CN211195781U

CN211195781U - Vent for directing differently directed air flows into a vehicle interior

Info

Publication number: CN211195781U
Application number: CN201921070726.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·莫雷尔; I·莫雷尔; R·塔瓦雷斯
Original assignee: Faurecia Automotive Industrie SAS
Current assignee: Adler Pelzer France Grand Est SAS
Priority date: 2018-07-10
Filing date: 2019-07-09
Publication date: 2020-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-09
Also published as: FR3083851A1; DE102018211375A1; FR3083851B1

Abstract

The application discloses air vent includes: a housing for directing an airflow inside the housing from a housing air inlet to a housing air outlet; an air guide element arranged inside the housing for guiding a part of the air flow inside the air guide element from a first air guide element opening to a second air guide element opening, wherein the first air guide element opening faces the housing air inlet and the second air guide element opening faces the housing air outlet; wherein the air guide element moves in a direction from a first wall section of the housing to an opposite second wall section of the housing.

Description

Vent for directing differently directed air flows into a vehicle interior

Technical Field

The present patent application relates to the field of vents. In particular, the subject matter of the present patent application relates to a vent for a vehicle interior that directs airflow from an inlet to an outlet while allowing the airflow to be directed in different vertical directions using a movable air-directing element located inside a housing.

Background

In most existing vents, the vertical direction of the airflow can be changed by one of two ways, namely, louvers or slats. According to a first mode, the vent comprises two or more separate pieces or channels. The airflow in a particular channel may be restricted by adjusting the slats (or vanes) of that channel. EP3063026B1 discloses a vertical adjustment mechanism for the gas flow.

Alternatively, a second way that current vents allow for changes in airflow direction is by employing two air directing surfaces inside the housing vent, respectively adjacent to opposing walls of the housing. The two air guide surfaces divide the housing of the vent into three air passages. The first passage is between the first air guide surface and the first housing wall, the second passage is between the second air guide surface and the second housing wall, and the third air passage is between the two air guide surfaces. Vanes are provided at the end of each air guide surface, by use of which vanes each air passage can be closed. US 2014357178 discloses the above-mentioned mechanism for vertically changing the direction of the air flow.

The first method has a problem in that a part of the airflow that could otherwise flow through the vent hole is reduced when the direction of the airflow is changed. For example, when the first passage is closed and the second passage is open, the total cross-section of airflow into the vehicle interior is only half of the total cross-section of the vent. More specifically, by closing one of the channels, the flow resistance increases significantly. Thus, the second channel only conducts a reduced amount of air, for example only half of the total airflow through the vent. Thus, the total air flow is not the maximum when changing the vertical direction.

The second approach, which utilizes a central body within the vent hole, solves the above problems, but introduces another problem. When the first or second channel is closed, the other channel and the central body receive 100% of the air volume. Because the same amount of air flows through a reduced area, the noise of the air flow is increased. In short, the same amount of air passes through the vent when all of the passages are open as the reduced area when the passages are closed, thereby increasing the noise of the airflow.

The basic problem is therefore to provide a vent that allows to change the vertical direction of the airflow through the plurality of channels, while keeping the airflow at maximum and the noise level constant.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The subject matter of the present patent application provides a solution to this problem. The primary object of the subject matter of the present application is a vent that allows airflow from an air inlet to an air outlet while maintaining a maximum amount of air in all directions at a constant noise level. A hollow air guide member inside the vent housing directs a portion of the airflow from a first opening proximate the air inlet to a second opening proximate the air outlet. The presence of the air guide element creates three channels within the vent hole. One above, one through and one below the air guide element. There is no need to close the passages above and below the air guide element by using closing elements, e.g. vanes (as disclosed in the prior art). In this case, the air guiding element is movable such that it can be moved between a first wall section of the vent housing and a second wall section of the housing opposite thereto. In this way, the passage can be closed or partially closed, while maintaining a maximum air flow through the vent and a constant noise level, since the total area through which the air flows is unchanged, but the number of flow-obstructing elements is reduced. In particular, the object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims 1 and 10.

The vent of the subject matter of this patent application is a vent comprising: a housing for directing an airflow inside the housing from a housing air inlet to a housing air outlet; a hollow air guide element arranged inside the housing for guiding a part of the air flow inside the air guide element from the first air guide element opening to the second air guide element opening. Furthermore, the air guide element is movable and can be moved in a direction from a first wall section of the housing to its opposite second wall section. The first wall section of the housing can face the upper side of the air guide element and the second wall section of the housing can face the lower side of the air guide element. In a first extreme position, the air guide element can abut against a first wall section of the housing, and in a second extreme position, the air guide element can abut against a second wall section of the housing. The device is configured such that when the air guide element abuts the first housing wall, the air flow is in one vertical direction, e.g. upwards, and when the air guide element abuts the second wall, the air flow is in the opposite vertical direction, e.g. downwards. Upward or downward means that the air flow has an upward component or a downward component, respectively. Typically, the airflow also has a horizontal component away from the vent. This design has two distinct advantages. First, since the air guide member is hollow, the air passing through the vent housing is maximized in each air flow direction. Secondly, the total air flow cross section remains the same or almost the same when changing the air flow direction, i.e. moving the air guide element into a different direction.

Another example takes the form of a vent that includes three channels for airflow. The first channel is formed between the air guide element and the first wall section of the housing, the second channel is inside the air guide element, and the third channel is formed between the air guide element and the second wall section of the housing. The dimension of the second channel (inside the air guide element), in particular its cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction inside the air guide element, is independent of the position of the air guide element relative to the housing. However, the dimensions of the first and third passages are changed by changing the position of the air guide member relative to the housing. The cross-section of the two channels perpendicular to the direction of the air flow in the respective channel is therefore dependent on the position of the air guide element. If the air guide element is moved towards the first wall section of the housing, the size of the first channel, in particular its cross section, decreases, while the size of the third channel, in particular its cross section, increases. Similarly, when the air guide element is moved in the direction of the second wall section of the housing, the dimension of the third channel, in particular its cross section, decreases, while the dimension of the first channel, in particular its cross section, increases.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first wall section of the housing and the second wall section of the housing are curved. Furthermore, the first wall section of the air guiding element and the second wall section of the air guiding element are also curved. More specifically, the first wall section of the housing and the first wall section of the air guiding element form a first channel, and the second wall section of the housing and the second wall section of the air guiding element form a third channel. The wall section is curved such that the air flow direction of the air outlet of the first channel and the air flow direction of the air outlet of the third channel intersect. In use, the two air streams of the two channels will collide with the air stream from the second channel. This feature facilitates the change of direction of the air flow.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the housing further comprises an operating element. The operating element serves to control the movement of the air-guiding element so that the air flow can be directed upwards or downwards. It is by means of the operating element that the direction of the air flow can be changed by the vehicle occupant.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the air directing element comprises at least one pivotable vertical vane disposed within the air directing element for directing the second portion of the airflow to the left or right into the vehicle interior. By left or right is meant that the air flow has a left or right component, respectively. Typically, the airflow also has a horizontal component away from the vent. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vertical blades are mechanically connected to each other such that all vertical blades pivot simultaneously. In this embodiment, a single operating element may be used to direct the airflow in an upward or downward direction and a leftward or rightward direction. The vertical vanes may pivot about a substantially vertical axis, but this axis may deviate slightly from the vertical when the air guide element moves.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the air guide member moves upwardly towards the first wall section of the housing when the operating member moves in an upward direction. As the air guide element moves upwards, the size of the channel (third channel) between the air guide element and the second wall section of the housing increases. Increasing the cross-section of the third channel results in an increased airflow through the third channel. Conversely, the size of the channel (first channel) between the air guide element and the first wall section of the housing is reduced. Reducing the cross-section of the first channel results in a reduction of the gas flow through the first channel. In the case of a movement of the air guide element which is only a translatory movement without a rotational component, the direction of the air flow of the second channel is not changed and the resulting air flow flowing into the vehicle interior, which is remote from the ventilation opening, is directed more upwardly.

When the operating element is moved in a downward direction, the air guide element is moved downward toward the second wall section of the housing, thereby increasing the size of the passage (first passage) between the air guide element and the first wall section of the housing. Increasing the cross-section of the first channel results in an increased gas flow through the first channel. Conversely, the size of the channel between the air guide element and the second wall section of the housing (third channel) is reduced. Reducing the cross-section of the third channel results in a reduced airflow through the third channel. In the case of a movement of the air guide element which is only a translatory movement without a rotational component, the direction of the air flow of the second channel is not changed and the resulting air flow flowing into the vehicle interior, which is remote from the ventilation opening, is more guided downwards.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the air-guiding elements rotate up and down, respectively, while moving up and down. Rotating the air guide element will change the vertical direction of the air flow from the second air channel. Such rotation has the advantage that the air flow from the vent hole into the vehicle interior can be further directed upwards or downwards by rotating the second passage upwards or downwards. The rotation of the air guide element may, for example, move the second air guide element opening downwards and the first air guide element opening upwards, so that the second partial air flow is directed in a downward direction. The rotation of the air guide element may also move the second air guide element opening upward and the first air guide element opening downward such that the second portion of the airflow is directed in a downward direction.

In another example of a vent comprising a rotatable air guide element, the axis of rotation is located at the air inlet side of the air guide element. This embodiment has the advantage that both effects are combined to enhance the downward directionality of the airflow into the vehicle interior when the operating element is moved downward. First, moving the operating element downwards increases the cross-section of the first channel, resulting in an increase of the first part-flow directed downwards. Secondly, moving the operating element downwards also directs the second partial air flow more downwards. In a similar manner, moving the operating element upward combines the two effects to enhance the upward directionality of the airflow into the vehicle interior. First, moving the operating element upwards increases the cross-section of the third channel, resulting in an increase of the upwardly directed third partial air flow. Secondly, moving the operating element upwards will also direct the second partial air flow more upwards.

Another example takes the form of the vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first channel may be closed by abutting the air-directing element completely against the first wall section of the housing to prevent airflow from the first channel from flowing downward.

Another example takes the form of a vent of any of the preceding examples, wherein the third channel may be closed by abutting an air guide element against the second wall section of the housing to prevent airflow from the third channel from flowing upwardly.

Another example relates to a method, which is preferably applied to the vent of any of the preceding examples, according to which the airflow may be varied in different directions while keeping the total airflow volume constant or almost constant. This can be achieved by moving the air guiding element upwards or downwards and by pivoting at least one vane about a vertical axis, which is arranged inside the air guiding element for directing a part of the air flow to the left or to the right.

Drawings

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1a, 1b and 1c show front views of a vent hole visible to a vehicle occupant, with the air-guiding element in three different directions.

Fig. 2a, 2b and 2c show perspective views of a vent hole visible to a vehicle occupant, with the vanes of the air guiding element in three different directions.

Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c show internal views of the ventilation aperture, with the air-guiding element in three different directions.

Fig. 4 shows an internal view of the vent, highlighting the portion of the airflow affected by the vertical vane position.

Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c show internal views of the ventilation opening with the rotatable air-guiding element in three different positions.

Detailed Description

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 and 2 show front and perspective views, respectively, of a vent visible to an end user. As shown in these figures, an operating element 14 projecting outwardly from the vent is provided to an end user, such as a vehicle occupant. The operating element is mechanically attached to the air guiding element such that moving the operating element causes a corresponding movement of the air guiding element. With the operating element, the vehicle occupant can change the direction of the air flow from the vent. In fig. 1c and 2c, the operating element is in a central position, so that the air flow is directed in the axial direction towards the vent hole. In fig. 1a and 2a, the operating element as well as the air guiding element are thus in an upward position, so that the air is guided to flow upwards. In fig. 1b and 2b, the air flow is directed downwards when the operating element and the air guiding element are in a downward position. In fig. 1c and 2c, the operating element and the air guiding element are in a central or intermediate position, resulting in a horizontal air flow into the vehicle interior.

In fig. 1 and 2, vertical vanes can also be observed. These vertical vanes can be pivoted to the left and to the right for directing the second partial air flow to the left or to the right. In the central or intermediate position of the air guiding element, the vertical blade can be pivoted about a vertical blade rotation axis. When the air guiding element is rotated around the horizontal axis in another position, the axis of rotation of the blades will rotate accordingly, as the blades are pivotally attached to the air guiding element. In fig. 1 and 2, the vertical vanes are in a central or intermediate position. The operating element can be moved to the right in order to direct the second portion of the air flow to the right, and the operating element can be moved to the left in order to direct the second portion of the air flow to the left.

Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c show internal views of the vent, not visible to an end user, such as a vehicle occupant. The three figures show a housing 1 having a housing air inlet 2 and a housing air outlet 3. The housing also has a first wall section 7 and a second wall section 8. It can be seen that the wall sections of the housing are bent towards each other at the air outlet, so that the first wall section 7 points downwards and the second wall section 8 points upwards.

Inside the housing, an air guide element 4 is arranged, which air guide element 4 guides a partial air flow between its first opening 5 and its second opening 6. The first opening 5 of the air guide element is aligned with the air inlet 2 of the housing and the second opening 6 of the air guide element is aligned with the air outlet 3 of the housing. Furthermore, it can be seen that the air guiding element has two wall sections, namely a wall section 9 and a wall section 10, which are bent to the same extent as the wall sections 7 and 8 of the housing, respectively.

In fig. 3c, the air guide element is in the central position of the housing when the operating member 14 and the air guide element 4 are in the intermediate position. Three air passages can be observed. A first air passage 11 is located between the air guide element and the first wall section 7 of the housing. A second air passage 12 is formed inside the air guide member. And a third air passage 13 is formed between the air guide element and the second wall section 8 of the housing. By adding cross section 16, cross section 17 and cross section 18, the total cross section of the gas flow flowing in the vent is obtained. 18 denotes the cross section of the air flow inside the air guide element. Typically, due to the cross-section of the second air channel 12, the channel inside the air guide element may be equal to or smaller than the joint cross-section of the first and third channels.

In fig. 3b, when the end user pushes the operating element downwards, the air guide element also moves and rotates downwards. However, in another embodiment, there may be only a translational movement, wherein the air guide element as shown in fig. 3c is moved downwards from the intermediate position without rotating. In this case, the second partial air flow will still be directed horizontally, but the air flow that finally enters the vehicle interior will be directed downwards due to the collision with the first partial air flow that is directed downwards.

Similarly, in fig. 3a, when the end user pushes the operating member upward, the air guide member moves upward and rotates. However, as mentioned above, in another embodiment there may be only a translational movement, wherein the air guide element as shown in fig. 3c is moved upwards from the intermediate position without rotating. In this case, the second partial air flow will still be directed horizontally, but the air flow that finally enters the vehicle interior will be directed upwards due to the collision with the third partial air flow that is directed upwards.

In fig. 4, the vertical blades or lamellae 15 are shown, as well as the part of the gas flow 19 affected by the lamellae. The vertical vanes allow the airflow direction to be changed to horizontal. Placing the blades (sheets) inside the air guiding element avoids increasing the height of the vent holes.

Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c show the rotational movement of the air guiding element. More specifically, these figures show the axis of rotation at the air inlet side of the air guide element. To allow such a rotational movement, the air guide element comprises an extension in the direction of the air inlet of the housing. The extension may be internal to the housing, but preferably the extension is arranged external to the housing. More specifically, there may be two extensions, one on the left-hand side of the housing and one on the right-hand side of the housing as viewed from the air outlet side.

In the figures, only embodiments of the venting aperture with an operating element for manual operation of the venting aperture are shown. In other embodiments of the present application, the movement of the air-directing element is controlled by a motor. As does the movement of the vertical vanes. Preferably, the motorized movement is achieved by one or two electric motors arranged outside the housing, more particularly outside the channel. The electric motor may be arranged on the left-hand side or the right-hand side of the housing and is mechanically connected with the air guiding element and the vertical blade.

List of reference numerals:

1. casing vent

2. Air inlet

3. Air outlet

4. Air guide element

5. First air guide element opening

6. Second air guide element opening

7. First wall section of a housing

8. Second wall section of the housing

9. First wall section of an air guiding element

10. Second wall section of an air guiding element

11. First air passage

12. Second air passage

13. Third air passage

14. Horizontal blade

15. Vertical blade

16. ("airflow area in entire vent hole" - "airflow area in air guide member")/2

17. ("airflow area in entire vent hole" - "airflow area in air guide member")/2

18. Air flow area in air guide element

19. Partial flow changing in horizontal direction due to vertical vanes

Claims

1. A vent, comprising:

a housing (1) for guiding an air flow inside the housing from a housing air inlet (2) to a housing air outlet (3);

an air guide element (4) arranged inside the housing for guiding a part of the air flow inside the air guide element from a first air guide element opening (5) to a second air guide element opening (6), wherein the first air guide element opening (5) faces the housing air inlet (2) and the second air guide element opening (6) faces the housing air outlet (3);

three channels of air flow, wherein a first channel (11) is formed between the air guide element (4) and the first wall section (7) of the housing (1) for guiding a first partial air flow, a second channel (12) is formed inside the air guide element (4) for guiding a second partial air flow, and a third channel (13) is formed between the air guide element (4) and the second wall section (8) of the housing (1) for guiding a third partial air flow;

wherein the air guide element (4) is moved in a direction from a first wall section (7) of the housing to an opposite second wall section (8) of the housing;

the first wall section (7) of the housing (1), the second wall section (8) of the housing (1), the first wall section (9) of the air guiding element (4), and the second wall section (10) of the air guiding element (4) are curved such that the outlet airflow direction of the first channel intersects the outlet airflow direction of the third channel.

2. The vent according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) further comprises an operating element (14) for moving the air guiding element (4) to direct the air flow upwards or downwards away from the vent.

3. The vent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air guiding element (4) comprises at least one pivotable vertical vane (15) arranged inside the air guiding element for guiding the air flow to the left or to the right into the vehicle interior.

4. The vent according to claim 2, wherein the air guide element moves upwards when the operating element (14) moves in an upward direction, thereby increasing an upward air flow, wherein the air guide element moves downwards when the operating element (14) moves in a downward direction, thereby increasing a downward air flow.

5. The vent according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the air guide members respectively rotate up and down while moving up and down.

6. A ventilation aperture according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the axis of rotation is located at the air inlet side of the air guide element.

7. The vent according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the first channel (11) is closed when the air-guiding element (4) is pressed against the first wall section (7) of the housing (1), wherein the third channel (13) is closed when the air-guiding element (4) is pressed against the second wall section (8) of the housing (1).