Air vent for passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air vent (10) of a motor vehicle, which comprises a housing extending in a longitudinal direction (X) and having at least one air inlet opening (111) and at least one air outlet opening (131) open towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the housing having at least one deflecting inner wall (124a, 125a) capable of directing an air stream towards the at least one air outlet opening (131), air guiding means (20) capable of directing the air stream in at least one air outflow direction, and movement means (30) capable of moving the air guiding means (20) so as to modify the at least one air outflow direction.

Description

[0001] Air vent for car cabin

[0002] The invention relates to a ventilator for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Air vents supply fresh or warm air to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. They are usually located on the dashboard and can be manually controlled to obtain the desired airflow. The user can generally adjust the airflow rate, air temperature, or airflow direction using buttons or sliders located on the center console, a dashboard component, or on the vent itself.

[0004] In the majority of aerators currently available on the market, the direction of the airflow is modified by means of two sets of air guide vanes mounted movable in rotation on an aerator housing, a first set varying the direction of the airflow in the vertical direction and a second set varying the direction of the airflow in the horizontal direction.

[0005] One of the disadvantages of this type of aerator, however, is their significant size, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the aerator.

[0006] Furthermore, since one of the sets of fins is usually located near the air outlet, it is visible to the driver or passengers. This diminishes the overall aesthetic appeal of the dashboard.

[0007] Furthermore, since the vane drive and adjustment mechanism is subject to certain mechanical requirements, a nearly flat outlet opening is necessary. This type of air vent is therefore no longer suitable for the current needs of car manufacturers, who, in order to improve the aesthetics of their vehicles, are opting for dashboards with curved lines.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to provide a ventilator that does not present the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention aims to provide a more compact ventilator that meets the aesthetic expectations of car manufacturers.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a motor vehicle ventilator comprising:

[0010] - a housing extending along a longitudinal direction and having at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening open towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, said housing having at least one internal deflecting wall capable of directing an airflow towards said at least one air outlet opening,

[0011] - air guidance means capable of directing the airflow along at least one air outlet direction,

[0012] - means of movement capable of moving the air guidance means so as to modify said at least one direction of air outlet, in which the air guidance means comprise an air duct body provided with an air circulation channel and arranged in the housing so as to be able to pivot about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a fin unit disposed in the air duct body, the fin unit comprising a plurality of air guidance fins arranged side by side and secured to each other by means of a connecting comb movable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each of said air guidance fins being pivotally mounted on the air duct body so as to be able to pivot about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis,in which the air duct body is positioned upstream of said at least one internal deflecting wall, said air duct body thus being removed from said at least one air outlet opening.

[0013] Thus configured, the aerator according to the invention makes it possible to modify an air outlet direction by means of a compact air guidance assembly formed of an air duct body and a fin unit housed inside the air duct body, thus reducing the size of the aerator, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the aerator.

[0014] Furthermore, since this assembly is located away from the air outlet, it will not be visible to the driver or passengers. In addition, this remote position will allow the shape of the outlet to be adapted to the manufacturer's requirements. Specifically, the air vent can have an air outlet that is compatible with the curved shapes of the vehicle's dashboard.

[0015] According to other features, the aerator according to the invention comprises one or more of the following optional features considered alone or in combination:

[0016] - the means of movement include a movable control member, both in rotation around a displacement axis parallel to the first pivot axis and in translation along said displacement axis, said control member being able to act, during its rotation, on the air duct body by means of first transmission means so as to induce a pivoting of the air duct body around the first pivot axis and, during its translation, on the fin unit by means of second transmission means so as to induce a pivoting of the air guide fins around the second pivot axis.

[0017] - the control member comprises a first part in the form of a half-cylinder, intended to be manipulated manually, and a second part in the form of a toothed ring, said second part being intended to cooperate with a peripheral portion provided with teeth of a coupling element integral with the air duct body so that the rotation of the control member around the axis of displacement generates a pivoting of the air duct body around the first pivoting axis.

[0018] - the control member comprises an internal cavity which is separated by a transverse partition, one inner edge of which is provided with a groove, said groove being intended to partially house a distal end of a transmission element sliding axially inside the coupling element, said transmission element having a forked proximal end which is intended to act on a coupling lever connected to the fin unit so that the translation of the control member along the axis of displacement generates a concomitant translation of the transmission element parallel to said axis of displacement, thus causing the coupling lever to perform a pivoting movement around a pivot axis which generates a pivoting movement of the air guide fins around their respective pivot axis.

[0019] - the control element has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided with an external perimeter intended to be manipulated manually and an internal perimeter comprising an annular portion in the form of a toothed ring, said toothed ring being intended to cooperate, via several toothed wheels, with a peripheral portion provided with teeth of a coupling element integral with the air duct body so that the rotation of the control element around the axis of movement generates a pivoting of the air duct body around the first pivoting axis.

[0020] - the control member is provided with an end flange of substantially annular shape, which at least partially surrounds the coupling element and which is slidably connected to shafts fixed to the housing, each of the gears being rotatably mounted on one of said shafts, said end flange and said gears being configured to slide axially along said coupling element under the action of the control member, and the end flange includes a transmission element extending at least partially inside the coupling element and which is intended to act on a coupling lever connected to the fin unit so that the translation of the control member along the axis of movement generates a concomitant translation of the transmission element parallel to said axis of movement,This causes the coupling lever to pivot around a pivot axis, which in turn generates a pivoting movement of the air guide vanes around their respective pivot axes.

[0021] - the control element is provided on its outer perimeter with a rough area intended to improve the grip of a user's finger when it comes into contact with said rough area.

[0022] - The rough area is formed by a series of ribs and / or hollows spaced regularly from each other. - The means of movement include at least one drive motor coupled directly to the air duct body and the fin unit.

[0023] - said at least one internal deflecting wall is formed in such a way that the casing narrows at the level of said at least one deflecting wall in the direction of said at least one air outlet opening.

[0024] - said at least one internal deflecting wall has a concave shape.

[0025] - the air duct body includes a blocking wall configured to block the airflow upstream of said at least one internal deflecting wall when the air duct body is in a so-called blocking position.

[0026] - in the blocking position of the air duct body, the blocking wall is in contact, at a front edge, with an upper stop formed in the housing and, at a rear edge, with a lower stop formed in the housing, an air circulation opening formed in the housing between said upper and lower stops being thus closed by said blocking wall.

[0027] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-limiting description, made with reference to the figures attached hereto.

[0028] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an aerator according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig. 2] is a view of the front face of the aerator in Figure 1.

[0030] [Fig. 3] is a view of the rear face of the aerator in Figure 1.

[0031] [Fig. 4] is an exploded perspective view of the aerator in Figure 1.

[0032] [Fig. 5a] is a cross-sectional view along section plane AA of figure 2, with the air duct body in a neutral position.

[0033] [Fig. 5b] is a similar view to figure 5a, with the air duct body pivoted upwards to direct the airflow out of the ventilator downwards.

[0034] [Fig. 5c] is a view similar to figure 5a, with the air duct body pivoted downwards to direct the airflow out of the ventilator upwards.

[0035] [Fig. 5d] is a view similar to figure 5a, with the air duct body having pivoted to position itself in its locking position.

[0036] [Fig. 6a] is a cross-sectional view along the CC section plane of Figure 3, with the air duct body in the position shown in Figure 5a.

[0037] [Fig. 6b] is a view similar to figure 6a, with the air duct body in the position shown in figure 5b.

[0038] [Fig. 6c] is a view similar to Figure 6a, with the air duct body in the position shown in Figure 5c. [Fig. 6d] is a view similar to Figure 6a, with the air duct body in the position shown in Figure 5d.

[0039] [Fig. 7a] is a cross-sectional view along section plane BB of figure 2, with the fin unit in a neutral position.

[0040] [Fig. 7b] is a view similar to figure 7a, with the air guide vanes pivoted to direct the airflow out of the ventilator to the left.

[0041] [Fig. 7c] is a view similar to figure 7a, with the air guide vanes pivoted to direct the airflow out of the aerator to the right.

[0042] [Fig. 8] is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanism for generating the pivoting movement of the air guide vanes in the aerator of Figure 1.

[0043] [Fig. 9] is a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane DD of Figure 3, with the fin unit in a neutral position.

[0044] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of an aerator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 11] is a view of the front face of the aerator in Figure 10.

[0046] [Fig. 12] is a view of the rear face of the aerator in Figure 10.

[0047] [Fig. 13] is an exploded perspective view of the aerator in Figure 10.

[0048] [Fig. 14] is a cross-sectional view along section plane AA of figure 11, with the air duct body in a neutral position.

[0049] [Fig. 15] is a cross-sectional view along the CC cutting plane of figure 12.

[0050] [Fig. 16] is a cross-sectional view along section plane BB of figure 11, with the fin unit in a neutral position.

[0051] [Fig. 17] is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanism for generating the pivoting movement of the air guide vanes in the aerator of figure 10.

[0052] [Fig. 18] is a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane DD of Figure 11, with the fin unit in a neutral position.

[0053] In the following paragraphs, the terms horizontal, vertical, up, down, front and back, left and right refer to airflow directions for a vent installed in front of the driver's seat in a motor vehicle. Thus, airflow from such a vent will be directed forward and upward if the driver wishes to primarily ventilate their head, and to the right if they wish to primarily ventilate the left side of their face. The terms front / back and left / right therefore refer in this case to directions opposite to the normal orientation of the vehicle.

[0054] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a ventilator 10 is shown according to a first embodiment of the invention. This ventilator 10 comprises a housing 12 connected on its rear face to a duct (not shown) supplying air to the ventilator. The housing 12 extends along a longitudinal direction aligned with the front / rear direction X of the vehicle and includes, in particular, an upper portion 12a and a lower portion 12b, the upper and lower portions being connected together, for example by clipping. The upper and lower portions 12a, 12b have a substantially similar shape.Each of the parts 12a and 12b includes, in particular, a rear portion, 121 and 121' respectively, to which a rear annular structure 11 is attached, defining an air inlet opening 111 for the airflow, and a front portion, 123 and 123' respectively, to which a front annular structure 13 is attached, defining an air outlet opening 131 for the airflow. These front and rear portions are connected by a central portion, 122 and 122' respectively, of substantially hemispherical shape. A lighting unit 15 of substantially tubular shape is also attached to the front annular structure 13 so that it extends laterally through the air outlet opening 131. This lighting unit 15 can, for example, diffuse light of different colors, the color being a function of the temperature of the airflow circulating in the aerator.For example, a red light may indicate a flow of hot air and a blue light may indicate a flow of cold air.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the front portion 123 of the upper part 12a is defined by a top wall 124a, and by two left and right side walls 124b and 124c. Similarly, the front portion 123' of the lower part 12b is defined by a bottom wall 125a, and by two left and right side walls 125b and 125c.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5a to 5d, each of the upper and lower walls 124a and 125a has a concave curved shape, with the upper and lower walls 124a and 125a converging towards the air outlet opening 131. As illustrated in Figure 5b, the upper wall 124a functions to deflect downwards an airflow circulating inside the housing 12 when this airflow impacts said upper wall 124a. Similarly, and as illustrated in Figure 5c, the lower wall 125a functions to deflect upwards an airflow circulating inside the housing 12 when this airflow impacts said lower wall 125a.

[0057] As shown in Figures 7a to 7c, each of the left side walls 124b, 125b and right side walls 124c, 125c have a straight profile, the walls 124b and 124c, respectively 125b and 125c, diverging from each other in the direction of the outlet opening 131. Said side walls 124b, 125b, 124c, 125c are thus configured so as not to induce any deviation of the airflow circulating inside the housing 12, when this airflow is maintained in a preferred orientation. In this preferred orientation, the airflow can only sweep a conical area delimited respectively by the lateral walls 124b, 125b, 124c. As shown in figures 4 and 5a-5d, the central portions 122 and 122' define an internal cavity 122a in which an airflow guidance unit 20 is housed.This airflow guidance unit 20 comprises a partially cylindrical air duct body 21 and a fin unit 23 disposed within the air duct body 21. This airflow guidance unit 20 is positioned within the housing 12 such that it is set back longitudinally from the air outlet opening 131. In this arrangement, the airflow guidance unit 20 will not be visible to a user seated in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, this unit 20 occupies a limited space within the housing 12. This limited space frees up an area upstream of the air outlet opening 131. It is therefore possible to give the front annular structure 13 a curved shape as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0058] The air duct body 21 is mounted for rotation on the housing 12 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis Y1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The air duct body 21 comprises two lateral walls 211a and 211b oriented perpendicular to the axis Y1 and two longitudinal walls 212 and 213, respectively an upper wall 212 and a lower wall 213, extending between the two lateral walls 211a and 211b. These walls 212 and 213 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane Ps containing the axis Y1. For the sake of simplicity, this plane Ps will be referred to as the plane of symmetry hereafter, but this designation does not imply that all the constituent parts of the air duct body 21 are symmetrical with respect to this plane Ps.To allow the air duct body 21 to rotate around the pivot axis Y1, two cylindrical coupling elements 215, 215' protruding externally from the side walls 211 a, 211 b are received in respective semi-cylindrical receiving bearings 126 of the upper 12a and lower 12b parts of the housing 12. Each of the longitudinal walls 212, 213 has a curved shape with concavity facing outwards. The walls 212, 213 are arranged relative to each other in such a way as to define an air circulation channel 214 extending from an upstream end zone 214a of the air duct body, at which the walls 212, 213 diverge from each other, to a downstream end zone 214b of the air duct body, at which the walls 212, 213 are substantially parallel to each other.As described in more detail below, particularly with reference to Figures 5a to 5d, the pivoting of the air duct body 21 around the pivot axis Y1 will thus allow the airflow from the air inlet opening 111 and circulating in the air circulation channel 214 of the air duct body 21 to be directed either towards the air outlet opening 131, or towards the upper wall 124a of the housing 12, or towards the lower wall 125a of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pivoting movement of the air duct body 21 is carried out manually by means of a control member 30 manipulated through a window 132 formed inside the front annular structure 13.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the control member 30 comprises a first part 31 in the shape of a half-cylinder delimited by two end faces 311a, 311b, respectively an inner end face 311a and an outer end face 311b, in the shape of a half-disc, spaced along an axis Y2, called the axis of displacement, which is parallel to the pivot axis Y1, and by an outer rim 312, which adjoins the window 132. This outer rim 312 can thus be manipulated by a user's finger through the window 132 so as to move the control member 30. For this purpose, the outer rim 312 can advantageously be provided with a rough area intended to improve the grip of a user's finger when it comes into contact with said rough area. The rough area may, for example, include a series of ribs and / or hollows spaced regularly from each other.Each of the end faces 311 a, 311 b is provided with a through hole, respectively 313a and 313b, said through holes being aligned with the axis Y2 and being configured to slide and pivotally house a rod 314 fixed at one of its ends to an anchoring element 14 integral with the housing 12 and at its opposite end to an end wall 133 of the front annular structure 13. Thus configured, the control member 30 is movable, both in rotation around the axis Y2 and in translation along said axis Y2.

[0060] The control member 30 further comprises a second toothed ring-shaped portion 32 which forms a radial extension of the inner end face 311a. This second portion 32 is designed to cooperate with a toothed peripheral portion 215a of the coupling element 215 of the air duct body 21 which adjoins the control member 30. Thus, when the control member 30 rotates about the axis Y2, it generates a pivoting of the air duct body 21 about the pivot axis Y1 due to the gear-type connection formed between the second portion 32 and the coupling element 215. By rotating the control member 30, a user can therefore easily change the inclination relative to the horizontal of the airflow at the outlet of the air circulation channel 214 of the air duct body 21.It should also be specified that, as shown in Figure 9, the peripheral portion 215a has a length in the axial direction which is greater than that of the second part 32, so that, when the control member 30 moves along the axis Y2, the second part 32 remains coupled with the peripheral portion 215a.

[0061] In the position shown in Figure 6a, the control element 30 is in a position in which it induces a specific position of the air duct body 21, shown in Figure 5a. In this position, called the neutral position, the plane of symmetry Ps is substantially horizontal and the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented such that the downstream end area 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the air outlet opening 131. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 in a horizontal direction is therefore not deflected and exits at the air outlet opening 131 in a horizontal direction Ds.

[0062] In the position shown in Figure 6b, the control member 30 has rotated clockwise relative to its position in Figure 6a, which has generated a counterclockwise rotation of the air duct body 21, which is now in the position shown in Figure 5b. In this specific position, the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented such that the downstream end area 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the upper wall 124a of the housing 12. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 in a horizontal direction is therefore deflected upwards as it passes through the air circulation channel 214, before exiting at the outlet opening 131 in a downward direction Ds after being redirected by the upper wall 124a.

[0063] In the position shown in Figure 6c, the control member 30 has rotated counterclockwise relative to its position in Figure 6a, which has generated a clockwise rotation of the air duct body 21, which is now in the position shown in Figure 5c. In this specific position, the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented such that the downstream end area 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the lower wall 125a of the housing 12. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 in a horizontal direction is therefore deflected downwards as it passes through the air circulation channel 214, before exiting at the outlet opening 131 in an upward direction Ds after being redirected by the lower wall 125a.

[0064] In the position shown in Figure 6d, the control member 30 has rotated clockwise relative to its position in Figure 6b, which has generated a counterclockwise rotation of the air duct body 21, which is now in the position shown in Figure 5d. In this specific position, known as the blocking position, the upper wall 212 of the air duct body 21 is in contact, at a front edge, with an upper stop 127s formed in the housing 12 and, at a rear edge, with a lower stop 127i formed in the housing 12. An air circulation opening formed in the housing between said upper and lower stops 127s, 127i is thus closed by the upper wall 212. In this position, the upper wall 212 blocks all airflow within the air circulation channel 214 and, consequently, all airflow exits at the air outlet opening 131.As shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9, the fin unit 23 comprises a plurality of air guide fins 231, 232 arranged side by side, respectively two end fins 231 arranged on either side of six central fins.

[0065] 232, the fins 231, 232 being joined together by means of a connecting comb

[0066] 233. Each of the fins 231, 232 has a pivot axis 234 by means of which it is pivotally mounted in corresponding bores of the air duct body 21 such that it can pivot about a pivot axis Z1 perpendicular to the plane Ps. In addition, each of the fins 231, 232 includes a comb axis 235 on which the connecting comb 233 is mounted. The movement of the connecting comb 233 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X therefore generates a simultaneous pivoting of the fins 231, 232 about their respective pivot axes Z1.

[0067] As described in detail in the following paragraphs, it is possible to act on the control element 30 in such a way as to move the assembly formed by the fins 231, 232 and the connecting comb 233 and, thus, to modify the orientation of the fins 231, 232 with respect to a vertical plane. Consequently, the airflow passing through the air circulation channel 214 and circulating between the fins 231, 232 can be directed in several ways depending on the orientation of the fins 231, 232.

[0068] One possible way is shown in Figure 7a. In this configuration, the fins 231, 232 are aligned vertically with the X direction: the airflow at the outlet of the aerator is therefore parallel to a direction D1 which is aligned with the X direction.

[0069] Another possible way is shown in Figure 7b. In this configuration, the fins 231, 232 are oriented to the left from their respective rear ends: the airflow at the outlet of the ventilator is therefore parallel to a direction D2 which is oriented to the left with respect to the direction X. This configuration results from the displacement of the control member 30 along the direction T.

[0070] Another possible way is shown in Figure 7c. In this configuration, the fins 231, 232 are oriented slightly to the right from their respective rear ends: the airflow at the outlet of the ventilator is therefore parallel to a direction D3 which is oriented slightly to the right with respect to the direction X. This configuration results from the displacement of the control member 30 along the direction T'.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the control member 30 is connected to the fin unit 23 via a transmission element 41 and a coupling lever 42.

[0072] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the transmission element 41 comprises a distal end 411, a proximal end 413, and a central segment 412 extending between said distal and proximal ends. The distal end 411 is in the form of a disc whose center is aligned with the Y1 axis. The central segment 412 is in the form of a profile aligned axially with the Y1 axis and having a cruciform cross-section. This cruciform shape will be advantageously complementary to that of a housing formed inside the coupling element 215 which adjoins the control member 30, so that the central segment 412 of the transmission element 41 can slide axially inside the coupling element 215. The proximal end 413 extends radially outwards from an external edge of the central segment 412 and is in the form of a fork having a slot 414 in its middle.

[0073] The control member 30 comprises an internal cavity 33 which is separated by a transverse partition 34, one inner edge of which is provided with a groove 35 oriented radially with respect to the axis Y2. The groove 35 is dimensioned such that it accommodates without play a circular segment of the distal end 411. Thus, when the control member 30 moves along the axis Y2, it induces a simultaneous movement of the transmission element 41 along the axis Y1.

[0074] The coupling lever 42 is in the form of a substantially flat arm pivotally connected to a central pivot axis 43, which is aligned with a vertical direction Z2. The coupling lever 42 has two free ends, an external end 42a and an internal end 42b, arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction Z2. The external end 42a is provided with a pin 44 that slides into the slot 414 of the proximal end 413 of the transmission element 41, such that, when the transmission element 41 translates under the action of the operating member 30, the transmission element 41 causes the coupling lever 42 to pivot about the pivot axis 43. The internal end 42b is pivotally connected to the end fin 231, which adjoins the anchoring element 14.Thus, the pivoting of the coupling lever 42 around the pivot axis 43 generates a pivoting of the end fin 231 around its axis Z1, which induces a pivoting movement of the entire set of air guide fins 231, 232 around their respective pivot axis due to their attachment to the connecting comb 233.

[0075] With reference to Figures 10 to 13, a ventilator 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. This ventilator 10 has common components with the ventilator of the first embodiment. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these components will retain the same reference numerals in the drawings. This ventilator 10 comprises a housing 12 connected on its rear face to a duct (not shown) that supplies air to the ventilator. The housing 12 extends along a longitudinal direction aligned with the front / rear direction X of the vehicle and includes, in particular, an upper part 12a and a lower part 12b, the upper and lower parts being connected together, for example, by clipping. The upper and lower parts 12a, 12b have a substantially similar shape.Each of the parts 12a and 12b includes, in particular, a rear portion, 121 and 121' respectively, forming together a rear annular structure 11 defining an air inlet opening 111 for the airflow, and a front portion, 123 and 123' respectively, to which a front annular structure 13 is attached, defining an air outlet opening 131 for the airflow. These front and rear portions are connected by a central portion, 122 and 122' respectively, of substantially hemispherical shape. As shown in Figure 13, the front portion 123 of the upper part 12a is defined by an upper wall 124a and by two lateral walls, left 124b and right 124c. Similarly, the front portion 123' of the lower part 12b is defined by a lower wall 125a, and by two lateral walls left 125b (visible in figure 17) and right 125c.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14, each of the upper and lower walls 124a and 125a has a concave curved shape, the upper and lower walls 124a and 125a converging towards the outlet opening 131. As shown in dotted lines, the upper wall 124a has the function of deflecting downwards an airflow circulating inside the housing 12, when this airflow impacts said upper wall 124a, and the lower wall 125a has the function of deflecting upwards an airflow circulating inside the housing 12, when this airflow impacts said lower wall 125a.

[0077] As shown in Figure 16, each of the left side walls 124b, 125b and the right side walls 124c, 125c have a straight profile, with walls 124b and 124c, and 125b and 125c respectively, diverging from each other towards the outlet opening 131. These side walls 124b, 125b, 124c, and 125c are thus configured to avoid any deviation in the airflow circulating inside the housing 12 when this airflow is maintained in a preferred orientation. In this preferred orientation, the airflow can only sweep through a conical area delimited respectively by the side walls 124b, 125b, 124c, and 125c.

[0078] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the central portions 122 and 122' define an internal cavity 122a in which an airflow guidance unit 20 is housed. This airflow guidance unit 20 comprises a partially cylindrical air duct body 21 and a finned unit 23 arranged within the air duct body 21. This airflow guidance unit 20 is positioned within the housing 12 such that it is recessed longitudinally relative to the air outlet opening 131. In this arrangement, the airflow guidance unit 20 will not be visible to a user seated in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This unit 20 also occupies a limited space inside the housing 12. This limited space allows for an area upstream of the air outlet opening 131. It is therefore possible to give the front annular structure 13 a curved shape as illustrated in figure 13.The air duct body 21 is mounted for rotation on the housing 12 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis Y1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The air duct body 21 comprises two lateral walls 211a and 211b oriented perpendicular to the axis Y1 and two longitudinal walls 212 and 213, respectively an upper wall 212 and a lower wall 213, extending between the two lateral walls 211a and 211b. These walls 212 and 213 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane Ps containing the axis Y1. For the sake of simplicity, this plane Ps will be referred to as the plane of symmetry hereafter, but this designation does not imply that all the constituent parts of the air duct body 21 are symmetrical with respect to this plane Ps.To allow the air duct body 21 to rotate around the pivot axis Y1, two cylindrical coupling elements 215, 215' protruding externally from the side walls 211 a, 211 b are received in respective semi-cylindrical receiving bearings 126 of the upper 12a and lower 12b parts of the housing 12. Each of the longitudinal walls 212, 213 has a curved shape with concavity facing outwards. The walls 212, 213 are arranged relative to each other in such a way as to define an air circulation channel 214 extending from an upstream end zone 214a of the air duct body, at which the walls 212, 213 diverge from each other, to a downstream end zone 214b of the air duct body, at which the walls 212, 213 are substantially parallel to each other.The pivoting of the air duct body 21 around the pivot axis Y1 will thus allow the airflow from the air inlet opening 111 and circulating in the air circulation channel 214 of the air duct body 21 to be directed either towards the air outlet opening 131, or towards the upper wall 124a of the housing 12, or towards the lower wall 125a of the housing 12.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in figures 10 to 13, the pivoting movement of the air duct body 21 is carried out manually by means of a control member 50 which can be manipulated through a window 132 formed inside the front annular structure 13.

[0080] As shown in Figures 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18, the control member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is pivotally and slidably connected to the housing 12 by means of three gears 61 arranged coaxially inside the control member 50, each of the gears 61 being pivotally and slidably mounted on a shaft 62 which is fixed, at one of its ends, to an end ring 128 of the housing 12, and, at its opposite end, to an end wall 133 of the front annular structure 13. The shafts 62 are distributed equiangularly around an axis Y2 (which coincides with the axis Y1 in the variant shown) parallel to the axis Y1. Thus configured, the control unit 50 is movable, both in rotation around the Y2 axis and in translation along said Y2 axis.

[0081] The control element 50 has an outer rim 51 and an inner rim 52. The outer rim 51 is adjacent to the window 132 and can thus be manipulated by a user's finger through the window 132 to move the control element 50. For this purpose, the outer rim 51 may advantageously be provided with a roughened area designed to improve the grip of a user's finger upon contact with said roughened area. The roughened area may, for example, comprise a series of ribs and / or grooves spaced regularly apart. The inner rim 52 defines a central cavity 53 and includes an annular portion in the form of a toothed ring 521.The toothed ring 521 is coupled to three gears 61, which are in turn coupled to a peripheral portion 215a equipped with teeth of the coupling element 215. The assembly consisting of the toothed ring 521, the gears 61, and the coupling element 215 forms an epicyclic gear train. Thus, by manually rotating the control member 50 around a displacement axis Y2, it is possible to generate a pivoting of the coupling element 215 via the gears 61, which in turn causes the air duct body 21 to pivot around the axis Y1. A user can therefore easily modify the inclination of the airflow relative to the horizontal at the outlet of the air circulation channel 214 of the air duct body 21 by acting on the control member 50.

[0082] In the position shown in Figure 14, the air duct body 21 is in a so-called neutral position. In this specific position, the plane of symmetry Ps is substantially horizontal, and the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented such that the downstream end zone 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the air outlet opening 131. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 along a horizontal flow direction is therefore not deflected and exits at the air outlet opening 131 along an outlet direction Ds which is also horizontal.

[0083] By rotating the control member 50 clockwise, it is possible to generate a counterclockwise rotation of the air duct body 21, such that the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented so that the downstream end area 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the upper wall 124a of the housing 12. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 in a horizontal circulation direction is therefore deflected upwards as it passes through the air circulation channel 214, before exiting at the outlet opening 131 in an outlet direction Ds' which is directed downwards after being reoriented by the upper wall 124a.By rotating the control member 50 counterclockwise, it is possible to generate a clockwise rotation of the air duct body 21, such that the two longitudinal walls 212, 213 of the air duct body 21 are oriented so that the downstream end area 214b of the air duct body 21 is directed towards the lower wall 125a of the housing 12. The airflow entering the air circulation channel 214 in a horizontal circulation direction is therefore deflected downwards as it passes through the air circulation channel 214, before exiting at the outlet opening 131 in an outlet direction Ds” which is directed upwards after being reoriented by the lower wall 125a.

[0084] By rotating the control member 50 clockwise, it is possible to generate a counterclockwise rotation of the air duct body 21 until it reaches a specific position, known as the blocking position, in which the upper wall 212 of the air duct body 21 is in contact, at a front edge and at a rear edge, with the housing 12 (as shown in dashed lines in Figure 14). An air circulation opening formed in the housing 12 is thus closed by the upper wall 212. In this position, the upper wall 212 blocks all airflow within the air circulation channel 214 and, consequently, all airflow exits at the air outlet opening 131.

[0085] As shown in Figures 13, 14, 17, and 18, the fin unit 23 comprises a plurality of air guide fins 231, 232 arranged side by side, respectively two end fins 231 arranged on either side of several central fins 232, the fins 231, 232 being joined together by means of a connecting comb 233. Each of the fins 231, 232 has a pivot axis 234 by means of which it is pivotally mounted in corresponding bores of the air duct body 21 such that it can pivot about a pivot axis Z1 perpendicular to the plane Ps. In addition, each of the fins 231, 232 comprises a comb axis 235 on which is mounted the connecting comb 233. The movement of the connecting comb 233 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X therefore generates a simultaneous pivoting of the fins 231, 232 around their respective pivot axis Z1.

[0086] As described in detail in the following paragraphs, it is possible to act on the control element 50 in such a way as to move the assembly formed by the fins 231, 232 and the connecting comb 233 and, thus, to modify the orientation of the fins 231, 232 with respect to a vertical plane. Consequently, the airflow passing through the air circulation channel 214 and circulating between the fins 231, 232 can be directed in several ways depending on the orientation of the fins 231, 232.

[0087] For this purpose, the control member 50 is provided with an end flange 54 of substantially annular shape, which at least partially surrounds the coupling element 215 and which is slidably connected to the shafts 62. It is advantageously mounted in the control member 50 such that an external annular edge 55 of this end flange 54 is wedged between a first internal rib 56 protruding from the internal circumference 52 and the gears 61, which are themselves supported against a second internal rib 57 protruding from the internal circumference 52. This end flange 54 supports a transmission element 64 in the shape of an angle. The transmission element 64 protrudes radially from the inner edge of the end flange 54. As shown in Figure 18, this transmission element 64 extends at least partially inside the coupling element 215.One end 641 of the transmission element 64 is provided with a pin 642 which is pivotally housed in a distal end 651 of a coupling lever 65 pivotally connected to the end fin 231 of the fin unit 23. Thus, during the translation of the control member 50 along the axis Y2, the transmission element 64 is moved parallel to said axis Y2, causing the coupling lever 65 to perform a pivoting movement around the pin 642 which generates a pivoting movement of the end fin 231, and, consequently, of the entire set of air guide fins 232 around their respective pivot axis.It should also be specified that the peripheral portion 215a has a length in the axial direction which is greater than the axial length of the gear wheels 61, so that, when the control member 50 moves along the axis Y2, the gear wheels 61 remain coupled with the peripheral portion 215a.

[0088] By moving the control element 50 along the Y2 axis, a user can therefore easily change the inclination of the fins 231, 232 relative to the vertical, thus changing the direction of the airflow at the outlet of the aerator.

[0089] In the position shown in Figure 16, called the neutral position of the fin unit 23, the fins 231, 232 are aligned vertically with the X direction: the airflow at the outlet of the aerator is therefore parallel to a direction D1 which is aligned with the X direction.

[0090] By moving the control element 50 along the direction T, the fins 231, 232 will orient themselves to the left from their respective rear ends: the airflow at the outlet of the ventilator is therefore parallel to a direction D2 which is oriented to the left with respect to the direction X.

[0091] By moving the control element 50 along the direction T', the fins 231, 232 will orient themselves slightly to the right from their respective rear end: the airflow at the outlet of the ventilator is therefore parallel to a direction D3 which is oriented slightly to the right with respect to the direction X.

[0092] In another embodiment (not shown) of the invention, it will be possible to use, instead of the control member 30 or 50 of the previously described embodiments, at least one drive motor, and preferably two drive motors, capable of electromechanically actuating the air duct body 21 and the louver unit 23 of the air guide unit 20. This or these drive motors will preferably be directly coupled to the air duct body 21 and / or to the louver unit 23.

[0093] In this embodiment, a control unit will be electrically coupled to the motor(s) to control the motor(s). This control unit may be in the form of a touchscreen or an audio or optical unit to control the activation of the motor(s) by voice input or gestures.

[0094] The invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the number and shape of the air guide fins 231, 232 of the fin unit 23 may vary. It will also be possible to use other air guide means in place of the fins 231, 232.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Aerator (10) of a motor vehicle comprising: - a housing (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (X) and having at least one air inlet opening (111) and at least one air outlet opening (131) open towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, said housing (12) having at least one internal deflecting wall (124a, 125a) capable of directing an airflow towards said at least one air outlet opening (131), - air guidance means (20) capable of directing the airflow along at least one air outlet direction (Ds), - displacement means (30, 50) capable of moving the air guidance means (20) so as to modify said at least one air outlet direction (Ds), wherein the air guidance means (20) comprise an air duct body (21) provided with an air circulation channel (214) and disposed in the housing (12) so as to be able to pivot about a first pivot axis (Y1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), and a fin unit (23) disposed in the air duct body (21), the fin unit (23) comprising a plurality of air guidance fins (231, 232) arranged side by side and secured to each other by means of a connecting comb (233) movable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), each of said air guidance fins (231,232) being pivotally mounted on the air duct body (21) so as to be able to pivot about a second pivot axis (Z1) perpendicular to the first pivot axis (Y1), wherein the air duct body (21) is positioned upstream of said at least one internal deflecting wall (214a, 215a), said air duct body (21) thus being distanced from said at least one air outlet opening (131).

2. A fan (10) according to claim 1, wherein the movement means comprise a control member (30, 50) movable both in rotation about a movement axis (Y2) parallel to the first pivot axis (Y1) and in translation along said movement axis (Y2), said control member (30, 50) being capable of acting, during its rotation, on the air duct body (21) via first transmission means (32, 61) so as to induce a pivoting of the air duct body (21) about the first pivot axis (Y1) and, during its translation, on the fin unit (23) via second transmission means (41, 42, 64, 65) so as to induce a pivoting of the air guide fins (231, 232) about the second pivot axis (Z1).

3. Aerator (10) according to claim 2, in which the control member (30) comprises a first part (31) in the form of a half-cylinder, intended to be manipulated manually, and a second part (32) in the form of a toothed ring, said second part (32) being intended to cooperate with a peripheral portion (215a) provided with teeth of a coupling element (215) integral with the air duct body (21) so that the rotation of the control member (30) around the axis of displacement (Y2) generates a pivoting of the air duct body (21) around the first pivoting axis (Y1).

4. Aerator (10) according to claim 3, wherein the control member (30) comprises an internal cavity (33) separated by a transverse partition (34) having an inner edge with a groove (35), said groove (35) being intended to partially house a distal end (411) of a transmission element (41) sliding axially within the coupling element (215), said transmission element (41) having a forked proximal end (44) intended to act on a coupling lever (42) connected to the vane unit (23) such that the translation of the control member (30) along the axis of movement (Y2) generates a concomitant translation of the transmission element (41) parallel to said axis of movement (Y2), thereby causing the coupling lever (42) to pivot about a pivot axis (43), which generates a movement pivoting air guide fins (231,232) around their respective pivot axis (Z1).

5. Aerator (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control member (50) has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided with an outer rim (51) intended to be manipulated manually and an inner rim (52) comprising an annular portion (521) in the form of a toothed ring, said annular portion (521) being intended to cooperate, via several toothed wheels (61), with a peripheral portion (215a) provided with teeth of a coupling element (215) integral with the air duct body (21) such that the rotation of the control member (50) around the axis of movement (Y2) generates a pivoting of the air duct body (21) around the first pivoting axis (Y1).

6. A ventilator (10) according to claim 5, wherein the control member (50) is provided with a substantially annular end flange (54) which at least partially surrounds the coupling element (215) and is slidably connected to shafts (62) fixed to the housing (12), each of the gears (61) being rotatably mounted on one of said shafts (62), said end flange (54) and said gears (61) being configured to slide axially along the coupling element (215) under the action of the control member (50), and wherein the end flange (54) comprises a transmission element (64) extending at least partially inside the element coupling (215) and which is intended to act on a coupling lever (65) connected to the fin unit (23) so that the translation of the control member (50) along the axis of displacement (Y2) generates a concomitant translation of the transmission element (64) parallel to said axis of displacement (Y2), thus causing the coupling lever (65) to perform a pivoting movement around a pivot axis (642) which generates a pivoting movement of the air guide fins (231, 232) around their respective pivot axis (Z1).

7. Aerator (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the control member (30, 50) is provided on an external periphery (312, 51) with a rough area intended to improve the grip of a user's finger when it comes into contact with said rough area.

8. Aerator (10) according to claim 7, wherein the rough area is formed by a series of ribs and / or hollows regularly spaced from each other.

9. Aerator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the means of movement comprise at least one drive motor coupled directly to the air duct body (21) and to the fin unit (23).

10. Aerator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one internal deflecting wall (124a, 125a) is formed in such a way that the housing (12) narrows at said at least one internal deflecting wall (124a, 125a) towards said at least one air outlet opening (131).

11. Aerator (10) according to claim 10, wherein said at least one internal deflecting wall (124a, 125a) has a concave shape.

12. Aerator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air duct body (21) comprises a blocking wall (212) configured to block the airflow upstream of said at least one internal deflecting wall (214a, 215a) when the air duct body (21) is in a so-called blocking position.

13. Aerator (10) according to claim 12, wherein, in the blocking position of the air duct body (21), the blocking wall (212) is in contact, at a front edge, with an upper stop (127s) formed in the housing (12) and, at a rear edge, with a lower stop (127i) formed in the housing (12), an air circulation opening formed in the housing (12) between said upper and lower stops (127s, 127i) being thus closed by said blocking wall (212).

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