A ventilator device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a ventilator device (1) for a vehicle comprising a receiving unit (2) defining an opening (3). The receiving unit (2) being arranged to be attached to a structure (110) of a vehicle (200) to allow the opening (3) to form a fluid passage between an interior of said vehicle (200) and an ambient environment. Further, the device (1) comprises a ventilating unit (10) fitted in said opening (3), the ventilating unit (10) being adjustable relative said opening (3) between a ventilating position and a sealed position. In said sealed position, said top surface (11a) and said upper surface (2a) are aligned along a common plane (p1) so to prevent any fluid circulation through said opening (3).

Description

[0001] A VENTILATOR DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a ventilator device for a vehicle. Further, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle body component comprising such a ventilator device and a vehicle comprising such a ventilator device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Ventilator devices for vehicles, such as boats, serves the function of facilitating exchange of air within the vehicle interior. Ventilation devices help to regulate temperature and humidity levels, thereby reducing the risks of build-up of harmful particles in the vehicle interior.

[0006] Accordingly, ventilator devices for vehicles enhance the overall vehicle experience by promoting health and safety for occupants of the vehicle.

[0007] There exist various different types of ventilator devices for vehicles, for example passive ventilators which use natural airflow and wind to circulate air within the vehicle. Other common ventilator devices are solar-powered ventilators, electric powered ventilators and dorade ventilators.

[0008] A common issue with ventilator devices for vehicles of the present art is that they are bulky in their design such that they protrude excessively out from the exterior surface of the vehicle. Disadvantages of this is that they adversely affect the vehicle aesthetics, are more vulnerable to be damaged from external elements such as (if they are installed on a boat) waves, or objects on deck. Further, they can negatively affect vehicle aerodynamics.

[0009] Accordingly, ventilator devices in the present art fail to fulfil requirements related to compactness.

[0010] Thus, there is room for ventilator devices in the present art to explore the domain of providing a ventilator device that is more compact in its configuration. Specifically, it would be desirable to provide a ventilator device that is at least able to alternate between an open / active state and a disabled state, whereby the ventilator device is designed to be more compact in at least said disabled state.

[0011] Accordingly, even though previous solutions may work well, it would be desirable to provide a ventilator device that address requirements related to compactness.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to alleviate at least some of the mentioned drawbacks to provide an improved ventilator device that is more compact in its configuration.

[0014] This and other objects, which will become apparent in the following, are achieved by a ventilator device, a body component comprising such a ventilator device and a vehicle comprising such a ventilator device as defined in the appended claims.

[0015] The present disclosure discloses a ventilator device for a vehicle comprising a receiving unit defining an opening (preferably at a centre part of it). The receiving unit being arranged (configured / shaped and dimensioned / adapted) to be attached to a structure of a vehicle to allow the opening to form a fluid passage between an interior of said vehicle and an ambient environment. Accordingly, the receiving unit is attachable to a structure of a vehicle. The ventilator device further comprises a ventilating unit fitted in said opening. The ventilator device being configured to facilitate fluid exchange between the ambient environment and the interior of said vehicle. The ventilating unit is adjustable relative said opening between a ventilating position and a sealed position. The ventilating position allows for fluid (air) exchange between said vehicle interior and said ambient environment and the sealing position prevents fluid exchange between said vehicle interior and said ambient environment. Further, in said ventilating position, a top surface of said ventilating unit protrudes (preferably into the ambient environment), in a first direction relative an upper surface of said receiving unit. Further, in said sealed position, said top surface and said upper surface are aligned along a common plane (i.e. the surfaces lie in the plane) so to prevent any fluid circulation through said opening. In other words, the top surface and said upper surface are flush relative each other, or in further other words, the top surface and said upper surface form a common (preferably flat) surface. Accordingly, the term "aligned along a common plane" may be interchanged with "flush" or with "form a common (preferably flat) surface.

[0016] An advantage of the ventilator device in accordance with the present disclosure is that it, at least in the sealed position forms a compact structure which, when seen by any one from an outside will only be perceived as a common surface.

[0017] The receiving unit may comprise a neck portion extending from a lower surface of the receiving unit opposite said upper surface, wherein said neck portion defines an inner space prolonging said opening.

[0018] An advantage of said neck portion is that it provides further structural rigidity to said receiving unit.

[0019] In said sealed position, the ventilating unit is at least partly enclosed by said neck portion. At least partly may refer to that at least 75% of the height of the ventilating unit is enclosed / surrounded by the neck portion. Preferably, at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%.

[0020] An advantage of this is that any openings or components of said ventilating unit will be well protected from e.g. dust or dirt, thereby increasing the lifespan and efficiency of the ventilator device.

[0021] The lower surface may be arranged to be attached to said structure of said vehicle. Accordingly, the upper surface may be free from any visible attachment parts when viewed from an ambient environment. Thereby, reducing the risk of environmental conditions to hamper (e.g. corrode) any fastening components / means.

[0022] Further, at least one of a circumferential surface of said receiving unit defining said opening and an inner surface of said neck portion comprises at least one blocking portion arranged to prevent said ventilating unit to slide beyond said ventilating position in said first direction and / or to prevent said ventilating unit to slide beyond said closed position in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Le. the ventilating unit may then only be in the sealed position, a ventilating position and transition positions in-between said sealed and ventilating position in which it is shifted between said two positions. For example, the blocking portions may comprise a tapering / edged structure arranged to, in said sealed position, intervene / mate with a corresponding tapered / edged structure at an encompassing portion of the ventilating unit. Accordingly, the at least one blocking portion of said receiving unit may be arranged to mate / intervene with a corresponding portion at an encompassing portion of the ventilating unit.

[0023] In the sealed position of the ventilating unit, the opening of the receiving unit is hermetically sealed by said ventilating unit. Thereby, no fluid exchange will be provided between interior of the vehicle and the ambient environment through the ventilator device. The hermetical sealing may be provided by at least one o-ring (rubber ring or the like).

[0024] The adjustability of the ventilating unit may be provided by that it is slidable relative said opening i.e the term adjustable may be interchanged with slidable. It may be slidable along said first direction, so that it protrudes into the ambient environment when in said ventilating position. Accordingly, the ventilating unit may be (solely) linearly slidable. The ventilating unit may be dimensioned with respect to the receiving unit to enable said ventilating unit to be slidable relative the receiving unit. In some aspects, the ventilating unit may have a diameter with a specific play relative a diameter of the receiving unit so to allow the ventilating unit to be able to slide relative the receiving unit. Accordingly, the ventilating unit may form a slip / slide-fit mechanism relative the receiving unit. However, the ventilating unit and the receiving unit may form said slip-fit mechanism therebetween by other type of configurations also.

[0025] An advantage of such a slip-fit mechanism in view of the present disclosure, is that the ventilator device can be moved from the ventilating position to the sealed position by a pushforce exerted to said top surface (in a direction opposite the first direction). Advantageously, the ventilator device can be moved from the ventilating position to the sealed position from the outside of the vehicle. Thereby, providing a convenient handling of the ventilator device.

[0026] The ventilating unit may comprise, at an encompassing portion thereof, at least one air-intake opening being in fluid flow communication with said opening of the receiving unit. Preferably, the ventilating unit comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced air-intake openings. However, the air-intake openings are not necessarily circumferentially spaced and may be distributed in other manners as would be appreciated by a skilled person in the art. The ventilating unit may comprise, at an inner / interior portion thereof, at least one liquid barrier arranged to circulate fluid intaken from said at least one air-intake opening in a predefined path for naturally facilitating any liquid being part of said fluid to be directed to at least one water drainage opening of said ventilating unit. The pre-defined path may have at least one directional change forming at least 90 degrees. Further, the water drainage openings may be positioned at a lower portion (i.e. closer to the bottom portion of the ventilating unit) of said ventilating unit compared to said air-intake openings to allow water drainage by gravitational force.

[0027] In some aspects, a bottom portion of said ventilating unit comprises a gripping means for enabling a user to alternate the ventilating unit between said ventilating position and said sealed position. When said ventilating device is installed, the bottom portion may reside / be accessible from an interior of said vehicle such that the device is adjustable from the inside between its positions. However, as aforementioned in the disclosure herein, the ventilation device may in some aspects be able to be moved from the ventilating position to the sealed position from the ambient environment (i.e. from the outside of the vehicle). The gripping means may be a handle or any other suitable gripping means.

[0028] The top surface and said upper surface may be arranged to face said ambient environment. Further, the top surface and said upper surface may be arranged to, when said ventilator device is installed / attached to said structure, be flush with a topside of said structure in said sealed position so that said topside is aligned along said common plane. Accordingly, when in said sealed position, the ventilating unit will be flat relative the structure. Hence, for example if said structure is a structure of a boat which is often of limited space, the ventilation device will not be an obstacle for occupants being on deck.

[0029] The structure of the vehicle may be a horizontally extending structure. Accordingly, the ventilation device may be arranged to be substantially horizontally oriented (+-1-5, 1-10 or 1- 15 degrees). This ensures that the ventilation function thereof functions to optimal extent.

[0030] The receiving unit comprises a peripheral / edge portion surrounding said opening, said peripheral portion being arranged to be attached, by fastening means (such as screws, bolts, adhesive or any other fastening means), to said structure of said vehicle. Preferably, the peripheral portion at a lower side of said receiving unit may be arranged to be fastened. In some aspects, the peripheral portion comprises two plates (parallel) forming a sandwich structure arranged to sandwich an attachment portion of said structure at an installed state of said ventilator device.

[0031] The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle body component comprising a structure having a thickness, the structure comprising said ventilator device according to any aspect herein. The thickness may be for example 1-10 cm. The vehicle body component may be a vehicle hatch such as a boat hatch, then the structure may comprise glass surface / window.

[0032] The structure may comprises a hole extending through the thickness of the structure, the hole being dimensioned to receive the ventilator device therein. Accordingly, such that the ventilator device is fitted in said hole.

[0033] In said sealed position of said ventilating unit, said top surface, said upper surface and a topside of said structure are aligned along said common plane.

[0034] A peripheral portion of said receiving unit surrounding said opening may be attached, by fastening means, to said structure of said vehicle, preferably said peripheral portion comprises two plates forming a (circumferentially extending) sandwich structure arranged to sandwich said structure at an installed state of said ventilator device.

[0035] In some aspects, the vehicle body component comprises a recessed portion at a topside of said structure. Further, in such aspects, a peripheral portion of said receiving unit, surrounding said opening is attached / fitted to said recessed portion. Further, the recessed portion may be dimensioned to, in said sealed position of said ventilating unit, align said top surface said upper surface and said topside along said common plane so to be flush. The recessed portion may be a surface indentation in said topside, such that the surface around a hole of the structure that is intended / arranged to receive said ventilation unit indents in a second direction opposite to said first direction. Accordingly, the recessed portion may be arranged to support the ventilation device. Such a recessed portion allows for a flush surface to be obtained in a secure manner as the recessed portion also can function as a support platform for the ventilator device.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising the vehicle body component according to any aspect herein. The vehicle may be a ground borne vehicle or a water borne vehicle such as a boat. The vehicle body component may be a boat hatch extending horizontally.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will now be further clarified and described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings;

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates an objective exploded view of a ventilation device in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2A illustrates an objective view of a ventilation device in a ventilation position in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2B illustrates an objective view of a ventilation device in a sealed position in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a ventilation device in a sealed position in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 3B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a ventilation device in a ventilation position in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of a vehicle body component in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates an objective view of a vehicle body component comprising a ventilation device in a sealed position in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6A-B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a ventilation device in a sealed position attached to a vehicle body component in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 illustrates an objective view of a vehicle comprising a vehicle body component comprising a ventilation device in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present disclosure.

[0049] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may refer to more than one unit in some contexts, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" do not exclude other elements or steps. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. The term "and / or" is to be interpreted as meaning "both" as well and each as an alternative. More specifically, the wording "one or more" of a set of elements (as in "one or more of A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B and C") is to be interpreted as either a conjunctive or disjunctive logic. Put differently, it may refer either to all elements, one element or combination of two or more elements of a set of elements. For example, the wording "A, B and C" may be interpreted as A or B or C, A and B and C, A and B, B and C, or A and C.

[0050] It will also be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or features, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

[0051] The term "vehicle" as used herein may refer to a ground-borne vehicle such as a car, caravan or any other ground-borne vehicle. The term "vehicle" may also refer to water-borne vehicles such as yachts, ships or any other type of boat.

[0052] The term "ventilator device" herein may refer to a passive ventilator device. However, the term "ventilator device" herein may in some aspects refer to an active ventilator devices being electric-powered by a power source (including solar panels). The term may be interchanged with "ventilating device" or "vent device" or "air vent device".

[0053] The term "ventilator device for a vehicle" may be interchanged with "ventilator device arranged to be attached to a structure of a vehicle".

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an objective view of a ventilator device 1 for a vehicle comprising a receiving unit 2 defining an opening 3, the receiving unit 2 being arranged to be attached to a structure (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown) to allow the opening 3 to form a fluid passage between an interior of said vehicle and an ambient environment. Further, Figure 1 illustrates that the ventilator device 1 comprises a ventilating unit 10 that is arranged to be fitted / inserted in said opening 3. Figure 1 illustrates that the ventilating unit 10 is cylindershaped, however, the ventilating unit 10 may also have other shapes. Further, the receiving unit 2 in Figure 1 is formed as a hollow structure, specifically a hollow cylinder. As further illustrated in Figure 1, the ventilating unit 10 may comprise, at an encompassing portion 13 thereof, at least one (preferably a plurality) air-intake opening 13a being in fluid flow communication with said opening 3. Figure 2A-2B illustrates that the ventilating unit 10 of the ventilation device 1 is adjustable relative said opening 3 (which is seen in Figure 1). Accordingly, Figure 2A illustrates the ventilating unit 10 being in a ventilating position so to allow fluid transfer from an ambient environment to an interior of the vehicle. As illustrated in Figure 2A, in said ventilating position, a top surface 11a of said ventilating unit 10 protrudes, in a first direction xl, relative an upper surface 2a of said receiving unit 2.

[0055] Further, Figure 2B illustrates the ventilating unit 10 being in a sealed position. In said sealed position, said top surface 11a and said upper surface 2a (which are preferably flat) are aligned along a common plane (denoted in Figures 3A-B as pl) so to prevent any fluid circulation through said opening 3. Accordingly, as illustrated in Figure 2B, the top surface 11a of the ventilating unit 10 and the upper surface 2a of the receiving unit 2 are flush with each other in said sealed position.

[0056] Further, Figure 2A-2B illustrates that the receiving unit 2 comprises a neck portion 4 extending from a lower surface 2b (seen in Figure 1) of the receiving unit opposite said upper surface 2a. The neck portion 4 defines an inner space prolonging said opening 3. Accordingly, the depth of the opening may be defined by the total height of the receiving unit 2 (including its neck 4).

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 2B, the ventilating unit 10 is at least partly enclosed by said neck portion in said sealed position. In Figure 2B, the neck portion 4 encloses about 90% of the (circumference of the) ventilating unit 10. Further, in the sealed position as illustrated in Figure 2B, the opening 3 may be hermetically sealed by said ventilating unit 10. The sealing may be strengthened e.g. by having o-rings or any other sealing element attached to an encompassing portion 13 (see Figure 2A) of the ventilating unit 10.

[0058] The adjustability between the ventilating unit 10 and the receiving unit 2 is in Figures 2A-2B comprised by that the ventilating unit 10 is slidable relative said receiving unit 2 along said first direction xl. Accordingly, in the ventilating position shown in Figure 2A, the ventilation device 1 can be alternated to a sealed position from the "outside", merely by exerting a force (e.g. by pushing or the like) in a direction opposite the first direction xl. In other words, at an installed state of said ventilation device 1 in which surfaces 11a, 2a faces the ambient environment (outside) and the opposite surfaces faces the vehicle interior, a user does not need to move the ventilation device 1 to said sealed position from the interior of the vehicle, rather this can be done from the outside in a convenient and rapid manner (any push force from e.g. a foot or a hand of the user is sufficient).

[0059] It should be noted that the ventilation device 1 may in other aspects be adjustable by e.g. rotation.

[0060] Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation device 1 in a sealed position. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the surfaces 11a, 2a are aligned along the common plane pl, thus being parallel and level with said plane. Figure 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the ventilation device 1 in a ventilating position. Accordingly, in Figure 3B, the common plane pl is not level with surface 11a (only with surface 2a).

[0061] Moreover, Figures 3A-B illustrates that, at an inner portion of the ventilation unit 10 there may be at least one liquid barrier 12a, 12b, 12c arranged to circulate fluid intaken from said at least one air-intake opening 13a in a pre-defined path for naturally facilitating any liquid being part of said fluid to be directed to at least one water drainage opening 17 of said ventilating unit. Figure 3B illustrates by dashdotted line dl how the path of the fluid can be influenced by the liquid barriers 12a-12c. Accordingly, such a path may secure that only air enters the opening 3 while any water will be outputted by the water drainage opening 17. The path may be meandering as shown in Figure 3B. Accordingly, the liquid barriers 12a-12c may be in the form of shields arranged relative the air intake openings 13a. The shields may extend in the first direction xl, a direction opposite the first direction and / or a direction perpendicular to the first direction (horizontal).

[0062] Figure 3B further illustrates that at least one of a circumferential surface 3a of said receiving unit 2 defining said opening 3 (i.e. opening 3 being delimited by said circumferential surface 3a) and an inner surface of said neck portion 4 comprises at least one blocking portion 7a, 7b arranged to prevent said ventilating unit 10 to slide beyond said ventilating position in said first direction xl and / or to prevent said ventilating unit 10 to slide beyond said sealed position in a second direction opposite to the first direction xl. In other words, the blocking portions 7a, 7b may be arranged to prevent the receiving unit 2 and the ventilating unit 10 to be detached from each other when slid in the first direction xl or a direction opposite said first direction. In Figure 3B the blocking portion 7a is a tapered form of said receiving unit 2 arranged to mate with a corresponding form on said ventilating unit 10 thereby preventing the ventilating unit 10 to be recessed into the receiving unit 2 beyond the plane pl in a direction opposite to said first direction. However, the blocking portions 7a, 7b may be realized in other ways aswell, the blocking portions 7a, 7b may be protrusions or cavities in said circumferential surface arranged to engage corresponding protrusions or cavities of said ventilating unit 10.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates an objective bottom view of a ventilation device 1 attached to a structure 100 of a vehicle body component 110. As previously mentioned, the structure may be e.g. a wall or a window. The vehicle body component 100 may be e.g. a hatch. Accordingly, the hatch may comprise a frame (not shown), a structure (window) adjustable relative the frame, and hinges (not shown) allowing for adjusting of the window relative the frame. Accordingly, the structure 110 may then have a hole that has the ventilation device 1 fitted therein as shown in Figure 4. It should be noted that the vehicle body component 100 may be any other component such as a vehicle body part. The term "structure" may be interchanged with side or surface or facet or exterior.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates that a bottom portion 16 of said ventilating unit 10 comprises a gripping means 16a for enabling a user to alternate the ventilating unit 10 between said ventilating position and said sealed position. Accordingly, the bottom portion 16 may be facing the interior of the vehicle and be opposite the top surface 11a. The gripping means 16a may be e.g. a handle. Figure 4 further illustrates how the ventilating unit 10 is enclosed by the receiving unit 2. The receiving unit 2 in Figure 4 forms a hat like structure (without a "top") in which the hat brim is connected to the structure 110.

[0065] Figure 5 illustrates a top objective view of said vehicle body component 100 in which that said top surface 11a and said upper surface 2a are, when said ventilator device 1 is installed to said structure 110, flush with a topside 110a of said structure 110 in said sealed position. Thereby said topside 110a is aligned along said common plane (see plane pl in Figures 6A-6B). Accordingly, in said ventilating position, the topside 110a and the upper surface 2a are still flush while the top surface 11a protrudes outwardly. For the most optimal air / fluid circulation, the structure 110 is a horizontally extending structure.

[0066] Figures 6A-6B illustrates side cross-sectional views of a vehicle body component 100 comprising a structure 110 and said ventilation device 1 having the ventilation unit 10 in a sealed position i.e. the ventilation device 1 is in a sealed position. Figures 6A-6B illustrates that the receiving unit 2 comprises a peripheral portion 5 (also seen in Figure 5) that surrounds the opening 3. The peripheral portion 5 forming a disc like structure. Accordingly, as illustrated in Figures 6A-6B the peripheral portion 5 is arranged to be attached, by fastening means 5a, to said structure 110 of said body component 100 of said vehicle.

[0067] Comparing Figures 6A and 6B it is seen that in Figure 6A, the surfaces 11a, 2a and 110a are flush and aligned along said plane. In Figure 6B, the surfaces 11a and 2a protrude beyond the thickness ti of the structure 110, accordingly in Figure 6B surfaces 11a, 2a and 110a are not flush. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6B peripheral portion 5 may comprise two (disc formed) plates 5', 5” forming a sandwich structure arranged to sandwich an attachment portion 111 of said structure 110 at an installed state of said ventilator device 1 (which is shown in both Figures 6A-6b). Preferably, the fastening means 5a is inserted from an underside of the structure 110 opposite the topside 110a so that it does extend through both plates while only partly extending through the plate 5' being associated with said upper surface 2a. The plate 5' may be an extension (horizontal) of said upper surface 2a.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6A, Figure 6A illustrates the ventilation device 1 in a sealed position in which said top surface 11a, said upper surface 2a and a topside 110a of said structure 110 are aligned along said common plane pl so to form a body structure component 100 that is flush with the ventilator device 1 when said ventilation unit 10 of said ventilator device 1 is in a sealed position. In one aspect illustrated in Figure 6A, the flush design may be provided by that said structure 110 comprises a recessed portion 110b at a topside 110a thereof, wherein the peripheral portion 5 of said receiving unit surrounding said opening 3 is attached to said recessed portion 110b. Accordingly, the recessed portion 110b is dimensioned to, in said sealed position of said ventilating unit 10, align said top surface 11a, said upper surface 2a and said topside 110a along said common plane pl. The recessed portion 110b may have a depth corresponding / equal to a thickness of the peripheral portion 5 of the receiving unit 2. The recess 110b is a circumferential recess. It should be noted that instead of a recess the flush between the surfaces 110a, 2a, 11a may be obtain in other ways. The recess 110b may be provided by a milling operation performed to said structure 110.

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates an objective view of a vehicle 200, specifically a water borne vehicle (boat)

[0070] 200 comprising said vehicle body component 100 in accordance with any aspect herein. Further, the vehicle body component 100 comprises the ventilation device 1 in accordance with any aspect herein. The ventilation device 1 of Figure 7 is in a sealed position. Hence, being flush with the vehicle body component 100. Accordingly, an occupant will not be bothered by the ventilation device 1 of Figure 7 as it is flush with the body component 100, thereby being space efficient.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ventilator device (1) for a vehicle comprising: a receiving unit (2) defining an opening (3), the receiving unit (2) being arranged to be attached to a structure (110) of a vehicle (200) to allow the opening (3) to form a fluid passage between an interior of said vehicle (200) and an ambient environment; a ventilating unit (10) fitted in said opening (3); wherein the ventilating unit (10) is adjustable relative said opening (3) between a ventilating position and a sealed position; wherein in said ventilating position, a top surface (11a) of said ventilating unit (10) protrudes, in a first direction (xl), relative an upper surface (2a) of said receiving unit (2); wherein in said sealed position, said top surface (11a) and said upper surface (2a) are aligned along a common plane (pl) so to prevent any fluid circulation through said opening (3).

2. The ventilator device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said receiving unit (2) comprises a neck portion (4) extending from a lower surface (2b) of the receiving unit opposite said upper surface (2a), wherein said neck portion (4) defines an inner space prolonging said opening (3).

3. The ventilator device (1) according to claim 2, wherein in said sealed position, the ventilating unit (10) is at least partly, enclosed by said neck portion (4).

4. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of a circumferential surface (3a) of said receiving unit (2) defining said opening (3) and an inner surface of said neck portion (4) comprises at least one blocking portion (7a, 7b) arranged to prevent said ventilating unit (10) to slide beyond said ventilating position in said first direction (xl) and / or to prevent said ventilating unit (10) to slide beyond said closed position in a second direction opposite to the first direction (xl).

5. The ventilator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said sealed position the opening (3) is hermetically sealed by said ventilating unit (10).

6. The ventilator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilating unit (10) is adjustable by that it is slidable relative said opening, preferably along said first direction (xl).

7. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilating unit comprises, at an encompassing portion (13) thereof, at least one airintake opening (13a) being in fluid flow communication with said opening (3).

8. The ventilator device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said ventilating unit (10) comprises, at an inner portion thereof, at least one liquid barrier (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged to circulate fluid intaken from said at least one air-intake opening (13a) in a pre-defined path for naturally facilitating any liquid being part of said fluid to be directed to at least one water drainage opening (17) of said ventilating unit.

9. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom portion (16) of said ventilating unit (10) comprises a gripping means (16a) for enabling a user to alternate the ventilating unit (10) between said ventilating position and said sealed position.

10. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said top surface and said upper surface (11a, 2a) are arranged to face said ambient environment.

11. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top surface and said upper surface (11a, 2a) are arranged to, when said ventilator device (1) is installed to said structure (110), be flush with a topside (110a) of said structure (110) in said sealed position so that said topside (110a) is aligned along said common plane (pl).

12. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said structure (110) of said vehicle is a horizontally extending structure.

13. The ventilator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving unit (2) comprises a peripheral portion (5) surrounding said opening (3), said peripheral portion (5) being arranged to be attached, by fastening means (5a), to said structure (110) of said vehicle (200).

14. The ventilator device according to claim 13, wherein said peripheral portion (5) comprises two plates (5', 5”) forming a sandwich structure arranged to sandwich an attachment portion (111) of said structure (110) at an installed state of said ventilator device.

15. A vehicle body component (100) comprising a structure (110) having a thickness (ti), the structure (110) comprising said ventilator device (1) according to any one of the claims 1-14.

16. The vehicle body component (100) according to claims 15, wherein in said sealed position of said ventilating unit (10), said top surface (11a), said upper surface (2a) and a topside (110a) of said structure (110) are aligned along said common plane (pl).

17. The vehicle body component (100) according to any one of the claims 15 or 16 wherein said structure (110) comprises a recessed portion (110b) at a topside (110a) thereof, wherein a peripheral portion (5) of said receiving unit surrounding said opening (3) is attached to said recessed portion (110b), wherein the recessed portion (110b) is dimensioned to, in said sealed position of said ventilating unit (10), align said top surface (11a), said upper surface (2a) and said topside (110a) along said common plane (pl).

18. A vehicle (200) comprising the vehicle body component (100) according to any one of the claims 15-17.5

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