Ventilation equipment

Abstract

A ventilation device for an automotive HVAC system has a control support blade (3) and a controlled blade (6), wherein the control support blade (3) and the controlled blade (6) are arranged in corresponding arrays with different orientations, the control support blade (3) supports a control member (4) connected to the controlled blade (6), the control member is arranged behind the control support blade (3), and at least a portion of the control member (4) is located at least partially within the control support blade (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to ventilation equipment, specifically but not exclusively to ventilation equipment in vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and particularly to the control of blades in automotive ventilation equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Blades in vehicle ventilation systems are used to guide airflow from the HVAC system around the vehicle to improve passenger comfort. In conventional ventilation system arrangements, in... Figures 17 to 19 An example is shown, with blades in two angular positions: a front blade 101 adjacent to the passenger compartment is arranged in a first horizontal angular position, and a rear blade 106 is arranged behind the front blade in a second vertical angular position. In addition to the blades that control the direction of airflow, however, upstream of the blades, the ventilation system typically also has independently controlled flaps (not shown) for regulating the amount of air flowing to the blades.

[0003] Horizontal blade 101 pivots vertically, thereby changing its orientation to adjust the direction of airflow in the vertical direction, while vertical blade 106 pivots horizontally, thereby changing its orientation to adjust the lateral direction of airflow output. The blades shown are typically arranged in an array; horizontal blade 101 is connected to other horizontal blades (not shown) that move in series with it, and vertical blade 106 is connected to other vertical blades that move in series with it. Figure 19 (See in the middle).

[0004] The control of the rear blade 106 is achieved by a control member in the form of a slider 102 arranged around the front blade 101, such that the control member 102 is supported by the front blade 101. A fork 104 is connected to the rear of the slider by a hinge 103 to allow free pivoting in the vertical direction, and the two forks of the fork 104 are laterally connected to a rod 105 located at the front of the rear blade 106. The rear blade 106 has a hole 107 behind the rod 105 to allow the rear blade 106 to pivot without being restricted by a protrusion 104, which can protrude into the hole as needed. In this example of known ventilation equipment, the arrangement of the slider 102 with the hole 107 and the fork 104 introduces turbulence and thus noise, and also reduces the effectiveness of airflow direction control. Furthermore, as vehicles become quieter, there is a need to control low-level sound sources, and known blade controls can wobble when subjected to disturbances caused by uneven road surfaces, resulting in undesirable noise in the vehicle.

[0005] This invention seeks to address one or more defects identified in the prior art and / or provide other improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a ventilation device is provided, the ventilation device comprising: at least one control support blade; the control support blade supporting a control member; wherein at least a portion of the control member is located at least partially within the control support blade.

[0007] In this way, the present invention provides an arrangement in which the airflow above the control support blades is less disturbed by the control members and thus the directionality of the airflow is improved and turbulence is reduced. In addition, the airflow is less likely to produce unwanted noise, such as humming.

[0008] At least a portion of the control component may be located entirely within the control support blade.

[0009] The control support blade may be generally planar. The control support blade may include a leading edge and / or a trailing edge. The control support blade may include a first (e.g., upper) air deflection surface and may include a second (e.g., lower) air deflection surface, which may be opposite to the first air deflection surface. The first air deflection surface and / or the second air deflection surface may be generally planar.

[0010] The first and / or second air deflecting surfaces may be flat. The first and / or second air deflecting surfaces may be smooth. Particularly preferred is that the upper air deflecting surface is flat and / or smooth, as this is the surface most likely to be visible to the user. Deviation from a flat / generally flat surface is ideally minimized, but can be more appropriately accommodated on the lower air deflecting surface.

[0011] The cross-section of the control support blade can be defined as a shape defined by the leading and trailing edges, as well as the first and second air deflection surfaces; that is, a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade (which extends from one end of its span to the other). The cross-section can have a constant thickness over its span (i.e., substantially constant thickness). The constant thickness of the cross-section over its span does not have any bulges or other features that would interfere with the airflow above the blade.

[0012] If a bulge is necessary, for example, to accommodate a certain material, the bulge is preferably located on the lower side so that the upper air deflection surface can be planar, flat, and smooth.

[0013] The control support blade has a thickness that is the distance between the relative first and second air deflection surfaces, and thus the average thickness can be calculated.

[0014] The control component preferably includes a control component handle. The control component handle has a maximum height; the height is defined as the dimension in the direction in which the thickness of the control support blade is measured. For example, in the case where the control support blade is arranged horizontally, its average thickness is its average vertical height, and similarly, the maximum height of the control component handle is the longest vertical measurement of the control component handle.

[0015] The maximum height of the control handle is preferably substantially equal to or no greater than the average thickness of the control support blade. The maximum height of the control handle is preferably substantially equal to or no greater than the maximum thickness of the cross-section of the control support blade.

[0016] A generally planar shape is beneficial for blades because it minimizes the cross-sectional area presented to the airflow and maximizes the airflow deflection surface area. Smooth and / or flat upper air deflection surfaces are equally beneficial, both reducing airflow interruptions.

[0017] The maximum height of the control component handle is substantially equal to or less than the average thickness of the blade and / or substantially equal to or not greater than the maximum height of the cross section of the control support blade, so that the control component handle has a low profile and should not unnecessarily interfere with airflow.

[0018] The maximum thickness of the cross-section of the control support blade can be no greater than 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, 3mm or 2mm.

[0019] The average thickness of the control support blades can be no greater than 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, 3mm or 2mm.

[0020] Over the span of the control support blades, the maximum thickness of the control support blades can deviate from the average thickness of the control support blades by no more than 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, or 0.5 mm. Maintaining a minimum deviation from the average thickness ensures uniform thickness and contributes to an overall arrangement in which the control support blades can be shaped to optimally suit their function (regulating the direction of air output) with minimal modifications to accommodate their role in the control member, such as no substantial bulges to accommodate the thickness of the control member, and particularly the control member handle.

[0021] The control component handle can be slender. Specifically, the control component handle can be slender, with its long axis aligned with the longest axis of the control support blade.

[0022] The airflow can be uninterrupted by the control components before it is deflected by the first air deflector surface.

[0023] The control component handle may not extend, or may extend only minimally beyond the plane of the first and second air deflection surfaces. This is also important in preventing airflow interruption.

[0024] The control support blade may include a slot, wherein at least a portion of the control member is located at least partially within the slot in the control support blade.

[0025] The groove can be formed as a recess in the first and / or second air deflection surfaces of the control support blade. The recess can extend from the leading edge to the trailing edge. In this way, when at least a portion of the control member is at least partially located in the recess, the control member can extend less from the air deflection surface compared to the control member surrounding the control support blade, and thus interferes with the airflow less. It is advantageous to keep the unobstructed area within the ventilation element as large as possible to reduce noise and improve efficiency.

[0026] Alternatively, and preferably, a slot may be formed by a hole extending through the support blade from the tail edge of the control support blade to the head edge of the control support blade (between the first air deflection surface and the second air deflection surface). At least a portion of the control member may be located at least partially within the slot in the control support blade, or in this case, at least a portion of the control member may be completely located within the slot in the control support blade and surrounded by the control support blade.

[0027] Because the control support blades provide structural stability, the control components located within the control support blades can be manufactured thinner than a control component located around the control support blades, reducing the material required for production; especially when at least a portion of the control component is entirely located within the holes passing through the support blades. Furthermore, this reduces the footprint of the control slider, improving the aesthetic appearance of the ventilation system. Additionally, because there are fewer control components in the airflow, there can be less turbulence in the airflow.

[0028] The control member is movable within the slot. The movement of the control member can be pivotal. The movement of the control member can be rotational. However, preferably, the movement of the control member is translational, more preferably slidable, and most preferably laterally slidable along the tail edge of the control support blade (the tail edge is typically the edge over which air flows after the head edge, and therefore the tail edge is arranged at the front of the ventilation device facing the user).

[0029] The movement of the control components allows control input to be transmitted between the tail edge and the leading edge of the control support blade.

[0030] The control component handle can be gripped by a user. The control component may include a connecting member (at least a portion of which may be at least partially (or completely) located within a slot). The control component may include a bracket (the bracket may be located at the leading edge of the control support blade and may be connected to the control component handle via the connecting member).

[0031] By positioning at least a portion of the control component within the control support blade, the control component handle no longer needs to function as an integral part of the slider and can be designed primarily based on ergonomic and aesthetic requirements.

[0032] The cross-section of the groove can be substantially equal in height to the cross-section of the connecting member. Therefore, the connecting member can fit snugly within the groove. The width of the groove's cross-section can be greater than the width of the connecting member's cross-section, for example, greater than twice, three times, four times, or five times the width of the connecting member's cross-section. The cross-section of the connecting member and / or the groove can be rectangular.

[0033] Especially when the slot is a hole, such an arrangement of the slot and the cross-section of the control member allows the control member to move independently of the control support blade along an axis (width in one embodiment) and to rotate about the axis together with the control support blade.

[0034] The control component support can be configured, sized, and arranged to prevent airflow through slots (e.g., holes) in the blades. This avoids the slots / holes themselves introducing noise / turbulence.

[0035] The control component support can be arranged in a recess in the leading edge of the control support blade. The control component can be arranged on a track. The track can be set in a recess in the leading edge of the control support blade. The recess in the leading edge of the control support blade can have a lip, and the support can be provided with a corresponding groove to provide a track on which the control component support is arranged.

[0036] By arranging the control component bracket in the recess in the leading edge of the control support blade, the control component bracket causes less / no turbulence in the airflow and fixes the control component to the control support blade—the track can provide a tight fit, thereby reducing / avoiding swaying and guiding the movement of the control component.

[0037] The ventilation equipment may further include controlled blades, the orientation of which is controlled by a control component.

[0038] The control member can be connected to the controlled blade via a linkage, such that movement of the control member adjusts the orientation of the controlled blade. The linkage can be an extension linkage, i.e., a linkage operable to extend or retract in response to movement of the control member and / or movement of the control support blade.

[0039] The orientation of the control support blade is preferably adjustable, for example by pivoting the control support blade about an axis, which can be a horizontal axis or a transverse axis.

[0040] A second aspect of the invention provides a ventilation device including control support blades and controlled blades; the control support blades include a control member, and the control member is connected to the controlled blades via a linkage, such that movement of the control member adjusts the orientation of the controlled blades; wherein the linkage is an extension linkage. The extension linkage is operable in use to extend or retract in response to movement of the control member and / or movement of the control support blades.

[0041] In this way, it is possible to maintain the mechanical connection between the two blades without compromising the aerodynamics of the controlled blade, as is the case in the prior art. The airflow above the controlled blade is less disturbed by the linkage, and thus the directionality of the airflow is improved. Furthermore, the airflow is less likely to produce undesirable noise such as whistling. Further, the extension linkage engages with each blade to reduce wobbling.

[0042] The extension link can be connected to the controlled blade via a first flexible joint located at the trailing edge of the controlled blade.

[0043] This arrangement on the trailing edge of the rear blade results in reduced airflow turbulence compared to the known arrangement with slits in the rear blade as described above.

[0044] The extension link can comprise two parts. The first part can be connected to the control support blade via a control component. The second part can be connected to the controlled blade. The extension link can extend telescopically, with one part being telescopically received by the other. This telescopic arrangement means that the two parts are always in contact, thus preventing swaying between them.

[0045] The extension link may include an element of each of one or more flexible joints. The extension link may include an element of each of two flexible joints. For example, the first flexible joint may have at least two degrees of freedom (i.e., vertical and horizontal movement). The first flexible joint may have at least three degrees of freedom (specifically, it may have vertical, horizontal, and rotational degrees of freedom). For example, it may be a ball-and-socket joint. It may be a joint between the second part of the extension link and the controlled blade. It may be a ball-and-socket joint provided by a socket on the second part of the extension link and a ball connected to the controlled blade. The first flexible joint may protrude from the tail edge of the controlled blade toward the control support blade. The ball may be disposed on a rod extending from the controlled blade toward the control support blade.

[0046] The flexible joint, or for example a second flexible joint, can have one degree of freedom. For example, it can be a hinge. It can be a hinge between the first part of the extension link and the control member. It can be a hinge between the first part of the extension link and the support of the control member.

[0047] The combination of a first flexible joint with at least two degrees of freedom and a second flexible joint with one degree of freedom allows the extendable link to transmit input from the control member about a first axis to the controlled blade, without transmitting input from the control member about a second axis to the controlled blade. This allows the control support blade to move independently of the controlled blade, and the controlled blade to move independently of the control support blade. Providing rotational freedom in the first flexible joint is advantageous because it allows for more fluid motion, that is, motion that is not jarring.

[0048] For example, in normal use, the control support blade can extend horizontally and is pivotable about a horizontal axis to deflect air upwards or downwards, and in normal use, the controlled blade can extend vertically and is pivotable about a vertical axis to deflect air to the left or right. The lateral movement of the control member can achieve the pivoting of the controlled blade independently of the movement of the control support blade without significantly changing the position of the second flexible joint. When the control support blade is pivoted, the movement of the first flexible joint about a first (vertical) axis can be independent of the movement of the controlled blade, wherein the second flexible joint moves about its (horizontal) axis, and the first flexible joint moves about its second (horizontal) axis, but remains in the same lateral position and does not move about its first (vertical) axis.

[0049] The controlled blade can be positioned behind the control support blade (in normal use, from the user's perspective, behind the control support blade); that is, the control support blade can be the front blade and the controlled blade can be the rear blade.

[0050] The control support blades can be arranged in a first array of blades that move in series. The controlled blades can be arranged in a second array of blades that move in series.

[0051] The ventilation device of the second aspect of the invention (optionally including any of its optional features) can of course be the ventilation device of the first aspect of the invention (optionally including any of its optional features). For example, a particularly contemplated aspect of the invention is a ventilation device comprising: at least one control support blade and a controlled blade; the control support blade supporting a control member; wherein at least a portion of the control member is at least partially located within the control support blade; and wherein the control member is connected to the controlled blade via a telescopic link such that movement of the control member adjusts the orientation of the controlled blade.

[0052] Furthermore, optional features of the first aspect may be included in the second aspect without having the essential features of the first aspect (e.g., the ventilation device of the second aspect of the invention may include any details of the control member described with respect to the first aspect (e.g., including handles, connecting members, and supports), without necessarily including the feature that at least a portion of the control member is at least partially located within the control support blades). Similarly, optional features described with respect to the second aspect may be included in the first aspect without having the essential features of the second aspect (e.g., in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control support blades and / or controlled blades may be arranged as a series-moving blade array).

[0053] A third aspect of the invention provides a ventilation device including at least one control support blade supporting a control member; wherein the control member includes a control member handle and at least a portion of the control member is located at least partially within the control support blade; and wherein the control member handle further includes an adjuster that frictionally engages with the control support blade to provide damping resistance when the control member handle is actuated.

[0054] By providing damping resistance to the control member handle (e.g., resistance proportional to the force applied to the control member handle), smooth actuation can be achieved when a certain range of forces is applied.

[0055] The adjuster can reduce static friction between the control support blades and the control component handle.

[0056] By reducing the static friction between the materials of the control support blades and the control lever, less force is needed to initiate the actuation of the control lever, resulting in a more responsive user input. Combined with the damping effect, the end result is low frictional damping drag, a hallmark and symbol of the quality manufacturing of luxury cars.

[0057] The adjuster may include an elastomer. It may be composed of silicone rubber. It may have a Shore hardness between 50 and 100, for example, between 60 and 70. Preferably, it may have a Shore hardness of 65. The adjuster may engage with a control member handle via an interference fit. Those skilled in the art will be able to adjust the damping resistance by changing the Shore hardness and interference fit of the adjuster. The reduction of static friction can also be adjusted by changing the Shore hardness and interference fit of the pad.

[0058] Elastomers provide materials with a certain range of hardness. By selecting appropriate materials and adjusting the size of the adjuster, the tactile performance (tactile response) of the control handle can be adjusted, thereby improving the user experience.

[0059] The adjuster can be a pad, or preferably a ring, which can be disposed on, for example, the connecting member of the control handle and extend around the connecting member of the control handle. It can engage with the front surface of the control support blade.

[0060] The ventilation device of the third aspect of the present invention (optionally including any of its optional features) can of course be the ventilation device of the first or second aspect of the present invention (optionally including any of its optional features).

[0061] Furthermore, optional features of the first and / or second aspects may be included in the third aspect without having the essential features of the first / second aspects.

[0062] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a ventilation device including a control support blade and a controlled blade; the control support blade includes a control member, and the control member is connected to the controlled blade via a extension link, such that translational movement of the control member adjusts the orientation of the controlled blade; and wherein at least a portion of the control member is at least partially disposed within the control support blade.

[0063] The combination of the extension link between the control member and the controlled blade and at least a portion of the control member arranged at least partially within the control support blade is particularly advantageous because it reduces interference with the airflow from the desired path.

[0064] The ventilation device of the fourth aspect of the present invention can of course be the ventilation device of the first, second and / or third aspects of the present invention (optionally including any of its optional features).

[0065] Furthermore, optional features of any of the first to third aspects of the invention may be included in the third aspect without having the essential features of the first / second / third aspects, and therefore they are not repeated here. Ventilation devices of any aspect (and optionally including any optional features or combinations thereof) are preferably ventilation devices for vehicles, more preferably automotive ventilation devices, and most preferably ventilation devices used in dashboards.

[0066] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle, preferably an automobile, is provided, comprising a ventilation system according to a first aspect of the invention and / or a second aspect of the invention (and optionally including any optional features or combinations thereof). Preferably, the ventilation system is disposed in the vehicle's dashboard. Attached Figure Description

[0067] To better understand the present invention, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle with ventilation equipment for an HVAC system;

[0069] Figure 2 This is from the perspective of a user during normal operation. Figure 1 A front perspective view of one of the main components of a ventilation system;

[0070] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Exploded front perspective view of the control slider and control support blades;

[0071] Figure 4 yes Figures 1-3 The exploded perspective view of the control slider;

[0072] Figure 5 yes Figures 1-4 Exploded perspective view of the control component bracket and the first telescopic link of the ventilation component;

[0073] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 The control slider installed in the control support blade together with Figure 5 A partially exploded rear perspective view of the control component support structure;

[0074] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Front perspective view of the components of the telescopic linkage section of the ventilation system;

[0075] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 Front perspective view of the main rear blade;

[0076] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the rear blade array, which controls the control of all ventilation components via telescopic links and main rear blades.

[0077] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the control support blades, control components, and telescopic linkage of the ventilation components assembly.

[0078] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side perspective view of the assembly of the ventilation components, including the control support blades, main rear blades, control components, and telescopic linkage, with the two blades in the middle position;

[0079] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A side perspective view of a ventilation assembly arranged to deflect air to the maximum extent downward and to the right when viewed by the user during normal operation;

[0080] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A side perspective view of a ventilation assembly arranged to deflect air to the maximum extent upward and to the right when viewed by the user during normal operation;

[0081] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A side perspective view of a ventilation assembly arranged to deflect air upwards and to the left when viewed by the user during normal operation;

[0082] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ventilation components;

[0083] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the control support blade;

[0084] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the horizontal blades of a conventional ventilation component assembly;

[0085] Figure 18 It is a rear perspective view of the front and rear blades and control components of a prior art ventilation component assembly;

[0086] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of a prior art ventilation component assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0087] See Figures 1 to 16 An embodiment of an HVAC ventilation component 2 for vehicles is shown, and more specifically, its blade control system is shown. Figure 1 The interior of a vehicle 1 with two central ventilation units 2 for an HVAC system is shown. Figure 2As best shown, each ventilation device 2 includes a control support blade 3 and additional horizontal blades 5 connected by a front array connecting member 10, thus forming a first blade array arranged in a horizontal angular position. A control member or control slider 4 is mounted in the control support blade 3. A second array of blades 6, 7 is arranged in a vertical angular position behind the first array (from the user's perspective during normal operation), with five equidistant rear blades 6, 7, the center blade 6 being the controlled rear blade 6 or main rear blade 6, and flanked on each side by two additional rear blades 7. The five blades in the vertical angular position are connected by a rear array connecting member 9. The main rear blade 6 is connected to the control slider 4 via a telescopic link 8. Upstream of the blades, an independently controlled louver arrangement (not shown) is provided to regulate the amount of air reaching the blades 3, 5, 6, 7.

[0088] See Figures 3 to 6 The airflow direction above the control support blade 3 is indicated by arrow 11. The control support blade 3 is planar and has a planar upper air deflection surface 12 (first air deflection surface) and a planar lower air deflection surface 13 (second air deflection surface) extending between the leading (rear) edge 15 and the trailing (front) edge 16. The upper air deflection surface 12 is flat, which improves the air deflection quality of the blade and provides an aesthetically pleasing blade when viewed by vehicle occupants (since the upper air deflection surface 12 of the control support blade 3 is visible in use). The thickness of the cross-section of the control support blade 3 is constant from one end to the other across its span. That is, the shape defined by the leading edge 15 and the trailing edge 16, as well as the first air deflection surface 12 and the second air deflection surface 13; i.e., the cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade (extending from one end of its span to the other) is uniform in thickness without any bulges or other features that would interfere with the airflow above the blade. Specifically, in the embodiment, the cross-section has a uniform thickness across its span from one end to the other and between the first edge 15 and the last edge 16, and is substantially rectangular. (As mentioned above, if a bulge is required for some mechanical reason, it is preferably located on the underside.)

[0089] The blade has a control member groove 14 that extends through the blade body from the recessed main edge 21 at the leading (rear) edge 15 of the control support blade 3 to the trailing edge 16 at the front. A spike 17 protrudes from the trailing edge 16 of the control support blade 3 and laterally engages with the side edge of the control member groove 14. The leading edge 15 and the trailing edge 16 are rounded to improve airflow. A protrusion 19 is provided at one end 18 of the control support blade 3 near the trailing edge 16. The centerline axis of the protrusion 19 is parallel to the trailing edge 16 and lies in the plane of the control support blade 3. The protrusion 19 is received in a hole (not shown) in the housing of the ventilator 2 to pivotally hold the control support blade 3 in place.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, a control slider recess 20 is disposed in the leading edge 15 of the control support blade 3, extending from the leading edge 15 to the trailing edge 16 of the control support blade 3 by one-quarter of a distance. The control slider recess 20 creates three new edges for the control support blade 3; a main recess edge 21 is parallel to the leading edge 15 and includes a control member groove 14; two recess side edges 23a and 23b connect to the main recess edge 21 from the leading edge 15 at a 90-degree angle. Two tracks 22 extend along the center of the main recess edge 21, with the first track 22a extending from the first recess side edge 23a to the control member groove 14, and the second track 22b extending from the second recess side edge 23b to the control member groove 14. The two tracks 22 have a generally square cross-section and a width one-third the width of the control support blade 3.

[0091] A horizontal blade connection point 24 is also provided on the leading edge 15. The horizontal blade connection point 24 is formed in a second recess 24 in the control support blade 3, which extends from the leading edge 15 toward the trailing edge 16 to the same depth as the control slider recess 20. Two semi-circular protrusions 25 extend from opposite sides of the second recess, perpendicular to the plane of the lower air deflection surface 13. A connecting rod 26 is disposed between the two semi-circular protrusions 25 for connection to the front array connecting member 10, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the control slider 4 is formed by a control member handle 30 and a connecting member 31. The control member handle 30 is elongated and, in this embodiment, has a rhomboid shape with flat sides. The long axis of the control member handle 30 is aligned with the longest axis of the control support blade 3 and it does not extend beyond the plane of the first air deflection surface 12 and the second air deflection surface 13, thus avoiding interruption of airflow.

[0093] The connecting member 31 is elongated and has a generally rectangular cross-section. The connecting member 31 is fixed to the control member handle 30 at the center of its rear surface 33, such that the connecting member is perpendicular to the rear surface 33 of the control member handle 30. At the end of the connecting member 31 furthest from the control member handle 30, a slit 32 is formed between the two main surfaces of the connecting member 31, thereby forming two fixing protrusions 34. Each protrusion 34 has a lip 35 formed on its outer edge at its end.

[0094] exist Figure 4As can be seen, the rear surface 33 of the control member handle 30 is recessed to provide a channel 40 along the main axis of the control member handle. The width of the channel 40 is greater than the thickness of the connecting member 31, such that the connecting member 31 is completely within the channel 40 and does not contact the channel lip 41. In use, these spikes 17 are located in the channel 40.

[0095] An adjuster in the form of a silicone pad / ring 45 is also provided. The silicone pad / ring is a cuboid spacer with a through-hole 46 having the same cross-section as the connecting member 31. In use, the hole 46 sits around the connecting member 31 at the rear surface 33 of the control member handle 30 and is held in place by an interference fit. The adjuster 45 allows the movement of the control member handle 30 to be controlled; specifically, the actuating force required for its movement is set to a predetermined value. The silicone material of the adjuster 45 reduces static friction between the control member handle 30 and the control support blade 3 and provides damping resistance (i.e., resistance proportional to the force applied to the control member handle 30) during lateral movement of the control member handle 30. The silicone material of the adjuster 45 also reduces static friction between the control member handle 30 and the control support blade 3. The reduction in damping resistance and static friction provides smooth movement of the control member handle 30, where the force required to actuate the control member handle 30 is constant. The desired tactile performance can be achieved by varying the degree of resistance. The resistance level is adjusted by changing the hardness of the silicone pad 45 and the degree of interference fit between the adjuster 45 and the control component handle 30. In this embodiment, the Shore hardness of the adjuster is 65.

[0096] See Figure 2 The additional horizontal blade 5 is generally planar and has a rectangular shape. A hole 29 is drilled on the short edge 37 near the corner where the additional horizontal blade has a tail edge 27. The hole 29 is drilled perpendicular to the short edge 37 to receive a protrusion (not shown) in the housing of the ventilator 2 and to pivotally secure the additional horizontal blade 5. A horizontal blade connector slot 36 is provided on the leading edge 28 of the additional horizontal blade, extending from the leading edge 28 toward the tail edge 27 of the additional horizontal blade and near the corner between the leading edge 28 and the short edge 37, which contains a hole 29 for receiving the front array connecting member 10. This ensures that the control support blade 3 and the additional horizontal blade 5 pivot in series.

[0097] Figure 5A control member bracket 50 and a first telescopic portion 51 are shown. The control member bracket is elongated and has a U-shaped cross-section, such that a slider channel 54 is formed along the length of the control member bracket 50. On the rear surface 52 opposite to the slider channel 54 are two hinged protrusions 53, which extend perpendicularly to the rear surface 52, each located at one-third of the length of the control member bracket 50 from a corresponding end of the control member bracket 50.

[0098] Each hinge protrusion 53 has a hinge hole 56 extending from the inner surface 57 (the surface facing the other protrusion) of each hinge protrusion 53 to the outer surface 58 (the surface opposite to the inner surface) of the same hinge protrusion 53. A groove 59 is formed on the inner surface 57 of each hinge protrusion 53, extending from the widest part of the hinge hole 56 to the end of the hinge protrusion 53 away from the rear surface 52. The width of the groove 59 is approximately equal to the diameter of the hinge hole 56, and the depth of the groove 59 increases from one-third of the thickness of the hinge protrusion 53 at the hinge hole 56 to two-thirds of the thickness of the hinge protrusion 53 at the distal end.

[0099] The ridge 55 extends downward from the end of the control member bracket 50 along the center line on the rear surface 52 along the main body length of the control member bracket 50 to the corresponding hinge protrusion 53.

[0100] Two connecting grooves 60 are provided between the two hinged protrusions 53, extending from the rear surface 52 to the opposite side including the slider channel 54. On the rear surface 52 side of each connecting groove 60, a retaining tooth 61 is provided, slightly protruding in the cross-section of the connecting groove 60. Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 34 of the connecting member 31 extends through the groove 60 in the control member bracket 50 to engage with the retaining tooth 61.

[0101] Figure 5 The diagram also shows a first telescopic section 51. The first telescopic section 51 is T-shaped, with the main body 62 having a tubular form with a dodecahedral external cross-section 63 and an octagonal internal cross-section 64. Lateral portions 66 form the T-shaped first telescopic section 51. The lateral portions 66 are arranged vertically and symmetrically on both sides of the main body 62, and each lateral portion 66, at its end away from the main body 62, is provided with a shaft 68, which shares a common axis perpendicular to the main body 62. Behind the shaft 68 is a collar 67, which sets the length of each shaft 68 to the thickness of the hinge protrusion 53. The shaft 68 is clamped in a hinge hole 56, allowing the main body 62 of the first telescopic section 51 to be hingedly connected to the control member bracket 50 and to pivot vertically relative to the control member bracket.

[0102] Figure 7 A second telescopic section 70 is shown; the second telescopic section is formed by an elongated rod 71 having an octagonal cross-section, the first end 72 of which is chamfered to allow easy insertion into the main body portion 62 of the first telescopic section 51. The second end 73 is provided with a partially spherical socket 74, the socket 74 having two slits 75 located on radially opposite sides of the socket 74 to allow the socket to elastically expand to receive a ball 92 and then contract to retain the ball.

[0103] Figure 8 The controlled blade, or main rear blade 6, is best shown in the image. The main rear blade is planar in form. The edge 80 of the main rear blade is rounded. The upper short edge 81 of the main rear blade 6 supports a short first cylindrical protrusion 82, which is located near the corner between the upper short edge 81 and the tail edge 85 of the main rear blade, and is fitted into the vent housing to pivotally secure the main rear blade 6 for rotation about a vertical axis. Arrow 83 indicates the overall airflow direction (it will be understood that this air may be turbulent, but the overall airflow direction will be as indicated), the leading edge 84 of the main rear blade is the edge of the main rear blade 6 that first contacts the airflow during normal use, and the tail edge 85 of the main rear blade is the opposite edge. A second cylindrical protrusion 87 is positioned on the lower short edge 86. The two protrusions 82, 87 share a common axis. The connecting rod 88 is attached to the end of the second protrusion 87 away from the main rear blade 6. The connecting rod 88 is perpendicular to the second protrusion and coplanar with the main rear blade 6. A third cylindrical protrusion 89 is provided at the opposite end and side of the connecting rod 88. At the third cylindrical protrusion 89, the unconnected end 90 is chamfered.

[0104] The rod 91 is vertically connected to the main rear blade 6 at the tail edge 85 near the upper short edge 81. The end of the rod 91 away from the main rear blade 6 is attached to a sphere 92, which forms the ball 92 of the ball-and-socket joint 77. The tail edge 85 extends away from the head edge 84 between the ball 92 and the lower short edge 86, the extension 94 being at its maximum extent at the lower short edge 86 and gradually tapering to its narrowest extent near the ball 92.

[0105] Reference Figures 1 to 15 During installation, the silicone pad 45 slides onto the connecting member 31 until it contacts the rear surface 33. The control slider 4 is then inserted into the control member slot 14, so that the control handle 30 is close to the tail edge 16 of the control support blade 3, as in Figure 6 As can be seen in the text. Also, for example... Figure 6 As shown, the first telescopic section 51 is clamped in the control member bracket 50, wherein the hinge groove 59 guides the tangential shaft 68 into their corresponding hinge holes 56. The control member bracket 50 and the first telescopic section 51 together form the first hinge 47 (i.e., a hinge with one degree of freedom).

[0106] The first hinge 47 is connected to the control slider 4 by clamping the fixing protrusion 34 of the connecting member 31 into the connecting groove 60 of the control member bracket 50. The lip 35 on the fixing protrusion 34 engages with the retaining tooth 61 on the control member bracket 50 to hold the components together. Figure 10 As can be seen, this results in the control component bracket 50 being located in the control support blade recess 20, and the slider channel 54 straddling the recess track 22. Figure 15 As shown, the control slider 4 is held in the control component slot 14 by the control handle 30 and the control component bracket 50.

[0107] Then the second telescopic section 70 is inserted into the first telescopic section 51. First, the first end 72 is chamfered, and the cut surface restricts the rotation of the two parts relative to each other. The first telescopic section 51 and the second telescopic section 70 together form the telescopic link 8, which is a type of extension link.

[0108] See Figure 11 and Figure 15 The telescopic link 8 is attached to the main rear blade 6 by engaging a ball 9 in a partially spherical socket 74, the ball 9 and the partially spherical socket together forming a ball-and-socket joint 77. The dimensions of the ball 9 and the partially spherical socket 74 are set relative to each other such that the joint can move up and down, left and right, and rotate, thereby providing smooth control movement between the control slider 4 and the main rear blade 6. The planes of the control support blade 3 and the main rear blade 6 are orthogonal to the horizontally arranged control support blade 3 and the vertically arranged main rear blade 6.

[0109] See Figure 2 An additional horizontal blade 5 is arranged below and parallel to the control support blade 3. The control support blade 3 and the additional horizontal blade 5 are connected by a front array connecting member 10, which is a rod with two recesses for clamping the shaft into the connecting rod 26 of the control support blade 3 and the slot 36 of the additional horizontal blade 5.

[0110] When the control support blade 3 and the main aft blade 6 are in the following position Figure 11In the initial neutral position shown, the airflow 11 is perpendicular to the leading edges 15, 84 of each blade. During operation, the control slider 4 can move laterally along the axis of the trailing edge in the control member slot 14, for example, to the right, with the adjuster 45 providing damping resistance for actuation. When the control slider moves to the right, the control member support 50 also moves to the right; the telescopic link 8 also moves laterally to the right because the first hinge 47 pivots only freely vertically. The main rear blade 6 cannot move laterally while held in place by the short first cylindrical protrusion 82 (which connects to the ventilation housing (not shown)), and therefore instead pivots around the short first cylindrical protrusion 82 to a direction that directs the airflow to the right. During operation, the ball joint 77 pivots to maintain engagement between the telescopic link 8 and the main rear blade 6, while the width of the control member support 50 ensures that even when the control slider 4 is in the rightmost position, the hole 14 through the control support blade 3 is blocked.

[0111] Similarly, when the control slider 4 moves to the left, the control member bracket 50 also moves to the left, the first hinge 47 cannot pivot to adjust the movement, and the telescopic link 8 moves laterally to the left. The main rear blade 6 is also restricted from moving to the left, and therefore pivots around the first cylindrical protrusion 82 to a direction that directs air to the left. Again, even in the leftmost position, the hole 14 through the control support blade 3 is blocked by the control member bracket 50, thus preventing a buzzing sound.

[0112] Starting from the rightmost position of the control slider 4, if the control slider 4 is moved vertically (e.g., downwards), the control component groove 14 does not provide any degree of freedom of movement for the control slider 4 in this direction. Furthermore, the control support blade 3 is also fixed by the protrusion 19 to prevent vertical translation. The control support blade 3 therefore pivots around the protrusion 19, and the upper air deflection surface 12... Figure 12 The downward airflow is shown. When the control support blade 3 responds to pushing the control member handle 30 upwards, it... Figure 12 The position pivots in the middle Figure 13 When in the middle position, the control member support 50 moves relative to the main rear blade 6, and the gap between the first hinge 47 and the ball joint 77 first decreases until the plane of the control support blade 3 is approximately horizontal and then increases. The first telescopic section 51 is integrated into the first hinge 47, and the second telescopic section 70 is restricted from disengaging from the ball 93 on the main rear blade 6, so the two telescopic sections 51, 70 can telescopically contract and then extend relative to each other until the control support blade 3 (and another blade in the same array) are arranged to guide the airflow upward (where the main rear blade 6 and the other blades in the same array guide the air to the right).

[0113] When the control support blade 3 is guided to its maximum upward range, the telescopic link 8 extends to maintain engagement between the control support blade 3 and the main rear blade 6. When the control slider 4 moves from... Figure 13 Move the position laterally to Figure 14 When the control component support 50 is in the neutral position, the first hinge 47 cannot pivot in the lateral direction, and therefore the telescopic link 8 and the control slider 4 move laterally together. The ball joint 77 between the main rear blade 6 and the telescopic link 8 can pivot, but when the main rear blade 6 cannot move laterally, it pivots around the first cylindrical protrusion 82, so that the airflow is guided in the direction in which the control slider 4 is positioned, i.e., upward and neither to the left nor to the right, with the slider centrally located.

[0114] See Figure 16 and Figure 17 The minimum thickness 36 of the control support blade 3 in this embodiment of the invention and the minimum thickness 136 of the horizontal blade 101 in the prior art are determined by the requirement to resist a predetermined load (i.e., the load to be applied during use plus the excessive load to handle misuse / abuse). Because the control support blade 3 of this embodiment has a control member groove 14, the minimum thickness 36 of the control support blade 3 is slightly larger than the minimum thickness 136 of the horizontal blade 101 in the prior art, which is solid.

[0115] However, since the connecting member 31 is arranged within the control member slot 14, and the control member slot itself is arranged within the control support blade 3, it does not increase the overall thickness of the blade and control slider assembly in this embodiment of the invention. To ensure smooth movement of the connecting member 31 within the control member slot 14, gaps 38a and 38b are provided between the connecting member 31 and the control member slot 14. These gaps 38a and 38b are obtained by making the thickness of the connecting member 31 slightly less than the height on the control member slot 14. Again, since the gaps 38a and 38b are arranged within the control support blade 3, they do not increase the overall thickness of the combined control support blade 3 and connecting member 31.

[0116] This is not the case with the existing horizontal blade 101, in which the slider 102 is arranged around the horizontal blade 101. Smooth movement of the slider 102 along the horizontal blade 101 is provided by providing two gaps (a gap 138a above the horizontal blade 101 and a gap 138b below the horizontal blade 101 (each gap between the horizontal blade 101 and the slider 102)). Because the slider 102 and the gaps 138a and 138b are located outside the horizontal blade 101, they increase the overall thickness of the combined horizontal blade 101 and slider 102.

[0117] Therefore, although the minimum thickness 36 of the control support blade 3 must be greater than the minimum thickness 136 of the prior art horizontal blade 101 in order to accommodate the connecting member 31, the combined thickness of the control support blade 3 and the connecting member 31 remains equal to the thickness 36 of the control support blade 3. The combined thickness of the horizontal blade 101 and the slider 102 is equal to the thickness 136 of the horizontal blade 101 plus the gaps 138a and 138b between the horizontal blade 101 and the slider 102, and the thicknesses 137a and 137b of the slider 102, which totals greater than the thickness 36 of the control support blade 13.

[0118] It is worth noting that, in the prior art, the slider 102 necessarily has a height greater than the thickness of the horizontal blade 101, and the average thickness of the control support blade 3 (i.e., the average distance between the relative first and second air deflection surfaces) is approximately equal to the maximum height of the control member handle 30 (i.e., the dimension in the direction of measuring the thickness of the control support blade).

[0119] Therefore, the control component handle has a low profile and should not unnecessarily interfere with airflow. In the embodiment, the maximum thickness of the control support blade is approximately 5 mm, and since the maximum thickness of the control support blade 3 is always approximately the same, the average thickness of the control support blade 3 is also approximately 5 mm, wherein the maximum thickness of the control support blade 3 does not deviate from the average thickness of the control support blade 3.

[0120] The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ventilation device, comprising at least one control support blade and at least one controlled blade; the control support blade supporting a control component; At least a portion of the control member is located at least partially within the control support blade, and the control member controls the orientation of the controlled blade; The control support blade includes a flat upper air deflection surface, wherein at least a portion of the control member is located within and surrounded by an aperture entirely within the control support blade; the aperture extends from a leading edge to a trailing edge between a first air deflection surface and a second air deflection surface; wherein the cross-section of the aperture is substantially equal in height to the cross-section of the connecting member, and the cross-section of the aperture is greater in width than the cross-section of the connecting member; wherein the control member is translatably movable within the control support blade; wherein the control member includes a control member handle, a control member bracket, and the connecting member connecting the control member handle to the control member bracket, the connecting member being at least partially disposed within the control support blade; and wherein the control member bracket is configured to prevent airflow through the aperture.

2. The ventilation equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow is not interrupted by the control component before it is deflected by the upper air deflector surface.

3. The ventilation equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper air deflection surface is smooth.

4. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting member has a rectangular cross-section.

5. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The translational movement of the control component is a lateral sliding along an axis parallel to the tail edge of the control support blade.

6. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control component bracket is arranged in the recess in the leading edge of the control support blade.

7. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controlled blade is connected to the control member via a linkage, so that the movement of the control member adjusts the orientation of the controlled blade.

8. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control support blade and the controlled blade are arranged in different angular positions.

9. The ventilation device according to claim 7, wherein, The link is an extension link.

10. The ventilation device according to claim 9, wherein, The extension link extends telescopically.

11. The ventilation device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The extension link comprises two parts: a first part is connected to the control support blade via the control member, and a second part is connected to the controlled blade.

12. The ventilation device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The extension link is connected to the controlled blade via a first flexible joint located at the tail edge of the controlled blade.

13. The ventilation device according to claim 12, wherein, The first flexible joint is a ball joint.

14. The ventilation device according to claim 13, wherein, The first flexible joint allows movement in at least three degrees of freedom: up / down, left / right, and rotation.

15. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controlled blade is located at the rear of the control support blade.

16. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control support blades are arranged in a series-moving blade array.

17. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The controlled blades are arranged in a series-moving blade array.

18. The ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The deviation between the maximum thickness and the average thickness of the control support blade over its span is less than 1 mm.

19. The ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the first air deflection surface and the second air deflection surface is no greater than 5 mm, and the average distance is no greater than 4 mm.

20. A vehicle comprising a ventilation device according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images