Airflow guide device

Abstract

An airflow guide device (10) comprises a frame (16) and at least one blade (18) detachably fixed to the frame (16). The frame (16) comprises at least one deformation region (28, 32), and the frame (16) is reversibly configurable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the deformation region (28, 32) is in a first deformation state, and the blade (18) is separated from the frame (16). In the second position, the deformation region (28, 32) is in a second deformation state, and the blade (18) is fixed to the frame (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air flow guide device, which comprises a frame and at least one blade detachably fixed to the frame. Background Art

[0002] The present invention generally relates to ventilation devices, air intake ventilation devices, cooling devices and heating devices. In particular, the present invention relates to vehicle ventilation devices. Such guide devices are used, for example, to inject air flow into the cab of a vehicle and are connected to a trim of the cab. In order to direct the air flow according to the user's wishes, at least one air flow deflection device is generally arranged at the outlet of the guide device, the deflection device is made of, for example, a plurality of blades, which are installed in a frame at the outlet of the guide device.

[0003] Generally, the frame of the device is rigid, and the blades are forcibly inserted and fixed in the frame, mounted in seats provided for this purpose.

[0004] Therefore, the assembly of the blades requires a lot of force from the operator, making this operation difficult and cumbersome. In addition, the assembly force of the blades on the frame is large, which can easily damage the device. In addition, the assembly of each blade on the frame may require different forces, and the required force is greater when the blade is close to one of the side edges of the frame.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and proposes an airflow guide device which can reduce and balance the assembly force of the blades on the frame, simplify the assembly thereof, and thus shorten the operation time. Summary of the invention

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to the aforementioned airflow guide device, wherein the frame has at least one deformation area, and the frame can be reversibly configured between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the deformation area is in a first deformation state, and the blade is separated from the frame. In the second position, the deformation area is in a second deformation state, and the blade is fixed to the frame.

[0007] Therefore, the deformation area can deform the frame during the blade assembly process, thereby facilitating the assembly of all blades in the frame, because the operator does not apply a lot of force to force the blades into the frame. In addition, the required force is the same for all blades.

[0008] According to different embodiments, the airflow guiding device may further have one or more of the following features, alone or in all possible combinations:

[0009] the frame surrounds an opening through which the airflow passes, the area of ​​the opening in the second position of the frame being smaller than the area of ​​the opening in the first position of the frame;

[0010] - at least part of the frame is made of plastic;

[0011] the frame is substantially rectangular, the frame comprising at least one first side having a deformed area, the first side and the blade being substantially parallel to each other in the second position of the frame;

[0012] - a second side of the frame is substantially parallel to the first side, the second side having at least one deformation area;

[0013] - the deformed area has folds, which form projections protruding outwards or inwards of the frame;

[0014] - the first deformation state of the deformation zone is a tensile deformation state, and the second deformation state of the deformation zone is a non-deformed inoperative state;

[0015] - the second deformation state of the deformation zone is a compressive deformation state, and the first deformation state of the deformation zone is a non-deformed inoperative state;

[0016] - the air flow guide device has an outer frame forming the mouth, the frame being fixed in the mouth in the second position;

[0017] - the air flow guide device comprises a first edge with a first deformation area and a second edge parallel to the first edge with a second deformation area, the first edge and the blade being parallel to each other in the second position of the frame, the first deformation area and the second deformation area being the only deformable and deformed areas in the first position or in the second position of the frame.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a trim for a vehicle cab having the airflow guide device.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having the above-mentioned trim.

[0020] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for fixing at least one blade to a frame of an airflow guide device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] - providing a frame and at least one blade, the frame having at least one deformation area;

[0022] - the frame is arranged in a first position, in which the deformation zone is in a first deformation state and the blade is separated from the frame;

[0023] The frame is arranged in a second position in which the deformation zone is in a second deformation state and the blade is fixed to the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are as follows:

[0025] - Figure 1 is an exploded view of the airflow guide device of the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a frame of a guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 3 and 4 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the frame shown in a first position and a second position, respectively;

[0028] - Figure 5 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a guide device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first position (solid line) and a second position (dashed line). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 An air flow guide device, in particular a ventilation device for a vehicle according to the present invention, is shown.

[0030] The air flow is, for example, an air flow.

[0031] The device 10 has an outer frame 12 forming a mouth 14 , a frame 16 secured within the mouth 14 , and a plurality of blades 18 secured within the frame 16 .

[0032] The outer frame 12 is formed, for example, by an air guide duct for connecting the vehicle's ventilation system to an air outlet which opens into the vehicle's cabin via a mouth 14. The mouth 14 extends, for example, in a trim, such as a dashboard, a door panel or another trim of the vehicle.

[0033] The frame 16 surrounds the opening through which the airflow passes.

[0034] The frame 16 is, for example, locked and fixed to the outer frame 12 .

[0035] Therefore, the outer frame 12 has a first locking and fixing mechanism 18 , and the frame 16 has a second locking and fixing mechanism 20 which is complementary to the first fixing mechanism 18 .

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the first fixing mechanism 18 is, for example, a locking hole 22 , and the second fixing mechanism 20 is, for example, a locking tongue 24 , which cooperates with the locking hole 22 .

[0037] In other embodiments (not shown), the arrangement of the locking holes 22 and locking tabs 24 is reversed, such that the outer frame 12 has the locking tabs 24 and the frame 16 has the locking holes 22 .

[0038] In other embodiments (not shown), the frame 16 is fixed within the outer frame 12 by screws or glue.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the frame 16 is generally rectangular with rounded corners.

[0040] In other embodiments, the frame 16 has any shape, such as a trapezoid, or a circle, or a rectangle with right angles.

[0041] The frame 16 is preferably made into an integral piece, for example molded. Like this, the manufacturing of the frame 16 can be simplified.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, a first side 26 of the frame 16 has a first deformation region 28 , and a second side 30 substantially parallel to the first side has a second deformation region 32 .

[0043] The first deformation region 28 and the second deformation region 32 are arranged, for example, opposite one another.

[0044] In other embodiments (not shown), only one of the first side 26 and the second side 30 has a deformation region 28 , 32 .

[0045] In other embodiments (not shown), the first side 26 and the second side 30 have a plurality of deformation regions 28 , 32 , respectively.

[0046] The frame 16 also has a third side 34 and a fourth side 36 that are substantially parallel to each other, substantially perpendicular to the first side 26 and the second side 30, and connected to each other.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 respectively have a first series of holes 38 for receiving the blades 18 and a second series of holes 40 for receiving the blades. Each hole 38 of the first series is arranged relative to a hole 40 of the second series.

[0048] According to the present invention, the frame 16 is reversibly configured between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the deformation areas 28 and 32 are in a first deformation state, and the blade 18 can be arranged in the frame 16 without interfering with it. In the second position, the deformation areas 28 and 32 are in a second deformation state, and the blade 18 is fixed to the frame.

[0049] Advantageously, the frame 16 is made of plastic. By plastic, we mean plastic with a hardness greater than or equal to 80 Shore A.

[0050] For example, the plastic is made of thermoplastic copolyester, polyoxymethylene, polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, polycaprolactam, polypropylene, and / or other materials.

[0051] Advantageously, the deformation regions 28 , 32 are the only deformable regions of the frame 16 , being the only regions of significant deformation of the frame 16 in the first position or in the second position.

[0052] Thus, in particular, in the first and second positions of the frame 16 , the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 are not significantly deformed.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the frame 16 is formed by dual-material composite molding, where the deformation areas 28 , 32 are formed by an elastic material and the rest of the frame 16 is formed by a rigid material.

[0054] The first embodiment of the positive deformation of the present invention is shown in Figures 2 to 4 .

[0055] According to this embodiment, the first deformation state of the deformation regions 28, 32 is a tensile deformation state ( Figure 3 ), the second deformation state of the deformation regions 28, 32 is a non-deformed non-working state ( Figure 4 ).

[0056] Each deformation region 28 , 32 has a fold 42 which forms a projection outwardly toward the frame 16 .

[0057] The fold 42 has a first branch 46 and a second branch 48. Each branch 46, 48 extends outwardly of the frame 16 between a proximal end 50 and a distal end 52.

[0058] The first branch 46 and the second branch 48 are connected by their respective distal ends 52 to form a fold 42 .

[0059] The first branch 46 and the second branch 48 define an angle α therebetween that is directed inwardly toward the frame 16 .

[0060] In other embodiments (not shown), the corrugations 42 form a bulge outwardly of the frame 16. Thus, the first branch 46 and the second branch 48 form an angle α therebetween that is directed outwardly of the frame 16.

[0061] In the first position of the frame ( Figure 3 ), the first deformation state of the deformation regions 28, 32 is a tensile deformation state, and the first branch portion 46 and the second branch portion 48 form an angle α1 therebetween.

[0062] In the second position of the frame ( Figure 4 ), the second deformation state of the deformation regions 28, 32 is an undeformed non-working state, and the first branch portion 46 and the second branch portion 48 form an angle α2 therebetween, which is smaller than the angle α1.

[0063] Therefore, when the frame 16 is deformed from the first position ( Figure 3 ) into a second, non-deformed, inoperative position ( Figure 4 ), the first branch portion 46 and the second branch portion 48 of the fold 42 are close to each other.

[0064] On the contrary, when the frame 16 is moved from the non-deformed inoperative second position ( Figure 4 ) enters the first position of stretching deformation ( Figure 3 ), the first branch portion 46 and the second branch portion 48 of the fold 42 are separated from each other.

[0065] The first side 26 of the frame 16 having the deformation region 28 is in a first position of the tensile deformation of the frame 16 ( Figure 3 ) has a first length L1, and in the non-deformed, inoperative second position ( Figure 4 ) has a second length L2.

[0066] The first length L1 is greater than the second length L2. The difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 is preferably 2 to 10 mm, for example greater than 4 mm.

[0067] Therefore, the distance between the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 in the second position is smaller than the distance between the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 in the first position.

[0068] Therefore, the area of ​​the opening in the second position of the frame 16 ( Figure 4 ) is smaller than the area of ​​the opening in the first position of the frame 16 ( Figure 3 ).

[0069] Each blade 18 has a first head 50 disposed at a first end 52 of the blade 18 and a second head 54 disposed at a second end 56 of the blade 18 .

[0070] The first head 50 and the second head 54 are formed by, for example, a first pin 58 and a second pin 60, respectively, and are locked with the first series of receiving holes 38 and the second series of receiving holes 40 of the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16, respectively. Figure 2 ).

[0071] The vanes 18 are preferably pivotally arranged on the frame 16 so as to change the direction of the air flow through the frame by changing the position of the vanes 18 relative to the frame. The vanes 18 pivot about pivot axes 62, which are generally parallel to each other and to the first side 26 and the second side 30 of the frame 16.

[0072] In other embodiments not shown, the blades 18 are connected by a connecting device so that the blades 18 pivot together around their respective pivot axes 62 , that is, the movement of one blade drives the other blades to move accordingly.

[0073] Now, a method for fixing the blades 18 to the frame 16 of the airflow guide device 10 according to one embodiment will be described in detail.

[0074] First, the method includes providing a frame 16 and a plurality of blades 18 as described above.

[0075] Initially, the frame 16 is in a non-deformed inoperative position, which is similar to the second position.

[0076] Then, the frame 16 is arranged in the first position ( Figure 3 ), in which position the deformation regions 28 , 32 of the first side 26 and the second side 30 of the frame 16 are in a tensile deformation state, and the blade 18 is not fixed to the frame 16 .

[0077] In particular, to obtain the first position of the frame 16 , a tensile force outwardly of the frame 1 is applied by the user at one of the ends of the first side 26 and / or the second side 30 , or at the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 .

[0078] Therefore, the blade 18 can be inserted into the frame without interfering with the third side and the fourth side, thereby requiring no force from the operator.

[0079] The first head portion 50 and the second head portion 54 of the blade 18 are successively locked and fixed in the receiving holes 38 and 40 of the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 .

[0080] Additionally, in other embodiments, to achieve the first position of the frame 16 , the user applies pressure at the protrusion 44 of each deformation region 28 , 32 .

[0081] The blade 18 is then successively fixed to the frame 16. When the tensile force is no longer applied at one of the ends of the first side 26 and / or the second side 30, or when the pressure is no longer maintained at the protrusion 44 of each deformation area 28, 32, the frame 16 enters a non-deformed, non-operative second position, and the blade 18 is fixed and retained in the frame 16 by the cooperation of the head 50, 54 of the blade with the holes 38, 40 of the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16.

[0082] The frame 16 is then locked and fixed in the outer frame 12 of the ventilation device 10 .

[0083] According to a second embodiment of the invention (not shown), both the first deformation state of the deformation regions 28 , 32 and the second deformation state of the deformation regions 28 , 32 are tensile deformation states.

[0084] In this embodiment, the total length of the blade 18 without the first head 50 and the second head 54 is greater than the inner distance between the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16. Therefore, in the second position of the frame 16, when the blade 18 is fixed to the frame 16, the deformation areas 28 and 32 are not in the inoperative position, and the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 apply pressure to the blade 18. Therefore, the frame applies a retaining force to the blade in the second position, so that the blade can be better fixed to the frame.

[0085] Therefore, the angle α3 formed by the two branches 46, 48 of each fold 42 of the deformation zone 28, 32 is smaller than the angle α1 (the first position of the frame 16, Figure 3 ), greater than the angle α2 (the second position of the frame 16 of the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 ).

[0086] The method of fixing the blade 18 to the frame 16 is similar to the method described above.

[0087] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the frame undergoes a negative deformation, ie a compression deformation.

[0088] Therefore, the first deformation state of the deformation regions 28, 32 is an undeformed inoperative state ( Figure 5 The second deformation state of the deformation regions 28 and 32 is a compression deformation state ( Figure 5 middle dashed line).

[0089] The total length of the blade 18 with the first head 50 and the second head 54 is less than the inner distance between the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 of the frame 16 in the undeformed, inoperative first position.

[0090] In the first and second positions of the frame 16 , respectively, the first and second branches 46 , 48 of the corrugations 42 of the deformation zones 28 , 32 form angles α1 and α2 similar to the angles α1 and α2 of the first embodiment.

[0091] In particular, when the frame 16 enters the second position of compression deformation from the first position of non-deformation and inoperativeness, the first branch portions 46 and the second branch portions 48 of the pleats 42 move toward each other.

[0092] On the contrary, when the frame 16 enters the non-deformed and inoperative first position from the compressively deformed second position, the first branch portion 46 and the second branch portion 48 are separated from each other.

[0093] In the first position, the blade may be arranged in the frame without interfering with the third side and the fourth side.

[0094] Different from the first embodiment, the second position of the frame 16 is not a balanced position, and a compressive force is required to keep the frame 16 in the second deformed position, thereby connecting the blade 18 to the frame 16 .

[0095] Therefore, the method of fixing the blade 18 to the frame 16 before the frame 16 is inserted into the outer frame 12 of the device 10 includes a step in which the user keeps the deformation areas 28, 32 compressed, for example, by pressing the third and fourth sides of the frame closer to each other.

[0096] When the frame 16 is inserted in the outer frame 12 of the device 10 , compression maintenance of the deformation zones 28 , 32 is ensured by the inner wall of the outer frame 12 , so that the blades 18 remain connected to the frame 16 in the mouth 14 of the outer frame 12 .

[0097] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the frame applies a retaining force to the blade in the second position, so that the blade can be better fixed to the frame.

[0098] By means of the device 10 of the invention, the fixing of the blades 18 on the frame 16 is simplified, the assembly forces are reduced and uniform, regardless of the number of blades 18. In fact, the only forces required by the operator are those applied to the frame to bring it into one position or another, and not, for each blade, those required to insert a blade into the frame. The risk of the blades 18 coming out is also greatly reduced. The fixing of the blades 18 on the frame 16 is simplified, and the assembly time is shortened.

Claims

1. An air flow guide device (10) comprising a frame (16) and at least one blade (18) detachably fixed to the frame (16), characterized in that: The frame (16) has at least two deformation regions (28, 32), and the frame (16) is reversibly configured between a first position and a second position, in which the two deformation regions (28, 32) are in a first deformation state and the blade (18) is separated from the frame (16), and in which the two deformation regions (28, 32) are in a second deformation state and the blade (18) is fixed to the frame (16); - the frame comprises a first side having a first deformation zone and a second side parallel to the first side having a second deformation zone, the first side and the blade being parallel to each other in a second position of the frame, and - the first deformation region and the second deformation region are the only deformable and deformed regions in the first position or the second position of the frame, the first deformation region and the second deformation region extending opposite to each other; each deformation region (28, 32) has a fold (42) forming a projection (44) protruding outwardly or inwardly toward the frame (16).

2. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (16) surrounds an opening through which air flows, and the area of ​​the opening in the second position of the frame (16) is smaller than the area of ​​the opening in the first position of the frame (16).

3. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the frame (16) is made of plastic.

4. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The frame (16) is rectangular.

5. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first deformation state of the two deformation regions (28, 32) is a tensile deformation state, and the second deformation state of the two deformation regions (28, 32) is a non-deformed non-working state.

6. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second deformation state of the two deformation regions (28, 32) is a compressive deformation state, and the first deformation state of the two deformation regions (28, 32) is a non-deformed non-working state.

7. The airflow guiding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air flow guide device has an outer frame (12) forming a mouth (14), and the frame (16) is fixed in the mouth (14) when in the second position.

8. A method for fixing at least one blade (18) to an airflow guide device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one blade (18) is fixed to the frame (16) of the airflow guide device (10), and the fixing method comprises the following steps: - providing a frame (16) and at least one blade (18), the frame (16) having at least two deformation areas (28, 32); - the frame (16) is arranged in a first position, in which the two deformation regions (28, 32) are in a first deformation state and the blade (18) is separated from the frame (16); The frame (16) is arranged in a second position, in which the two deformation regions (28, 32) are in a second deformation state and the blade (18) is fixed to the frame (16).

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