FR3138508A1 - RETRACTABLE VENTILATION DEVICE FOR A SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A ventilation device (DA) comprises an orientation mechanism (MO) installed in a wall (PS) of a system (S) and which can be placed in different positions to orient an air flow in space which powers it, and a control member (OC) capable, in the event of actuation by a user, of controlling the position of the orientation mechanism (MO). This orientation mechanism (MO) comprises a rotating part (PR) comprising at least one opening (O1) suitable for the air flow to pass through, and suitable for being rotated relative to the wall (PS) between a retracted position, in which each opening (O1) is invisible to the user, and a maximum position in which the air flow leaves each opening (O1) with an orientation having a first maximum contribution in a first predefined plane. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

RETRACTABLE VENTILATION DEVICE FOR A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to ventilation devices (or aerators) which are installed in a wall of a system.

State of the art

Certain systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly of the automobile type), include a wall provided with at least one ventilation device (or aerator) responsible for diffusing into a space air which has just been treated by an installation heating and/or air conditioning. Note that when the system is a motor vehicle, the space is a passenger compartment and the wall can, for example, be part of the dashboard.

Some of these ventilation devices include, on the one hand, an orientation mechanism which is able to be installed in the wall of the system and to be placed in different positions to direct in space an air flow which it supplies power, and, on the other hand, a control member capable, in the event of actuation by a user, of controlling the position of this orientation mechanism. Generally, the orientation mechanism comprises a support adjustable relative to the wall, comprising at least one opening (or air vent) suitable for the air flow to pass through, and fins (or a grille), installed (s) in the support, upstream of each opening, in a movable manner. The orientability of the support makes it possible to provide a first contribution to the orientation of the air flow (generally in the vertical plane), and the mobility of the fins makes it possible to provide a second contribution to the orientation of the air flow (generally in the horizontal plane).

A disadvantage of these ventilation devices lies in the fact that their opening(s) (or vent(s)) and fins are permanently visible when observing the wall, including when they are not used, which detracts from the overall aesthetic (or style), even when the style of the opening(s) and fins is careful. Notably, they cannot be uniform with (or blend into) the wall when not in use. Furthermore, the larger the dimensions of the openings, the more the aesthetics (or style) is impacted. In addition, the closer the ventilation device is installed to the median plane of the wall, the more visible it is, and therefore the more the aesthetics (or style) is impacted.

It has certainly been proposed to refine the fins (or grille), in order to make the ventilation devices more discreet and therefore less detrimental to aesthetics (or style). However, these vents still cannot be uniform with (or blend into) the wall when not in use.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a ventilation device comprising, on the one hand, an orientation mechanism capable of being installed in a wall of a system and placed in different positions to direct an air flow in space which powers it, and, on the other hand, a control member capable, in the event of activation by a user, of controlling the position of the orientation mechanism.

This ventilation device is characterized in that its orientation mechanism comprises a rotating part comprising at least one opening suitable for the air flow to pass through, and suitable for being rotated relative to the wall between a retracted position, in which each opening is invisible to the user, and a maximum position in which the air flow leaves each opening with an orientation having a first maximum contribution in a first predefined plane.

Thus, we have a ventilation device making it possible to completely mask its opening(s) (or air vent(s)) and therefore everything which is located upstream of the latter(s) when we observe the wall and its rotating part is in its retracted position, which allows it to blend into (or be uniform with) this wall so as not to harm the general aesthetics (or style).

The ventilation device according to the invention may include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- the orientation mechanism may comprise at least one fin installed in the rotating part, upstream of each opening, in a movable manner in order to be able to provide the orientation with a second contribution, in a second predefined plane perpendicular to the first predefined plane, chosen by the user between first and second extreme contributions;

- in the presence of the first option, the first predefined plane can be vertical, and the second predefined plane can be horizontal;

- also in the presence of the first option, the orientation mechanism can include N fins, with N ≥ 2, movable simultaneously and identically in the rotating part;

- the control member may comprise, on the one hand, a control part that is at least semi-spherical and capable of being installed in the system and of being placed by the user in a control position defining the direction of the flow air, and, on the other hand, a control module capable of converting the control position into instruction(s) intended to impose this orientation;

- in the presence of the last option, the control member can comprise, on the one hand, a first electric motor capable of rotating the rotating part according to a first instruction intended to impose the first contribution of the orientation of the air flow, and, on the other hand, at least one second electric motor associated with at least one opening and capable of moving a connecting rod coupled to each fin located upstream of this opening, according to a second instruction intended to impose the second contribution of the orientation of the air flow;

- also in the presence of the last option, the control part can be capable, when pressed occasionally by the user, of sending a predefined signal to the control module. In this case, the control module may be able, upon receipt of this predefined signal, to generate a first instruction intended to impose the placement of the rotating part in its retracted position;

- also in the presence of the last option, the control part can be suitable for being installed in the wall by partially projecting from an external face of the latter.

The invention also proposes a system comprising a wall accessible to a user and comprising at least one ventilation device of the type presented above.

For example, this system can constitute a vehicle, possibly of automobile type, and comprising a passenger compartment. In this case, the wall can be part of a dashboard installed in the passenger compartment.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view, a part of an example of a vehicle passenger compartment comprising a dashboard equipped with an exemplary embodiment of a ventilation device according to the invention, with its rotating part placed in its retracted position,

illustrates schematically and functionally the ventilation device of the , with its rotating part placed in a centered ventilation position,

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view, the vehicle interior of the , with the rotating part of the ventilation device placed in a minimum ventilation position,

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view, the vehicle interior of the , with the rotating part of the ventilation device placed in its centered ventilation position, and

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view, the vehicle interior of the , with the rotating part of the ventilation device placed in a maximum ventilation position.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention aims in particular to propose a ventilation device DA intended to form part of a wall PS of a system S, and comprising a retractable rotating part PR, in particular to allow it to blend into this wall PS when it is not used.

In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the system S is a vehicle. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, it may be an automobile type vehicle. But the invention is not limited to this type of system. It concerns in fact any system comprising a wall which can be equipped with at least one ventilation device responsible for diffusing into a space air which has just been treated by a heating and/or air conditioning installation. Consequently, it concerns at least vehicles (land, sea (or river), or air), installations (possibly industrial), and buildings.

We have schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, part of an example of space H of a system S comprising a wall PS equipped with an example of realization of a ventilation device DA according to the invention. Note that in the example illustrated the system S is a motor vehicle, and therefore the space H is a passenger compartment. Furthermore, in the example illustrated the wall PS is part of a dashboard PB installed in the passenger compartment H and includes an external face FE oriented towards the latter (H) and therefore visible to the passengers of the vehicle S. But in a vehicle the PS wall could be part of other equipment, such as for example a console, a side door, a roof (or ceiling light), or a seat back.

As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 5, a ventilation device DA according to the invention comprises at least one orientation mechanism MO and a control member OC.

The orientation mechanism MO is suitable for being installed in the wall PS of the system S (here a vehicle), and is arranged so as to be placed in different positions (possibly continuously) to orient in space H (here a passenger compartment) a flow of air which feeds it. Note that this air flow can be supplied by a supply conduit forming part of a heating and/or air conditioning installation of the system S and comprising a terminal part connected to an inlet of the orientation mechanism MO.

This orientation mechanism MO comprises a rotating part PR comprising at least one opening Oj which is suitable for the air flow to pass through so that it is delivered into the space H. It will be noted that this rotating part PR also comprises an inlet receiving the air flow to be delivered, and for example connected to the end part of the aforementioned supply conduit. In this case, it is preferable for this end part to be flexible to be able to follow the rotating part PR in its movements.

This rotating part PR is able to be rotated relative to the wall PS between a retracted position (illustrated on the ) and a maximum position (shown on the ). In the retracted position, each opening Oj is invisible to a user of the system S, because it is located behind the wall PS (on the side of its internal face opposite to its external face FE). In the maximum position, the air flow leaves each opening Oj with an orientation having a first maximum contribution in a first predefined plane.

Note that in the maximum position illustrated non-limitatively on the , the first predefined plane is a vertical plane, and therefore the orientability of the rotating part PR makes it possible to vary the first contribution of the orientation of the air flow in this vertical plane. In addition, in the maximum position the air flow is oriented towards the top of the H space (it is therefore the one which allows the air flow to be directed most upwards). But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, in the maximum position the air flow could be directed towards the bottom of the space H (in this case it would be the one which would make it possible to direct the air flow furthest towards the bottom ). In another embodiment variant not illustrated, the first predefined plane could be a horizontal plane, and in this case the orientability of the rotating part PR makes it possible to vary the first contribution of the orientation of the air flow in this plane horizontal.

The control member OC is capable, in the event of actuation by a user located in space H, of controlling the position of the orientation mechanism MO, and therefore of defining the orientation of the air flow in the space (inside space H).

The DA ventilation device therefore now makes it possible to completely mask its opening(s) (or air vent(s)) and therefore everything located upstream of the latter(s) when we observes the wall PS and that its rotating part PR is in its retracted position (and therefore that it is not used). It can thus blend into (or be uniform with) the PS wall so as not to detract from the general aesthetics (or style), including when the dimensions of each opening Oj are large and/or when it is installed near the median plane of the wall PS and therefore in high visibility, as in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3 to 5.

The notions of “upstream” and “downstream” must be understood in relation to the direction of circulation of air flows.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 to 5, the rotating part PR comprises two openings O1 and O2 (j = 1 or 2), located respectively to the right and to the left of the median plane of the vehicle S. But the number of openings of the rotating part PR can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

We have schematically illustrated on the , the rotating part PR of the ventilation device DA placed in a minimum ventilation position which allows, here, to have each flow of air, leaving through the associated opening Oj, with the greatest downward inclination ( while providing maximum throughput).

We have schematically illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the rotating part PR of the ventilation device DA placed in a central ventilation position which allows, here, to have each flow of air, exiting through the associated opening Oj , with a substantially horizontal orientation (while offering maximum flow).

We have schematically illustrated on the , the rotating part PR of the ventilation device DA placed in a maximum ventilation position which allows, here, to have each flow of air, leaving through the associated opening Oj, with the greatest upward inclination ( while providing maximum flow).

For example, the rotating part PR may have at least a semi-cylindrical (possibly circular) shape.

Also for example, the rotating part PR can have an external face (visible to users) reproducing the style of the wall PS (and therefore decorative), in order to give the impression that it constitutes a sub-part of the wall PS in its retracted position.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly on the , the orientation mechanism MO can comprise at least one fin AM installed movably in the rotating part PR, upstream of each opening Oj. This mobility is intended to make it possible to provide the orientation of the air flow with a second contribution in a second predefined plane perpendicular to the first predefined plane. This second contribution is chosen by the user between first and second second extreme contributions, by actuation of a dedicated part of the control member OC.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitatively and at least partially in Figures 2 to 5, the second predefined plane is a horizontal plane, and therefore the mobility (or here the orientability) of the fins AM makes it possible to vary the second contribution of the orientation of the air flow in this horizontal plane. In this case, the first extreme contribution can make it possible to direct the air flow most towards the left of the space H and the second extreme contribution can make it possible to direct the air flow most towards the right of the space H. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the second predefined plane could be a vertical plane, and in this case the mobility (or here the orientability) of the fins AM makes it possible to vary the second contribution of the orientation of the flow of air in this vertical plane.

Note also, as illustrated non-limitatively in the , that the orientation mechanism MO can comprise N fins AM, with N ≥ 2, movable simultaneously and identically in the rotating part PR. In the example illustrated without limitation and comprising two left openings O1 and right O2, the orientation mechanism MO comprises six fins AM placed upstream of the left opening O1 and six other fins AM placed upstream of the right opening O2 , i.e. N = 12. But the number of fins AM placed upstream of an opening Oj can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

It should also be noted that instead of using fins AM to vary the second contribution of the orientation of the air flow, the rotating part PR could include a coanda effect device.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 5, the control member OC may comprise an at least semi-spherical control part PC and a control module MC. The PC control part is suitable for being installed in the S system and for being placed by the user in a control position which defines the direction of the air flow. The MC control module is capable of converting this control position into instruction(s) intended to impose this orientation of the air flow. In this case, the OC control body is similar to a trackball (or “trackball”) commonly used in laptop computers and game consoles.

The MC control module comprises at least one processor, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP (“Digital Signal Processor”)), and at least one memory. It can therefore be produced in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or “hardware”) and software modules (or “software”). For example, it can be a microcontroller or a calculator.

The memory is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor of conversion operations (from the current position to instructions). The processor may include integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or non-wired connections. By integrated (or printed) circuit we mean any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

Note that the control module MC can also include a mass memory, in particular for storing any intermediate data involved in its calculations and processing, and/or an input interface for receiving information or data or signals, to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and/or demodulated and/or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor, and/or an output interface, in particular to deliver his instructions.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 5, the control member OC can comprise a first electric motor ME1 and at least one second electric motor ME2. The first electric motor ME1 is capable of rotating the rotating part PR according to a first instruction which is intended to impose the first contribution of the orientation of the air flow and which is determined by the control module MC. Each second electric motor ME2 is associated with at least one opening Oj and is capable of moving a connecting rod B coupled to each fin AM located upstream of this opening Oj, according to a second instruction which is intended to impose the second contribution of the direction of the air flow and which is determined by the MC control module. It will be understood that the movements of each connecting rod B, imposed by a second electric motor ME2, make it possible to vary the orientation in space of each fin AM coupled to this connecting rod B.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 5, each opening Oj is associated with its own connecting rod B itself associated with its own second electric motor ME2, so as to allow partially independent orientations of the flows d air to the right and to the left. In fact, here, it is the second contributions to the orientation of the two air flows (towards the right or the left) which are independent, and there is only one first contribution to the orientation of the two airflow because there is only one PR rotating part. To do this, the two second electric motors ME2 operate independently. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, all the fins AM could be coupled to a single connecting rod B associated with a single second electric motor ME2.

Also for example, the control part PC may be able, when pressed occasionally by the user (for example once), to send a predefined signal to the control module MC. In this case, the control module MC may be able, upon receipt of the predefined signal, to generate a first instruction which is intended to impose the placement of the rotating part PR in its retracted position. This advantageously allows the user to completely mask each opening Oj by a very simple action so that the ventilation device DA blends into (or is uniform with) the wall PS.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the control part PC can be adapted to be installed in the wall PS by projecting partly from the external face FE of the latter (PS). In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the control part PC is installed near the rotating part PR so that users easily associate it with ventilation (here central). More precisely, the PC control part is here installed under the left opening O1, in order to be more easily accessible to the driver of vehicle S (in fact we consider here that driving is on the left). But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the PC control part could be installed in a wall other than the PS wall, preferably easily accessible in space H.

It should also be noted that the PC control part may optionally be micro-pigmented. But this is not obligatory.

Claims (10)

Ventilation device (DA) comprising i) an orientation mechanism (MO) capable of being installed in a wall (PS) of a system (S) and placed in different positions to orient a flow of air in space air which supplies it, and ii) a control member (OC) capable, in the event of actuation by a user, of controlling the position of said orientation mechanism (MO), characterized in that said orientation mechanism ( MO) comprises a rotating part (PR) comprising at least one opening (Oj) suitable for said air flow to pass through, and suitable for being driven in rotation relative to said wall (PS) between a retracted position, in which each opening (Oj) is invisible to said user, and a maximum position in which said air flow leaves each opening (Oj) with an orientation having a first maximum contribution in a first predefined plane. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said orientation mechanism (MO) comprises at least one fin (AM) installed in said rotating part (PR), upstream of each opening (Oj), in a movable manner in order to be able to providing said orientation with a second contribution, in a second predefined plane perpendicular to said first predefined plane, chosen by said user between first and second second extreme contributions. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first predefined plane is vertical, and said second predefined plane is horizontal. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said orientation mechanism (MO) comprises N fins (AM), with N ≥ 2, movable simultaneously and identically in said rotating part (PR). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said control member (OC) comprises i) a control part (PC) at least semi-spherical and suitable for being installed in said system (S) and for be placed by said user in a control position defining said orientation, and ii) a control module (MC) capable of converting said control position into instruction(s) intended to impose said orientation. Device according to claim 5 taken in combination with at least one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said control member (OC) comprises a first electric motor (ME1) capable of rotating said rotating part (PR) depending on a first instruction intended to impose said first contribution of the orientation, and at least one second electric motor (ME2) associated with at least one opening (Oj) and capable of moving a connecting rod (B) coupled to each fin (AM) located upstream of this opening (Oj), according to a second instruction intended to impose said second orientation contribution. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said control part (PC) is capable, when it is pressed punctually by said user, of sending a predefined signal to said control module (MC), and in that said control module (MC) is capable, on receipt of said predefined signal, of generating a first instruction intended to impose the placement of said rotating part (PR) in its retracted position. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said control part (PC) is suitable for being installed in said wall (PS) projecting partly from an external face (FE) of the latter (PS ). System (S) comprising a wall (PS) accessible to a user, characterized in that said wall (PS) comprises at least one ventilation device (DA) according to one of the preceding claims. System according to claim 9, characterized in that it constitutes a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment (H), and in that said wall (PS) is part of a dashboard (PB) installed in said passenger compartment (H).