COANDA EFFECT AIR VENT FOR AN AUTOMOBILE DASHBOARD

Abstract

COANDA EFFECT AIR FAN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE DASHBOARD The present invention relates to an air fan (2) for a motor vehicle dashboard, comprising: - an airflow channel (4) (F) following a main direction (A) and opening onto a main outlet (6) of the air fan; - an air guide element (8), housed in the flow channel and forming, on either side of said guide element, a first (10) and a second airflow corridor (12), respectively; - directional means (18) disposed in the channel upstream of the guide element; remarkable in that the air fan further comprises at least one secondary outlet duct (14, 16) connecting to the channel directly upstream of one of the first and second corridors, so as to receive a portion of the airflow when the latter is directed specifically towards said corridor. (Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Coanda effect vent for a motor vehicle dashboard technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, more particularly to the field of air diffusers arranged in the passenger compartments of motor vehicles. Previous technique

[0002] Automakers are increasingly incorporating Coanda effect vents, which improve airflow in the passenger compartment. Unlike traditional vents, which blow air through fixed openings, Coanda effect vents utilize the physical property that allows a fluid, such as air, to follow a curved surface. Many ventilation systems that utilize this phenomenon exist. For example, the systems described in US patents 2019 / 0270363 A1 and 2022 / 0009316 A1 direct airflow in different directions using a curved surface, creating more uniform airflow in the passenger compartment and providing a better climate control experience for passengers.

[0003] Modern dashboards tend to be less "invasive" in the passenger compartment and are set further back along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which advantageously frees up more space for the two front passengers. Therefore, it seems beneficial to integrate the demister with the passenger compartment ventilation, given that the air vents are increasingly positioned further back towards the windshield in the latest vehicles.

[0004] However, such a combination of functions (demistling and ventilation) is complex and presents the risk of the appearance of noises related to pressure losses which may appear during a defrosting air flow. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a simple, efficient, and economical solution enabling a dashboard vent in a motor vehicle to combine demisting and ventilation while avoiding pressure losses.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a ventilator for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an airflow channel following a main direction and opening onto a main outlet of the aerator; - an airflow guide element, housed in the flow channel and forming, on either side of said guide element, a first and a second airflow channel, respectively; - directional means arranged in the flow channel upstream of the guide element, configured to direct the airflow, selectively, towards specifically the first aisle, the first and second aisles or specifically the second aisle; remarkable in that the aerator further comprises at least one secondary outlet duct connecting to the flow channel directly upstream of one of the first and second corridors, so as to receive a portion of the airflow when said airflow is directed specifically to said corridor.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the at least one secondary outlet duct comprises a first secondary outlet duct upstream of the first corridor and a second secondary outlet duct upstream of the second corridor.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the directional means comprise at least two walls pivoting about an axis transverse to a main direction of the airflow, and delimiting between said at least two walls, an orientable passage of said airflow.

[0009] Advantageously, the at least two pivoting walls can each pivot around a specific axis and / or around a common axis. Preferably, the at least two pivoting walls are generally flat, within a tolerance of 10 mm over their entire extent, and parallel or inclined to each other at an angle of less than 20°, preferably less than 15°, and more preferably less than 10°.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the orientable passage connects in an aerodynamically selective manner specifically with the first corridor and, where applicable, at least one corresponding secondary outlet duct, with the first and second corridors, or specifically with the second corridor and, where applicable, at least one corresponding secondary outlet duct.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a first wall of the at least two pivoting walls comprises a downstream edge adapted to selectively contact, where applicable, the flow channel upstream of the secondary outlet duct upstream of the first channel, the flow channel directly upstream of the first channel, or the guide element, and a second wall of the at least two walls comprises a downstream edge adapted to selectively contact, where applicable, the guide element, the flow channel directly upstream of the second channel, or, where applicable, the flow channel upstream of the secondary outlet duct upstream of the second corridor.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the at least two walls comprise a central wall with a downstream edge capable of selectively contacting the flow channel directly upstream of the first channel, the guide element, or the flow channel directly upstream of the second channel.

[0013] Advantageously, the central wall pivots in a synchronized manner with the first and second walls of the at least two pivoting walls.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the guiding means are arranged in an inlet portion of the flow channel, said inlet portion having an internal surface generally circular around an axis parallel to one or more pivot axes of said guiding means.

[0015] According to one embodiment, one or more of the at least two walls have an upstream edge capable of moving in a sealed manner from an aerodynamic point of view along the circular inner surface of the inlet portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one secondary outlet duct is perpendicular to a main direction of airflow or inclined at more than 45° with respect to said main direction.

[0017] The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a ventilator for a dashboard of said vehicle, remarkable in that said ventilator is according to the invention.

[0018] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that the ventilator of the present invention makes it possible to combine the possibility of ventilating the upper part of the passenger compartment (e.g., towards the windshield) by means of at least one secondary outlet duct, and the lower part simultaneously through the ventilation channels. This makes it possible to split the airflow in two, and thus significantly reduce pressure losses, resulting in a decrease in noise related to the airflow in the ventilator.

[0019] In parallel, the invention presents considerable thermal comfort ensured by an improvement in the directivity of the aerator compared to a conventional aerator.

[0020] Furthermore, the integration of the secondary outlet ducts into the main flow channel allows for the simple and efficient combination of demisting and cabin ventilation in a single ventilation system. No movable vanes are visible; everything takes place within the vent thanks to directional means positioned upstream of the guide element.

[0021] For this purpose, the aerator of the present invention is fine and precise, with a good perceived quality for the customer, while being affordable. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerator according to the invention, including directional means directing an airflow towards a first airflow corridor and towards a secondary outlet duct arranged upstream of the first corridor;

[0023] [Fig.2] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerator of [Fig.1], in which the directional means direct the airflow exclusively towards the first and second channels. Detailed description

[0024] In this description, the terms "transverse" and "longitudinal," in relation to cross-sections, refer to the principal direction of the object in question. Upstream and downstream refer to the direction of airflow in the aerator.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a ventilator 2 according to the invention. It is a Coanda effect ventilator intended to be integrated into the dashboard of a motor vehicle.

[0026] The aerator 2 includes an air flow channel 4 F following a principal direction A substantially horizontal and opening onto a main outlet 6 of the aerator 2.

[0027] An airflow guiding element 8 is arranged in the channel 4 upstream of the main outlet 6, the element 8 is commonly referred to as ogive 8, and allows the channel 4 to be split into a first airflow channel 10 and a second airflow channel 12.

[0028] The channel 4 includes upstream of the main outlet 6, an upper internal wall 4.1 and a lower internal wall 4.2 which are both curved, so as to allow the airflow F to benefit from the Coanda effect, and thus direct the airflow F upwards or downwards (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction A).

[0029] Advantageously, the aerator 2 has one or more secondary conduit(s) 14, 16 connecting to channel 4 directly upstream of the first corridor 10 or the second corridor 12. Preferably, the aerator 2 comprises two secondary conduits 14, 16 corresponding respectively to a first secondary conduit 14 upstream of the first corridor 10 and a second secondary conduit 16 upstream of the second corridor 12.

[0030] The first secondary conduit 14 may correspond to a windshield defrosting conduit of the motor vehicle, while the second secondary conduit 16 may, for example, correspond to another defrosting conduit or to an occupant leg ventilation nozzle.

[0031] In this configuration, a portion of the airflow F is able to reach one of the two secondary ducts 14, 16. In this respect, the aerator 2 includes directional means 18 arranged in channel 4 upstream of ogive 8, and configured to direct air towards the first corridor 10 and / or towards the second corridor 12 and / or towards one of the two secondary conduits 14, 16.

[0032] Preferably, the directional means 18 can correspond to a rotating device commonly designated as a barrel 18, which preferably comprises three pivoting walls 17, 19 and 21, including a central wall 21 disposed between a first wall 17 and a second wall 19. These last two delimiting an orientable passage 20 of the airflow F.

[0033] The barrel 18 may include a common axis of rotation (not shown) allowing the three walls 17, 19, 21 to pivot together, and / or each wall has its own axis of pivot.

[0034] In this regard, the barrel 18 is preferably disposed at an inlet portion 4.3 of the channel 4 having lower 4.5 and upper 4.4 internal surfaces generally circular around an axis parallel to one or more pivot axes of the walls of the barrel 18.

[0035] The circular surfaces 4.4 and 4.5 allow the barrel 18 to pivot while ensuring an airtight seal with the first 17 and second 19 walls of the latter. Indeed, each of the pivoting walls 17, 19 includes an upstream edge 17.1, 19.1 which moves airtight along the lower circular surface 4.4 and upper circular surface 4.5 of the inlet portion 4.3, respectively.

[0036] Advantageously, the three pivoting walls of the barrel 18 each include a downstream edge 17.2, 19.2 and 21.1 also ensuring an airtight contact with the surfaces of the channel or with the ogive 8.

[0037] In the configuration illustrated in this [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the airflow F is directed both towards the first corridor 10 and towards the first secondary outlet duct 14. The downstream edge 17.2 of the first pivoting wall 17 is in contact with the upper circular surface 4.4 upstream of the duct 14 to allow the passage of air towards the latter, while the downstream edge 19.2 of the second pivoting wall 19 is in contact with the upstream end of the ogive 8, so as to block the passage of air towards the second secondary duct 16 and towards the second corridor 12. The airflow F is thus split in two, which advantageously makes it possible to significantly reduce pressure losses, resulting in a reduction of noise related to the airflow in the duct. In addition, the directivity is improved, as it is possible, for example, to defrost the windshield while directing some of the air towards the bottom of the passenger compartment.

[0038] The illustrated airflow division F may correspond to a 50% distribution of air towards duct 14 and 50% towards corridor 10; this distribution may vary (e.g., to 70% and 30%) depending on the inclination of the walls 17, 19, 21 of the barrel 18.

[0039] Preferably, each of the secondary ducts 14, 16 is perpendicular to the main direction A, or inclined at more than 45° with respect to said main direction. Advantageously, an orientation of the ducts 14, 16 between 45° and 90° with respect to the main direction A of airflow A makes it possible to limit aerodynamic disturbances at the inlet of said ducts, particularly at the point of the adjustable passage 20.

[0040] In a configuration not shown, the walls of the barrel 18 can be reversed with respect to [Fig.1], and thus the downstream edge 17.2 of the first pivoting wall 17 will be in contact with the ogive 8 to close the air passage to the first secondary conduit 14 and the corridor 10, and the downstream edge 19.2 of the second wall 19 in contact with the circular inner surface 4.5 upstream of the second secondary conduit 16 to allow the air flow towards it and towards the second corridor 12.

[0041] Preferably, the aerator 2 is essentially symmetrical with respect to the main direction A. However, the second secondary duct 16 is optional.

[0042] It should be noted that the walls 17, 19, 21 are schematically illustrated in a very simplified manner to facilitate reading the figures. It is thus understood that a person skilled in the art is capable of configuring the dimensions of the walls and / or surrounding elements (e.g., by moving the ogive 8 further upstream) in order to maintain the symmetry and / or a reversed orientation of the walls of the barrel 18 with respect to that illustrated in [Fig. 1].

[0043] Fig. 2 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerator 2 of Fig. 1, in which the barrel 18 directs the airflow exclusively towards the first and second channels 10 and 12.

[0044] It can be seen that the air passage is completely blocked to the secondary ducts 14 and 16 by means of the first 17 and second 19 pivoting walls of the barrel 18, which are both oriented substantially parallel to the main airflow direction A. For this purpose, the section of channel 4 through which the air passes at the inlet portion 4.3 does not experience any narrowing upstream of the main outlet 6. Thus, the airflow F maintains a substantially unchanged flow rate at the passages 10 and 12. Advantageously, this allows, unlike prior art aerators, for a greater limitation of pressure losses, and therefore air noise, while taking advantage of the Coanda effect to achieve the best possible directivity.

Claims

Claims

1. Aerator (2) for a dashboard of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an air flow channel (4) (F) following a main direction (A) and opening onto a main outlet (6) of the aerator (2); - a guide element (8) for the air flow (F), housed in the flow channel (4) and forming, on either side of said guide element (8), a first (10) and a second air flow corridor (12), respectively; - directional means (18) arranged in the flow channel (4) upstream of the guide element (8), configured to direct the air flow (F), selectively, specifically towards the first corridor (10), the first (10) and second corridors (12) or specifically the second corridor (12);characterized in that the aerator (2) further comprises at least one secondary outlet duct (14, 16) connecting to the flow channel (4) directly upstream of one of the first (10) and second corridors (12), so as to receive a portion of the air flow (F) when said air flow (F) is directed specifically towards said corridor (10, 12).;

2. Aerator (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary outlet duct (14, 16) comprises a first secondary outlet duct (14) upstream of the first corridor (10) and a second secondary outlet duct (16) upstream of the second corridor (12).

3. Aerator (2) according to claims 1 and 2, in which the directional means (18) comprise at least two pivoting walls (17, 19) around an axis transverse to a main direction (A) of the air flow (F), and delimiting between said at least two walls (17, 19), an orientable passage (20) of said air flow (F).

4. Aerator (2) according to claim 3, in which the orientable passage (20) connects aeraulically selectively with specifically the first corridor (10) and, where appropriate, the at least one corresponding secondary outlet duct (14), with the first (10) and second corridors (12), or with specifically the second corridor (12) and, where appropriate, the at least one corresponding secondary outlet duct (16).

5. Aerator (2) according to one of claims 3 and 4, in which a first wall (17) of the at least two pivoting walls (17, 19) comprises a downstream edge (17.2) capable of selectively contacting in an aeraulic manner, where appropriate, the flow channel (4) upstream of the secondary outlet duct (14) upstream of the first corridor (10), the flow channel (4) directly upstream of the first corridor (10), or the guide element (8), and a second wall (19) of the at least two walls (17, 19) comprises a downstream edge (19.2) capable of selectively contacting in an aeraulic manner, the guide element (8), the flow channel (4) directly upstream of the second corridor (12), or, where appropriate, the flow channel (4) upstream of the secondary outlet duct (16) upstream of the second corridor (12).

6. Aerator (2) according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least two walls (17, 19) comprise a central wall (21) with a downstream edge (21.1) capable of selectively contacting in an aeraulic manner the flow channel (4) directly upstream of the first corridor (10), the guide element (8), or the flow channel (4) directly upstream of the second corridor (12).

7. Aerator (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the directional means (18) are arranged in an inlet portion (4.3) of the flow channel (4), said inlet portion (4.3) having an inner surface (4.4, 4.5) generally circular around an axis parallel to one or more pivot axes of said directional means (18).

8. Aerator (2) according to one of claims 3 to 6 and according to claim 7, wherein one or more of the at least two walls (17, 19) have an upstream edge (17.1, 19.1) capable of moving in an airtight manner along the circular inner surface (4.4, 4.5) of the inlet portion (4.3).

9. Aerator (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the at least one secondary outlet duct (14, 16) is perpendicular to a main direction (A) of the air flow (F) or inclined by more than 45° relative to said main direction (A).

10. Motor vehicle comprising an aerator (2) for a dashboard of said vehicle, characterized in that said aerator (2) is according to one of claims 1 to 9.

Images