COANDA EFFECT AERATOR WITH A PRESSURE LOSS REDUCTION VALVE

Abstract

COANDA EFFECT VENTILATOR WITH A PRESSURE LOSS REDUCTION VALVE The present invention relates to an aerator (2) for a vehicle trim element (1), for example, a vehicle dashboard, comprising: - an air flow channel (4) following a main direction and opening onto a main outlet (6) of the aerator; - an air flow guide element, housed in the channel and forming, on either side of said guide element, a first and a second air flow corridor, respectively; remarkable in that the aerator further comprises a valve (14) connecting to the channel upstream of the guide element, said valve comprising an electromagnet configured to control an opening of said valve, so as to allow a controlled escape of a portion of the air flow. (Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3)

Description

Title of the invention: COANDA EFFECT AERATOR WITH A PRESSURE LOSS REDUCTION VALVE Technical field

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

[0002] Car manufacturers are increasingly incorporating Coanda effect vents that improve airflow in the passenger compartment. Unlike traditional vents, which blow air through fixed openings, Coanda effect vents utilize this 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 2019 / 0270363 A1 and US 2022 / 0009316 A1 direct air in different directions using a curved surface, creating more uniform airflow in the passenger compartment and providing a better air conditioning experience for passengers.

[0003] Modern dashboards tend to be less "invasive" in the passenger compartment, and to be set back further along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, this advantageously allows more space to be freed up for the two passengers in the front.

[0004] However, this type of aerator generally presents the risk of noise appearing linked to pressure losses which can appear during air flow under normal conditions of use.

[0005] Published patent document EP 3 758 964 A1 discloses a Coanda effect passenger compartment ventilator comprising an air flow regulating device provided with a pivoting flap making it possible to act on the air flow at each air flow corridor.

[0006] However, the air flow regulation solution disclosed in the document has room for improvement in order to effectively reduce pressure losses and any associated noise. Statement of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to propose a simple and efficient solution making it possible to effectively reduce the pressure losses in an air flow within Coanda effect ventilators for vehicles.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an aerator for a vehicle trim element, comprising: - an air flow channel following a main direction and opening onto a main outlet of the aerator; - an air flow guide element, housed in the channel and forming, on either side of said guide element, a first and a second air flow corridor, respectively; remarkable in that the aerator further comprises a valve connecting to the channel upstream of the guide element, said valve comprising an electromagnet configured to control an opening of said valve, so as to allow a controlled escape of a portion of the air flow.

[0009] Preferably, the trim element may correspond, for example, to a dashboard of a motor vehicle.

[0010] Advantageously, the valve is controlled for opening and closing by means of the electromagnet, said valve making it possible to regulate an air flow in the channel, so as to limit pressure losses.

[0011] According to one embodiment, said aerator comprises directional means arranged in the channel upstream of the guide element, configured to direct the air flow, selectively, towards specifically the first corridor, the first and second corridors or specifically the second corridor, the valve being arranged upstream of said directional means.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the valve is arranged in an inlet portion of the channel, opposite an upper guide wall for the air flow.

[0013] Advantageously, the channel comprises a lower guide wall opposite, and facing, the upper guide wall. Said upper guide wall is arranged above the lower guide wall, in a vertical direction of a vehicle, in the normal mounting position of the aerator in said vehicle.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the inlet portion of the channel comprises an evacuation tube formed with the upper guide wall, and having a distal end forming a seat for the valve, said evacuation tube being perpendicular to a main direction of the air flow or inclined by more than 45° relative to said main direction.

[0015] The invention also relates to a ventilation device for a vehicle, comprising a main air flow duct extending from a ventilation system of said vehicle, and a branch fluidly connecting said main duct to at least one aerator, remarkable in that said at least one aerator is according to the invention.

[0016] Preferably, the ventilation system of the motor vehicle corresponds to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of said motor vehicle, said system being commonly referred to as “HVAC”.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an aerator for a trim element of said vehicle, remarkable in that said aerator is according to the invention.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the controlled escape of the portion of the air flow is configured to be directed substantially vertically towards a portion of the trim element of said vehicle.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for managing an air flow for an aerator of a vehicle trim element, remarkable in that said aerator being according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps: - detecting the presence of a pressure drop within the air flow channel of the aerator; - opening of the valve by actuation of the electromagnet; - closing of the valve, upon detection of a reduction in said pressure drop below a threshold value in the channel.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the step of detecting the presence of a pressure drop is based on a measurement of the mass flow rate of the air and on an angular orientation of the directional means arranged in the channel to direct the air flow. Preferably, said detection is further based on an angular orientation of a flap of the “HVAC” ventilation system of the vehicle.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the step of detecting the presence of a pressure drop comprises a direct measurement of said pressure drop by means of a pressure sensor flush with a wall guiding the air flow in the channel.

[0022] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that the aerator of the present invention makes it possible to combine the possibility of splitting the air flow in two and to take advantage of the Coanda effect for better directivity of the air flow, while significantly reducing the pressure losses by means of the valve automatically controlled by means of the electromagnet according to the detection of said pressure losses, resulting in a reduction of noise linked to the air flow in the aerator. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a ventilation device for a vehicle according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] represents a schematic sectional view of an aerator according to the invention, comprising a valve arranged in an inlet portion of a flow channel air, said valve allowing a controlled escape of part of the air flow;

[0025] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the ventilation device of [Fig.l], comprising at least one aerator according to the invention, provided with a valve projecting from an upper guide wall of the channel;

[0026] [Fig.4] represents a perspective and sectional view along an axis AA crossing the valve of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0027] In the present description, the notions of "transverse" and "longitudinal", in relation to sections, refer to the main direction of the object in question. Upstream and downstream refer to a direction of air circulation in the aerator.

[0028] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a ventilation device 3 for a vehicle 1 according to the invention. Said vehicle preferably being a motor vehicle 1.

[0029] The ventilation device 3 comprises at least one aerator 2 according to the invention. This is a Coanda effect aerator intended to be integrated into a vehicle trim element, and preferably into a dashboard of the motor vehicle 1.

[0030] Preferably, the ventilation device 3 comprises four aerators 2, including two central aerators 2.1 and two lateral aerators 2, the latter two being preferably according to the invention.

[0031] The motor vehicle 1 comprises a ventilation system 7 corresponding to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning “HVAC” system of said motor vehicle 1, which is connected to the vents 2, 2.1 by means of a main air flow duct 5, and a branch 9 fluidly connecting said main duct 5 to each of the vents 2, 2.1 of the motor vehicle 1, passing through corresponding air flow channels 4.

[0032] [Fig. 2] represents a cross-sectional and schematic view of the aerator 2 according to the invention.

[0033] The aerator 2 comprises an air flow channel 4 F following a main direction A which is substantially horizontal and opening onto a main outlet 6 of the aerator 2.

[0034] An air flow guide element 8 is arranged in the channel 4 upstream of the main outlet 6, the element 8 is commonly referred to as a warhead 8, and makes it possible to split the channel 4 into a first air flow corridor 10 and a second air flow corridor 12.

[0035] The channel 4 comprises, upstream of the main outlet 6, an upper internal wall 4.1 and a lower internal wall 4.2 which are both curved around the warhead 8, so as to make the air flow F benefit from the Coanda effect, and thus direct the air flow F upwards or downwards (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction A).

[0036] Advantageously, the aerator 2 according to the present invention has a valve 14 arranged at an inlet portion 4.3 of the channel 4, and which makes it possible to limit, or even cancel, the pressure losses within said channel 4, and this by a controlled release of a part F' of the air flow F. The valve 14 as well as its operation will be detailed later in the present description.

[0037] The aerator 2 comprises directional means 18 arranged in the channel 4 upstream of the warhead 8, and configured to direct the air towards the first corridor 10 and / or towards the second corridor 12. In this respect, the directional means 18 comprise a pivoting central wall 21. Preferably, the directional means 18 may correspond to a rotary device commonly referred to as a barrel 18, which preferably comprises three pivoting walls including a central wall 21 arranged between two walls (not shown) and which may delimit an orientable passage of the air flow F. In this respect, the barrel 18 may comprise a common rotation axis (not shown) allowing the three walls to pivot jointly.

[0038] The inlet portion 4.3 of the channel 4 preferably comprises an evacuation tube 4.5 formed with the upper guide wall 4.1, and having a distal end 4.6 forming a seat for the valve 14. Preferably, the evacuation tube 4.5 is substantially perpendicular to the main direction A, or inclined by more than 45° relative to said main direction A. Advantageously, the inclination of the evacuation tube 4.5 is between 45° and 90° relative to the main direction A of air flow A.

[0039] It can be seen that the air flow F is split in two, being directed both towards the first corridor 10, as well as towards the second corridor 12. It can also be seen that a part F' of the air flow F is evacuated from the channel 4, passing through the evacuation tube 4.5.

[0040] The valve 14 arranged upstream of the barrel 18 and the warhead 8, can make it possible to direct the air substantially vertically towards a predetermined portion of the dashboard of the motor vehicle, in order to ensure heating or cooling of said portion. For example, the controlled escape F' can make it possible to cool an induction charger for a smartphone (not shown), while limiting the airflow disturbances within the channel 4.

[0041] It should be noted that the aerator 2 according to the invention is schematically illustrated in a very simplified manner in order to facilitate reading of the figures. It is thus understood that the person skilled in the art is able to configure the dimensions of the walls and / or the surrounding elements as required, for example, the valve 14 can be more or less distant from the air outlet 6.

[0042] [Fig. 3] represents a perspective view of the ventilation device 3 of [Fig. 1], comprising the aerator 2 provided with the valve 14 projecting from the upper guide wall 4.1 of the channel 4.

[0043] Here, the valve 14 is arranged on the wall of the channel of the lateral aerator 2. However, said valve 14 can also be arranged at the inlet portion 4.3 of the channel of the central aerator(s) 2.1.

[0044] Preferably, the valve 14 is arranged closer to the bifurcation 9 than to the air outlet 6.

[0045] The present invention proposes a method for managing the air flow, comprising a step of detecting the presence of pressure losses within the channel 4 of the corresponding aerator 2. From this detection, the valve 14 is controlled to open and close by means of an electromagnet (not shown), which is configured to be activated by an electric current to generate a weak magnetic field which controls the opening and closing of the valve 14, thus regulating the air flow in the channel 4.

[0046] Advantageously, the detection of the presence of pressure losses in the channel is preferably based on a measurement of the mass flow rate of the air (in kg / h) and on an angular orientation of the barrel (in radians) arranged in the channel, as well as an angular orientation of a flap of the ventilation system (HVAC) of the motor vehicle. Thus, these three parameters can allow an intelligent microcontroller card of the motor vehicle to detect and / or predict a significant creation of pressure losses in the channel 4 of the aerator 2, and thus open the valve 14.

[0047] Alternatively, the detection of the presence of pressure losses may comprise a direct measurement of said pressure losses by means of a pressure sensor (not shown), which may be embedded in the plastic of the channel 4 and flush with the wall guiding the air flow in the channel 4.

[0048] The valve 14 is also configured to close upon detection of a reduction, or even a disappearance, of the pressure losses. Their reduction can be detected when they fall below a certain threshold value in the channel.

[0049] [Fig.4] represents a perspective and sectional view along an axis AA passing through the valve of [Fig.3].

[0050] It can be seen that the valve 14 preferably comprises a rod 14.1 provided with a distal end 14.2 intended to be controlled by the magnetic field of the electromagnet located above the valve 14, along the vertical axis Z of the motor vehicle, and comprises a proximal end 14.3 forming a base cylindrical cooperating with the distal end 4.6 of the evacuation tube 4.5. In this regard, the valve 14 is advantageously formed from a conductive material.

[0051] In this configuration, the valve 14 is attracted by the electromagnet, when deemed necessary by the intelligent microcontroller card, allowing the valve to open in order to advantageously limit airflow disturbances and significantly reduce pressure losses, resulting in a reduction in noise linked to the air flow in the channel 4.

Claims

Claims

1. Aerator (2) for a trim element of a vehicle (1), 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 channel (4) and forming, on either side of said guide element (8), a first (10) and a second air flow corridor (12), respectively; characterized in that the aerator (2) further comprises a valve (14) connecting to the channel (4) upstream of the guide element (8), said valve (14) comprising an electromagnet configured to control an opening of said valve (14), so as to allow a controlled escape of a portion (F') of the air flow (F).

2. Aerator (2) according to claim 1, comprising directional means (18) arranged in the channel (4) upstream of the guide element (8), configured to direct the air flow (F), selectively, towards specifically the first corridor (10), the first (10) and second corridors (12) or specifically the second corridor (12), the valve (14) being arranged upstream of said directional means (18).

3. Aerator (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the valve (14) is arranged in an inlet portion of the channel (4), in line with an upper guide wall (4.1) of the air flow (F).

4. Aerator (2) according to claim 3, wherein the inlet portion (4.3) of the channel (4) comprises an evacuation tube (4.5) formed with the upper guide wall (4.1), and having a distal end (4.6) forming a seat for the valve (14), said evacuation tube (4.5) being perpendicular to a main direction (A) of the air flow (F) or inclined by more than 45° with respect to said main direction (A).

5. Ventilation device (3) for a vehicle (1), comprising a main air flow duct (5) extending from a ventilation system (7) of said vehicle, and a branch (9) fluidly connecting said main duct (5) to at least one aerator (2), characterized in that said at least one aerator (2) being according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Vehicle (1) comprising an aerator (2) for a trim element of said vehicle (1), characterized in that said aerator (2) is according to one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Vehicle (1) according to claim 6, wherein the controlled escape of the portion (F') of the air flow (F), is configured to be directed substantially vertically towards a portion of the trim element of said vehicle (1).

8. Method for managing an air flow (F) for an aerator of a trim element of a vehicle (1), characterized in that said aerator (2) being according to one of claims 1 to 4, said method comprising the following steps: - detecting the presence of a pressure drop within the air flow channel (4) (F) of the aerator (2); - opening the valve (14) by actuation of the electromagnet; - closing the valve (14), upon detection of a reduction in said pressure drop below a threshold value in the channel (4).

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the aerator is according to claim 2, and the step of detecting the presence of a pressure drop is based on a measurement of the mass flow rate of the air and on an angular orientation of the directional means (18) arranged in the channel (4) for directing the air flow (F).

10. Method according to claim 8, in which the step of detecting the presence of a pressure drop comprises a direct measurement of said pressure drop by means of a pressure sensor flush with a guide wall (4.1, 4.2) of the air flow (F) in the channel (4).

Images