Air outflow piece

Abstract

The invention relates to an air outlet (1) having an air outlet opening (17) arranged at a right angle to an air inlet channel (2). In order to deflect air, the invention proposes a pivotable air-dividing part (3) having an air-deflecting contour and an air-deflecting element (11) which is arranged in front of the air-dividing part (3) in the flow-through direction and which pivots together with the air-dividing part (3) in the opposite direction. The air outlet (1) according to the invention is suitable, for example, for insertion into an A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar of the body of a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air divider having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention preferably relates to an air outflow element having an air divider and an air inlet channel, wherein the air inlet channel has inner channel walls that delimit the air flow and a geometric longitudinal center plane, and wherein the air divider is arranged in the air inlet channel, wherein the air divider divides the air flow coming from the air inlet channel into two partial air flows, which flow around the entire air divider on both sides and completely around the entire air divider, wherein the air divider is pivotable about a first pivot axis.

[0002] The air outflow piece is used to supply hot or cold air into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and to redirect the air flow into the passenger compartment. The air outflow piece is typically installed in a recessed manner in the instrument panel or another interior lining of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Patent application EP3378686A1 discloses an air outflow element having an air deflector. The air deflector is arranged in a cylindrical, tubular widening at the end of an air inlet channel. The widening, through which air flows transversely or radially, has air inlet openings at peripheral locations into which the air inlet channel opens, and air outflow openings at opposing peripheral locations. A cylindrical, tubular air divider, pivotable about its axis, is concentrically arranged in the cylindrical, tubular widening of the air inlet channel. The air divider divides the air flow through the widening of the air inlet channel into two partial air flows. A pin-shaped operating element protrudes from the air divider into the air outflow opening, which allows manual pivoting of the air divider. On the inflow side of the air divider, plates are arranged. To deflect the air, these plates are pivotable about an axis parallel to the axis of the air divider and in an axial plane of the widened portion of the air inlet channel, or in the longitudinal center plane of the air inlet channel. The plates are rigidly connected to the air divider so that they pivot with it, or they are connected to the air divider in an articulated manner or by means of a toothed structure so that they pivot in opposite directions relative to the air divider. To two-dimensionally deflect the outflow of air from the air outlet, plates are arranged in the widened portion of the air inlet channel on both sides of the air divider so that they can pivot about radial axes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the air deflection of an air outflow element of the type explained above and / or to design the air outflow element in such a way that an outflow at an angle to the inflow is possible.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 .

[0006] According to the present invention, the air outflow element comprises an air divider and an air inlet channel, which leads to the air divider. That is, the air flowing through the air inlet channel in the direction of the air divider reaches the air divider and is divided by the air divider into two partial air flows, which flow around the entire air divider on both sides. The entire air divider is separated by the inner channel wall in such a way that the entire air flow flows between the air divider and the inner channel wall. The air divider is particularly arranged transversely to the air inlet channel and / or can be pivoted about a first pivot axis, which extends particularly transversely to the air inlet channel. The first pivot axis is preferably located in the longitudinal center plane of the air inlet channel.

[0007] According to the present invention, the air divider is constructed as an air control element, which means that the air divider deflects the air flow from the air inlet channel laterally or obliquely relative to the flow direction by pivoting about a first pivot axis, and / or the air divider throttles the air flow from the air inlet channel and, if necessary, blocks the air inlet channel in a closed position to prevent air from flowing through or out.

[0008] In the neutral position, the air divider, which is constructed as an air control element of the air outflow element according to the present invention, divides the entire air flow from the air inlet channel into two equally large partial air flows, and the ratio of the partial air flows relative to each other can be changed by pivoting the air divider from the neutral position about the first pivot axis into a deviated position. In other words, in the deviated position, the air divider, which is constructed as an air control element, divides the air flow from the air inlet channel into partial air flows of different sizes, which surround the air divider on both sides. The following embodiment of the present invention is feasible, in which the air divider can be pivoted into a closed position, in which the air divider blocks the partial air flows so that the air divider flows around it only on one side. The neutral position of the air divider is distinguished by the fact that the partial air flows flowing around it are equally large, rather than by the fact that the air divider is in a neutral position in the middle between the two deviated end positions.

[0009] Furthermore, the air outflow element according to the present invention has a first air deflecting element, which is arranged in the air inlet channel at a distance in front of the air divider along the intended flow direction of the air outflow element. Air flows from the air inlet channel to the air divider along the intended flow direction and is divided there into two partial air flows, which flow around the air divider on both sides and are of equal size in the neutral position of the air divider and of unequal size in the deflected position of the air divider. The first air deflecting element does not require a second air deflecting element or any other air deflecting element. The distance between the first air deflecting element and the air divider enables unimpeded pivoting of the air divider without collision with the first air deflecting element.

[0010] The first air-deflecting element is pivotable about the second pivot axis such that it deflects the air flow from the air inlet channel obliquely to the side with respect to an imaginary plane connecting the two pivot axes.

[0011] The invention makes it possible to realize an air outflow piece which has an outflow in a straight extension relative to the inflow through the air inflow channel or an outflow which is angled relative to the inflow.

[0012] The air outflow piece according to the present invention is configured to be installed in an inner lining of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and is configured to supply air to the passenger compartment. The air outflow piece can be arranged in a narrow structural space between the inner lining of a motor vehicle and the body of the vehicle and can achieve an arrangement of its air inflow channel parallel to the inner lining and an outflow from the air outflow piece at an angle to the inner lining. The air outflow piece according to the present invention is therefore suitable for, for example, being installed in the inner lining of an A-pillar, a B-pillar or a C-pillar, in the door lining of a motor vehicle or in the roof or ceiling of a vehicle, that is, in the inner lining under the roof of the vehicle body of a motor vehicle. The present invention does not exclude the installation of the air outflow piece at other locations in the motor vehicle or other application schemes of the air outflow piece.

[0013] The dependent claims have as their subject matter advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention specified in claim 1 .

[0014] Preferably, a first air-deflecting element, which is arranged in the throughflow direction at a distance in front of the air divider via the air outflow element, is drive-connected to the air divider such that pivoting the air divider about the first pivot axis causes the first air-deflecting element to pivot about the second pivot axis. The first air-deflecting element can pivot in the same direction as the air divider, preferably in the opposite direction. The drive connection can be, for example, a belt or chain, a friction wheel drive or a gear drive, or a spindle. The list is exemplary and not exhaustive.

[0015] The air divider preferably has an air deflection profile, in particular a symmetrical air deflection profile. This refers to the aerodynamic profile of the air divider, which is in the form of a support surface of the aircraft or a tail wing or a pivotable control surface of the tail wing. "Symmetrical" means that the profile of the air divider is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the air divider. In particular, the air divider has a constant profile over its length, which extends in particular transversely to the air inflow channel.

[0016] According to the design of the present invention, an air divider as an air control element is provided with a partially cylindrical, partially elliptical, or similarly curved surface on the flow side of the air divider, from which two surfaces extend to a common edge at which the two surfaces intersect. The edge extends, in particular, parallel to the first pivot axis of the air divider and has a greater radial spacing relative to the first pivot axis than the partially cylindrical or differently curved surface on the flow side of the air divider. The two surfaces adjacent to the partially cylindrical or differently curved surface on the flow side of the air divider can be flat or uneven, for example, curved outward or inward, and / or the two surfaces can adjoin the partially cylindrical or differently curved surface on the flow side of the air divider tangentially or, for example, also with a bend. The shape of the air divider explained in this paragraph can be understood as an air deflection profile, in particular, a symmetrical air deflection profile. The air deflection profile can also be described as teardrop-shaped.

[0017] In the neutral position of the air divider, air can flow out of the air outflow element according to the invention in a straight extension of the air inflow through the air inlet channel or at an angle of, for example, approximately 90°, or approximately 30°, approximately 45°, approximately 60°, approximately 120°, approximately 135°, or approximately 150° relative to the air inflow through the air inlet channel. By pivoting the air divider and preferably also pivoting the first air deflecting element, the outflow direction can be changed, preferably in two directions, for example, by approximately 30°, approximately 45°, or approximately 60°.

[0018] The air inlet channel is preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal center plane, and the first pivot axis of the air divider and / or the second pivot axis of the first air deflecting element are arranged in the longitudinal center plane of the air inlet channel.

[0019] The air inlet channel or the air outlet member preferably has an air outlet opening that is fixed relative to the air inlet channel, i.e., does not pivot together with the air divider or the first air deflecting element. Nevertheless, the air divider and / or the first air deflecting element still deflect the air outflow from the air outlet opening. The air outlet opening can be arranged opposite the air inlet channel relative to the air divider or offset in the peripheral direction of the air divider. With the air outlet opening arranged opposite the air inlet channel, in the neutral position of the air divider, the air flows out in a straight extension of the air inlet channel. If the air outlet opening is offset in the peripheral direction, then in the neutral position of the air divider, the air flows out of the air outlet member at an angle relative to the air inlet channel.

[0020] Preferably, second air deflecting elements are arranged externally on the air divider, adjustable relative to one another, with which the partial air flows flowing around the air divider on both sides can be deflected obliquely relative to a plane radial to the first pivot axis. This allows for a two-dimensional deflection of the air flowing out of the air outlet. For example, one or more plates are arranged externally on the air divider opposite one another, preferably pivoting together about an axial gap radial to or parallel to the first pivot axis of the air deflection nozzle.

[0021] The one or more second air-deflecting elements are preferably adapted to the shape of the air inlet channel in the area surrounding the air divider. In other words, the outer shape of the second air-deflecting element at least approximately corresponds to a cross-section of the air-deflecting channel in the area surrounding the air divider in a radial plane relative to the first pivot axis about which the air divider is pivotable. For example, the second air-deflecting element(s) may be arcuate.

[0022] The features and feature combinations, embodiments and designs of the present invention mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown in the drawings, can be used not only in the respectively specified or shown combination but also in any other combination in principle or individually. Embodiments of the present invention that do not have all the features of the dependent claims are feasible. Individual features of the claims can also be replaced by other disclosed features or feature combinations. The following embodiments of the present invention are feasible, which do not have all the features of one or more embodiments, but rather have any part of the features of the characteristic parts of the embodiments in principle, if necessary in combination with one, more or all features of one or more other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below based on two exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of an air outflow element according to the invention in a neutral position;

[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 The air outflow member is in a deviated position;

[0026] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shown Figures 1 to 3 an alternative drive connection for the air outflow member; and

[0027] Figure 6 Shown Figure 1 An axial section of a modified embodiment of an air outflow member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The accompanying drawings are simplified diagrams for explaining and understanding the present invention. In principle, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0029] exist Figures 1 to 3 The air outflow element 1 according to the invention shown in FIG has an air inlet channel 2 and an air divider 3 that can be pivoted about a first pivot axis 4 that is arranged transversely to the air inlet channel 2 in a longitudinal center plane 18 of the air inlet channel 2. The air inlet channel 2 can have essentially any cross-section and does not have to run straight. In the exemplary embodiment, the air inlet channel 2 is straight and has a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0030] Coaxially with the first pivot axis 4 of the air divider 3, the air inlet channel 2 has a cylindrical tubular widening portion 5, in which the air divider 3 is arranged so that the air flowing through the air inlet channel 2 into the widening portion 5 and into the air divider 3 flows around the air divider 3 on both sides.

[0031] The cylindrical, tubular widening 5 has an air outflow opening 6, which is rectangular in the exemplary embodiment and extends axially across the width of the widening 5 and circumferentially over a defined circumferential section of, for example, 90° (slightly less in the exemplary embodiment). The air outflow opening 6 can be located in essentially any circumferential section of the widening 5 of the air inlet channel 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the circumferential center of the air outflow opening 6 is offset by 90° relative to the longitudinal center plane 18 of the air inlet channel 2, so that air flows out of the air outflow element 1 obliquely or transversely relative to the longitudinal center plane 18 of the air inlet channel 2.

[0032] The air divider 3 has an air deflection profile that is similar to the load-bearing surface or tail or control surface of an aircraft. In the exemplary embodiment, the air deflection profile of the air divider 3 is symmetrical, that is, it is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the center plane of the air divider 3. Furthermore, the air deflection profile of the air divider 3 is constant over the length of the air divider 3, that is, parallel to the first pivot axis 4 or transversely to the air inlet channel 2.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the air deflection profile of the air divider 3 of the air divider 1 according to the present invention has a curvature 7 radially relative to the first pivot axis 4, coaxial with the first pivot axis 4, and tangentially adjacent to the curvature two straight lines 8, which intersect in the air outflow opening 6. In the exemplary embodiment, the curvature 7 is circular and coaxial with the first pivot axis 4, but the curvature 7 can also have another aerodynamic shape for the air flow, such as an elliptical shape (not shown).

[0034] The air divider 3 of the air outflow piece 1 according to the present invention deflects the air from the air inlet channel 2 to the air outflow opening 6 via its air deflection profile, wherein, by pivoting the air divider 3 about the first pivot axis 4 , the air flow can be deflected from the air outflow opening 6 in the circumferential direction of the widened portion 5 .

[0035] In the air dividing piece 3 Figure 1In the neutral position shown in the figure, the air divider 3 divides the air flow from the air inlet channel 2 into two equally large partial air flows, which flow around the air divider 3 on both sides, flow out of the air outlet opening 6 and merge into the outflow air flow before, in or after the air outlet opening 6.

[0036] By deflecting the air divider 3 from the neutral position into the deflected position, the direction of the air outflow 17 from the air outflow element 1 can be changed, and the ratio of the air quantities of the partial air flows flowing around the air divider 3 on both sides can be changed. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the end position shown in FIG, the air divider 3 blocks in each case one of the two partial air flows flowing around it on both sides.

[0037] The air divider 3 of the air outflow piece 1 according to the invention forms an air control element by means of its air deflection contour, with which the air flow from the air outflow piece 1 can be deflected and the proportion of the partial air flows flowing around the air divider 3 on both sides can be controlled.

[0038] At an axial end, the air divider 3 has a terminal wall 9, which is not mandatory for the invention, however. In the exemplary embodiment, the terminal wall 9 with the first pivot axis 4 is a coaxial circular disk.

[0039] In the air inlet channel 2, that is, in front of the air divider 3 along the intended flow direction of the air outlet element 1 according to the present invention, a first air deflector element 11 is arranged at a distance from the air divider 3, pivotable about a second pivot axis 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the first air deflector element 11 is a strip-shaped plate arranged transversely in the air inlet channel 2, although other embodiments of the first air deflector element 11 are possible (not shown). The second pivot axis 10 extends transversely to the air inlet channel 2 and parallel to the first pivot axis 4 in the longitudinal center plane 18 of the air inlet channel 2. In the intended flow direction, air flows through the air inlet channel 2 into the widening 5 and into the air divider 3, and out through the air outlet opening 6.

[0040] The first air-deflecting element 11 is drive-connected to the air divider 3 in such a way that it pivots together with the air divider 3 and preferably in the opposite direction to the air divider 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the first air-deflecting element 11 has a friction wheel 12 at its end, which rolls on the end wall 9 of the air divider 3 in such a way that the first air-deflecting element 11 pivots together with the air divider 3 in the opposite direction to the air divider 3.

[0041] For the drive connection of the first air-deflecting element 11 to the air divider 3 , the first air-deflecting element 11 can also have a gear instead of the friction wheel 12 , which meshes with a toothing on the circumference of the end wall 9 of the air divider 3 (not shown).

[0042] As a further embodiment for the drive connection of the first air deflecting element 11 to the air divider 3, Figure 4 The belt drive 13 is shown and Figure 5 A journal projecting laterally from the first air-deflecting element 11 is shown, which engages in a radial elongated hole 14 in the terminal wall 9 of the air divider 3 .

[0043] By pivoting the first air-deflecting element 11, the air flowing from the air inlet channel 2 to the air divider 3 is deflected transversely to an imaginary plane connecting the two pivot axes 4, 10 (in the exemplary embodiment, transversely to the longitudinal center plane 18 of the air inlet channel 2). The air deflection by the first air-deflecting element 11, which is arranged in the throughflow direction in front of the air divider 3, and by the air divider 3, which is designed as an air control element by its air-deflecting contour, improves the air deflection of the air outflow element 1 according to the present invention.

[0044] In order to be able to deflect the air outflow 17 from the air outflow element 1 in the second dimension, plates are arranged on the outside of the air divider 3, parallel to one another and opposite one another, as second air-deflecting elements 15. The plates or second air-deflecting elements 15 can be pivoted parallel to one another about a third pivot axis 16 radial to the second pivot axis 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the plates or second air-deflecting elements 15 have an arcuate shape adapted to the shape of the widened portion 5 of the air inlet channel 2.

[0045] The first air-deflecting element 11 is arranged at such a distance from the air divider 3 that the second air-deflecting elements 15 arranged opposite each other on the outside of the air divider 3 do not collide with the first air-deflecting element 11 during a pivoting of the air divider 3 .

[0046] In the case of the air outlet element 1 according to the invention Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the air outflow opening 6 is arranged at the periphery of the widened portion 5 opposite the air inlet channel 2 in such a way that in the neutral position of the air divider 3, the air flows out of the air outflow piece 1 in a straight extension relative to the air inlet channel 2. Figure 6 The air outflow piece 1 is constructed identically to the Figures 1 to 3 The air outflow piece 1 operates in the same manner so that for the purpose of explanation Figure 6 Can refer to Figures 1 to 3 The above explanation.

[0047] The air outflow element 1 according to the present invention is designed to be installed in an A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar of a motor vehicle (not shown), wherein an air deflection duct 2 is arranged longitudinally in the A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar, and a widening 5 in which an air divider 3 is located is arranged in the A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar. Air flowing through the air inlet duct 2 into the widening 5 and into the air divider 3 flows out into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle after being deflected by the first air deflection element 11 and by the air divider 3. The direction of the air outflow 17 into the passenger compartment can be deflected two-dimensionally by pivoting the first air deflection element 11 about the second pivot axis 10 and the air divider 3 about the first pivot axis 4, and by pivoting the plate forming the second air deflection element 15.

[0048] Instead of being located in an A-, B-, or C-pillar, the air outflow element 1 according to the present invention can also be arranged, for example, on a vehicle roof, a door lining, or another interior lining of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (not shown). A vehicle roof, also known as a roof, is the interior lining of the body of a motor vehicle beneath the vehicle roof. In principle, the air outflow element 1 according to the present invention can be arranged in confined installation spaces that require an outflow at an angle relative to the inflow.

[0049] List of reference numerals:

[0050] 1 Air outflow piece

[0051] 2 Air inflow channel

[0052] 3 air partitions

[0053] 4First pivot axis

[0054] 5. Wider section

[0055] 6 air outflow openings

[0056] 7 Arch

[0057] 8 straight lines

[0058] 9Terminal Wall

[0059] 10 Second pivot axis

[0060] 11 First air deflecting element

[0061] 12 friction wheels

[0062] 13 belt drive

[0063] 14 long holes

[0064] 15 Second air deflecting element

[0065] 16 third pivot axis

[0066] 17 Air outflow

[0067] 18 longitudinal center plane

Claims

1. An air outflow element (1) having an air dividing element (3) and an air inlet channel (2), wherein: The air inlet channel (2) has an inner channel wall that limits the air flow and a geometric longitudinal center plane (18), and the air divider (3) is arranged in the air inlet channel (2), wherein the air divider (3) divides the air flow from the air inlet channel (2) into two partial air flows, which flow around the entire air divider (3) on both sides and completely, wherein the air divider (3) can be pivoted around a first pivot axis (4), characterized in that the air divider (3) is constructed as an air control element, which divides the entire air flow from the air inlet channel (2) in a neutral position into two equally large partial air flows, which flow around the air divider (3) on both sides, wherein the air divider (3) is pivoted around a first pivot axis (4). The pivot axis (4) pivots from a neutral position to a deflected position, dividing the air flow from the air inlet channel (2) into partial air flows of different sizes, which flow around the air divider (3) on both sides. The air outflow member (1) has a first air deflecting element (11), which is arranged in the air inlet channel (2) in front of the air divider (3) at a distance relative to the air divider (3) along the through-flow direction of the air outflow member (1), wherein the first air deflecting element (11) can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (10) so that the first air deflecting element (11) deflects the air flow through the air inlet channel (2) laterally relative to the surface connecting the two pivot axes (4, 10) by pivoting about the second pivot axis (10).

2. The air outflow piece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first air deflecting element (11) and the air dividing element (3) are drive-connected in such a way that they are pivotable together with one another and preferably in opposite directions relative to one another.

3. The air outflow piece (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air divider (3) has a particularly symmetrical air deflection contour.

4. The air outflow piece (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The cross section of the air divider (3) has, in particular on the flow side, an arch (7), in particular an elliptical or circular arch (7), which extends over a range of more than 180° and two lines extending outward from the arch (7) intersect at a point which has a greater radial distance from the second pivot axis (10) than the arch (7).

5. Air outflow element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air outflow element (1) has an air outflow (17) at an angle of approximately 90°, approximately 30°, approximately 45°, approximately 60°, approximately 120°, approximately 135° or approximately 150° relative to the longitudinal center plane (18) or relative to the inflow through the air inflow channel (2) in the neutral position of the air divider (3).

6. The air outflow piece (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that By pivoting the air divider (3) and / or the first air deflecting element (11), the angle of the air outflow (17) from the air outflow piece (1) can preferably be adjusted in two directions up to approximately 30°, up to approximately 45° or up to approximately 60°.

7. Air outflow element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air inlet channel (2) is essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal center plane (18), and / or the first pivot axis (4) of the air divider (3) and / or the second pivot axis (10) of the first air deflecting element (11) are located in the longitudinal center plane (18) of the air inlet channel (2).

8. Air outflow element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air outflow piece (1) has an air outflow opening (6) fixed relative to the air inflow channel (2).

9. Air outflow element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air outflow element (1) has second air deflecting elements (15) which are arranged on the outside of the air divider (3) opposite one another and by means of which the partial air flows can be deflected obliquely on both sides of the air divider (3) relative to a radial plane of a first pivot axis (4) of the air divider (3).

10. The air outflow piece (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The second air deflecting element (15) has an outer shape that corresponds to a cross section of the air deflecting channel (2) in a region surrounding the air divider (3) in a radial plane relative to a first pivot axis (4) of the air divider (3).

11. Air outflow piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The air inlet channel (2) has a cylindrical tubular widening portion (5), and the air divider (3) is arranged coaxially with the widening portion (5) and rotatable about a first pivot axis (4) in the form of an air control element having a partially circular outer surface, wherein the air divider (3) divides the air flow from the entire air inlet channel (2) into two equally large partial air flows in a neutral position with the partially circular outer surface pointing upstream, and the partial air flows flow around the air divider (3) on both sides, wherein the air divider (3) changes only one of the two divided partial air flows by pivoting about the first pivot axis (4) from the neutral position to the deviated position.

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