Vent assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A vent assembly 400 in or for a vehicle for selectively opening and closing an enclosed space. The vent assembly comprises at least one set of modules 300. A set of modules comprises a first module (1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a vent assembly for selectively opening and closing an enclosed space. Further, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle. While automotive vehicles are in operational / driving mode, an interior space of the automotive vehicles remain closed by a hatch such as a door. The hatch includes one or more seals to tightly seal the closure against the body to prevent debris, water, noise entering into the interior space of the vehicle from around a periphery of the closure. The seal also prevents air from escaping once the hatch is closed, thereby causing increased air pressure within the interior space of the vehicle. To reduce the buildup of air pressure inside the vehicle when closing the hatch, some vehicles have passive pressure relief valves. These valves open in response to increased air pressure, allowing air to escape and making it easier to close the hatch. They often include a flexible flap, such as rubber, which opens when the pressure rises during hatch closure. Once the internal pressure matches the external ambient pressure, these valves are designed to close automatically. DE 10 2015 222803 A1 describes a device for producing a movement of a component of a vehicle (40), having an actuator element which is operatively connected to the component and translational and I or rotational movement is generated. Furthermore, DE 10 2015 222803 A1 describes to a vehicle with a device for providing a movement of a component of the vehicle. However, the system of the device is complex and is not cost effective. WO 2013 185012 A1 describes a vent assembly for a vehicle that includes one or more flexible membranes to direct air as desired by a vehicle occupant. The membranes may be individual, assembled with other parts of the vent assembly, or formed as a single-piece framework then assembled into the vent assembly. The flexible membranes may form divisions within the vent assembly for directing air to the vehicle interior. The flexible membranes may also be used as seals or peripheral panels between interior vent parts and peripheral elements, such as a vent plenum. There is a need to develop a cost-effective and safe system for reducing the buildup of air pressure inside the vehicle. Against this background, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved vent system. In particular, it is the object to develop a cost-effective vent system for releasing the build-up air pressure inside the vehicle. At least one of these objects is achieved by a vent assembly having the features of claim 1 and / or by a vehicle having the features of claim 20. Preferred embodiments are subject of the subclaims. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vent assembly for selectively opening and closing an enclosed space in particular in or for a vehicle is disclosed. The vent assembly may comprise at least one set of modules each comprising a first module and a second module arranged in a sequence and coupled to each other through at least one contact side . The first module may comprise a first housing and at least one first vane and the second module may comprise a second housing and at least one second vane. At least one actuating mechanism may be configured to be attached to at least one set of modules and coupled to the first and / or second vane of the set of modules such to open and close at least one first vane and / or at least one second vane. In an embodiment, the first module may further comprise a first deformation element, a first pair of levers, and a fastening mechanism. The first housing may comprises an engaging side for attaching the at least one first vane. At least one edge of the at least one first vane may be freely attached to the first housing. In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism may be arranged and configured such to pass through two opposite sides of the first housing to connect the first pair of levers for enabling a pivoting movement of the first pair of levers with respect to the first housing. In an embodiment, the first deformation element may comprise a raised portion and two free ends. The two free ends may be pivotally attached with a first end of the first pair of levers and the pivoting movement of the first pair of levers may be configured to guide the two free ends in a guidance area on two opposite sides of the first housing. The raised portion of the first deformation element may be configured to open and close the at least one first vane. The first end of the first pair of levers may comprise a slot to pivotally attach the two free ends of the first deformation element and the slot may be configured to provide a linear movement to the first deformation element in the guidance area. In an embodiment, the second module may comprise a second deformation element, and a second pair of levers. The second housing may comprise an engaging side for attaching the at least one second vane. At least one edge of the at least one second vane may be freely attached to the second housing to enable the open position of the at least one second vane. In an embodiment, the second housing may comprise an inner guidance area on two opposite sides of the second housing for the movement of the second deformation element and an outer guidance area on an outer surface of the two opposite sides of the second housing for the movement of the second pair of levers. In an embodiment, one of the second pair of levers may be inserted in the outer guidance area on one side of the second housing and / or one of the second pair of levers may be inserted in the outer guidance area on the opposite sides of the second housing and the second pair of levers may be configured to move along the outer guidance area. In an embodiment, the second deformation element may comprise at least two opposite ends and at least one third end. The at least two opposite ends may be attached with a first end of the second pair of levers on each two opposite sides of the second housing in order to allow a movement in the inner guidance area and the at least one third end may be configured to be fixed with the at least one second vane of the second module. In an embodiment, a second end of the first pair of levers and a second end of the second pair of levers may be pivotally attached to each other through a connecting mechanism. In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism may be configured to operate the second pair of levers in downward direction of the second module thereby enabling the pivoting movement of the first pair of levers about the fastening mechanism. In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism may further comprise at least one of a Bowden cable, piezoelectric element, hydraulic element, pneumatic element, electronic element, magnetic element, or motor gear element. In an open position of the vent assembly, the at least one first vane of the first module may be configured to deform in a first open shape and the at least one second vane of the second module may be configured to transform in a second open shape. In an embodiment, the first module may comprise a first housing and a first deformation element. The first deformation element may comprise a raised portion and two free ends. The two free ends may be configured to be rotatably coupled at top surface of the first housing by means of fixed ball bearings. The first housing may further comprise an inner groove to accommodate the first deformation element in a closed position of the at least one first vane. In an embodiment, the at least one vane may be made from an alloy, elastic material textile and / or fabric having shape memory. In an embodiment, the first and second open shapes may be any one of an arc, a triangle, a square and / or a trapezoid based on configuration of the first and second deformation elements respectively. In an embodiment, the at least one side of the first housing, may be freely attached with the at least one vane and may be comprise an aperture having an arched shape, a triangle shape, a square shape or a trapezoid shape. In an embodiment, the first deformation element may comprise at least one straight fin, at least one left directed fin, and / or at least one right directed fin, further configured to guide the flow of air in different directions. In an embodiment, the at least one set of modules may be arranged in such an orientation enabling the flow of air in different directions. The present disclosure is also related to a vehicle with a vent assembly as described above. The vent assembly of the present disclosure is configured to provide a cost-effective and more reliable vent system for releasing the pressure build-up inside the vehicle. Further the vent assembly may be configured to be used in different range of vehicles. The present vent assembly is more durable and less prone to wear and tear due to less complex structure as compared to the existing vent assemblies. It should be noted that the features set out individually in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically advantageous manner and set out other forms of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of system, apparatuses, and methods consistent with the present description and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labelled with the same number. The description further characterizes and specifies the present disclosure in particular in connection with the Figures. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: Figures 1Ato 1F illustrate perspective views of a first module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 2A to 2C illustrate perspective views of a second module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 3Ato 3E illustrate perspective views of a module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4A illustrates a view of vent assembly in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4B illustrates a view of vent assembly in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4C illustrates a top view of vent assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 5A to 5C illustrate a perspective view of at least one module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 6A to 6C illustrate a perspective view of at least one set of modules according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6D illustrates a schematic view of different air flow directions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The foregoing objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description related to the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications may be applied to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may have various embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the drawings, will be described in detail. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are 6 described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and / or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. When it is indicated that an element or layer is “on” or “above” another element or layer, this comprises a case in which another layer or element is interposed therebetween as well as a case in which the element or layer is directly above the other element or layer. In principle, reference signs designate elements throughout the specification. In the following description, the same reference signs are used to designate elements, which have the same function within the same idea illustrated in the drawings of each embodiment of the present disclosure. When detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present disclosure is deemed to unnecessarily blur the gist of the disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, numerals (e.g., first, second, etc.) used in the description herein are merely identifiers for distinguishing one element from another element. In addition, the terms “module” and “unit” used to refer to elements in the following description are given or used in combination only in consideration of ease of writing the specification, and the terms themselves do not have distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, the use of a singular term, such as, “a” is not to be interpreted as limiting the number of components or details of particular components. Additionally, various terms and / or phrases describing or indicating a position or directional reference such as, but not limited to, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “end”, “outer”, “inner”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc. may relate to one or more particular components as seen generally from a user’s vantage point during use or operation, and such terms and / or phrases are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for describing the disclosure to one skilled in the art. In addition, a suffix "region", "part", "unit" for a component used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles distinguished from each other. The present disclosure provides a vent assembly configured for selectively opening and closing an enclosed space, the vent assembly comprising at least one set of modules. Each set of modules may comprise a first module and a second module arranged in a sequence and coupled to each other. The first module comprises a first housing and at least one first vane. The second module comprises a second housing and at least one second vane. The vent assembly may further comprise an actuating mechanism attached to the at least one set of modules and configured for opening and closing the at least one first vane and / or at least one second vane. Figure 1A shows a first module 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the first module 100 may comprise a first housing 102, a first deformation element 104, a first pair of levers 106, a fastening mechanism 108 and at least one first vane 110. The fastening mechanism 108 may be configured to pass through two opposite sides 102a of the first housing 102 in order to connect with the first pair of levers 106. The first pair of levers may be attached to the first housing 102 with the help of the fastening mechanism 108, thereby providing a pivoting movement to the first pair of levers 106 about the fastening mechanism 108. The first pair of levers 106 may have a first end 106a and a second end 106b. The first end 106a may further be configured to have a slot 112. In an embodiment, the first housing 102 may be configured to have an engaging side 102dfor attaching the at least one first vane 110. In an embodiment, the engaging side 102d and the at least one first vane 110 may be configured with same number of edges. Further, at least one edge 110a of the at least one first vane 110 may be freely attached to the first housing. In an embodiment, the at least one edge 110a of the at least one first vane 110 may be freely attached with at least one of the engaging sides 102d of the first housing 102 to enable the open position of the at least one first vane 110. In an embodiment, the engaging side 102d of the first housing 102, freely attached with the at least one edge 110a of the at least one first vane 110, may comprise an aperture 118 on at least one side 102b of the first housing 102. The aperture 118 may be of any one of an arched shape, a triangle shape, a square shape or a trapezoid shape. The first deformation element 104 may have a raised portion 104a and two free ends 104b (as shown in Figure 1E). The first housing 102 may be adapted to have a guidance area 114 on two opposite sides 102a in which the first deformation element 104 may be placed. The two free ends 104b of the first deformation element 104 may be configured to pivotally attached with the first end 106a of the first pair of levers 106 through the slot 112 to enable a pivoting movement of the first deformation element 104 and guide the two free ends 104b in the guidance area 114 providing a linear movement to the first deformation element 104 in the guidance area 114. The raised portion 104a of the first deformation element 104 may be configured to move the at least one first vane 110 between the open and closed position of the first module 100. Figure 1B and 1C illustrate functioning of the first pair of levers 106 when coupled with the first deformation element 104 in the first module 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 A. In the closed position, the two free ends 104b of the first deformation element 104 coupled to the first end 106a of the first pair of levers 106 may remain at stationary position at bottom of the guidance area 114. In the open position, the first pair of levers 106 may rotate about the fastening mechanism 108 and the first end 106a of the first pair of levers 106 is configured to move to the upward position through the guidance area 114 as illustrated in Figure 1C. Thereby, the two free ends 104b of the first deformation element 104 may move to a top end of the guidance area 114 and the raised portion 104a may come out of the first housing 102. Figures 1D and 1E illustrate various components of the first module 100. The first module 100 may have the first housing 102 and a guidance area 114 on at least one side 102a for the first deformation element 104. The guidance area 114 may further be adapted to have a locking area 116 which prevents the first deformation element 104 to slip down in an opening position by locking the two free ends 104b of the first deformation element 104. Figure 1F illustrates the open position of the at least one first vane 110 caused by the upward movement of the first deformation element 104. Figure 2A illustrates a second module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the Figure 2A, the second module 200 may comprise a second housing 202 having an inner guidance area 204, a second deformation element 206 configured in the inner guidance area 204, at least one second vane 208 adapted to be attached at an engaging side 202b of the second housing 202 and a second pair of levers 210 having a first end 210a and a second end 210b. The second housing 202 may further be 9 adapted to have an outer guidance area 212 on two opposite sides 202a of the second housing 202. The second pair of levers 210 may be inserted in the outer guidance area 212 to move along the outer guidance area 212. In an embodiment, the second housing 202 and the at least one second vane 208 may be configured with same number of edges and at least one edge 208a of the at least one second vane 208 may be freely attached with at least one edge of the engaging side 202b of the second housing 202 to enable the open position of the at least one second vane 208. The second deformation element 206 may be configured to have at least two opposite ends 206a and at least one third end 206b. The at least two opposite ends 206a may be attached to the first end 210a of the second pair of levers 210 on the opposite sides 202a of the second housing 202 and the at least one third end 206b may be configured to be fixed with at least one edge 208a of the at least one second vane 208. In operation, the second pair of levers 210 may move vertically in the outer guidance area 212 to allow movement of the second deformation element 206 in the inner guidance area 204. As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2C, the second module 200 is shown in an open position. The second pair of levers 210 may slide down along the outer guidance area 212, thereby bringing the second deformation element 206 in a downward position and the at least one second vane 208 being deformed in a second open shape as a result. Figure 2B shows a side view of the second module 200 in a closed position. The second pair of levers 210 may be positioned at a top position of an outer guidance area 212. The at least one second vane 208 over the second housing 202 may be in stationary position in closed position. Figure 3A shows a set of modules 300 in a closed position according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The set of modules 300 may comprise the first module 100 and the second module 200 operably connected to each other through at least one contact side 102c, 202c. In an embodiment, tat least one contact side 102c of the first housing 102 and the at least one contact side 202c of the second housing 202 are configured to be attached to obtain a set of modules 300. In an embodiment, the second end 106b of the first pair of levers 106 and the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210 may be pivotally attached through a connecting mechanism X. The connecting mechanism X may be at the upward position in the closed position of the set of modules 300. Figures 3B and 3C show the set of modules 300 in an open position. In the open position, the connecting mechanism X is configured to be moved in the downward position by the actuating mechanism (shown in Figure 3D, 3E). The downward movement of the connecting mechanism X may pivotally rotate the first end 106a of the first pair of levers 106. The first deformation element 104 attached at the first ends 106a of the first pair of levers 106 may push the at least one first vane 110 in an upward position, thereby deforming the at least one first vane 110 in a first open shape. Further, the downward movement of the connecting mechanism X may pull the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210 in a downward position along the outer guidance area 212.The second pair of levers 210 may also pull the second deformation element 206 in the downward direction in the inner guidance area 204, thereby deforming the at least one second vane 208 in a second open shape as shown in the Figures 3A. Figure 3C shows an actuating mechanism 302 attached to a set of modules 300 with an aspect of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism 302 is attached to the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210 of the second module 200. The actuating mechanism 302 may pull down the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210, thereby pulling the second pair of levers 210 down through the outer guidance area 212. The second pair of levers 210 may also pull the second deformation element 206 in the downward direction in the inner guidance area 204, thereby deforming the at least one second vane 208 in a second open shape. The downward movement of the second pair of levers 210 may enable a pivotal movement of the first pair of levers 106 due to the coupling of second end 106b of the first pair of levers 106 and the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210 through the connecting mechanism X. The pivotal movement of the first pair of levers 106 may push the first deformation element 104 in the upward direction along the guidance area 114 and allowing the linear movement of the first deformation element 104. The linear movement of the first 11 deformation element 104 may tend to deform the at least one first vane 110 in a first open shape. The actuating mechanism in the set of modules 300 may be obtained by applying the mechanism specifically on the second pair of levers 210 of the second module 202 as illustrated in Figures 3D and 3E. In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism may include at least one of a Bowden cable, piezoelectric element, hydraulic element, pneumatic element, electronic element, magnetic element, or motor gear element. In an embodiment, the at least one vane 110, 208 may be deformed in shapes such as triangle, square and / or trapezoid. It should be appreciated that other shapes may be achieved as per the requirement. In an embodiment, the at least one vane 110, 208 may be obtained from an alloy, an elastic material, a textile and / or a fabric having a shape memory. Suitable shape memory alloy materials include without limitation nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel gallium based alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), goldcadmium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, and the like. The alloys can be binary, ternary, or any higher order So long as the alloy composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape orientation, damping capacity, and the like. Figure 4A shows a vent assembly 400 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The vent assembly 400 may comprise a plurality of set of modules 300 configured to be attached in a specific arrangement. Each set of the modules 300 may comprise the first module 100 and the second module 200 configured to be operably attached with the connecting mechanism X. The connecting mechanism X of each of the set of the modules may be actuated by at least one actuating mechanism to selectively open the at least one vane 110, 208 of each of the at least one set of modules 300. In the closed position, the connecting mechanism X of the second end 106b of the first module 100 and the second end 210b of the second module 200 may be at the upward position for each of the at least one set of modules 300 as shown in Figure 4A. Referring to Figure 4B, the vent assembly 400 is illustrated in a specific arrangement of the at least one set of the modules 300 in an open position. The connecting mechanism X is moved in the downward position by applying the actuating mechanism to the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210. The downward movement of the connecting mechanism X may pivotally rotate the first end 106a of the first pair of levers 106 of the first module 100. The first deformation element 104 attached at the first ends 106a of the first pair of levers 106 may push the at least one first vane 110 in an upward position, thereby deforming the at least one first vane 110 in a first open shape. Further, the downward movement of the second end 210b of the second pair of levers 210 may pull the second deformation element 206 in the downward direction in the inner guidance area 204, thereby deforming the at least one second vane 208 in a second open shape. In an embodiment, the vent assembly 400 may be configured by arranging the at least one set of modules 300 at an angle to obtain different direction of air flow as shown in Figure 4C. Referring to Figure 5A, a first module 500 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first module 500 may include a first housing 502, a first deformation element 504 and an inner grove 506 to accommodate the first deformation element 504 in a closed position. The first deformation element 504 may have a raised portion 504a and two free ends 504b. The first deformation element 504 may be coupled with the first housing 502 by attaching the two free ends 504b of the first deformation element at the top surface of the first housing 502 with fixed ball bearings 508. In the closed position, the first deformation element 504 may incline into the inner grove 506 due to the fixed ball bearings 508. Figures 5B and 5C show the side view of the first module 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first module 500 having the first deformation element 504 may be configured to raise in different positions as per the requirement during the operation. In an embodiment, the first deformation element 504 may be raised due to an actuating mechanism that may include at least one of a Bowden cable, hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electronic controlling. In an embodiment, at least one side of the first housing 502 may be configured to have an aperture 510. The aperture 510 may be configured to have shapes such as an arc, a triangle, a square or a trapezoid. Referring to Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, different types of fins are illustrated with an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a first deformation element 104 may be configured with fins. The fins may be straight fins 104c, left directed fins 104d and right directed fins 104e. Based on the selection of the fins to be used in the set of modules 300 (as illustrated in Figure 3B), different directions of air flow may be obtained as shown in Figure 3F. For example, the straight fins may provide a straight air flow to the vent assembly 400 (as illustrated in Figure 4B). Similarly, for the left directed fins 104d and right directed fins 104e, right air flow and left air flow may be obtained respectively. The left directed fins may provide air flow in the left direction and the right directed fins may provide air flow in the right direction as illustrated in Figure 6D. Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims, i.e. the features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims, and the drawings may be essential, both individually and in any combination, for accomplishing the present disclosure in its various embodiments. The embodiments shown herein are only examples of the present disclosure and must therefore not be understood as being restrictive. Alternative embodiments considered by the skilled person are equally covered by the scope of protection of the present disclosure. LIST OF USED REFERENCE SIGNS 100 first module 102 first housing 102a opposite sides of the first housing 102b at least one side of the first housing 102c contact side of the first housing 102d engaging side of the first housing 104 first deformation element 104a raised portion of the first deformation element 104b two free ends of the first deformation element 104c at least one straight fin 104d at least one left directed fin 104e at least one right directed fin 106 first pair of levers 106a first end of first pair of levers 106b second end of first pair of levers 108 fastening mechanism 110 at least one first vane 110a at least one edge of first vane 112 slot 114 guidance area 116 locking area 118 aperture 200 second module 202 second housing 202a opposite sides of the second housing 202b engaging side of the second housing 202c contact side of the second housing 204 inner guidance area 206 second deformation element 206a two opposite ends of the second deformation element 206b at least one third end of the second deformation element 208 at least one second vane 208a at least one edge of second vane second pair of levers first end of the second pair of levers second end of the second pair of levers outer guidance area at least one set of modules actuating mechanism vent assembly first module first housing first deformation element raised portion of the first deformation element two free ends of the first deformation element inner groove fixed ball bearing aperture connecting mechanism

Claims

1. A vent assembly (400) for selectively opening and closing an enclosedspace, in particular in or for a vehicle, the vent assembly (400) comprising:• at least one set of modules (300) each comprising a first module (100, 500) and a second module (200) arranged in a sequence and coupled to each other through at least one contact side (102c, 202c); wherein the first module (100, 500) comprises a first housing (102) and at least one first vane (110) andthe second module (200) comprises a second housing (202) and at least one second vane (208); and• at least one actuating mechanism (302), wherein the actuating mechanism (302) is attached to at least one set of modules (300) and coupled to the first and / or second vane (110, 208) of said set of modules (300) such to open and close at least one first vane (110) and / or at least one second vane (208).

2. The vent assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first module (100)further comprises a first deformation element (104), a first pair of levers (106) and a fastening mechanism (108), wherein the first housing (102) comprises an engaging side (102d) for attaching the at least one first vane (110) and wherein at least one edge (110a) of the at least one first vane (110) is freely attached to the first housing (102).

3. The vent assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fasteningmechanism (108) is arranged and configured such to pass through two opposite sides (102a) of the first housing (102) to connect the first pair of levers (106) for enabling a pivoting movement of the first pair of levers (106) with respect to the first housing (102).

4. The vent assembly according to any of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the firstdeformation element (104) comprises a raised portion (104a) and two free ends (104b), wherein the two free ends (104b) are pivotally attached with a first end (106a) of the first pair of levers (106) and the pivoting movement of the first pair of levers (106) is configured to guide the two free ends (104b) in a guidance area (114) on two opposite sides (102a) of the first housing (102) and wherein the raised portion (104a) 17of the first deformation element (104a) is configured to open and close the at least one first vane (110).

5. The vent assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first end (106a) ofthe first pair of levers (106) comprises a slot (112) to pivotally attach the two free ends (104b) of the first deformation element (104), wherein the slot (112) is configured to provide a linear movement to the first deformation element (104) in the guidance area (114).

6. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thesecond module (200) comprises a second deformation element (206), and a second pair of levers (210), wherein the second housing (202) comprises an engaging side (202b) for attaching the at least one second vane (208) and wherein at least one edge (208a) of the at least one second vane (208) is freely attached to the second housing (202) to enable an open position of the at least one second vane (208).

7. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thesecond housing (202) comprises an inner guidance area (204) inside the second housing (202) and an outer guidance area (212) on an outer surface of two opposite sides (202a) of the second housing (202).

8. The vent assembly according to claim 7, wherein one of the second pairof levers (210) is inserted in the outer guidance area (212) on one of the opposite sides (202a) of the second housing (202) and / or one of the second pair of levers (210) is inserted in the outer guidance area (212) on the other opposite side (202a) of the second housing (202), wherein the second pair of levers (210) is configured to move along the outer guidance area (212).

9. The vent assembly according to any of the claims 6 to 8, wherein thesecond deformation element (206) comprises at least two opposite ends (206a) and at least one third end (206b), wherein the at least two opposite ends (206a) are attached to a first end (210a) of the second pair of levers (210) on two opposite sides (202a) of the second housing (202) in order to allow a movement in the inner guidance area (204) and the at least one third end (206b) is configured to be fixed with the at least one second vane (208) of the second module (202).

10. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein asecond end (106b) of the first pair of levers (106) and a second end (210b) of the second pair of levers (210) are pivotally attached to each other through a connecting mechanism (X).

11. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein theactuating mechanism is configured to operate the second pair of levers (210) in an downward direction of the second module (202) thereby enabling the pivoting movement of the first pair of levers (106) about the fastening mechanism (108).

12. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thefirst module (500) comprises a first housing (502) and a first deformation element (504), whereinthe first deformation element (504) comprises a raised portion (504a) and two free ends (504b), wherein the two free ends (504b) of the first deformation element are rotatably coupled at a top surface of the first housing 502 by means of fixed ball bearings 508, and the first housing (502) comprises an inner grove (506) to accommodate the first deformation element (504) in a closed position of the at least one first vane (110).

13. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein theactuating mechanism comprises at least one Bowden cable, piezoelectric element, hydraulic element, pneumatic element, electronic element, magnetic element, and / or motor gear element.

14. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein inan open position of the vent assembly (400), the at least one first vane (110) of the first module (100) is configured to transform into a first open shape and the at least one second vane (208) of the second module (202) is configured to transform into a second open shape.

15. The vent assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first and / or secondopen shapes are any one of an arc, a triangle, a square and / or a trapezoid based on a configuration of the first and second deformation elements, respectively.

16. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein theat least one vane (110, 208) is made from an alloy, an elastic material, a textile and / or a fabric having a shape memory.

17. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein atleast one side (102b) of the first housing (102) that is freely attached with the at least one first vane (110) comprises an aperture (118) having an arched shape, a triangle shape, a square shape or a trapezoid shape.

18. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thefirst deformation element (104) comprises at least one straight fin (104c), at least one left directed fin (104d) and / or at least one right directed fin (104e) configured to guide the flow of air in different directions.

19. The vent assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein theat least one set of modules (300) is arranged in such an orientation enabling the flow of air in different directions.

20. A vehicle comprising at least one vent assembly (400) according to any ofthe preceding claims.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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