Airflow device for ventilating a motor vehicle

Abstract

Airflow device (1) for ventilating a motor vehicle, comprising at least one passenger air outlet and at least one flap element (2) for selectively influencing an airflow within the passenger air outlet, wherein the flap element (2) is arranged within a flow cross-section of a flow channel system (5) and divides the flow cross-section into at least two flow paths (25), and wherein the flap element (2) is at least partially flexible and is deformable by means of at least one shape memory element (3) arranged on and / or in the flap element (2). characterized by that at least one shape memory element (3) is arranged on both sides of a central plane (12) of the flap element (2), so that the flap element (2) can be selectively bent in two directions from a rest position and that an airflow in the passenger air intake can be selectively deflected by means of the flap element (2) and that by deformation of the flap element (2) a flow path (25) can be at least partially closed and / or opened, and that the flap element (2) is designed as at least one wall section (32) of the flow channel system (5) and is firmly integrated into a wall of the flow channel system (5). and that the shape memory element (3) is injected into and / or overmolded by a material of the flap element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an airflow device for ventilating a motor vehicle and comprises at least one flap element for selectively influencing an airflow.

[0002] For targeted ventilation of the passenger compartment of motor vehicles, the air ducts are usually opened or closed by flaps, or the air is redirected into specific channels. For this purpose, the flaps are generally mounted to pivot within the duct and connected to a drive mechanism via a corresponding system. The drive is typically electrically operated, usually an electric motor.

[0003] A generic device is shown in DE 10 2016 118 076 A1. There, a tubular shell is provided as a flap, the cross-section of which can be changed by means of a shape-memory material arranged inside the cross-section. From DE 10 2015 111 908 A1, a flap with two flap elements connected by a flexible joint and each rotatably mounted about an axis is known. A drive element with shape-memory properties rotates the flap elements about their respective axes.

[0004] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for controlling airflow for the ventilation of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the solution should be simpler and, in particular, more cost-effective, and preferably also less prone to failure and, for example, implementable with fewer components.

[0005] This problem is solved by an airflow device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0006] The airflow device according to the invention serves to ventilate a motor vehicle and, in particular, at least the passenger compartment. The airflow device comprises at least one flap element for selectively influencing an airflow, especially one intended for ventilation. The flap element is at least partially flexible. The flap element is deformable, and preferably elastically deformable, by means of at least one shape memory element arranged on and / or in the flap element. At least one shape memory element is arranged on each side of a central plane of the flap element, so that the flap element can be selectively bent in two directions from a rest position.

[0007] The airflow device according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the flexible flap element, which can be precisely deformed by means of the shape memory element. This allows for a particularly simple yet highly precise and reliable adjustment of the flap element to influence the airflow. The invention can be implemented in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner. It is also advantageous that the flap element itself is deformed in the invention. Therefore, an often expensive and failure-prone mechanism for power transmission between the flap element and the drive, as well as a pivot bearing for the flap, can be dispensed with.

[0008] Preferably, the flap element is deformable by applying an electric current to the shape memory element. This offers a particularly simple and reliable method of deforming the flap element. The airflow can thus be specifically influenced by applying the current to the shape memory element and the resulting deformation of the flap element. In particular, the shape memory element shortens or shrinks in size due to the current. Specifically, the electric current flows through the shape memory element itself, leading to a change in shape, and especially a shortening. However, it is also possible that the current leads to an elongation or stretching of the shape memory element. In particular, the shape memory element is electrically conductive. It is possible that the shape memory element can be heated by the current. This is particularly advantageous for a thermally modifiable or deformable shape memory element.

[0009] In particular, the shape memory element is suitable and designed to deform and, in particular, bend the flap element under the influence of an electric current. Specifically, the shape memory element is arranged in and / or on the flap element such that the flap element follows the deformation of the shape memory element and is deformed together with it. It is possible for the shape memory element to return to its rest position or initial position on its own and / or through a force provided by the flap element without an electric current. Without an electric current, the shape memory element, in particular, stretches or increases in size again. However, it is also possible for the shape memory element to shorten or shrink without an electric current.

[0010] The shape memory element is, in particular, a shape memory alloy or comprises at least one such alloy. The shape memory element can also be referred to as a shape memory metal or comprise one. The shape memory element is, in particular, an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) or comprises at least one such alloy. Other types of shape memory materials are also possible.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one shape memory element is arranged on both sides of a central plane of the flap element. This has the advantage that the flap element can be selectively bent in two directions from a rest position. Thus, several different air control functions are possible with just one flap element. In particular, the flap element can be bent in a first direction by applying an electric current to the at least one shape memory element. In particular, the flap element can be bent in a different direction by applying an electric current to the at least one other shape memory element.

[0012] In particular, at least one shape memory element is arranged on and / or in the flap element on both sides of the central plane. In particular, the flap element is arranged between at least two shape memory elements. In particular, the shape memory elements are arranged outside a central plane or off-center. If embodiments of the shape memory element are described below, these embodiments are provided specifically for the at least two shape memory elements. It is possible that at least one shape memory element is arranged on only one side of a central plane of the flap element.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, for the deformation of the flap element, at least one shape memory element is shortened, particularly by current application, and at least one other shape memory element is stretched. It is also possible that at least one other shape memory element experiences at least partial free movement relative to the flap element and can thereby preferably retain its extent or length to a substantial degree.

[0014] The free movement relative to the flap element is achieved in particular by means of at least one free movement device. In particular, at least one shape memory element is connected to the flap element, at least partially, by means of the free movement device. In particular, at least two shape memory elements are each equipped with such a free movement device. The free movement device allows the non-energized shape memory element to project beyond the flap element. This preferably prevents the non-energized shape memory element from stretching, or only stretches it slightly, when the flap element is bent. In particular, the free movement device locks in the direction of shortening, so that the flap element can be bent by shortening the energized shape memory element.If at least one shape memory element is arranged on both sides of the central plane, it can be provided that the shape memory elements on both sides are equipped with at least one freewheeling device each, or that a freewheeling device is provided only on one side of the central plane.

[0015] It is possible and preferred that the flap element and the at least one shape memory element are connected to each other in a way that is not non-destructively detachable, at least in sections. In particular, the shape memory element is embedded in the material structure of the flap element. This provides a connection and force transmission that is easy to manufacture and reliable. In particular, the shape memory element is bonded to the flap element by a material bond, for example, by adhesive. The shape memory element is particularly attached to the flap element. However, the shape memory element and the flap element can also be detachably connected to each other, and in particular, detachably without damage.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one shape memory element is injection-molded into and / or overmolded with a material of the flap element. Specifically, the shape memory element is injection-molded and / or overmolded during the manufacturing of the flap element. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective production. The material is preferably a plastic. The material is particularly flexible and preferably elastic.

[0017] In all embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the at least one shape memory element comprises at least one wire or is designed as such. In particular, the shape memory element comprises a plurality of wires or is provided by them. A composite of wires can also be provided, for example, a knitted fabric, braid, and / or woven fabric. It is also possible that the shape memory element has a planar configuration and is designed, for example, as a layer, sheet, plate, film, or sheet.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the flap element is designed as or comprises at least one flap. The flap is, in particular, arranged in at least one flow channel system. Within the scope of the present invention, a flap element is preferably understood to mean any suitable flow-guiding element.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the flap element is designed as or comprises at least one wall section of at least one flow channel system. In particular, the wall section is at least partially flexible. The wall section comprises, in particular, at least one (housing) wall. It is possible that the flap element is formed integrally with or integrated into a wall. It is possible that the flap element is formed integrally with at least one section of the flow channel system and, in particular, integrally with or integrated into at least one wall. The flap element designed as a wall section is preferably firmly integrated into the wall of the flow channel system and preferably formed integrally with it.

[0020] In particular, the airflow device comprises at least one flow channel system, especially with several channel sections. The channel section comprises, in particular, at least one flow channel or is part of one. The flow channel system, and in particular the channel sections or flow channels, are surrounded, in particular, by walls. The flap element serves, in particular, to selectively influence the airflow in the flow channel system.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the flap element is preferably deformable by means of the at least one shape memory element such that at least one channel section of a flow channel system can be at least partially closed or opened. It is also preferred and advantageous that the flap element is deformable by means of the at least one shape memory element such that air can be deflected into at least one specific channel section of a flow channel. Preferably, air is directed or deflected into different channel sections of the flow channel system. The channel system is, in particular, the channel system described above. Specifically, the flap element is suitable and designed to at least partially close or open at least one channel section of the flow channel system and / or to direct air into at least one channel section of the flow channel system.

[0022] It is preferred and advantageous that the flap element is arranged within a flow cross-section of a flow channel system. In particular, the flap element divides the flow cross-section into at least two flow paths. Preferably, one flow path can be at least partially closed and / or opened by deformation of the flap element. In such an embodiment, the invention offers a particularly reliable and simple method for dividing or shutting off flows. The flow channel system is, in particular, the flow channel system described above. The flap element can be designed as a wall section. The flow path corresponds, in particular, to a channel section.

[0023] It is possible that the airflow device comprises at least one inlet, also referred to as an outlet, and preferably at least one person inlet, or is designed as such. The flap element then preferably serves to selectively influence an airflow within the outlet and / or an airflow exiting the outlet. In particular, an airflow within the inlet can be selectively deflected and / or at least partially blocked or released by means of the flap element. It is also possible that an airflow at at least one outlet opening of the inlet can be selectively deflected and / or at least partially blocked by means of the flap element.

[0024] The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle equipped with an airflow device according to the invention. The airflow device is preferably designed as described above. Such a motor vehicle offers many advantages, and in particular improved and less complex airflow for air conditioning systems.

[0025] In particular, the shape memory element is arranged outside a median plane or off-center on and / or in the flap element. In particular, the shape memory element is arranged in a boundary plane and / or at an edge of the flap element. In particular, the flap element has at least one flexible section. In particular, the flap element is deformable by means of at least one shape memory element arranged on and / or in the flexible section.

[0026] In particular, the flap element can be selectively deformed by means of the shape memory element. In particular, the flap element is flexible or bendable. In particular, the flap element is made of a flexible and preferably elastic material. In particular, the flap element is bent by the shape memory element in such a way that the median plane also curves. In particular, the flap element is not rigid. In particular, the flap element is not rotated or pivoted about a supported axis of rotation by the shape memory element.

[0027] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] The figures show: Fig. 1 a highly schematic representation of an airflow device according to the invention in a cutaway side view; Fig. 2 the airflow device of the Fig. 1 in a powered or deflected position; Fig. 3. A design of the airflow device in a cutaway side view; Fig. 4 the airflow device of the Fig. 3 in a powered or deflected position; and Fig. 5 Another embodiment of the airflow device in a cutaway side view.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows an airflow device 1 according to the invention for ventilating a (passenger) interior of a motor vehicle. The ventilation is carried out, for example, with heated and / or cooled air. For example, the airflow device 1 is connected to an air conditioning system or is part of one. According to the invention, ventilation also includes recirculating air ventilation or recirculating air operation.

[0030] The airflow device 1 comprises a flexible flap element 2 designed as a flap 22. The flap element 2 is attached at one end to a component of the airflow device 1, shown here in a highly schematic manner, and for example to a wall section 32 of a flow channel system 5, which is not shown in detail here, or is integrated into such a system.

[0031] The flap element 2 is equipped here with two shape memory elements 3, which are exemplified as wires 13. By applying an electrical current to the shape memory elements 3, the flap element 2 can be deformed to influence and, for example, block or direct the airflow in a flow channel system 5 of the airflow device 1. The electrical contacts for the current supply are not shown in detail here.

[0032] For example, the airflow device 1 is designed as an air inlet 10 and, in particular, as a personnel air inlet. One or more flap elements 2 can be used in the air inlet 10, which direct the air into different duct sections of the air inlet 10 or close off a duct section 15.

[0033] The shape memory elements 3 are arranged here on both sides of a central plane 12 of the flap element 2. The shape memory elements 3 are either directly injected into or overmolded by the flap element 2.

[0034] In the Fig. 2 is the airflow device 1 of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the flap element 2 in a deflected state. For this, the upper shape memory element 3 was energized and consequently shortened. This causes the geometry to stretch, and the flap element 2 is bent upwards. The lower shape memory element 3 then undergoes a corresponding extension or is allowed to move freely.

[0035] For such a freewheel, one or both shape memory elements 3 are coupled section by section to the flap element 2 by means of a freewheel device 4. In the embodiment shown here, for example, the lower shape memory element 3 is equipped with a freewheel device 4.

[0036] When the upper shape memory element 3 shortens due to the current and the flap element 2 bends upwards, the length of the lower shape memory element 3 remains unchanged by the freewheeling device 4. When the lower shape memory element 3 is energized, the freewheeling device 4 is preferably designed such that the freewheel is locked. Then, the flap element 2 is bent downwards accordingly due to the shortening of the energized lower shape memory element 3. Such a freewheeling device 4 can also be provided for the upper shape memory element 3.

[0037] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the airflow device 1 in which the flap element 2 is integrated as a wall section 32 into a flow channel system 5. A channel section 15 of the flow channel system 5 is shown here, in which the flap element 2 is arranged within a flow cross-section and divides it into two flow paths 25. The airflows are symbolized by block arrows. The airflow device 1 shown here can, for example, be configured as an inlet 10.

[0038] The flap element 2 is essentially the same here as with regard to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. It comprises two electrically actuated shape memory elements 3, which are arranged above and below a central plane 12 of the flap element 2. With such an integrated flap element 2, a particularly simple component separation can be achieved in the middle of the channel section 15 to provide different flow paths 25.

[0039] This shows Fig. 3. The flap element 2 is in a neutral position, i.e., without current. This allows air to flow along both flow paths 25.

[0040] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows the flap element 2 in a deflected position, which is set by energizing the upper shape memory element 3. This causes the flap element 2 to bend upwards, thus closing the upper flow path 25. The air then flows only through the lower flow path 25. If the air is to be deflected into the upper flow path 25, the lower shape memory element 3 is energized. This causes the shape memory element 3 to shorten, and the flap element 2 to bend downwards.

[0041] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the airflow device 1 in which the flap element 2 is designed as a flexible flap 22 and is attached to a wall of a channel section 15 of the flow channel system 5. Here, the flap 22 serves to close or open a flow path 25 in the channel section 15. However, the flap arrangement shown here can also be implemented with a flap element 2 designed as a wall section 32.

[0042] In this case, flap element 2 is, for example, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig.The flap element 2 is described as being equipped with two shape memory elements 3. In the position shown here, the upper shape memory element 3 is energized, and the flap element 2 is therefore curved upwards. This allows the flap 22 to close the channel cross-section. In the neutral position, i.e., without energization of the shape memory element 3, the flap element 2 rests against the wall of the channel section 15, so that the flow path 25 is open.

[0043] It is also possible that the flap element 2 is equipped only with a shape memory element 3 arranged above the center line. In this case, the flap element 2 returns to its rest position automatically, particularly without energizing the shape memory element 3. However, it is also possible that a lower shape memory element 3 is energized to allow the flap element to assume its rest position.

[0044] The invention presented here significantly improves the flap control in an airflow device 1, and in particular in an air inlet 10. The flexible flap element 2 and its targeted deformation by applying current to the shape memory elements 3 enable simple, cost-effective, and highly reliable air control. The invention does not require a complex and failure-prone actuation mechanism for the flap element 2. A wall section 32 can be flexibly designed and equipped with at least one shape memory element 3 for this purpose. Reference symbol list: 1 Airflow device 2 flap elements 3. Shape memory element 4 Freewheel device 5 Flow channel system 10 incoming streamers 12 Middle level 13 wires 15 Canal section 22 flap 25 Flow path 32 Wall section

Claims

[1] Airflow device (1) for ventilating a motor vehicle, comprising at least one passenger air outlet and at least one flap element (2) for selectively influencing an airflow within the passenger air outlet, wherein the flap element (2) is arranged within a flow cross-section of a flow channel system (5) and divides the flow cross-section into at least two flow paths (25) and wherein the flap element (2) is at least partially flexible and is deformable by means of at least one shape memory element (3) arranged on and / or in the flap element (2), characterized by , that at least one shape memory element (3) is arranged on both sides of a central plane (12) of the flap element (2), so that the flap element (2) can be selectively bent in two directions from a rest position and that an airflow in the passenger air intake can be selectively deflected by means of the flap element (2) and that by deformation of the flap element (2) a flow path (25) can be at least partially closed and / or opened, and that the flap element (2) is designed as at least one wall section (32) of the flow channel system (5) and is firmly integrated into a wall of the flow channel system (5). and that the shape memory element (3) is injected into and / or overmolded by a material of the flap element (2). [2] Airflow device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flap element (2) is deformable by an electrical current being applied to the shape memory element (3). [3] Airflow device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein to deform the flap element (2) the at least one shape memory element (3) is shortened and the at least one other shape memory element (3) is stretched or at least partially has at least a free movement relative to the flap element (2). [4] Airflow device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap element (2) and the shape memory element (3) are connected to each other in a non-destructive manner, at least in sections. [5] Airflow device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape memory element (3) comprises at least one wire (13) or is designed as such. [6] Airflow device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap element (2) is deformable by means of the shape memory element (3) such that at least one channel section (15) of a flow channel system (5) is at least partially closable or can be released and / or that air can be deflected into at least one specific channel section (15) of a flow channel system (5).

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