Ventilator comprising safety control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilator (10) comprising: a ventilation duct (12); a first fin (14) and a second fin (16) pivotable relative to the duct; and means (18) for controlling the angular position of the fins. The control device comprises: a gripping member (32) movable in translation relative to the first fin (14); and a transmission device (34) connecting the gripping member to the second fin. The transmission means comprise a connecting member (40) and a joint means (42, 44) forming an axis (52) of rotation of the connecting member (40) relative to the gripping member (32); the hinge device (42) comprises a rod (60) and a hook (62), the rod being resiliently fitted into the hook, the rod forming a projection along an axis (52) on either side of the hook.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilator of the following type, which comprises: a ventilation duct extending along a main direction; a first fin and a second fin extending through the ventilation duct; each of the first fin and the second fin being capable of pivoting relative to the ventilation duct around an axis and a second axis inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the main direction, respectively; and a device for controlling the angular position of the first fin and the second fin, the control device comprising: a gripping member, which is movable along a first axis relative to the first fin; and a transmission mechanism, which connects the gripping member to the second fin, so that translation of the gripping member along the first axis relative to the first fin causes pivoting of the second fin around the second axis; the transmission mechanism comprises a connecting member and a first hinge device and a second hinge device; the first hinge device and the second hinge device form a third axis for the connecting member to rotate relative to the gripping member. Background Art

[0002] The invention is particularly suitable for ventilators intended to equip the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. Such a ventilator is described in detail in document CN217259505.

[0003] However, the transmission mechanism connecting the gripping member to the second fin is subjected to relatively large forces during its operation. As a result, some components can deform and become detached from each other, especially when these components are made of deformable material. The mechanism then becomes unusable. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a ventilator comprising a safety control device which is able to withstand the forces to which it is subjected during its operation and / or transportation.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a ventilator of the aforementioned type, wherein the first hinge device comprises: a first rod, which is carried by one of the connecting member and the grasping member, and the first rod extends along a third axis; and a first hook, which is carried by the other of the connecting member and the grasping member, and the first rod is elastically assembled into the first hook, and the first rod forms a protrusion on either side of the first hook along the third axis.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the ventilator comprises one or more of the following features considered alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0007] - the first rod and the first hook are carried by the connecting member and the gripping member, respectively;

[0008] - one end of the first rod opposite to the connecting member carries a first stop preventing the connecting member from translating relative to the gripping member along the third axis;

[0009] - the second articulation device comprises: a second rod carried by one of the connecting member and the gripping member, said second rod extending along a third axis; and a support carried by the other of the connecting member and the gripping member, said support comprising an orifice at the closed profile, into which the second rod is inserted so as to form a protrusion on either side of the support along the third axis;

[0010] - the second articulation device comprises: a second rod carried by one of the connecting member and the gripping member, the second rod extending along a third axis; and a second hook carried by the other of the connecting member and the gripping member, the second hook being elastically fitted around the second rod so that the second rod forms a projection on either side of the second hook along the third axis;

[0011] - the third axis is substantially parallel to the first axis;

[0012] - the transmission mechanism further comprises: a slot carried by one of the connecting member and the second fin; and a rod carried by the other of the connecting member and the second fin, the rod being able to slide in the slot and being able to pivot relative to the slot during translation of the gripping member relative to the first fin;

[0013] - The slot and the rod are carried by the connecting member and the second fin, respectively.

[0014] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a ventilator as described above, comprising the steps of fitting a first rod into the first hook by elastic deformation of the first hook so that the first rod forms a protrusion on either side of the first hook along a third axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the step of assembling the first rod into the first hook comprises movement of the connecting member relative to the gripping member, the movement being selected from: pivoting about the second hinge device; pivoting about the axis of symmetry of the first hinge device and the second hinge device; and translating the connecting member perpendicular to the third axis.

[0016] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a ventilator as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a ventilator;

[0020] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A detailed view of the ventilator; and

[0021] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a ventilator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A ventilator 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment shown, the ventilator 10 is installed in a vehicle passenger compartment (not shown), preferably in a motor vehicle passenger compartment.

[0023] The fan 10 particularly includes: a ventilation duct 12 ; a first fin 14 , a second fin 16 , and a control device 18 .

[0024] The ventilation duct 12 is arranged at an outlet of a device (not shown) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0025] In the remainder of this description, an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) associated with the ventilation duct 12 is considered.

[0026] The duct 12 extends in the main direction X. More precisely, the duct 12 is defined by an inner wall 20 of substantially cylindrical shape, for example of rectangular base, extending in the main direction X. One end 22 of the duct 12 opens into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0027] The first fin 14 and the second fin 16 extend through the ventilation duct 12. More specifically, each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16 extends between two ends, each end being hinged to the inner wall 20 of the duct 12.

[0028] Each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16 is pivotable relative to the ventilation duct 12 about a first axis 24 and a second axis 26, respectively. Each of the first axis 24 and the second axis 26 is inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the main direction X of the duct 12. Preferably, each of the first axis 24 and the second axis 26 is substantially perpendicular to the main direction X.

[0029] Preferably, the first axis 24 and the second axis 26 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 24 and the second axis 26 are parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction, respectively.

[0030] In the embodiment depicted, the first fin 14 is arranged along the main direction X between the second fin 16 and the end 22 of the duct 12 .

[0031] Each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16 serves to direct the air flow circulating in the duct 12 towards the end 22. To this end, each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16 has a substantially planar shape parallel to the pivot axis 24, 26 of said fin.

[0032] Considering the angular position of each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16, this angular position corresponds to the angle formed by the mid-plane 28, 30 of said fin and the main direction X. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the fan 10 is in a so-called initial configuration, in which each middle plane 28 , 30 is parallel to the main direction X.

[0033] The control device 18 is intended to allow the user to modify the angular position of the first fin 14 and / or the second fin 16 .

[0034] The control device 18 includes a gripping member 32 and a transmission mechanism 34 .

[0035] The gripping member 32 is movable in translation relative to the first fin 14 along the first axis 24. For example, the gripping member 32 may be slidably mounted on the first fin 14.

[0036] The gripping member 32 comprises a first edge 36 and a second edge 38 opposite each other. The first edge 36 of the gripping member 32 can be manipulated by a user of the vehicle. Preferably, the first edge 36 of the gripping member 32 is arranged to protrude relative to the end 22 of the duct 12 in the main direction X. The second edge 38 of the gripping member 32 is arranged within the duct 12.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the gripping member 32 is made by assembling several parts. In a variant not shown, the gripping member is formed in one piece.

[0038] A transmission mechanism 34 connects the gripping member 32 to the second fin 16 as described in detail below.

[0039] The transmission mechanism 34 includes a connecting member 40 and a first hinge device 42 and a second hinge device 44. In the depicted embodiment, the transmission mechanism 34 further includes a slot 46 and a rod 48.

[0040] The slot 46 is carried by one of the connecting member 40 and the second fin 16; and the rod 48 is carried by the other of the connecting member 40 and the second fin 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 46 and the rod 48 are carried by the connecting member 40 and the second fin 16, respectively.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, the connecting member 40 includes a base 50 extending longitudinally along a third axis 52, and a first flap 54 and a second flap 56 extending transversely relative to the base 50. The first flap 54 and the second flap 56 are aligned along the third axis 52. The space between the first flap 54 and the second flap 56 forms a slot 46 that extends substantially linearly perpendicular to the third axis 52.

[0042] The first hinge device 42 and the second hinge device 44 are arranged on both sides of the base 50 along the third axis 52 .

[0043] exist Figure 3 As can also be seen in FIG. 4 , the first hinge device 42 comprises a first rod 60 and a first hook 62. The first rod 60 extends along the third axis 52 and is carried by one of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32. The first hook 62 is carried by the other of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32.

[0044] Preferably, the first hook 62 has a substantially C-shape, with the opening arranged between the two branches. In a non-deformed state, the width of the opening of the first hook 62 is smaller than the diameter of the first rod 60 .

[0045] The first rod 60 fits into the first hook 62 , thereby forming a first hinged connection as described below. Furthermore, the first rod 60 forms a protrusion on either side of the first hook 62 along the third axis 52 .

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rod 60 is carried by the base 50 of the connecting member 40; and the first hook 62 is carried by the second edge 38 of the gripping member 32. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end and the second end of the first rod 60 are attached to the base 50 of the connecting member 40 and the first stop 64, respectively. The first stop 64 protrudes radially relative to the first rod 60. The base 50 and the first stop 64 thus prevent the first rod 60 from translating relative to the first hook 62 along the third axis 52.

[0047] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the second hinge device 44 includes a second rod 70 and a support 72. The second rod 70 extends along the third axis 52 and is carried by one of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32. The support 72 is carried by the other of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32.

[0048] The support 72 comprises, at the closed contour, an orifice 74. Into said orifice 74 is inserted a second rod 70, said second rod and the support 72 forming a second articulated connection.

[0049] The connecting member 40 is pivotable relative to the gripping member 32 about a third axis 52 by means of an articulated connection formed by the first articulation means 42 and the second articulation means 44. In the embodiment shown, the third axis 52 is substantially parallel to the first axis 24, or to the Y direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the second rod 70 forms a protrusion on either side of the support 72 along the third axis 52 .

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the second rod 70 is carried by the base 50 of the connecting member 40; and the support 72 is carried by the second edge 38 of the gripping member 32. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the first end of the second rod 70 is attached to the base 50 of the connecting member 40; and the second end of the second rod 70 forms a terminal 76.

[0052] In a variant not shown, the tip 76 has a shoulder relative to the second rod 70. The shoulder acts as a stop preventing the second rod 70 from being removed from the orifice 74. To this end, the tip 76 is elastically deformable during insertion into the orifice 74.

[0053] The rod 48 extends substantially linearly parallel to the second axis 26. The rod 48 is arranged in the slot 46, protruding on either side of the connecting member 40. More precisely, the rod 48 is in contact with each of the first flap 54 and the second flap 56 forming the slot 46.

[0054] As described below, the rod 48 is slidable along and pivotable relative to the slot 46 in response to movement of the connecting member 40 relative to the conduit 12 .

[0055] Figure 4 A detailed view of a ventilator 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0056] The ventilator 110 is consistent with the above description of the ventilator 10 except for the transmission mechanism connecting the gripping member 32 to the second fin (not shown).

[0057] More specifically, the ventilator 110 includes a transmission mechanism 134, which includes, in particular: a connecting member 40, and a first hinge device 42 and a second hinge device 144; and a slot 46. The connecting member 40, the first hinge device 42 and the slot 46 are similar to those previously described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The transmission mechanism 134 further comprises a rod (not shown) similar to the rod 48 described above and capable of cooperating with the groove 46.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the second hinge device 144 includes a second rod 170 and a second hook 172 .

[0059] The second rod 170 extends along the third axis 52 and is carried by one of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32. The second hook 172 is carried by the other of the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32.

[0060] Preferably, the second hook 172 has a shape similar to the first hook 62 or has a substantially C-shape with an opening arranged between two branches. In the non-deformed state, the width of the opening of the second hook 172 is smaller than the diameter of the second rod 170 .

[0061] The second rod 170 is fitted into the second hook 172 , forming an articulated connection. By means of the articulated connection formed by the first articulation device 42 and the second articulation device 144 , the connecting member 40 is pivotable relative to the gripping member 32 about the third axis 52 .

[0062] Furthermore, the second rod 170 forms a protrusion on either side of the second hook 172 along the third axis 52 .

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the second rod 170 is carried by the base 50 of the connecting member 40; and the second hook 172 is carried by the second edge 38 of the gripping member 32. More specifically, in Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first end and the second end of the second rod 170 are respectively attached to the base 50 and the second stopper 174 of the connecting member 40. The second stopper 174 protrudes radially relative to the second rod 170. The base 50 and the second hook 172 thus prevent the second rod 170 from translating relative to the second hook 172 along the third axis 52.

[0064] according to Figure 4 In the first variant of the second embodiment, the first hook 62 and the second hook 172 are symmetrical to each other relative to a plane perpendicular to the third axis 52. Preferably, the opening of the first hook 62 and the opening of the second hook 172 are oriented along the direction Z in the same direction.

[0065] according to Figure 4 In the second variant of the second embodiment, the first hook 62 and the second hook 172 are symmetrical to each other with respect to an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the third axis 52 and parallel to X. Preferably, the openings of the first hook 62 and the second hook 172 are oriented along the direction Z in opposite directions.

[0066] Preferably, Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 4In the embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 40, the first rod 60 and the second rod 70, 170 and the first stop 64 are made in one piece, preferably made of a plastic material. More preferably, the plastic material is a flexible plastic of the thermoplastic elastomer TPE elastomer type (TPC-ET), rubber, in particular ethylene-propylene-diene monomer EPDM. Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the second stopper 174 is further formed by a component having the second rod 170 .

[0067] The method for assembling Figures 1 to 3 First, the end 76 of the second rod 70 is inserted into the orifice 74 of the support 72 carried by the gripping member 32, and then the base 50 of the connecting member 40 is tilted relative to the first axis 24.

[0068] The connecting member 40 is then pivoted about the aperture 74 until the first rod 60 snaps into engagement with the first hook 62. Insertion of the first rod 60 into the first hook 62 is accomplished by elastic deformation of at least one of the "C"-shaped branches forming the first hook and / or by elastic compression of the first rod.

[0069] A third axis 52 for pivoting the connecting member 40 relative to the gripping member 32 is thus formed.

[0070] The different shapes of the first hinge device 42 and the second hinge device 44 form a very safe device that enables an operator to correctly assemble the connecting member 40 and the gripping member 32 .

[0071] The method for assembling Figure 4 The method of the transmission mechanism 134 is to bring the connecting member 40 closer to the grasping member 32, and to assemble the first rod 60 and the second rod 170 to the first hook 62 and the second hook 172 respectively substantially simultaneously by snap-fitting.

[0072] According to a first variant, in which the openings of the hooks are oriented in the same direction, the connecting member 40 is brought closer to the gripping member 32 by keeping the base 50 substantially parallel to the first axis until the rods 60 , 170 snap-fit ​​together with the corresponding hooks 62 , 172 .

[0073] According to a second variant, in which the openings of the hooks are oriented in opposite directions, the connecting member 40 is arranged between the hooks 62 , 172 and pivoted about their axis of symmetry until the lever 60 , 170 snaps together with the corresponding hook 62 , 172 .

[0074] The shape of the first and second rods 60, 70, 170 protruding on either side of the corresponding hook 62, 172 or support 72 allows the operator to visually check that the assembly of the transmission mechanism 34, 134 has been correctly performed.

[0075] A method of operating the above-described ventilator 10, 110 will now be described.

[0076] During operation of the ventilator 10, 110, an air flow circulates in the duct 12 to the end 22 in order to ventilate the passenger compartment of the vehicle including the ventilator. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The initial configuration can be seen in .

[0077] A user wishing to change the direction of the airflow in the plane (X, Z) grasps the first edge 36 of the gripping member 32 to pivot the first fin 14 about the first axis 24. The angular position of the first fin 14 is thereby modified, influencing the orientation of the airflow.

[0078] During the rotation of the first fin 14 and the gripping member 32 about the first axis 24, the slot 46 carried by the connecting member 40 moves in the plane (X,Z) including the rod 48 in the initial configuration.

[0079] With the rod 48 in contact with the second fin 16 at its end, the rotation of the first fin 14 optionally causes the connecting member 40 to pivot about the third axis 52. Such pivoting imparts greater flexibility to the transmission mechanism 34, 134.

[0080] From the initial configuration of the ventilator 10, 110, now consider that the user wishes to modify the direction of the airflow in the plane (X, Y). The user grasps the first edge 36 of the gripping member 32 to slide the member 32 relative to the first fin 14 along the first axis 24. The slot 46 carried by the connecting member 40 moves in the plane (X, Y), driving the rod 48, which causes the second fin 16 to rotate about the second axis 26. The angular position of the second fin 16 is thus modified, thereby affecting the orientation of the airflow.

[0081] Thus, the angular position of each of the first fin 14 and the second fin 16 may be modified independently of each other at the user's convenience.

[0082] During the movement of the gripping member 32 along the first axis, a reaction force is exerted by the rod 48 on the connecting member 40. Since the material of said member 40 is preferably flexible, deformation of said material may cause the element to disengage from the first and second articulations 42, 44, 144, as observed in the prior art.

[0083] Furthermore, during transport of the ventilator 10 , 110 to, for example, its assembly site, deformation of the connecting member 40 may also cause the elements to become disengaged from the first and second hinges 42 , 44 , 144 .

[0084] This risk of disengagement is avoided by the shape of the first and second rods 60, 70, 170 protruding on either side of the corresponding hook 62, 172 or support 72. In fact, this shape provides a sufficient contact surface between the elements, in particular the fact that the rods always pass through the housings of these elements. In addition, the presence of the stop 64, 174 prevents the connection member 40 from moving axially relative to the gripping member 32, which axial movement would promote disengagement.

[0085] The ventilator 10 , 110 as described above thus has a reliable transmission of the movement between the gripping member 32 and the fins 14 , 16 .

Claims

1. A ventilator (10, 110), comprising: - a ventilation duct (12) extending in a main direction (X); - a first fin (14) and a second fin (16), the first fin and the second fin extending through the ventilation duct; each of the first fin and the second fin being pivotable relative to the ventilation duct about a first axis (24) and a second axis (26), respectively, inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the main direction; and - means (18) for controlling the angular position of the first fin and the second fin; The control device comprises: - a gripping member (32) movable in translation along said first axis (24) relative to said first fin (14); and a transmission mechanism (34, 134) connecting the gripping member to the second fin such that translation of the gripping member relative to the first fin along the first axis causes pivoting of the second fin (16) about the second axis (26); The transmission mechanism comprises a connecting member (40) and a first hinge device (42) and a second hinge device (44, 144); the first hinge device and the second hinge device form a third axis (52) for the connecting member (40) to rotate relative to the gripping member (32); The ventilator is characterized in that the first hinge device (42) includes: a first rod (60), the first rod is carried by one of the connecting member (40) and the grasping member (32), the first rod extends along the third axis (52); and a first hook (62), the first hook is carried by the other of the connecting member and the grasping member, the first rod is elastically assembled into the first hook, and the first rod forms a protrusion on either side of the first hook along the third axis.

2. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein the first rod (60) and the first hook (62) are carried by the connecting member (40) and the gripping member (32), respectively.

3. The ventilator (10) according to claim 2, wherein one end of the first rod (60) opposite to the connecting member (40) carries a first stop (64), which prevents the connecting member from translating relative to the gripping member (32) along the third axis (52).

4. The ventilator (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second articulation device comprises: A second rod (70), the second rod being carried by one of the connecting member and the gripping member (40), the second rod extending along the third axis (52); and a support member (72), the support member being carried by the other of the connecting member and the gripping member (32), the support member comprising an orifice (74) at the closed contour, the second rod being inserted into the orifice so as to form a protrusion on either side of the support member along the third axis.

5. The ventilator (110) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second articulation device comprises: a second rod (170), the second rod being carried by one of the connecting member and the gripping member (40), the second rod extending along the third axis; and a second hook (172), the second hook being carried by the other of the connecting member and the gripping member (32), the second rod being elastically fitted into the second hook, the second rod forming a protrusion on either side of the second hook along the third axis.

6. The ventilator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third axis (52) is substantially parallel to the first axis (24).

7. The ventilator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission mechanism (34, 134) further comprises: a slot (46) carried by one of the connecting member (40) and the second fin (16); and a rod (48) carried by the other of the connecting member and the second fin, the rod being slidable in the slot and pivotable relative to the slot during translation of the gripping member (32) relative to the first fin (14).

8. The ventilator according to claim 7, wherein the slot (46) and the rod (48) are carried by the connecting member (40) and the second fin (16), respectively.

9. A method for assembling a ventilator according to one of the preceding claims, the ventilator comprising: - a ventilation duct (12) extending in a main direction (X); - a first fin (14) and a second fin (16), the first fin and the second fin extending through the ventilation duct; each of the first fin and the second fin being pivotable relative to the ventilation duct about a first axis (24) and a second axis (26), respectively, inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the main direction; and - means (18) for controlling the angular position of the first fin and the second fin; The control device comprises: - a gripping member (32) movable in translation along said first axis (24) relative to said first fin (14); and a transmission mechanism (34, 134) connecting the gripping member to the second fin such that translation of the gripping member relative to the first fin along the first axis causes pivoting of the second fin (16) about the second axis (26); The transmission mechanism comprises a connecting member (40) and a first hinge device (42) and a second hinge device (44, 144); the first hinge device and the second hinge device form a third axis (52) for the connecting member (40) to rotate relative to the gripping member (32); the first hinge device (42) comprises: a first rod (60), the first rod is carried by one of the connecting member (40) and the gripping member (32), the first rod extends along the third axis (52); and a first hook (62), the first hook is carried by the other of the connecting member and the gripping member; The assembly method comprises the steps of fitting the first rod (60) into the first hook (62) by elastic deformation of the first hook so that the first rod forms a protrusion on either side of the first hook along the third axis.

10. A method for assembling a ventilator according to claim 9, wherein the step of assembling the first rod (60) into the first hook (62) includes movement of the connecting member (40) relative to the grasping member, the movement being selected from: pivoting around the second hinge device (44); pivoting around the axis of symmetry of the first hinge device (42) and the second hinge device (144); and translation of the connecting member (40) perpendicular to the third axis (52).

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