Device for controlling the flow of air, in particular for the front end of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for controlling airflow, particularly for the front end of a motor vehicle, wherein the device includes one or more directional flaps (14) for regulating airflow through the device, wherein the device includes a light emitter (20) arranged to emit light from the one or more flaps (14), wherein the emitter (20) includes at least one light source (22) powered by an electric current and capable of emitting a light beam, and wherein the one or more light sources (22) are movable together with the flaps (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for controlling airflow, particularly for the front end of a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In this field, front ends of motor vehicles including radiator grilles are known, which allow passageways for airflow under the vehicle's hood while still blocking potentially hazardous projectiles such as pebbles or gravel. It is also known to provide the front end with means for controlling the airflow, enabling the opening or closing of the passageways, or even more precisely, the control of the flow rate.

[0003] Against this backdrop, devices comprising a frame and a set of directional blades, the blades being rotatably hinged to the frame, have been proposed for altering the flow rate of the airflow through the device according to the angular orientation of the blades. It has also been proposed to illuminate such devices to enhance their appearance and / or functionality.

[0004] However, an optical coupling must be established between the articulated blades and the light source located on the frame in order to have blades that provide a luminous appearance. This connection presents many difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and for this purpose, to provide a device for controlling airflow, particularly for the front end of a motor vehicle, the device comprising one or more directional baffles for changing the flow rate of the airflow passing through the device, the device comprising a light emitter for emitting light from the one or more baffles, the emitter comprising at least one light source powered by an electric current and capable of emitting a light beam, the one or more light sources being movable together with the baffles.

[0006] Providing the one or more light sources directly at the one or more baffles means that there is no longer a need to manage light transmission with a fixed light source.

[0007] According to the various additional features of the invention, they can be used together or individually in any technically feasible combination and form many embodiments of the invention:

[0008] -The one or more light sources include light-emitting diodes.

[0009] - Each of the baffles includes a plurality of the light sources.

[0010] - The light source is uniformly distributed along the baffle or each of the baffles.

[0011] -The one or more baffles include a body having a through opening for light.

[0012] -The body defines a recess for the one or more sources.

[0013] - The one or more baffles include an outer lens arranged across the opening such that light passes through the outer lens.

[0014] The outer lens is formed by a diffuser to homogenize the light emitted from the one or more beams emitted by the one or more baffles.

[0015] -The one or more light sources are located between the main body and the outer lens.

[0016] - The one or more light sources are held at a distance from the outer lens.

[0017] - The one or more light sources are fixed to the support member.

[0018] -The one or more light sources are adhesively bonded to the support member.

[0019] -The supporting member includes a support bar.

[0020] -The support bar is rigid.

[0021] - The one or more baffles include a first power supply circuit for the one or more light sources.

[0022] - The support bar includes the first power supply circuit.

[0023] --The device includes a frame having at least one channel in the flow direction for the flow.

[0024] - The framework includes a second power supply circuit for the one or more first circuits.

[0025] - The one or more baffles include flexible wires that electrically connect the one or more first circuits to the second power supply circuit.

[0026] - The baffle is configured to change the flow rate of the airflow through the channel.

[0027] The baffle is hinged to rotate around a corresponding axis of rotation, and the airflow flows through the device according to the angle orientation of the baffle.

[0028] The flexible wire travels along the rotation axis of the corresponding baffle to connect to the second circuit.

[0029] - The one or more baffles, particularly the main body, have hinge pins with through holes for the flexible conductors.

[0030] - The pin extends axially along the axis of rotation.

[0031] - The device includes the outer lens abutting against the adjacent portion of the main body.

[0032] -The one or more baffles also include a seal between the body and the outer lens.

[0033] - The device is configured such that the adjacent portion can compress the seal.

[0034] The outer lens is fixed to the main body along the snap-fit ​​direction by a snap-fit ​​device to provide the adjacent portion.

[0035] - The body includes a connector defining the opening and a cover attached to the connector.

[0036] - The cover clip engages with the connector.

[0037] The outer lens is sandwiched between the connector and the cover, such that the adjacent portion abuts against the inner surface of the connector.

[0038] The seal is located between the cover and the outer lens.

[0039] - The cover has a base plate and a lateral side extending from the base plate parallel to the snap-fit ​​direction.

[0040] --At least one of the lateral sides is provided with a snap-fit ​​hook.

[0041] - The connector has a skirt that extends substantially parallel to the snap-fit ​​direction.

[0042] - The skirt portion is provided with an opening for inserting the hook.

[0043] - The seal is sandwiched between the free edge on the lateral side and the inner surface of the outer lens.

[0044] - The body defines a shoulder surrounding the recess, the shoulder defining a contact surface for the support.

[0045] - The body has two opposing parallel longitudinal edges that define surfaces for the adjacent portions.

[0046] - The seal is located around the periphery of the recess.

[0047] -The seal is annular.

[0048] - The seal is attached.

[0049] - The support bar is attached to the main body.

[0050] - The support bar is mechanically fixed to the main body.

[0051] - The support bar is fastened to the main body.

[0052] The present invention also relates to a vehicle front end including a device of this type. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention will be better understood through the following detailed illustrative description of at least one embodiment thereof, and other objects, details, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer. This description is provided by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a device for controlling airflow according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 2 It schematically shows the following based on Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the baffle of the device.

[0056] Figure 3 The diagram schematically shows a perspective view of the cross-section through the baffle in the previous figure during assembly.

[0057] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a baffle for controlling airflow according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view schematically illustrates a third embodiment of a baffle for controlling airflow according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] First, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used below are only used to distinguish the components under discussion from one another and do not indicate any order or potential importance of the components.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention relates to a device for controlling airflow. It is particularly intended for mounting in the front end of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle. The front end may be configured such that the device is positioned behind the vehicle's radiator grille.

[0061] The illustrated device advantageously includes a frame 2 having at least one channel 4 for the flow in the flow direction (denoted as X), which, where appropriate, is intended to correspond to the direction of movement of the vehicle on which the device is mounted. The flow direction is indicated by the direction of the arrow. It is intended to flow in the direction opposite to the direction of vehicle movement.

[0062] The device also includes one or more directional baffles 14 for controlling the flow of the airflow through the one or more channels 4.

[0063] In the example shown, there are two channels 4, each channel 4 having a plurality of baffles 14. In this case, there are three baffles 14 in the channel or in each of the channels. The channels 4 are positioned adjacent to each other, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction X. In this case, the frame 2 also includes a central window 5 for airflow passage, without any directional baffles.

[0064] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the baffle 14 is advantageously rotatably hinged, for example, about a corresponding axis of rotation 16, and the airflow flows through the device according to the angular orientation of the baffle. More specifically, the rotation of the baffle allows the flow cross-section of the airflow through the one or more channels 4 to be changed according to the angular orientation of the baffle 14.

[0065] The device includes a light emitter 20 for emitting light from the one or more baffles 14. In this way, the device makes it possible to present a luminous appearance to anyone viewing it, and this appearance can also vary depending on the orientation of the baffles 14, thus it can have functional and / or aesthetic utility. The emitter 20 includes at least one light source 22 that is powered by an electric current and capable of emitting a light beam.

[0066] According to the present invention, the one or more light sources 22 are movable together with the baffle. In other words, the one or more light sources form part of the baffle 14 and are located on the baffle 14. Therefore, it is not necessary to manage light transmission with a fixed light source connected to the frame 2.

[0067] Specifically, the light beams emitted by each of the diodes have the same color. In a variation, they have different colors, for example, a different color for each baffle. Other color configurations are, of course, possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] In this configuration, each of the baffles 14 includes a plurality of the light sources 22. They are advantageously evenly distributed along the baffle or each of the baffles 14.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 14 defines a recess 18 for receiving one or more light sources 22. In this case and for this purpose, the baffle 14 includes a body 24 having a through opening 26 for light. The body 24 has an elongated configuration along a rotation axis 16 of the baffle 14. The body 24 and / or the opening 26 are, for example, substantially rectangular. The body 24 is provided with hinged side plates 28, which in this case are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the body 24.

[0070] The hinged side plate 28 is provided, for example, with a pin 30 for rotational hinge. The hinge pin 30 extends axially along the rotation axis 16. In this case, the hinged side plate 28 is also provided with a post 32 for rotational drive, which is located at a radial distance from the hinge pin 30.

[0071] The device also includes one or more actuators 34 (in) Figure 1 (See figure), for moving baffles 14 according to a desired orientation. They are configured to move the drive column 32 directly and / or via an intermediate link member (not visible in the figure) to rotate the baffles 14 about their axis of rotation 16.

[0072] The one or more baffles 14 include an outer lens 36 arranged across the opening 26, allowing light from the emitter 20 to pass through it. The "outer lens" is not a reflective component, but rather a member made of a light-permeable material, as in vehicle optics systems. In one particular embodiment, the outer lens is replaced by a translucent cover.

[0073] Advantageously, the outer lens 36 is formed of a diffuser to homogenize the light emitted from the one or more beams of light emitted by the one or more baffles 14. In other words, the outer lens is configured such that the luminous appearance projected by the baffle or each baffle is substantially uniform over its entire surface area. In other words, the outer lens is configured such that the more or less point-by-point appearance of the beam of light emitted by one of the light sources is softened. For this purpose, the outer lens 36 is made of, for example, a material that allows light to diffuse within the thickness of the outer lens 36, so as to scatter the beam of light from the one or more light sources 22 between one surface of the outer lens 36 that receives the beam and the opposite surface that emits the light outward.

[0074] The one or more light sources 22 are located, for example, between the main body 24 and the outer lens 36. The one or more light sources 22 are preferably positioned at a certain distance from the outer lens 36.

[0075] According to the illustrated embodiment, the one or more light sources 22 are fixed to a support member, specifically a support strip 38. The support strip 38 is located in the recess 18.

[0076] The support bar 38 is advantageously rigid. It may in particular be a printed circuit board to which the light-emitting diodes are fixed and electrically connected. The one or more light sources 22 are, for example, adhesively attached to the support member.

[0077] More broadly, the one or more baffles 14 include a first power supply circuit for the one or more light sources 22. The support bar 38 includes the first power supply circuit.

[0078] The frame 2 includes a second power supply circuit for the one or more first circuits. The second circuit is connected to a current supply source and / or an electronic controller for controlling the power supply to the light sources 22 to turn them on or off according to selected input parameters.

[0079] To electrically connect the one or more first circuits to the second power supply circuit, the one or more baffles include wires 40 electrically connecting them. The wire 40 is connected to the support bar 38 at one longitudinal end. In this case, it passes along the axis of rotation 16 of the corresponding baffle to connect to the second circuit. The wire 40 is advantageously flexible to withstand torsion corresponding to the angular movement of the one or more baffles 14. It should be noted in this respect that the angular movement of the baffle 14 is a back-and-forth movement between two opposing end-of-stroke positions (one closed position and the other open position), which allows for continuous torsion and de-torsion of the wire 40.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge pin 30 has a through hole 42 for the wire 40. The hole is preferably sealed to prevent moisture from seeping into the recess 18.

[0081] Preferably, the device includes an outer lens 36 abutting against an adjacent portion of the body 24. In this case, the outer lens 36 is fixed to the body 24 by a form-fit engagement, particularly by a snap-fit ​​engagement in the snap-fit ​​direction. Another specific embodiment proposes that the outer lens 36 is fixed to the body 24 by an adhesive bonding.

[0082] The one or more baffles 14 also include a seal 44 between the body 24 and the outer lens 36. The device is preferably configured such that the abutment allows the seal 44 to be compressed. This helps to seal the recess 18. A particular example suggests that the seal comprises silicone resin.

[0083] according to Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the body 24 includes a connector 50 defining the opening 26 and a cover 52 attached to the connector 50. The cover 52 can snap-fit ​​onto the connector 50, particularly in the snap-fit ​​direction. The recess 18 is defined by the cover 52 and is closed by the connector 50 in combination with the outer lens 36.

[0084] More specifically, in this case, such as from Figure 3 As will become clearer, the outer lens 36 is sandwiched between the connector 50 and the cover 52, and the outer lens 36 abuts against the adjacent portion of the body 24 against the inner surface 54 of the connector 50. The seal 44 is located between the cover 52 and the outer lens 36 and is compressed between them. Therefore, the outer lens 36 is not directly between the connector 50 and the cover 52, but rather between the connector 50 and the seal 44.

[0085] The hinged side plate 28 is located on the connector 50 at two opposite longitudinal ends of the connector 50.

[0086] The cover 52 has, for example, a base plate 58 and lateral sides 60 extending from the base plate parallel to the snap-fit ​​direction. At least one or all of the lateral sides 60 of the cover 52 are provided with snap-fit ​​hooks 62 (see...). Figure 2 Hooks 62 are preferably evenly distributed along the free edge 64 of the cover 52, and more specifically, evenly distributed along the free edge 64 of the lateral side 60.

[0087] The connector 50 has a skirt 66 extending substantially parallel to the snap-fit ​​direction. The skirt 66 is provided with an opening 67 for inserting the hook 62.

[0088] The outer lens 36 is advantageously flat. The snap-fit ​​direction is, for example, substantially perpendicular to the outer lens 36.

[0089] The seal 44 is sandwiched between the free edge 64 of the lateral side 60 and the inner surface 68 of the outer lens 36. It is annular and / or located around the periphery of the recess 18. The seal 44 and the opening 26 are concentric. The seal 44 is attached. In other words, it is independent of the body 24 and the outer lens 36.

[0090] according to Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the body 24 is manufactured as a single piece. The recess 18 has its cavity within the body 24. The body 24 defines a first shoulder 70 surrounding the recess 18 in the top portion of the recess 18. The first shoulder 70 defines a contact surface for the abutment according to the invention. In this case, it has an annular bottom wall 72 defining the contact surface and sidewalls 74 extending from the bottom wall 72.

[0091] The outer lens 36 is configured to abut against the first shoulder 70 via the periphery of its inner surface 68. The latter is advantageously flat. The snap-fit ​​direction is, for example, substantially perpendicular to the outer lens 36.

[0092] The outer lens 36 is secured to the body 24 by a form-fit engagement, for example, through a snap-fit ​​engagement of a tab 76 integrally formed with the peripheral edge of the outer lens 36 and a flexible blade 78 disposed in a groove on the body 24. The blade 78 and the groove are positioned along a sidewall 74, which is advantageously arranged parallel to the snap-fit ​​direction. The blade 78 is configured to bend under the action of the tab 76 during the installation process to enable the snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0093] The seal 44 is positioned in a second shoulder formed in the bottom wall 72 of the first shoulder 70. The seal 44 is annular and / or located around the periphery of the top portion of the recess 18. The seal 44 and the opening 26 are concentric. The seal 44 is attached. In other words, it is independent of the body 24 and the outer lens 36.

[0094] according to Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the body 24 is again manufactured as a single piece. The recess 18 is formed, for example, by the mating shape of the body 24 and the outer lens 36. For this purpose, the outer lens 36 is arranged in a curved form. In this case, it has two transverse walls 82 located at its opposite longitudinal ends, and / or its ends intended to mate with the hinged side plates 28 of the body 24 by facing each other, thereby forming a sealing contact where appropriate.

[0095] The body 24 has two opposing first parallel longitudinal edges 84. In this case, they connect to the hinged side plate 28. The first edges 84 define the surface for the abutment portion according to the invention.

[0096] The outer lens 36 has two opposing second parallel longitudinal edges 86. They connect to the transverse wall 82. The second edges 86 are designed to support the first edge 84.

[0097] The body 24 and the outer lens 36 have grooves and mounting ribs at their first edge 84 and second edge 86, in this case, they are one piece. The mounting ribs are received in the grooves, for example by snap-fit ​​in the snap-fit ​​direction, and / or by press-fit, to form a sealing contact where appropriate.

[0098] According to the various embodiments shown, the support bar 38 is attached to the body 24, for example mechanically, particularly by crimping and / or snap-fit, advantageously in the snap-fit ​​direction.

[0099] according to Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the support strip 38 is located within the cover 52. Figure 4 In the embodiment, it is located at the bottom wall 72. Figure 5 In one embodiment, it is located within the body 24 and is positioned between the first edges 84 by being held by a retaining rib 88, which is integral with and / or extends longitudinally from the body 24.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling airflow, particularly for the front end of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more directional baffles (14) for altering the flow rate of the airflow through the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a light emitter (20) for emitting light from the one or more baffles (14), the emitter (20) comprising at least one light source (22) powered by an electric current and capable of emitting a light beam, the one or more light sources (22) being movable together with the baffles (14).

2. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The one or more light sources (22) include light-emitting diodes.

3. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more baffles (14) include a body (24) having a through opening (26) for the light, and the one or more baffles also include an outer lens (36) arranged across the opening (26) such that the light passes through the outer lens.

4. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The outer lens (36) is formed by a diffuser to homogenize the light emitted from the one or more beams emitted by the one or more baffles (14), and the one or more light sources (22) are held at a distance from the outer lens (36).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more light sources (22) are fixed to a support member, the support member comprising a support bar (38).

6. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein, The support bar (38) is rigid.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more baffles (14) include a first power supply circuit for the one or more light sources (22), the device includes a frame (2) having at least one channel (4) for the flow in the flow direction (X), the frame (2) includes a second power supply circuit for the one or more first circuits, and the one or more baffles (14) include flexible wires (40) electrically connecting the one or more first circuits to the second power supply circuit.

8. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein, The baffle (14) is rotatably hinged about a corresponding axis of rotation (16), the airflow flows through the device according to the angular orientation of the baffle (14), and the wire (40) travels along the axis of rotation of the corresponding baffle (14) to connect to the second circuit.

9. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein, The one or more baffles (14) have pins (30), particularly the body, the pins (30) being provided with through holes for the wires (40), the hinge pins (30) extending axially along the axis of rotation (16).

10. A vehicle front end, comprising the means according to any one of the preceding claims.

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