Movement module of air diffuser and air diffuser having such movement module

Abstract

The invention relates to a movement module (1) for an air diffuser of a vehicle, the movement module (1) being able to be accommodated as a modular component at least partially or in a partial region in an air diffuser housing so as to be preferably exchangeable in order to form an air diffuser.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an air diffuser system for supplying air into a vehicle interior of a vehicle and, in particular, to a corresponding air diffuser.

[0002] In ventilation systems for vehicles, air diffusers are generally used that can control the escaping or outflowing air jet in a targeted manner. Such air diffusers are used, in particular, to supply fresh air into the vehicle interior.

[0003] The air flow flows through the inlet opening of the corresponding air diffuser into an air channel at least partially defined by the housing wall of the air diffuser, passes through this air channel and finally flows through the outlet opening of the air diffuser into the interior of a vehicle, such as a car or a truck. In general, the flow rate, i.e. the amount of air that flows into the interior of the vehicle via the air diffuser per unit time, can be adjusted using an actuator, in particular manually.

[0004] In addition, air diffusers are generally provided with air guide elements for orienting or adjusting the air flow, which can be controlled accordingly in order to deflect or orient the air flow output from the air diffuser in a targeted manner. For example, such orientation can be carried out in the horizontal direction and / or in the vertical direction and can also be adjusted manually by means of a control element.

[0005] Typically, the air diffuser also includes a closing device to manually transform the air diffuser from an open state (in which air can flow out of the air diffuser) to a closed state (in which no air flows out of the air diffuser), and vice versa.

[0006] Furthermore, it is usually also possible to adjust the temperature of individual air diffusers or a plurality of air diffusers together in order to introduce air which is cooled or heated thereby into the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] Air diffusers known from the prior art are generally designed so that they are fitted for specific purposes of use, for example for specific vehicle types or for specific components in the vehicle interior. Air diffusers can also have various designs in the interior of the vehicle, for example along the vehicle dashboard, wherein they can differ in the shape and design of the housing, the number of air guide elements and in the design of the closure and of the plates arranged on the front or sides.

[0008] Therefore, it is customary to design a separate air diffuser for each individual vehicle type and also for each location. This results in relatively high production costs, since air diffusers can usually only be produced in small quantities and must be designed and produced individually for each application.

[0009] The additional work thus created is costly and relatively time-consuming. In addition, a diffuser performance check must be carried out on each air diffuser.

[0010] Based on this problem, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a concept by which the universal applicability of an air diffuser is ensured.

[0011] This object is achieved in particular by a movement module for an air diffuser for a vehicle according to independent patent claim 1 , wherein advantageous embodiments of the movement module according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 10 .

[0012] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by an air diffuser according to dependent patent claim 11 .

[0013] The invention therefore relates in particular to a movement module for an air diffuser of a vehicle, wherein the movement module as a modular component can be accommodated at least partially or in partial regions in an air diffuser housing to form the air diffuser.

[0014] In particular, it is provided in this context that the movement module preferably has all functional components required for controlling the air flow through the air diffuser.

[0015] Therefore, it is proposed in this regard that the movement module preferably has all air guide elements of the air diffuser that direct and / or adjust the air flow. Preferably, these air guide elements can be correspondingly actuated to achieve a targeted deflection and / or direction of the air flow output or to be output from the air diffuser, especially in the horizontal and / or vertical direction.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the movement module preferably has all elements for regulating the air flow which are at least partially actuatable in order to achieve a targeted influencing of the air flow through at least one air channel and / or air subchannel of the air diffuser.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the last-mentioned design variant, it is provided that the movement module has the kinematic system required for the required actuation of the air guiding elements for directing the air flow and / or for adjusting the air flow.

[0018] In this context, it is likewise conceivable that the movement module also has elements for actuating the air flow control as required.

[0019] A preferred implementation of the movement module according to the invention, in particular the last-mentioned embodiment, provides that the movement module preferably has all components of the kinematic system that influence or define the feel of the air-guiding element that orients and / or adjusts the air flow as required. In this context, it is also conceivable that the movement module preferably has all components of the kinematic system that influence or define the feel of the element that orients and / or adjusts the air flow as required.

[0020] An air diffuser constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, ie an air diffuser having a movement module according to the present invention, is distinguished by its modular structure.

[0021] The modular structure of the air diffuser or motion module according to the invention makes it possible to perform adaptation, optimization and cost reduction in the individual modules of the air diffuser without causing the typical "ripple effect" due to changes in the entire air diffuser system. By allowing the air diffuser to be configured specifically for an order, rather than designed specifically for an order, the modularity of the air diffuser according to the invention reduces product complexity and makes the customer ordering process more efficient.

[0022] In other words, the motion module according to the invention is constructed according to the modular or building block principle, wherein the functional components of the air diffuser are divided into modules or components. The individual modules or components of the modular air diffuser can be connected together or integrated via appropriate interfaces (if the form and function are suitable).

[0023] The motion module (according to the invention) which is based on the modular principle and is characterized by its modular structure allows the production of individually configurable air diffusers or air diffuser systems without having to give up all the economies of scale of the series. The individual modules of the motion module or air diffuser are standardized components which can be flexibly implemented using individual adapter elements via the modular system.

[0024] The advantage of such modular air diffusers or motion modules according to the modular principle is, on the one hand, increased flexibility in product and organizational development. Faster product cycles and greater adaptability can be achieved if there are various compatible modules of the air diffuser system, which can be installed, removed, replaced or grouped in different ways to ultimately adapt the air diffuser to new conditions.

[0025] On the other hand, the modular structure of the movement module according to the invention provides another advantage in that a large number of product variants of the air diffuser can be realized in a simple manner. In addition, due to the same series and simpler assembly processes, more cost-effective production can be achieved.

[0026] Finally, the modular design of the movement module according to the invention also offers advantages in terms of maintenance of the air diffuser, since cost-effective repairs can be achieved by replacing defective parts of the air diffuser.

[0027] The air diffuser according to the invention has in particular a moving module assembly designed as a module, which consists of several subassemblies which are connected or connectable to one another by means of snap-on or clip connections.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the motion module according to the invention, the motion module has a support structure, which in particular has a modular design. The motion module also has at least one first slat group, which is mounted via the support structure in such a way that the slats of the first slat group can be pivoted relative to the support structure. Furthermore, according to this implementation, the motion module comprises at least one second slat extending perpendicularly to the slats of the first slat group, which is preferably releasably connected to the support structure and can be pivoted relative to the support structure.

[0029] Preferably, it is proposed in this regard that the movement module also has at least one preferably modular movement component, which is preferably connected to the support structure in a releasable manner and is designed to transmit adjustment movements applied to the operating elements of the air diffuser by a user of the air diffuser to the slats of the at least one slat group and / or the at least one second slat.

[0030] In this context, it is conceivable that the support structure has at least one transverse strut which extends perpendicularly to the strips of the first strip group and is designed to divide the air channel flowing through the support structure into partial channels.

[0031] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that an integral or replaceable bearing structure is added to the support structure, which preferably ensures an axial and / or radial mounting of the air guide element for air flow guidance and / or air flow regulation. Furthermore, sliding guides are also conceivable in this regard.

[0032] Generally speaking, the movement module is designed to be accommodated in various air diffuser housings as a modular unit so as to be preferably replaceable.

[0033] With regard to the air diffuser according to the present invention, it is proposed that the air diffuser has a housing (air diffuser housing) and a movement module of the above-mentioned type according to the present invention, wherein the movement module can be accommodated or accommodated in the housing at least partially or in a partial area so as to be replaceable in order to form an air diffuser.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the movement module according to the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the attached picture:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a motion module according to the invention, which is designed here in such a way that a two-channel air diffuser is formed;

[0037] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a motion module according to the invention is shown; and

[0038] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of a modular motion assembly of an exemplary embodiment of a motion module according to the present invention is shown.

[0039] In short, the motion module 1 according to the invention shown in the figures comprises, as a functional unit, all relevant functional elements for:

[0040] - Deflects air horizontally and vertically

[0041] - Block or adjust air flow

[0042] - tactile sensations (e.g. soft running, force regulation, braking, etc.).

[0043] The functional unit is assembled with further components, in particular an air diffuser housing and, if applicable, a plate, to form an air diffuser.

[0044] The already adjusted motion module 1 can be installed in various air diffusers. In addition, the motion module 1 can be used continuously by only individualizing the housing and the interior trim (if necessary), thus constructing a modular air diffuser for a vehicle.

[0045] The motion module 1 according to the invention is distinguished by a scalable operating principle that can be replicated in other functions and installation situations. The motion module 1 comprises automatable subunits that can be installed in various air diffusers.

[0046] The motion module 1 according to the invention is also distinguished by a simple operating principle and a limited number of components. In particular, a simple housing design and a simple assembly of the air diffuser can also be achieved.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a motion module 1 according to the invention is shown schematically and in an isometric view. Figure 1 The motion module 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used to form a two-channel air diffuser. To this end, the motion module 1 can be inserted into a corresponding housing of the air diffuser and can be locked there with the housing.

[0048] Here, the housing of the air diffuser (in Figure 1 An air duct (not shown) is formed for an air flow flowing through the movement module 1 , which air duct can be correspondingly actuated by functional components of the movement module 1 .

[0049] In particular, the functional components of the movement module 1 can be used to deflect the air flow through the movement module 1 in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. Furthermore, the amount of air flowing through the movement module 1 and thus through the air diffuser per unit time can be adjusted.

[0050] In particular, according to Figure 2 As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 1 , the motion module 1 of the exemplary embodiment has a modular structure and is divided into corresponding individual modules, which can be arbitrarily combined and replaced with each other.

[0051] On the one hand, a separate module is a first functional unit arranged upstream, viewed in the direction of the air flow, which comprises a shut-off plate 3 which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis and by means of which the air flow rate per unit time through the motion module 1 can be adjusted. The shut-off plate 3 is preferably designed as a plastic injection-molded part and is mounted on the inner housing part 5 so as to be pivotable.

[0052] The inner housing part 5 is releasably connected to the housing frame 6. The first slat assembly 2 is supported by the housing frame 6 so that the individual slats of the first slat assembly 2 can be pivoted relative to the housing frame 6 in order to deflect the air flow in a horizontal direction.

[0053] The individual slats of the first slat assembly 2 mounted to be pivoted by the housing frame 6 can be respectively actuated by the movement assembly 7 of the movement module 1. The movement assembly 7 is arranged downstream of the movement module 1 as viewed in the air flow direction and is detachably connected to the housing frame 6.

[0054] In particular, from Figure 3As can be seen in the isometric exploded view in FIG, the motion assembly 7 of the motion module 1 also has a modular structure and comprises a horizontally extending shaft 9, by means of which the motion assembly 7 of the motion module 1 is mounted to pivot via the housing frame 6. A corresponding gear element 10 is arranged on the shaft 9, which co-acts with the gear element 4 arranged on the stop plate 3. Thus, a pivoting of the shaft 9 can correspondingly manipulate the movably connected stop plate 3.

[0055] A slider element 11 is movably arranged on the shaft 9 and is connected to the comb structure 8 , wherein the comb structure 8 interacts with the individual strips of the first strip assembly 2 so that the strips of the first strip assembly 2 can be actuated when the slider element 11 is moved along the shaft 9 .

[0056] Furthermore, a slider element 11 serving as a handle element can be pivoted relative to the housing frame 6 by means of the axis 9 in order to deflect the air in the vertical direction.

[0057] The features of the motion module 1 according to the invention are summarized as follows.

[0058] The motion module 1 as a functional unit contains all relevant functional elements for:

[0059] - deflects air horizontally and vertically;

[0060] - blocking or regulating air flow;

[0061] -Tactile sensations (soft running, force regulation, braking...).

[0062] This functional unit is assembled with other components (housing, plates) to form an air diffuser. The fully adapted motion module 1 can be installed in various air diffusers. In addition, the motion module 1 can be used more widely in air diffusers by only individualizing the housing and slat components, thus constructing a modular air diffuser for a vehicle.

[0063] Motion Module 1 demonstrates a scalable operating principle for replication in other functions and installation situations. The individual modules of Motion Module 1 can be installed as subunits in various air diffusers.

[0064] Furthermore, the operating principle is simplified with a limited number of components, so that a simple housing design and simple assembly of the air diffuser are possible.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the movement module 1 shown in the drawing, but rather results from an overview of all features disclosed here.

[0066] List of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Motion Module

[0068] 2 First slat assembly

[0069] 3. Stop plate

[0070] 4 Gear element of the cut-off plate

[0071] 5 Inner shell part

[0072] 6 Shell frame

[0073] 7 Motion Components

[0074] 8 Comb structure

[0075] 9 Axis

[0076] 10 Gear elements for the shaft

[0077] 11 Slider element

Claims

1. A motion module (1) for an air diffuser of a vehicle, wherein: The movement module (1) can be accommodated as a modular component at least partially or in partial regions in an air diffuser housing so as to be preferably replaceable in order to form the air diffuser.

2. The motion module (1) according to claim 1, The movement module (1) preferably has all functional components required for manipulating the air flow through the air diffuser or the air flow to be output from the air diffuser.

3. The motion module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, The movement module (1) preferably includes all air guiding elements of the air diffuser for orienting and / or adjusting the air flow, and the air guiding elements can be at least partially manipulated accordingly so as to achieve targeted deflection and / or orientation of the air flow output or to be output from the air diffuser, especially in the horizontal and / or vertical direction.

4. The motion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The movement module (1) preferably includes all elements for adjusting the air flow, and the elements can be manipulated at least partially accordingly to achieve targeted influence on the air flow through at least one air channel and / or air sub-channel of the air diffuser.

5. The motion module (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movement module (1) has a kinematic system required for actuating the air guide element for directing and / or adjusting the air flow as required; and / or The motion module (1) has the element for controlling the air flow rate as required.

6. The motion module (1) according to claim 5, wherein the movement module (1) preferably comprises components of the kinematic system that influence or define the tactile feel of the air guiding element for manipulating the air flow to orient and / or adjust the air flow as required; and / or The kinematic module (1) preferably comprises components of the kinematic system that influence or define the tactile feel of the elements that manipulate the air flow as required.

7. The motion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The motion module (1) comprises the following: - a supporting structure, which in particular has a modular design; - at least one first slat group, which is preferably connected or connectable to the support structure in a releasable manner and is mounted by the support structure such that the slats of the first slat group can pivot relative to the support structure; and At least one second strip extending perpendicularly to the strips of the first strip group, the at least one second strip being preferably releasably connected to the support structure and being pivotable relative to the support structure.

8. The motion module (1) according to claim 7, The motion module (1) further comprises the following items: - At least one preferably modular movement component, which is preferably connected to the support structure in a releasable manner and is designed to transmit adjustment movements applied to the operating elements of the air diffuser by a user of the air diffuser to the slats of the at least one slat group and / or the at least one second slat.

9. The motion module (1) according to claim 7 or 8, The support structure has at least one transverse strut extending perpendicularly to the slats of the first slat group, and the at least one transverse strut is designed to divide the air channel flowing through the support structure into sub-channels.

10. The motion module (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, The movement module (1) is designed as a modular unit to be accommodated in various air diffuser housings so as to be preferably replaceable.

11. An air diffuser for a vehicle, The air diffuser has the following: - a housing; and - A motion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The movement module (1) can be accommodated or accommodated in the housing at least partially or in partial areas so as to be replaceable, in order to form the air diffuser.

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