Detachable air duct

Abstract

The invention relates to an air duct (10) intended to be fixed to a fixing frame (110), the air duct (10) comprising a fixing handle (20) able to change: - from a released configuration in which the fixing handle (20) is detached from a hook (120) of the fixing frame (110) to a configuration in engagement with the hook (120) when a force (F) having a component normal to the air duct that is lower than a preset value is applied to the air duct (10), - from the configuration in engagement with the hook (120) to a configuration disengaged from the hook (120), in which the fixing handle (20) is separated from the hook (120) of the fixing frame (110), when a force (F') having a component normal to the air duct that is greater than the preset value is applied to the air duct (10).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention '■ Detachable air duct

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchange devices intended to equip a vehicle, and more specifically concerns an air duct intended to be attached to a heat exchange device, in particular a radiator.

[0004] A vehicle's cooling system consists of several components, including the radiator. The radiator has a channel structure through which a fluid circulates to dissipate excess heat generated by other vehicle components. The radiator is mounted at the front of the vehicle and is connected to an air duct. The air duct has an inlet through which ambient air enters when the vehicle is in motion and an outlet facing the radiator. Airflow is thus directed from outside the vehicle into the radiator channels where the fluid circulates. Heat exchange occurs between the air and the fluid. A cooling system also includes a fan to assist airflow through the radiator.

[0005] Modern radiators are of the horizontal circulation type (also known as "crossflow"). The channels extend horizontally, taking advantage of the vehicle's width to increase the distance the fluid travels. Such a crossflow radiator comprises a central element made up of multiple channels and two water boxes, or water reservoirs, on either side of the central element and connected to the channel network. One of the two water boxes, called the inlet box, receives the hot fluid from other vehicle components, and the other, called the outlet box, receives the cooled fluid after it has passed through the channels.

[0006] As mentioned previously, an air duct is located on the front of the radiator, that is, between the radiator and the front of the vehicle. Typically, the air duct is attached to the radiator. Specifically, the air duct includes a top mounting point for connecting it to the top of the radiator and two side mounting points for connecting it to each of the water boxes. Thus, the air duct extends across the entire surface of the radiator. In a frontal collision, both the air duct and the radiator can be damaged. If the impact is severe, the air duct can puncture the water boxes. In this case, the radiator will need to be replaced.

[0007] The invention falls within this context and proposes an air duct with an innovative connection device for easy and secure assembly of the air duct to the radiator while allowing the air duct to detach in the event of a frontal impact in order to preserve the radiator.

[0008] As will become apparent from reading the document, the invention is by no means limited to a crossflow radiator and its two water boxes. More generally, the invention applies to any heat exchange device that must be protected during a frontal impact. Such a heat exchange device includes a mounting frame to which the air duct is attached. It is therefore understood that the air duct is designed to be attached to the mounting frame of the heat exchange device and to detach from it during a frontal impact.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to an air duct intended to be fixed to a mounting frame for a heat exchange device, the air duct comprising:

[0010] an entrance face,

[0011] an outlet face extending parallel to a junction plane intended to be in contact with the heat exchange device,

[0012] two parallel lateral faces connecting the inlet face and the outlet face, each extending parallel to a lateral plane,

[0013] a fixing zone intended to be fixed to the fixing frame, the fixing zone comprising, extending from each of the two lateral faces, a fixing handle extending mainly parallel to the lateral plane and capable of passing through:

[0014] o from a released configuration in which the fixing handle is detached from a hook on the fixing frame to a configuration engaged with the hook when a force having a component normal to the junction plane less than a predefined value is applied to the air duct,

[0015] o from the configuration engaged with the hook to a disassembled configuration of the hook, in which the fixing handle is separated from the hook of the fixing frame, when a force having a component normal to the junction plane greater than the predefined value is applied to the air duct.

[0016] A junction plane is defined as a plane that extends parallel to a plane in which the outlet face of the air duct is primarily located. The junction plane is designed to be in contact with the heat exchanger. In other words, the heat exchanger has a surface that includes the junction plane.

[0017] Thanks to the features of the invention, the air duct can easily be positioned for operation. First, before assembling the air duct to the mounting frame of the heat exchanger, the mounting handle is in a free position, meaning it is not in contact with the mounting frame. A first force, with a component substantially perpendicular to the junction plane, is applied to the air duct. The application of this force, the component of which has a value less than a predefined value, pushes the air duct against the mounting frame. More precisely, the air duct's mounting handle engages with the hook of the mounting device, so that the air duct is attached to the mounting frame. The mounting handle is then in a position engaged with the hook of the mounting frame.If a force with a component normal to the junction plane exceeding a predefined value is applied to the air duct, as is typically the case during a frontal impact of a vehicle equipped with such a heat exchanger, the retaining handle moves from the engaged to the disengaged position of the hook. The frontal impact, by exerting a sufficiently high force normal to the junction plane, puts pressure on the air duct. Thanks to the invention, the air duct detaches from the mounting frame of the heat exchanger. The retaining handle, under the effect of this force, moves from the engaged to the disengaged position. In other words, the retaining handle disengages from its grip on the retaining hook. By moving from the engaged to the disengaged position, the air duct acts as a shock absorber.The air duct, under the force of the frontal impact, is pushed against the heat exchanger in the direction normal to the junction plane. As the mounting handle moves to its disassembled position, the impact is not transmitted to the mounting frame or the heat exchanger. In addition to allowing simple assembly of the air duct onto the mounting frame of the heat exchanger, the invention preserves the integrity of the heat exchanger in the event of an impact. When the handle moves from the engaged position to the disassembled position, the air duct detaches from the mounting frame and, if the applied force is very high, the air duct can rupture locally. By preventing the transmission of excessive force to the heat exchanger, the air duct acts as a mechanical fuse.By disengaging during a frontal collision, the fastening handle, which is able to cooperate with the fastening hook, ensures that no damage is caused to the heat exchange device.

[0018] According to an optional feature of the invention, the hook of the fixing frame comprising a sliding surface extending parallel to a sliding plane forming an obtuse angle with the lateral plane and a retaining surface, the fixing handle comprises:

[0019] a sliding face extending parallel to the sliding plane, the sliding face being intended to slide along the sliding surface of the hook when the fastening handle changes from the released configuration to the engaged configuration,

[0020] an opening having a first contact face, the first contact face being intended to be in butt against the retaining surface of the hook when the fixing handle is in the engaged configuration.

[0021] The sliding face contributes to the correct positioning of the mounting handle relative to the hook. More specifically, the contact between the sliding face of the mounting handle and the sliding surface of the hook orients the mounting handle relative to the hook as it transitions from the released to the engaged position. The sliding surface of the hook acts as a guide for the sliding face of the mounting handle. This interaction facilitates the placement of the air duct during assembly to the mounting frame. The through-hole of the mounting handle allows it to align with the hook's retaining surface. The first contact face of the mounting handle defines the opening.It is this first contact face that is in contact with the retaining surface in the engaged configuration. The interaction between the first contact face and the retaining surface ensures that the fixing handle remains in position relative to the hook of the fixing frame when the fixing handle is in the engaged configuration, that is, when the air duct is attached to the fixing frame.

[0022] According to an optional feature of the invention, the opening has a second contact face, opposite the first contact face, the second contact face being intended to slide along the sliding surface of the hook when the fastening handle moves from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration.

[0023] The second contact face of the mounting handle is a face that defines the opening. This second contact face is opposite the first contact face; in other words, they are located on either side of the opening. Advantageously, the first and second contact faces are parallel to each other. When a force with a sufficiently high component normal to the junction plane is applied to the air duct, particularly during a frontal impact, the air duct is pushed towards the heat exchanger, i.e., towards the mounting frame. As a result, the handle moves along the direction normal to the junction plane. The second contact face then comes into contact with the sliding surface and moves along it.The sliding surface, extending parallel to the sliding plane and forming an obtuse angle with the lateral plane, allows the second contact face to follow the direction of the sliding plane and contribute to moving the handle away from the direction normal to the junction plane. In other words, the sliding of the second contact face of the fastening handle against the sliding surface of the hook orients the handle parallel to the sliding plane. This orientation allows the handle to transition to its disassembled configuration.

[0024] It is thus understood that the handle comprises at least two operational faces, each corresponding to a phase of interaction with the hook. The sliding face is parallel to the sliding plane; it moves along the hook's sliding surface to move the fastening handle from the released configuration to the engaged configuration. The second contact face slides along the hook's sliding surface to move the fastening handle from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the hook of the fastening frame includes a deflection surface inclined at an acute angle to the sliding surface. The opening includes a pin extending from the second contact face parallel to the lateral plane. The pin is designed to abut and then slide against the deflection surface of the hook when the fastening handle moves from the engaged to the disassembled configuration. The pin rises from the second contact face and extends perpendicularly to it. The pin thus includes an end that lies within the space forming the opening of the handle. When the second contact face slides along the sliding surface, the end of the pin comes into contact with the deflection surface of the hook.Due to the inclination of the deflection surface relative to the sliding surface, the pin, as it moves along the deflection surface, orients the handle parallel to this inclination. Because of this inclination, and the force applied against the air duct, the pin comes into contact with the deflection surface. The handle deforms and moves apart in a plane forming an acute angle with the lateral plane. This movement of the fastening handle means that the end of the fastening handle, including the sliding face, moves away from the hook. The combined effect of the sliding of the second contact face on the sliding surface and the sliding of the pin on the deflection surface, along with the force having a component normal to the junction plane, allows the handle to disengage from the hook and return to its disassembled position.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the air duct comprises a base extending parallel to the junction plane and a fastening handle extending from the base. The base provides support for the fastening handle. It is the anchoring zone for the fastening handle. This anchoring zone is connected to a lateral face of the air duct. When the fastening handle is released from the hook to transition to the disassembled configuration, the base may also be subject to deformation depending on the intensity of the frontal impact.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the air duct is made of plastic, preferably elastomer, and even more preferably ethylene propylene diene monomer. The plastic air duct, in addition to being lightweight and easy to produce, exhibits elasticity that allows it to deform under mechanical action. An elastomer air duct has high elasticity; therefore, such a duct is highly deformable. This mechanical property is particularly advantageous in the context of the invention since it allows the air duct, and in particular the mounting handle and its base, to deform upon application of an initial force to assemble the air duct to the mounting frame. After being secured, the duct, i.e., the mounting handle and its base, returns to its original shape.During a severe frontal impact, that is, when the air duct is subjected to a force exceeding the predefined value, plastic deformation may occur: the air duct deforms but does not return to its original shape. This plastic deformation allows it to absorb the impact energy. Because the air duct is in a disassembled state, the mounting frame and the associated heat exchange device are not affected by the impact.

[0028] The invention also relates to a cooling module comprising a heat exchange device including a mounting frame and an air duct having an inlet face, an outlet face extending parallel to a junction plane in contact with the heat exchange device, two parallel lateral faces connecting the inlet face and the outlet face, each extending parallel to a lateral plane, the mounting frame comprising, opposite each of the two lateral faces of the air duct, a hook, the air duct comprising a mounting area fixed to the mounting frame of the heat exchange device, the mounting area comprising, extending from each of the two lateral faces, a mounting handle extending principally parallel to the lateral plane and adapted to pass:

[0029] from a free configuration in which the fixing handle is detached from the hook of the fixing frame to a configuration engaged with the hook when a force having a component normal to the junction plane less than a predefined value is applied to the air duct,

[0030] from the configuration engaged with the hook to a disassembled configuration of the hook, in which the fastening handle is separated from the hook of the fastening frame, when a force having a component normal to the junction plane greater than the predefined value is applied to the air duct. According to an optional feature of the invention, the hook comprises a sliding surface extending parallel to a sliding plane forming an obtuse angle with the lateral plane and a retaining surface, and the fastening handle comprises:

[0031] a sliding face extending parallel to the sliding plane, the sliding face being intended to slide along the sliding surface of the hook when the fixing handle moves from the released configuration to the engaged configuration, an opening having a first contact face, the contact face being abutted against the retaining surface of the hook when the fixing handle is in the engaged configuration.

[0032] According to an optional feature of the invention, the opening has a second contact face, opposite the first contact face, the second contact face being intended to slide along the sliding surface of the hook when the fastening handle moves from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the hook includes a deflection surface inclined at an acute angle to the sliding surface, and the opening includes a pin extending from the second contact face parallel to the lateral plane, the pin being intended to butt against and then slide against the deflection surface of the hook when the fastening handle passes from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration.

[0034] According to an optional feature of the invention, the air duct includes a base extending parallel to the junction plane and the fixing handle extending from the base.

[0035] The cooling module according to the invention, as described above, also offers advantages similar to those of the air duct according to the invention, which cooperates with the mounting frame of the heat exchange device. Other effects and technical advantages will be detailed in the accompanying figures.

[0036] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a cooling module. Thanks to the cooling module, when the vehicle is subjected to a frontal impact characterized by a force having a component normal to the junction plane exceeding a predefined value, the retaining handle, in its engaged position with the hook of the mounting frame, transitions to a disassembled position. In other words, the air duct handle detaches from the hook of the mounting frame. The air duct separates from the mounting frame. The force from the frontal impact is not transmitted to the mounting frame. The air duct is the element that absorbs the shock. In the event of a severe impact, only the air duct is damaged. The mounting frame, and more specifically the heat exchange device, is protected from the impact. This results in easier repair since only the air duct needs to be replaced.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, on which:

[0037] [fig 1] represents a cooling module according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig. 2] shows a handle for fixing the air duct and a hook for the fixing frame according to the invention, in the released configuration and in the engaged configuration, [Fig. 3] shows another view of the fixing handle and the hook for the fixing frame according to the invention, in the engaged configuration,

[0039] [fig 4] represents the same view as that of figure 3, on which is shown the movement of the handle pin on the hook when the fixing handle goes from the configuration engaged with the hook to the disassembled configuration of the hook, [fig 5] represents the successive positionings of the fixing handle relative to the hook of the fixing frame when the fixing handle goes from the released configuration to the configuration engaged with the hook and then from the configuration engaged with the hook to the disassembled configuration of the hook.

[0040] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention, as described or as they will be presented in the detailed description that follows, can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, the same elements are designated by the same references in the different figures.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a cooling module 500 according to the invention. The cooling module 500 comprises a heat exchange device 100, for example a radiator, including a mounting frame 110. The mounting frame 110 may be integral with the heat exchange device 100 or it may be a separate element attached to the heat exchange device 100.

[0043] The 500 cooling module includes a 10 air duct.

[0044] The air duct 10 is located on the front face of the heat exchanger, i.e., between the heat exchanger and the front of the vehicle (not shown). The air duct 10 is attached to the heat exchanger 100. Specifically, the air duct includes a top attachment zone for connecting the air duct to the top of the heat exchanger 100 and two side attachment zones 15 for connecting the air duct 10 to the mounting frame 110. Thus, the air duct 10 extends over the entire front surface of the heat exchanger 100.

[0045] The air duct 10 has an inlet face 11 through which air is intended to enter the air duct 10. It includes an outlet face 12 located opposite the air duct 10 to the inlet face 11. The outlet face 12 extends parallel to a junction plane PL. The junction plane PL is defined as a plane in contact with the heat exchange device 100. In other words, the heat exchange device 100 is considered to have a surface extending into the junction plane PL. When the air duct 10 is fixed to the mounting frame 110, the outlet face 12 opens onto the junction plane PL. The air duct also includes two parallel lateral faces 13 and 14 connecting the inlet face 11 and the outlet face 12, each extending parallel to a lateral plane. P2.Lateral plane P2 is secant to junction plane PL. Advantageously, lateral plane P2 is substantially perpendicular to junction plane PL. By substantially perpendicular, it must be understood that lateral plane P2 forms an angle of 90° + / - 10° with junction plane PL.

[0046] The fixing frame 110 includes opposite each of the two lateral faces 13, 14 of the air duct 10 a hook 120. In other words, the fixing frame includes two hooks 120, arranged on either side of the heat exchange device 100. In figure 1, only one hook 120 is visible.

[0047] The air duct 10 includes a mounting area 15 fixed to the mounting frame 110 of the heat exchanger 100. The mounting area 15 includes, extending from each of the two lateral faces 13, 14, a mounting handle 20 extending mainly parallel to the lateral plane P2. In other words, the air duct includes two mounting handles 20, arranged on either side of the outlet face 12. In Figure 1, only one of the two mounting handles 20 is visible.

[0048] Figure 2 represents a fixing handle 20 of the air duct 10 and a hook 120 of the fixing frame 110 according to the invention, in the released configuration (left of the figure) and in the engaged configuration (right of the figure).

[0049] In the exposed configuration, shown on the left of the figure, the retaining handle 20 is positioned away from the hook 120. The air duct is not yet attached to the mounting frame. A force F is applied to the air duct. This force F has a component normal to the junction plane PI, the value of which is less than a predefined value. This predefined value is determined beforehand during the design phase of the cooling module. It corresponds to the force that must be applied to the air duct to allow the retaining handle 20 to attach to the hook 120 without causing irreversible deformation of the retaining handle.

[0050] After application of force F, the fixing handle 20 has switched to a configuration engaged with the hook 120, as illustrated on the right of the figure.

[0051] The hook 120 of the fixing frame includes a sliding surface 121 extending parallel to a sliding plane P3 forming an obtuse angle Al with the lateral plane P2. The sliding surface 121 is inclined at the angle Al with respect to the plane in which the fixing handle 10 extends mainly.

[0052] The hook 120 of the fixing frame includes a retaining surface 122. The retaining surface 122 extends parallel to the junction plane PL

[0053] The fastening handle 20 includes a sliding face 21 extending parallel to the sliding plane P3. As described previously, the fastening handle 20 has a first portion extending primarily in a plane parallel to the lateral plane P2 over a length L1 of the handle as projected onto plane P2. In terms of length, it extends over a second portion over a length L2, preferably less than L1 as projected onto plane P2. This second portion of the fastening handle is inclined at an angle A1 to the first portion of the fastening handle. The sliding face 21 is the surface of the second portion of the fastening handle that is opposite the sliding surface when the air duct is assembled to the mounting frame.With the application of force F to assemble the air duct to the fixing frame, the sliding face 21 is brought into contact with the sliding surface 121 of the hook and then slides along the sliding surface 121 of the hook 120 when the fixing handle 20 passes from the released configuration to the engaged configuration.

[0054] The fastening handle 20 includes an opening 23 having a first contact face 22. The first contact face 22 is a face on the periphery of the opening 23. The first contact face 22 forms an edge of the opening 23 and is located near the second portion of the fastening handle, extending parallel to the junction plane PL. The first contact face 22 abuts against the retaining surface 122 of the hook 120 when the fastening handle 20 is in the engaged configuration. The retaining surface 122 of the hook 120 extends between two surfaces of the hook that are perpendicular to the retaining surface 122. The hook 120 is U-shaped, the base of the U being formed by the retaining surface 122 and the two arms of the U being formed by the two surfaces perpendicular to the retaining surface 122.During its transition from the released to the engaged configuration by application of force F, the sliding face 21 of the fastening handle 20 slides along the sliding surface 121 of the hook 120. When the fastening handle 20 is sufficiently advanced, the opening 23 is positioned opposite a branch of the U-shaped bracket that passes through the opening. The first contact face 22 is then contained within the U-shaped bracket, abutting the retaining surface 122, while exhibiting slight translational mobility perpendicular to the retaining surface 122. This configuration is illustrated on the right side of the figure.

[0055] Although not shown in the figures, the cooling module 500 may include a sealing gasket disposed around the perimeter of the outlet face 12 of the air duct 10. In addition to ensuring the seal between the air duct and the mounting frame, and more generally the heat exchange device, the sealing gasket may compress at specific points to assist in the assembly of the air duct 10 to the mounting frame 110.

[0056] It should also be noted that the air duct 10 may include a base 26 extending parallel to the junction plane PI, in which case the fastening handle 20 extends from the base 26. The base 26 supports the fastening handle 20. It also allows the fastening handle to be offset from the outlet face 12 of the air duct 10. Figure 3 shows another view of the fastening handle 20 and the hook 120 of the fastening frame 110 according to the invention, in the engaged configuration. According to an optional feature of the invention, the opening 23 has a second contact face 24, opposite the first contact face 22. The second contact face 24 is on the periphery of the opening 23. It is the face parallel to the first contact face 22.When the fastening handle 20 moves from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration, the second contact face 24 slides along the sliding surface 121 of the hook 120.

[0057] The hook 120 of the mounting frame 110 includes a deflection surface 125 inclined at an acute angle A2 to the sliding surface 121. As illustrated in the figures, the deflection surface 125 is formed by a deflection finger, and the sliding surface 121 is formed by two sliding fingers arranged on either side of the deflection finger, the fingers being spaced apart. This is one embodiment. The invention applies similarly to a deflection surface continuous with the sliding surface. The important technical feature here is the existence of the angle A2 between the sliding surface 121 and the deflection surface 125. Indeed, in this variant of the invention, the opening 23 includes a pin 25 extending from the second contact face 24 parallel to the lateral plane P2.When the fastening handle 20 moves from the engaged to the disassembled configuration, the pin 25 is intended to butt against and then slide against the deflection surface 125 of the hook 120. The details of the cooperation between the fastening handle 20 and the hook 120 when the handle moves to the disassembled configuration will now be described with the help of Figure 4.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the same view as Figure 3, indicating the movement of the pin 25 of the fastening handle 20 on the hook 120 as the fastening handle 20 transitions from the engaged position on the hook 120 to the disassembled position on the hook. Reference numerals 5C, 5D, and 5E correspond to the successive positions of the fastening handle 20 relative to the hook 120 of the mounting frame 110 as the fastening handle transitions from the engaged position on the hook to the disassembled position on the hook, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0059] In the socket configuration, the pin 25 is distant from the deflection surface 125.

[0060] When a force F' with a component normal to the junction plane PI greater than the predefined value is applied to the air duct 10, the second contact face 24 comes into contact with the sliding surface 121 and slides along it. The pin 25 comes into contact with the deflection surface 125 (positioning 5C). Subsequently, as the second contact face 24 slides along the sliding surface 121, the pin 25 slides along the deflection surface 125 (positioning 5D). Due to the angle A2 of inclination of the deflection surface 125 relative to the sliding surface 121, the retaining handle 20 deviates from its direction of movement by an angle A3 (positioning 5D). At this stage, as the first contact face 22 is no longer in the U of the hook 120, the fixing handle 20 disengages from the hook 120. The pin 25 completes the sliding along the deflection surface (positioning 5E).

[0061] Advantageously, the mounting handle 20 and the base 26 are made of plastic, preferably elastomer, and even more preferably ethylene propylene diene monomer. The mounting handle 20 and the base 26 thus possess the mechanical properties of a plastic material, and in particular elasticity allowing them to deform when subjected to mechanical stress. This mechanical property is of particular interest in the context of the invention since it allows the mounting handle 10 and its base 26 to deform reversibly upon application of an initial force to assemble the air duct to the mounting frame. After fastening, the mounting handle and its base return to their original shape. When a force exceeding the predefined value is applied, the mounting handle 20 and its base 26 can deform (elastic deformation or even plastic deformation).Depending on the force of the frontal impact, the resulting deformation of the handle and its base allows the handle to transition from an engaged to a disassembled position. The separation of the air duct 10 from the mounting frame 110 means that the air duct absorbs the impact energy. The mounting frame and the heat exchanger remain intact.

[0062] Advantageously, the air duct is made entirely of plastic, preferably elastomer, and even more preferably ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. Thus, the air duct 10 can be produced by molding and formed in a single piece, lightweight and exhibiting the advantages mentioned above in relation to its mechanical properties. Figure 5 shows the successive positions of the fastening handle 20 relative to the hook 120 of the fastening frame 110 as the fastening handle transitions from the free position to the position engaged with the hook, and then from the position engaged with the hook to the position disassembled from the hook.

[0063] At position 5A, the fixing handle 20 is in the released configuration.

[0064] In other words, the air duct 10 is not yet assembled to the mounting frame 110. To assemble the air duct 10 to the mounting frame, a force F, whose component normal to the junction plane PI does not exceed a predefined value determined during the design of the cooling module, is applied to the air duct 10. The sliding face 21 of the mounting handle 20 comes into contact with and slides along the sliding surface 121. The opening 23 reaches the U-shaped groove formed by the hook 120. After the sliding face 21 has come into contact with and slid against the sliding surface 121, the mounting handle is inserted into the U-shaped groove of the hook 120 through the opening 23. As a result, the first contact face 22 of the handle is abutted against the retaining surface 122 of the hook. This is the engaged configuration (position 5B).

[0065] At position 5C, a force F' is applied to the air duct 10. This force F' has a normal component greater than the predefined value. This occurs during a frontal collision of the vehicle. In order to protect the heat exchange device, the air duct 10 detaches from the mounting frame 110 to absorb the impact energy.

[0066] The second contact face 24 slides along the sliding surface 121. In doing so, the pin 25 comes into contact with the deflection surface 125 and slides along the deflection surface 125. The deflection surface 125 being inclined relative to the sliding surface, the pin 25 will impart a spreading movement to the fixing handle 20 in the direction in which the deflection surface 125 extends. The fixing handle 20 is disengaging from the U of the hook 120 (positioning 5D).

[0067] The pin 25 continues its movement along the deflection surface and the second contact face 24 continues its movement along the sliding surface 121. The fixing handle 20 has completely moved away from the hook 120. This is the disassembled configuration (positioning 5E).

[0068] The fixing handle 20 offers a two-phase operating mode. In the first phase, with the application of force F, indicating that the air duct 10 is being assembled to the fixing frame 110, the sliding face 21 slides along the sliding surface 121 of the hook 120. The pin 25 ensures that the fixing handle 20 does not slide too far relative to the hook 120.

[0069] In a second phase, with the application of force F', indicating a frontal impact violent enough to necessitate the safety shutdown of the cooling module, the second contact face 24 slides along the sliding surface 121 of the hook. The pin 25 comes into contact with the deflection surface 125, causing the fastening handle to tilt and release it from the hook 120.

[0070] During assembly, the sliding face 21 cooperates with the sliding surface 121 of the hook to guide the fixing handle in its movement until the first contact face 22 takes its place within the U of the hook 120. The pin 25 acts as a movement limiter by coming against the deflection surface 125 to prevent the fixing handle 20 from translating too far relative to the hook 120.

[0071] During disassembly following a frontal impact, it is the second contact face 24 that cooperates with the sliding surface 121 of the hook. The pin 25, under the impulse of the force F', contributes to the movement of the fastening handle, this time by sliding along the deflection surface 125.

[0072] In other words, depending on the value of the applied force, the pin 25 is used to correctly position the fastening handle 20 relative to the hook 120 (value F), or the pin 25 is used to disengage the fastening handle 20 from the hook 120 (value F'), resulting in the separation of the air duct 10 from the mounting frame 110. The invention thus ensures a simple and quick assembly of the air duct 10 to the mounting frame 110, while also ensuring that the air duct detaches from the mounting frame 110 during a frontal impact without damaging the heat exchanger. By detaching from the mounting frame, the air duct 10 prevents the transmission of forces to the heat exchanger and absorbs the impact energy itself. In a particularly violent impact, the air duct can deform irreversibly or even rupture locally.This also means that despite the force of the impact, only the air duct sustains damage, and it is the only part that needs replacing since the heat exchange device remains intact. In addition to being simple to manufacture and assemble, the solution presented in the invention facilitates the repair of the cooling module.

[0073] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the features of different embodiments of the invention can be combined to carry out the invention, provided that these embodiments are not incompatible with each other.

Claims

DEMANDS 1- Air duct (10) intended to be fixed to a fixing frame (110) of a heat exchange device (100), the air duct (10) comprising: an entrance face (11), an outlet face (12) extending parallel to a junction plane (PI) intended to be in contact with the heat exchange device (100), two parallel lateral faces (13, 14) connecting the inlet face (11) and the outlet face (12), each extending parallel to a lateral plane (P2), a fixing zone (15) intended to be fixed to the fixing frame (110), the fixing zone (15) comprising, extending from each of the two lateral faces (13, 14), a fixing handle (20) extending mainly parallel to the lateral plane (P2) and adapted to pass: o from a released configuration in which the fixing handle (20) is detached from a hook (120) of the fixing frame (110) to a configuration engaged with the hook (120) when a force (F) having a component normal to the junction plane (PI) less than a predefined value is applied to the air duct (10), o from the configuration engaged with the hook (120) to a configuration disassembled from the hook (120), in which the fixing handle (20) is separated from the hook (120) of the fixing frame (110), when a force (F') having a component normal to the junction plane (PI) greater than the predefined value is applied to the air duct (10). 2- Air duct (10) according to claim 1, the hook (120) of the fixing frame comprising a sliding surface (121) extending parallel to a sliding plane (P3) forming an obtuse angle with the lateral plane (P2) and a retaining surface (122), in which the fixing handle (20) comprises: a sliding face (21) extending parallel to the sliding plane (P3), the sliding face (21) being intended to slide along the sliding surface (121) of the hook (120) when the fixing handle (20) moves from the released configuration to the engaged configuration, an opening (23) having a first contact face (22), the first contact face (22) being intended to abut against the retaining surface (122) of the hook (120) when the fixing handle (20) is in the engaged configuration. 3- Air duct (10) according to claim 2, in which the opening (23) has a second contact face (24), opposite the first contact face (22), the second contact face (24) being intended to slide along the sliding surface (121) of the hook (120) when the fixing handle (20) changes from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration. 4- Air duct (10) according to claim 3, the hook (120) of the fixing frame (110) comprising a deflection surface (125) inclined at an acute angle with respect to the sliding surface (121), in which the opening (23) comprises a pin (25) extending from the second contact face (24) parallel to the lateral plane (P2), the pin (25) being intended to butt and then slide against the deflection surface (125) of the hook (120) when the fixing handle (20) passes from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration. 5- Air duct (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a base (26) extending parallel to the joining plane (PI) and the fixing handle (20) extending from the base (26). 6- Air duct (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, made of plastic, preferably of elastomer, more preferably of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. 7- Cooling module (500) comprising a heat exchange device (100) including a mounting frame (110) and an air duct (10) having an inlet face (11), an outlet face (12) extending parallel to a junction plane (PI) in contact with the heat exchange device (100), two parallel lateral faces (13, 14) connecting the inlet face (11) and the outlet face (12), each extending parallel to a lateral plane (P2), the mounting frame (110) comprising, opposite each of the two lateral faces (13, 14) of the air duct (10), a hook (120), the air duct (10) comprising a mounting area (15) fixed to the mounting frame (110) of the heat exchange device (100), the mounting area (15) comprising, extending from each of the two lateral faces (13, 14), a fastening handle (20) extending mainly parallel to the lateral plane (P2) and adapted to pass: from a released configuration in which the fixing handle (20) is detached from the hook (120) of the fixing frame (110) to a configuration engaged with the hook (120) when a force (F) having a component normal to the junction plane (PI) less than a predefined value is applied to the air duct (10), from the configuration engaged with the hook (120) to a disassembled configuration of the hook (120), in which the fixing handle (20) is separated from the hook (120) from the fixing frame (110), when a force (F') having a component normal to the junction plane (PI) greater than the predefined value is applied to the air duct (10). 8- Cooling module (500) according to claim 7, wherein the hook (120) comprises a sliding surface (121) extending parallel to a sliding plane (P3) forming an obtuse angle with the lateral plane (P2) and a retaining surface (122), and the fastening handle (20) comprises: a sliding face (21) extending parallel to the sliding plane (P3), the sliding face (21) being intended to slide along the sliding surface (121) of the hook (120) when the fastening handle (20) changes from the released configuration to the engaged configuration, an opening (23) having a first contact face (22), the contact face (22) being in contact with the retaining surface (122) of the hook (120) when the fixing handle (20) is in the engaged configuration. 9- Cooling module (500) according to claim 8, in which the opening (23) has a second contact face (24), opposite the first contact face (22), the second contact face (24) being intended to slide along the sliding surface (121) of the hook (120) when the fastening handle (20) changes from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration. 10- Cooling module (500) according to claim 9, in which the hook (120) comprises a deflection surface (125) inclined at an acute angle with respect to the sliding surface (121), and the opening (23) comprises a pin (25) extending from the second contact face (24) parallel to the lateral plane (P2), the pin (25) being intended to butt and then slide against the deflection surface (125) of the hook (120) when the fastening handle (20) passes from the engaged configuration to the disassembled configuration. 11- Cooling module (500) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the air duct (10) comprises a base (26) extending parallel to the junction plane (PI) and the fixing handle (20) extending from the base (26). 12- Vehicle comprising a cooling module (500) according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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