of the first interface region (15) opposite the or each fixing zone (35) of the second half-shell (10) has a U-shaped or L-shaped section, in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (P).

10. Air duct (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first half-shell (5) comprises at least one reinforcing rib (60) extending between the wall of the duct (1) and the first interface region (15) and / or the second half-shell (10) comprises at least a reinforcing rib (65) extending between the wall of the conduit (1) and the second interface region (20).

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