DE10333700B3 - Automobile air vent for ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning has pivot drive for setting element using shape memory drive element - Google Patents

Abstract

The air vent (100) has a setting element (104) for adjustment of the air flow and a pivot drive for the setting element, with a drive element (108) exhibiting a change in shape in dependence on the temperature. The drive element is secured in place by one or more electrically-conductive snap-fit couplings. Also included are Independent claims for the following: (a) an automobile instrument panel with an air vent; (b) an automobile roof with an air vent; (c) an automobile fascia panel with an air vent; (d) an automobile central console with an air vent; (e) a control device for an air vent.

Description

The The present invention relates to an outflow for a vehicle, in particular for ventilation, Heating and / or air conditioning of the passenger compartment, as well as a control device for one such outflows.

Are emanating for the Use in vehicles of all kinds known. they allow entry of fresh, heating and / or cooling air into a vehicle interior. Usually have known outflows an air outlet element rotatable about one or more axes with culverts. The orientation of the air outlet element allows the direction of the air flow choose.

From the DE 19721831A1 An air outflow is known for the interior of a vehicle, in which the air outlet element has a partial area for a diffuse air outlet and a partial area for a larger free air outlet, the type of air outlet being able to be selected by rotating the air outlet element.

From the DE 433809A1 an instrument panel is also known with a large-area, perforated air outlet surface covering an air duct on one side for diffuse air distribution. The large, perforated air outlet surface forms the top of the instrument panel facing the windscreen. The air outlet surface is connected to an air distribution box, on which there is a perforated air flap for controlling the air flow. Other air supply devices for the vehicle interior that allow diffuse ventilation are known from, among others DE 3908541C2 . DE 1530615A and DE 1909519U , Previously known air flows are generally set manually. However, there are also outflows in the upper class that are actuated by means of an actuator.

From the DE 4023124A1 a ventilation nozzle is known which has adjustable slats. The fins are equipped with air-directing parts that automatically move in a certain direction depending on the temperature of the air flow. A temperature-dependent element or a torsion spring made of bimetal material or memory metal is used for this. From the DE 3908541A1 Another device for supplying conditioned air in passenger compartments of vehicles is known.

From the DE 3717676A1 A vehicle heating or air conditioning system is known with air outlet openings which can be aligned directly with the vehicle occupants and which have other indirect outlet openings which serve for vehicle interior air conditioning. Switching between direct and indirect air outlet flow takes place automatically depending on the air flow temperature, the air flow intensity or according to a time function. A bimetal tongue is used to switch the air flow.

On Disadvantage of known air outflows Generation of a diffuse flow field is that the flow field is not sufficiently diffuse, d. H. still as a directed flow field is perceptible, and / or that the constructive effort for the generation of the diffuse flow field is relatively high.

The The invention is therefore based on the object of an improved outflow for a vehicle to create, as well as an improved instrument panel, a headliner, an interior trim part, a center console with ventilation function and a control device for one Outflow.

The The objects underlying the invention are each with the Characteristics of the independent claims solved.

By the present invention provides an air vent for a vehicle, the at least one control element for an air outlet has, and a pivot drive for the actuator. The swivel drive has a drive element with a temperature-induced deformation effect. If the temperature-inducible deformation effect of the drive element z. B. by a control unit triggered is generated, the drive element due to its shape change a torque that acts on the actuator.

To a preferred embodiment of the Invention are several lamellar Control elements arranged in a frame structure. This enables to create a large air outlet area, for example in an instrument panel, in a headlining, in an interior trim part or in a center console in one Vehicle.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the actuator is pivotally attached to a web. Preferably used for the pivotable attachment of the actuator a snap connection made of plastic on the bridge.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive element is also fastened to the web. The drive element is preferably attached to the web by two electrically conductive snap connections, via which a current can flow through at least a partial area of the drive element. By switching on the electrical current and the associated temperature increase, the temperature-inducible deformation effect of the drive element can be triggered in this case.

To a further preferred embodiment According to the invention, the drive element has a rod-shaped torsion area, which has the temperature-inducible deformation effect. When the temperature-inducible deformation effect the opposite end areas twist of the rod-shaped Torsional range by a certain angle. Connected with it the generation of a torque which is required for the swivel drive of the actuating element is being used.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the drive element has a leg which, for. B. is essentially perpendicular to the rod-shaped torsion area, and over which the torque is transmitted to the actuator. The thigh is for example with a snap connection to the actuator connected.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the drive element has another leg, the is essentially perpendicular to the rod-shaped torsion area. This Leg serves to absorb the generated torque and forms preferably a stop on the web.

to Realization of the temperature-induced deformation effect of the drive element can be different suitable technologies are used.

For example can a drive element by layering of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion will be realized; if different metallic materials such an arrangement is called a bimetallic strip.

To a preferred embodiment of the Invention is the temperature-induced deformation effect through use of materials with shape memory effect reached. Corresponding alloys are also called shape memory alloys (SMA) designated. Examples of this are the NiPi and NiTiPb. Other shape memory alloys are made of "alloys with shape memory ", Dieter Stöckel, Erhard Hornbogen, Expert Verlag, 1988, ISBN 3-8169-0323-1 known. Alternatively or additionally can also conductive Plastics as they are known in the field of polyelectronics, be used. Torsion bars can be made from such shape memory alloys become.

at the shape memory effect it is a reversible effect. This can be a one-way effect with an additional mechanical reset device be used. This reversible effect is due to the fact that mentioned memory alloys in the martensitic state an essential have lower strength than in the high-temperature phase. By heating will be the change of shape the drive element in the high temperature form, e.g. B. by switching on an electric current. After switching off the power takes the drive element does not automatically return to its original shape one, but it is applied by a suitable mechanical means Power returned to its original form.

alternative a material is used that has a two-way effect. With the two-way effect, the material "remembers" both the high temperature and low temperature forms. As Special case of the two-way effect can materials with an all-round effect are also used become.

The use of materials with shape memory effect for automotive technology is known per se from "Alloys with shape memory", chapter 3.8.2, pages 92 to 94, specifically for fog lamps with stone chip protection blades with a nickel-titanium tension spring as a memory element and for temperature-dependent control functions in the engine, transmission and chassis area, such as B. for fan clutches of engines, throttle devices of injection pumps and for motor vehicle transmissions with improved switching behavior. From the CA 2346260A1 the use of shape memory alloys for adjusting a rearview mirror is also known per se.

The present invention enables the advantageous use of materials with shape memory effect for realizing an air vent for a vehicle. Due to the Use of materials with shape memory effects can be inexpensive and constructively simple way a large, diffuse flow field be created, which the vehicle occupants as special is felt pleasant.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, two drive elements with a one-way effect are provided for a swivel drive. In this case, one of the drive elements is used to move the actuating element into an open position and the other drive element is used for resetting of the control element. When resetting, the drive element previously deformed due to the one-way effect is returned to its low-temperature form due to the resetting.

To a further preferred embodiment the control element is arranged in a frame. On there is at least one end stop on the frame around a defined closed position to create the actuator. By controlling the end stop gives this a pivoting movement of the actuator to open the air outflow free.

Preferably the end stop consists of a material with a temperature-inducible deformation effect. This leaves the release of the swivel movement by triggering a corresponding change in shape control the end stop. Alternatively, the end stop has its control piezoelectric properties. The end stop can also be movable by mechanical means.

Further The invention relates to a control device for a vent according to the invention, in particular an outflow with two drive elements with one-way effect for the rotary actuator. there is the control device trained to control the drive elements to a desired position adjust the actuator. The control device can, for example Be part of an air conditioning system and / or for automatic window defrosting, so-called defrost function.

in the Further preferred embodiments the invention explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It demonstrate:

1 a frame with several lamellar control elements,

2 a rear perspective view of the frame of the 1 .

3 a web for the pivotable fastening of a lamellar adjusting element with L-shaped drive elements,

4 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a drive element with a temperature-inducing deformation effect,

5 another preferred embodiment of a vent according to the invention with controllable end stops and a control device,

6 is a schematic representation of a large air outlet surface of an instrument panel.

The 1 shows a vent 100 with a frame 102 , in which four lamellar control elements 104 are arranged. The control elements 104 are each pivoted about their longitudinal axis. Depending on the swivel position of the control elements 104 this will make the opening in the frame 102 more or less released to regulate the air flow. The control elements 104 are connected to a swivel drive on their underside, which is based on a temperature-induced deformation effect.

The 2 shows a rear view of the vent 100 , At the bottom of the vent 100 is for each control element 104 a footbridge 106 on which the relevant actuator 104 is pivotally attached about its longitudinal axis. The actuator 104 and the jetty 106 are also about drive elements 108 coupled with each other.

The drive elements 108 have a temperature-induced deformation effect. By triggering the deformation effect, the drive elements cause 108 a torque through which the actuator 104 is pivoted into a desired position.

The 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a web 106 with two drive elements 110 and 112 , The two drive elements 110 and 112 are each essentially L-shaped. The drive element 110 has a rod-shaped torsion area 114 with temperature-induced deformation effect. The drive element 112 also has such a rod-shaped torsion area 116 with temperature-induced deformation effect.

The drive elements preferably exist 110 and 112 at least in their torsion areas 114 and 116 from a material with shape memory effect. If the shape memory effect is triggered by an increase in temperature, the torsion area concerned is twisted 114 or 116 through a certain angle. The material preferably has the torsion regions 114 and 116 a one-way effect, so the drive element 110 for pivoting the control element (is in the 3 not shown) in the pivoting direction 118 us the drive element 112 for swiveling in the opposite swivel direction 120 serves.

The drive element 110 is made of snap hooks 122 and 124 that on the jetty 106 are attached, held. The snap hook 124 leaves a twist of the torsion area 114 to while the snap hook 122 the opposite End of the torsion area 114 fixed. The snap hook 122 can therefore be one of the drive element 110 absorb torque exerted on the control element and thus fulfills the function of an abutment.

The snap hooks are preferably 122 and 124 electrically conductive. This allows a circuit to be hooked over 122 , the torsion area 114 and the snap hook 124 can be closed. If a corresponding current is switched on, for example, by a control unit, the shape memory effect is triggered and thus the torsion area is twisted 114 what the exercise of torque in the pivoting direction 118 effects on the actuator.

The same applies to the drive element 112 , This is from the snap hooks 126 and 128 of the jetty 106 held with the snap hook 128 a twist of the torsion area 116 allowed. The snap hook 128 fixes the end of the torsion area 116 so this snap hook 126 a drive torque of the drive element 112 can record.

Even the snap hooks 126 and 128 are preferably electrically conductive, so that an electrical circuit via the snap hook 126 , the torsion area 116 and the snap hook 128 can be closed, for example, by a control unit.

The jetty 106 also has snap hooks 130 . 132 and 134 for swiveling engagement of a lamellar actuator 104 (see. 1 and 2 ). The snap hooks 130 . 132 and 134 are preferably made of plastic.

If the actuator 104 into the snap hooks 130 . 132 and 134 is locked, its pivot position by the drive elements 110 and 112 can be set. To the control element 104 Moving out of the closed position is, for example, the current through the snap hook 122 , the torsion area 114 and the snap hook 124 turned on, so the shape memory effect in the torsion area 114 is triggered. This causes the torsion area to twist 114 that over the thigh 136 of the drive element 110 on the control element 104 is passed on.

Due to the swiveling movement caused thereby, the drive element 112 mechanically deformed accordingly. The position of the drive elements 110 and 112 after activation of the shape memory effect in the torsion area 114 to open the control element 104 is in the 3 shown.

To the control element 104 close again, the shape memory effect in the torsion area 116 triggered by the circuit via the snap hook 126 , the torsion area 116 and the snap hook 128 is closed. This is due to the corresponding twisting of the torsion area 116 Torque generated acts on the leg 138 in the swivel direction 120 on the control element 104 ,

The 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the drive element 112 , As in the embodiment of the 3 , has the drive element 112 a thigh 138 that is essentially perpendicular to the torsion area 116 stands so that an L-shape is formed. On the thigh 138 opposite end of the torsion area 116 is on the torsion area 116 a thigh 140 arranged at a different spatial angle than the leg 138 also essentially perpendicular to the torsion area 116 stands.

The thigh 140 forms a stop with the web 106 to get that from the thigh 138 on the control element 104 when triggering the shape memory effect of the torsion area 116 recorded transmitted moment. For example, the thigh 140 in a recess in the web 106 introduced to fix it there.

The 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein elements of the 5 who have favourited Elements of 1 to 4 correspond with the same reference numerals.

The air vent 100 the embodiment of the 5 is used to ventilate the interior of a motor vehicle and to defrost a windshield 142 , For a defrost function of the windshield 142 becomes the control element 104 of the vent 100 from the drive element 108 in the swivel direction 118 moves while a movement in the pivoting direction for a ventilation function of the vehicle interior 120 he follows.

The drive element 108 is with a control unit 144 over lines 146 and 148 connected. If the control unit 144 a circuit over the lines 146 . 148 and the drive element 108 closes, a shape memory effect of the drive element 108 triggered by which the actuator 104 in the desired swivel direction 118 or 120 is rotated.

For example, the drive element 108 a two-way effect or an all-round effect. If the one-way effect is used, are preferred instead of the drive element 108 two drive elements (cf. drive elements 110 and 112 the 3 and 4 ) available with the corresponding cable pairs from the control unit 144 can be controlled.

At the bottom of the frame 102 are end stops 150 and 152 arranged which is a closed position for the actuator 104 define. The end stops 150 . 152 are about the wire pairs 154 . 156 respectively. 158 . 160 from the control unit 144 controllable.

For example, the end stops exist 150 and 152 Made of a material with a temperature-induced deformation effect. When power is switched on via the line 154 , the end stop 150 and the line 156 the end stop moves 150 to the left to make a rotating movement in the swivel direction 118 of the control element 104 release. The end stop moves accordingly 152 when a current is switched on via the line 158 , the end stop 152 and the line 160 to the right, so that a pivoting movement of the actuator 104 in the swivel direction 120 is released.

The control unit 144 has a control program 162 and an interface 164 , Via the interface 164 the desired control function, such as. B. windshield defrosting or ventilation or air conditioning of the vehicle interior entered. The control program 162 then controls the drive element 108 or the drive elements 110 and 112 as well as the end stops 150 and 152 via the corresponding lines according to the desired function.

In the event that two drive elements 110 and 112 with one-way effect can be used for the rotary actuator (cf. 3 and 4 ) switches the control program 162 first the current through the drive element 110 , ie through the snap hook 122 , the torsion area 114 and the snap hook 124 (see. 3 ) so that the control element 104 in the swivel direction 118 is opened. To release the swivel movement 118 Program 162 also controls the end stop 150 so that it moves to the left into a release position.

After the one-way effect in the torsion area 114 the current can be switched off again. If the actuator below 104 in the opposite direction 120 the program switches 162 the current over the snap hook 126 , the torsion area 116 and the snap hook 128 to the one-way effect in the torsion area 116 trigger. This causes the control element to pivot 104 in the swivel direction 120 , For this, the end stop is also used 152 from the control program 162 controlled so that it moves to the right into a release position by the pivoting movement of the actuating element 104 in the swivel direction 120 to enable.

A circuit is preferably connected to the end stop 150 and the drive element 110 formed because end stop 150 and drive element 110 must be controlled essentially synchronously; on separate control lines for the end stop 150 and the drive element 110 can therefore be dispensed with. The same applies to the drive element 112 and the end stop 152 ,

The 6 shows a large air outlet area 166 that is formed on the surface of an instrument panel. In the area of the air outlet area 166 the instrument panel has a vent 100 (see. 1 to 5 ). On the control element 104 and preferably also on the frame 102 of the vent 100 (see. 1 ) there is a surface skin 168 , such as B. a slush skin, or the like. The surface skin 168 is along the lines 170 z. B. cut by means of a laser to pivot the actuating elements 104 to enable. The air outlet surface is in the closed state 166 not or almost not recognizable.

The air outlet surface is preferably 166 and the outflow 100 back-foams what due to the low height of z. B. only 5 mm of the vent can be realized. For example, the surface skin is used to manufacture the instrument panel with the outflow 168 first with the vent 100 glued and then the vent placed in a foaming tool.

100

escape

102

frame

104

actuator

106

web

108

driving element

110

driving element

112

driving element

114

torsion

116

torsion

118

pan direction

120

Schenk direction

122

snap hooks

124

snap hooks

126

snap hooks

128

snap hooks

130

snap hooks

132

snap hooks

134

snap hooks

136

leg

138

leg

140

leg

142

Windshield

144

control unit

146

management

148

management

150

end stop

152

end stop

154

management

156

management

158

management

160

management

162

control program

164

interface

166

Air outlet area

168

surface skin

170

line

Claims (23)

Air vent for a vehicle with - an actuator ( 104 ) for an air outflow, - a swivel drive for the actuating element, the swivel drive being a drive element ( 108 ; 110 . 112 ) with a temperature-induced deformation effect, - one or more electrically conductive snap connections ( 122 . 124 . 126 . 128 ) for fastening the drive element. escape according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element is lamellar. Outflow according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of adjusting elements in a frame structure ( 102 ) are arranged. Outflow according to claim 1, 2 or 3, with a web ( 106 ) for swivel mounting of the control element. escape according to claim 4, wherein the drive element is attached to the web is. Outflow according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the web has one or more snap elements ( 130 . 132 . 134 ) for the pivotable attachment of the control element. Outflow according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, in which the drive element has a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ) with the temperature-inducible deformation effect. Outflow according to Claim 7, in which the drive element has a first leg ( 138 ), which is connected to the rod-shaped torsion area and via which a torque generated due to the deformation effect can be transmitted to the actuating element. Outflow according to claim 8, wherein the first leg is attached to a first end region of the rod-shaped torsion region, and a second leg ( 140 ) is attached to a second end region of the rod-shaped torsion region opposite the first end region in order to absorb the torque generated on account of the deformation effect at the second end region. escape according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein it is with the shape change effect a shape memory effect is. escape The claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is a two-way effect is. escape The claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is an all-round effect is. escape according to claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is a one-way effect is. escape according to claim 13, with two drive elements with one-way effect. Outflow according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, with a frame in which at least one adjusting element is arranged, and with an end stop ( 150 . 152 ) for the actuating element on the frame, the end stop being controllable to release a pivoting movement of the actuating element. escape according to claim 15, wherein the end stop via a temperature-inducible deformation effect is controllable. escape according to claim 15, wherein the end stop via a piezoelectric Effect is controllable. Outflow according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, with at least one electrical conductor 146 . 148 . 154 . 156 . 158 . 160 ) for connection to a control device ( 144 ) to trigger the temperature-induced deformation effect. Instrument panel with a large air outlet area ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with several lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with swivel drives for the control elements, each of the swivel drives being a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a temperature-inducible deformation effect, and with one or more electrically conductive snap connections for fastening the drive element. Headlining with a large air outlet area ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with several lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with swivel drives for the control elements, each of the swivel drives being a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a temperature-inducible deformation effect, and with one or more electrically conductive snap connections for fastening the drive element Interior trim part with a large air outlet area ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with several lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with swivel drives for the control elements, each of the swivel drives being a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a temperature-inducible deformation effect, and with one or more electrically conductive snap connections for fastening the drive element Center console with a large air outlet area ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with several lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with swivel drives for the control elements, each of the swivel drives being a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a temperature-inducible deformation effect, and with one or more electrically conductive snap connections for fastening the drive element Control device for an outflow ( 100 ), the outflow being an actuating element ( 104 ) for an air outflow and a swivel drive for the control element with a first drive element ( 110 ) with one-way effect and a second drive element ( 112 ) with an opposing one-way effect, the control device being designed to carry out the following steps: - switching on a first control current to trigger the one-way effect of the first drive element so that the actuating element is pivoted into an open position, - switching on a second control current to trigger the opposite One-way effect of the second drive element for resetting the steep element.