Air outlet device for vehicle air conditioning system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an air outlet device for a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle. The air outlet device comprises an air outlet panel and at least one decoration strip. The air outlet panel defines at least one airflow outlet. The trim strip is arranged to extend across the airflow outlet; the trim strip includes at least one reinforcement section extending across the airflow outlet. The strength and the rigidity of the reinforcing section are high, so that when the reinforcing section of the decoration strip is pressed, the decoration strip is not prone to deformation or damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to an air vent device for a vehicle air conditioning system. This application also relates to vehicles including such an air vent device. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles are typically equipped with air conditioning systems. Air vents for these systems are located within the passenger compartment, for example, on the dashboard, to direct airflow from the air conditioning system into the passenger compartment. Patent document US3703141A discloses an air vent device for a vehicle air conditioning system. This air vent device includes flexible blades for deflecting airflow, perforations for airflow passage, and multiple fins or tubular guide vanes extending substantially perpendicular to the blades.

[0003] Typically, air vent devices also include a decorative strip positioned at the airflow outlet, extending across it. However, the decorative strip is usually made of plastic and lacks support within the airflow outlet area, making the section of the strip prone to deformation or damage under pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of this application provides an air vent device for a vehicle air conditioning system. The air vent device includes an air vent panel defining at least one airflow outlet; and at least one decorative strip extending across the airflow outlet; the decorative strip includes at least one reinforcing section extending across the airflow outlet.

[0005] In one embodiment, the decorative strip includes: a body having an internal cavity that extends longitudinally across an airflow outlet; and a reinforcement fixedly disposed within the cavity to form a reinforcing section.

[0006] In one embodiment, the receiving cavity has an opening extending along the longitudinal direction of the decorative strip, and the reinforcement is adapted to be installed into the receiving cavity through the opening.

[0007] In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied inside the receiving cavity, and the reinforcement is bonded to the body by the adhesive.

[0008] In one embodiment, both ends of the main body are fixedly connected to the air outlet panel; each end of the reinforcing member is spaced apart from the corresponding end of the main body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reinforcement is made of metal and the body is made of plastic.

[0010] In one embodiment, the vent panel defines at least two airflow outlets; the vent panel also includes a trim panel disposed between the two airflow outlets; the trim strip includes at least two reinforcing segments spaced apart from each other; each reinforcing segment extends across a corresponding airflow outlet; the trim strip also includes a connecting segment between the two reinforcing segments, the connecting segment being fixedly connected to the trim panel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting segment is configured with at least one insert extending toward the trim panel; at least one slot is provided on the trim panel, the insert being adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air outlet device further includes a grille disposed at the airflow outlet; a decorative strip is located downstream of the grille along the direction of the airflow flowing out of the airflow outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, the trim strip is spaced apart from the grille, making the grille adaptable to rotate relative to the air vent panel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the circumferential surface of the decorative strip is provided with an arcuate groove facing the grille; the arcuate groove extends along the longitudinal direction of the decorative strip and matches the edge of the corresponding grille strip of the grille.

[0015] A second aspect of this application discloses a vehicle. The vehicle includes an air outlet device for a vehicle air conditioning system as described above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In the air outlet device of this application, the decorative strip includes a reinforcing section corresponding to the airflow outlet. The reinforcing section has high strength and rigidity, thus it is not easily deformed or damaged when the reinforcing section of the decorative strip is subjected to pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] With the aid of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of this application, the present application will be further described in a detailed description following with reference to several accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 A vehicle according to one embodiment of this application is schematically shown.

[0019] Figure 2 An air outlet device for a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown.

[0020] Figure 3 The decorative strip is shown schematically.

[0021] Figure 4 A portion of the reinforced section of the decorative strip is shown schematically.

[0022] Figure 5 It schematically shows a part of the subject.

[0023] Figure 6 The reinforcement is shown schematically.

[0024] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the connection between the decorative strip and the trim panel.

[0025] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the decorative strip and the grille.

[0026] List of reference numerals

[0027] 1 vehicle

[0028] 11 Instrument panel 12 Passenger compartment

[0029] 2. Air outlet device

[0030] 3 air outlet panels

[0031] 31 Airflow outlet 32 ​​Decorative panel

[0032] 33-pin connector

[0033] 4 decorative strips

[0034] 401 Reinforced Section 402 Connecting Section

[0035] 403 insert rod, 404 arc groove

[0036] 41 main body

[0037] 411 Receiving cavity 412 Opening

[0038] 42 Reinforcing Components

[0039] 5 grilles

[0040] 51. Grille bar; 52. Guide vane

[0041] 53 wrench

[0042] L-shaped decorative strip, longitudinal direction; A-shaped airflow direction. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Figure 1A vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle air conditioning system (not shown). An air vent device 2 for the vehicle air conditioning system is provided on the dashboard 11 of the vehicle 1. Thus, air from the vehicle air conditioning system can be blown into the passenger compartment 12 through the air vent device 2 to provide a comfortable interior environment for the occupants. It should be understood that the air vent device 2 can also be provided in other locations on the vehicle 1, such as on the side panel of the vehicle 1, which will not be described further here.

[0045] The air outlet device 2 will now be described.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the air outlet device 2 includes an air outlet panel 3 and a decorative strip 4 installed on the air outlet panel 3.

[0047] The air vent panel 3 defines two airflow outlets 31, both of which are used to direct airflow from the vehicle's air conditioning system. The two airflow outlets 31 are spaced apart from each other.

[0048] The decorative strip 4 is configured to extend across the two airflow outlets 31 to decorate the air outlet device 2 and the two airflow outlets 31. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the air outlet panel may also be configured to define only one airflow outlet, and the decorative strip may extend only across that one airflow outlet; of course, the air outlet panel may also define three or more airflow outlets, and a decorative strip may extend across these airflow outlets, or it may extend only across a portion of the airflow outlets, which will not be elaborated here.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the decorative strip 4 includes two reinforcing sections 401, and each reinforcing section 401 extends across a corresponding airflow outlet 31. The reinforcing sections 401 have high strength and rigidity, so when the reinforcing sections 401 of the decorative strip 4 are subjected to pressure (e.g., when a user's hand or an object in the external environment presses on the airflow outlet 31), the reinforcing sections 401 of the decorative strip 4 can resist the pressure and are not easily deformed or damaged.

[0050] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the decorative strip 4 has a shiny coating (e.g., a chrome plating). This gives the decorative strip 4 a shiny appearance overall, which helps to improve its decorative effect.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the decorative strip 4 includes a main body 41 and a reinforcing member 42 mounted on the main body 41. Specifically, the main body 41 has an internal cavity 411 that extends along the longitudinal direction L (i.e., the length direction of the decorative strip 4) and across the corresponding airflow outlet 31. The reinforcing member 42 is fixedly disposed within the cavity 411. The reinforcing member 42 has high strength and rigidity and good compressive strength. Therefore, the reinforcing member 42 and the section of the main body 41 with the cavity 411 together form the reinforcing section 401 of the decorative strip 4. Furthermore, according to this structure, the main body 41 and the reinforcing member 42 can be molded independently and then assembled together. In this way, the main body 41 and the reinforcing member 42 can be manufactured from appropriate materials according to actual needs, which helps to simplify the manufacturing of the decorative strip 4 and reduce costs.

[0052] In one embodiment, the body 41 may be made of plastic, such as PC-ABS plastic. This type of plastic is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further here. The reinforcing member 42 may be made of a metal with high strength and rigidity, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

[0053] In other embodiments, the reinforcing section may also be manufactured in other ways. For example, the thickness of the reinforcing section may be increased to improve its compressive strength.

[0054] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 42 is manufactured as a cylindrical rod (e.g. Figure 6 (As shown). The shape of the receiving cavity 411 matches the shape of the reinforcing member 42. This helps to ensure a tight fit between the reinforcing member 42 and the body 41. Additionally, the cylindrical rod can be easily formed by machining, which also helps to simplify the manufacture of the reinforcing member 42. In one embodiment, the diameter of the reinforcing member 42 is between 1.5 mm and 2 mm. This prevents the width of the reinforcing section 401 from being too large, thus avoiding obstructing the airflow from the air outlet 31. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 42 can also be configured in other shapes as needed, such as prismatic rods or tapered rods, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0055] For example Figure 5 As shown, the receiving cavity 411 has an opening 412 extending along the longitudinal direction L of the decorative strip 4. The reinforcing member 42 is installed into the receiving cavity 411 through the opening 412. This helps to reduce the assembly difficulty of the reinforcing member 42 and facilitates the assembly of the decorative strip 4.

[0056] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 42 is configured with a cross-sectional dimension slightly larger than that of the receiving cavity 411. Thus, after the reinforcing member 42 is placed within the receiving cavity 411, it is tightly held by the body 41, i.e., the reinforcing member 42 is pressed and installed within the receiving cavity 411. This helps to stably position the reinforcing member 42 within the receiving cavity 411.

[0057] An adhesive can also be applied inside the receiving cavity 411, thereby bonding the reinforcement 42 to the body 41. This helps to make the reinforcement 42 more stable within the receiving cavity 411. The adhesive can be selected according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0058] It should also be understood that the decorative strip 4 is installed on the air outlet panel 3 with an opening 412 facing the interior of the air outlet 31. Thus, the opening 412, the receiving cavity 411, and the reinforcement 42 are almost invisible from inside the passenger compartment 12. This helps improve the aesthetics of the decorative strip 4, and consequently, the aesthetics of the air outlet device 2.

[0059] Both ends of the main body 41 are fixedly connected to the air outlet panel 3. For example, an insertion port (not shown in the figure) is provided on the air outlet panel 3, and both ends of the main body 41 are inserted into the corresponding insertion ports to achieve the fixed installation of the main body 41 (or decorative strip 4) on the air outlet panel 3. In one embodiment, the main body 41 and the air outlet panel 3 are made of the same plastic material, such as PC-ABS plastic, so that both ends of the main body 41 can be welded together with the air outlet panel 3 to make the decorative strip 4 more firmly installed on the air outlet panel 3.

[0060] The two ends of the reinforcing member 42 are spaced apart from the two ends of the main body 41. According to this structure, the length of the reinforcing member 42 is less than the length of the main body 41, which helps reduce the cost of the decorative strip 4. Furthermore, when welding the ends of the main body 41 to the air outlet panel 3, because the ends of the reinforcing member 42 are spaced apart from the corresponding ends of the main body 41, the heat impact on the reinforcing member 42 and the adhesive is minimal. This helps prevent the adhesive's bonding performance from deteriorating due to heat, thus avoiding a decrease in the stability of the bond between the reinforcing member 42 and the main body 41. In one specific embodiment, the distance between the ends of the reinforcing member 42 and the corresponding ends of the main body 41 is between 2 cm and 3 cm. Of course, this distance can be set to other values ​​as needed, and is not limited here.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the air outlet panel 3 also includes a decorative panel 32 disposed between the two airflow outlets 31. Figure 3 As shown, the decorative strip 4 also includes a connecting section 402 located between the two reinforcing sections 401, and the connecting section 402 is fixedly connected to the trim panel 32. In this way, not only are the two ends of the decorative strip 4 fixedly connected to the air outlet panel 3, but the middle section of the decorative strip 4, which is offset from the two air outlets 31 (i.e., the connecting section 402), is also fixedly connected to the air outlet panel 3 (or trim panel 32), which helps to stably install the decorative strip 4 on the air outlet panel 3.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the connecting section 402 is configured with a plurality of inserts 403 extending toward the trim panel 32. For example, these inserts 403 are generally perpendicular to the connecting section 402. Figure 7 As shown, multiple insertion interfaces 33 are provided on the trim panel 32. Each insertion interface 33 corresponds to a insertion rod 403, so that the insertion rod 403 can be inserted into the corresponding insertion interface 33, thereby connecting the trim strip 4 to the trim panel 32.

[0063] like Figure 8 As shown, the air outlet device 2 also includes a grille 5 disposed at each airflow outlet 31. Along the direction A of the airflow flowing out of the airflow outlet 31, the decorative strip 4 is located downstream of the grille 5. The grille 5 can prevent debris from the external environment from entering the interior of the airflow outlet 31, thereby protecting the components disposed within the airflow outlet 31 (e.g., guide vanes 52, etc.).

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, the trim strip 4 is spaced apart from the grille 5, allowing the grille 5 to rotate relative to the air vent panel 3. This allows the grille 5 to change the direction of the airflow exiting the air outlet 31, improving the passenger experience.

[0065] For example Figure 8 As shown, the circumferential surface of the decorative strip 4 is constructed with an arc-shaped groove 404 facing the grille 5. The arc-shaped groove 404 extends along the longitudinal direction L of the decorative strip 4 and matches the edge of the corresponding grille bar 51 of the grille 5. According to this structure, even when the decorative strip 4 is positioned close to the grille 5, the decorative strip 4 will not enter the rotation path of the grille bar 51, and thus will not affect the rotation of the grille 5. Moreover, this structure helps to reduce the protrusion height of the decorative strip 4 into the passenger compartment 12, thereby helping to reduce the probability of the decorative strip 4 being pressed, and also helps to improve the aesthetics of the air vent device 2.

[0066] In one embodiment, the grille 5 is provided with a wrench 53 extending generally toward the passenger compartment 12. This allows the occupant to adjust the orientation of the grille 5 using the wrench 53, facilitating operation. In this case, the wrench 53 extends toward the passenger compartment 12 past the trim strip 4 and is spaced apart from the trim strip 4. Overall, as... Figure 8 As shown, the trim strip 4 is generally positioned between the wrench 53 and the grille 5, and is spaced apart from both the wrench 53 and the grille 5. This ensures that the trim strip 4 does not interfere with the occupant's ability to adjust the orientation of the grille 5 using the wrench 53.

[0067] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An air outlet device for a vehicle air conditioning system, characterized in that, The air outlet device (2) includes: An air outlet panel (3) defining at least one airflow outlet (31); and At least one decorative strip (4) is configured to extend across the airflow outlet (31); the decorative strip (4) includes at least one reinforcing section (401) that extends across the airflow outlet (31).

2. The air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative strip (4) includes: The main body (41) has an internal structure with a receiving cavity (411) that extends along the longitudinal direction (L) of the decorative strip (4) across the airflow outlet (31); and A reinforcing member (42) is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity (411) to form the reinforcing section (401).

3. The air outlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving cavity (411) has an opening (412) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) of the decorative strip (4), and the reinforcing member (42) is adapted to be installed into the receiving cavity (411) through the opening (412).

4. The air outlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, An adhesive is applied inside the receiving cavity (411), and the reinforcing member (42) is bonded to the body (41) by the adhesive.

5. The air outlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the main body (41) are fixedly connected to the air outlet panel (3); each end of the reinforcing member (42) is spaced apart from the corresponding end of the main body (41).

6. The air outlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reinforcing member (42) is made of metal, and the body (41) is made of plastic.

7. The air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet panel (3) defines at least two of the airflow outlets (31); the air outlet panel (3) also includes a decorative panel (32) disposed between the two airflow outlets (31); The decorative strip (4) includes at least two reinforcing segments (401) spaced apart from each other; each reinforcing segment (401) extends across the corresponding airflow outlet (31); The decorative strip (4) also includes a connecting section (402) located between the two reinforcing sections (401), the connecting section (402) being fixedly connected to the decorative panel (32).

8. The air outlet device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting section (402) is configured with at least one insert (403) extending toward the trim panel (32); At least one slot (33) is provided on the trim panel (32), and the insert (403) is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slot (33).

9. The air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet device (2) further includes a grille (5) disposed at the airflow outlet (31); along the direction (A) of the airflow flowing out from the airflow outlet (31), the decorative strip (4) is located downstream of the grille (5).

10. The air outlet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The decorative strip (4) is spaced apart from the grille (5) so that the grille (5) is adapted to rotate relative to the air outlet panel (3).

11. The air outlet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The circumferential surface of the decorative strip (4) is provided with an arcuate groove (404) facing the grille (5); the arcuate groove (404) extends along the longitudinal direction (L) of the decorative strip (4) and matches the edge of the corresponding grille strip (51) of the grille (5).

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle (1) includes an air outlet device (2) for a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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