Abstract:
The invention relates to an air supply device ( 7 ), comprising a blade wheel ( 9 ) and a housing ( 13 ) which delimits the blade wheel relative to the surroundings at least to some extent.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an air supply device. 
         [0002]    Inexpensive blowers often generate vibrations. This is undesirable for many applications. In such cases, one can balance the blade wheel of the ventilator. However, this process entails costs. 
         [0003]    For many applications it is therefore desirable to further improve a ventilation device with regard to the stability and manufacturing costs thereof. 
       SUBJECT MATTER OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    On this background, a technical concept having the features of claim  1  is proposed. Additional advantageous designs can be obtained from the additional claims and from the following description. 
         [0005]    An air supply device  7  with a blade wheel  9  and a housing  13  which delimits the blade wheel relative to the surroundings at least to some extent is particularly low-vibration if the blade wheel  9  is spring-mounted relative to the housing  13  and if, relative to the housing  9 , with application of a force of equal magnitude, the blade wheel  9  can be deflected farther radially with respect to the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9  than along the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9 . This applies especially to blowers, particularly to an axial blower or a radial blower. 
         [0006]    If the air supply device  7  comprises a blade wheel support  12 , relative to which the blade wheel  9  is movably mounted, and which supports the blade wheel  9  at least partially, and if the air supply device  7  comprises an uncoupling device  14 , in order to space the blade wheel support  12  and the housing  13  apart from one another, and uncouples the housing  13  from the vibrations of the blade wheel support  12  and of the blade wheel  9 , this increases the comfort of a user and allows a simple assembly. 
         [0007]    In an air supply device  7 , if at least one of the functional components, in particular a blade wheel support  12  and/or an uncoupling device  14 , is arranged within the housing  13 , this allows, in comparison to conventional external spring suspensions, a simplified assembly, a more compact installation space and simpler cleaning. 
         [0008]    If the housing  13  of an air supply device  7  has at least two partial shells  24 , the blade wheel  9  and/or its support structure can be encased more than would be possible with a single-piece housing. 
         [0009]    If two partial shells  24   a, b  have an identical shape, this reduces the part types needed. If partial shells  24   a, b  are rotationally symmetrical, this simplifies the assembly thereof. 
         [0010]    If the rotation axes of two partial shells  24   a, b  are positioned extending on the same straight line, the parts thereof can be positioned in a simple manner congruently with one another. 
         [0011]    If the rotation axes of partial shells  24   a, b  are arranged identically to the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9 , they have the same spacing everywhere relative to the rotating blade wheel. 
         [0012]    If, relative to the rotation plane of the blade wheel  9 , two partial shells  24   a, b  are arranged at least partially on mutually different sides of the blade wheel  9 , this allows a delimitation of the blade wheel not only laterally, but also in parts in front of and behind the blade wheel relative to the rotation plane of the blade wheel. 
         [0013]    If a partial shell is in a mirror arrangement relative to another partial shell and arranged rotated about the rotation axis of the blade wheel by an angle greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees, then protrusions provided on the partial shells can engage interlockingly in one another, in spite of the fact that the partial shells are shaped identically. If two partial shells  24   a, b  each have at least one opening facing the other partial shell and if these openings are of equal size and formed identically, and the margins of the two openings are arranged so that they are congruent to one another, then, as a result, a pressure resistant housing can be assembled in a simple way. 
         [0014]    It is advantageous that the uncoupling device  14  comprises at least two force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′ that are spaced apart from one another, one of which is associated with the blade wheel support  12  and the other with the housing  13 , and that the uncoupling device  14  comprises at least one force transmission device  16  between two such force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′, in order to transmit mechanical forces between the two force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′. This makes it possible to guide longitudinal forces in a force transmission device, for example, a small, membrane-like web. This is advantageous for the transmission of traction or pressure, while lateral forces lead to evasive and compensatory movements due to bending of the thin webs. 
         [0015]    It is also advantageous that the force transmission device  16  of an air supply device  7  comprises at least two force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′ that are spaced apart from one another, one of which is associated with a blade wheel support  12  and the other with the housing  13 , that the uncoupling device  14  comprises at least one connection area  42 ,  43 ,  42 ′,  43 ′ where the uncoupling device  14  is connected to the blade wheel support  12  or the housing  13 , and that at least one force introduction area  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′ is arranged between a connection area  42 ,  43 ,  42 ′,  43 ′ and the force transmission device  16 . Due to the connection area, the forces do not engage on the housing or the blade wheel support selectively at some points, but instead they are uniformly distributed there. 
         [0016]    If the force transmission device  16  has an inclination relative to the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9  that is from zero to 60 degrees, preferably between 5 and 45 degrees, more preferably 20 to 40 degrees, then this makes it possible to reduce the movements of the blade wheel along the rotation axis thereof. As a result, the blade wheel does not inadvertently strike adjacent parts, but instead keeps its lateral mobility within the housing thereof. The same effect is achieved if the force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′ of a force transmission device  16  are on a different level relative to the longitudinal extent of the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9 . This applies particularly if a straight line drawn through the force introduction areas  32 ,  32 ′,  33 ,  33 ′ of a force transmission device  16  and the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9  has an inclination relative to the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9  that is from zero to 60 degrees, preferably between 5 and 45 degrees, more preferably 20 to 40 degrees. 
         [0017]    If at least a blade wheel support  12 , an uncoupling device  14 , a force transmission device  16 , a housing  13  or a partial shell  24  are in the shape of a ring that is arranged concentrically about the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9 , at least in sections, this allows a simple assembly. Then only a few parts are needed. At the same time, the air supply device is secured in all directions. 
         [0018]    It is preferable that at least two force transmission devices  16  are provided, the inclination of which relative to the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9  differs from one to the other, preferably with opposite algebraic signs from one another. This allows an improved delimitation of the deflections along the rotation axis of the blade wheel. 
         [0019]    It is particularly advantageous if an uncoupling device  14  comprises two funnel-shaped transmission devices  16 , which are arranged in a mirror arrangement, for example, relative to the rotation plane of the blade wheel  9 , so that they form a V-shaped profile. This profile is advantageously thickened or broadened at the corners thereof, in order to form broadened connection areas  42 ,  43 ,  42 ′,  43 ′. Thus, in the case of a concentric arrangement, they result in ring-shaped bulges that brace the uncoupling device  14  on the housing  13  or on the blade wheel support  12 . They make it possible to distribute the forces transmitted by the force transmission devices  16  over a broader area and prevent local overloads. In cross section, such an uncoupling device  14  thus has a profile in the shape of a K or V with broadened, thickened or angled end points. 
         [0020]    If at least one connection area  42 ,  43 ,  42 ′,  43 ′ and at least one force transmission device  16  are formed in one piece, this simplifies the assembly and makes it less expensive. This applies particularly if all the components of an uncoupling device  14  are formed in one piece. Elastomer casting materials, polymers, silicone or the like are particularly suitable. 
         [0021]    Such air supply devices  9  are particularly suitable for use in seats, fittings or other vehicle components arranged close to the user. 
       FIGURES 
       [0022]    Below, details of the invention are explained. These explanations are intended to make the invention understandable. However, they only have the character of examples. Naturally, within the scope of the invention defined by independent claims, one or more described features can also be omitted, modified or complemented. The features of different embodiments can naturally also be combined with one another. The decisive factor is that the concept of the invention is substantially implemented. If a feature is to be implemented at least partially, then this includes that this feature is also implemented completely or implemented at least substantially completely. “Substantially” here means, in particular, that the implementation allows the achievement of the desired use to a perceptible extent. In particular, this means that a corresponding feature is at least 50%, 90%, 95% or 99% implemented. If a minimum amount is indicated, obviously more than this minimum amount can be used. If the number of a component is indicated to be at least one, then this also includes, in particular, embodiments with two, three or another plurality of components. That which is described for one object can also be used for the vast majority or for all of the other objects of similar type. Unless indicated, the end points are included in the intervals. Below, “a(n)” is intended to mean the indefinite article and it can have the meaning of a “single” or “at least one.” Reference is made below to the: 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0023]      FIG. 1A  longitudinal section through a vehicle with a seat with a ventilation device with an air supply device 
           [0024]      FIG. 1B  longitudinal section through a pad of a first seat with ventilation device 
           [0025]      FIG. 1C  longitudinal section through a pad of a second seat with ventilation device 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A  uncoupling device of an air supply device according to  FIGS. 2 and 3   
           [0027]      FIG. 2B  partial shell of a housing of the air supply device according to  FIGS. 2 and 3   
           [0028]      FIG. 2C  enlarged longitudinal section through a pad and an air supply device arranged therein, wherein half of a blade wheel and of a blade wheel support has been removed, in order to make the uncoupling device located beneath visible. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The present invention relates to a vehicle according to  FIG. 1 . A vehicle is understood to mean a device for transporting persons and/or goods, such as land vehicles, watercraft, rail vehicles or aircraft, in particular aircraft, ships and automobiles. 
         [0030]    The present invention relates to a vehicle  1 . Here, the term “vehicle” is understood to mean a particular device for transporting persons and/or goods. Conceivable are, for example, land vehicles, watercraft, rail vehicles and aircraft, in particular aircraft, ships and automobiles. 
         [0031]    The invention moreover relates to a climate controlled system  2 . The term “climate controlled system” pertains particularly to an object that is to be influenced with regard to at least one air conditioning parameter, that is to say that is subject to a control and/or regulation, in particular in order to bring said parameter to a certain target value or within a target range at least briefly and/or to maintain it there in a lasting manner. This applies particularly to those portions of the surface thereof which can come in contact with a medium in accordance with the intended use thereof or which can at least potentially come in contact with a user during use of the object. In particular, “controlled system” relates to an object that is subject to control and/or regulation with regard to a variable. The term “air conditioning parameter” includes, in particular, at least one air conditioning variable, for example, temperature, atmospheric humidity, air composition and/or fluid flow rate. As in this case, application possibilities are air conditioned seats or steering wheels, seat covers, office equipment, covering elements of passenger compartments, storage reservoirs, fuel lines or housings of batteries, motors or other functional elements. However, it is also possible to provide that the climate controlled system  2  is a zone to be ventilated, in particular in a vehicle  1 . For example, in the case of vehicles with open convertible top, the head and shoulder area of a passenger can be supplied with a uniform current of air at a desired temperature, in order to compensate for vortexes caused by the turbulence. 
         [0032]    Advantageously, at least one climate controlled system  2  comprises at least one pad  22 . “Pad” is understood to mean, in particular, a device for damping impacts and/or for distributing local pressure peaks over a larger area. Blocks made of foamed polyurethane are mentioned as example. 
         [0033]    Preferably, at least one climate controlled system  2  comprises at least one cover  4 . The term “cover” refers in particular to a fabric that is arranged at least in sections on the surface of an object. For example, air impermeable or air permeable layers are conceivable, which include perforated or unperforated leather and/or textiles and are arranged on a pad, or skins that cover at least a portion of a surface of a foam-like material. 
         [0034]    The present invention also relates to an air conditioning device  5 . The word “air conditioning device” comprises, in particular, an object that is suitable for influencing a controlled system with regard to at least one air conditioning parameter, in particular, in order to bring it at least briefly to a certain target value or within a target range, and/or to maintain it there in a lasting manner. This allows temperature control, ventilation, humidifying and dehumidifying and/or air conditioning. In particular, temperature control and/or air conditioning of a seat are appropriate for longer car drives or for pre-controlling the temperature of fuel. 
         [0035]    Advantageously, at least one air conditioning device  5  has at least one ventilation device  6 . “Ventilation device” here is understood to mean in particular a device that can be used for the targeted changing of the air composition or of the air flows in a certain superficial or spatial area, for example, an on-board air conditioner, at least partially air permeable spacer media, spacer fabrics and/or air conditioning feeders. This allows the ventilation of at least one climate controlled system  2 , for example, of a surface of an object, in particular for the dehumidifying or controlling the temperature of surfaces of a climate controlled system  2  that are close to or touched by persons. 
         [0036]    Advantageously, at least one ventilation device  6  comprises at least one air supply device  7 . The designation “air supply device” includes, in particular, a device for moving air. Axial blowers or radial blowers are conceivable, for example. 
         [0037]    The ventilation device  6  preferably comprises an air distribution device, for example, channels in the pad  22 . Such a channel  50  connects the front A side facing a passenger in an air permeable manner to a rear B side facing away from the passenger. The channel  50  preferably has a receiving section  60 . Therein, preferably at least one air supply device  7 , for example, in the form of a blower, is accommodated. The receiving section  60  is arranged here on the B side of the pad  22 . The channel  50  preferably has, in addition, a supply section  80 , through which air can be exchanged between the air supply device  7  and the pad side spaced apart from it, here the A side. In the receiving section  60 , the clear cross section of the channel  50  is greater than in the supply section  80 . 
         [0038]    The air supply device  7  preferably has a blade wheel  9 , a motor that drives the blade wheel  9 , a blade wheel support  12 , and a housing  13 . 
         [0039]    The blade wheel support  12  is preferably a rigid component that is used as a bearing relative to which the blade wheel can rotate. It consists, for example, of a ring that is arranged concentrically about the blade wheel. On this blade wheel support  12 , the motor and hence indirectly also the blade wheel  9  are mounted. The blade wheel support  12  is preferably made at least partially from hard plastic or another polymer. It can be implemented as a pipe section or also, for example, as a round disk. 
         [0040]    The housing  13  surrounds the blade wheel support  12  at least partially and is arranged spaced apart therefrom. It is used to encapsulate the air supply device  7  for protection against external mechanical stresses. It is preferably made at least partially of plastic. 
         [0041]    The housing  13  preferably comprises at least two partial shells  24 . Such a partial shell  24  is preferably formed in the shape of a cup or shell. It has at least one opening in its bottom in order to allow air to enter the outer housing  13  and the air supply device  7 . Preferably, two similar partial shells  24   a, b  are provided, the shape of which is identical. They are arranged from mutually opposite sides of the blade wheel  9  around the blade wheel support around the blade wheel  9 . The rotation axes thereof and the rotation axes of the blade wheel are preferably identical here. The respective largest opening thereof is arranged edge-to-edge with the largest opening of the respective other partial shell  24   a, b . Preferably, they are in direct contact with one another by the fitting edges thereof, without the intermediate arrangement of additional components, and thereby they close off the outer housing peripherally with respect to the outside. Due to the direct mutual bracing, the housing  13  is also pressure resistant under radial stress. As a result, the housing  13  receives a flat ring or discus shape. 
         [0042]    Between blade wheel support and outer housing  13 , an uncoupling device  14  is arranged. It is used simultaneously for embedding the blade wheel support  12  and the blade wheel  9  in the housing  13  and for vibration uncoupling in order not to transmit vibrations of the blade wheel  9  to the surroundings, for example, the pad  22 . 
         [0043]    The uncoupling device  14  comprises at least one force transmission device  16 , which is connected to the elastomer ring  15 . It holds the elastomer ring  15  and the housing portion associated therewith spaced apart from the respective other housing portion. The force transmission device  16  is preferably made of the same material as the elastomer ring  15  and of one piece. In the present example, it has a funnel-like shape. The larger opening of the funnel corresponds to the inner diameter of the housing  13 , and the smaller opening corresponds to the elastomer ring  15 . 
         [0044]    Preferably, at least two force transmission devices  16   a,b  are provided. They extend preferably at an inclination relative to the rotation plane of the blade wheel  9 . Preferably, the inclination angles thereof relative to the rotation plane have opposite algebraic signs. The first force transmission device  16   a  preferably supports at an upward slant and the second supports at a downward slant. Preferably, the interior angle  17  between the two force transmission devices  16  is greater than 90 degrees. This allows a larger deflection of the blower  7  within the rotation plane. At the same time, in the case of shocks due to unevenness of the roadway, they are not deflected as strongly from the rotation plane. 
         [0045]    In order to optimize the effect of the force transmission devices  16 , they are secured on the side thereof that is spaced apart from the elastomer ring  15  on the housing portion associated with them. In the present embodiment example, they are thus fastened to the housing  13 . This can occur or be assisted by gluing together. 
         [0046]    In the present case, the fastening is carried out by clamping in between the partial shells  24  of the housing, without this being visible from outside. Indeed, the uncoupling device  14  is completely covered by the housing  13  in the side view of the blower  7 . 
         [0047]    For this purpose, the partial shells  24  are provided in each case with one or more clamping elements  25 . Such a clamping element  25  can be a ring-shaped protrusion that extends peripherally around the housing  13  and protrudes in each case into the respective other partial shell  24 . However, if the uncoupling device  14  comprises two force transmission devices  16  and the two are to be clamped together, then a plurality of individual elements is more advantageous. In this case, the partial shells  24  in each case have a plurality of clamping elements  25  that protrude into the respective opposite partial shell  24  and clamp in the uncoupling device  14  to be attached or the force transmission devices  16 , in each case at isolated points, between the respective clamping element  25  and the opposite partial shell  24 . For example, a clamping element  25  can be provided on a partial shell  24  every 30 degrees peripherally about the rotation axis. 
         [0048]    The partial shells  24  used here are identical in terms of the shape thereof. However, they are in a mirror arrangement relative to the rotation plane of the blade wheel and, in addition, they are arranged rotated by an angle about the rotation axis of the blade wheel  9 . In the embodiment example, the angle is 15 degrees. Thus, if two such partial shells  24  engage in a rotated state in one another, then a clamping element  25  is directed toward the respective other partial shell  24  alternatingly every 15 degrees. 
         [0049]    By means of the proposed construction, the two force transmission devices  16  of the uncoupling devices  14  can be fastened simultaneously, without an additional work step being required for this purpose. Moreover, only one type of partial shell  24  is needed. The radial load bearing capability and the radial vibration uncoupling are optimized simultaneously.