DE10362008B4 - Outlet with swivel drive - Google Patents

Abstract

Vent for a vehicle with
An actuating element (104) for an air outflow,
- A pivot drive for the actuator, wherein the pivot drive has a drive element (108, 110, 112) with a rod-shaped torsion region (114, 116), and the rod-shaped torsion region has a temperature-inducible deformation effect.

Description

The The present invention relates to a vents for a vehicle, in particular for ventilation, Heating and / or air conditioning of the passenger compartment, as well as an instrument panel, a headliner, an interior trim part and a center console.

Are outlets for the Use in vehicles of various kinds known. they allow an entry of fresh, heating and / or cooling air in a vehicle interior. Usually have previously known outlets a rotatable about one or more axes air outlet element with passages. By aligning the air outlet element can be the direction of the air flow choose.

From the DE 19721831A1 An air vent for the interior of a vehicle is known in which the air outlet element has a partial region for a diffuse air outlet and a partial region for a larger free air outlet, wherein the type of air outlet can be selected by turning the air outlet element.

From the DE 4338099C2 Furthermore, an instrument panel is known with an air duct on one side covering, large-scale, perforated air outlet surface for diffuse air distribution. The large-area, perforated air outlet surface, the front panel facing the top of the instrument panel forms. The air outlet surface is connected to an air distribution box with a perforated air flap for controlling the air flow. Other air supply devices for the vehicle interior, which allow a diffuse ventilation, are known among others DE 3908541 C2 . DE 1530615 A and DE 1909519 U ,

Previously known air vents are generally set manually. However, there are also vents in the upper class, which are actuated by means of an actuator. For example, are from the DE 37 17 676 A1 and the DE 40 23 124 A1 , Ventilation nozzles for the introduction of hot air and / or fresh air from a blowout known, which have an air baffle made of bimetallic material or memory metal.

One Disadvantage of prior art air vent for Generation of a diffuse flow field is that flow field is not sufficiently diffuse, d. H. still as a directional flow field is perceptible, and / or that the constructive effort for the production of the diffuse flow field is relatively high.

Of the Invention is therefore based on the object, an improved vent for a vehicle as well as an improved instrument panel, a headliner, an interior trim part, and a center console with ventilation function.

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

By the present invention provides a vents for a vehicle, the at least one actuator for an air outlet has, and a pivot drive for the actuator. The rotary actuator has a drive element with a shape memory effect. When the shape memory effect of the drive element z. B. is triggered by a control unit, generates the drive element due to its shape change z. B. a torque which acts on the actuator.

To a preferred embodiment of Invention is the shape memory effect by applying the drive element by an electric Electricity and the current flowing due to the current flow, a Radiation, ultrasound or other energy input induced.

To a preferred embodiment of Invention are several lamellar Control elements arranged in a frame structure. This makes it possible to create a large surface air outlet area, For example, in an instrument panel, in a headliner, in an interior trim part or in a center console in one Vehicle.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the actuator is pivotable on a web or rotatably mounted. Preferably serves for the pivotal attachment of the adjusting element on the web a snap connection made of plastic.

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the drive element is attached to the web. Preferably, the attachment of the drive element takes place on the Bridge by two electrically conductive Snap connections, over a current through at least a portion of the drive element flow can. By switching on the electrical power and the associated Temperature increase can in this case, the temperature-inducible shape memory effect of the drive element triggered become.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive element has a rod-shaped torsion region, the Formge has memory effect. When the shape memory effect is triggered, the opposite end portions of the rod-shaped torsion portion rotate by a certain angle. This is associated with the generation of a torque which is used for the rotary actuator of the actuating element.

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

To a further preferred embodiment the invention, the drive element has a further leg, the is substantially perpendicular to the rod-shaped torsion. This Leg serves to absorb the generated torque and forms preferably at the bridge a stop.

to Realization of the shape memory effect of Drive elements can various suitable technologies are used.

To a preferred embodiment of Invention is the shape memory effect achieved by using materials with shape memory effect. Appropriate Alloys are also referred to as shape memory alloys (SMA). Examples of this are the alloys 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 In addition, you can also conductive Plastics, as known from the field of polyelectronics are to be used. From such shape memory alloys torsion bars can be made 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 based on that called memory alloys in the martensitic state a much lower strength than in the high temperature phase. By heating will So the change in shape the drive element in the high-temperature form, z. B. by switching causes an electric current. After switching off the power decreases the drive element does not automatically return to its original shape but it is applied by a by suitable mechanical means Force returned to its original form.

alternative a material is used which has a two-way effect. The two-way effect "remembers" the material both to the high temperature and to a low temperature form. When Special case of the two-way effect can also be materials that have an all-round effect, are used.

The use of materials with shape memory effect for the automotive industry is known per se from "alloys with shape memory", Chapter 3.8.2, page 92 to 94, namely for fog lights with rockfall protective fins 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 for fan clutches of engines, throttle devices of injection pumps and motor vehicle transmission with improved switching behavior. From the CA 2346260A1 Furthermore, the use of shape memory alloys for adjusting a rear-view mirror is known per se.

The present invention enables the advantageous use of shape memory materials for the realization of a Luftausströmers for a vehicle. Due to the Use of shape memory materials can be cost effective and cost effective constructive simple way a large-area, diffuse flow field be created, which of the vehicle occupants as special is pleasant.

To a preferred embodiment of Invention are two drive elements with one-way effect for a Swivel drive provided. In this case one of the drive elements serves for moving the control element in an open position and the other Drive element for resetting the Actuating element. At the provision becomes the previously deformed due to the one-way effect drive element due to the provision returned to its low-temperature form.

To a further preferred embodiment According to the invention, the adjusting element is arranged in a frame. At the frame is at least one end stop to a defined closed position to create the actuating element. By controlling the end stop this gives a pivoting movement of the actuating element for opening the air outflow free.

Preferably, the end stop is made of a material having a shape change effect, in particular a bimetallic material or a shape memory effect material. This allows the release of the pivoting movement by triggering a corresponding change in shape of the end stop control. Alternatively, the end stop has to its control piezoelectric properties. Furthermore, the end stop can also be displaced by mechanical means.

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

1 a frame with several lamellar control elements,

2 a rear perspective view of the frame of 1 .

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

4 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a drive element with temperature-inducible shape memory effect,

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

6 a schematic representation of a large area 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 pivotally mounted about its longitudinal axis. Depending on the swivel position of the control elements 104 this will cause the opening in the frame 102 more or less released to regulate the air outflow. The control elements 104 are connected to a swivel drive on their underside, which is based on a temperature-inducible shape memory effect.

The 2 shows a rear view of the vent 100 , At the bottom of the vents 100 is located for each actuator 104 a footbridge 106 to which the relevant actuator 104 is pivotally mounted about its longitudinal axis. The actuator 104 and the jetty 106 are also about drive elements 108 coupled together.

The drive elements 108 have a temperature-inducible shape memory effect. By triggering the shape memory effect s cause the drive elements 108 a torque through which the actuator 104 is pivoted to 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-inducible shape memory effect. The drive element 112 also has such a rod-shaped torsion area 116 with temperature-inducible shape memory effect.

Preferably, the drive elements consist 110 and 112 at least in their torsion areas 114 and 116 made of a material with shape memory effect. If the shape memory effect is triggered by temperature increase, it will twist the relevant torsion 114 or 116 at a certain angle. Preferably, the material of the torsion regions 114 and 116 a one-way effect, allowing the drive element 110 for pivoting the actuator (is in the 3 not shown) in the pivoting direction 118 us the driving element 112 for pivoting in the opposite direction of pivoting 120 serves.

The drive element 110 is by snap hook 122 and 124 at the footbridge 106 are fixed, held. The snap hook 124 leaves a twist of the torsion 114 to while the snap hook 122 the opposite end of the torsion area 114 fixed. The snap hook 122 So one of the drive element 110 Take on the actuator applied torque and thus fulfills the function of an abutment.

Preferably, the snap hooks 122 and 124 electrically conductive. This allows a circuit through the snap hook 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 torsionally twisted 114 what the exercise of a torque in the pivoting direction 118 on the actuator causes.

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

Also 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 at For example, be closed by a controller.

The jetty 106 also has snap hooks 130 . 132 and 134 for pivotally locking a lamellar control element 104 (see. 1 and 2 ). The snap hooks 130 . 132 and 134 are preferably made of plastic.

When the actuator 104 in the snap hook 130 . 132 and 134 is locked, its gift position by the drive elements 110 and 112 be set. To the actuator 104 out of the closed position, for example, the current through the snap hook 122 , the torsion area 114 and the snap hook 124 turned on, so that the shape memory effect in the torsion area 114 is triggered. This leads to a rotation of the torsion 114 that over the thigh 136 of the drive element 110 on the actuator 104 is passed on.

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

To the actuator 104 again, the shape memory effect in the torsion region becomes 116 triggered in which the circuit via the snap hook 126 , the torsion area 116 and the snap hook 128 is closed. That by the corresponding rotation of the torsion 116 generated torque acts on the leg 138 in the swing direction 120 on the actuator 104 ,

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

The thigh 140 forms a stop with the bridge 106 to that of the thigh 138 on the actuator 104 when the shape memory effect of the torsion region is triggered 116 record transmitted moment. For example, the leg 140 in a recess in the bridge 106 introduced to fix this there.

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

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

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

For example, the drive element has 108 a two-way effect or an all-round effect. When the one-way effect is used, it is preferable to use the drive element instead 108 two drive elements (see Drive Elements 110 and 112 of the 3 and 4 ) present, with corresponding pairs of wires 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 controller 144 controllable.

For example, there are the end stops 150 and 152 made of a material with a temperature-inducible shape memory effect. When turning on the power via the line 154 , the end stop 150 and the line 156 the end stop moves 150 to the left, to a rotational movement in the pivoting direction 118 of the actuating element 104 release. Accordingly, the end stop moves 152 when a current is switched on via the line 158 , the end stop 152 and the line 160 to the right, allowing a pivoting movement of the actuating element 104 in the swing direction 120 is released.

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

In the event that two drive elements 110 and 112 be used with one-way effect for the rotary actuator (see. 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 actuator 104 in the swing direction 118 is opened. To release the feeding movement in the pivoting direction 118 controls the program 162 also the end stop 150 so that it shifts to the left to a release position.

After the one-way effect in the torsion area 114 has been triggered, the power can be switched off again. If subsequently the actuator 104 in reverse swing direction 120 is to be moved, the program switches 162 the current through 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 results in a pivoting of the actuating element 104 in the swing direction 120 , For this purpose, in addition, the end stop 152 from the control program 162 controlled so that it moves to the right in a release position to the pivoting movement of the actuating element 104 in the swing direction 120 to enable.

Preferably, a circuit through the end stop 150 and the drive element 110 formed, since stop 150 and drive element 110 must be driven substantially synchronously; on separate control lines for the end stop 150 and the drive element 110 can therefore be waived. The same applies to the drive element 112 and the end stop 152 ,

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

Preferably, the air outlet surface 166 and the vent 100 foamed back, which due to the low height of z. B. only 5 mm of the vent can be realized. For example, to make the instrument panel with the vent, the surface skin 168 first with the vent 100 glued and then inserted the vent in a foaming tool.

100

vent

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 (22)

Outlet for a vehicle with - an actuator ( 104 ) for an air outflow, - a pivot drive for the actuator, wherein the pivot drive is a drive element ( 108 ; 110 . 112 ) with a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ), and the rod-shaped torsion portion has a temperature-inducible deformation effect. vent according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element is lamellar. Outlet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein several control elements in a frame structure ( 102 ) are arranged. Outlet according to claim 1, 2 or 3, with a web ( 106 ) for pivotally mounting the actuating element. vent according to claim 4, wherein the drive element is fixed to the web is. Outlet according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the web has one or more snap elements ( 130 . 132 . 134 ) has for the pivotal mounting of the actuating element. Outlet according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the web one or more electrically conductive snap connections ( 122 . 124 . 126 . 128 ) for the attachment of the drive element. Outlet according to Claim 7, in which the drive element has a first leg ( 138 ), which is connected to the rod-shaped torsion region, and via which a generated due to the shape change effect torque is transferable to the actuating element. The vents of claim 8, wherein the first leg is attached to a first end portion of the rod-shaped torsion portion, and a second leg (FIG. 140 ) is attached to a second end portion of the rod-shaped torsion portion opposite to the first end portion to receive the torque generated due to the shape change effect at the second end portion. vent according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein it is in the shape change effect about a shape memory effect is. vent according to claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is a two-way effect is. vent according to claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is an all-round effect is. vent according to claim 10, wherein the shape memory effect is a one-way effect is. vent according to claim 13, with two drive elements with one-way effect. Outlet 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 adjusting element on the frame, wowobei the end stop for releasing a pivoting movement of the actuating element is controllable. vent according to claim 15, wherein the end stop has a temperature-inducible deformation effect is controllable. vent according to claim 15, wherein the end stop is via a piezoelectric Effect is controllable. Outlet 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 ) for triggering the temperature-inducible shape change effect. Instrument panel with a large air outlet surface ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with a plurality of lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with rotary actuators for the adjusting elements, each of the rotary actuators a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ), and the rod-shaped torsion portion has a temperature-inducible deformation effect. Headliner with a large air outlet surface ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with a plurality of lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with rotary actuators for the adjusting elements, each of the rotary actuators a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ), and the rod-shaped torsion portion has a temperature-inducible deformation effect. Interior trim part with a large air outlet surface ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with a plurality of lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with rotary actuators for the adjusting elements, each of the rotary actuators a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ), and the rod-shaped torsion portion has a temperature-inducible deformation effect. Center console with a large air outlet surface ( 166 ) for a diffuse air distribution with a plurality of lamellar control elements ( 104 ) for air outlet openings, and with rotary actuators for the adjusting elements, each of the rotary actuators a drive element ( 108 . 110 . 112 ) with a rod-shaped torsion region ( 114 . 116 ), and the rod-shaped torsion portion has a temperature-inducible deformation effect.