Air flow device for ventilating a motor vehicle

Abstract

Improved airflow control to ventilate the vehicle. The present invention relates to an airflow device (1) for ventilating a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flap element (2) for appropriately controlling the airflow. The flap element (2) is at least partially flexible and deformable by at least one shape memory element (3) disposed thereon and / or therein. At least one shape memory element (3) is disposed on each side of a central plane (12) of the flap element (2) so that the flap element (2) can be bent in two directions from a neutral position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airflow device for ventilating a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flap element for appropriately controlling the airflow. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to properly ventilate the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, most of the ducts through which the air is guided are opened or closed by flaps or the air is redirected into certain ducts. For this purpose, the flaps are usually pivotally supported in the ducts and are connected via a suitable mechanism to a drive device, which is usually constructed electrically and is usually an electric motor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to improve the control of air flows for ventilating a motor vehicle. The solution should preferably be simpler, in particular less costly, preferably less prone to malfunction, and e.g. be capable of being realized with fewer components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved by an air flow device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention become apparent from the general description and the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0005] The airflow device according to the invention serves for ventilation of a motor vehicle, in particular at least a passenger compartment. The airflow device comprises at least one flap element, in particular for controlling the airflow for ventilation, the flap element being at least partially flexibly configured. The flap element is deformable, preferably elastically deformable, by means of at least one shape-memory element arranged on and / or in it.

[0006] The air flow device according to the invention produces many advantages. The flexible flap element, which can be appropriately deformed by means of a shape memory element, produces important advantages. This allows a very simple and at the same time very appropriate and reliable adjustment of the flap element for controlling the air flow. The invention can be realized structurally simply and at low cost. It is also advantageous in the invention that the flap element itself deforms. Expensive and fault-prone mechanisms for transmitting forces between the flap element and the drive and swing bearings of the flap can thus be dispensed with.

[0007] The flap element is preferably deformable by passing an electric current through the shape memory element. This results in a very simple and reliable deformation of the flap element. Thus, by passing an electric current through the shape memory element and the resulting deformation of the flap element, the air flow can be controlled appropriately. In particular, the shape memory element is shortened or contracted by passing an electric current through the shape memory element itself, whereby the current flows through the shape memory element itself and changes its shape, in particular shortens it. However, it is also possible for the shape memory element to elongate or expand by passing an electric current through it. The shape memory element is in particular electrically conductive. The shape memory element can be heated by passing an electric current through it. This is particularly advantageous in the case of temperature-changeable or deformable shape memory elements.

[0008] The shape memory element is in particular configured to be suitable for deforming, in particular bending, the flap element under the action of an electric current. The shape memory element is in particular arranged on and / or in the flap element such that the flap element follows the deformation of the shape memory element and is deformed together with it. The shape memory element can return to its rest or starting position again without the application of electric current by itself and / or by the force exerted by the flap element. The shape memory element extends or grows again without the application of electric current. However, the shape memory element can also be shortened or reduced without the application of electric current.

[0009] The shape memory element is a shape memory alloy or contains at least one such shape memory alloy. The shape memory element is also called a memory metal or contains at least one such memory metal. The shape memory element is in particular an SMA (in English: Shape Memory Alloy) or contains at least one such SMA. Other types of shape memory materials can also be used.

[0010] In a very advantageous embodiment, at least one shape memory element is arranged on each side of the central plane of the flap element. This has the advantage that the flap element can be bent in two directions from the rest position. Thus, several different air controls are possible with one flap element. In particular, by energizing at least one shape memory element, the flap element can be bent in a first direction. In particular, by energizing at least one other shape memory element, the flap element can be bent in another direction.

[0011] In particular, at least one shape memory element is arranged on and / or in the flap element on both sides of the central plane. In particular, the flap element is arranged between at least two shape memory elements. In particular, the shape memory element is arranged outside or offset from the central plane. When embodiments of the shape memory element are described below, this embodiment is in particular for at least two shape memory elements. At least one shape memory element can be arranged only on one side of the central plane of the flap element.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, in order to deform the flap element, at least one shape memory element is shortened, in particular by passing an electric current through it, and at least one other shape memory element is stretched, whereby the at least one other shape memory element is at least partially at least freely movable relative to the flap element. move , thereby preferably allowing it to approximately maintain its dimension or length.

[0013] Freely adjustable relative to the flap element moveIn particular, at least one free move In particular, at least a part of the at least one shape memory element is movable. move In particular, at least two shape memory elements are connected to one such flexible member each. move In this case, it is equipped with a move The portion in particular allows the non-energized shape memory element to protrude from the flap element, whereby the non-energized shape memory element preferably does not stretch or stretches only slightly when the flap element is bent. move Since the portion is locked in the contraction direction, the flap element can be bent by contracting the energized shape memory element. When at least one shape memory element is disposed on each side of the central plane, the shape memory element has at least one free-moving portion on each side. move The center surface may be provided with a free-adjusting portion only on one side. move A section may be provided.

[0014] The flap element and the at least one shape memory element can be at least partially interconnected in such a way that they can be non-destructively detachable. In particular, the shape memory element is embedded in a material joint of the flap element. This results in an easily producible and reliable connection and force transmission. In particular, the shape memory element is integrally connected to the flap element, for example by glueing. The shape memory element is in particular fixed on the flap element. However, the shape memory element and the flap element can be interconnected in a detachable manner, and in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one shape memory element is injection molded together with the material of the flap element and / or extrusion coated with the material of this flap element. In particular, the shape coating element is injection molded together with the flap element during its production and / or extrusion coated. This allows a very simple and cost-effective production. The material is preferably a synthetic resin. The material is particularly flexible, preferably elastic.

[0016] In all embodiments, it is particularly advantageous if at least one shape memory element comprises at least one wire or is formed as such a wire. In particular, the shape memory element comprises or is formed by a number of wires. It may also be a wire connection, for example a knitted, meshed and / or woven fabric. It is also possible for the shape memory element to have a surface shape, for example forming the shape memory element as a layer or plate or film or sheet.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the flap element is configured as or comprises at least one flap, which is arranged in particular in at least one duct system.Within the scope of the present invention, a flap element is understood to mean preferably all suitable flow-guiding elements.

[0018] In an equally advantageous embodiment, the flap element is formed as at least one wall section of at least one duct system or comprises at least one such wall section. In particular, the wall section is formed at least partially flexible. The wall section in particular comprises at least one (housing) wall. The flap element is formed integrally with the wall or integrated into this wall. The wrap element is formed integrally with at least one section of the duct system, in particular with at least one wall or integrated into this wall. The flap element formed as a wall section is preferably rigidly integrated into the wall of the duct system, preferably formed integrally with this wall.

[0019] In particular, the air flow device comprises at least one duct system, in particular with a number of duct sections. The duct section in particular has at least one flow passage or is part of such a flow passage. The duct system, in particular the duct section or the flow passage, is in particular surrounded by a wall. The flap element serves in particular for an appropriate control of the air flow in the duct system.

[0020] In an advantageous development, the flap element is deformable by at least one shape memory element, such that at least one duct section of the duct system can be at least partially closed or opened. It is advantageous if the flap element is deformable by at least one shape memory element, such that the air can be redirected in at least one defined duct section of the duct. In this case, the air is preferably guided or redirected into different duct sections of the duct system. In this case, the duct system is in particular a duct system as mentioned above. In particular, the flap element is suitable and configured for at least partially closing or opening at least one duct section of the duct system and / or for directing air into at least one duct section of the duct system.

[0021] It is advantageous if the flap element is arranged in the flow cross section of the duct system. In particular, the flap element divides the flow cross section into at least two flow paths. By deformation of the flap element, preferably one flow path can be at least partially closed and / or opened in each case. In this embodiment, the invention allows the flow to be distributed or blocked in a very reliable and simple manner. The duct system is in particular a duct system as described above. The flap element can be formed as a wall section. The flow paths are in particular coincident with the duct section.

[0022] The airflow device can comprise or be formed as at least one blower, also referred to as outlet, preferably at least one personal blower, wherein the flap element preferably serves to appropriately control the airflow in the outlet and / or the airflow leaving the outlet. In particular, the flap element can appropriately redirect and / or at least partially block or open the airflow in the blower. Furthermore, the flap element can appropriately redirect and / or at least partially block the airflow at at least one outlet of the blower.

[0023] The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle equipped with an air flow device according to the invention, the air flow device being preferably configured as described above, which offers numerous advantages and in particular an improved and simplified air guidance for the air conditioning system.

[0024] In particular, the shape memory element is arranged on and / or in the flap element outside the central plane or off-center. In particular, the shape memory element is arranged in the plane and / or at the edge of the flap element. In particular, the flap element has at least one flexible section. In particular, the flap element is deformable by at least one shape memory element arranged on and / or in the flexible section.

[0025] In particular, the flap element is suitably deformable by the shape memory element. In particular, the flap element is formed to be flexible or bendable. In particular, the flap element is made of a flexible, preferably elastic, material. In particular, the flap element is bent by the shape memory element so that the central plane is curved.

[0026] In particular, the flap element is not formed rigidly, in particular, the flap element does not rotate or swing about the bearing axis of rotation due to the shape memory element.

[0027] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cutaway side view of an airflow device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates the airflow device of FIG. 1 in an energized or redirected state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a cutaway side view of an embodiment of an air flow device; [Figure 4] 4 illustrates the airflow device of FIG. 3 in an energized or redirected state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of another embodiment of the air flow device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] 1 shows an airflow device 1 according to the invention for ventilating the (passenger) interior of a motor vehicle. The ventilation is for example carried out by means of heated and / or cooled air. For this purpose, the airflow device 1 is for example fluidly connected to an air conditioning system or is part of such an air conditioning system. Ventilation is understood in the context of the present invention to mean ventilation draft or ventilation operation.

[0030] The air flow device 1 comprises a flexible flap element 2 formed as a flap 22. The flap element 2 is fixed at one end to or integrated into a diagrammatically illustrated part of the air flow device 1, for example a wall section of a duct system 5, not shown here.

[0031] The flap element 2 is equipped with two shape memory elements 3, for example formed as wires 13. In order to control the air flow in the duct system of the air flow device 1, for example to block or redirect the air flow, the flap element 2 can be deformed by passing an electric current through the shape memory elements 3. Electrical contacts for the current passage are not shown here.

[0032] The air flow device 1 is formed, for example, as a blower 10, in particular as a personal blower. In the blower 10, one or more flap elements 2 can be used, which guide the air into different duct sections of the blower 10 or close off one duct section.

[0033] The shape memory elements 3 are here arranged on either side of a central plane 12 of the flap element 2. The shape memory elements 3 are here either injection molded directly onto the flap element 2 or extrusion coated by it.

[0034] In Fig. 2 the airflow device 1 of Fig. 1 with the flap element 2 is shown in a deflected state. For this purpose the upper shape memory element 3 is energized, whereby it is shortened. The shape is thus distorted and the flap element 2 is bent upwards. The lower shape memory element 3 correspondingly stretches or flexes. move do.

[0035] Such freedom move Therefore, one or both of the shape memory elements 3 can be freely moved. move In the embodiment shown, the lower shape memory element 3 is, for example, slidably connected to the flap element 2 by a part 4. move It has four parts.

[0036] When the upper shape memory element 3 is shortened by energization and the flap element 2 is bent upward, the length of the lower shape memory element 3 can be freely adjusted. move When the lower shape memory element 3 is energized, it is free to move Part 4 is preferably flexible move The flap element 2 is bent downwards by the contraction of the lower shape memory element 3 when the current is applied. move The portion 4 may also be provided on the upper shape memory element 3 .

[0037] Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment of an air flow device 1 in which a flap element 2 is integrated as a wall section 32 in a duct system 5. A duct section 15 of the duct system 5 is shown here. In this duct section the flap element 2 is arranged in a flow cross section and divides this flow cross section into two flow paths 25. The air flows are indicated by arrows. The illustrated air flow device 1 can be formed, for example, as a blower 10.

[0038] The flap element is substantially constructed as described with reference to figures 1 and 2. It comprises two electrically conductive shape memory elements 3, which are arranged above and below the central plane of the flap element 2. By incorporating such a flap element 2, a separation in the middle of the duct section 15 in order to produce different flow paths 25 can be achieved very simply.

[0039] 3 shows the flap element 2 in a neutral or de-energized position, thereby allowing air to flow along both flow paths 25.

[0040] 4 shows the flap element 2 in a change of direction caused by energizing the upper shape memory element 3, which bends the flap element 2 upwards and closes the upper flow passage 25. Air then flows through the lower flow passage 25. When the air flow direction is to be changed to the upper flow passage 25, the lower shape memory element 3 is energized, which shortens the shape memory element 3 and causes the flap element 2 to bend downwards.

[0041] 5 shows an embodiment of the air flow device 1. In this case, the flap element 2 is formed as a flexible flap 22 and is fixed to the wall of a duct section 15 of the duct system 5. The flap 22 thereby serves to close or open the flow passage in the duct section 15. However, the illustrated flap device can also be realized by a flap element 2 formed as a wall section 32.

[0042] In this case, the flap element 2 comprises two shape memory elements 3, for example as explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the illustrated state, the upper shape memory element 3 is energized, which causes the flap element 2 to bend upwards. The flap 22 can thus close the duct cross section. In the neutral position or when the shape memory element 3 is not energized, the flap element 2 contacts the wall of the duct section 15, so that the flow path is open.

[0043] However, it is also possible that the flap element 2 only comprises a shape memory element 3 arranged above the centre line, in which case the flap element 2 returns to its rest position again by itself, without the special energisation of the shape memory element 3. However, the lower shape memory element 3 may also be energised in order to reach the rest position.

[0044] The proposed invention significantly improves the flap control in the air flow device 1, in particular in the blower 10. By means of the flexible flap element 2 and its appropriate deformation by energizing the shape memory element 3, a simple, cost-effective and yet very reliable air control can be achieved, without the invention requiring a complex and fault-prone control mechanism for the flap element 22. For this purpose, it is very simply possible to make the wall section 32 flexible and to equip it with at least one shape memory element 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Air flow device 2. Flap elements 3. Shape memory elements 4 Free move Department 5 Duct System 10. Blower 12 Center plane 13 Wire rod 15 Duct section 22 Flap 25 Flow Path 32 Wall Section

Claims

1. a duct system (5) that includes at least one flap element (2) for appropriately controlling the air flow, the flap element (2) being made of a flexible material, the flap element (2) being deformable by a shape memory element (3) arranged thereon, one shape memory element (3) arranged on each side of a central plane (12) of the flap element (2) so that the flap element (2) can be bent in two directions from a neutral position, the flap element (2) being arranged in a flow cross section of the duct system (5) and dividing the flow cross section into at least two flow paths (25), the flap element (2) closing a first flow path (25) of the two flow paths (25) when bent in a first direction of the two directions and closing a second flow path (25) of the two flow paths (25) when bent in a second direction of the two directions, Each of the shape memory elements (3) comprises a movable part (4) and is connected to the flap element (2) by the movable part (4), When one of the shape memory elements (3) shortens, the free-moving part (4) of the one of the shape memory elements (3) does not move freely, so that the flap element (2) is bent; The airflow device (1) for ventilating a motor vehicle, wherein the freely movable part (4) of the other shape memory element (3) on the opposite side to the central plane (12) of the flap element (2) is freely movable, so that the length of the other shape memory element (3) does not change.

2. 2. Air flow device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flap element (2) is deformable by passing an electric current through the shape memory element (3).

3. 3. Air flow device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flap element (2) and the shape memory element (3) are at least partially connected to each other in such a way that they cannot be detached without being destroyed.

4. Air flow device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shape memory element (3) is injection moulded into the material of the flap element (2) and / or extrusion coated by said flap element.

5. Air flow device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape memory element (3) comprises or is formed as at least one wire (13).

6. Air flow device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap element (2) is formed as at least one wall section (32) of the duct system (5).

7. Air flow device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap element (2) is deformable by means of the shape memory element (3) so that air can be redirected into at least one predefined duct section (15) of the duct system (5).

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