DE102008018427A1 - Air flow influencing element for use as e.g. air passage flap in air-guiding device in cockpit module of motor vehicle, has two form-changeable surface areas which are made of flexible ductile material - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (3) has two form-changeable surface areas (8a, 8b) which are made of flexible ductile material. A variable pressing device acts on the form-changeable surface areas. The pressing device is formed partially as mechanical pressing device such as linear adjustable device, rotatably implemented device or as fluid acting pressing device. A sealing device i.e. sealing rim, is attached within contact regions (6) of the element. A swiveling element is arranged at an axis of rotation.

Description

The The invention relates to an air flow influencing element for air-conducting Facilities, in particular for air-conducting devices of motor vehicles. The invention relates furthermore an air guiding device, in particular an air guiding device for motor vehicles. About that In addition, the invention relates to a device with such Air guide device.

at It is often necessary to have air-conducting facilities through the air-conducting device flowing To influence air in different ways. That's how it turns out In many applications as required, the amount of through the air-conducting device flowing To regulate air. Often it is also necessary to take the direction to influence the air flowing through the air-conducting device. For example is intended to air flowing in a part of the air-conducting device in two defined partial flows split, leading to different air outlets.

One typical application for Such air-conducting devices is the ventilation of a motor vehicle. Here is fresh air from the outside aspirated, optionally mixed with a proportion of recirculated air, and for example, by cooling, Heating and / or filtering processed before entering the interior of the motor vehicle is delivered. Serve for controlling the air flows According to the prior art, air dampers, with which on the one hand the Air quantity can be controlled, on the other hand affects the direction of the air flow can be. Such louvers have been proven, and fulfill the ones assigned to you Tasks.

With Increasing comfort requirements in the automotive industry now occur However, the disadvantages of such louvers to light. A disadvantage lies in particular in the noise, which is caused by such louvers, if these of Air flows around become. With decreasing interior noise in motor vehicles can the noise caused by air dampers in the meantime no longer be ignored.

to Reduction of noise, which are caused by dampers, has been proposed in the meantime, to provide them with an aerodynamic shape. With help Such an aerodynamic shape of the louvers should be the origin be prevented from turbulence. This should be in the episode also less noise occurs.

however The currently known aerodynamic dampers also have problems on. Thus, the shape of the louvers in practice prepares considerable Problems. Depending on the operating mode of the air-conducting device (for example an automotive air conditioning system) are different valve shapes of need, for optimal noise reduction to achieve. In practice, the air damper therefore represents a compromise from typical operating positions of the air-conducting device.

One another problem with aerodynamically shaped louvers is that that the aerodynamic shaping of the damper as a rule causes that their surface Indentations. However, these indentations can, at least in some Positions of the louver separations cause the air flow from the flap surface. In such a Fall, the aerodynamically shaped air damper thus a considerable operating noise cause. Another problem is that in these areas the louver can form dead water zones. In such dead water zones the air in it is trapped for longer periods of time. This can be, for example lead to an erratic behavior of the air conditioning.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object to propose an air flow influencing element, which over a particularly big one Operating range shows a low operating noise. Still lies The invention is based on the object, an air guide device, as well as a To propose a device with an air guiding device, which over a particularly large operating range a low operating noise demonstrate.

For this purpose, it is proposed to provide an air flow influencing element for air-conducting devices, in particular for air-conducting devices of motor vehicles, especially for air conditioning systems and / or motor vehicle air conditioning systems, with at least one shape-changeable surface area. Although it is conceivable that the air flowing around the air flow influencing element at least partially causes the shape change of the shape-changeable surface area, it is preferred if the change in shape of the shape-changeable surface takes place at least substantially on the basis of an external specification. In particular, the external specification can be effected by an actuator acting directly or indirectly on the air flow influencing element. The change in shape of the shape-changeable surface region can be selected such that, in a multiplicity of operating states of the air-conducting device or in a multiplicity of positions of the air-flow influencing element, a largely optimal noise reduction results. In particular, positions of the air flow influencing element or Be operating conditions of the air-conducting device, which occur in practice particularly frequently weighted in the design of the air flow influencing element.

It may prove to be advantageous when the air flow influencing element as air duct flap and / or is designed as a Luftdurchlassregelklappe. In this Case may be the proposed airflow influencing element as a "drop-in" solution for currently air-conducting devices on the market are used. A particularly rapid and universal use of the proposed Air flow control element can thereby promote become.

Is possible it too, the airflow influencing element in such a way that at least parts of the shape changeable surface area consist of an elastically deformable material. With such Training is possible in a particularly simple manner, a largely smooth surface the airflow influencing element to realize without leaving unwanted corners and edges on the surface the airflow influencing element arise. This can be a largely laminar flow, the the operating noise particularly low, be promoted again. Especially is it possible also a, for example, only selectively acting actuator largely without being able to use disadvantages. An elastically deformable material can also simultaneously as Seal device serve, for example, if the corresponding Area of the air flow influencing element with the airflow influencing element surrounding flow channel comes into contact. As an elastically deformable material can be Rubber material, foam or a silicone material can be used.

Farther Is it possible, the airflow influencing element to be provided with at least one variable pressure device, which on at least one changeable form Surface area acts. By an interaction of a pressure device with the optionally elastic properties of the surface area concerned can a change in shape the shape-changeable surface area particularly easy to be realized. At the same time, a largely smooth, aerodynamically advantageous surface shape on particularly simple Be achieved manner. The action of the pressure device on the changeable form surface area may preferably be from the interior of the air flow influencing element ago respectively.

A advantageous development of the air flow influencing element may arise if at least one pressure device at least partially is designed as a mechanical pressure device, in particular as a linearly adjustable device and / or as a rotatable device. An example linearly adjustable device For example, after an elastically deformable material Outside to press. In a rotatable device should be in one rotation the pressure device at least also a radially acting movement component be induced. Possible it is, by the way also that the pressure device as such forms part of the surface of the Air flow control element forms. Incidentally, the mechanical pressure device can be mechanical (for example, about an adjusting lever) or driven by an electric servomotor become.

Is possible it also, with an airflow influencing element to provide at least one pressure device, at least partially is designed as a fluidic pressure device. That's the way it is, for example conceivable, a shape changeable surface area from the interior of the airflow influencing element out with a pressurized gas or liquid to act on. Also a filling with a sufficiently flowable powder is self-evident possible.

A possible Construction of the air flow influencing element arises when this with a surface finish and / or surface coating and / or shaping is provided, which in a flow around with Air reduces noise. This can, for example, a particularly smooth, or but also to act on a specially surface-structured surface. The surface design For example, may have special air guide elements, the z. B. one possible laminar airflow cause. The shape of the airflow influencing element can be executed, for example, teardrop or wing-like. It is possible, that different embodiments in a surface area Find. It is also possible that in different surface areas the airflow influencing element different configurations are provided.

It is also possible to design an air flow influencing element in such a way that at least one shape-changeable surface area is provided at least in a dead water area of the air flow influencing element. In this context, it should be noted that a dead water area does not usually lead to a Totwasseransammlung with any type of flow. This is usually only in certain directions of flow and / or flow rates of the air flow influencing element of the case. If now - as proposed - provided in this dead water area a formveränderba rer surface area, it is possible to avoid the dead water formation even for "critical" oncoming flows by a corresponding change in the surface of the air flow influencing element, or at least greatly reduced.

Farther is proposed in an air guide device, in particular in an air guide device for motor vehicles at least one air flow influencing element to provide with the structure proposed above. The air guiding device then assigns the already described advantages and properties in analog Way up.

A advantageous development of the air duct device may be arise when in the air guide device at least one airflow influencing element the change in position and the shape change the airflow influencing element at least partially coupled with each other takes place. With a such structure can be guaranteed be that the shape of the air flow influencing element in each case automatically to the respective flow conditions, the by change of position the airflow influencing element give, adapt. This automatic adjustment can only be done in certain areas, for example, in certain angular ranges, done. Is possible it also, even with the fundamental Presence of an automatic control an additional Correctability (readjustment option) the shape change provided.

One Another advantageous construction may result if in the air guide device at least one airflow influencing element the change of position and the shape change the airflow influencing element at least partially independent from each other. This is for example advantageous if the air guiding device subject to strong external fluctuations or the position of the air flow influencing element usually only a subordinate role for the optimal shape the airflow influencing element plays. The external fluctuations can then by an adapted shaping of the air flow influencing element considered become.

Finally will proposed a device with an air guide device with the above-described To provide construction. The device may be in particular to a device for to act a motor vehicle. The device may be, for example an air conditioning, a cockpit module, an air vent nozzle, a Scenting device, an air inlet device and / or a Grille Cradle act. Such devices can be particularly advantageous with the proposed air flow influencing element be provided. This may not just be a single airflow influencing element or a few coupled airflow influencing elements act. Rather, a kind of slat curtain is made of a variety of Air flow control elements conceivable.

in the The invention will be described below with reference to advantageous embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 : an air duct with a shape-changing air damper in a schematic side view;

2 : A first embodiment of a variable-shape air damper in schematic cross-section and in perspective partial section

3 a first embodiment of the arrangement and control of a shape-changing air damper in an air duct in a schematic sectional view;

4 a second embodiment of the arrangement and control of a variable-shape air damper in an air duct in a schematic sectional view;

5 a second embodiment of a variable-shape air damper in schematic cross-section;

6 : A third embodiment of a variable-shape air damper in schematic cross-section.

1 shows an aerodynamically shaped air duct 1 , The walls 2 the aerodynamically shaped air duct 1 have the in 1 recognizable curved shape on. The shaping largely prevents interference of the laminar flow profile through the air duct 1 passing air. In this way, unnecessary turbulence is avoided, which can lead to a corresponding noise.

As in 1 It can also be seen in the aerodynamically shaped air duct 1 a likewise aerodynamically shaped form-variable air damper 3 arranged. The shape-changing air damper 3 can from an open position 4 (in 1 represented by a continuous line) about the axis of rotation 7 around in a closed position 5 turned who the (in 1 shown with a dashed line). In the closed position 5 touch contact areas 6 the air damper 3 the walls 2 of the air duct 1 , In this closed position 5 is the passage of air through the air duct 1 prevented. To the tightness of the closure position 5 can increase in the contact areas 6 the air damper 3 and / or at the corresponding areas of the walls 2 of the air duct 1 a sealing device, such as a sealing lip are attached.

In the open position 4 the air flap has an outer contour 8a which roughly corresponds to a wing profile with strong taper in the lower area. In the open position 4 causes the air damper 3 Therefore, due to both the small air attack cross-section, as well as due to the shape of a very small air resistance. If the damper 3 but around the axis of rotation 7 towards the lock position 5 is turned back, this outer contour 8a with increasing angle of rotation α increasingly unfavorable. However, at the changes in 1 illustrated air damper 3 with increasing angle of rotation α and the outer contour 8a to the bulbous outer contour 8b out the air damper 3 in the closed position 5 having. Through this changing shape 8th the air damper 3 this has an aerodynamically favorable shape in every position α. Due to the increasingly bulbous shape 8th In addition, the formation of dead water zones is avoided, in which vortexes form, and where the trapped air is not transported further.

In 2 is a possible embodiment of such a variable-shape air damper 3 in the air duct 1 shown. It shows 2a the shape-changing air damper 3 with a slim outer contour 8a (corresponds to the open position 4 in 1 ) and 2 B the shape-changing air damper 3 with a bulbous outer contour 8b (corresponds to the closed position 5 in 1 ). The different rotational position (angle α) is in 2 also indicated.

The shape-changing air damper 3 has an outer layer 9 made of an elastically deformable material, which has a certain inherent stability. For example, it may be an elastic rubber plate or a foam sheet, in particular a firmer foam material. The rotation axis 7 is located inside the outer layer bent to a closed shell 9 , At the axis of rotation 7 is a pivoting element 10 arranged rotationally fixed. The pivoting element 10 Essentially has a web-like projection over its entire width 11 , The lead 11 has a curved shape, so that the wear of the outer layer 9 in the contact area with the projection 11 as low as possible remains. The rotation axis 7 is on the sidewalls 12 of the air duct 1 stored (see 3 and 4 ). Preferably, the storage of the axis of rotation 7 on the side walls 12 of the air duct 1 rotatably carried out (see 3 ).

Furthermore, inside the form variable air damper 3 two fastening bars 13 intended. These are each with the corresponding area of the outer layer 9 connected. The rotation of the variable-shape air damper 3 is by a corresponding pivoting movement A of the two fastening webs 13 causes.

Because the rotation axis 7 in the pivoting movement A of the fastening webs 13 remains rigid in space, pushes the web-like projection 11 the outer layer 9 in this area increasingly in the direction of arrow B to the outside. In the in 2 B shown position has the shape variable air damper 3 a bulbous outer contour 8b on.

In the 2c and 2d is the flap 3 shown in a half-cut, perspective view from different angles. The fastening bars 13 are at the lateral ends of a plate-shaped coupling element 14 connected. Another fastener 23 is approximately in the middle of the two outer fasteners 13 intended. This can be like in the 2a and 2 B to see also omitted.

In 3 is a possible storage variant of the variable-shape air damper 3 in the air duct 1 outlined in plan from above. The rotation axis 7 is rigid with the side wall 12 of the air duct 1 connected. Because the pivoting element 10 with the lead 11 rotationally fixed with the axis of rotation 7 is connected, thus leaving the pivot member 10 with the lead 11 upon rotation of the variable-shape air damper 3 rigid in space. The rotation of the variable-shape air damper 3 takes place, as already described, via a pivoting movement A of the fastening webs 13 , The fastening bars 13 are over the coupling element 14 with a drive element 15 connected, which is shown in the drawing as a servomotor. But it may also be a purely mechanical element, such as an operating lever of the control panel of a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

In 4 is a slight modification of the 3 shown arrangement shown. Here are not only the fastening bars 13 over the coupling element 14 with a drive element 15 connected. Rather, the position of the pivoting element can also 10 with the help of a second drive element 16 over the axis of rotation 7 to be changed. This makes it possible to change the shape 8a . 8b the variable-shape damper 3 and the rotational position α of the variable-shape damper 3 to be carried out independently of each other. The drive elements 15 . 16 can be suitably controlled, for example, by a suitably programmed electronic control. In a further variant, the two drive elements 15 . 16 also on one side of the air duct 1 be arranged. Instead of two drive elements 15 . 16 can also be a corresponding cam control only a servomotor for the movement of the mounting webs 13 over the coupling element 14 on the one hand and the pivoting element 10 with the lead 11 on the other hand.

In 4 and 5 are other conceivable designs for variable-shape air dampers 17 . 18 shown.

In the 5 illustrated deformable air damper 17 has a rigid housing over wide areas 19 , For example, from a thermoplastic material. In some surface area, the surface of the variable-shape damper becomes an elastic layer 20 educated. The elastic layer 20 can be made for example of a rubber-like material. The adjusting device 21 has a rack in the present embodiment 22 on that with the elastic layer 20 connected is. About a gear 23 can the rack 22 be moved, resulting in a corresponding change in the outer contour of the variable-shape damper 17 leads. For example, the gear may be driven by a small electric motor (not shown).

In the 6 shown deformable air damper 18 as well as the in 5 illustrated deformable air damper 17 over a larger area a rigid housing 19 , as well as a smaller area of an elastic layer 20 on. The movement of the elastic layer takes place with the help of an inside of the shape-changing air damper 18 stored balloons 24 , This can be acted upon via a fluid connection (not shown) with a fluid pressure (for example by means of a liquid, a gas or a flowable powder).

Of course, it is also possible, individual construction methods or components of the illustrated variable-shape louvers 3 . 17 . 18 to combine with each other.

Claims (12)

Airflow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) for air-conducting facilities ( 1 ), in particular for air-conducting devices of motor vehicles, especially for air conditioning systems and / or motor vehicle air conditioning systems, characterized by at least one shape-variable surface area ( 8a . 8b . 20 ). Air flow control element according to claim 1, characterized in that it as an air guide flap and / or is designed as a Luftdurchlassregelklappe. Air flow influencing element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least parts of the shape-changeable surface area ( 8a . 8b . 20 ) made of an elastically deformable material ( 9 . 20 ) consist. Air flow influencing element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one variable pressure device ( 11 . 21 . 24 ), which on at least one shape-changeable surface area ( 8a . 8b . 20 ) acts. Air flow influencing element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure device ( 11 . 21 . 24 ) at least partially as a mechanical pressure device ( 11 . 21 ), in particular as a linearly adjustable device ( 2 . 1 ) and / or rotatable device ( 11 ). Air flow influencing element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pressure device ( 11 . 21 . 24 ) at least partially as a fluidic pressure device ( 24 ) is executed. Air flow-influencing element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a surface design and / or surface coating and / or shaping (noise-reducing design in the case of a flow around air) ( 8a . 8b ). Air flow influencing element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in one dead water region of the air flow influencing element at least one shape-variable surface region ( 8a . 8b . 20 ) is provided. Air guiding device ( 1 ), in particular air guiding device for motor vehicles, characterized by at least one air flow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Air guiding device according to claim 9, characterized in that in at least one air flow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) the change in position (α) and the change in shape ( 8a . 8b ) of the airflow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) at least partially coupled ( 3 ). Air guiding device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in at least one air flow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) the change in position (α) and the change in shape ( 8a . 8b ) of the airflow influencing element ( 3 . 17 . 18 ) at least partially independent of each other. Device with an air guiding device according to one the claims 9 to 11, in particular device for a motor vehicle, characterized characterized in that the device is an air conditioning system, a cockpit module, an air vent nozzle, a scenting device, an air intake device and / or a grille receiving device is.