DE102021200305A1 - Flap arrangement, air vents and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a flap arrangement (1) for an air vent, comprising a large number of flaps (3) which can be pivoted parallel to one another about respective axes (2), each of the flaps (3) having a parallel offset to the axis (2) from the flap ( 3) projecting connecting pins (4), and a support (5) for coupling the plurality of flaps (3), comprising a plurality of coupling elements (6) each adapted to receive one of the connecting pins (4). It is provided that each of the coupling elements (6) comprises a first receiving area (7) and a second receiving area (9) connected to the first receiving area (7) through a through-opening (8) for selectively receiving the respective connecting pin (4), wherein further, each of the plurality of flaps (3) comprises a first locking element (10) and each of the plurality of coupling elements (6) comprises a second locking element (11), contact of the first and second locking elements (10, 11) causing displacement of the respective connecting pin (4) from the second receiving area (9) into the first receiving area (7) when the connecting pin (4) is received in the second receiving area (9) and the flaps (3) are in a first position with respect to the carrier (5). Are angular position, and wherein the respective connecting pin (4) between the first receiving area (7) and the second receiving area (9) is displaceable when the flaps (3) with respect to the Tr ägers (5) are in a second angular position.

Description

The application relates to a flap assembly, i. H. an arrangement of pivotable flaps connected to one another, for an air vent, in particular an air vent for a vehicle.

Air vents and flap arrangements for air vents are known from the prior art. An example of an air vent known from the prior art comprises a flap arrangement comprising a plurality of flaps arranged parallel to one another and pivotable parallel to one another, for example for adjusting the direction and/or strength of an air flow passing through the air vent.

When assembling such a flap arrangement or when installing the flap arrangement in the air vent, it is important that the flaps can be connected to one another in a simple and precise manner and that the connection so produced is permanent and, if possible, cannot be accidentally loosened. In the connected configuration, the flaps should be movable coupled to one another in a simple and robust manner. Furthermore, it is desirable that forces acting on the flaps or their connecting elements are distributed evenly and that any undesired movements and associated noises (such as rattling of the flaps when a vehicle containing the air vent is moved) are kept as low as possible.

One object of the present application is to provide a flap arrangement which has at least some of the properties mentioned.

To solve the problem, a flap arrangement according to claim 1, an air vent according to claim 9 and a method for assembling a flap arrangement according to claim 10 are proposed. Advantageous refinements and further developments result from the features according to the dependent claims

The proposed flap arrangement for an air vent includes
a large number of flaps which can be pivoted parallel to one another about respective axes, each of the flaps comprising a connecting pin protruding from the flap parallel to and offset from the axis,
a carrier for coupling the plurality of flaps, comprising a plurality of coupling elements each configured to receive one of the connecting pins,
each of the coupling elements comprising a first receiving area and a second receiving area connected to the first receiving area by a through-opening for selectively receiving the respective connecting pin,
further wherein each of the plurality of flaps includes a first locking member and each of the plurality of coupling members includes a second locking member,
wherein contact of the first and second locking elements prevents displacement of the respective connecting pin from the second receiving area into the first receiving area when the connecting pin is received in the second receiving area and the flaps are in a first angular position with respect to the carrier,
and wherein the respective connecting pin is slidable between the first receiving area and the second receiving area when the flaps are in a second angular position with respect to the carrier.

The first angular position preferably corresponds to an operational configuration of the flap arrangement, and the second angular position to an intermediate position assumed when assembling the flap arrangement.

In the proposed flap arrangement, the flaps can be connected to one another in a simple and precise manner—through the interaction of the connecting pins, the first and second receiving areas and the through-openings, in particular by means of the method described further below. The connection thus established is permanent due to the first and second locking elements and cannot be inadvertently disengaged since the flaps no longer occupy the second angular position in an operative configuration of the flap assembly. In the connected configuration, the flaps are easily and robustly coupled to one another and moveable by means of the carrier. The acting forces will be evenly distributed. Due to the precisely fitting connection, there are hardly any or no unwanted movements or noises (rattling) of the flaps.

The flaps can be any type of flaps for air vents that can be pivoted parallel to one another, in particular air guiding flaps and/or closing flaps for setting a direction and/or a strength of an air flow.

It can be provided that the contact of the first and second locking elements prevents the displacement of the respective connecting pin from the second receiving area into the first receiving area over a range of first angular positions and/or that the respective connecting pin between the first Recording area and the second recording area is displaceable over a range of second angular positions.

At least one, preferably each of the coupling elements can be set up to provide an elastic force that has to be overcome when the connecting pin is displaced between the first and second receiving area.

As a result, a defined and precise locking of the connecting pin, in particular in the second receiving area, can be made possible.

For example, each of the coupling elements can be embodied as a flat element that has an elongated slot passing through it along its flat sides. The slit can be widened along its longitudinal extent in a first direction initially to the first receiving area, then have the through-opening as a region of the slit that is narrower than the first receiving area, then be widened to the second receiving area. In the continuation of said direction, the second blocking element can connect to the slot.

Each of the first receiving areas has a first diameter, each of the second receiving areas has a second diameter.

At least one, preferably each, of the connecting pins may have an enlarged end portion with a third diameter. The third diameter can be smaller than the first diameter as well as larger than the second diameter.

In this way it can be possible that when the flap is in the second angular position, the connecting pin can be introduced into the first receiving area and the widened end piece can be passed through the first receiving area; after the connecting pin has been displaced into the second receiving area, the connecting pin is fixed in a form-fitting manner in a direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement in the second receiving area by the widened end piece.

A part of the connecting pin intended to be received in the second receiving area can have a fourth diameter, wherein the second diameter can be equal to the fourth diameter or slightly larger than the fourth diameter. A particularly precise connection can thus be produced.

The first locking element of each of the flaps can be arranged between the axle and the connecting pin. The second locking element of each of the coupling elements can be arranged at an end of the coupling element which is arranged in an extension of a connecting line between the first and second receiving areas. At least one, preferably each of the first locking elements can have a section with a shape complementary to the respective second locking element. The complementary shape can be given in particular by a circular arc segment. In this way, the displacement of the connecting pin into the first receiving area can be reliably prevented and, at the same time, the pivoting movement of the flaps can be made possible and/or guided.

The connecting pins can be fixed positively and/or non-positively in the respective second receiving areas. In this way, a particularly precise and durable connection can be ensured

The plurality of flaps may be pivotable parallel to one another by a primarily linear movement of the carrier. For this purpose, each of the flaps can be pivotally fixed in a fastening structure, in particular a fastening structure in the housing of an air vent, for example by means of a bearing pin protruding from the flap along the respective axis. The plurality of flaps can be pivoted, for example, by a mainly linear movement of the support, the support being moved mainly in a direction parallel to a line connecting the axes, but at the same time the movement also includes a proportion in the direction of the axes (i.e. towards the axes toward or away from the axes).

The proposed air vent for a vehicle comprises a housing for directing an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet and a flap arrangement of the type described above, the flaps of the flap arrangement being mounted in the housing so that they can pivot parallel to one another in order to regulate the direction and/or strength of the air flow .

• Bereitstellen des Trägers und der Vielzahl von Klappen,
• Einbringen des Verbindungszapfens jeder der Vielzahl von Klappen in den ersten Aufnahmebereich eines jeweiligen Kopplungselements der Vielzahl von Kopplungselementen, wobei sich die Klappen bezüglich des Trägers in der zweiten Winkelposition befinden,
• Verschieben des Verbindungszapfens jeder der Vielzahl von Klappen durch die Durchgangsöffnung in den zweiten Aufnahmebereich des jeweiligen Kopplungselements,
• Verschwenken der Klappen in die ersten Winkelposition bezüglich des Trägers, so dass das Verschieben jedes der Verbindungszapfens aus dem jeweiligen zweiten Aufnahmebereich in den jeweiligen ersten Aufnahmebereich durch den Kontakt des ersten und zweiten Sperrelements verhindert wird.

The proposed method is suitable for assembling a flap arrangement of the type described above and comprises the steps:

• providing the carrier and the plurality of flaps,
• inserting the connecting pin of each of the plurality of flaps into the first receiving area of a respective coupling element of the plurality of coupling elements, wherein the flaps are in the second angular position with respect to the support,
• Moving the connecting pin of each of the plurality of flaps through the through-opening into the second receiving area of the respective coupling element,
• Pivoting the flaps to the first angular position with respect to the carrier so that displacement of each of the connecting pins from the respective second receiving area to the respective first receiving area is prevented by the contact of the first and second locking elements.

The advantages and properties of the flap arrangement mentioned are directly transferred to the method for assembling the flap arrangement and the air vent comprising the flap arrangement.

• 1a eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Klappenanordnung für einen Luftausströmer in einer zusammengebauten Form,
• 1b eine Detailansicht der Klappenanordnung nach 1a,
• 2a eine Draufsicht (links) und eine Schnittskizze (rechts) eines Teils der Klappenanordnung nach 1a während eines Schritts eines Verfahrens zum Zusammenbau der Klappenanordnung,
• 2b eine perspektivische Ansicht des Teils nach 2a,
• 3 eine Draufsicht (links) und eine Schnittskizze (rechts) des Teils der Klappenanordnung nach 2a während eines weiteren Verfahrensschritts,
• 4, eine Detailansicht (oben) und eine Schnittskizze (unten) eines Teils der Klappenanordnung nach 1a in einer Draufsicht während eines weiteren Verfahrensschritts.

The aforementioned and other aspects and advantages of the proposed flap arrangement, the proposed air vent and the proposed method are described below with reference to drawings, 1a until 4 , explained in more detail. They show, in each case schematically,

• 1a a perspective view of a flap arrangement for an air vent in an assembled form,
• 1b a detailed view of the flap arrangement 1a ,
• 2a a plan view (left) and a sectional sketch (right) of a part of the flap assembly 1a during a step of a method of assembling the flap assembly,
• 2 B a perspective view of the part 2a ,
• 3 a top view (left) and a sectional sketch (right) of the part of the flap assembly 2a during a further process step,
• 4 , a detailed view (above) and a sectional sketch (below) of a part of the flap arrangement 1a in a plan view during a further process step.

Recurring and similar features are denoted by identical or similar alphanumeric reference characters throughout the drawings. Reference symbols for features already shown in a previously explained drawing are partially omitted.

In the 1a and the detail view in 1b flap assembly 1 shown in assembled form for an air vent
a large number of flaps 3 which can be pivoted parallel to one another about respective axes 2 (the axis 2 is indicated by a broken line as an example for one of the flaps 3), each of the flaps 3 comprising a connecting pin 4 protruding from the flap 3 and offset parallel to the axis 2 , and
a support 5 for coupling the plurality of flaps 3, comprising a plurality of coupling elements 6 each adapted to receive one of the connecting pins 4.

The flaps are air guiding flaps that can be pivoted parallel to one another for setting a direction and/or a strength of an air flow through an air vent. In other embodiments, the flaps can be other types of flaps of an air vent, for example closure flaps.

Each of the coupling elements 6 comprises a first receiving area 7 and a second receiving area 9 connected to the first receiving area 7 through a through-opening 8 for selectively receiving the respective connecting pin 4. For a better recognizable representation of the receiving areas 7, 9 and the through-opening 8 2a (left part) referenced.

How well in now 1b can be seen, each of the plurality of flaps 3 comprises a first blocking element 10 and each of the plurality of coupling elements 6 comprises a second blocking element 11.

Further features and aspects of the valve assembly 1 are explained below in connection with various steps of a method for assembling a valve assembly 1 of the type described.

A first step of the method includes providing the carrier 5 and the plurality of flaps 3 as described above.

2a (left part) and 2 B show the flap assembly 1 after a second step of the method. The second step comprises inserting the connecting pin 4 of each of the plurality of flaps 3 into the first receiving area 7 of a respective coupling element 4 of the plurality of coupling elements 6, the flaps 3 being in a second angular position with respect to the support 5.

When the flaps 3 are in the second angular position with respect to the support 5, the respective connecting pin 4 is between the first Recording area 7 and the second recording area 9 movable.

Each of the coupling elements 6 is designed as a flat element that has an elongated slot 12 passing through it along its flat sides. The slot 12 is initially widened along its lengthwise extension to the first receiving area 7 , then has the through-opening 8 as a narrower area of the slot compared to the first receiving area 7 and is then widened to the second receiving area 9 . In the continuation of the direction defined in this way, the slot 12 is followed by the second blocking element 11 .

Due to the shape described and a suitable material (such as a rigid but elastic plastic material), each of the coupling elements 6 is set up to provide an elastic force that has to be overcome when the connecting pin 4 is displaced between the first and second receiving area 7, 9.

Each of the first receiving areas 7 has a first diameter 13 and each of the second receiving areas 9 has a second diameter 14 .

Each of the connecting pins 4 has an enlarged end piece 15 with a third diameter 15 . The third diameter 15 is slightly smaller than the first diameter 13 and larger than the second diameter 14.

In this way it is possible that the connecting pin 4, when the flap 3 is in the in 2a / 2b shown second angular position is introduced into the first receiving area 7 and the widened end piece 15 can be passed through the first receiving area 7.

The right part of 2a shows a sectional view through part of the left part of 2a level marked AA. Here it can be seen how the connecting pin 4 with the widened end piece 15 is passed through the first receiving area 7 .

Each of the first blocking elements 10 has an end section 17 with a concave contour in the shape of a segment of a circular arc. The end section 17 is thus complementary to a convex circular arc segment-shaped contour of an outer edge 18 of the coupling element 6, along which it is thus guided and supported when passing through. In another embodiment, the end section 17 is only complementary to a convex circular arc segment-shaped contour of the second blocking element 11.

3 (left part) shows the flap arrangement 1 after a third step of the method. The third step comprises sliding the connecting pin of each of the plurality of flaps 3 through the through opening 8 into the second receiving area 9 of the respective coupling element 6. During the sliding, the elastic force mentioned above is overcome.

A part of the connecting pin 4 intended to be received in the second receiving area 9 has a fourth diameter 19, the second diameter 14 being equal to the fourth diameter 19 or slightly larger than the fourth diameter 19 (cf. also 4 below). A precise connection can thus be produced.

After the connecting pins 4 have been moved into the second receiving areas 9, the connecting pins 4 are thus fixed in the respective second receiving areas 9 in a positive and/or non-positive manner.

After the connecting pin 4 has been displaced into the second receiving area 9, the connecting pin 4 is also positively fixed in the second receiving area 8 by the widened end piece 15 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement. This is well in the right part of 3 recognizable, of a sectional view through part of the left part of 3 level marked BB.

4 shows the flap arrangement 1 after a third step of the method. The third step comprises pivoting the flaps 3 into a first angular position with respect to the support 5.

When the connecting pin 4 is received in the second receiving area 9 and the flaps 3 are in the first angular position with respect to the carrier 5, contact between the first and second locking elements 10, 11 prevents the respective connecting pin 4 from being displaced from the second receiving area 9 into the first recording area 7.

The first angular position corresponds to an operational configuration of the flap assembly 1, the second angular position to an intermediate position when the flap assembly 1 is assembled. The first angular position is in a first angular range (I) which corresponds to the maximum angular range during operation. The first angular range is, for example, a maximum of 150 degrees, preferably a maximum of 120 degrees and a minimum of 80 degrees, preferably a minimum of 90 degrees. An angular range (I) of 100 degrees is particularly preferred. The contact of the first and second locking members 10, 11 prevents the shifting of the respective connecting pin 4 from the second receiving area 9 into the first receiving area 7 not only in a fixed first angular position, but over a range of first angular positions. The respective connecting pin 4 can also be displaced between the first receiving area 7 and the second receiving area 9 over a range of second angular positions.

The first locking element 10 of each of the flaps 3 is arranged between the axis 2 and the connecting pin 4 . The second locking element 11 of each of the coupling elements 6 is arranged at one end of the coupling element 6, which is arranged in an extension of a connecting line between the first and second receiving area 7,9.

The concave arcuate contour of the end section 17 of the first locking element 10 of each of the flaps 3 is complementary to a convex arcuate contour of a locking section 20 of the second locking element 11 of each of the coupling elements 6, so that the flaps and the carrier can be pivoted relative to one another.

4 also shows a second angular range (II) within which the second angular position lies. Other angular ranges are possible, with the second angular position being outside the range of the first angular range (I).

After the third step of the method, the plurality of flaps 3 can be pivoted parallel to one another by a linear movement of the carrier (see again in particular 1a /1b). For this purpose, each of the flaps 3 can be pivotally fixed in a fastening structure (not shown), in particular a fastening structure in the housing of an air vent, by means of a bearing pin 21 protruding from the flap 3 along the respective axis 2 .

Accordingly, the flap arrangement 1 can advantageously be used in an air vent for a vehicle, the air vent comprising a housing for directing an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet, and the flap arrangement 1 and the flaps 3 of the flap arrangement for regulating a direction and/or strength of the air flow are pivoted parallel to each other in the housing.

Reference List

1

flap arrangement,

2

Axis,

3

Flap,

4

connecting pin,

5

Carrier,

6

coupling element,

7

first recording area,

8th

through hole,

9

second recording area,

10

first blocking element,

11

second blocking element,

12

Slot,

13

first diameter,

14

second diameter,

15

tail,

16

third diameter,

17

end section,

18

outer edge,

19

fourth diameter,

20

lockdown section,

21

bearing journal,

I

first angular range,

II

second angular range.

Claims (10)

Flap arrangement (1) for an air vent, comprising a large number of flaps (3) pivotable parallel to one another about respective axes (2), each of the flaps (3) having a connecting pin protruding parallel to the axis (2) and offset from the flap (3). (4) comprises a support (5) for coupling the plurality of flaps (3) comprising a plurality of coupling elements (6) each adapted to receive one of the connecting pins (4), each of the coupling elements (6) having a first receiving area (7) and a second receiving area (9) connected to the first receiving area (7) by a through opening (8) for selectively receiving the respective connecting pin (4), each of the plurality of flaps (3) also having a first locking element (10 ) and each of the plurality of coupling elements (6) comprises a second locking element (11), contact of the first and second locking elements (10, 11) displacing the respective connecting pin (4) from the second receiving area (9) in the first receiving area (7) prevented when the connecting pin (4) in the second receiving area (9) and the flaps (3) are in a first angular position with respect to the support (5), and wherein the respective connecting pin (4) is slidable between the first receiving area (7) and the second receiving area (9). when the flaps (3) are in a second angular position with respect to the support (5). Flap assembly (1) after claim 1 , wherein each of the coupling elements (6) is adapted to provide an elastic force to be overcome when the connecting pin (4) is displaced between the first and second receiving area (9). Flap assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first receiving areas (7) has a first diameter (13), each of the second receiving areas (9) has a second diameter (14), each of the connecting pins (4) has an enlarged end piece (15) having a third diameter (16) and the third diameter (16) is smaller than the first diameter (13) and larger than the second diameter (14). Flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first locking element (10) of each of the flaps (3) is arranged between the axis (2) and the connecting pin (4) and/or wherein the second locking element (11) of each of the coupling elements (6) is arranged at one end of the coupling element (6), which is arranged in an extension of a connecting line between the first and second receiving area (7, 9). A flap assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flaps (3) of the plurality of flaps (3) are pivotable parallel to each other by a mainly linear movement of the carrier (5). A flap assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first locking elements (10) has a portion (17) with a shape complementary to the respective second locking element (11). Flap assembly (1) after claim 6 , where the complementary shape is given by a circular arc segment. Flap arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting pins (4) are fixed in the respective second receiving areas (9) in a positive and/or non-positive manner. Air vent for a vehicle, comprising a housing for directing an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet and a flap arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flaps (3) of the flap arrangement (1) for regulating a direction and/or strength of the Air flow are pivoted parallel to each other in the housing. A method of assembling a flap assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 until 8th comprising the steps of: providing the support (5) and the plurality of flaps (3), introducing the connecting pin (4) of each of the plurality of flaps (3) into the first receiving area (7) of a respective coupling element (6) of the plurality of coupling elements (6), the flaps (3) being in the second angular position with respect to the support (5), sliding the connecting pin (4) of each of the plurality of flaps (3) through the through opening (8) into the second receiving area (9 ) of the respective coupling element (6), pivoting the flaps (3) into the first angular position with respect to the carrier (5), so that the displacement of each of the connecting pins (4) from the respective second receiving area (9) into the respective first receiving area (7 ) is prevented by the contact of the first and second locking elements (11).

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