Layout including a support and a controlled flap for a technical front panel of a vehicle.

Abstract

An arrangement comprising a support and a controlled flap for a technical front panel of a vehicle. The invention relates to an arrangement (2) intended to be placed in front of a technical front panel of a vehicle, the arrangement (2) comprising a support (10) having a main opening, a controlled flap for managing the airflow passing through the main opening of the support (10), the controlled flap comprising a frame (21) for its attachment to the support (10), the support (10) comprising two lower positioning means (12), the support (10) and the two lower positioning means (12) being an assembly obtained by molding, the two lower positioning means (12) cooperating with the frame (21) of the controlled flap. Illustration: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement comprising a support and a controlled flap for a technical front panel of a vehicle. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a support and a controlled flap arranged in front of a technical front panel of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a method of mounting such an arrangement. Prior art

[0002] A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, generally includes a technical front end. Such a technical front end generally includes an air intake area designed to collect airflow generated by the vehicle's forward movement. This airflow can, for example, cool the powertrain of such a vehicle, particularly when the outside temperature is high and / or the powertrain is operating at high speed. Conversely, when the outside temperature is cold and / or the powertrain is cold (starting conditions), it is necessary to limit or even eliminate the supply of such airflow in order to accelerate the powertrain's warm-up. Therefore, a flap, generally electronically controlled, is provided at the level of this air intake area on the front end of such a vehicle so as to allow the air intake area to be fully, partially, or completely closed.

[0003] However, the assembly of such a flap is generally complex, which makes it expensive to replace in the event of breakage due to a collision or accident involving such a vehicle. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes an arrangement that allows a flap to be mounted from the front of the vehicle, such a flap being common to different vehicle models, or possibly eliminating the need to mount such a flap on a technical front panel. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement intended to be placed in front of a technical front face of a vehicle, the arrangement comprising: - a support including a main opening, - a controlled flap for managing an airflow passing through the main opening of the support, the controlled flap including a frame for its attachment to the support, the support comprising two lower positioning means, the support and the two lower positioning means being an assembly obtained by molding, the two lower positioning means cooperating with the frame of the controlled flap.

[0006] The support may include a receiving wall oriented towards the front of such a vehicle, the receiving wall being able to extend in a vertical and transverse plane, the frame of the controlled flap being able to be in at least partial contact with the receiving wall.

[0007] The two lower positioning means can be arranged on each side in the lower part of the support and can extend substantially in the vertical direction and / or substantially in the longitudinal direction, the frame of the controlled flap being able to include two complementary means capable of cooperating with the two lower positioning means so as to maintain the frame relative to the support in the longitudinal direction and / or in the vertical direction and / or in the transverse direction.

[0008] The two lower positioning means may each include a hole or a non-through cavity and the two complementary means may each include an extension, in particular an extension made of material with the frame.

[0009] The support may include two upper positioning means arranged on each lateral side in the upper part of the support, the two upper positioning means being able to extend longitudinally towards the front of such a vehicle, the frame of the controlled flap being able to include two upper orifices, in particular oblong having a major axis extending transversely, the two upper positioning means being able to come within the two upper orifices of the frame to position the frame in the vertical direction.

[0010] The frame may include two fixing holes, in particular oblong having a major axis extending transversely, and the support may include two receiving holes, two screws being able to pass through the two fixing holes of the frame to screw into the two receiving holes of the support.

[0011] The support may include a notch formed in the lower part, in particular a notch at the level of a vertical and longitudinal median plane, and the frame may include a protuberance adapted to fit into the notch so as to position the frame relative to the support in the transverse direction.

[0012] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0013] The invention further relates to a method for assembling an arrangement as defined above, the method comprising: - a step of presenting the two complementary means of the frame of the piloted shutter in the immediate vicinity of the two lower positioning means of the support, in particular following a slight pivoting around a transverse axis of the frame in a first direction, the frame being in front of the support in the longitudinal direction, - a step of inserting the two complementary means into the two lower positioning means via a slight pivoting of the frame around a transverse axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to maintain the frame in the longitudinal and vertical and possibly transverse directions. Presentation of the figures

[0014] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement and a variant thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a front view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a controlled flap of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a support for the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of sealing means for the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0021] The [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 8 is a front view of the arrangement according to a variant of the embodiment.

[0023] The [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the arrangement according to the variant of the embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a means of sealing the arrangement according to the variant of the embodiment. Detailed description

[0025] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, Perpendicular to the other two, the vertical direction Z is called the vertical direction. Thus, we use a right-handed coordinate system XYZ in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to the right, and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves longitudinally and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0026] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a vehicle 1, for example a motor vehicle, comprises a technical front end 3. By "technical front end," we mean a set of elements including, in particular, one or more heat exchangers arranged in the front area of ​​the vehicle. Due to its location, the technical front end receives an airflow 4 resulting from the vehicle's forward movement. For example, the vehicle 1 includes a front bumper 5, and the airflow 4 passes longitudinally through the front bumper 5. The vehicle 1 includes an arrangement 2. The arrangement 2 is positioned in front of the technical front end 3 and behind the front bumper 5, if applicable.Advantageously, the arrangement 2 extends in a vertical and transverse plane and opposite the technical front face 3, that is, without offset in the vertical direction (i.e., neither above nor below) and without offset in the transverse direction (i.e., neither to the right nor to the left). Advantageously, the area of ​​the arrangement 2 in a vertical and transverse plane, projected longitudinally onto the technical front face 3, is centered or substantially centered with respect to the area of ​​the technical front face in a vertical and transverse plane. In such a configuration, the airflow 4 created by the movement of the vehicle 1 passes through the arrangement 2 before reaching the technical front face 3 without significant pressure loss due to the alignment of the arrangement 2 and the technical front face 3 along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the arrangement 2 comprises a support 10. The support 10 includes a main opening 11 shown in [Fig. 5]. The arrangement 2 further includes a controlled flap 20. The controlled flap 20 allows the airflow 4 to be managed. More precisely, the controlled flap 20 allows or prevents the airflow 4 from passing through the main opening 11 of the support 10. Indeed, as illustrated in [Fig. 4] (blades 24 in the open or partially open position), the flap 20 includes blades 24 capable of being pivoted around axes extending transversely, for example. Thus, if the blades 24 of the controlled flap are closed, the airflow is stopped in front of the controlled flap 20 and therefore does not pass through the main opening 11 in the support 10.If the vanes 24 of the controlled flap 20 are partially or fully open, the airflow 4 passes through the flap via gaps or openings 23 between the vanes 24 in the open position and reaches the technical front face 3.

[0028] The controlled shutter 20 comprises a frame 21. The frame 21, or perimeter or outline of the shutter, preferably has a generally rectangular shape. The frame 21 of the shutter 20 ensures the shutter is fixed to the support 10. Advantageously, the controlled shutter 20 is fixed to the support 10 only by means of the frame 21. Preferably, the frame 21 is a single piece, being molded with the rest of the shutter, except for the fins 24, which are attached to the frame and pivotally connected to it.

[0029] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5], the support 10 comprises two lower positioning means 12. The support 10 and the two lower positioning means 12 are one piece, having been molded together. The two lower positioning means 12 cooperate with the frame 21 of the controlled flap 20, as will be seen subsequently.

[0030] The support 10 further includes a receiving wall 13 oriented towards the front of the vehicle 1, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 5. The receiving wall 13 preferably extends in a vertical and transverse plane. The frame 21 of the controlled flap 20 is in contact, at least partially, with the receiving wall 13. Thus, the frame 21 is preferably supported, at least partially pressed against the receiving wall 13 of the support 10.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 7, as well as in the variant illustrated in figures 8 to 10, the two lower positioning means 12 are arranged on each lateral side in the lower part 14 of the support 10.

[0032] In the embodiment, the two lower positioning means 12 extend in particular along the vertical direction or substantially along the vertical direction. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the two positioning means each comprise or are a non-through cavity 122. Preferably, a projection 123 extending substantially vertically upwards creates a stop along the longitudinal direction forwards. A surface 124 extending substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane creates a stop along the vertical direction, preventing the flap 20 from descending.

[0033] In the embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the frame 21 of the controlled shutter 20 comprises two complementary means 22. One complementary means is arranged on the right side of the frame 21 and the other complementary means is arranged on the left side of the frame 21. The complementary means are adapted to cooperate with the two lower positioning means 12 so as to maintain the frame 21 relative to the support 10 in the longitudinal direction and / or in the vertical direction and / or in the transverse direction. Advantageously, each of the two complementary means 22 comprises an extension 221, illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 7. Each extension 221 of the frame 21 has a curved beak shape so as to fit behind the projection 123. Preferably, each extension 221 is in contact along the longitudinal direction of the projection 123 of the support so that the projection 123 creates a forward stop for each extension 221.

[0034] According to the variant illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the two lower positioning means are holes 121. Thus, the through holes or cavities 121 extend substantially in the vertical direction. Optionally, the holes 121 extend forward or partially forward, or are even provided so as to extend longitudinally to bring the flap from front to back via a longitudinal translation.

[0035] The cooperation of the extensions 221 of the frame 21 of the controlled flap with the two holes 121 allows the frame 21 to be held relative to the support 10 at least in the longitudinal direction. Optionally, this cooperation allows for holding in the vertical direction and / or in the transverse direction.

[0036] Preferably, the two complementary means 22, namely the extensions 221, are made of material, for example molded with the frame 21.

[0037] Advantageously, the support 10 includes two upper positioning means 15 for positioning the controlled flap 20. The two upper positioning means 15 are arranged on each side, at the level of a high part or area 16 of the support 10. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5], the two upper positioning means 15 extend longitudinally towards the front of the vehicle 1. In this case, the frame 21 of the controlled flap 20 includes two upper openings 25. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the upper openings 25 are square or rectangular in cross-section, the upper positioning means 15 then also being square or rectangular in cross-section, preferably terminating via a bevel 151 pointing forward. For example, the bevel 151 arranged at the end of the upper positioning means 15 arranged on the left includes a face extending vertically and obliquely to the left as it moves towards the rear.For example, the bevel 151 arranged at the end of the upper positioning means 15 arranged on the right includes a face extending vertically and obliquely to the right towards the rear. In this case, preferably the dimensions and locations of the upper holes 25 of the controlled flap 20 are provided to constrain the bevels 151 towards a median plane P (see [Fig. 3]) during the insertion of the flap onto its support, i.e., during the penetration of the means 15 into the holes 25. Preferably, only the forward-pointing ends of the means 15 include the bevels 151 so that the positioning means 15 are released, free of constraint, once the flap is correctly placed on the support. Thus, the controlled flap is held in position relative to the support, at least in the longitudinal direction, through the interaction of the means 15 with the holes 25.

[0038] In the variant illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the upper openings 25 have a circular cross-section, preferably an oblong cross-section, for example with a major axis extending transversely. In this case, the two upper positioning means 15 preferably have a shape that is substantially pointed at the front, for example a conical or substantially conical shape. Thus, the positioning means 15 center the frame 21 and consequently the controlled flap 20, at least in the vertical direction, when the means 15 are inserted into the upper openings 25 as illustrated in [Fig. 9].

[0039] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the frame 21 includes two mounting holes 27 in its upper part, one on the right and one on the left. For example, the holes 27 have an oblong cross-section, preferably with a major axis extending transversely. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the support 10 includes two receiving holes 17, one on the right and one on the left, preferably near each of the two upper positioning means 15. The arrangement 2 further includes two screws 7. Each screw 7 is suitable for passing through each mounting hole 27 of the frame 21 and for screwing into each receiving hole 17 of the support 10. Preferably, each hole 17 is not threaded and the screws 7 are self-tapping, the support 10 being made of plastic and / or composite material, and obtained at least partially by molding.For example, the support 10 includes an extension 171, an excess of material extending longitudinally towards the rear, at each hole 17 as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Thus, the screws 7 have sufficient screwing length, even in the case of a thin support in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flap is also made of plastic and / or composite material.

[0040] Advantageously, the support 10 includes a notch or opening 18 formed in a lower portion 14 of the support 10. Preferably, the notch 18 is arranged at the level of the vertical and longitudinal median plane P. The frame 21 then includes a protrusion or projection 28 adapted to fit into the notch 18. Thanks to this cooperation between the notch 18 of the support and the protrusion 28 of the frame 21 of the flap 20, the frame 21 is positioned and centered relative to the support in the transverse direction. Alternatively, a notch may be formed on the frame while a protrusion may be formed on the support. Optionally, the notch and protrusion are arranged so as not to be centered, arranged, at the level of the median plane P. Alternatively, or in addition, the notch or protrusion is arranged in the upper part 16 of the support.

[0041] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 6 of the embodiment, the arrangement 2 further includes a rear seal 30. The seal, deflector, or guide 30 is arranged behind the support and controlled flap assembly, that is, between the support 10 and the technical front face 3 of the vehicle. Thus, the airflow 4 having passed through the The shutter (when in the open or partially open position) and the opening 11 of the support, is guided by the rear seal 30 towards the technical front face 3. For example, the rear seal 30 includes flexible walls or lips to facilitate the connection with the technical front face 3, in particular to make it airtight or substantially airtight to avoid the loss of part of the airflow 4 between the arrangement 2 and the technical front face.

[0042] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7 of the embodiment, the arrangement 2 further includes a front seal 35. The front seal, deflector, or guide 35 is arranged in front of the support and controlled flap assembly. For example, the front seal 35 extends from the flap frame and / or from the support to the front bumper 5. Thus, the airflow 4 captured at the front bumper 5 is guided by the front seal 35 towards the flap 20. For example, the front seal 35 includes flexible walls or lips to facilitate the connection between the bumper and the flap, or at least the frame 21 of the controlled flap. This makes the connection between the front bumper and the flap airtight or substantially airtight, and prevents the loss of part of the airflow 4 captured in front of the vehicle.

[0043] The implementation of a method for assembling the arrangement 2 according to the embodiment will now be described.

[0044] First, the support 10 and the controlled flap 20 are supplied. For example, the support 10 is already mounted on a vehicle body. More specifically, the implementation method involves assembling the controlled flap 20 onto the support 10. Note that the support 10 then extends mainly in a vertical and transverse plane, or substantially in a vertical and transverse plane.

[0045] Initially, the two complementary means 22 of the frame 21 of the controlled flap 20 are brought into the immediate vicinity of the two lower positioning means 12 of the support 10. Preferably, this is done by first slightly pivoting the frame 21 around a transverse axis in a first direction. In the first direction of pivoting, the top of the flap moves forward. The transverse pivot axis is approximately at the level of the lower part 14 of the support. As a reminder, the frame 21 is in front of the support 10 in the longitudinal direction, so the frame is approached from the front towards the rear.

[0046] Following this or these pivots in the first direction of the controlled flap, as soon as the two complementary means 22 of the flap can be made to cooperate and coincide with the two lower positioning means 12, a step of insertion, cooperation, and locking of the two complementary means 22 in, or relative to, the two lower positioning means 12 is carried out via a slight pivot of the frame 21 around a transverse pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first. The transverse pivot axis is substantially at the level of the lower part 14 of the support. The cooperation of the two complementary means 22 with the two lower positioning means 12 makes it possible to maintain the frame 21 in the longitudinal and vertical directions and possibly transversely. Indeed, the extensions 221 of the complementary means 22 (see [Fig. 4]) of the controlled flap 20 lock into the non-through cavities 122, more precisely behind the projections 123 extending substantially vertically and transversely from the lower positioning means 12 (see [Fig. 5]). Simultaneously, if necessary, the protrusion 28 of the flap inserts into the notch or opening 18, which makes it possible to position the flap transversely relative to the support.

[0047] Preferably, following pivoting around a transverse axis in the second direction, the upper holes 25 become interlocked with the two upper positioning means 15. Preferably, beforehand, the bevel 151 of each means 15 rubs against an edge of the corresponding upper hole 25 until the upper positioning means 15 is slightly bent. Once each bevel 151 has fully passed through the holes 25, the upper positioning means 15 elastically returns to its initial longitudinal position. Thanks to this interaction between the means 15 and the holes 25, the frame 21 of the controlled shutter remains in contact with the support 10 on its own, even though no screws have been used. Thus, the assembler can approach and even position the shutter relative to the support without tools.

[0048] Next, the assembler uses two screws 7 to pass through the frame 21 via its two holes 27 and screws them into the holes 17 provided in the upper part 16 of the support 10. The addition of these two screws 7 secures the assembly of the shutter on the support 10 by ensuring locking in the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0049] The implementation of a method for assembling the arrangement 2 according to the variant of the embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10. First, the support 10 and the controlled flap 20 are provided. For example, the implementation method involves assembling the controlled flap 20 onto the support 10 at the edge of the chain, for example, on a table. Initially, the two complementary means 22 of the frame 21 of the controlled flap 20 are brought into the immediate vicinity of the two holes 121 of the support 10. Preferably, the frame 21 is first slightly pivoted around a transverse axis in a first direction. The transverse pivot axis is approximately at the level of the lower part 14 of the support. Following this or these pivots of the piloted flap in the first direction, as soon as possible, the two extensions 221 of the flap are inserted into the two holes 121 (see [Fig.9]).The transverse pivot axis is approximately at the level of the lower part 14 of the support. The cooperation of the two extensions 221 with the two holes 121 allows the frame 21 to be held in the longitudinal and vertical directions and possibly transversely. Simultaneously, the case. If necessary, the protrusion 28 of the shutter is inserted into the notch or opening 18, allowing the shutter to be positioned transversely relative to the support. Preferably, following pivoting around a transverse axis in the second direction, the upper openings 25 interlock with the two upper positioning means 15, which are substantially conical, for example (see [Fig. 9]). Thanks to this interaction between the protrusions 15 and the holes 25, the frame 21 of the controlled shutter remains in contact with the support 10 on its own, even though no screws have been used. Thus, the installer can approach and even position the shutter relative to the support without tools. The installer then uses two screws 7 to pass through the frame 21 via its two holes 27 and screws them into the holes 17 provided in the upper part 16 of the support 10.The addition of these two screws 7 secures the mounting of the shutter onto the support 10 by ensuring locking in the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0050] In summary, the solution involves mounting a controlled flap on a support within an air circuit at the front of the vehicle, the air circuit being supplied by the vehicle's forward motion. The controlled flap can therefore be open, closed, or partially open, possibly with several levels of partial opening. Preferably, the flap is electrically and / or electronically controlled (not shown), particularly based on data such as, for example, the outside temperature, the temperature of certain powertrain components, the time since the vehicle started, the vehicle speed, the engine speed if applicable, etc. It should be noted that controlling this air intake, used for cooling the powertrain in particular, can reduce fuel consumption where applicable and consequently pollutant emissions.

[0051] The solution is compatible with different vehicle front-end architectures. More specifically, the controlled flap is standardized so that it can be assembled on several types of vehicles. This results in savings in terms of parts referencing and manufacturing (economies of scale), and reduces the risk of incorrect assembly. Furthermore, in the event of an accident or collision, the replacement costs of the controlled flap are lower.

[0052] Indeed, as previously mentioned, the controlled flap 20 comprises a compact frame or interface 21, minimizing assembly time since only two screws are needed for its attachment. The combination of the rear seal 30 and the front seal 35 allows, if necessary, adaptation to several air guides specific to other vehicles. For example, flexible lips are provided for the seal or sealing means 35 arranged at the front towards the front bumper 5. For example, rigid lips are provided at the rear of the support 10 to receive flexible lips from the rear air guide, for example, to accommodate the existing interfaces of the air guide fixed to a front crossmember at the top and to the technical front panel 3 at the bottom.

[0053] In particular, the controlled flap can be mounted in a different relative position depending on the vehicle. Most importantly, in the case of a vehicle not equipped with a controlled flap, the support does not need to be modified. In other words, no sealing part for the main opening 11 or any other part of the support is necessary to seal the circuit receiving the airflow 4 without the controlled flap. Thus, thanks to this solution, the air circuit seal is similar between a configuration "with flap" and a configuration "without flap".

[0054] Indeed, the solution provides a fixing of the controlled shutter 20 to the support 10, the four sides of whose frame 21 are watertight by being in contact with the support. Furthermore, this makes the shutter support more rigid, or at least prevents its mechanical resistance from being weakened, which can prevent breakage in certain cases of minor impacts.

[0055] As mentioned, the assembly sequence begins with the insertion from the front of two lower sections of the controlled flap into two configurations of the lower part 14 of the support. Once the flap means 22 are inserted into the recesses 121, 122 provided in the lower part, the flap is tilted so that the entire frame 21 comes into contact with the receiving wall 13 of the support. Following this pivoting, the upper lateral interfaces, comprising two holes 17 in the support and two holes 27 in the flap frame, are used to complete the assembly. Two soft-material screws 7 pass through the holes 27 in the flap and are screwed into the holes 17 in the support. For example, the tracks or seals 30, 35 are separated.

[0056] In summary, in the embodiment illustrated primarily in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 7, the attachment of the controlled flap to the support requires, in the lower left and right lateral parts, the presence of two recesses or cavities 122 formed from the material of the support, which can be removed along the longitudinal direction. It should be noted that the lateral cavities 122 in the support 10 provide support in both the vertical and longitudinal directions due to their interaction with two lower fingers 221 of the controlled flap 20. This retention at the bottom of the controlled flap, which is trapped and held in place by the interaction of the extensions 22 in the cavities 122, particularly due to tabs 123 extending primarily vertically and transversely (see Figures 5 and 7), is completed at the top by the two screws 7 passing through the frame of the flap 21 and screwing into the two screw holes 17 of the support.Thus, after several pivots or tilts of the flap to correctly position it at the bottom, a final tilt in the second direction moves its upper part backward to allow it to contact the receiving face 13 of the support. This then allows the screws 7 to be tightened at the upper lateral ends to reliably and permanently lock the flap onto the support. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the flap is preferably centered. along the transverse direction, the shutter is held in place by the cooperation between the central housing 18 of the support and the finger 28 of the shutter. Preferably, as mentioned previously, the retaining hooks 15, extending from the support along the longitudinal direction, also retain the shutter in this same direction by engaging in the upper lateral holes 25. Thus, the shutter, positioned against the receiving wall 13, is held by the support without requiring any action from the installer. This leaves the installer's hands free, facilitating the step of tightening the two screws 7 at the upper interfaces after the shutter has been tilted into its housings 122. Note that the upper holes 27 are oblong to accommodate any variations along the transverse direction. The housings 122 in the lower lateral sections thus reduce the number of screws required compared to the prior art.Optionally, the hook 15 is a tab partially cut into a vertical and longitudinal wall 19 of the support 10, as partially illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Finally, the positioning of the controlled shutter along the longitudinal direction is ensured at four points, approximately at the four corners of the frame 21 of the controlled shutter. Two longitudinal positions are ensured by the interaction of the two blind cavities 122 with the two extensions 221 of the frame at the bottom, and the other two are ensured by tightening the two screws 7 at the top on each side. The positioning along the vertical direction, downwards, is ensured by the interaction of the bottoms of the two blind cavities 122 with the ends of the two extensions 221 of the frame.Vertical positioning, upwards, is ensured by the contact of the axis or threaded rod of each screw 7 within the two oblong holes 27, more precisely against the lower part or bottom edge of the two oblong holes 27. Indeed, the dimensions of the holes 27 in the vertical direction are designed to have minimal play so as to prevent the extensions 221 from being extracted from the cavities 122 in the lower part by simple vertical translation. In the transverse direction, positioning is primarily, if not entirely, ensured by the interaction of the protrusion 28 of the flap with the cavity 18 of the support in the central or median area. Thus, the oblong holes 27 are sized to account for transverse dispersion, hence their major axis extends transversely and prevents positioning along the Y-axis.Similarly, the hooks 15 cooperate in the windows 25 of the frame 21, which have play in the vertical direction and a minimum in the transverse direction to account for variations. Thus, the role of the hooks 15 is preferably limited to holding the shutter in position during assembly.

[0057] In summary, in the variant illustrated mainly in Figures 8 and 9, the attachment of the controlled flap to its support rests on the lower right and left lateral parts, on at least two housings or holes 121, integral with the support 10 and suitable to be demolded in the vertical direction. Preferably, each extension 221 of the flap rests only in the longitudinal direction against the wall 13, creating two longitudinal positioning points at the bottom. Indeed, the positioning in the vertical direction is offset, transferred, for example, entirely to the upper part. For this purpose, the pins 15, substantially conical in the longitudinal direction towards the front, or centering pins 15, cooperate in the oblong holes 25 of the flap to position it vertically. Additionally, for fixing the flap to the support, the screw holes 17 receive the screws 7 passing through the flap to lock the flap after it has been tilted into the lower interfaces. In terms of positioning in the vertical direction, optionally, the extensions 221 or fingers rest against the edges of the holes 121 in the lateral part.In addition to the two longitudinal positions at the bottom, two further longitudinal positions are achieved by the frame contacting the wall 13 at the screw holes 7, creating a total of four longitudinal positions, both forward and backward. As mentioned, the centering pins 15 at the top on each side engage in the oblong holes 25 with a major transverse axis, allowing positioning only in the vertical direction. In the transverse direction, a central protrusion of the shutter engages in a recess in the support (not shown). Indeed, the holes 27 in the shutter are preferably oblong in the transverse direction to anticipate variations, so these holes do not position the shutter transversely.Advantageously, in this variant, the controlled flap is mounted and assembled on the support at the edge of the assembly line, for example, on a horizontal preparation table, so that it is possible to omit the longitudinal retaining hook. Alternatively, one or more retaining hooks are provided to facilitate assembly, particularly the screw tightening phase. Optionally, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], two lower holes 29 are provided in the frame 21 for the passage of two additional screws in the lower part. In this case, two receiving holes are provided in the lower part of the support to receive these two screws. This option is preferred when the fingers 221 of the frame 21 cannot be used for longitudinal positioning, for example, due to architectural constraints in the front lateral areas.In this variant, dismantling or mounting the shutter from the two holes 121 in the support requires a slight upward vertical translation to extract the means 15 sufficiently to initiate a tilting motion around a transverse axis at the bottom of the shutter at the lower interfaces of the support. This movement is blocked once the locking mechanism is secured by the two screws at the top. For example, the surfaces or edges of the holes 25 in the shutter are offset vertically along the Z-axis to provide a wider penetration window when the shutter interfaces are at an angle of . pivoting. However, preferably, minimal mounting clearance is sought in the longitudinal direction once the flap is straightened and extended vertically. Advantageously, chamfers and / or radii are provided on the flap extensions 221 and / or on the means 12 to facilitate the insertion of the lower part of the pilot-operated flap into the air guide support 10.

[0058] Note that in the variant, each centering 15 of the support cooperating with the corresponding oblong hole 25 of the shutter includes an offset, a step, a flat in the vertical direction, allowing a vertical clearance to be obtained with respect to the hole 25. Thus, the shutter can be offset angularly around a transverse axis if the shutter is previously lifted vertically.

[0059] The solution allows for the installation of a controlled flap on the support or not. In other words, once the support is fitted to the vehicle, the air circuit is airtight, or at least loses very little air from the airflow 4 drawn in at the front of the vehicle. Indeed, the seal 35 provided in front of the support and the seal 30 provided behind the support ensure airtightness. The controlled flap does not contribute to achieving this airtightness, so the absence of a controlled flap is not detrimental. As a reminder, for some vehicles, for example, low-end models and / or those for which it is desirable to keep repair costs low in the event of a front-end collision, a controlled flap is not installed. In these cases, as soon as the vehicle moves forward, the captured airflow is entirely transmitted through the main opening 11 of the support and diffuses towards the technical front face 3. Thus, the seal between the support and the rest of the air circuit is ensured mainly by the shapes of the seals 30, 35.

[0060] In terms of sealing, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 7, openings are created by the demolding of the lower interfaces 122 and / or the pre-retaining hooks 15 in the longitudinal direction. When a pilot-operated flap is fitted, these openings are partially closed by the shape of the flap due to its position against the support. Conversely, when there is no flap against the support, the openings created by molding the support extend mainly towards the interior of the air chamber delimited by the flexible lips of the air guide, i.e., in the lower part of the seal 30 (see lower part 31, left vertical part 32, and right vertical part 33 of the seal 30 in [Fig. 3]).

[0061] In the variant illustrated primarily in Figures 9, downward openings 141 remain because the demolding of the lower interfaces 121 of the support is carried out in the vertical direction. The openings 141 are at least partially blocked by the shapes of the flap, which promotes airflow and generates little or no loss. Conversely, in the absence of the flap, the openings 141 are outside the air chamber delimited by the flexible lips of the seal 30. Thus, preferably, in the case In the variant without shutters, it is preferable to provide plugs or shutters on these openings 141.

[0062] Optionally, a seal is provided between the damper and the support. In order to optimize airflow, in particular, the seal is ensured to prevent any bypass of the air-operated damper, especially when the damper is closed or partially closed. In both the embodiment and the variant, one or more lips, possibly baffles, for example having a tolerance of approximately 1.5 mm along the longitudinal direction, extend between the air-operated damper and the support receiving it. Preferably, this seal extends around the perimeter of the damper frame 21, inside the air guide.

[0063] In summary, the solution offers a particularly compact interface for receiving a controlled flap. The flap is adaptable and easily reusable for other vehicles or for vehicles of the same category with specific front-end features. In other words, the flap becomes a standard and / or customizable part for mounting in different environments. The flap meets the desired requirements in terms of low repair costs in the event of a front-end collision. Indeed, the flap can be installed without a seal and / or mounting brackets on the vehicle, as only fixings to the support are required. Above all, the front-mounted installation and removal process saves time and improves ergonomics, making it economical. Furthermore, its positioning in front of the support facilitates holding the controlled flap in place.The pressure of the airflow presses on the flap and helps to keep it in position no matter what, even in the event of failure or breakage of the fixing interfaces 12, 22 due to a front impact.

[0064] Optionally, the use of the lower interface 122, 221 (Figures 4 and 5) and the screws cooperating with the holes 27 to fix the flap in the vertical direction can be supplemented by the addition of a longitudinally extending centering device, for example, substantially conical as illustrated in [Fig. 9] (reference 15). In this case, the screws are no longer, or only minimally, subjected to stress in the Z direction. Note that this addition requires providing clearance at the bottom, i.e., at the level of the means 12, 22, so as to eliminate vertical support at this level. Such a centering device can be positioned, for example, in the middle of the vertically extending lateral sealing track with baffles.

[0065] Note that the embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9, due to the lower positioning means 121 of the support demolded in the vertical direction, makes it possible to make the support more compact in the transverse direction.

[0066] Note that for the purpose of mechanical resistance of the lower positioning means 12, it may be useful to offset the demolding area laterally to avoid a critical area.

[0067] In summary, the solution offers time savings in screwing compared to assemblies that generally require more screws. The flap is attached simply, basic, and reliable, and is done entirely on the support; no fasteners or mounting brackets between the flap and the rest of the vehicle are necessary. Installing or replacing the flap is therefore easy and inexpensive, as it can be done directly from the front of the vehicle. This translates into significant savings in the event of a collision or accident involving a vehicle equipped with this system. In particular, insurers take these repair costs into account when calculating vehicle insurance premiums. Furthermore, achieving lossless airflow is easy with this type of arrangement.

[0068] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of facilitating the mounting of a controlled flap on the technical front of the vehicle and has the advantage of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, buses, agricultural vehicles, lifting equipment and any other machine.

Claims

Demands

1. An arrangement (2) intended to be placed in front of a technical front face (3) of a vehicle (1), the arrangement (2) comprising: - a support (10) including a main opening (11), - a controlled flap (20) for managing an airflow (4) passing through the main opening (11) of the support (10), the controlled flap (20) including a frame (21) for its attachment relative to the support (10), the support (10) including two lower positioning means (12), the support (10) and the two lower positioning means (12) being an assembly obtained by molding, the two lower positioning means (12) cooperating with the frame (21) of the controlled flap (20).

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a receiving wall (13) oriented towards the front of such a vehicle (1), the receiving wall (13) extending in a vertical and transverse plane, the frame (21) of the piloted flap (20) being in at least partial contact with the receiving wall (13).

3. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two lower positioning means (12) are arranged on each side in the lower part (14) of the support (10) and extend substantially in the vertical direction and / or substantially in the longitudinal direction, the frame (21) of the piloted flap (20) comprising two complementary means (22) capable of cooperating with the two lower positioning means (12) so as to maintain the frame (21) relative to the support (10) in the longitudinal direction and / or in the vertical direction and / or in the transverse direction.

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two lower positioning means (12) each comprise a hole (121) or a non-through cavity (122) and in that the two complementary means (22) each comprise an extension (221), in particular an extension (221) made of material with the frame (21).

5. Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support (10) comprises two positioning means upper (15) arranged on each lateral side in the upper part (16) of the support (10), the two upper positioning means (15) extending longitudinally towards the front of such a vehicle (1), the frame (21) of the piloted flap (20) comprising two upper orifices (25), in particular oblong having a major axis extending transversely, the two upper positioning means (15) coming within the two upper orifices (25) of the frame (21) to position the frame (21) in the vertical direction.

6. Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frame (21) comprises two fixing holes (27), in particular oblong having a major axis extending transversely, and in that the support (10) comprises two receiving holes (17), two screws (7) passing through the two fixing holes (27) of the frame (21) to screw into the two receiving holes (17) of the support (10).

7. Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (10) includes a notch (18) formed in the lower part (14), in particular a notch (18) at the level of a vertical and longitudinal median plane, and in that the frame (21) includes a protuberance (28) adapted to fit into the notch (18) so as to position the frame (21) relative to the support (10) in the transverse direction.

8. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for assembling an arrangement (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of presenting the two complementary means (22) of the frame (21) of the controlled flap (20) in the immediate vicinity of the two lower positioning means (12) of the support (10), in particular following a slight pivoting about a transverse axis of the frame (21) in a first direction, the frame (21) being in front of the support (10) in the longitudinal direction, - a step of inserting the two complementary means (22) into the two lower positioning means (12) via a slight pivoting of the frame (21) about a transverse axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to maintain the frame (21) along the longitudinal and vertical directions and possibly transverse.

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