FR3139038A1 - VENTILATION DEVICE WITH ROTATING MASKING PART FOR A SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

An ventilation device (DA) comprises: - a body (CD) installed in a wall (PS) of a system (S) and comprising an air outlet (SA), - an orientation mechanism (MO) installed in the body (CD) upstream of the air outlet (SA) and which can be placed in different positions to direct in space a flow of air which supplies it, - a specific control member (OC) , in the event of actuation by a user, to control the position of the orientation mechanism (MO), and - a rotating part (PR) rotatably mounted in the body (CD) and capable of being rotated relative to the body (CD) between a closed position, in which it obstructs at least part of the air outlet (SA) and masks at least part of the orientation mechanism (MO), and an open position, in which it allows the outlet of the air flow directed by the air outlet (SA). Figure 3

Description

VENTILATION DEVICE WITH ROTATING MASKING PART FOR A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to ventilation devices (or aerators) which are intended to be 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. When the system is a motor vehicle, the space is a passenger compartment, and the wall can, for example, be part of the dashboard.

Often, these ventilation devices include a body, an orientation mechanism and a control member. The body is suitable for being installed in a wall of a system and includes an air inlet and at least one air outlet (or air vent). The orientation mechanism is installed in the body upstream of the air outlet, and is able to be placed in different positions to direct in space an air flow which supplies it via the air inlet from the body. The control member is capable, when actuated by a user, of controlling the position of the orientation mechanism.

Generally, the orientation mechanism comprises fins (or a grid), installed in the body, upstream of the (each) air outlet, in a movable manner in order to provide a first contribution to the orientation of the air flow (usually in the horizontal plane). Sometimes, the body is also orientable relative to the wall of the system in order to provide a second contribution to the orientation of the air flow, (generally in the vertical plane).

These ventilation devices have at least one drawback. Indeed, their air outlet(s) (or air vent(s)) and their fins are permanently visible when we observe the wall, including when they are not in use, this which detracts from the general aesthetics (or style), even when the style of the air outlet(s) and fins is neat. Notably, they cannot be uniform with (or blend into) the wall when not in use. Furthermore, the larger the dimensions of the air outlets, 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

For this purpose, it notably offers a ventilation device comprising:

- a body suitable for being installed in a wall of a system and comprising an air outlet,

- an orientation mechanism installed in this body upstream of the air outlet and capable of being placed in different positions to direct in space a flow of air which supplies it, and

- a control unit suitable, in the event of activation by a user, to control the position of this orientation mechanism.

This ventilation device is characterized in that it also comprises at least one rotating part rotatably mounted in the body and capable of being rotated relative to the body between a closed position, in which it obstructs at least one part of the air outlet and hides at least part of the orientation mechanism, and an open position, in which it allows the exit of the air flow directed by the air outlet.

Thus, we have a ventilation device making it possible to completely, or almost completely, mask its air outlet(s) (or air vent(s)) and therefore everything, or almost everything, which is located upstream of this/these latter(s) when we observe the wall and its (each) rotating masking part is in its closed position, which allows it to blend into (or be uniform with) this wall so as not to detract from 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:

- in a first embodiment, it can comprise a single rotating part comprising an opening through which a part of the control member passes so that this part can be actuated by a user, mounted to rotate in the body, and suitable for be rotated relative to the body between the closed position, in which it completely obstructs the air outlet except at this opening, and the open position, in which it allows the exit of the air flow directed by the outlet air;

- in a second embodiment, it can comprise, on the one hand, a first rotating part comprising an opening through which a part of the control member passes so that this part can be actuated by a user, mounted to rotate in the body, and capable of being rotated relative to the body between the closed position, in which it obstructs a first part of the air outlet except at this opening, and the open position, in which it allows the outlet of the air flow oriented by this first part of the air outlet, and, on the other hand, a second rotating part rotatably mounted in the body and capable of being rotated relative to the body, in a manner opposite to the first rotating part, between the closed position, in which it completely obstructs a second part of the air outlet, complementary to the first part of the air outlet, and an open position, in which it allows the flow to exit air directed by the second part of the air outlet;

- its body may comprise two side walls, facing each other, and each comprising on an internal face at least one groove having a predefined shape. In this case, the (each) rotating part may comprise two lateral edges each comprising a rib having a shape homologous to the predefined shape and slidably housed in a corresponding groove in order to allow guided rotation drive;

- it may comprise at least one connecting member fixedly secured to the (one) rotating part, mounted to rotate in the body, and capable of being rotated by the control member;

- in the presence of the last option, its control member may include an endless screw actuable by a user and meshing with a thread defined on the connecting member or a toothed sector that includes the connecting member to drive the latter in rotation ;

- also in the presence of the last option and the first or second embodiment, the endless screw can pass through the opening of the (of) a rotating part and can constitute the part of the control member which is actuable by the user;

- alternatively and also in the presence of the last option, the control member may comprise an electric motor capable of rotating the endless screw;

- the orientation mechanism may comprise at least one fin mounted in the body in a movable manner in order to be able to provide a contribution to the orientation of the air flow in a predefined plane chosen by the user;

- in the presence of the last option, the orientation mechanism can include N fins, with N ≥ 2, mobile simultaneously and identically in the body;

- 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 of air, and, on the other hand, a control module capable of converting this control position into instruction(s) intended to impose the orientation of the air flow.

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 closed position,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the ventilation device of the , with its rotating part placed in its closed 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 open position,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the ventilation device of Figures 1 and 3, with its rotating part placed in its open position,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, part of the elements of the ventilation device of Figures 2 and 4, involved in the rotation of the rotating part, and

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the accommodation of a rib of the rotating part in a groove of the body of the ventilation device of Figures 2 and 4.

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 at least one rotating masking part PR allowing 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, 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, part of an example of space H of a system S comprising a wall PS equipped with an exemplary embodiment 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 a body CD, an orientation mechanism MO, a control member OC and at least one rotating part (masking ) PR.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 5, the ventilation device DA includes only one rotating part PR, here installed in an upper part of its body CD. But it could include first and second rotating parts PR installed respectively in upper and lower parts of its body CD. Furthermore, when the ventilation device DA includes only one rotating part PR, it can be installed in a lower part of its body CD.

The body CD is suitable for being installed in a wall PS of a system S (here a vehicle) and comprises at least one air inlet receiving an incoming air flow, and at least one air outlet (or mouth ventilation) SA to allow the diffusion (here in the passenger compartment H) of a directed air flow. Note that this incoming 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 the air inlet of the body CD.

In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 5, the body CD is intended to be fixedly attached to the wall PS for example by clipping and/or screwing. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, it (CD) could be orientable relative to the wall PS in order to provide a contribution to the orientation of the air flow, for example in the vertical plane.

The orientation mechanism MO is installed in the body CD upstream of the (each) air outlet SA, and is arranged so as to be placed in different positions (possibly continuously) to orient in the space H ( here a passenger compartment) the incoming air flow which feeds it.

The control member OC is arranged, when actuated by a user located in the space H, so as to control the position of the orientation mechanism MO, and therefore to define the orientation of the air flow in space (inside space H).

The (each) rotating part PR is rotatably mounted in the body CD, and is able to be rotated relative to the body CD between a closed position (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) and an open position (illustrated in the figures 3 to 5). In the closed position, the (each) rotating part PR obstructs at least part of the air outlet SA and masks at least part of the orientation mechanism MO. In the open position, the (each) rotating part PR allows the exit of the air flow directed by the air outlet SA.

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

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

For example, the (each) rotating part PR can 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 without limitation in Figures 2 and 4, the orientation mechanism MO can comprise at least one fin AM installed (or mounted) movably in the body CD, upstream of each air outlet (or air vent) SA. This mobility is intended to make it possible to provide a first contribution to the orientation of the air flow in a first predefined plane. This first contribution is chosen by the user between first and 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 and 4, the first predefined plane is a horizontal plane, and therefore the mobility (or here the orientability) of the fins AM makes it possible to vary the first 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 first 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 first contribution of the orientation of the flow of air in this vertical plane.

It should also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 4, that the orientation mechanism MO can comprise N fins AM, with N ≥ 2, movable simultaneously and identically in the body CD. In the example illustrated without limitation, the orientation mechanism MO comprises seven fins AM placed upstream of the air outlet SA, i.e. N = 7. But the number of fins AM placed upstream of the air outlet SA can take any value greater than or equal to one (1).

It should also be noted that instead of using AM fins to vary the first contribution of the orientation of the air flow, the orientation mechanism MO could include a coanda effect device.

Although this does not appear in the figures, when the body CD is fixedly attached to the wall PS, the orientation mechanism MO can include elements making it possible to provide the orientation of the air flow with a second contribution in a second predefined plane, for example perpendicular to the first plane. This second contribution is chosen by the user between first and second extreme contributions, by actuation of a dedicated part of the control member OC. For example, the second first predefined plane may be a vertical plane. In this case, the first extreme contribution can make it possible to direct the air flow most towards the top of the space H and the second extreme contribution can make it possible to direct the air flow most towards the bottom of the space H. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the second predefined plane could be a horizontal plane. Also for example, the elements making it possible to provide the orientation of the air flow with the second contribution in the second predefined plane can constitute a coanda effect device.

As mentioned above, two embodiments can be considered for the DA ventilation device.

In a first embodiment, illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 6, the ventilation device DA only comprises a single rotating part PR installed in an upper part of its body CD (but which could be installed in a part lower part of its body CD). In this case, the single rotating part PR can include an opening OV which is crossed by a part VS of the control member OC so that this part VS can be actuated by the user. This part VS of the control member OC is rotatably mounted in the body CD, and is capable of being rotated relative to the body CD between the closed position, in which it (VS) completely obstructs the (each) outlet of air SA except at the level of the opening OV, and the open position, in which it (VS) allows the exit of the air flow directed by the (each) air outlet SA.

In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, the opening OV is defined in a lower central position of the rotating part PR. But in a variant not illustrated, the opening OV could be defined in an off-center position of the rotating part PR, to the right or to the left.

In a second embodiment, not illustrated, the ventilation device DA comprises first and second rotating parts PR installed respectively in upper and lower parts (or vice versa lower and upper parts) of its body CD. The first rotating part PR comprises an opening OV crossed by a part VS of the control member OC so that this part VS can be actuated by the user. In addition, this first rotating part PR is rotatably mounted in the body CD, and is capable of being rotated relative to the body CD between the closed position, in which it (PR) obstructs a first part of (each) air outlet SA except at the level of the opening OV, and the open position, in which it (PR) allows the exit of the air flow directed by the first part of the (each) air outlet SA. The second rotating part PR is rotatably mounted in the body CD, and is capable of being rotated relative to the body CD, opposite the first rotating part PR, between the closed position, in which it (PR) obstructs totally a second part of the air outlet SA, complementary to the first part of the air outlet SA, and the open position, in which it (PR) allows the exit of the air flow directed by the second part of the (each) air outlet SA.

It will be noted that in the example of the first embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, the ventilation device DA also comprises a fixed part PF1 which is fixedly secured to its body CD, and which has a similar general shape to that of the rotating part PR (without the opening OV which is then useless, a priori). In this example, the fixed part PF1 is installed in the lower part of the body CD. But, when the rotating part PR is installed in the lower part of the body CD, the fixed part PF1 can be installed in the upper part of the body CD. In a variant embodiment, we could do without this fixed part PF1, possibly by allowing rotation of the rotating part PR over a larger angular sector.

Note also, as illustrated non-limitatively and partially on the , that the body CD can comprise two side walls PL which face each other, and which each comprise on an internal face at least one groove RP having a predefined shape. In this case, the (each) rotating part PR can comprise two opposite lateral edges BL and each comprising a rib NB having a shape homologous to this predefined shape. Each rib NB is slidably housed in a corresponding groove RP to allow guided rotational drive. It will in fact be understood that when the two ribs NB are housed respectively in the two grooves RP of the side walls PL, the movement of the rotating part PR is constrained by the predefined shape, and therefore the movement of the rotating part PR is guided. To obtain rotation of the rotating part PR relative to the body CD, the predefined shape must be semi-circular.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the , the ventilation device DA can also comprise at least one connecting member OL fixedly secured to its (one) rotating part PR and rotatably mounted in the body CD. In this case, this connecting member OL is able to be rotated by the control member OC in order to cause its rotating part PR to rotate with it (OL).

As illustrated without limitation, this connecting member OL can have a general U shape. But this is not obligatory. Thus, it could, for example, have a general L or I shape. The general U shape allows two distant anchorings on the internal face of the rotating part PR, which makes it possible to better distribute the effort during each training in rotation of the rotating part PR.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the , the connecting member OL can be rotatably coupled to the body CD via two fixing parts PF2. These two fixing parts PF2 are rigid and secured, on the one hand, fixedly to the body CD, and, on the other hand, rotatable to the connecting member OL in two distant locations. For example, each fixing part PF2 can be in the form of two half-shells intended to rotate around a dedicated zone of the connecting member OL and to be fixedly secured to one another, and the at least one of them comprising an extension fixedly secured to the body CD.

In order to facilitate the rotation of the connecting member OL relative to the fixing parts PF2, a Teflon disc or a pad can be installed around each aforementioned dedicated zone and surround this Teflon disc or pad with the two half-shells. . Furthermore, to prevent transverse movements of the connecting member OL relative to the fixing parts PF2, each aforementioned dedicated zone can be delimited by two circular grooves (or grooves) respectively housing two circlips CC closely framing the two half-shells of the corresponding PF2 fixing part.

Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitatively and partially on the , the control member OC may comprise an endless screw VS which can be actuated by a user and which meshes with a thread defined on the connecting member OL to drive the latter (OL) in rotation. Alternatively, the endless screw VS can engage a toothed sector which comprises the connecting member OL to drive the latter (OL) in rotation. This toothed sector can, for example, form part of a pinion or a toothed wheel which is fixedly attached to the connecting member OL.

Two modes of actuation of the VS endless screw can be considered.

A first mode of actuation is manual. In this case, the endless screw VS passes through the opening OV of the rotating part PR and constitutes the part of the control member OC which can be operated by a user. It is moreover this first mode of actuation which requires the definition of an opening OV in the rotating part PR for the passage of the endless screw VS. It will be understood that the user thus rotates with his fingers the free end part of the endless screw VS, which is located outside the ventilation device DA, in front of the rotating part PR.

A second mode of actuation is electric. In this case, the control member OC comprises an electric motor which is capable of rotating the endless screw VS. The control unit OC must then also include a sub-part operable by the user and intended to control the operation of the electric motor. In this second mode of actuation, there is no need to define an opening OV in the rotating part PR, and therefore when the rotating part PR is in its closed position, it completely obstructs the (each) air outlet SA and makes the entire MO orientation mechanism completely invisible to the user.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 and 3, the sub-part of the control member OC dedicated to controlling the orientation mechanism MO can comprise an at least semi-spherical control part PC and a MC control module. 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 and 3, 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, the PC control part is installed close to the body so that users easily associate it with ventilation (here central). More precisely, the PC control part is here installed under the CD body, in order to be easily accessible to the driver and front passenger of the vehicle S. 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.

Claims (10)

Ventilation device (DA) comprising i) a body (CD) capable of being installed in a wall (PS) of a system (S) and comprising an air outlet (SA), ii) an orientation mechanism (MO) installed in said body (CD) upstream of said air outlet (SA) and capable of being placed in different positions to direct in space a flow of air which supplies it, and iii) a member control unit (OC) capable, in the event of actuation by a user, of controlling the position of said orientation mechanism (MO), characterized in that it further comprises at least one rotating part (PR) mounted to rotate in said body (CD) and capable of being rotated relative to said body (CD) between a closed position, in which it obstructs at least part of said air outlet (SA) and masks at least part of said mechanism orientation (MO), and an open position, in which it allows the exit of said oriented air flow by said air outlet (SA). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single rotating part (PR) comprising an opening (OV) through which a part of said control member (OC) passes so that this part can be actuated by said user, mounted rotating in said body (CD), and able to be rotated relative to said body (CD) between said closed position, in which it completely obstructs said air outlet (SA) except at said opening (OV) , and said open position, in which it allows the exit of said air flow directed by said air outlet (SA). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises i) a first rotating part (PR) comprising an opening (OV) through which a part of said control member (OC) passes so that this part can be actuated by said user , mounted for rotation in said body (CD), and able to be rotated relative to said body (CD) between said closed position, in which it obstructs a first part of said air outlet (SA) except at the level of said opening (OV), and said open position, in which it allows the exit of said air flow oriented by said first part of the air outlet (SA), and ii) a second rotating part (PR) mounted to rotate in said body (CD) and capable of being rotated relative to said body (CD), in a manner opposite to said first rotating part (PR), between said closed position, in which it completely obstructs a second part of said outlet d air (SA), complementary to said first part of the air outlet (SA), and an open position, in which it allows the exit of said air flow oriented by said second part of the air outlet (SA ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said body (CD) comprises two side walls (PL), facing each other, and each comprising on an internal face at least one groove (RP) having a predefined shape , and in that each rotating part (PR) comprises two lateral edges (BL) each comprising a rib (NB) having a shape homologous to said predefined shape and slidably housed in a corresponding groove (RP) in order to allow drive in guided rotation. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting member (OL) fixedly secured to said rotating part (PR), mounted to rotate in said body (CD), and suitable for be driven in rotation by said control member (OC). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said control member (OC) comprises an endless screw (VS) actuable by said user and meshing with a thread defined on said connecting member (OL) or a toothed sector which said member comprises connection (OL) to drive the latter (OL) in rotation. Device according to claim 6 taken in combination with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said endless screw (VS) passes through said opening (OV) and constitutes said part of the control member (OC) which is actuable by said user. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said control member (OC) comprises an electric motor capable of rotating said endless screw (VS). 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).