Airflow blocking device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A device for closing (400) and regulating an airflow (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger (7, 9) for a motor vehicle, the closing device (400) comprising a support frame (361) defining at least one opening for the passage of an incoming airflow (F) and having at least one curtain (404, 405) capable of moving in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing the passage opening and an open position allowing the airflow (F) to pass through the passage opening, the at least one curtain (404, 405) being arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft (401, 402) extending over the support frame (361) along one side of the passage opening, the closing device (400) further comprising at least one support member (500) exerting pressure against the winding shaft (401, 402), said support member (500) pressing at least one curtain (404, 405) against the winding shaft (401,402). Abbreviated figure: Fig 6,

Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to a device for closing off an air flow 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 off 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 airflow blocking device to reduce the drag coefficient and also to improve the cooling and air conditioning performance within a motor vehicle. Such a blocking device comprises at least one curtain mounted in a support frame. This curtain is movable alternately between an open position and a closed position. By moving between these two positions, the at least one curtain allows the blocking device to allow the airflow passing through or obstructing the grille of the motor vehicle. The movement of the at least one curtain is carried out by means of a kinematic assembly which guides the movement of said at least one curtain in translation, as well as an actuator inducing movement to the kinematic assembly.

[0003] Such a shutter device is preferably installed at a grille of the motor vehicle. In the open position of the at least one curtain, a flow of air can circulate through the grille and participate in particular in cooling the engine of the motor vehicle. In the closed position of the at least one curtain, the air does not penetrate via the grille, which reduces drag and thus makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. 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. To move from one position to another, the at least one curtain is a flexible curtain, mounted to translate within the support frame and winds and unwinds around a winding axis.

[0004] However, the use of a flexible curtain for the closure device can lead to risks of folds and misalignment due to winding and unwinding cycles around the winding axis. Such folds or misalignment can block the curtain, rendering the closure device inoperative.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is therefore to remedy at least partially the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose an improved closing device limiting the risks of folds or misalignment of the curtain.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a device for closing and regulating an air flow intended to circulate through a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the closing device comprising a support frame defining at least one passage opening for an incoming air flow and comprising at least one curtain capable of moving in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing the passage opening and an open position allowing the air flow to pass through the passage opening, the at least one curtain being arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft extending on the support frame along one of the sides of the passage opening, the closing device further comprising at least one support member exerting pressure against the winding shaft, said support member pressing the at least one curtain against the winding shaft.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the closing device comprises a first curtain winding around a first winding shaft and a second curtain winding around a second winding shaft, said first and second winding shafts being arranged on opposite sides of the passage opening, each winding shaft comprising at least one support member.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one support member is mounted to translate relative to the winding shaft with which it is associated, said at least one support member comprising at least one elastic return element so as to translate said at least one support member in the direction of the winding shaft with which it is associated.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member comprises a single support element bearing against the at least one curtain.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member comprises several support elements distributed equally over the width of the or at least one curtain.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member comprises at least one roller, said roller having an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the winding shaft with which it is associated.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member comprises an axis of rotation and several rollers mounted on said axis of rotation, the at least one elastic element pressing on said axis of rotation.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member is integrated into one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member is an attached part fixed on one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the support member bears against the curtain over at least 10% of the width of said curtain, preferably between 10% and 30% of the width of the curtain.

[0016] 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:

[0017] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation, in side view, of the front face of a motor vehicle comprising a device for closing an air flow according to the invention as well as a cooling module;

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in exploded view of the device of obturation;

[0019] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3a] is a schematic representation in front view of the device shutter of [Fig.2] in which the curtains are in the open position;

[0020] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] is a schematic representation in front view of the device shutter of [Fig.2] in which the curtains are in the partially open position;

[0021] [Fig.3c] [Fig.3c] is a schematic representation in front view of the device shutter of [Fig.2] in which the curtains are in the closed position;

[0022] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a portion of the assembly shown nematic which equips the shutter device with an air flow of [Fig.2];

[0023] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation in rear view of a device sealing according to a first embodiment,

[0024] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation in rear view of a device sealing according to a second embodiment,

[0025] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation in rear view of a device shutter according to a third embodiment.

[0026] Identical elements in the different figures bear the same references.

[0027] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to a 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.

[0028] 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 it is possible easily interchange such names without departing from the scope of this description. This indexing also does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.

[0029] [Fig.l] illustrates, in a side sectional view, an air inlet closure device 400 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 400 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 400 along the axis X.

[0030] The cooling module 5 comprises, for example, an upstream heat exchanger 7 in the direction of circulation of the air flow F (illustrated by an arrow 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the closure device 400 illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the closure device 400 comprises a support frame 361 of generally rectangular shape. Referring to the trihedron XYZ in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the support frame 361 extends in the plane formed by the axes Y and Z. The support frame 361 defines in particular at least one opening for the passage of an air flow F through which the air flow F can pass.

[0033] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the support frame 361 may comprise, for example, a first shell 362 and a second shell 363 which are configured to be nested with each other so as to form a first crosspiece and a second crosspiece which are parallel to each other, as well as two lateral uprights which extend between the ends of the first crosspiece and the second crosspiece so as to define at least one passage opening of the support frame 361 intended to be used by the air flow F passing through the grille 3 of the front face of the motor vehicle 1, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. In Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the first crosspiece and the second crosspiece of the support frame 361 are oriented in the Y direction and the two lateral uprights are oriented substantially vertically in the Z direction. The air flow is supposed to circulate through the closing device 400 in the X direction.

[0034] The two shells 362 and 363 of the support frame 361 of the closure device 400 are in particular rigid, they are for example made of plastic. The two shells 362 and 363 are in particular obtained by injection molding. In order to improve the overall rigidity of said support frame 361 formed by these two shells 362 and 363, these can be molded in a single piece.

[0035] Clipping tabs 364 (visible in FIGS. 2 and 4) or any other connecting means allowing the shells 362 and 363 to be assembled together can be fitted to the first and second crosspieces and / or the lateral uprights of the support frame 361. These clipping tabs 364 allow the support frame 361 to be dismantled in order to clean, maintain or possibly replace the components of the closure device 400.

[0036] Other embodiments are however entirely possible and conceivable, such as for example a support frame 361 formed from a single piece, or else whose first and second crosspieces and / or the lateral uprights are from a single piece and assembled to each other.

[0037] The support frame 361 of the closure device 400 is configured to serve as a support for various parts including at least one winding shaft 401, 402. The closure device 400 also comprises at least one curtain 404, 405 capable of moving in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing the passage opening and an open position allowing the air flow F to pass through the passage opening. This at least one curtain 404, 405 is in particular arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft 401, 402. The at least one winding shaft 401, 402 extends on the support frame 361 along one of the sides of the passage opening.

[0038] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the at least one winding shaft 401, 402 may comprise two longitudinal parts 430 and 431 assembled around which the at least one curtain 404, 405 is wound.

[0039] [Fig. 2] shows more particularly an embodiment in which the closing device 400 comprises two winding shafts 401, 402 arranged on either side of the passage opening of the support frame 361 and a curtain 404, 405 arranged to wind and unwind around at least one winding shaft 401, 402.

[0040] In this embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the winding shafts 401, 402 may in particular be arranged at the level of the first and second crosspieces of the support frame 361 so as to be sandwiched by the two shells 362 and 363 which form said support frame 361. Each winding shaft 401, 402 may comprise two longitudinal parts 430 and 431 assembled around which a curtain 404, 405 is wound.

[0041] The at least one winding shaft 401, 402 may in particular comprise at its longitudinal ends end pieces 409 cooperating with bearings 410 so as to be able to rotate around a winding axis A1, A2 (visible in FIGS. 3a to 3c). In the case where the closure device 400 comprises two winding shafts 401, 402, each winding shaft 401, 402 may comprise dedicated bearings 410 and a specific winding axis A1, A2. These winding axes A1, A2 are preferably parallel to the first and second crosspieces of the support frame 361.

[0042] The at least one curtain 404, 405 is movable, that is to say it is configured to wind and unwind around a winding shaft 401, 402. In this way, the at least one curtain 404, 405 moves in an opening and closing direction between a closed position (illustrated in [Fig. 3c]), thus closing the passage opening, and an open position (illustrated in [Fig. 3a]) which allows the air flow F to pass through the passage opening. [Fig. 3b] illustrates an intermediate position in the movement of the at least one curtain 404, 405 between its two extreme positions. In Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the opening and closing direction is parallel to the Z direction. In the case of [Fig.l], the opening and closing direction also corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0043] The at least one curtain 404, 405 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.

[0044] The at least one curtain 404, 405 is for example of generally rectangular shape and has a first border 412, two lateral borders 413 and a second border 414, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The second border 414 is located opposite the first border 412, these first 412 and second 414 borders are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the at least one curtain 404. In addition, the first border 412 and the second border 414 extend parallel to the winding shafts 401, 402 while the lateral borders 413 are parallel to the opening and closing direction of the at least one curtain 404, 405.

[0045] The first edge 412 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 is integral with the winding shaft 401 or 402 with which said curtain 404 or 405 is associated. Thus, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is at least one curtain 404, 405 is wound around the winding shaft 401 or 402 to which its first edge 412 is attached, this corresponds to its open position ([Fig.3a]). Winding the at least one curtain 404, 405 around a winding shaft 401, 402 makes it possible to store said curtain in a simple and compact manner when it is in its open position. When the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in its open position, the air flow F can then circulate through the clear passage opening to reach the heat exchangers 7, 9 of the cooling module 5 arranged behind the grille 3.

[0046] Conversely, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is unrolled in the closing and opening direction, it is stretched in such a way that it obstructs the air flow F and thus closes the passage opening through the support frame 361 of the closing device 400. This then corresponds to its closed position illustrated in [Fig.3c].

[0047] The second edge 414 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 may be integral with a sealing member 416 which may take the form of a rod 417 assembled with a seal 418, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The rod 417 may in particular stiffen said second edge 414. The ends of the rod 417 may also be arranged in rails arranged on the lateral uprights of the frame 361. The rod 417 thus makes it possible to carry the seal 418 but also to hold the at least one curtain 404, 405 against the support frame 361 and to guide the at least one curtain 404, 405 in its movement between its open position and its closed position.

[0048] In order to move the at least one curtain 404, 405 between its open position and its closed position, the closing device 400 comprises an electric actuator 406 cooperating with a winding shaft 401, 402. In the embodiment of the closing device 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the electric actuator 406 cooperates more particularly with the first winding shaft 401. In these same figures, the actuator 406 is housed in a housing 365 arranged on a lateral upright of the frame 361.

[0049] The actuator 406 may in particular be configured to rotate the winding shaft 401, 402 to which it is associated via two toothed wheels 407 and 408 for example. These wheels 407 and 408 mesh together, this is illustrated in particular in [Fig.4]. In this same figure, the toothed wheel 407 is integral with the actuator 406, with its electric motor in particular, and the toothed wheel 408 is integral with the shaft 401.

[0050] In the case where the closure device 400 comprises two winding shafts 401 and 402, the first winding shaft 401 can in particular be driven by the electric actuator 406 and the second winding shaft 402 can be passive.

[0051] The shutter device 400 also comprises a kinematic assembly 403 configured to set the at least one curtain 404, 405 in motion in its direction. opening and closing. The kinematic assembly 403 is more particularly arranged to transmit a movement of the first winding shaft 401 associated with the electric actuator 406 to the second winding shaft 402. The kinematic assembly 403 thus cooperates with the two winding shafts 401, 402 to associate their respective rotation. The second winding shaft 402 can be described as “passive” in the sense that it is not directly connected to the actuator 406 as is the case for the first winding shaft 401, but driven by the kinematic assembly 403 linking these two winding shafts 401 and 402.

[0052] According to a first variant illustrated in [Fig.6], the kinematic assembly 403 may comprise at least one belt 415 connecting the first 401 and the second 402 winding shaft in order to transmit the rotation of the first winding shaft 401 to the second winding shaft 402. Preferably the kinematic assembly 403 comprises a belt 415 arranged at each end of the winding shafts 401, 402.

[0053] According to a second variant illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the at least one curtain 404, 405 can also be extended by at least one belt element 411 which is part of the kinematic assembly 403. The at least one belt element 411 has in particular an elongated shape, it extends parallel to the lateral edges 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 with which it is associated. In the embodiment of the closing device 400 illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, two belt elements 411 parallel to each other extend the at least one curtain 404, 405 on two lateral edges 413 opposite each other. These two belt elements 411 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry SY which extends parallel to the opening and closing direction. This axis of symmetry SY then passes through the middle of at least one curtain 404, 405, as illustrated in figures 3a and 3b.The belt elements 411 thus form strips of material which extend the at least one curtain 404, 405 like straps.

[0054] In this same variant, one of the belt elements 411 extends at least partially above a lateral edge 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405 and the other belt element 411 extends at least partially below the other lateral edge 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405. In other words, when the at least one curtain 404, 405 and the belt elements 411 associated with it are laid flat, these belt elements 411 move away from the lateral edges 413 of the at least one curtain 404, 405. Thus the belt elements 411 do not obstruct the passage opening through the support frame 361 when the at least one curtain 404, 405 is in its open position. The belt elements 411 are located away from the location occupied by the at least one curtain 404, 405 in the closed position.

[0055] The belt element(s) 411 may be made in one piece with the at least one curtain 404 or 405 with which they are associated. In other words, the belt element belt 411 and the at least one curtain 404 or 405 are for example cut from the same fabric during manufacture.

[0056] According to an alternative, the belt element(s) 411 are elements assembled with the at least one curtain 404 or 405, that is to say that the belt element 411 is not formed in the same piece as the curtain 404 or 405. The belt element 411 is for example made of a material different from the material of the at least one curtain 404, 405. The belt element(s) can then be fixed to said curtain 404, 405 by a fixing, for example a seam, glue, welding or other.

[0057] According to a first embodiment of the closure device 400, the latter comprises only a single curtain (this embodiment is illustrated for example in [Fig.5]). In this first embodiment, the single curtain 404 is secured to the first winding shaft 401 by means of its first edge 412. The single curtain 404 is then configured to wind and unwind around this first winding shaft 401.

[0058] According to a variant of this first embodiment not shown, the closing device 400 may comprise a second shaft arranged on a side of the support frame 361 opposite that comprising the first winding shaft. This second winding shaft does not comprise a second curtain but is connected to the single curtain 404 by at least one belt element. The at least one belt element is stretched parallel to the opening and closing direction of the curtain 404 between the second edge 414 of the single curtain 404 and the second winding shaft. The at least one belt element is caused to wind around the second winding shaft 402 when the single curtain 404 is unwound. The belt element thus makes it possible to guide the single curtain 404 during its movement between its extreme positions and can also prevent the single curtain 404 from swaying during said movement.

[0059] In this variant of the first embodiment, the rotation of the second winding shaft 402 is for example ensured by a second actuator (not shown in the figures) coupled to the second winding shaft 402. In the specific case where the shutter device 400 comprises one actuator per winding shaft 401 and 402, these two actuators are configured in such a way that they allow a synchronized rotation of the two winding shafts 401 and 402. The belt element 411 as well as the kinematic assembly 403 more generally, can also cooperate with the two winding shafts 401 and 402 so as to contribute to the synchronized rotation between the two winding shafts 401 and 402 to move the single curtain 404 between its closed position and its open position.

[0060] In this first embodiment, the single curtain 404 has reached the open position when it is fully wound around the first winding shaft 401. Conversely, the single curtain 404 has reached the closed position when it is unrolled and extends between the first winding shaft 401 and the second winding shaft 402 so as to obstruct the passage opening through the support frame 361, thus preventing the air flow F from circulating through said opening. In its closed position, the second edge 414 of the single curtain 404 is located in particular at the level of the second crosspiece of the support frame 361.

[0061] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, the closing device 400 comprises two separate curtains 404 and 405 which are arranged on either side of the passage opening delimited by the support frame 361. The closing device 400 more particularly comprises a first curtain 404 configured to wind and unwind around the first winding shaft 401 and a second curtain 405 configured to wind and unwind around the second winding shaft 402.

[0062] In this second embodiment, when the two curtains 404 and 405 are in the open position ([Fig. 3a]) or partially open position ([Fig. 3b]), the respective second edges 414 of the curtains 404 and 405 are at a distance from each other. More precisely, the second edge 414 of the first curtain 404 is located near the first crosspiece of the support frame 361 of the device 400 for closing and regulating the air flow F while the second edge 414 of the second curtain 405 is located near the second crosspiece.

[0063] Furthermore, the sealing joints 418 associated with the two curtains 404 and 405 can come into contact with each other when the curtains 404 and 405 are in the closed position ([Fig.3c]), so as to prevent the air flow F from passing through the passage opening of the support frame 361.

[0064] According to the variant of this second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, each curtain 404 and 405 is extended by at least one belt element 411 which is specific to it and which is part of the kinematic assembly 403. In other words, the belt elements 411 which extend the first curtain 404 on the one hand and the second curtain 405 on the other hand form a complete belt which links the two winding shafts 401, 402 in motion.

[0065] Thus, to move from the closed position to a more open position, the kinematic assembly 403, via the belt elements 411 and the two curtains 404 and 405 act together to rotate the winding shafts 401, 402 in a synchronized manner in order to simultaneously move the two curtains 404 and 405.

[0066] According to another variant illustrated in [Fig.6], the synchronized rotation of the first 401 and second 402 winding shafts is ensured by at least one belt 414.

[0067] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the closing device 400 also comprises at least one support member 500 exerting pressure against the winding shaft 401, 402. More precisely, the at least one support member 500 presses the at least one curtain 404, 405 against the winding shaft 401, 402.

[0068] Such a support member 500 makes it possible in particular to limit the risks of the curtain 404, 405 becoming blocked. Indeed, the support member 500 limits the risks of misalignment of the curtain 404, 405, in particular by limiting the formation of folds. The support member 500 thus allows better durability of the closure device 400.

[0069] The support member 500 may comprise a single element bearing against the curtain 404, 405 or several support elements preferably distributed equally over the width of the curtain 404, 405.

[0070] In order to improve its efficiency, the support member 500 may more particularly bear against the curtain 404, 405 over at least 10% of the width of said curtain 404, 405, preferably between 10% and 30% of the width of the curtain 404, 405. Beyond 30%, the friction between the curtain 404, 405 and the support member 500 may be too great and prevent the winding shaft 401, 402 from rotating properly.

[0071] In the example illustrated in [Fig.5], the closing device 400 comprises a single curtain 404 connected to a first winding shaft 401. The at least one support member 500 then exerts pressure against the first winding shaft 401.

[0072] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 6], the closing device 400 comprises a first curtain 404 winding around a first winding shaft 401 and a second curtain 405 winding around a second winding shaft 402. The first 401 and second 402 winding shafts are arranged on opposite sides of the passage opening of the support frame 361. Each winding shaft 401, 402 comprises at least one support member 500.

[0073] In order to compensate for variations in diameter of the winding shaft 401, 402 due to the winding and unwinding of the curtain 404, 405, the at least one support member 500 may more particularly be mounted to translate relative to the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. The at least one support member 500 may also comprise at least one elastic return element 501 so as to translate said at least one support member 500 in the direction of the associated winding shaft 401, 402. This elastic return element 501 in particular allows the support member 500 to be constantly pressed against the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated and also allows constant pressure to be applied against the wound curtain 404, 405, whatever the degree of winding of the curtain 404, 405 and its position.

[0074] According to a first embodiment not shown of the at least one support member 500, the latter may be a simple support element on the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. The curtain 404, 405 then slides against the at least one support member 500 during its winding and unwinding around the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. For example, this support element may be an elastic tab. The coefficient of friction between this support element and the curtain 404, 405 is preferably determined so as not to damage the curtain 404, 405 and allow the latter to slide against the at least one support member 500.

[0075] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the support member 500 comprises at least one roller 502. This roller 502 has in particular an axis of rotation B parallel to the axis A1, A2 of the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated.

[0076] According to a first variant illustrated in [Fig.5], the support member 500 may comprise an axis of rotation B and several rollers 502 mounted on said axis of rotation B. The at least one elastic element 501 then bears on said axis of rotation B.

[0077] In the example illustrated in [Fig.5], the support member 500 comprises an elastic element 501, for example a spring, arranged at each end of the axis of rotation B.

[0078] According to a second variant illustrated in [Fig.6], the support member 500 also comprises several rollers 502. Each roller 502 comprises an individual axis of rotation B. Each roller 502 also comprises at least one elastic element 501 pressing on its individual axis of rotation B. Each roller 502 is thus independent both in rotation and in translation relative to the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated.

[0079] The support member 500 may in particular be integrated into one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame 361. By this, it is meant that the support frame 361 comprises elements of the support member 500, for example: - a housing in which the support member 500 is arranged, - a support wall against which the elastic element 501 can bear to exert a force in the direction of the winding shaft 401, 402 with which the support member 500 is associated, - guides or rails in which the support member 500 itself or its rotation axis B can slide.

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.7], when the closure device 400 comprises at least one belt 415 connecting the first 401 and the second 402 winding shaft, the closure device may also comprise at least one support member 500' exerting pressure against the winding shaft 401, 402. More precisely, the at least one support member 500' presses the at least one belt 415 against the winding shaft 401, 402, in particular against the bearing 410.

[0081] Such a support member 500' makes it possible in particular to limit the risks of the at least one belt 415 moving and allows the latter to remain in contact with the bearing 410 even if its tension decreases. The support member 500' also limits the risks of the belt 415 forming folds or turning over. The support member 500 thus allows for better durability of the closure device 400.

[0082] The at least one support member 500' may also be mounted to translate relative to the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. The at least one support member 500' may also comprise at least one elastic return element 501' so as to translate said at least one support member 500' in the direction of the associated winding shaft 401, 402. This elastic return element 501' in particular allows the support member 500' to be constantly pressed against the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated and also allows constant pressure to be applied against the belt 415.

[0083] According to a first embodiment not shown, the at least one support member 500' may be a simple support element on the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. The belt 415 then slides against the at least one support member 500'. For example, this support element 500' may be an elastic tongue. The coefficient of friction between this support element 500' and the belt 415 is preferably determined so as not to damage the belt 415 and to allow the latter to slide against the at least one support member 500'.

[0084] According to a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig.7], the support member 500' comprises at least one roller 502'. This roller 502' has in particular an axis of rotation B' parallel to the axis A1, A2 of the winding shaft 401, 402 with which it is associated. The support member 500' may thus comprise an elastic element 501', for example a spring, arranged at each end of the axis of rotation B'.

[0085] The support member 500' may also be integrated into one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame 361. By this, it is meant that the support frame 361 comprises elements of the support member 500', for example: - a housing in which the support member 500' is arranged, - a support wall against which the elastic element 501' can bear to exert a force in the direction of the winding shaft 401, 402 with which the support member 500' is associated, - guides or rails in which the support member 500' itself or its axis of rotation B' can slide.

[0086] Such a support member 500' can be considered for a closure device 400 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 and thus exert pressure against the winding shaft 401, 402 so as to press a belt element 411 against a winding shaft 401, 402.

[0087] On the contrary, the support member 500 can be an added part fixed on one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame 361. This makes it possible in particular to add and adapt a support member 500 on a standard support frame.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for closing (400) and regulating an air flow (F) intended to circulate through a heat exchanger (7, 9) for a motor vehicle, the closing device (400) comprising a support frame (361) defining at least one passage opening for an incoming air flow (F) and comprising at least one curtain (404, 405) capable of moving in an opening and closing direction, between a closed position closing the passage opening and an open position allowing the air flow (F) to pass through the passage opening, the at least one curtain (404, 405) being arranged to wind and unwind around a winding shaft (401, 402) extending on the support frame (361) along one of the sides of the passage opening, characterized in that it further comprises at least one member support member (500) exerting pressure against the winding shaft (401, 402), said support member (500) pressing the at least one curtain (404,405) against the winding shaft (401, 402).,

2. A sealing device (400) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first curtain (404) winding around a first winding shaft (401) and a second curtain (405) winding around a second winding shaft (402), said first (401) and second (402) winding shafts being arranged on opposite sides of the passage opening, each winding shaft (401, 402) comprising at least one support member (500).

3. Closure device (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support member (500) is mounted to translate relative to the winding shaft (401, 402) with which it is associated, said at least one support member (500) comprising at least one elastic return element (501) so as to translate said at least one support member (500) in the direction of the winding shaft (401, 402) with which it is associated.

4. Closure device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support member (500) comprises a single support element (502) bearing against the at least one curtain (404, 405).

5. Closure device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support member (500) comprises several support elements (502) distributed equally over the width of the or minus one curtain (404, 405).

6. Closure device (400) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the support member (500) comprises at least one roller (502), said roller (502) having an axis of rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A1, A2) of the winding shaft (401, 402) with which it is associated.

7. Sealing device (400) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the support member (500) comprises an axis of rotation (B) and several rollers (502) mounted on said axis of rotation (B), the at least one elastic element (501) pressing on said axis of rotation (B).

8. A sealing device (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support member (500) is integrated into one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame (361).

9. Closure device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support member (500) is an attached part fixed on one of the sides of the passage opening of the support frame (361).

10. Closure device (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support member (500) bears against the curtain (404, 405) over at least 10% of the width of said curtain (404, 405), preferably between 10% and 30% of the width of the curtain (404, 405).

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