VEHICLE VENTILATOR WITH COANDA EFFECT AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A VENTILATOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle ventilator comprising at least one air supply duct for the vehicle passenger compartment, supplying air from an external or recirculated air intake to an air outlet (3) located in the vehicle passenger compartment, and a Coanda-effect airflow guide and distribution element (4) within the duct. This element (4) has at least one deformable, ogive-shaped end portion (5), characterized in that at least the tip (6) of the ogive (5) is deformable and the deformation of said tip (6) of the ogive (5) is achieved by a deformation mechanism selected from at least one spring and rod mechanism, rotating rollers, airbags, a rotating fin, or a hydraulic cylinder. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one such vehicle ventilator. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: COANDA EFFECT VEHICLE VENTILATOR AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A VENTILATOR

[0001] The invention relates to a Coanda effect vehicle ventilator and to a vehicle equipped with such a ventilator.

[0002] Here the term vehicle means a car, a van, a truck, a public transport vehicle, a piece of public works or agricultural machinery, the vehicle being motorized, partially or solely, by at least one electric motor.

[0003] In a vehicle, passenger compartment ventilation is achieved by ventilators located primarily on the dashboard, ensuring the circulation of outside or recirculated air within the passenger compartment. To direct the airflow, known ventilators include outlet grilles and / or flaps that can be oriented in the vertical and / or horizontal plane. Coanda effect ventilators are also known. Such ventilators allow the airflow exiting the vent to be distributed upwards and downwards, so that vehicle occupants perceive two different airflows, both in terms of flow rate and direction. DE-A-10 / 2014 218 840 discloses a ventilator comprising a wing-shaped element with an ogive-shaped front portion, elastically deformable and inserted into an air duct whose walls are also equipped with elastically deformable membranes. The wing-shaped element and the duct walls are mechanically connected.A handle allows the wing-shaped element to be deformed, thus also deforming the walls of the air duct. However, this solution is not optimal from an aerodynamic point of view due to the mechanical connection between the walls and the wing-shaped element, which impacts the airflow. The presence of this connection mechanism between the element and the walls also affects the acoustic performance of the ventilator.

[0004] The invention aims to propose an alternative solution for improving the performance of a Coanda effect aerator, without changing the size of the aerator.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle ventilator comprising at least one air supply duct for the vehicle passenger compartment from an external or recirculated air intake to an air outlet located in the vehicle passenger compartment, a Coanda-effect guiding and distribution element for the airflow in the duct, said element having at least one deformable, ogive-shaped end portion, characterized in that at least the pointed end of the ogive located closest to the ventilator's air outlet is deformable and in that the deformation of said end of the ogive is obtained by a deformation mechanism chosen at least among a spring and rod mechanism, rotating rollers, airbags, a rotating fin or a jack.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, a ventilator is produced comprising a deformable ogive element whose deformation mechanism can be selected from several solutions and controlled manually or automatically by various means. Such a ventilator optimizes its aerodynamic and acoustic performance, as the mechanism can be, at least in some cases, concealed within the ogive itself. This limits the number of parts that could obstruct the airflow while maintaining the initial dimensions of the guiding and distribution element, thus enabling the production of thin ventilators.

[0007] According to advantageous, but not mandatory, aspects of the invention, such a vehicle ventilator may comprise one or more of the following features:

[0008] The spring and rod deformation mechanism comprises at least one return spring and two wire-shaped rods, placed in a V and connecting a fixing point on a wall of the aerator body to the base of the ogive tip and to the ogive wall, the rods being windable on a winding mechanism constituting the fixing point of the spring and the rods on a wall of the aerator body.

[0009] The rotating roller deformation mechanism comprises two rotating rollers inserted into the hollow volume of the ogive of a guide and distribution element and set in rotation by a set of pulleys and belt placed on a part of the guide and distribution element.

[0010] The inflatable cushion deformation mechanism includes cushions of various dimensions and / or shapes and / or number placed in the ogive of a guide and distribution element.

[0011] The cylinder deformation mechanism comprises at least one, preferably two cylinders, pneumatic or mechanical, arranged in the ogive of a guide and distribution element, the cylinders being placed head-to-tail, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide and distribution element.

[0012] At least one S-shaped fin is pivotally mounted and centered on a rotating shaft, the fin and the rotating shaft being placed in the ogive of a guiding and distributing element.

[0013] At least the tip of the ogive of a guiding and distributing element and portions of the ogive wall located behind the tip are made of at least one deformable material.

[0014] At least one sensor is connected with a control interface of a ogive deformation mechanism of a guidance and distribution element.

[0015] At least one sensor is selected from a particle sensor, a temperature and / or humidity sensor, a vehicle window opening sensor, a smoke sensor in the vehicle's passenger compartment, or a vehicle speed sensor.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle ventilator conforming to any one of the preceding characteristics.

[0017] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] is a simplified perspective view, from the face facing the interior of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, of a vehicle ventilator according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0019] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view, at another scale along the section plane II in [Fig.1], the ogive part of a guiding and distributing element being shown without a deformation mechanism,

[0020] [Fig.3] is a view similar to [Fig.2], the ogive being provided with a first mode of implementation of the ogive deformation mechanism,

[0021] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.2], the ogive being provided with a second mode of the implementation of the ogive deformation mechanism,

[0022] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.2], the ogive being provided with a third mode of the implementation of the ogive deformation mechanism,

[0023] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.2], the ogive being provided with a fourth mode of the implementation of the ogive deformation mechanism and

[0024] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.2], the ogive being provided with a fifth mode of the implementation of the ogive deformation mechanism.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle air vent 1, viewed from inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, the air vent 1 is shown alone; the dashboard and / or other parts of the passenger compartment in which such an air vent 1 is integrated are not shown for ease of reading. The air vent 1 is rectangular in the example. Alternatively, it has a different geometric configuration. It comprises a hollow main body 2, through which an airflow passes between an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet 3, here in the form of a slot extending across the entire width of the body 2 and opening into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The term "slot" will be used hereafter. In another embodiment, a grille and / or protective flaps, fixed or adjustable, are placed in front of the slot 3.The air circulating in the body 2 comes either from outside or is partially or totally recycled from the air present in the passenger compartment. An airflow guidance and distribution element 4 in the body 2 is visible at the slot 3 through one end 5 of the element 4, referred to as the front end. The airflow guidance and distribution element 4 extends along . a direction parallel to the length of the body 2, between the air inlet and the air outlet 3. The end 5 is configured as a spear point or ogive and is flush with the slot 3. Hereafter the term ogive will be preferred.

[0026] As is particularly evident in [Fig. 2], which is a simplified cross-section along section plane II, the geometric configurations and respective dimensions of the slot 3 and the ogive 5 are complementary. Thus, the ogive 5, with its triangular tip 6, closes the slot 3 in a so-called closed configuration. In another configuration, the tip 6 of the ogive 3 allows, to varying degrees, the passage of airflow between the walls 7 of the slot 3 and the portions of the lateral walls 8 of the ogive located behind and in line with the tip 6. The geometric configuration of the guide and distribution element 4, and in particular its ogive-shaped end 5, makes it possible to use a specific physical phenomenon known as the Coanda effect for managing the airflow. The Coanda effect concerns the attraction of a fluid by a convex surface over which it flows.The fluid follows the surface and undergoes a deflection with limited pressure loss, thus also with limited noise. This results in precise control, in terms of flow rate and direction, of the airflow exiting the vent 1 with minimal noise, thereby improving the comfort of vehicle occupants. The presence of the nozzle 5 and its position within the slot 3, combined with the curvature of the internal walls of the vent body 2, allows the airflow exiting the slot 3 to be distributed into four flow zones, or channels, located relative to the nozzle 5 at the top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left. By managing the distribution and flow rate of the airflow between these four channels, the airflow can be directed in a desired direction. Such an aerator based on the Coanda effect allows precise management of airflow, in terms of direction and flow rate, without moving parts such as fins or flaps in the aerator, hence a reduced footprint.It is therefore possible, with such aerators, to reduce their dimensions and improve their aesthetics.

[0027] At least the tip 6 and portions of the walls 8 of the ogive located behind the tip 6 are made of at least one deformable material. In a preferred embodiment, the entire ogive 5 is made of a deformable material, which may or may not be the same throughout the entire ogive. For example, the tip 6 and / or the wall portions 8 are made of a deformable material different from the deformable material constituting the walls of the rest of the ogive 5. Advantageously, the deformable material is an elastomer. Alternatively, it is another material. In an advantageous embodiment, at least the front end or ogive 5 of the guide and distribution element 4 is hollow. Alternatively, the entire guide and distribution element 4 is hollow.

[0028] In [Fig. 2], the direction of the airflow exiting the aerator 1 is indicated by arrow F. This direction is said to be neutral, the flow being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the guiding and distribution element 4. In other words, there is no There is no vertical and / or lateral direction of the airflow. Such a neutral direction will be that illustrated in Figures 2 to 7, for ease of reading. This airflow direction is frequently used by vehicle occupants, as it directs the air towards the center of the passenger compartment. The deformation of at least the tip 6 and the wall portions 8 is achieved by a mechanism selected from among a spring and rod deformation mechanism, rotating rollers, airbags, a rack and pinion, rotating vanes, or cylinders. These mechanisms can be operated by mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, or other means. The mechanisms are operated from a ventilator control interface located in the vehicle's passenger compartment.Subsequently, to simplify reading, a letter will be added to the reference of the constituent elements of the ogive and the guiding and distribution element, according to the deformation mechanism retained.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a first type of deformation mechanism for a ogive 5A using a spiral spring 9 and two connecting rods 10. The rods 10 are configured as corrugated and relatively rigid wires. Hereafter, the term "rod" will be used alone. In this example, the rods 10 are identical. In alternative versions, they are different. The spring 9 is fixed between one of the walls 8 of the element 4A upstream of the ogive 5A and a wall 11 of the body of the ventilator 1. The spring 9 returns the ogive 5A, and therefore the guiding and distribution element 4A, to its so-called neutral position, i.e., the one illustrated in Figure 3. The rods 10 are placed in a V, one of their ends being fixed on the tip 6A, for one end downstream of the wall 8A and of the fixing of the spring 9 on the wall of the element 4A and, for the other end, on the wall of the element 4A, upstream of the fixing point of the spring 9 on this same wall.The other ends of the two rods 10 are fixed at the same point on the wall 11 as the spring 9. In other words, the spring 9 extends substantially in the middle position in the V defined by the rods 10.

[0030] The attachment point of the rods 10 and the spring 9 on the wall 11 is in fact a winding mechanism 12, for example, of the block and tackle type. Hereafter, only the term block and tackle will be used. Thus, the rods 11 can be wound by action on the block and tackle 12, which induces tension on the tip 6, the walls 8A, and the wall of the element 4A, thereby deforming at least the ogive 5A. This tension is accompanied by compression of the spring 9. When the tension is released and the block and tackle 12 unwinds, the return of the spring 9 to its original position by decompression ensures a return to the initial configuration of the ogive 5A. Advantageously, it is possible to wind the rods 10 individually, synchronously or not, thus achieving different deformations of the ogive 5A and de facto various distributions of the airflow entering the passenger compartment.Depending on the geometry of the ogive 5A in its undeformed position, one or another direction of airflow is favored during the deformation of the ogive 5A. The winding mechanism can be mechanical or electric, manually or automatically controlled. automatic from the control interface located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In the case of automatic control, the implementation of the mechanism is initiated, for example, by one or more sensors such as one or more sensors for temperature and / or humidity, particles in the air, speed, smoke in the passenger compartment, window opening or other.

[0031] Another deformation mechanism for an ogive 5B is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Here, the ogive 5B has a more teardrop shape, although a shape similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 3 is also usable. At least one, advantageously two, rotating rollers 13 are placed in the ogive 5B and rotated around a common shaft by a set of pulleys and a belt, referenced 130, located on a portion of a guide and distribution element 4B. The pulley and belt set 130 ensures the deformation of the ogive 5B by tension along the double arrow F4. For this purpose, element 4B is hollow and at least one belt, not shown, connects the set 130 to the rotation shaft of the rollers 13. The operation of the pulley and belt set 130 is advantageously achieved electrically via the aerator's control interface. Alternatively, the means are mechanical, with manual controls.

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this case, at least one inflatable air cushion is inserted into a ogive 5C. Specifically, cushions 14 and 15 of various dimensions and / or shapes and / or numbers are placed in the ogive 5C. Here, five cushions 14, 15 are placed in the internal volume of the ogive 5C at specific locations to ensure at least one optimal and rapid deformation of the ogive 5C. The inflation and deflation of the cushions 14, 15 are advantageously individualized by a mechanism, not shown, that is electrical or pneumatic, with manual or automatic control as in the previous cases. Thus, by adjusting the inflation / deflation of some of the cushions 14, 15, different deformations of the ogive 5C are achieved. This allows for significant modulation of the airflow in terms of direction and / or flow rate.

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which at least one, preferably two, pneumatic or mechanical cylinders 16 are arranged in a 5D ogive. The cylinders 16 are positioned end-to-end, parallel to a longitudinal axis A6 of the 4D guide and distribution element. Alternatively, they are oriented angularly with respect to axis A6. By injecting compressed air or using a rack and pinion mechanism, depending on the type of cylinder, the cylinders 16 can be moved within the internal volume of the 5D ogive, thereby deforming it. The movement of the cylinders 16 can be individualized to achieve different deformations of the 5D ogive. The control mechanism for the cylinders 16 is not shown for ease of reading. Advantageously, it is integrated into the 4D element.

[0034] Figure 7 represents another embodiment of the invention in which a ogive 5E comprises at least one rotation shaft 17 oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the guiding and distribution element 4E. At least one S-shaped fin 18 is placed in the ogive 5E. The fin 18 is pivotally mounted and centered on the rotation shaft 17. Thus, a rotation of the fin 18 around the shaft 17, over a longer or shorter stroke, allows the ogive 5E to be deformed to a greater or lesser degree. In another embodiment, the length of at least one of the arms of the S constituting the fin 18 is variable. It is thus possible to achieve a greater number of deformations of the ogive 5E. Alternatively, the shape of the fin 18 is different. Similarly, there may be multiple fins in the 5E ogive.

[0035] Deformation mechanisms therefore exist that can be partially or fully inserted into the internal volume of a 5B to 5E nose cone, thereby improving aerodynamics and limiting pressure losses and noise generated by parts located in the main body 2 of the ventilator 1, along the airflow path. Alternatively, the deformation mechanisms of the 5B to 5E nose cone are placed in the rear part of the airflow guidance and distribution element 4B, 4D, 4E, being more or less inserted into the straight rear portion of the guidance and distribution element 4B, 4D, 4E. The deformation mechanisms described herein allow for rapid, reversible, and adaptable deformation according to user needs. They are all easily controlled via the ventilator 1 control interface from inside the vehicle.

[0036] The possibility of coupling at least one sensor, for example of particles such as pollen or pollutants, temperature and / or humidity, vehicle speed, window opening, smoke in the passenger compartment or other, with the control interface of the deformation mechanisms in order to have, in addition to a manual action, an optimal automatic adjustment of the ventilation without intervention from the vehicle occupants.

[0037] In another embodiment, it is possible to generate, automatically or manually, a deformation of the ogive such that the deformed ogive blocks the vent slot, thus preventing any air circulation in the passenger compartment when the vehicle is in certain configurations, for example, when stationary. Alternatively, the ogive partially blocks the vent slot, thus obscuring the vent body's inlet and the air outlet into the vehicle's passenger compartment while still allowing a minimal passage of an airflow of a given flow rate and direction towards the passenger compartment, again depending on the vehicle's configuration.

[0038] In addition to precisely adjusting the airflow in the passenger compartment in terms of direction and flow rate, the invention improves the acoustic comfort of the ventilator as well as the visual comfort perceived by users. Indeed, thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce ventilators with a small, and therefore discreet, air outlet slot.

Claims

Demands

1. A vehicle ventilator (1) comprising at least one air supply duct for the vehicle passenger compartment from an external or recirculated air intake to an air outlet (3) located in the vehicle passenger compartment, a Coanda-effect airflow guide and distribution element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) for the airflow in the duct, said element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) having at least one deformable, ogive-shaped end portion (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E), characterized in that at least the pointed end (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) located closest to the air outlet (3) of the ventilator (1) is deformable and in that that the deformation of said end (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) is obtained by a deformation mechanism chosen at least from among a spring (9) and rod (10) mechanism, rotating rollers (13), inflatable cushions (14, 15), a rotating fin (18) or a jack (16).

2. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a spring and rod mechanism comprising at least one return spring (9) and two wire-shaped rods (10) arranged in a V and connecting a fixing point on a wall (11) of the ventilator body (5A) to the base of the tip (6A) of the ogive (5A) and to the wall (8A) of the ogive (5A), the rods (10) being windable on a winding mechanism (12) constituting the fixing point of the spring (9) and the rods (10) on a wall (11) of the ventilator body (5A).

3. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a deformation mechanism by rotating rollers (13) comprising two rotating rollers (13) inserted in the hollow volume of the ogive (5B) of a guide and distribution element (4B) and set in rotation by a set of pulleys and belt (130) placed on a part of the guide and distribution element (4B).

4. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is an airbag deformation mechanism (14, 15) comprising airbags (14 and 15) of various dimensions and / or shapes and / or number placed in the ogive (5C) of a guide and distribution element.

5. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a cylinder deformation mechanism comprising at least one, preferably two cylinders (16), pneumatic or mechanical, arranged in the ogive (5D) of a guide and distribution element (4D), the cylinders (16) being placed head-to-tail, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (A6) of the guide and distribution element (4D).

6. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one S-shaped fin (18) is pivotally mounted and centered on a rotating shaft (17), the fin (18) and the rotating shaft (17) being placed in the ogive (5E) of a guiding and distributing element (4E).

7. Vehicle ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the tip (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) of a guide and distribution element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) and portions of the wall (8, 8A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) located behind the tip (6, 6A) are made of at least one deformable material.

8. Vehicle ventilator according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one sensor is connected with a control interface of a ogive deformation mechanism (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E).

9. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one sensor is selected from a particle sensor, a temperature and / or humidity sensor, a vehicle window opening sensor, a smoke sensor in the vehicle cabin or a vehicle speed sensor.

10. Vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle ventilator (1) conforming to any one of the preceding claims.

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