FR3162166A1 - VEHICLE VENTILATOR WITH COANDA EFFECT AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A VENTILATOR - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inflatable cushion deformation mechanism includes cushions of various dimensions and/or shapes and/or numbers placed in the ogive of a guiding and distributing element.

The deformation mechanism by jack includes at least one, preferably two jacks, pneumatic or mechanical, arranged in the ogive of a guide and distribution element, the jacks being placed head to tail, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide and distribution element.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view, from the face facing the interior of a vehicle's passenger compartment, of a vehicle ventilator according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, at a different scale according to the section plane II at the FIG. 1 The ogive-shaped part of a guiding and distribution element is illustrated without a deformation mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 the ogive being provided with a first embodiment of the ogive deformation mechanism,

FIG. 4 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 the ogive being provided with a second embodiment of the ogive deformation mechanism,

FIG. 5 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 the ogive being equipped with a third embodiment of the ogive deformation mechanism,

FIG. 6 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 , the ogive being provided with a fourth embodiment of the ogive deformation mechanism and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 the ogive being provided with a fifth embodiment of the ogive deformation mechanism.

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

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

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

To the FIG. 2 The direction of the airflow exiting vent 1 is indicated by arrow F. This direction is considered neutral, as the flow is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the guide and distribution element 4. In other words, there is no vertical and/or lateral orientation of the airflow. Such a neutral direction will be illustrated in Figures 2 to 7 for ease of reading. This airflow direction is frequently used by vehicle occupants, as it directs the air towards the center of the passenger compartment. The deformation of at least the tip 6 and the wall portions 8 is achieved by a mechanism chosen from among a spring and rod deformation mechanism, rotating rollers, airbags, a rack and pinion, rotating vanes, or cylinders. These mechanisms can be operated mechanically, pneumatically, electrically, or otherwise. The mechanisms are activated via a control interface for the ventilator located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. To simplify the process, a letter will be added to the part numbers of the ogive and the guide and distribution element, depending on the chosen deformation mechanism.

There FIG. 3 This illustrates a first type of deformation mechanism for a 5A ogive using a spiral spring 9 and two connecting rods 10. The rods 10 are configured as corrugated and relatively rigid wires. From now on, the term "rod" will be used only. Here, the rods 10 are identical. In alternative configurations, they are different. The spring 9 is fixed between one of the walls 8 of the element 4A upstream of the 5A ogive and a wall 11 of the body of the ventilator 1. The spring 9 ensures return to the so-called neutral position, that is, the one illustrated in the FIG. 3 of the ogive 5A and therefore of the guiding and distributing element 4A. The rods 10 are arranged in a V, one end of each being fixed to the tip 6A, one end downstream of the wall 8A and the point where the spring 9 is attached to the wall of element 4A, and the other end on the wall of element 4A, upstream of the point where the spring 9 is attached to that same wall. The other ends of the two rods 10 are fixed at the same point on the wall 11 as the spring 9. In other words, the spring 9 extends substantially in the mid-position within the V defined by the rods 10.

The attachment point of the rods 10 and the spring 9 on the wall 11 is actually a winding mechanism 12, for example, a pulley system. Hereafter, only the term "pull" will be used. Thus, the rods 11 can be wound by action on the pulley 12, which induces tension on the tip 6, the walls 8A, and the wall of element 4A, thereby deforming at least the ogive 5A. This tension is accompanied by compression of the spring 9. When the tension is released and the pulley 12 unwinds, the spring 9 returns to its original position through decompression, restoring the ogive 5A to its initial configuration. Advantageously, it is possible to wind the rods 10 individually, synchronously or asynchronously, thus achieving different deformations of the ogive 5A and consequently various distributions of the airflow entering the passenger compartment. Depending on the geometry of the 5A ogive in its undeformed position, a specific airflow direction is favored during the deformation of the 5A ogive. The winding mechanism can be mechanical or electrical, manually or automatically controlled from the control interface located in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In the case of automatic control, the mechanism is activated, for example, by one or more sensors such as temperature and/or humidity sensors, airborne particle sensors, speed sensors, smoke sensors in the passenger compartment, window opening sensors, or others.

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

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

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

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

Therefore, there are deformation mechanisms that can be partially or fully inserted into the internal volume of a 5B to 5E ogive, which improves aerodynamics and limits pressure losses and noise generated by parts located in the main body 2 of the ventilator 1, in the path of the airflow. Alternatively, the deformation mechanisms of the 5B to 5E ogive They are positioned at the rear of the airflow guidance and distribution element 4B, 4D, 4E, being more or less inserted into the straight rear section of the guide and distribution element 4B, 4D, 4E. The deformation mechanisms described here allow for rapid, reversible, and adaptable deformation according to the user's needs. They are all easily controlled via the air vent control interface 1, from inside the vehicle.

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

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

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

Claims (10)

A vehicle ventilator (1) comprising at least one air supply duct for the vehicle passenger compartment from an external or recirculated air intake to an air outlet (3) located in the vehicle passenger compartment, a Coanda-effect airflow guide and distribution element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) for directing the airflow in the duct, said element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) having at least one deformable, ogive-shaped end portion (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E), characterized in that at least the pointed end (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) located closest to the air outlet (3) of the ventilator (1) is deformable and in that the deformation of said end (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) is obtained by a deformation mechanism chosen at least from among a spring mechanism (9) and rods (10), rotating rollers (13), inflatable cushions (14, 15), a rotating fin (18) or a jack (16). Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a spring and rod mechanism comprising at least one return spring (9) and two wire-shaped rods (10) placed in a V and connecting a fixing point on a wall (11) of the ventilator body (5A) to the base of the tip (6A) of the ogive (5A) and to the wall (8A) of the ogive (5A), the rods (10) being windable on a winding mechanism (12) constituting the fixing point of the spring (9) and the rods (10) on a wall (11) of the ventilator body (5A). Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a deformation mechanism by rotating rollers (13) comprising two rotating rollers (13) inserted in the hollow volume of the ogive (5B) of a guide and distribution element (4B) and set in rotation by a set of pulleys and belt (130) placed on a part of the guide and distribution element (4B). Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a deformation mechanism by inflatable cushions (14, 15) comprising cushions (14 and 15) of various dimensions and/or shapes and/or number placed in the ogive (5C) of a guiding and distributing element. Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation mechanism is a deformation mechanism by jack comprising at least one, preferably two jacks (16), pneumatic or mechanical, arranged in the ogive (5D) of a guide and distribution element (4D), the jacks (16) being placed head-to-tail, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (A6) of the guide and distribution element (4D). Vehicle ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one S-shaped fin (18) is pivotally mounted and centered on a rotation shaft (17), the fin (18) and the rotation shaft (17) being placed in the ogive (5E) of a guide and distribution element (4E). Vehicle ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the tip (6, 6A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) of a guide and distribution element (4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E) and portions of the wall (8, 8A) of the ogive (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E) located behind the tip (6, 6A) are made of at least one deformable material. Vehicle ventilator according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one sensor is connected with a control interface of a ogive deformation mechanism (5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E). Vehicle ventilator according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one sensor is selected from a particle sensor, a temperature and/or humidity sensor, a vehicle window opening sensor, a smoke sensor in the vehicle cabin or a vehicle speed sensor. Vehicle equipped with at least one vehicle ventilator (1) conforming to any one of the preceding claims.