Complete automotive water box assembly comprising a gutter for collecting a first fluid (liquid) and a redirection conduit for a second fluid (gaseous).

Abstract

TITLE: Water box assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a recovery gutter for a first fluid, liquid, and a redirection conduit for a second fluid, gaseous. Water box assembly (1) for a motor vehicle (10) comprising a recovery gutter (2) for at least a first fluid (F1), liquid, a redirection conduit (3) for a second fluid (F2), gaseous, and a protective grid (4), the redirection conduit (3) being in fluidic connection with the gutter (2) at an opening (31) and extending transversely to the gutter (2), the gutter (2) being interposed between the grid (4) and the redirection conduit (3) in a direction of flow of the second fluid (F2). Figure from the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Water box assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a gutter for collecting a first fluid, liquid, and a conduit for redirecting a second fluid, gaseous

[0001] The invention relates to a water box assembly for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising said water box assembly.

[0002] In the automotive industry, it is known to equip the lower part of a vehicle's windshield with a structure called a "water box" intended primarily to collect runoff water flowing from the windshield and to separate the water from the air, particularly for the purpose of ventilating the passenger compartment.

[0003] The water box conventionally comprises a plurality of parts, including flanges, forming a water collection gutter located in the front compartment of the vehicle, particularly the engine compartment, and extending under the hood. The water box also conventionally comprises a grid and sealing means for ensuring a watertight seal at the interface between the water box and the hood and / or the windshield, such as a compressible rubber gasket.

[0004] The increased number of parts required to form the water box, particularly the gutter, nevertheless leads to a more complex assembly of the water box within the vehicle. Furthermore, such water boxes may be unsuitable for cluttered front-end environments, depending on the vehicle architecture.

[0005] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a water box assembly for vehicles that solves the disadvantages listed above at a lower cost.

[0006] The invention relates to a water box assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a gutter for collecting at least one first fluid, liquid, in particular water, a conduit for redirecting a second fluid, gaseous, in particular air, and a protective grid: - the grid being placed on the gutter and / or opposite the gutter; - the gutter extending at least partly along a first direction and including at least one orifice for the evacuation of the first fluid, arranged on a bottom of the gutter; - the redirection duct being in fluidic connection with the gutter at an opening and extending transversely to the gutter, the gutter being interposed between the grid and the redirection conduit according to a direction of circulation of the second fluid.

[0007] In particular, the opening of the conduit extends over a portion of the length of the gutter, defined along the first direction, strictly less than half the length of the gutter.

[0008] Optionally, the water box assembly: - includes an intermediate wall disposed at the interface between the gutter and the conduit, at the level of the opening so as to be connected to the bottom of the gutter and so as to be interposed between at least a part of the gutter and the conduit; and / or - in which the opening of the conduit is disposed at a non-zero distance from the bottom along a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the grid comprises an inlet portion for the first fluid and the second fluid and at least one deflecting wall extending transversely to the inlet portion, the at least one deflecting wall being inclined so that a proximal end of said wall, closest to the gutter, extends opposite said gutter.

[0010] According to alternative embodiment examples: - the duct and the gutter form a single unit; or - the conduit is at least partially added and fixed to the gutter.

[0011] Optionally, the gutter comprises a plurality of sides connected to the bottom, at least one of the sides being inclined relative to the bottom.

[0012] In particular, the conduit comprises a plurality of walls, at least one first wall, configured to have a lowest position within the vehicle, comprises at least one evacuation hole for the first fluid and / or at least one wall distinct from the first wall comprises a plurality of perforations, including micro-perforations.

[0013] The invention also extends to a motor vehicle comprising a water box assembly according to the invention and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation comprising at least one connecting element, the duct being connected in a sealed manner to said installation via said connecting element.

[0014] In particular, the vehicle includes at least one cross member and a body structure, the gutter being arranged on the cross member and / or the body structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the connecting element includes at least one outlet of the first fluid.

[0016] Other details, features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figure:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an example of an embodiment of a water box assembly according to the invention at the level of a conduit and a gutter.

[0018] The [Fig.2] a schematic cross-sectional representation of the entire water box illustrated in the [Fig.1] made at a distance from the conduit.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic top view representation of a vehicle including the water box assembly.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective representation of the entire water box assembly.

[0021] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the entire water box assembly fitted in the vehicle.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the entire water box assembly fitted in the vehicle.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a schematic side view representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly at the conduit level.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly seen from below.

[0027] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective representation of an example of the realization of a water box assembly at least partly attached to the gutter.

[0029] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an example embodiment of the water box assembly fitted in the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of a water box assembly 1 according to the invention for a motor vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 considered is, for example, a motor vehicle 10 with a thermal, hybrid or electric motor comprising a thermal powertrain, not shown, fitted in a front engine compartment 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0031] By convention in the following description, the direction in which the motor vehicle 10 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X, said direction pointing towards the rear of the vehicle 10. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct coordinate system XYZ is defined, represented in figures where necessary. The terms "superior" and "inferior" are used in their general sense, with "inferior" indicating a greater proximity to the ground. Similarly, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy among them.

[0032] The water box assembly 1 is located at the level of the front structure of the vehicle 10, in particular at least in part at the level of a lower area of ​​a windscreen 12 delimiting a front part of a passenger compartment 13 of the vehicle 10. The water box assembly 1, as further described below, is thus able to collect a first fluid Fl, liquid, such as water, flowing on the windscreen 12 of the vehicle 10 and to separate it from a second fluid F2, gaseous, such as a flow of air, circulating at the level of the front structure of the vehicle 10, for example intended to be at least in part conveyed to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 14, or HVAC system, equipping the vehicle 10 and able to ensure the temperature management of the passenger compartment 13.

[0033] Typically, the vehicle 10 comprises a body structure 15, that is, a structure forming the chassis of the vehicle 10 and including elements such as longitudinal members, body cross members, or frame members, which are not detailed. The vehicle 10 further comprises a hood 16, configured to be moved between "open" and "closed" configurations so as to allow access to the engine compartment 11 or not, respectively.

[0034] Generally, the water box assembly 1 according to the invention includes a gutter 2 for recovering at least the first fluid Fl, liquid, a conduit 3 for redirecting a second fluid F2, in particular air, and a grid 4 for protecting and filtering the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2.

[0035] The gutter 2 comprises a base 21 and a plurality of sides 22, connected to the base 21 and defining an elongated, streamlined shape. In particular, the gutter 2 extends at least partially along a first direction 100, here parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. The gutter 2 may be at least partially straight and / or curved. Optionally, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the gutter 2 comprises a plurality of segments forming a U-shape or substantially a U-shape. Here, "segment" means a part of a whole. A main segment 23 of the gutter 2 extends at least into a central area, here defined along the transverse direction Y, of the vehicle 10 and / or the windshield 12 and forms a base of the U. Extreme segments 24 are each connected to one end of the main segment 23 and form branches of the "U". These extreme segments 24 extend, in particular, transversely to the main segment 23.

[0036] The gutter 2 comprises a profile open on at least one side, in particular a side configured to be turned towards the grille 4, the hood 16 and / or the windshield 12, i.e.- to direct upwards within the vehicle 10. For example, the gutter 2 has a profile that is at least partly U-shaped, or substantially U-shaped. The bottom 21 of the gutter 2 thus forms the base of said "U" and the open side is opposite the bottom 21 of the gutter 2.

[0037] The gutter 2 further includes at least one discharge orifice 25 for the first fluid Fl, located at the bottom 21 of the gutter 2. The at least one discharge orifice 25 is a through orifice allowing the first fluid Fl circulating in the gutter 2 to be discharged to an environment outside said gutter 2, in particular by gravity. Preferably, the gutter 2 includes a plurality of discharge ports 25 for the first fluid FL. Optionally, at least one discharge port 25 is disposed at or near one end of the gutter 2, for example in one of the extremity segments 24.Alternatively or additionally, one or more drainage orifices 25 are distributed along a length of the gutter 2, defined along the first direction 100.

[0038] Optionally, the gutter 2 includes at least one slope, defined along a direction orthogonal to the first direction 100, here along a second direction 200 parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z. Said slope is configured to facilitate the drainage of the first fluid FL. For example, the end segments 24 are inclined, along the vertical direction Z, relative to the main segment 23 so as to form slopes and to have a position at least partially lower than a position of the main segment 23 along the vertical direction Z. In particular, in such an embodiment, at least one drainage orifice 25 or a plurality of drainage orifices 25 are disposed at the end of at least one of said slopes.

[0039] Optionally, at least one of the sides 22 of the gutter 2 is inclined relative to the bottom 21. In this case, a first side 22a, the one closest to the hood 16, is inclined relative to the bottom 21. This principle aims to direct the first fluid Fl flowing onto the windshield 12 or the hood 16 towards the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 and towards at least one drainage opening 25. This principle also advantageously allows a dimension of the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 to be reduced so as to limit the overall size generated.

[0040] For example, the at least one inclined side 22 has an inclination kl, relative to the bottom 21, of between 10 and 75°, or even between 15 and 65° or between 20 and 45°. In particular, the at least one inclined side 22 is configured to extend at least partially opposite the hood 16 within the vehicle 10, for example along the vertical direction Z, so that the hood 16 and the gutter 2 are partially superimposed. By "superimposed" it is understood that the hood 16 and the gutter 2 extend opposite each other along at least one direction, so that at least one axis, here an axis parallel to the second direction 200 and the vertical direction Z, passes through the gutter 2 and the hood 16, whether or not there is contact between the hood 16 and the gutter 2. Such a principle makes it possible, in particular, to optionally eliminate the need to integrate a sealing means at the interface between the hood 16 and the gutter 2. It is nevertheless understood that the vehicle 10 may optionally include a sealing means, disposed on the gutter 2 or the hood 16 and configured to extend to the interface between the hood 16 and the gutter 2.

[0041] The redirection duct 3 is arranged in fluidic connection with the gutter 2 at an opening 31 and extends transversely to the gutter 2. In particular, the duct 3 extends along a third direction 300, transverse, or even orthogonal to the first direction 100 and here parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X. It is configured to allow the circulation of the second fluid F2, i.e. an airflow, in particular towards the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation 14. The duct 3 comprises a plurality of walls 32 having, in particular, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, for example with a polygonal, square or rectangular base.The duct 3 is open at opposite ends, a first end 33a comprising the opening 31 connecting the duct 3 to the gutter 2 and a second, opposite end 33b being configured to be connected directly or indirectly to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation 14.

[0042] In particular, the opening 31 of the conduit 3 extends over a portion of the length of the gutter 2, defined along the first direction 100. Specifically, the opening 31 of the conduit 3 extends over a portion of the gutter 2 strictly less than half the length of the gutter 2. For example, the opening 31 and the conduit 3 are located at a central or substantially central area of ​​the gutter 2 and / or the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the conduit 3 may be offset relative to the central area of ​​the gutter 2 and / or the vehicle 10. In this case, the conduit 3 is connected to the main segment 23 of the gutter 2. This principle advantageously limits the bulk generated by the conduit 3, for example, so as to allow the integration of at least one wiper blade 7, in particular a means actuation 71 of said wiping brush 7.

[0043] The water box assembly 1 according to the invention is particularly configured and shaped so that the first liquid fluid Fl, here water, flows through the channel 2 to be discharged into the engine compartment 11, while the second fluid F2, here the airflow, passes through a portion of the channel 2 to be directed into the recirculation duct 3. The first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2 are thus at least partially separated, or even completely separated, by the water box assembly 1 in order to be directed to different points in the vehicle 10. The water box assembly 1 according to the invention limits, or even prevents, the entry of the first fluid Fl, i.e., water, into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation 14 in order to prevent wear, for example by rust, of said installation.

[0044] For this purpose of separation, the water box assembly 1 optionally includes an intermediate wall 5 disposed at the interface between the gutter 2 and the conduit 3, at the level of the opening 31 so as to be connected to the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 and so as to be interposed between at least a part of the gutter 2 and the conduit 3. The intermediate wall 5 extends transversely, or even orthogonally, to the bottom 21 of the gutter 2. In particular, the intermediate wall 5 is included in the gutter 2 and / or in the conduit 3, that is to say, it can be at least partially coincident with one of the sides 22 of the gutter 2 and / or with one of the walls 32 of the conduit 3.The intermediate wall 5 limits, or even prevents, the circulation of the first fluid Fl in the conduit 3 and thus helps to delimit a circulation zone of the first fluid Fl within the gutter 2 and a maximum capacity of first fluid Fl that can be contained in the gutter 2 without hindering the operation of the entire water box assembly 1, i.e. without the first fluid Fl entering the conduit 3. .

[0045] The intermediate wall 5 is thus positioned opposite the opening 31 and / or helps to delimit the opening 31 of the conduit 3. The intermediate wall 5 is specifically dimensioned to extend over the entire width of the opening 31 and / or the conduit 3, defined along the first direction 100. In this way, a lower part of the interface connecting the gutter 2 and the recirculation conduit 3 is blocked by the intermediate wall 5 so as to limit, or even prevent, the circulation of the first fluid Fl in the conduit 3, while an upper part of said interface is in fluidic connection with the conduit 3 so as to allow the entry of the second fluid F2 into the conduit 3. Here, "lower part" means the part of the interface connecting closest to the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 and, by extension, the lowest part within the vehicle 10.Conversely, the "upper part" corresponds to a part further away from the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 and the ground on which the vehicle 10 rests. Optionally, the upper part of the interface connecting the conduit 3 and the gutter 2 includes a filter suitable for hindering the circulation of particles and debris in the conduit 3.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the opening 31 of the conduit 3, and by extension the interface connecting the conduit 3 and the gutter 2, is positioned at a non-zero distance from the bottom 21 of the gutter 2 along the second direction 200, here parallel to the vertical direction Z. In this way, the gutter 2 is able to receive a certain capacity of the first fluid Fl to be evacuated without said fluid being directly directed towards the conduit 3. The water box assembly 1 according to the invention is thus able to prevent the passage of at least a portion of the first fluid Fl towards the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 14.

[0047] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 1] and in Figures 5 to 11, the conduit 3 and the gutter 2 form a single unit. "Single unit" means that the gutter 2 and the conduit 3 are made of a single material and cannot be separated or disassembled without resulting in their degradation or even destruction. For example, the gutter 2 and the conduit 3 are made of a plastic material. Alternatively, the gutter 2 and the conduit 3 are made of a metallic material, such as steel. Such an embodiment advantageously simplifies the assembly of the water box assembly 1 and its accessibility by reducing the number of parts to be assembled and integrated into the vehicle 10.

[0048] According to a second, alternative embodiment, the duct 3 is at least partially attached to and fixed onto the gutter 2. In particular, the gutter 2 and at least a first portion 30a of the duct 3, comprising at least one of the walls 32 delimiting the recirculation duct 3, form a single unit. In this case, in the non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig. 12], the first portion 30a of the duct 3 comprises a plurality of adjacent walls 32, particularly three walls 32. A second portion 30b of the duct 3, comprising at least one wall and complementary in shape to the first portion 30a of the duct 3, is attached to and fixed onto the first portion 30a and the gutter 2.Optionally, but preferably, the second portion 30b includes at least one primary edge 34 connected to at least one wall at the first end 33a of the duct 3 and configured to be positioned and fixed on the gutter 2, in particular on one of the sides 22 of the gutter 2 and / or on the bottom 21. Optionally, the second portion 30b includes at least one secondary edge 35, connected to at least one wall of the second portion 30b and opposite at least one primary edge 34 within the duct 3. The at least one secondary edge 35 is configured to allow connection of the duct 3 with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 14. In this case, the second portion 30b includes a plurality of secondary edges 35 connected so as to form a frame extending at least partially transversely, or even orthogonally, to the walls 32 of the duct 3.Such an example of implementation allows in particular the simplification of the manufacture of the entire water box assembly 1 and the reduction of its cost while optimizing its assembly in the vehicle 10. Advantageously, the second portion 30b of the conduit 3 can be assembled with the first portion 30a of the conduit 3 and the gutter 2 prior to its positioning and fixing in the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to a third embodiment, not shown, the conduit 3 is fully attached and fixed to the gutter 2. The preceding description applies here mutatis mutandis, the conduit 3 comprising the plurality of walls 32 forming a cylindrical shape, at least one primary edge 34 configured to be fixed to the gutter 2 and, optionally, at least one secondary edge 35 suitable for cooperating with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation 14.

[0050] Optionally, at least one of the walls 32 of the duct 3, particularly a first wall 32a, configured to be in the lowest position within the vehicle 10 and closest to the bottom 21 of the gutter 2, includes at least one discharge hole 36 for the first fluid Fl. The discharge hole 36 advantageously allows the first fluid Fl, which may have entered the duct 3 upstream of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 14, to be discharged in the direction of flow of the second fluid F2. Optionally, the water box assembly 1 includes a nozzle, positioned at the discharge hole 36, so as to direct and discharge the first fluid Fl into the engine compartment 11.

[0051] Optionally, alternatively, or additionally, at least one wall separate from the first wall 32a comprises a plurality of perforations, including micro-perforations, not shown. Such perforations serve, in particular, to limit the formation of condensation in the duct 3 in the event of high temperatures or a humid environment outside the vehicle 10. For example, said perforations have dimensions less than or equal to 10 mm, in particular between 2 and 8 mm.

[0052] The grid 4 is arranged on the gutter 2 and / or opposite at least a portion of the gutter 2 so as to cover or close it at least partially, in particular so as to cover the "U" shape of the gutter 2. For example, the grid 4 extends opposite at least a portion of the main segment 23 of the gutter 2. In particular, the water box assembly 1 is arranged so that the gutter 2 is interposed between the grid 4 and the redirection conduit 3 in a direction of flow of the second fluid F2. The grid 4 allows the passage of the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2 and is capable of filtering said fluids at least partially, for example so as to retain particles, debris or other substances contained in said fluids. For example, for this purpose the grid 4 comprises an assembly of bars or segments.

[0053] The grid 4 includes an inlet portion 41 for the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2 configured to allow the passage and entry of said fluids into the engine compartment 11. Said inlet portion 41 is arranged opposite at least a part of the gutter 2, for example the bottom 21, along the second direction 200, i.e. here along the vertical direction Z. For example, the inlet portion 41 comprises an assembly of bars or segments extending parallel and / or transversely to each other so as to form a lattice or frame. In particular, the inlet portion 41 is flat or substantially flat.

[0054] The gutter 2 further comprises at least one deflecting wall 42 extending transversely to the inlet portion 4L. At least one deflecting wall 42 is configured to direct the first fluid Fl, i.e. water, circulating at the level of the hood 16 and / or the windshield 12 towards the gutter 2, in particular towards the bottom 21. Also, at least one deflector wall 42 is able to direct water accumulated at the level of the grille 4 towards the gutter 2. At least one deflector wall 42 is also configured to direct the second fluid F2, i.e. the airflow, towards the gutter 2 and, by extension, towards the duct 3.

[0055] Optionally, the at least one deflector wall 42 extends on either side of the inlet portion 41 along at least one direction, in particular along the second direction 200, here parallel to the vertical direction Z, so that a portion of the at least one deflector wall 42 extends into the engine compartment 11 when the water box assembly 1 is assembled in the vehicle 10, while an opposite portion extends into the environment outside the vehicle 10. In particular, the at least one deflector wall 42 extends over all or part of a length of the grille 4, defined along the first direction 100. In particular, the at least one deflector wall 42 extends in a substantially curved manner around at least one direction, in particular along the second direction 200, here parallel to the vertical direction Z.At least one deflecting wall 42 extends substantially concavely relative to the lower part of the windscreen 12 such that it forms a collector for guiding the fluid flowing out of the lower part of the windscreen 12. At least one other deflecting wall 42 extends substantially parallel to the rear end edge of the hood 16, which may have a substantially curved profile, in particular as may be a wall delimiting the gutter 2, in particular one of the sides 22 connected to the bottom 21.

[0056] The grid 4 can be assembled by clipping to the gutter 2, in particular at the level of one of the sides 22 of the bottom 21 having an end wall extending forward from the gutter 2.

[0057] In particular, the grid 4 comprises a plurality of deflecting walls 42. A first deflecting wall 42a is inclined relative to the inlet portion 41 of the grid 4 such that a proximal end of said wall, closest to the gutter 2, extends opposite said gutter 2, in particular from the bottom 21, along at least one direction. In this case, the proximal end extends opposite the gutter 2 along the second direction 200, so that at least one axis parallel to the second direction 200, here parallel to the vertical direction Z, passes through the deflector wall 42 and the bottom 21 of the gutter 2. Optionally, a distal end of the deflector wall 42, opposite the proximal end, extends into the environment outside the vehicle 10, opposite the hood 16 so as to ensure the sealing of the interface between the grille 4 and the hood 16.

[0058] Optionally, the proximal end of the deflecting wall 42, opposite the distal end, extends along the third direction 300, here parallel to the longitudinal direction X, passes through the deflecting wall 42 and a front end component of the gutter 2.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the grille 4 includes a second deflector wall 42b. This second deflector wall 42b extends at least partially into the engine compartment 11 when the water box assembly 1 is fitted in the vehicle 10. In particular, when the grille 4 includes a plurality of deflector walls 42, said walls 32 may be arranged on either side of the inlet portion 41 along at least one direction. In this case, the first deflector wall 42a and the second deflector wall 42b are arranged on either side of the flat portion which extends in particular along the third direction 300, in particular here parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the grille 4 includes a third deflector wall 42c inclined relative to the deflector wall 42b, which it extends at the rear. Said third deflector wall 42c extends out of the engine compartment 11, between the hood 13 and the windshield 12, when the water box assembly 1 is fitted in the vehicle 10.

[0061] As previously stated, within the vehicle 10, the water box assembly 1 is connected to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 14. In particular, such a fluid connection is implemented via at least one connection element 6 fitted in the vehicle 10, the duct 3 being hermetically sealed to said system via said connection element 6. For example, the connection element 6 is a pipe and / or a sheet metal component. According to a particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1] or 6, such a sheet metal component of the vehicle 10 may be a firewall.

[0062] Optionally, the connecting element 6 includes at least one outlet 61 for the first fluid Fl, for example equipped with at least one cannula. Similar to the drain hole 36 for the first fluid Fl, the at least one outlet 61 of the connecting element 6 is suitable for draining the first fluid Fl that may have entered the duct 3 upstream of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 14 according to a flow direction of the second fluid F2.

[0063] Also, optionally but preferably, the water box assembly 1 is supported by at least one crossmember 17 equipping the vehicle 10, such as a lower bay crossmember 17, and / or by the body structure 15. In this case, the bay crossmember 17 is located in the lower part of the windshield 12 and connects lateral elements of the body structure 15, such as front pillars. According to a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], 6 or 13, the conduit 3 and / or the gutter 2 is supported by the cross member 17. In particular, the main segment 23 of the gutter 2 and / or the first end 33a of the conduit 3 is disposed on the cross member 17.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the gutter 2, for example the extreme segments 24 of the gutter 2, are arranged on lateral elements of the body structure 15 of the vehicle 10, delimiting the vehicle 10 along the transverse direction Y. For example, the gutter 2 is arranged on the lateral feet of the body structure 15.

[0065] In a known manner, the water box assembly 1 can be fixed to the cross member 17 and / or to the body structure 15 by means of fixing means employing a clip, i.e. so as to be snapped into place, and / or by screwing.

[0066] Optionally, as illustrated in [Fig.7] or 8, the grid 4 is optionally connected to the gutter 2, for example by means of a clamp 8 or a clip.

[0067] Thus, when the water box assembly 1 is fitted in the vehicle 10, it allows the separation of the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2. The first fluid Fl, i.e., water, projected along the windshield 12, the hood 16, or at the level of the grille 4, passes through the grille 4 and is directed towards the gutter 2. The first fluid Fl flows in the gutter 2 and is discharged from the water box assembly 1 via at least one discharge port 25. Advantageously, the gutter 2 can serve as a settling gutter for the first fluid FL. For example, the first fluid Fl is discharged towards the engine compartment 11, particularly into spaces located at the level of the vehicle's side fenders 10 and / or the body structure 15.In parallel, the second fluid F2, here the airflow, circulates through the grid 4, passes through the gutter 2 and is directed towards the recirculation duct 3 so as to be sent to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation 14.

[0068] The position of the recirculation duct 3 relative to the gutter 2 and / or the presence of the intermediate wall 5 advantageously allows limiting, or even preventing, the entry of the first fluid Fl into the recirculation duct 3 and, consequently, into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 14. Additionally, when the grid 4 includes at least one deflector wall 42, the first fluid Fl can flow or accumulate at the level of said wall and then flow towards the gutter 2 by gravity in order to be evacuated as described above.The same applies to a mixture of the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2, the at least one deflecting wall 42 advantageously allowing the second fluid F2 to be redirected towards the gutter 2 and then towards the recirculation duct 3, in particular towards the opening 31, while the first fluid Fl accumulates at the level of the at least one deflecting wall 42 when it comes into contact with it and is then evacuated via the gutter 2.

[0069] Advantageously, the invention is suitable for evacuating any accumulation of first fluid Fl in the recirculation duct 3, and thus preventing the entry of first fluid Fl into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 14 when it includes at least one evacuation hole 36 disposed in the recirculation duct 3 and / or at least one outlet 61 of first fluid Fl in the connecting element 6. The same applies when the duct 3 includes the perforations.

[0070] The present invention thus proposes a water box assembly allowing the separation of an air flow from a water flow while being adapted to a cluttered compartment and allowing simplified mounting in the vehicle.

[0071] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated herein and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. Water box assembly (1) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising a gutter (2) for collecting at least a first fluid (Fl), liquid, in particular water, a conduit (3) for redirecting a second fluid (F2), gaseous, in particular air, and a protective grid (4): - the grid (4) being disposed on the gutter (2) and / or opposite the gutter (2); - the gutter (2) extending at least partly along a first direction (100) and comprising at least one discharge orifice (25) for the first fluid (Fl), disposed on a bottom (21) of the gutter (2); - the redirection conduit (3) being in fluidic connection with the gutter (2) at the level of an opening (31) and extending transversely to the gutter (2), the gutter (2) being interposed between the grid (4) and the redirection conduit (3) according to a direction of circulation of the second fluid (F2).

2. Water box assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening (31) of the conduit (3) extends over a portion of a length of the gutter (2), defined along the first direction (100), strictly less than half the length of the gutter (2).

3. Water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims: - comprising an intermediate wall (5) disposed at the interface between the gutter (2) and the conduit (3), at the level of the opening (31) so as to be connected to the bottom (21) of the gutter (2) and so as to be interposed between at least a part of the gutter (2) and the conduit (3); and / or - wherein the opening (31) of the conduit (3) is disposed at a non-zero distance from the bottom (21) along a direction orthogonal to the first direction (100).

4. A water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grid (4) comprises an inlet portion (41) for the first fluid (F1) and the second fluid (F2) and at least one deflector wall (42) extending transversely to the inlet portion (41), the at least one deflector wall (42) being inclined at so that a proximal end of said wall, closest to the gutter (2), extends opposite said gutter (2).

5. Water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the conduit (3) and the gutter (2) form a single unit; or - the conduit (3) is at least partly attached and fixed to the gutter (2).

6. Water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter (2) comprises a plurality of flanks (22) connected to the bottom (21), at least one of the flanks (22) being inclined relative to the bottom (21).

7. Water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit (3) comprises a plurality of walls (32), at least one first wall (32a), configured to have a lowest position within the vehicle (10), comprises at least one discharge hole (36) for the first fluid (Fl) and / or at least one wall separate from the first wall (32a) comprises a plurality of perforations, including micro-perforations.

8. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a water box assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation (14) comprising at least one connecting element (6), the duct (3) being hermetically connected to said installation via said connecting element (6).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one cross member (17) and a body structure (15), the gutter (2) being disposed on the cross member (17) and / or the body structure (15).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the connecting element (6) includes at least one outlet (61) of the first fluid (Fl).

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