VEHICLE AIR EXTRACTOR WITH A DEFLECTOR COVER

Abstract

A vehicle exhaust system has a housing configured to be in airflow communication with a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and defines an exhaust outlet. One or more flaps are arranged within the exhaust outlet and are movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the exhaust outlet, and a closed position, which seals the exhaust outlet and prevents air from flowing through it. A deflector cover is positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the exhaust outlet in order to reduce flap noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to vehicle ventilation assemblies and in particular to a vehicle air extractor which enables air to be extracted from the passenger compartment and reduces flap noise. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with one or more exhaust vents that act as exhaust systems to remove compressed air from the passenger compartment. The exhaust vent typically includes a vent, such as a one-way vent, with one or more flaps to release the air to the outside environment, for example, when a vehicle door is closed, thereby reducing cabin air pressure. These flaps can be prone to generating flap noise, especially when the vehicle's ventilation system is in recirculation mode. It would be desirable to provide an exhaust vent that reduces flap noise caused by the one or more flaps. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle exhaust system has a housing configured to be located on a motor vehicle in airflow communication with a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defines a discharge outlet. One or more flaps are arranged within the discharge outlet and are movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the discharge outlet, and a closed position, which closes the discharge outlet and prevents air from flowing through it. A deflector cover is positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the discharge outlet in order to reduce flap noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the deflector cover is coupled to the housing; - the deflector cover is located on an inside side of the housing; - the air deflector cover includes a flat section; - the air deflector cover includes a curved section; - the curved section curves inwards towards the housing; - the air deflector cover is coupled to an outer section of the housing; - the air deflector cover forms a cup-shaped section, wherein at least one section of the one or more flaps can enter a space in the cup-shaped section when in the open position; - the one or more flaps comprise a multitude of flaps; and - the one or more flaps are configured to hang from one or more pivot supports that are coupled to the housing.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle has a body that defines a passenger compartment, an opening that provides fluid communication between the passenger compartment and an external environment, and an air extractor arranged in the opening. The air extractor has a housing that is in airflow communication with the passenger compartment and defines an airflow discharge outlet. One or more flaps are arranged within the airflow discharge outlet and are movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the airflow discharge outlet, and a closed position, which closes the airflow discharge outlet and prevents air from flowing through it.A deflector cover is positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the airflow outlet in order to reduce flapping noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the deflector cover is coupled to the housing; - the deflector cover is located on an inside side of the housing; - the air deflector cover includes a flat section; - the air deflector cover includes a curved section; - the curved section curves inwards towards the housing; - the air deflector cover is coupled to an outer section of the housing; - the air deflector cover forms a cup-shaped section, whereby one or more flaps in the open position can enter a space in the cup-shaped section; - the one or more flaps comprise a multitude of flaps; and - the one or more flaps are configured to hang from one or more pivot supports that are coupled to the housing.

[0007] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of a motor vehicle equipped with air extractors, according to an example; Fig. 2 is a perspective rear view of the in Fig. Figure 1 of the motor vehicle shown, which further illustrates the air extractors near the rear end of the vehicle; Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of the outside of an air extractor according to an example; Fig. 3A is a front view of the inside of the Fig. 3 air extractors shown without a deflector cover; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the inside of the air extractor, which has a deflector cover having a flat section coupled to the inside of the air extractor, according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4A is a side view of the in Fig. 4 air extractors shown; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the inside of the air extractor, which has a deflector cover that is curved, according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5A is a side view of the in Fig. 5 air extractors shown; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective rear view of the outside of the air extractor, which has a cup-shaped deflector cover on the outside of the vent, according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 6A is a side view of the in Fig. 6 air extractors shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0010] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0011] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0012] The illustrated embodiments presented here primarily involve combinations of process steps and equipment components related to a vehicle air extractor and a vehicle equipped with such an air extractor. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings denote identical elements.

[0013] In this context, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0014] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. It is intended that the terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any other variation thereof cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising an enumeration of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element that "includes..."The presence of “ein” does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility that includes the element.

[0015] In the sense used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not exact and need not be, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0016] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0017] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 generally illustrates an automobile or motor vehicle 10 with edges, comprising a vehicle body 12 that defines a passenger compartment 14. The passenger compartment 14 generally includes passenger seats and other accommodations for transporting one or more occupants. The motor vehicle 10 shown and described in this document is a wheeled motor vehicle comprising a plurality of wheel and tire assemblies 16, in particular four wheel and tire assemblies 16, which in one example are shown mounted on the axles of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has front and rear side passenger doors 22 on both lateral sides of the body 12, providing access to the passenger seats, and a rear end 18, such as a trunk or tailgate, at the rear end of the motor vehicle 10, providing access to the rear end of the passenger compartment 14.The motor vehicle 10 can be configured as a sedan, truck, SUV, van, bus or other vehicle that has a lockable passenger compartment.

[0019] The vehicle 10 includes one or more air exhausts 20 that are operatively coupled to the passenger compartment 14 to discharge compressed air from inside the passenger compartment 14 to the outside environment. Compressed air can be generated in the passenger compartment 14 when a door is moved from the open position to the closed position to compress the air in the passenger compartment 14. Compressed air can also be generated in the passenger compartment 14 when air is introduced into the passenger compartment 14 via a fan or other blower through the ventilation system, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Therefore, the air pressure inside the passenger compartment 14 can exceed the atmospheric pressure in the environment outside the vehicle 10.

[0020] Each air exhaust vent 20 includes one or more flaps 22 and preferably has a plurality of flaps 22. Each of the flaps 22 can be coupled to pivot supports 24, such as elongated pins, which can pivot within receptacles on their upper surface, generally extending along a horizontal pivot axis. Thus, the flaps 22 are suspended from each pivot support 24 by gravity and can rotate about the horizontal pivot axis between an open exhaust vent position and a closed exhaust vent position. According to one embodiment, the plurality of flaps 22 can be one-way airflow valves that open outwards due to a pressure differential when the pressure inside the passenger compartment 14 is greater than the atmospheric pressure in the surrounding outside environment.The air extractors 20 allow a higher-pressure airflow from the passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 10 to be discharged into the outside environment. In the closed position, the air extractors 20 can rest against and touch a support structure at the rear circumferential edge, thus preventing airflow in the opposite direction.

[0021] As can be seen in the example that in Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the one or more air extractors 20 comprise two air extractors, one on each side at the rear end 18 of the motor vehicle 10. Each air extractor 20 can be located within an opening 25 in the body 12 of the motor vehicle 10 and can contact the rear support structure in the closed position. The opening 25 is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment 14. It is understood that any number of one or more air extractors 20 can be located at any point in fluid communication with the passenger compartment 14 to allow air, in particular compressed air, to be extracted and vented from the interior of the passenger compartment 14 in the motor vehicle 10 to the outside environment.

[0022] Referring to the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 3A shows that the air exhaust 20 has a housing 28 which generally has a shape and size to be inserted and mounted within the opening 25 in the body 12 of the motor vehicle 10, in fluid communication with the passenger compartment 14 on the inside and the external environment on the outside. In the example shown, the housing 28 has a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners and a perimeter that generally matches the shape and size of the opening 25. The housing 28 defines an airflow discharge outlet 26 in fluid communication with the passenger compartment 14 and the external environment. One or more flaps 22 are coupled to the housing 28 within the airflow discharge outlet 26. In the example shown, three flaps 22 are stacked one above the other to substantially fill and close the airflow discharge outlet 26 when the flaps 22 are in the closed position, as shown in Figure 3A. Fig. 3 is visible from the outside. Each of the flaps 22 is connected to the housing 28 via a pivot support 24, such as pivot pins that can be rotated about a pivot axis provided on opposite lateral sides. Accordingly, each flap 22 hangs in a downward closed position due to gravity on the pivot support 24. When the air pressure inside the passenger compartment 14 exceeds the air pressure in the outside environment, each flap 22 can be forced by the compressed air to swing outwards towards the outside into an open position, allowing an airflow from inside the passenger compartment 14 to flow into the outside environment and be discharged.

[0023] The inside of the air extractor 20 is in Fig. Figure 3A shows the air deflector cover 40 removed. The inside is generally the side facing the interior of the passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 10. A plurality of vertical louvers 30 are arranged on the inside of the air extractor 20, connected parallel to the housing 28, and assist in directing an airflow through the discharge outlet 26 in the air extractor 20.

[0024] Referring to the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 4A shows that, according to a first embodiment, the air extractor 20 has a deflector cover 40 connected to the inside of the housing 28. In this embodiment, the deflector cover 40 has a flat section extending along a portion of the inside of the air extractor 20. In one example, the deflector cover 40 extends over at least fifty percent (50%) of the inside of the air extractor. The deflector cover 40 is positioned to at least partially block, with increased back pressure, the free flow of air through the airflow discharge outlet 26 in order to reduce flap noise generated by the one or more flaps 22.It is understood that flap noise can be generated in other ways, particularly when the vehicle's air ventilation system 10 is in recirculation mode, which can result in substantially equal air pressure inside the passenger compartment 14 compared to the outside environment. This can cause the flaps 22 to move by oscillation and potentially contact a structure, such as the rear support structure. The deflector cover 40 helps to reduce the pivoting movement of one or more flaps 22 and thus the flap noise that can be generated in other ways. In the example shown, the deflector cover 40 is connected to a lower section of the housing 28 on the inside of the air exhaust 20. However, it is understood that the deflector cover 40 can be connected to other sections of the housing 28 and can extend over a larger or smaller area of ​​the airflow discharge outlet 26.

[0025] Referring to the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 5A shows a second embodiment in which the air extractor 20 has a deflector cover 40A. In this embodiment, the deflector cover 40A has a curved section that curves inwards on the inside of the air extractor 20 over at least a section of the airflow discharge outlet 26 in the direction of the vertical louvers 30, in order to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the airflow discharge outlet 26. The air deflector cover 40A can be connected to a lower section of the housing 28 and can curve along a bend to a point in close proximity to or in contact with the vertical louvers 30. According to one example, the air deflector cover 40A can extend over at least fifty percent (50%) of the inside of the air extractor 20.The air deflector cover 40A can extend over a larger or smaller area to at least partially block the airflow from flowing freely in an airflow through the airflow discharge outlet 26.

[0026] Referring to the Fig. 6 and Fig.Figure 6A shows a third embodiment in which the air extractor 20 has a deflector cover 40B connected to an inner surface of the housing 28. The deflector cover 40B has a generally cup-shaped element that defines an outwardly extending wall 50, which is connected to side walls 52 and 54 on opposite lateral sides. The deflector cover 40B has a reasonably rectangular cup-shaped pocket that defines a space 56 bounded by the walls 50, 52, 54 and the outer surface of at least one section of the flaps 22, in particular the lower section of the flaps 22. Thus, the cup-shaped air deflector cover 40B at least partially blocks air from flowing freely in an airflow through the airflow discharge outlet 26, thereby reducing flap noise.

[0027] Accordingly, a vehicle air extractor 20 is provided for a motor vehicle 10 to discharge air, such as compressed air, from the passenger compartment 14 in a manner that reduces or minimizes flap noise. The air extractor 20 includes a deflector cover 40, 40A, or 40B that at least partially blocks air from flowing freely in an airflow through the airflow opening to reduce flap noise that may otherwise be generated by the one or more flaps 22.

[0028] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0029] According to the present invention, a vehicle air exhaust system is provided, comprising: a housing configured to be located on a motor vehicle in airflow communication with a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining a discharge outlet; one or more flaps arranged within the discharge outlet and movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the discharge outlet, and a closed position, which closes the discharge outlet and prevents air from flowing through it; and a deflector cover positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the discharge outlet in order to reduce flap noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the deflector cover is coupled to the housing.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the deflector cover is located on an inside of the housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover includes a flat section.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover includes a curved section.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the curved section curves inwards towards the housing.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover is coupled to an outer section of the housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover forms a cup-shaped section, wherein at least one section of the one or more flaps can enter a space in the cup-shaped section when in the open position.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the one or more flaps comprise a plurality of flaps.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the one or more flaps are configured to hang from one or more pivot supports that are coupled to the housing.

[0039] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided which has the following: a body that defines a passenger compartment; an opening that provides fluid communication between the passenger compartment and an external environment; and an air extractor arranged in the opening, wherein the air extractor comprises: a housing that is in airflow communication with the passenger compartment and defines an airflow discharge outlet; one or more flaps that are arranged within the airflow discharge outlet and are movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the airflow discharge outlet, and a closed position, which closes the airflow discharge outlet and prevents air from flowing through the airflow discharge outlet;and a deflector cover positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the airflow discharge outlet in order to reduce flapping noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the deflector cover is coupled to the housing.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the deflector cover is located on an inside of the housing.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover includes a flat section.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover includes a curved section.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the curved section curves inwards towards the housing.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover is coupled to an outer section of the housing.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the air deflector cover forms a cup-shaped section, wherein one or more flaps can enter a space in the cup-shaped section when in the open position.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the one or more flaps comprise a plurality of flaps.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the one or more flaps are configured to hang from one or more pivot supports that are coupled to the housing.

Claims

[1] Vehicle air extractor, comprising: a housing configured to be in airflow communication with a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and defining an exhaust outlet; one or more flaps arranged within the exhaust outlet and movable between an open position, which allows air to flow through the exhaust outlet, and a closed position, which closes the exhaust outlet and prevents air from flowing through it; and a deflector cover positioned to at least partially block air from flowing freely through the exhaust outlet in order to reduce flap noise that may be generated by the one or more flaps. [2] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 1, wherein the deflector cover is coupled to the housing. [3] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 2, wherein the deflector cover is located on an inside of the housing. [4] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 3, wherein the air deflector cover includes a flat section. [5] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 3, wherein the air deflector cover comprises a curved section. [6] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 5, wherein the curved section curves inwards towards the housing. [7] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 2, wherein the air deflector cover is coupled to an outer section of the housing. [8] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 7, wherein the air deflector cover forms a cup-shaped section, wherein at least one section of the one or more flaps can enter a space in the cup-shaped section in the open position. [9] Vehicle air extractor according to claim 1, wherein the one or more flaps comprise a plurality of flaps. [10] Vehicle air extractor according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the one or more flaps are configured to hang on one or more pivot supports coupled to the housing.

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